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Taming #2
Wed at Leisure
The stunning follow-up to Darby's Woo'd in Haste
In all of Sussex—scratch that—in all of England, there is no one prettier than Kate Mansfield, and Peter Colburn, heir to the Duke of Orland, has known that since the age of 15. But since her vivacious nature comes with a temper to match, Peter has always masked his hunger for her behind ruthless teasing.
As far as Kate is concerned, there is no one as annoying or as incredibly handsome as Peter. So when he surprises her with a sudden and romantic courtship, Kate is sure this must be his idea of a sick joke. After all, he's the one man who knows how flawed she really is. And the only man to whom she has ever been so attracted. It's only after she rejects him that she realizes he might actually have been serious. And she just might be regretting her hasty decision.
As Kate's determination wars with her traitorous heart, it may be too late. Now she's putting everything, including her reputation, on the line to give this accidental tragedy a happy ending.
In all of Sussex—scratch that—in all of England, there is no one prettier than Kate Mansfield, and Peter Colburn, heir to the Duke of Orland, has known that since the age of 15. But since her vivacious nature comes with a temper to match, Peter has always masked his hunger for her behind ruthless teasing.
As far as Kate is concerned, there is no one as annoying or as incredibly handsome as Peter. So when he surprises her with a sudden and romantic courtship, Kate is sure this must be his idea of a sick joke. After all, he's the one man who knows how flawed she really is. And the only man to whom she has ever been so attracted. It's only after she rejects him that she realizes he might actually have been serious. And she just might be regretting her hasty decision.
As Kate's determination wars with her traitorous heart, it may be too late. Now she's putting everything, including her reputation, on the line to give this accidental tragedy a happy ending.
100 pages, Unknown Binding
First published May 27, 2014
9 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Darby
20 books192 followersSabrina Darby has been reading romance since the age of seven and learned her best vocabulary (dulcet, diaphanous, and turgid) from them. She started writing romance the day after her wedding when she woke up with an idea for a Regency; she’s been back in the early 19th century ever since.
She currently resides in California with her husband.
And for more historical romance fabulousness, join Sabrina at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILove... for fun discussions led live every Thursday by a different guest co-host.
She currently resides in California with her husband.
And for more historical romance fabulousness, join Sabrina at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILove... for fun discussions led live every Thursday by a different guest co-host.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 5, 2016
This is the second novella in an interesting pair that are set up to mirror the taming of the shrew. While I didn't much enjoy the first novella, the fascinating foil it created with this story was very well done.
In the first novella, we are beat over the head with details about how horrible Kate is. My struggle with this was the fact that we were never shown (only told) the actions of Kate that made her so terrible. As a result, I was very interested in Kate's thought to help me understand how the characters all fit together.
The first novella was very superficial and focused on the characters' initial perceptions of each other without delving under the surface. The entire story and the feelings of love developed over the course of weeks. This is in dramatic contrast to this story which explores the characters' hidden emotions and the feelings of love that have developed richly over the course of years.
Wed at Leisure was the compact, emotionally charged novella that I have come to expect from Darby. It made slugging through the first novella worth it.
Kate is a troubled young woman struggling to overcome past mistakes and find a place for herself in a world where love and acceptance have been hard to come by. No one has truly understood her inner pain or desires except for one person, who always seems to how up at inopportune times. Peter, the Duke of Orland, has always felt a connection to Kate, and throughout the novella we learn about their past interactions and hear his inner reflections as he pieces together their complicated relationship. Being an introvert myself, I greatly enjoyed seeing the connection between these two self-contained characters and relished their interactions as they slowly reach out to one another to understand and eventually uncover the love that has grown between them.
While some people may never like Kate, I thought Darby did a great job providing the details to help the reader understand her and I for one appreciated the effort she went through to change her relationship with her sister despite Bianca's bitterness and spite.
This story overlaps with the previous novella and we see some of the same scenes told from a different perspective. I think the knowledge I gained from the previous novella lent depth to this one and I'd recommend reading them in order and together. I think the dichotomy that Darby creates between Bianca's and Kate's perspectives is what made this so interesting.
I thought Peter and Kate were well-matched and did not have any of the silly misunderstandings that often weigh down many romances. Their relationship has never been comfortable, but as they delve into each other's feelings and personalities, they come to understand one another in a way that is believable and satisfying. We all make mistakes and I loved that the characters in this novella were flawed. The romance and connection felt real and while all conflict was not resolved, it felt complete and laid a foundation for a solid future for the characters. I really wanted an epilogue and was not quite ready to let them go.
I really enjoyed this one.
In the first novella, we are beat over the head with details about how horrible Kate is. My struggle with this was the fact that we were never shown (only told) the actions of Kate that made her so terrible. As a result, I was very interested in Kate's thought to help me understand how the characters all fit together.
The first novella was very superficial and focused on the characters' initial perceptions of each other without delving under the surface. The entire story and the feelings of love developed over the course of weeks. This is in dramatic contrast to this story which explores the characters' hidden emotions and the feelings of love that have developed richly over the course of years.
Wed at Leisure was the compact, emotionally charged novella that I have come to expect from Darby. It made slugging through the first novella worth it.
Kate is a troubled young woman struggling to overcome past mistakes and find a place for herself in a world where love and acceptance have been hard to come by. No one has truly understood her inner pain or desires except for one person, who always seems to how up at inopportune times. Peter, the Duke of Orland, has always felt a connection to Kate, and throughout the novella we learn about their past interactions and hear his inner reflections as he pieces together their complicated relationship. Being an introvert myself, I greatly enjoyed seeing the connection between these two self-contained characters and relished their interactions as they slowly reach out to one another to understand and eventually uncover the love that has grown between them.
While some people may never like Kate, I thought Darby did a great job providing the details to help the reader understand her and I for one appreciated the effort she went through to change her relationship with her sister despite Bianca's bitterness and spite.
This story overlaps with the previous novella and we see some of the same scenes told from a different perspective. I think the knowledge I gained from the previous novella lent depth to this one and I'd recommend reading them in order and together. I think the dichotomy that Darby creates between Bianca's and Kate's perspectives is what made this so interesting.
I thought Peter and Kate were well-matched and did not have any of the silly misunderstandings that often weigh down many romances. Their relationship has never been comfortable, but as they delve into each other's feelings and personalities, they come to understand one another in a way that is believable and satisfying. We all make mistakes and I loved that the characters in this novella were flawed. The romance and connection felt real and while all conflict was not resolved, it felt complete and laid a foundation for a solid future for the characters. I really wanted an epilogue and was not quite ready to let them go.
I really enjoyed this one.
May 21, 2014
Note: This is a review for BOTH Woo'd in Haste and Wed at Leisure.
Disclosure: I received review copies of Woo'd in Haste and Wed at Leisure as part of a blog tour. Many thanks to Sabrina Darby, Avon and Tasty Book Tours for the opportunity. Yes, this is an honest review.
