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When Hearts Dare #1
Celine
He stepped off a jewel of a sternwheeler onto one of the most beautiful plantations in all of Louisiana. And into her life.
Celine's breath caught in her throat. Heat smoldered in her belly. What a sensual man. The scion of the Andrews family carried an aura of personal magnetism so powerful, a sensation close to fright swept through her. She stood still and aloof, masking her emotions. His intense gaze seemed almost a physical touch. She held her head at a proud, haughty angle, not flinching from his bold scrutiny.
In seconds, Trevor regained his cool, casual air. A lusty grin caught at the corners of his mouth, and fire danced in his eyes as he bent ever so slightly at the waist, tipped an imaginary hat, and strode casually into the house.
She would never be the same...
From Plantation era New Orleans to the untamed American West, here is the sweeping, unforgettable tale of a headstrong young beauty and the man she is destined to love.
Celine's breath caught in her throat. Heat smoldered in her belly. What a sensual man. The scion of the Andrews family carried an aura of personal magnetism so powerful, a sensation close to fright swept through her. She stood still and aloof, masking her emotions. His intense gaze seemed almost a physical touch. She held her head at a proud, haughty angle, not flinching from his bold scrutiny.
In seconds, Trevor regained his cool, casual air. A lusty grin caught at the corners of his mouth, and fire danced in his eyes as he bent ever so slightly at the waist, tipped an imaginary hat, and strode casually into the house.
She would never be the same...
From Plantation era New Orleans to the untamed American West, here is the sweeping, unforgettable tale of a headstrong young beauty and the man she is destined to love.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
20 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Bittner Roth
10 books191 followersKathleen Bittner Roth creates passionate stories featuring characters faced with difficult choices, and who are forced to draw on their strength of spirit to overcome adversity and find unending love. Her own fairy tale wedding in a Scottish castle led her to her current residence in Budapest, Hungary, considered one of Europe’s most romantic cities. However, she still keeps one boot firmly in Texas and the other in her home state of Minnesota. A PAN member of Romance Writers of America®, she was a 2012 Golden Heart® finalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 19, 2015
4.5 'left me smiling and wanting more' stars!
Celine is the first book in Kathleen Bittner Roth's When Hearts Dare series, and an absolutely wonderful story! It's refreshingly unique, romantic, sexy, and exciting!
Description...
He stepped off a jewel of a sternwheeler onto one of the most beautiful plantations in all of Louisiana. And into her life.
Celine's breath caught in her throat. Heat smoldered in her belly. What a sensual man. The scion of the Andrews family carried an aura of personal magnetism so powerful, a sensation close to fright swept through her. She stood still and aloof, masking her emotions. His intense gaze seemed almost a physical touch. She held her head at a proud, haughty angle, not flinching from his bold scrutiny.
In seconds, Trevor regained his cool, casual air. A lusty grin caught at the corners of his mouth, and fire danced in his eyes as he bent ever so slightly at the waist, tipped an imaginary hat, and strode casually into the house.
She would never be the same...
From Plantation era New Orleans to the untamed American West, here is the sweeping, unforgettable tale of a headstrong young beauty and the man she is destined to love.
My quick review...
Historical Romance is probably my favorite genre because not only do I get a great love story, I get to experience it while being swept away to another time and place, and I'm thrilled to tell you that that's exactly the kind story Celine is.
Like other reviewers have said, and it's true, the story could have ended at about the 70% mark, but I'm so glad it didn't because, in my opinion, we got a happily ever after that, had it taken place any sooner, would have felt forced. And add to that, the final scenes in the book are beautiful and I'm glad I didn't miss them.
The bottom line...
I'm thrilled to have found another Historical Romance author who doesn't rely on all the usual plot props inherent in the genre. I've already read book two, Alanna, and just hope there'll be more in this series! Cameron needs a story and I hope he gets it soon!
My sincerest thanks to Kensington/Zebra Publishers for granting my request to read this wonderful story! To show my appreciation for their generosity, I'm giving them an honest review.
October 7, 2014
The first romance novels I read were those old, 80s-era historicals. While I still love historical romance, I miss those books, darn it, for their scope, their sweep and their varied settings.
So I was really happy that Kensington picked up this new series that promises a trip down memory lane without some of the negative aspects of those pre-PC stories. With its pre-Civil War, old-South setting, Celine is a book that recaptures that feeling without the more negative aspects of those older romances. The sexual chemistry between the leads is right up the dial from the moment they meet, and you’ll find the sorts of situation you’d expect in one of those old plantations. Hero sneaking into the heroine’s bedchamber via the balcony? Oh yeah. But the story doesn’t remain there. It encompasses the Oregon Trail, encounters with Native American culture, and ends up in unexpected places with plenty of twists along the way. Sweep you have in spades. What you won’t find here is a forced seduction as Trevor and Celine work their way towards their happy ending. And by the time they get there, they have truly worked, changed, and gone through hell.
