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Scandalous Sirens #1
Forbidden
Vaughn wants revenge. Elisa wants her son back. Neither expected to want each other.…
Elisa’s determined to have her son back at any cost, even if it means marry a vicious stoat of a man like Rufus Wardell, but her plans and her life are turned upside down by the sudden reappearance of Rufus’ grown and estranged son, Vaughn.
Lured by the contrast of Elisa’s sweet beauty with the wicked rumors of her wanton past, Vaughn embarks on a seduction as scorching as it is daring. What he finds is not at all what he sought: Elisa is an innocent, but with a sensuality so raw he cannot resist her...
...even though their passion is forbidden.
WARNING: This book contains frequent sex scenes and sexual language.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2012
848 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Cooper-Posey
206 books974 followersTracy Cooper-Posey is an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author. She writes romantic suspense, paranormal, urban fantasy, futuristic and science fiction romances. She has published over 100 novels since 1999, been nominated for five CAPAs including Favourite Author, and won the Emma Darcy Award.
She turned to indie publishing in 2011. Her indie titles have been nominated four times for Book Of The Year and Byzantine Heartbreak was a 2012 winner. Faring Soul won a SFR Galaxy Award in 2016 for “Most Intriguing Philosophical/Social Science Questions in Galaxybuilding” She has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at MacEwan University.
She is addicted to Irish Breakfast tea and chocolate, sometimes taken together. In her spare time she enjoys history, Sherlock Holmes, science fiction and ignoring her treadmill. An Australian Canadian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a former professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line.
She turned to indie publishing in 2011. Her indie titles have been nominated four times for Book Of The Year and Byzantine Heartbreak was a 2012 winner. Faring Soul won a SFR Galaxy Award in 2016 for “Most Intriguing Philosophical/Social Science Questions in Galaxybuilding” She has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at MacEwan University.
She is addicted to Irish Breakfast tea and chocolate, sometimes taken together. In her spare time she enjoys history, Sherlock Holmes, science fiction and ignoring her treadmill. An Australian Canadian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a former professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
August 7, 2015
This book annoyed me so much even my hubby asked what was wrong. First, the characters take one look at each other and want to jump each others bones to the point of obsession. There's no consensual flirting or emotional connection between the hero and heroine to excuse their blatant disregard of morality, society, and physical safety. The lack of emotional connection between the two made the numerous sex scenes fall completely flat and as well as boring. I skimmed most of them. Second and most importantly, the Hero clearly doesn't know what consent means. The heroine consistently says no to him and not in a coy "we really shouldn't be doing this" way but a "Get out of my room and stop touching me" way. He continues to pursue her anyways although every time she gives in to him he conveniently stops which came across as very juvenile. It seemed like it was all just a childish game for the hero while the heroine had a lot to lose for letting him win. Lastly, the characters were unlikable. I think the hero was suppose to be a seductive alpha male but he came across more like a horny teenager whose plaything was taken away. The heroine is rather pathetic with a sex drive that apparently overrides common sense.
October 10, 2021
3 Stars!
The book is titled Forbidden, if you are expecting a sweet little romance, you would be sadly disappointed.
Plot Summary - Vaughn wants revenge on Rufus the Marquess, for being a horrible father . Elisa is marrying Rufus as he has promised to find her son. Vaughn seduces Elisa, they have sex a bunch of times, Rufus finds out, problem, love prevails, social defiance and HEA.
My Thoughts
- At the outset, if you can accept insta-lust, this book is not that bad. Yes, the story was soft and not paced well, I read it without getting bored, so that's something.
- Semi-erotica masquerading as romance novels are trickly for a reader, we don't know what to expect from the book, especially in the Historical genre; the reason this book did not disappoint me overmuch, is because I had zero expectations.
- The plot, character depth and romance could have been better, but older books (this one was published almost a decade ago) are not too big on plotlines, so I was not bothered with the story.
- I did enjoy Vaughn's character. Elisa was boring. Steam was frequent. The plot had promise. Hence the 3 stars!