Individual ratings:
Woo'd in Haste = 3.5 stars
Wed at Leisure = 4 stars
* * *
Woo'd in Haste is the first book in Sabrina Darby's The Taming series, which is loosely based on William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Darby's The Taming series features two sisters: Bianca and Kate Mansfield, the former has to wait patiently to have her Season because the latter has insisted that she must marry first. Bianca has been secluded in their country home in Waterford while Kate and their stepmother have been enjoying all that the London Season has to offer. Bianca had been been content to accept her older sister's demands, but, she is growing tired of waiting and reading about all the new experiences that Kate is having in London in her letters. She's tired of her sister's tantrums and dramatics and pretenses at being close and Bianca wants to live her life now and the first decision she makes is to stop reading Kate's letters. The next is to start voicing out her own wants and needs to her father.
Luc Dorlingsley, Viscount Asquith saw Bianca from afar and instantly fell in love with her beauty. Hearing about the condition to court/marry Bianca, Luc's friend, Lord Reggie quickly forms a plan and has Luc posing as a tutor to Bianca's younger stepbrother. This has allowed him in close proximity to Bianca and has given him the opportunity to fall more in love with her when he discovers the intelligent, kind-hearted woman behind the beautiful face.
In many adaptations of this Shakespearean play, Bianca is always the placid, quiet sister -- the perfect foil for her tempestuous, irascible older sister. Darby's Bianca starts out in the same mold, but has grown tired of her role in this "play" and has decided to break out. Bianca is a very likable and sympathetic character and I thought she and Luc were perfectly suited to each other. I felt sorry that Bianca was never give the same chances as Kate was, so I'm glad to see that she got her happy ending.
There are two big obstacles that our hero and heroine have to overcome: the first is the infamous stipulation regarding Bianca and Kate, and, second, Luc's deception. It really is a case of all's well that ends well, when Bianca decides to take matters into her own hands and acts.
Darby also sets up the second novella, Wed at Leisure through Bianca's story and we see Kate through Bianca's eyes and we come to dislike her for her high-handed ways. Kate doesn't really say much in the first novella and what we know of her is from other people's accounts.
Between the two novellas, Bianca's story stays on the surface of things -- but she hints at something more. The deeper layer is presented in Kate's story, Wed at Leisure.
Everyone in their small community know Kate. They know of her spoiledness and of the infamous decree that she must marry first before Bianca could have her season. No one really likes her and Kate knows it's her fault. She has tried to show that she has changed, that she has matured and has become ... better -- but people could not forgive her for her past actions. No one likes Kate, except her stepmother and Peter Colburn, the Duke of Orland.
In Wed at Leisure, we see the reason why Kate behaved so brashly and shows her regret for her past actions. She knows she could never salvage her reputation in Waterford, so she and her stepmother have striven to show London a different Kate, a kinder, sweeter Kate -- and it is a liberating experience for Kate to be accepted, for once in her life. She had long suffered the rejection of her own mother, who openly favored Bianca over her and all Kate has ever wanted was love and acceptance. Unfortunately for her, her decision to act the shrew have caused the opposite of these things: she has alienated her sister and has no friends, except her stepmother.
I didn't like Kate when I read her in Bianca's story and I wasn't sure I liked her in her own story. Sabrina Darby has taken on the incredible challenge of transforming her "villainess" into a heroine. There is justification for Kate's behaviour, but, what I loved more was seeing Kate's repentance and her determination to make amends. It's truly a Sisyphean task for Kate and she falters many times ... struggling with the jealousy and insecurity that she feels inside. But it all shows that Kate is human and hurts and bleeds and cries like everyone else.
The heroes of the two novellas are an interesting contrast and emphasise the shallow/deep theme: one is new to the community and this is first experience of the sisters. Luc has never met Kate and knows only of her reputation. He was first attracted to Bianca from afar and only for her beauty -- but, what is wonderful about Luc is that he was not satisfied with just beauty and had wanted to get closer to Bianca and get to know her better. While his methods are suspect, the results were positive and he fell more in love with her. In the end, it wasn't beautiful Bianca that Luc married, but kind and thoughtful and sisterly and brave Bianca. Peter, on the other hand, has known the sisters his entire life. What is strange is that he has never paid attention to Bianca and, in Wed at Leisure, never had a memory of her. He knew she wasn't like her sister -- and that seemed to be the extent of their acquaintance. Peter's focus had always been Kate -- and his interest in her deepened when he saw a part of Kate that no one had ever seen before: a part that reminded him so much of himself.
There was Lord Reggie's plan to distract Kate with Peter, and Peter was vague about his participation -- but he did take the opportunity to get to know Kate better. I think it takes a very special person to see beyond Kate's well-earned notoriety. Did I like Kate the way Peter did? I don't think so. I found it difficult to shake off my own prejudices even after I had read of Kate's past, but I think this is part of the exercise of reading and being engaged in a story's characters. I appreciate what Darby has done in presenting this very familiar, very real sibling/family dynamic.
I think it's interesting how most stories only present us with one side, which is why it is most important, in my opinion, to read both books (Bianca's and Kate's) to get the complete picture. This is another excellent offering from Sabrina Darby.
Disclosure: I received review copies of Woo'd in Haste and Wed at Leisure as part of a blog tour. Many thanks to Sabrina Darby, Avon and Tasty Book Tours for the opportunity. Yes, this is an honest review.
Individual ratings:
Woo'd in Haste = 3.5 stars
Wed at Leisure = 4 stars
* * *
Woo'd in Haste is the first book in Sabrina Darby's The Taming series, which is loosely based on William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Darby's The Taming series features two sisters: Bianca and Kate Mansfield, the former has to wait patiently to have her Season because the latter has insisted that she must marry first. Bianca has been secluded in their country home in Waterford while Kate and their stepmother have been enjoying all that the London Season has to offer. Bianca had been been content to accept her older sister's demands, but, she is growing tired of waiting and reading about all the new experiences that Kate is having in London in her letters. She's tired of her sister's tantrums and dramatics and pretenses at being close and Bianca wants to live her life now and the first decision she makes is to stop reading Kate's letters. The next is to start voicing out her own wants and needs to her father.
Luc Dorlingsley, Viscount Asquith saw Bianca from afar and instantly fell in love with her beauty. Hearing about the condition to court/marry Bianca, Luc's friend, Lord Reggie quickly forms a plan and has Luc posing as a tutor to Bianca's younger stepbrother. This has allowed him in close proximity to Bianca and has given him the opportunity to fall more in love with her when he discovers the intelligent, kind-hearted woman behind the beautiful face.
Heat filled her own cheeks and a tingling of awareness scattered over her skin. He was not suggesting there was anything amiss with her at all.
No. This was admiration. The way Mr. Darcy had complimented Elizabeth Bennet's fine eyes.
This was admiration for Bianca's eyes.
Shock warred with embarrassment. She swallowed it all down. Forced a small smile. "What about my eyes, Mr. Dore? Do you find them entrancing? They are blue."
- loc 651
In many adaptations of this Shakespearean play, Bianca is always the placid, quiet sister -- the perfect foil for her tempestuous, irascible older sister. Darby's Bianca starts out in the same mold, but has grown tired of her role in this "play" and has decided to break out. Bianca is a very likable and sympathetic character and I thought she and Luc were perfectly suited to each other. I felt sorry that Bianca was never give the same chances as Kate was, so I'm glad to see that she got her happy ending.
...there were only three things in the world that she did care about: books, music, and Thomas. She had decided several years earlier, while still a child, that the rest of her family wasn't worth worrying about, from her sister's constant demands and histrionics to her father's inability to refuse Kate anything.