So I was really happy that Kensington picked up this new series that promises a trip down memory lane without some of the negative aspects of those pre-PC stories. With its pre-Civil War, old-South setting, Celine is a book that recaptures that feeling without the more negative aspects of those older romances. The sexual chemistry between the leads is right up the dial from the moment they meet, and you’ll find the sorts of situation you’d expect in one of those old plantations. Hero sneaking into the heroine’s bedchamber via the balcony? Oh yeah. But the story doesn’t remain there. It encompasses the Oregon Trail, encounters with Native American culture, and ends up in unexpected places with plenty of twists along the way. Sweep you have in spades. What you won’t find here is a forced seduction as Trevor and Celine work their way towards their happy ending. And by the time they get there, they have truly worked, changed, and gone through hell.
August 20, 2014
Copy received via Netgalley + Publisher
2 Stars
Find more reviews on No Bent Spines
Full Review
I almost feel bad giving this book a two-star review. This book could have oh so very easily been a four, four point five star book if it had stopped somewhere around fifty or fifty five percent. After there, it just seemed forced and, to be honest, I was disappointed. Especially since everything before that was really good. I kept looking at the percent finished in the bottom corner of my Kindle screen and wondering if maybe it was a glitch. But, no. It just kept going on. To explain why I am so freaking frustrated, I will be spoiling just a bit. BUT THERE WILL BE WARNINGS AND I’LL MAKE THE SPOILERY TEXT WHITE ON MY BLOG SO DON’T LEAVE!
Now that I’ve said all that, let me back up a little bit and explain what the heck is going on here.
After a tragedy that caused her to lose her husband, child and father-in-law, the only family she has left in the world, Celine is lost and broken. Justin, the father to the love interest in the book, finds Celine and takes her in, takes care of her and gives her a place to live while she gets all her chicken in line. The longer she stays at the family’s lovely plantation (can I live on a plantation? I mean the house the land *starry eyes*) the more the family grows to love her. The less they want her to leave. And then the oldest son comes homes and stirs everything up. Suddenly, nothing is as clear as they once were to Celine.
The sexual tension in the first part of this book, y’all. I mean it was something to behold. And it was really amusing. I found their characters very life like and both of them really likeable. They seemed real. I loved the interactions with the minor characters they had. LIKE THE DRESSMAKER AND LINDSEY! I LOVE THEM, Y’ALL! Those two were my favorite. None of the characters in this book were lacking a backbone. I mean yes, they had their moments, but doesn’t everyone?
If you’ve noticed, I haven’t actually said anything too bad about to the book. So are you wondering why I’m giving it such a low rating? It’s because I pretty much hate the whole second part of the book. There were a lot of miracles (I don’t even know if that’s the right word) that I felt just shouldn’t have happened. Like
The second part of the book had Wolf, who I really did like. He was a great character. But I would have gladly sacrificed him if the book would have just stopped where I though it should have instead of going on. And just not have some of the things happened that did happen.
So basically, this was a really well-written book. The writing, word choice, characters were all pretty great. It’s just I was mad half of the book.
2 Stars
Find more reviews on No Bent Spines
Full Review
I almost feel bad giving this book a two-star review. This book could have oh so very easily been a four, four point five star book if it had stopped somewhere around fifty or fifty five percent. After there, it just seemed forced and, to be honest, I was disappointed. Especially since everything before that was really good. I kept looking at the percent finished in the bottom corner of my Kindle screen and wondering if maybe it was a glitch. But, no. It just kept going on. To explain why I am so freaking frustrated, I will be spoiling just a bit. BUT THERE WILL BE WARNINGS AND I’LL MAKE THE SPOILERY TEXT WHITE ON MY BLOG SO DON’T LEAVE!
Now that I’ve said all that, let me back up a little bit and explain what the heck is going on here.
After a tragedy that caused her to lose her husband, child and father-in-law, the only family she has left in the world, Celine is lost and broken. Justin, the father to the love interest in the book, finds Celine and takes her in, takes care of her and gives her a place to live while she gets all her chicken in line. The longer she stays at the family’s lovely plantation (can I live on a plantation? I mean the house the land *starry eyes*) the more the family grows to love her. The less they want her to leave. And then the oldest son comes homes and stirs everything up. Suddenly, nothing is as clear as they once were to Celine.