My Reccomendation
If you like "bodice-rippers" kinda books, without getting into plot details, this book can be good, an easy afternoon read.
The book is titled Forbidden, if you are expecting a sweet little romance, you would be sadly disappointed.
Plot Summary - Vaughn wants revenge on Rufus the Marquess, for being a horrible father . Elisa is marrying Rufus as he has promised to find her son. Vaughn seduces Elisa, they have sex a bunch of times, Rufus finds out, problem, love prevails, social defiance and HEA.
My Thoughts
- At the outset, if you can accept insta-lust, this book is not that bad. Yes, the story was soft and not paced well, I read it without getting bored, so that's something.
- Semi-erotica masquerading as romance novels are trickly for a reader, we don't know what to expect from the book, especially in the Historical genre; the reason this book did not disappoint me overmuch, is because I had zero expectations.
- The plot, character depth and romance could have been better, but older books (this one was published almost a decade ago) are not too big on plotlines, so I was not bothered with the story.
- I did enjoy Vaughn's character. Elisa was boring. Steam was frequent. The plot had promise. Hence the 3 stars!
My Reccomendation
If you like "bodice-rippers" kinda books, without getting into plot details, this book can be good, an easy afternoon read.
August 11, 2016
I don't like leaving negative reviews. Normally I try to point out as much of the good as possible but Forbidden was disappointing. The characters fell woefully short and I found there was repetition in place of a plot line which was really annoying. It felt as though every other chapter was a recap of why Vaughn and Elisa needed to justify why their lust for each other was a bad thing. I didn't find it romantic. To be truthful, I got pretty bored and ended up skim reading. I'm not sure I'd bother reading either of the authors' other works.
July 21, 2015
Ummmm...no.
July 15, 2016
No. Just no. Between a heroine who didn't know what the hell she wanted and a hero who didn't understand or respect the meaning of the word no, this book was a hot mess. One minute the heroine is a simpering miss, the next she makes a play at being "spirited" and ends up nearly killing herself. The scene with the horse was the nail in the coffin for me...and that was about 30% in. The supposed sexual tension was so over the top that I lost interest. This book was frustrating and stupid.
July 16, 2015
This was a 2.5-star book for me.
* * *
The title of the book is a big clue to the subject of the story: Forbidden explores the almost-illicit relationship between Vaughn Wardell and Elisa, his father's fiancee. After years of estrangement, Vaughn returns to his childhood home to confront his father over the estate he inherited from his mother. It's a reunion that is all bitter and no sweetness -- Vaughn and his father, Rufus, have not seen each other since he was a child -- and the hatred between father and son runs very, very deep.
What news? Why would it be lost to him? Vaughn wants Kirkaldy, his last remaining connection to his mother, and I had the impression that it was really, really important to him and that he was on the brink of losing it if he didn't confront his father -- sadly, this particular plot thread disappears in the bulk of the story as Cooper-Posey and Templeton focus, instead, on the blossoming relationship between Vaughn and Elisa. Elisa is caught in the crossfires between father and son, and I had, at times, wondered if what Vaughn felt for his almost-stepmother was sincere or part of his campaign against his father.
A seduction happens, but who is seducing whom? Vaughn is attracted to Elisa and vice-versa -- and both try to resist the temptation -- I have to admit to feeling the excitement and then frustration when Vaughn and Elisa are together, only to stop themselves at a crucial point, and, I guess, this is really the effect the authors were going for. This scenario happens a few times in the book, where each time Elisa and Vaughn come closer and closer to capitulation, only to discover some sense at the last minute.
Rufus Wardell is the designated villain in this story and, at the beginning, I didn't really understand Vaughn's hatred of his father. Indifference would have been a better emotion, considering he hadn't really seen his father since he was a child. I kept wondering about Rufus as the story progressed and it's only at the end when the true extent of his villainy is revealed. At that point, however, I got the sense it was a bit too little to late. (And felt it was added just to justify the relationship between Vaughn and Elisa.)