- loc 107
There are two big obstacles that our hero and heroine have to overcome: the first is the infamous stipulation regarding Bianca and Kate, and, second, Luc's deception. It really is a case of all's well that ends well, when Bianca decides to take matters into her own hands and acts.
...She crumpled the letter up decisively. "In fact, I won't anymore. that is the very last one."
There was something freeing about that decision. A bittersweet freedom.
But she was nineteen, and she refused to live her life any longer according to her sister's whims.
- loc 151 - 163
Darby also sets up the second novella, Wed at Leisure through Bianca's story and we see Kate through Bianca's eyes and we come to dislike her for her high-handed ways. Kate doesn't really say much in the first novella and what we know of her is from other people's accounts.
Between the two novellas, Bianca's story stays on the surface of things -- but she hints at something more. The deeper layer is presented in Kate's story, Wed at Leisure.
Everyone in their small community know Kate. They know of her spoiledness and of the infamous decree that she must marry first before Bianca could have her season. No one really likes her and Kate knows it's her fault. She has tried to show that she has changed, that she has matured and has become ... better -- but people could not forgive her for her past actions. No one likes Kate, except her stepmother and Peter Colburn, the Duke of Orland.
Frustration welled up inside her. Why was he saying such things? Of course, it was just what everyone else echoed. Everyone but her mother.
"You don't know anything about me," she said hotly, tears once again burning her eyelids.
"Then why don't you tell me?"
And for some reason she did.
About her mother, who hated her, who said Kate was ugly because she was so dark, who criticised everything Kate ever did, and little Bianca could do no wrong. About how no one ever paid her attention unless she did something terrible.
- loc 62
In Wed at Leisure, we see the reason why Kate behaved so brashly and shows her regret for her past actions. She knows she could never salvage her reputation in Waterford, so she and her stepmother have striven to show London a different Kate, a kinder, sweeter Kate -- and it is a liberating experience for Kate to be accepted, for once in her life. She had long suffered the rejection of her own mother, who openly favored Bianca over her and all Kate has ever wanted was love and acceptance. Unfortunately for her, her decision to act the shrew have caused the opposite of these things: she has alienated her sister and has no friends, except her stepmother.
At the Hall, she was not the Catherine Mansfield who had charmed London, but instead was the childish Kate, forever caught in the patterns set during the earliest years. With distance, she'd understood this. Yet each time she returned home, the emotions and anger made it impossible to think. Impossible to be any other way. Which was why she came home rarely. Indulged her desire for a sisterly relationship through regular correspondence. After all, with distance she could pretend it was perfect. In person, she was confronted again.
And yet, she could not forestall Bianca's entree into society forever, and Kate refused to stand in competition with her blond, beloved sister for society's affection.
- loc 198
I didn't like Kate when I read her in Bianca's story and I wasn't sure I liked her in her own story. Sabrina Darby has taken on the incredible challenge of transforming her "villainess" into a heroine. There is justification for Kate's behaviour, but, what I loved more was seeing Kate's repentance and her determination to make amends. It's truly a Sisyphean task for Kate and she falters many times ... struggling with the jealousy and insecurity that she feels inside. But it all shows that Kate is human and hurts and bleeds and cries like everyone else.
The heroes of the two novellas are an interesting contrast and emphasise the shallow/deep theme: one is new to the community and this is first experience of the sisters. Luc has never met Kate and knows only of her reputation. He was first attracted to Bianca from afar and only for her beauty -- but, what is wonderful about Luc is that he was not satisfied with just beauty and had wanted to get closer to Bianca and get to know her better. While his methods are suspect, the results were positive and he fell more in love with her. In the end, it wasn't beautiful Bianca that Luc married, but kind and thoughtful and sisterly and brave Bianca. Peter, on the other hand, has known the sisters his entire life. What is strange is that he has never paid attention to Bianca and, in Wed at Leisure, never had a memory of her. He knew she wasn't like her sister -- and that seemed to be the extent of their acquaintance. Peter's focus had always been Kate -- and his interest in her deepened when he saw a part of Kate that no one had ever seen before: a part that reminded him so much of himself.
There was Lord Reggie's plan to distract Kate with Peter, and Peter was vague about his participation -- but he did take the opportunity to get to know Kate better. I think it takes a very special person to see beyond Kate's well-earned notoriety. Did I like Kate the way Peter did? I don't think so. I found it difficult to shake off my own prejudices even after I had read of Kate's past, but I think this is part of the exercise of reading and being engaged in a story's characters. I appreciate what Darby has done in presenting this very familiar, very real sibling/family dynamic.
I think it's interesting how most stories only present us with one side, which is why it is most important, in my opinion, to read both books (Bianca's and Kate's) to get the complete picture. This is another excellent offering from Sabrina Darby.
July 29, 2016
A fun take on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
As a child, Catherine ‘Kate’ Mansfield suffered due to her mother’s disappointment in her. Kate was dark-haired unlike her blonde, bubbly sister, Bianca, who was their mother’s favorite. Her mother demanded perfection and Kate always seemed to fall short. This kept Kate from having a close relationship with her sister. Although she has a family, she feels more like an orphan, alone and misunderstood. Even her neighbor, Peter, whom Kate had once dreamed of eventually marrying, derides her when he sees her in tears one day as she escapes to her favorite spot by the lake away from her mother, where the two estates join. That day ends her dreams of a future with him, but it does not kill her awareness of him. She avoids her home as much as possible since those in her village view her as a spoiled brat who throws tantrums whenever she doesn’t get her way. But this is how she gets attention. Now, much later, she is in the midst of her third season, back home and planning a house party. Coincidentally, Peter is also back home and has been invited to her party.
Peter’s father has never made any secret of the fact that he disapproves of his son. So when Peter sees young Kate in tears and discovers the reason for it, he feels that she may understand him since they have this in common. Peter wants to be seen as more than a title and for some reason Kate’s antagonism towards him makes him feel more like a man. He sees beneath Kate’s behavior and cannot forget the tormented, young girl by the lake years earlier. Now that his father is dead and Peter has returned home, a war hero, he takes up residence at his estate where he discovers his brother Reggie up to his usual mischief. He knows that Reggie’s plan to misrepresent his friend Luc as a tutor to Kate’s family is sure to backfire and now they want him to have a part in it. Luc longs to court Bianca and he and Reggie see this as his only chance since Bianca is not allowed to court anyone until Kate marries. However, Kate does not have a suitor. Knowing that their ruse will be up when society descends upon Kate and her family for the house party, Reggie and Luc enlist Peter’s aid to give the impression that he is courting Kate, hoping that this will allow her father to accept a courtship between Luc and Bianca. Reluctantly, Peter agrees to do it.
It does not take long before Peter finds himself falling in love with Kate, as he discovers the many fascinating layers that make up her personality. But will she accept him and his love when she discovers his deception? Will he be able to convince Kate of his love?