The sexual tension in the first part of this book, y’all. I mean it was something to behold. And it was really amusing. I found their characters very life like and both of them really likeable. They seemed real. I loved the interactions with the minor characters they had. LIKE THE DRESSMAKER AND LINDSEY! I LOVE THEM, Y’ALL! Those two were my favorite. None of the characters in this book were lacking a backbone. I mean yes, they had their moments, but doesn’t everyone?
If you’ve noticed, I haven’t actually said anything too bad about to the book. So are you wondering why I’m giving it such a low rating? It’s because I pretty much hate the whole second part of the book. There were a lot of miracles (I don’t even know if that’s the right word) that I felt just shouldn’t have happened. Like
The second part of the book had Wolf, who I really did like. He was a great character. But I would have gladly sacrificed him if the book would have just stopped where I though it should have instead of going on. And just not have some of the things happened that did happen.
So basically, this was a really well-written book. The writing, word choice, characters were all pretty great. It’s just I was mad half of the book.
August 30, 2015
Celine, the steamy first novel in the When Hearts Dare series by Kathleen Bittner Roth, begins in mid-1800s Louisiana. Celine Kirkland, who lost her husband and unborn baby in a horrible accident, went to live on the Carlton Oaks Plantation with Justin Andrews and his family. When cousins Trevor and Cameron Andrews, sea merchants and best friends, return to the plantation, both are quite taken with the beautiful young widow. Celine finds herself strongly drawn to Trevor, but she is hesitant to get involved with him. Trevor begins pursuing Celine, and each new sensual encounter with him, leaves Celine less able to resist his charms.
Celine is a very sympathetic heroine as we see her life almost destroyed after the accident. She is a strong woman, however, and we watch her gain strength and confidence as she struggles with her desire for Trevor. Life has even more unexpected twists and turns for Celine, however, which even include an interlude with Native Americans, and it all leads to an exciting and satisfying conclusion.
This was the first book I’ve read by Ms. Roth, and I was fascinated by her wonderful descriptions. It was very easy to have a picture in my mind of the plantation, a ball that was held, the ships in the harbor, etc. I do wish, however, that the relationship between Trevor and Celine, outside of their sexual encounters, could have been a little better developed in the first half of the book.
I’m giving Celine four stars for the author’s rich descriptions, the sympathetic heroine, and the settings that range from the Lousiana plantation to Native American settlements in the west.
Originally reviewed for Buried Under Romance www.buriedunderromance.com. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Celine is a very sympathetic heroine as we see her life almost destroyed after the accident. She is a strong woman, however, and we watch her gain strength and confidence as she struggles with her desire for Trevor. Life has even more unexpected twists and turns for Celine, however, which even include an interlude with Native Americans, and it all leads to an exciting and satisfying conclusion.
This was the first book I’ve read by Ms. Roth, and I was fascinated by her wonderful descriptions. It was very easy to have a picture in my mind of the plantation, a ball that was held, the ships in the harbor, etc. I do wish, however, that the relationship between Trevor and Celine, outside of their sexual encounters, could have been a little better developed in the first half of the book.
I’m giving Celine four stars for the author’s rich descriptions, the sympathetic heroine, and the settings that range from the Lousiana plantation to Native American settlements in the west.
Originally reviewed for Buried Under Romance www.buriedunderromance.com. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 10, 2017
I love Kathleen Bittner Roth because she reminds me so much of Kathleen Woodiwiss. Beautiful love stories set against exciting backdrops sweep me away. Once you start a KBR novel, you won't be able to put it down until you're finished. And Celine is one of her best!
January 9, 2015
Great characters, heartfelt romance, tremendous scope and an unusual setting (the American South and West before the Civil War) make this a must read for historical romance fans. The book's only drawback is that it's too short--I didn't want it to end!
November 5, 2015
I really enjoyed this book but the ending seemed to wrap up really fast. For as much detail and dialogue was in the beginning half, the second half everything was just jumbled together. I felt there could have been more effort taken to develop some of the later characters and story line.
July 16, 2017
The first 3/4 of the book I would rate a 3 - 1/2 stars. However, the last 1/4 of the book, it was just too much drama and it just didn't fit the characters' personality.