I really, really felt sorry for Natasha, who Vaughn pretended to court while he was secretly engaged in an affair with Elisa. Natasha was an innocent, and Vaughn and Elisa should never have involved her, but, I guess when one is in love (or lust), one becomes blind to all other things. The next book, Dangerous Beauty, is about her and I wonder how the authors will make it right by her.
There are a lot of gaps in the story, but what the book does promise is sex (See: "Warning" in the book description. ^_^), and, in that, it delivers.
* * *
The title of the book is a big clue to the subject of the story: Forbidden explores the almost-illicit relationship between Vaughn Wardell and Elisa, his father's fiancee. After years of estrangement, Vaughn returns to his childhood home to confront his father over the estate he inherited from his mother. It's a reunion that is all bitter and no sweetness -- Vaughn and his father, Rufus, have not seen each other since he was a child -- and the hatred between father and son runs very, very deep.
The years he'd spent at Fairleigh Hall had been the worst of his life. Now, at the age of tweny-four [sic], he'd returned to this hideous heap of stone to save his future. His gut clenched as it had when he heard the outrageous news. The thought was a despairing one: Kirkcaldy, his mother's final gift, might be lost to him.
- p. 11
What news? Why would it be lost to him? Vaughn wants Kirkaldy, his last remaining connection to his mother, and I had the impression that it was really, really important to him and that he was on the brink of losing it if he didn't confront his father -- sadly, this particular plot thread disappears in the bulk of the story as Cooper-Posey and Templeton focus, instead, on the blossoming relationship between Vaughn and Elisa. Elisa is caught in the crossfires between father and son, and I had, at times, wondered if what Vaughn felt for his almost-stepmother was sincere or part of his campaign against his father.
"...I want to drown myself in them. In you."
Her pulse jumped alarmingly. "You promised friendship."
"A friend can still desire."
"But not pursue."
- p. 61
A seduction happens, but who is seducing whom? Vaughn is attracted to Elisa and vice-versa -- and both try to resist the temptation -- I have to admit to feeling the excitement and then frustration when Vaughn and Elisa are together, only to stop themselves at a crucial point, and, I guess, this is really the effect the authors were going for. This scenario happens a few times in the book, where each time Elisa and Vaughn come closer and closer to capitulation, only to discover some sense at the last minute.
Rufus Wardell is the designated villain in this story and, at the beginning, I didn't really understand Vaughn's hatred of his father. Indifference would have been a better emotion, considering he hadn't really seen his father since he was a child. I kept wondering about Rufus as the story progressed and it's only at the end when the true extent of his villainy is revealed. At that point, however, I got the sense it was a bit too little to late. (And felt it was added just to justify the relationship between Vaughn and Elisa.)
I really, really felt sorry for Natasha, who Vaughn pretended to court while he was secretly engaged in an affair with Elisa. Natasha was an innocent, and Vaughn and Elisa should never have involved her, but, I guess when one is in love (or lust), one becomes blind to all other things. The next book, Dangerous Beauty, is about her and I wonder how the authors will make it right by her.
There are a lot of gaps in the story, but what the book does promise is sex (See: "Warning" in the book description. ^_^), and, in that, it delivers.
December 22, 2015
Forbidden takes place in England in 1835. Vaughn, the Viscount of Rothmere, comes home to fight his father for his inheritance left to him by his mother. Here he meets Elisa, whom his father has convinced to marry him in exchange for helping her find her son.
Poor Elisa has been ostracized from society because of a bunch of lies. Her son has been stolen from her and she thinks Rufus, the Marquis of Fairleigh, can help her.Vaughn and Elisa are helplessly attracted to each other but are embroiled in a web of lies and deceit.
I love this time period despite all the rules and restrictions of society. The glamour of the balls and house parties draw me in every time. Still, women are confined in a man's world and restricted by their rules. However, this book had something that most historical romance novels do not. A man willing to stand up to society and tell them they are wrong. A man willing to throw their own indiscretions in their faces publicly. Now that is love. A man willing to risk everything including being ostracized from society for the woman he loves. Yes, I am a romantic at heart and this book fed the romantic part of my soul. This book was worth the read and I am looking forward to the next book in the Scandalous Sirens series.