A fun read, WED BY LEISURE, the second book in author Sabrina Darby’s TAMING series, is an intriguing take on Shakespeare’s TAMING OF THE SHREW. After reading the first story in this series, WOO’D IN HASTE, I did not see how Kate’s character could be redeemed enough for her to be seen as a heroine in her own story, but Ms. Darby does a magnificent job of doing just that. As the author delves into Kate’s past, a more sympathetic character emerges and I liked that she and Peter share a past that makes him aware of who she really is. I enjoyed both books and cannot wait to see what Ms. Darby comes up with next. This story can be read on its own, but for even more enjoyment and a deeper understanding of the sisters in this story, I advise also reading WOO’D IN HASTE. I recommend both stories to lovers of historical romance!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
As a child, Catherine ‘Kate’ Mansfield suffered due to her mother’s disappointment in her. Kate was dark-haired unlike her blonde, bubbly sister, Bianca, who was their mother’s favorite. Her mother demanded perfection and Kate always seemed to fall short. This kept Kate from having a close relationship with her sister. Although she has a family, she feels more like an orphan, alone and misunderstood. Even her neighbor, Peter, whom Kate had once dreamed of eventually marrying, derides her when he sees her in tears one day as she escapes to her favorite spot by the lake away from her mother, where the two estates join. That day ends her dreams of a future with him, but it does not kill her awareness of him. She avoids her home as much as possible since those in her village view her as a spoiled brat who throws tantrums whenever she doesn’t get her way. But this is how she gets attention. Now, much later, she is in the midst of her third season, back home and planning a house party. Coincidentally, Peter is also back home and has been invited to her party.
Peter’s father has never made any secret of the fact that he disapproves of his son. So when Peter sees young Kate in tears and discovers the reason for it, he feels that she may understand him since they have this in common. Peter wants to be seen as more than a title and for some reason Kate’s antagonism towards him makes him feel more like a man. He sees beneath Kate’s behavior and cannot forget the tormented, young girl by the lake years earlier. Now that his father is dead and Peter has returned home, a war hero, he takes up residence at his estate where he discovers his brother Reggie up to his usual mischief. He knows that Reggie’s plan to misrepresent his friend Luc as a tutor to Kate’s family is sure to backfire and now they want him to have a part in it. Luc longs to court Bianca and he and Reggie see this as his only chance since Bianca is not allowed to court anyone until Kate marries. However, Kate does not have a suitor. Knowing that their ruse will be up when society descends upon Kate and her family for the house party, Reggie and Luc enlist Peter’s aid to give the impression that he is courting Kate, hoping that this will allow her father to accept a courtship between Luc and Bianca. Reluctantly, Peter agrees to do it.
It does not take long before Peter finds himself falling in love with Kate, as he discovers the many fascinating layers that make up her personality. But will she accept him and his love when she discovers his deception? Will he be able to convince Kate of his love?
A fun read, WED BY LEISURE, the second book in author Sabrina Darby’s TAMING series, is an intriguing take on Shakespeare’s TAMING OF THE SHREW. After reading the first story in this series, WOO’D IN HASTE, I did not see how Kate’s character could be redeemed enough for her to be seen as a heroine in her own story, but Ms. Darby does a magnificent job of doing just that. As the author delves into Kate’s past, a more sympathetic character emerges and I liked that she and Peter share a past that makes him aware of who she really is. I enjoyed both books and cannot wait to see what Ms. Darby comes up with next. This story can be read on its own, but for even more enjoyment and a deeper understanding of the sisters in this story, I advise also reading WOO’D IN HASTE. I recommend both stories to lovers of historical romance!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
June 15, 2014
I wish both of the Taming books were longer but this one had a bit more depth. I'm a huge fan of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW and would love to have seen Bianca and Kate's stories expanded with some more back story, but they were both a delight.
Kate Mansfield is spoiled, has a fierce temper, and yet truly wishes everyone would take the time to get to know the real her. She also wants to find someone who will fall in love with her and appreciate the real her and make her feel as beautiful as everyone insists she is. Always feeling less than her beautiful sister, Bianca, the only one who seems to truly understands her is her stepmother and perhaps, Peter Colburn. When Peter attempts to court her, she doesn’t take him seriously and quickly believes it's yet another one of his cruel jokes.
Peter’s attraction to Kate has been there a long time but he knows she’s a hard one to fathom and certainly a tough one to love, but when she rejects him, he backs off only to become more determined to get Kate to see herself the way some others do - the way he does.
I liked Peter's persistence as he tries to understand Kate. At one point, he even asks her to tell him about herself, which she does. It’s at this point when Kate becomes someone the reader can begin to like. It was difficult to like Kate when we met her in WOO’D IN HASTE, but in WED AT LEISURE, we come to understand the pain which she’s carried at feeling the rejection of a mother who called her ugly because she was dark to Bianca’s fairness. She becomes a character we can feel some compassion for as she's feeling less than loved and neglected because her mother favored Bianca.
I enjoyed WED AT LEISURE much more than WOO’D IN HASTE, although these stories go together and complement each other in a fashion that make me wish both had been longer with more backstory so that we might enjoy the changes in both of these women. Kate’s transformation to a sweeter, kinder woman in London is obvious to us and what we want to see. We can understand better the reasons why she reverts to her spoiled, angry self upon returning to the Hall and understand her wishing to be the center of attention before Bianca. It's more a need rather than arrogance but we don't really have enough time to truly get to know her. I would love to have seen both of these stories expanded, the characters allowed to grow and mature, as well as allow us to come to like Kate a little bit more. I truly only began to like her toward the end.
As with WOO’D IN HASTE, I can recommend WED AT LEISURE to anyone who can appreciate the dynamics of sibling rivalry, and who is looking for a quick afternoon read. Both of these stories are easily read back to back in that amount of time only it's more like getting a bite of a delicious dessert rather than a whole piece.
***won ebook copy in a giveaway but am sharing my honest and unscripted review.
Kate Mansfield is spoiled, has a fierce temper, and yet truly wishes everyone would take the time to get to know the real her. She also wants to find someone who will fall in love with her and appreciate the real her and make her feel as beautiful as everyone insists she is. Always feeling less than her beautiful sister, Bianca, the only one who seems to truly understands her is her stepmother and perhaps, Peter Colburn. When Peter attempts to court her, she doesn’t take him seriously and quickly believes it's yet another one of his cruel jokes.
Peter’s attraction to Kate has been there a long time but he knows she’s a hard one to fathom and certainly a tough one to love, but when she rejects him, he backs off only to become more determined to get Kate to see herself the way some others do - the way he does.
I liked Peter's persistence as he tries to understand Kate. At one point, he even asks her to tell him about herself, which she does. It’s at this point when Kate becomes someone the reader can begin to like. It was difficult to like Kate when we met her in WOO’D IN HASTE, but in WED AT LEISURE, we come to understand the pain which she’s carried at feeling the rejection of a mother who called her ugly because she was dark to Bianca’s fairness. She becomes a character we can feel some compassion for as she's feeling less than loved and neglected because her mother favored Bianca.
I enjoyed WED AT LEISURE much more than WOO’D IN HASTE, although these stories go together and complement each other in a fashion that make me wish both had been longer with more backstory so that we might enjoy the changes in both of these women. Kate’s transformation to a sweeter, kinder woman in London is obvious to us and what we want to see. We can understand better the reasons why she reverts to her spoiled, angry self upon returning to the Hall and understand her wishing to be the center of attention before Bianca. It's more a need rather than arrogance but we don't really have enough time to truly get to know her. I would love to have seen both of these stories expanded, the characters allowed to grow and mature, as well as allow us to come to like Kate a little bit more. I truly only began to like her toward the end.
As with WOO’D IN HASTE, I can recommend WED AT LEISURE to anyone who can appreciate the dynamics of sibling rivalry, and who is looking for a quick afternoon read. Both of these stories are easily read back to back in that amount of time only it's more like getting a bite of a delicious dessert rather than a whole piece.
***won ebook copy in a giveaway but am sharing my honest and unscripted review.
May 22, 2014
I can’t wait to read this next novel – because I hated Kate. I wonder what is up with her, why is she a brat, what’s with all those she-should-marry-first-before-Bianca drama.
She was beautiful, and she knows it, Peter (the heir to the Duke of Orland) knows it too – since they were young. But this girl has more than beauty, she has a stubborn streak and a bad temper who seemed to demand attention everywhere she went. They started out okay, however, somewhere in time, she had come to despise him. What went wrong? He, on the other hand, didn’t stop it from teasing her. He loves to tease her, just to cover up the attraction that he was feeling. Their relationship was that for years – he will tease her, she’ll get annoyed. So imagine her surprise when he suddenly courted her. At first, she thought it was a joke, he, of all England, knew what and who she really is beneath the social mask she’s wearing, but he seemed earnest…
She was confused, and she ended up rejecting him – it was only then that she regret her sudden decision. Just as when she was so ready to give her heart and wear it on her sleeve, reality set in, and the truth went flying out in the open. She was hurt, her sister didn’t want her around, and she felt a little lost. This was a different Kate than what I have met in the first book.
I met both Kate and Peter in the first book, and saw how he deceived Kate to pave way for Lucien and Bianca. I was telling myself that it was okay to be deceived, that she might fall in love with him, and break her heart in the process, and it was just karma for her – but I was so wrong. There was MORE to Kate than being a selfish brat. So much for being judgmental. So, hold your judgment, people. Because in this book, you will know her in depth and realize that this villain is not as bad after all.
I love this series because it offered me a rush of romance in a few pages. Like the first book, Wed at Leisure is a short-read, but didn’t make the romance less sweeter. I didn’t expect to like it, because I hated the character primarily – but this book reminded me to save my judgment until I know the entire story. Indeed, there is good in every people, you only need to know them first.
✪Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.✪
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
She was beautiful, and she knows it, Peter (the heir to the Duke of Orland) knows it too – since they were young. But this girl has more than beauty, she has a stubborn streak and a bad temper who seemed to demand attention everywhere she went. They started out okay, however, somewhere in time, she had come to despise him. What went wrong? He, on the other hand, didn’t stop it from teasing her. He loves to tease her, just to cover up the attraction that he was feeling. Their relationship was that for years – he will tease her, she’ll get annoyed. So imagine her surprise when he suddenly courted her. At first, she thought it was a joke, he, of all England, knew what and who she really is beneath the social mask she’s wearing, but he seemed earnest…
She was confused, and she ended up rejecting him – it was only then that she regret her sudden decision. Just as when she was so ready to give her heart and wear it on her sleeve, reality set in, and the truth went flying out in the open. She was hurt, her sister didn’t want her around, and she felt a little lost. This was a different Kate than what I have met in the first book.
I met both Kate and Peter in the first book, and saw how he deceived Kate to pave way for Lucien and Bianca. I was telling myself that it was okay to be deceived, that she might fall in love with him, and break her heart in the process, and it was just karma for her – but I was so wrong. There was MORE to Kate than being a selfish brat. So much for being judgmental. So, hold your judgment, people. Because in this book, you will know her in depth and realize that this villain is not as bad after all.
I love this series because it offered me a rush of romance in a few pages. Like the first book, Wed at Leisure is a short-read, but didn’t make the romance less sweeter. I didn’t expect to like it, because I hated the character primarily – but this book reminded me to save my judgment until I know the entire story. Indeed, there is good in every people, you only need to know them first.
✪Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.✪
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
May 19, 2014
In all of Sussex—scratch that—in all of England, there is no one prettier than Kate Mansfield, and Peter Colburn, heir to the Duke of Orland, has known that since the age of 15. But since her vivacious nature comes with a temper to match, Peter has always masked his hunger for her behind ruthless teasing.
As far as Kate is concerned, there is no one as annoying or as incredibly handsome as Peter. So when he surprises her with a sudden and romantic courtship, Kate is sure this must be his idea of a sick joke. After all, he's the one man who knows how flawed she really is. And the only man to whom she has ever been so attracted. It's only after she rejects him that she realizes he might actually have been serious. And she just might be regretting her hasty decision.
As Kate's determination wars with her traitorous heart, it may be too late. Now she's putting everything, including her reputation, on the line to give this accidental tragedy a happy ending.
When I started this book I honestly didn't think I would like it. I was expecting the brat Kate from the first book to be even worse in the second, but wow! I can't believe how wrong I was. This book actually reduced me to tears! My heart went out to Kate and all the pain she went though as child had turned her in to a person with a very think wall, to shield herself to outsiders as well as her own family.
But one person saw though it. Peter too have a horrible childhood, treated much differently than his brother Reggie. But had managed to over come it much better than Kate.
I really did LOVE this book and I wish it had been longer. I love the characters Kate and Peter so much and I think that's because they are flawed which makes them more life-like to me. This book just flowed and I fell head first into the story, I felt every emotion that Peter and Kate were living, including me yelling at my kindle at Reggie, which earned me a few strange looks from the family.
My suggestion to the next reader is keep your tissues handy and you heart open because this book will remind you to never judge a book or person by its cover!
As far as Kate is concerned, there is no one as annoying or as incredibly handsome as Peter. So when he surprises her with a sudden and romantic courtship, Kate is sure this must be his idea of a sick joke. After all, he's the one man who knows how flawed she really is. And the only man to whom she has ever been so attracted. It's only after she rejects him that she realizes he might actually have been serious. And she just might be regretting her hasty decision.
As Kate's determination wars with her traitorous heart, it may be too late. Now she's putting everything, including her reputation, on the line to give this accidental tragedy a happy ending.
When I started this book I honestly didn't think I would like it. I was expecting the brat Kate from the first book to be even worse in the second, but wow! I can't believe how wrong I was. This book actually reduced me to tears! My heart went out to Kate and all the pain she went though as child had turned her in to a person with a very think wall, to shield herself to outsiders as well as her own family.
But one person saw though it. Peter too have a horrible childhood, treated much differently than his brother Reggie. But had managed to over come it much better than Kate.
I really did LOVE this book and I wish it had been longer. I love the characters Kate and Peter so much and I think that's because they are flawed which makes them more life-like to me. This book just flowed and I fell head first into the story, I felt every emotion that Peter and Kate were living, including me yelling at my kindle at Reggie, which earned me a few strange looks from the family.
My suggestion to the next reader is keep your tissues handy and you heart open because this book will remind you to never judge a book or person by its cover!
August 9, 2016
What a fun little novella. I haven't read the book this is paired with but I don't know if I will read it. A lot of bloggers have mentioned that they didn't like Kate in that book and I enjoyed her so much here...
A rather fun takeoff of "The Taming of the Shrew," this book outlines the love that two old enemies, Kate and Pete, find as a result of his younger brother helping a friend to find love with her younger sister (Bianca, of course).
Kate grew up with a mother that told her at every turn that she wasn't good enough. Bianca was (literally) the golden child. The one who could do no wrong. And every time Kate goes home, she's reminded of that fact, even though her mother is dead. Everyone remembers Kate as the willful child and still treat her as such. She wants to stay in London so she can find a husband before Bianca joins her in town and steals all of her suitors away.