Poor Elisa has been ostracized from society because of a bunch of lies. Her son has been stolen from her and she thinks Rufus, the Marquis of Fairleigh, can help her.Vaughn and Elisa are helplessly attracted to each other but are embroiled in a web of lies and deceit.
I love this time period despite all the rules and restrictions of society. The glamour of the balls and house parties draw me in every time. Still, women are confined in a man's world and restricted by their rules. However, this book had something that most historical romance novels do not. A man willing to stand up to society and tell them they are wrong. A man willing to throw their own indiscretions in their faces publicly. Now that is love. A man willing to risk everything including being ostracized from society for the woman he loves. Yes, I am a romantic at heart and this book fed the romantic part of my soul. This book was worth the read and I am looking forward to the next book in the Scandalous Sirens series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2014
I usually do not read historical romance books, but this one is really well done. The story focuses on a young woman who has been wronged by her husband. He cheated on her a lot and when it caught up to him, the men decided it was better to make her look bad, than put the blame on him. His death was the start to her problems. After losing everything, his family took her son. The only way she could think of to get her son back is to marry someone of wealth who could search for her son. She thought she had found this, and even though the man was cruel, she felt she had no choice, what for her reputation. She meets his long lost son, and a romance begins. The son has no love loss for the father, and that is where this story really gets interesting. With great plot twists and turns, this book held me from page one. I look forward to reading more from this author, and you should give this book a chance. It truly was a wonderful read.
June 28, 2015
Wonderful
I love a writer that may be known to other's and others unknown. So she knows her work is good and offers a free book with the knowledge that her newest reader will now become a fan. Well I am impress, I have read more books in the era that you would find unbelievable but this is my greatest hobby. Saying that you have my attention and I wIll be buying what you have to offer. As for those who have not read your work then here is your chance to read it and give your own review. I am sure you will agree. Enjoy as for the writer may God continue to bless you with great ideas for future stories. Ms. D. From New York City
I love a writer that may be known to other's and others unknown. So she knows her work is good and offers a free book with the knowledge that her newest reader will now become a fan. Well I am impress, I have read more books in the era that you would find unbelievable but this is my greatest hobby. Saying that you have my attention and I wIll be buying what you have to offer. As for those who have not read your work then here is your chance to read it and give your own review. I am sure you will agree. Enjoy as for the writer may God continue to bless you with great ideas for future stories. Ms. D. From New York City
August 20, 2016
Not a typical storyline, and whew...lots of sexual tension in this one.
March 16, 2018
A brilliant romance.
A brilliant tale of true love Really sad in parts. But happy in others. Very sexy all the way through!
A brilliant tale of true love Really sad in parts. But happy in others. Very sexy all the way through!
February 18, 2016
Though they only have one letter in common, love and lust are more closely related than you would imagine.
The large, sprawling and stoic structure, known as Fairleigh House, hasn’t changed in the last century or more; certainly not in the last twenty years since Vaughn Wardell, Viscount Rothmere and only heir to the Marquis of Fairleigh, had last set eyes on it. The sight of his childhood home that he left at the tender age of five to spend the next twelve years in one private college or another didn’t evoke happy childhood memories that most people cherish, but the occasional flash of unhappiness now weaned its way into his thoughts; he hated this place. Constantly reminding himself that he was here on a mission that would secure his future, he squelched nausea that caused the hatred, revulsion, and repulsion to rise in his throat and spew forth like a vomit, too long dormant.
Lord Rufus Wardell, Vaughn’s father, never really liked his son. The reasons for this dislike are his and his alone but the marks of these feelings have left a permanent scar on the boy; now a young man at age twenty-four. Lord Rufus will soon take a new bride and be a new threat to the property destined to go to Vaughn and his task is to stop it.