Peter Colburn, heir to a duke, grew up next-door to Kate. He knows her history and is still confused as to the difference between what his neighbors say about her and the face she shows in society. So when his brother suggests that Peter court Kate, Peter considers the idea but rejects it for considering courting Kate for real.
A rather fun takeoff of "The Taming of the Shrew," this book outlines the love that two old enemies, Kate and Pete, find as a result of his younger brother helping a friend to find love with her younger sister (Bianca, of course).
Kate grew up with a mother that told her at every turn that she wasn't good enough. Bianca was (literally) the golden child. The one who could do no wrong. And every time Kate goes home, she's reminded of that fact, even though her mother is dead. Everyone remembers Kate as the willful child and still treat her as such. She wants to stay in London so she can find a husband before Bianca joins her in town and steals all of her suitors away.
Peter Colburn, heir to a duke, grew up next-door to Kate. He knows her history and is still confused as to the difference between what his neighbors say about her and the face she shows in society. So when his brother suggests that Peter court Kate, Peter considers the idea but rejects it for considering courting Kate for real.
September 21, 2014
***This book was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.***
I thought this book was a decent read.
I didn’t find Kate to be very likable, but I think that was the whole point of the story. Her mother, while doting on her sister, seemed to admonish Kate’s every move while they were growing up. I think flashbacks including these types of situations could have gone a long way in having the reader warming up to Kate’s character. As a result of her mother’s treatment, she was very cold to everyone around her, and has been working hard to overcome that reputation.
Peter, the Duke of Orland, was easygoing and affable–a direct contrast to Kate’s personality. The pair had history, and while we had glimpses of that history, I think, again, more flashbacks would have been helpful. There were also similarities in the way they were treated growing up, and I thought the stark differences in the way they turned out was interesting.
I did like Kate and Peter together; he seemed to bring out something in her no one else could. I also liked seeing Kate through his eyes.
While I found this story enjoyable, I think these characters–with their complicated histories and past run-ins, would have served them (as well as the reader) better.
If you’re looking for a quick read with a bit of sweetness thrown in, I think you would enjoy this story.
I thought this book was a decent read.
I didn’t find Kate to be very likable, but I think that was the whole point of the story. Her mother, while doting on her sister, seemed to admonish Kate’s every move while they were growing up. I think flashbacks including these types of situations could have gone a long way in having the reader warming up to Kate’s character. As a result of her mother’s treatment, she was very cold to everyone around her, and has been working hard to overcome that reputation.
Peter, the Duke of Orland, was easygoing and affable–a direct contrast to Kate’s personality. The pair had history, and while we had glimpses of that history, I think, again, more flashbacks would have been helpful. There were also similarities in the way they were treated growing up, and I thought the stark differences in the way they turned out was interesting.
I did like Kate and Peter together; he seemed to bring out something in her no one else could. I also liked seeing Kate through his eyes.
While I found this story enjoyable, I think these characters–with their complicated histories and past run-ins, would have served them (as well as the reader) better.
If you’re looking for a quick read with a bit of sweetness thrown in, I think you would enjoy this story.
June 17, 2014
Review Posted on Harlequin Junkies.com
Wed at Leisure by Sabrina Darby is the companion novella to Woo’d in Haste and both shows the other side of the relationship between the two sisters (Catherine and Bianca) and completes the story. This is Catherine’s story, and she turns out to be much more involved and complex than you would have thought.
Catherine (Kate) Mansfield grew up next door to Peter Colburn, the Earl of Bonhill, and later the Duke of Orland. As child they have a few encounters at the stream that separates their properties, one where she tell him about her mother and the unfair way her mother favors her younger sister, and another when they are older and Peter, just returned from the war, is drunk and upset about how his father does not respect him. Years later, as adults, they frequently encounter each other at society events. Kate has grown up to be beautiful, yet difficult, and even though Kate more or less spurns him in public Peter finds himself drawn to the dark, vivacious beauty. And Kate, while wary of him because he knows the “real” Kate, finds him unforgettable as well.
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Wed at Leisure by Sabrina Darby is the companion novella to Woo’d in Haste and both shows the other side of the relationship between the two sisters (Catherine and Bianca) and completes the story. This is Catherine’s story, and she turns out to be much more involved and complex than you would have thought.
Catherine (Kate) Mansfield grew up next door to Peter Colburn, the Earl of Bonhill, and later the Duke of Orland. As child they have a few encounters at the stream that separates their properties, one where she tell him about her mother and the unfair way her mother favors her younger sister, and another when they are older and Peter, just returned from the war, is drunk and upset about how his father does not respect him. Years later, as adults, they frequently encounter each other at society events. Kate has grown up to be beautiful, yet difficult, and even though Kate more or less spurns him in public Peter finds himself drawn to the dark, vivacious beauty. And Kate, while wary of him because he knows the “real” Kate, finds him unforgettable as well.
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May 21, 2014
This is Kate’s story. What a surprising story it was.
Here, we cross-reference scenes from Woo’d In Haste and see them from Kate’s perspective. Kate’s brave front is just a cover-up to the bitterness, anger, and hurt she feels whenever she’s at home. Her attempt to keep Bianca from having her season are born from jealousy of her younger sister.
And how sad is it that that jealousy is because of how differently they were treated as children?
But how surprising is it that the one man who knows and understands exactly how she feels, is the same man she’s attracted to but can’t stand?
Kate struggles with a lot in this story, but she reconciles a lot too. Her relationship with Bianca is restored and her love for Peter proves to be her anchor. By the time “The End” came around, Kate was a much different woman than the one I met at the beginning, and this Kate was worthy of all she had and would have.
***Received from Tasty Book Tours for an honest review***
Here, we cross-reference scenes from Woo’d In Haste and see them from Kate’s perspective. Kate’s brave front is just a cover-up to the bitterness, anger, and hurt she feels whenever she’s at home. Her attempt to keep Bianca from having her season are born from jealousy of her younger sister.
And how sad is it that that jealousy is because of how differently they were treated as children?
But how surprising is it that the one man who knows and understands exactly how she feels, is the same man she’s attracted to but can’t stand?
Kate struggles with a lot in this story, but she reconciles a lot too. Her relationship with Bianca is restored and her love for Peter proves to be her anchor. By the time “The End” came around, Kate was a much different woman than the one I met at the beginning, and this Kate was worthy of all she had and would have.
***Received from Tasty Book Tours for an honest review***
September 4, 2016
When I began reading Wed at Leisure I wondered how I was ever going to like Kate. In the first book, Woo'd in Haste, I saw her as cold and jealous and spiteful but there is so much more to Kate. I came to empathize with her, like her, and hope that she would get her happily ever after.
I love characters with a history and Peter and Kate certainly have that, run ins, disappointments, hurts and seeing each other at their worst and most vulnerable. Though they've both grown up Peter and Kate are still haunted by painful childhoods, something that binds them together. Peter sees beyond the Kate that she shows to the world, a Kate that needs control and order, and to the strong, imperfect woman who is just trying to find her place in the world. Of course it's not an easy road, there is subterfuge, sisterly strife, a bit of scandal, a stubborn shrew and a determined duke but I certainly enjoyed the journey.
Disclosure: ebook provided in exchange for an honest review
I love characters with a history and Peter and Kate certainly have that, run ins, disappointments, hurts and seeing each other at their worst and most vulnerable. Though they've both grown up Peter and Kate are still haunted by painful childhoods, something that binds them together. Peter sees beyond the Kate that she shows to the world, a Kate that needs control and order, and to the strong, imperfect woman who is just trying to find her place in the world. Of course it's not an easy road, there is subterfuge, sisterly strife, a bit of scandal, a stubborn shrew and a determined duke but I certainly enjoyed the journey.
Disclosure: ebook provided in exchange for an honest review
August 10, 2014
Book number two in the Taming series by Sabrina Darby, this is a very sweet yet complex novella, based on William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
Kate Mansfield has a shrewish reputation but, in actuality, she suffers from very low self-esteem. As a young child, she felt unloved by her beautiful mother who favored Kate’s beautiful, fair, and sweet younger sister, Bianca.
As children, Peter (a duke) and Kate often stumbled upon each other by their favorite spots on their families’ adjoining properties, usually when Kate or Peter were upset about something and soothing their wounds. They formed a kindred connection many years ago that has evolved into an attraction neither openly acknowledges. In fact, their witty banter is a shield they wield to avoid acknowledging their true feelings.
For my full review on my historical romance blog: http://bit.ly/1q3qsm5
Kate Mansfield has a shrewish reputation but, in actuality, she suffers from very low self-esteem. As a young child, she felt unloved by her beautiful mother who favored Kate’s beautiful, fair, and sweet younger sister, Bianca.
As children, Peter (a duke) and Kate often stumbled upon each other by their favorite spots on their families’ adjoining properties, usually when Kate or Peter were upset about something and soothing their wounds. They formed a kindred connection many years ago that has evolved into an attraction neither openly acknowledges. In fact, their witty banter is a shield they wield to avoid acknowledging their true feelings.
For my full review on my historical romance blog: http://bit.ly/1q3qsm5
May 1, 2014
It was ok. Kate was still selfish but less so. I didn't understand the reason for why the mother hated her but because of that she grew up to be a shrew. Only Peter sees the goodness in her, also something he can relate to... blah blah blah. He deserved better.
July 26, 2016
I really liked it, not so much Bianca, and the duchess doyawer, but Kate poor Kate, but everything went god at the end.
September 17, 2018
So, given the nature of the beast, obviously there are times that you don't like Kate very much, but the relationship, such as it was and becomes, is well done. I found I liked this story quite well by the end. Unlike the other two stories I have read by the author, this one does have more scenes of interaction between the characters which was nice, if at times the scenes just kind of drop off seemingly unfinished.
I do have to mention that there were two large moments of aggravation for me...but not about the story or characters per se. No this was regarding the the author's writing. There are two glaring errors in the story where the author either made big mistakes and/or forgotten what she had written just prior. I even went back a few pages each time to make sure. So, editing in that respect is definitely needed. To her credit, though, the author has a wide vocabulary and grasp of the English language, which she uses well and correctly.
Note: Though each story in the pair could technically stand alone, they exist in an overlapped time line and are better read as a pair and in order.
I do have to mention that there were two large moments of aggravation for me...but not about the story or characters per se. No this was regarding the the author's writing. There are two glaring errors in the story where the author either made big mistakes and/or forgotten what she had written just prior. I even went back a few pages each time to make sure. So, editing in that respect is definitely needed. To her credit, though, the author has a wide vocabulary and grasp of the English language, which she uses well and correctly.
Note: Though each story in the pair could technically stand alone, they exist in an overlapped time line and are better read as a pair and in order.
December 16, 2018
What I really liked about this book was how the relationship between the sisters was resolved. This moved it beyond the usual fare.
August 6, 2014
Thank you Sabrina Darby for getting me a new fondness for Historical Romance.
I have read Historical Romance before; most of them were fine works. They usually were not my cup of tea. They just seemed odd to me and did not have the steam that I enjoy in my romance.
This one has finally given me the reason why so many people are crazy about this genre. This is a follow-up to Woo’d in Haste. I did read them out of order and I am kinda glad I did. I will explain later.
Combination of Pride and Prejudice and Taming of the Shew, with just a hint of Close Liaisons. I have talked about this topic before, but it bears repeating. Anticipation is sexy. Because of the time period the simplest of touches become forbidden and therefore pulse racing. The heroin and hero just being in a room alone was smoldering.
This was just the right length for me for another attempt to get into the genre. It did feel rushed at points, but if was longer I would not have enjoyed as much as I did.
I am glad I did not read the first book. It was tough to really like Kate. She was really a bitch. I have a feeling that if I had really gotten into her darker side from Bianca’s POV it would have been undoable. However, I will go back and read it just so I can read Bianca’s story.
Loved Bad Boy spin on Peter. Yea he was regal and all that other stuff, but he had a nasty side and that gave him the heat factor. I can see how Kate could have gotten all hot and bothered over just a kiss so long ago.
Complicated feelings between the characters made it a little frustrating and could maybe be embellished more. Again much more and I would have put it down. My hope is that I will now be able to pick up a full length Historical Romance and enjoy it from cover to cover.
I have read Historical Romance before; most of them were fine works. They usually were not my cup of tea. They just seemed odd to me and did not have the steam that I enjoy in my romance.
This one has finally given me the reason why so many people are crazy about this genre. This is a follow-up to Woo’d in Haste. I did read them out of order and I am kinda glad I did. I will explain later.
Combination of Pride and Prejudice and Taming of the Shew, with just a hint of Close Liaisons. I have talked about this topic before, but it bears repeating. Anticipation is sexy. Because of the time period the simplest of touches become forbidden and therefore pulse racing. The heroin and hero just being in a room alone was smoldering.
This was just the right length for me for another attempt to get into the genre. It did feel rushed at points, but if was longer I would not have enjoyed as much as I did.
I am glad I did not read the first book. It was tough to really like Kate. She was really a bitch. I have a feeling that if I had really gotten into her darker side from Bianca’s POV it would have been undoable. However, I will go back and read it just so I can read Bianca’s story.
Loved Bad Boy spin on Peter. Yea he was regal and all that other stuff, but he had a nasty side and that gave him the heat factor. I can see how Kate could have gotten all hot and bothered over just a kiss so long ago.
Complicated feelings between the characters made it a little frustrating and could maybe be embellished more. Again much more and I would have put it down. My hope is that I will now be able to pick up a full length Historical Romance and enjoy it from cover to cover.
August 31, 2015
Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by Edelweiss
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
If you have just picked this up you may want to get the first book Woo’d in Haste and read it first as this picks up where the other left off. It overlaps a little but, it is easier to follow in order.
I was a little disappointed in this book. I expected more. While I admit it still was good it just felt a little flat for me. Kate and Peter’s romance was easy to relate to and just as sweet but a little more complicated.
Neighbor’s they would run into one another from time to time over the years. They shared a first kiss. Kate always thought she deserved more. She needed the attention because she felt her younger sister received it while she deserved it. Sibling rivalry plain and simple… I have two boys, even though they are adults (well as adult as they can be at times) I still hear the one complain about things that happened years ago. Kate was that way. She was the first to come out. Having had her season, she had it again waiting for just the right guy. She had her father convinced not to let Bianca come out…her stepmother indulged her.