The precarious position of women, even those landed and titled, was disgustingly obvious in England. King William IV reigns now but over a scant few years his daughter and only heir will ascend the thrown as Victoria and make her mark on England and the rest of the world for the remainder of the nineteenth century, but the position of women in this society will remain frustratingly the same.
Lust at first sight, it does happen but this match is one you won’t likely forget anytime soon. Caught in a trap, Elisa has no other way out. Already condemned and ridiculed by the ton, forgiveness or forget are hardly a reality so she can only bear the burden of shame and try to protect her son, Raymond. The constant, persistent, and tenacious efforts by Vaughn to break through her shaky defenses make her life and position in this house and society almost unbearable.
After reading reviews of other readers (almost exclusively women), I sense a feeling, not unlike the socially powerful men and women of the time, that were fast to condemn her for both her actions and inactions. I prefer to see her as a woman. Alone, scared, vulnerable, and helpless, she did what so many others would do; she followed her heart and exercised her passions.
Alas, to be a landed gentleman of leisure in this age of overindulgence and when the mere sight of a lady’s well-turned ankle would light a flame of unfathomable desire. The sight of the ultimate prize would be increased tenfold. There is much to be said, from a male standpoint, about Victorian England.
This is the result of a long-distance collaboration that took years to successfully and satisfactorily complete. This book is classified as a historical romance with piqué graphically hot and explicit scenes of passion, lust, and love. The forbidden romance builds like a symphonic movement, toward a choler but inevitable crescendo. This story is the child of two mothers and proves to be different. The double feminine effort is sure to double your fun.
The large, sprawling and stoic structure, known as Fairleigh House, hasn’t changed in the last century or more; certainly not in the last twenty years since Vaughn Wardell, Viscount Rothmere and only heir to the Marquis of Fairleigh, had last set eyes on it. The sight of his childhood home that he left at the tender age of five to spend the next twelve years in one private college or another didn’t evoke happy childhood memories that most people cherish, but the occasional flash of unhappiness now weaned its way into his thoughts; he hated this place. Constantly reminding himself that he was here on a mission that would secure his future, he squelched nausea that caused the hatred, revulsion, and repulsion to rise in his throat and spew forth like a vomit, too long dormant.
Lord Rufus Wardell, Vaughn’s father, never really liked his son. The reasons for this dislike are his and his alone but the marks of these feelings have left a permanent scar on the boy; now a young man at age twenty-four. Lord Rufus will soon take a new bride and be a new threat to the property destined to go to Vaughn and his task is to stop it.
The precarious position of women, even those landed and titled, was disgustingly obvious in England. King William IV reigns now but over a scant few years his daughter and only heir will ascend the thrown as Victoria and make her mark on England and the rest of the world for the remainder of the nineteenth century, but the position of women in this society will remain frustratingly the same.
Lust at first sight, it does happen but this match is one you won’t likely forget anytime soon. Caught in a trap, Elisa has no other way out. Already condemned and ridiculed by the ton, forgiveness or forget are hardly a reality so she can only bear the burden of shame and try to protect her son, Raymond. The constant, persistent, and tenacious efforts by Vaughn to break through her shaky defenses make her life and position in this house and society almost unbearable.
After reading reviews of other readers (almost exclusively women), I sense a feeling, not unlike the socially powerful men and women of the time, that were fast to condemn her for both her actions and inactions. I prefer to see her as a woman. Alone, scared, vulnerable, and helpless, she did what so many others would do; she followed her heart and exercised her passions.
Alas, to be a landed gentleman of leisure in this age of overindulgence and when the mere sight of a lady’s well-turned ankle would light a flame of unfathomable desire. The sight of the ultimate prize would be increased tenfold. There is much to be said, from a male standpoint, about Victorian England.
This is the result of a long-distance collaboration that took years to successfully and satisfactorily complete. This book is classified as a historical romance with piqué graphically hot and explicit scenes of passion, lust, and love. The forbidden romance builds like a symphonic movement, toward a choler but inevitable crescendo. This story is the child of two mothers and proves to be different. The double feminine effort is sure to double your fun.