She was shrewish almost to the point of being evil. Kate was very bitter which caused a rift in her relationship with her sister and almost made her push Peter (the one that saw through her) away. Peter loved Kate for Kate. He saw the softer side of her.
This to me is another nice summer read. Although I expected more it still has all the tender romance while being a simple story making it a fast read.
Grab a glass of Iced Tea and find a nice sunny spot… enjoy!
Book provided by Edelweiss
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
If you have just picked this up you may want to get the first book Woo’d in Haste and read it first as this picks up where the other left off. It overlaps a little but, it is easier to follow in order.
I was a little disappointed in this book. I expected more. While I admit it still was good it just felt a little flat for me. Kate and Peter’s romance was easy to relate to and just as sweet but a little more complicated.
Neighbor’s they would run into one another from time to time over the years. They shared a first kiss. Kate always thought she deserved more. She needed the attention because she felt her younger sister received it while she deserved it. Sibling rivalry plain and simple… I have two boys, even though they are adults (well as adult as they can be at times) I still hear the one complain about things that happened years ago. Kate was that way. She was the first to come out. Having had her season, she had it again waiting for just the right guy. She had her father convinced not to let Bianca come out…her stepmother indulged her.
She was shrewish almost to the point of being evil. Kate was very bitter which caused a rift in her relationship with her sister and almost made her push Peter (the one that saw through her) away. Peter loved Kate for Kate. He saw the softer side of her.
This to me is another nice summer read. Although I expected more it still has all the tender romance while being a simple story making it a fast read.
Grab a glass of Iced Tea and find a nice sunny spot… enjoy!
July 14, 2014
Wed at Leisure is the second book in the Taming Series by Sabrina Darby and tells the story of Kate Mansfield, the mean sister in Woo’d in Haste.
This time, we will find the true reason why Kate was mean to her sister Bianca. We also see glimpses of Kate’s past with Peter Colburn, the Duke of Orland, their neighbor. Although this book is way better than Woo’d in Haste, it still did not reach the mark for me. There was nothing really special about this story and nothing that made me like Kate at all. So, her mother was mean to her. That still doesn’t make her actions right, in my opinion.
Going into this book was a little hard for me because of how my views of Kate were colored in the first book. I really hated her. It would have been better if Kate did something to redeem herself.
Kate and Peter’s romance was sizzling. I love the interactions between the two. The reunited trope is one of my favorites and this one did not disappoint.
All in all this was a good read, perfect for summer.
Read the full review on Night Owl Reviews
ebook free in exchange for an honest review via Night Owl Reviews
This time, we will find the true reason why Kate was mean to her sister Bianca. We also see glimpses of Kate’s past with Peter Colburn, the Duke of Orland, their neighbor. Although this book is way better than Woo’d in Haste, it still did not reach the mark for me. There was nothing really special about this story and nothing that made me like Kate at all. So, her mother was mean to her. That still doesn’t make her actions right, in my opinion.
Going into this book was a little hard for me because of how my views of Kate were colored in the first book. I really hated her. It would have been better if Kate did something to redeem herself.
Kate and Peter’s romance was sizzling. I love the interactions between the two. The reunited trope is one of my favorites and this one did not disappoint.
All in all this was a good read, perfect for summer.
Read the full review on Night Owl Reviews
ebook free in exchange for an honest review via Night Owl Reviews
August 24, 2016
This is a follow-up to the previous short story Woo'd in Haste and if you haven't read that one, I suggest you do it before you start this one. The reason for it is because this one not just picks up where the other left off, but it overlaps too, so in essence this is the continuation of the same story. Which begs the question, why wasn't this one book? Instead we have two short stories [this one is even shorter than the first, at 140 or so pages].
In any case, I thought this one as well as the first, was a sweet and entertaining story with two main characters a bit more complex than the first couple. Plot wise, I liked this one better because of its deeper meaning and interesting resolution.
If you're short on reading time, both of these stories will entertain you.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
In any case, I thought this one as well as the first, was a sweet and entertaining story with two main characters a bit more complex than the first couple. Plot wise, I liked this one better because of its deeper meaning and interesting resolution.
If you're short on reading time, both of these stories will entertain you.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
November 23, 2014
Great little novella that reminds me of Taming the Shrew. The characters had great depth and a long history.
One complaint is the confusion in the beginning when the stepmother steps out of the carriage and greets the father. Then Kate asks where her father and sister are and is told they are in Eastbourne picking up new horses. If the father is in Eastbourne, who was the stepmother greeting?
Aside from the confusion in the beginning, the rest of the story is wonderful. Great character development and a building relationship between Kate and Peter that will make you sigh at their lovely HEA.
One complaint is the confusion in the beginning when the stepmother steps out of the carriage and greets the father. Then Kate asks where her father and sister are and is told they are in Eastbourne picking up new horses. If the father is in Eastbourne, who was the stepmother greeting?
Aside from the confusion in the beginning, the rest of the story is wonderful. Great character development and a building relationship between Kate and Peter that will make you sigh at their lovely HEA.
Read
May 2, 2015I enjoyed Kate's story more than Bianca's in this duology retelling of The Taming of the Shrew. She and Peter had a childhood connection to build on and it was interesting to see how Kate had grown from a frustrated and lonely child into a vivacious young woman. While things are semi-resolved at the close of the novella, I do wish we had more detail about both sister's futures.
November 22, 2015
Unfortunately, this second book was much the same as the first. If it had been a full length novel than the storyline and characters would have had enough time to fully form instead of being a slow then fast paced read within pages.
If you are just looking for a light, quick read and don't care too much about the pacing than this would be a great read.
If you are just looking for a light, quick read and don't care too much about the pacing than this would be a great read.
June 1, 2014
I RECEIVED AN ARC IN EXCHANGE OF THE HONEST REVIEW
3 stars
It was a nice story but felt a little hasty.
3 stars
It was a nice story but felt a little hasty.
June 15, 2014
DNF. Made it half way.
historical
January 11, 2019In all of Sussex—scratch that—in all of England, there is no one prettier than Kate Mansfield, and Peter Colburn, heir to the Duke of Orland, has known that since the age of 15. But since her vivacious nature comes with a temper to match, Peter has always masked his hunger for her behind ruthless teasing.
As far as Kate is concerned, there is no one as annoying or as incredibly handsome as Peter. So when he surprises her with a sudden and romantic courtship, Kate is sure this must be his idea of a sick joke. After all, he's the one man who knows how flawed she really is. And the only man to whom she has ever been so attracted. It's only after she rejects him that she realizes he might actually have been serious. And she just might be regretting her hasty decision.
As Kate's determination wars with her traitorous heart, it may be too late. Now she's putting everything, including her reputation, on the line to give this accidental tragedy a happy ending.
As far as Kate is concerned, there is no one as annoying or as incredibly handsome as Peter. So when he surprises her with a sudden and romantic courtship, Kate is sure this must be his idea of a sick joke. After all, he's the one man who knows how flawed she really is. And the only man to whom she has ever been so attracted. It's only after she rejects him that she realizes he might actually have been serious. And she just might be regretting her hasty decision.
As Kate's determination wars with her traitorous heart, it may be too late. Now she's putting everything, including her reputation, on the line to give this accidental tragedy a happy ending.
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