June 26, 2016
Good book
My first historical romance in awhile and I was very anxious to read it because I find it hard to find good books in this genre.
Elisa is to marry Rufus because he's promised to find her son but her world changes when Vaughn shows up. Rufus despise Vaughn even if he's his own son.
I actually liked the story, it was intriguing and sweet and don't forget hot. The writing style is good but I have a little challenge in reading when the words are synonyms that are unknown to me, thank goodness for dictionary on the kindle app.
The love story is well described and I liked how the characters are described, not too over the top but in a way that makes you feel like you know them.
It's a strong 4 stars.
My first historical romance in awhile and I was very anxious to read it because I find it hard to find good books in this genre.
Elisa is to marry Rufus because he's promised to find her son but her world changes when Vaughn shows up. Rufus despise Vaughn even if he's his own son.
I actually liked the story, it was intriguing and sweet and don't forget hot. The writing style is good but I have a little challenge in reading when the words are synonyms that are unknown to me, thank goodness for dictionary on the kindle app.
The love story is well described and I liked how the characters are described, not too over the top but in a way that makes you feel like you know them.
It's a strong 4 stars.
September 8, 2015
Loved it! I loved Vaughn, I loved Elisa, and I loved watching them fall in love. I wanted to knock Rufus over the head with something, anything that would hurt a lot. I loved the ending, that is until it ended. I wasn't ready for it even though I knew it was coming. The ending just felt a little abrupt. To sum it up, I guess you could say, I loved it.
April 7, 2016
Beautiful Elisa has been egregiously used and abused. Now Rufus, with spider-like cruelty holds her son over her head. If she marries the old man he promises to Try to unite her with her son.
So hopeful, she ignores his caveat and jumps into his web. Can his son Vaughn snip the strands and save her?
So hopeful, she ignores his caveat and jumps into his web. Can his son Vaughn snip the strands and save her?
August 11, 2016
Sexual tension runs rampant in this story!
The sensual tension is tangible in this story almost from the start. The story is filled with tense undercurrents and pulls you along. It is a good page turner, however some of the motives and situations seem to be a little contrived. Well worth reading and I would read more from this author.
The sensual tension is tangible in this story almost from the start. The story is filled with tense undercurrents and pulls you along. It is a good page turner, however some of the motives and situations seem to be a little contrived. Well worth reading and I would read more from this author.
July 15, 2015
A great romance...
I enjoyed this historical romance. I hated the things that the main characters went through, but it was all much, much better by the ending. I recommend this book to anyone who love historical romances with a touch of suspense included.
I enjoyed this historical romance. I hated the things that the main characters went through, but it was all much, much better by the ending. I recommend this book to anyone who love historical romances with a touch of suspense included.
July 24, 2015
I didn't think I would like this story due to the first chapter, but I really wanted to finish it due to a friend's suggestion. I am glad I continued because the storyline because much more interesting and the pace picked up.
September 7, 2015
The writing, the storyline
This book was flawless. The characters were so engaging. The storyline was unbelievably emotional and the slow burning romance between Vaughn and Elisa, brought out every emotion I had.
This book was flawless. The characters were so engaging. The storyline was unbelievably emotional and the slow burning romance between Vaughn and Elisa, brought out every emotion I had.
September 15, 2015
Forbidden a great book
I could not put this book down. I love it so much that I read it in one day. This is the first time I read a book by Tracy Cooper-Posey and she has now become one of my favorite authors.
I could not put this book down. I love it so much that I read it in one day. This is the first time I read a book by Tracy Cooper-Posey and she has now become one of my favorite authors.
September 18, 2015
Love Conquers All
This was an excellent book. It tells of how innocent people can be abused and shunned by society friends and family. But love is strong and will overcome the adversity that life brings.
This was an excellent book. It tells of how innocent people can be abused and shunned by society friends and family. But love is strong and will overcome the adversity that life brings.
July 10, 2015
Captivating
I could not put this book down. The writing draws you into this compelling, sensual journey of Elisa and Vaughn.
I could not put this book down. The writing draws you into this compelling, sensual journey of Elisa and Vaughn.
July 20, 2015
I did not like the heroine or the hero. The love scenes(?) were mostly gratuitous.
July 26, 2015
Forbidden
Great story. I tend to think that that this story could have come straight out of our history books. The ending was the best part of all. Loved it. Highly recommended.
Great story. I tend to think that that this story could have come straight out of our history books. The ending was the best part of all. Loved it. Highly recommended.
October 4, 2015
This book kept me spellbound!
Any who enjoy historical romance!
The one thing that I truly wish would be for the book to be longer to see how the town react to Raymund.
Any who enjoy historical romance!
The one thing that I truly wish would be for the book to be longer to see how the town react to Raymund.
October 16, 2015
An entertaining story and a nice way to spend an evening.
July 5, 2016
This book was a true cliff hanger. I couldn't stop reading it , areal page turner. I would recommend this book.
September 16, 2016
My first erotic novel....storyline was good but I was unprepared for the sex. probably not reading it again.
October 24, 2015
This book had a slow-mo clap. Need I say more? lol
October 26, 2019
This story started with a lot of promise, but it never quite delivered for me. Certainly, I expected heated physical chemistry (check), and conflicted feelings (check), but I also expected a developed plot (MIA) and characterization (meh). I was the more disappointed, because I had gone ahead and bought it off a recommended-read list.
This is a Georgian-era romance, so we're out of the Regency, but not quite to Victorian England. I don't know if that's why there seems to be so many muddy characterizations, or overblown stereotypes. They just didn't work.
Elisa vacillates between intense melancholy and despair over her missing son, and equally intense lust for Vaughn. I can't help but think of the Edward Gorey lady in distress, wailing and flailing, despite there being an obvious way out of the predicament. Also, the repetitive lust-angst gets rather silly -- one would think their underpants are in very distinct danger of spontaneously bursting into flames any time their eyes meet.
Vaughn seems undefined, at best. He starts out sounding like a strong character, but his motivation and emotional conflicts get very muddy, very fast, and the character ends up mired down with having a nearly constant erection.
There's an awful lot of "coitus interrupt-us" and "cock-blocking" going on throughout, used as a plot device more than anything else. Whatever the reader might think of Rufus, the erstwhile villain, he is right about Elisa;
So, basic cougar and basic aristocrat have HEA. Just wasn't much of a story there. The final scene is so contrived and utterly fantastical in its outcome, I actually laughed aloud reading it. Called to my mind the ending of "Strictly Ballroom" -- seriously! Sigh...off to continue the search for something with heat, depth, continuity, plot, and something nearing historical accuracy...damn, I hope it's out there somewhere!
This is a Georgian-era romance, so we're out of the Regency, but not quite to Victorian England. I don't know if that's why there seems to be so many muddy characterizations, or overblown stereotypes. They just didn't work.
Elisa vacillates between intense melancholy and despair over her missing son, and equally intense lust for Vaughn. I can't help but think of the Edward Gorey lady in distress, wailing and flailing, despite there being an obvious way out of the predicament. Also, the repetitive lust-angst gets rather silly -- one would think their underpants are in very distinct danger of spontaneously bursting into flames any time their eyes meet.
Vaughn seems undefined, at best. He starts out sounding like a strong character, but his motivation and emotional conflicts get very muddy, very fast, and the character ends up mired down with having a nearly constant erection.
There's an awful lot of "coitus interrupt-us" and "cock-blocking" going on throughout, used as a plot device more than anything else. Whatever the reader might think of Rufus, the erstwhile villain, he is right about Elisa;
So, basic cougar and basic aristocrat have HEA. Just wasn't much of a story there. The final scene is so contrived and utterly fantastical in its outcome, I actually laughed aloud reading it. Called to my mind the ending of "Strictly Ballroom" -- seriously! Sigh...off to continue the search for something with heat, depth, continuity, plot, and something nearing historical accuracy...damn, I hope it's out there somewhere!
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