October 10, 2014
Posted on What I'm Reading
First off, you have Celine who has been through hell and back. At the beginning of the story, she's attending a funeral for her mother-in-law and the day gets worse when she loses the baby, her husband, and father-in-law. Then it jumps a year ahead, and we find Celine living with the Andrews family. Anyway, Trevor comes back to the plantation, sees Celine, and instantly feels a pull towards her. However, she's not sure what think of Trevor, because all the negative things she hears about him. There's also Cameron, Trevor's cousin, and he finds Celine attractive. My first thought was crap not a love triangle. Seriously, I'm not a fan of those things. As the story progresses, its not. Phew. I'm not kidding I can't handle love triangles.
Anyway, Trevor and Celine feel this attraction to one another, but they don't know how to deal with it. So, there is a lot of stupidity that goes on between these two. They tend to play mind games, but no one is really in control of the games. There is huge misunderstanding between these two and it's a wonder how these two even get together by the end of the story.
However, Celine is a beautifully written story. Yes, the some of the antics between Celine and Trevor are a bit tedious at times, but overall a good read. The start was little slow, but not long after the start did it grab my attention. So, if you don't mind starting of in a southern plantation and heading out west, you might enjoy Celine.
Copy provide by Zebra via NetGalley
First off, you have Celine who has been through hell and back. At the beginning of the story, she's attending a funeral for her mother-in-law and the day gets worse when she loses the baby, her husband, and father-in-law. Then it jumps a year ahead, and we find Celine living with the Andrews family. Anyway, Trevor comes back to the plantation, sees Celine, and instantly feels a pull towards her. However, she's not sure what think of Trevor, because all the negative things she hears about him. There's also Cameron, Trevor's cousin, and he finds Celine attractive. My first thought was crap not a love triangle. Seriously, I'm not a fan of those things. As the story progresses, its not. Phew. I'm not kidding I can't handle love triangles.
Anyway, Trevor and Celine feel this attraction to one another, but they don't know how to deal with it. So, there is a lot of stupidity that goes on between these two. They tend to play mind games, but no one is really in control of the games. There is huge misunderstanding between these two and it's a wonder how these two even get together by the end of the story.
However, Celine is a beautifully written story. Yes, the some of the antics between Celine and Trevor are a bit tedious at times, but overall a good read. The start was little slow, but not long after the start did it grab my attention. So, if you don't mind starting of in a southern plantation and heading out west, you might enjoy Celine.
Copy provide by Zebra via NetGalley
November 19, 2014
This the first book in the When Hearts Dare Series. This book seize and conquer my attention from beginning to end. Celine Kirkland had so many tragedies in her young life. When handsome devil, Trevor Andrews comes home from England. Her resolve and confidence gets tested when Trevor is around. I truly enjoyed Ms. Roth lyrical writing. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru NetGalley for an honest review.
January 10, 2015
Celine by Kathleen Bitter Roth was a delight to read! So refreshing to read a sweeping love story set in the Mid-1800's in New Orleans that soon embarks onto the Oregon Trail. The descriptions are vivid and lush. And the details about the Native Americans so compelling, you'll feel you are living the high adventures right along with the characters.
Kathleen Bittner Roth has become an auto-buy author for me! Enjoy!
Kathleen Bittner Roth has become an auto-buy author for me! Enjoy!
September 15, 2014
I could not put down this novel. The detail and the drama kept me glued to the pages. The plot takes place in historical Louisiana. There is quite a bit of family drama, action, as well as romance. The love or romance really did not take full effect until the middle of the book, but it had me glued to the pages. I totally recommend reading this book!
October 6, 2014
I loved the New Orleans and San Francisco settings in "Celine", as well as the strong independent heroine whose character is tested. The chemistry between Celine and Trevor is so sexy and delicious you'll want to savor it. A very satisfying start to this series!
October 6, 2014
My complete review is posted on Romance @ Random but the short story is, I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to dive into Wolf's book next!
July 8, 2015
Wonderful Story! A captivating tale about two Lonely souls afraid to love, to trust, and of getting hurt. The many twists and turns kept me glued to the pages. Great way to start a series!
October 7, 2014
Celine by Kathleen Bittner Roth
Overview by Amazon:
He stepped off a jewel of a sternwheeler onto one of the most beautiful plantations in all of Louisiana. And into her life. Celine's breath caught in her throat. Heat smoldered in her belly. What a sensual man. The scion of the Andrews family carried an aura of personal magnetism so powerful, a sensation close to fright swept through her. She stood still and aloof, masking her emotions. His intense gaze seemed almost a physical touch. She held her head at a proud, haughty angle, not flinching from his bold scrutiny. In seconds, Trevor regained his cool, casual air. A lusty grin caught at the corners of his mouth, and fire danced in his eyes as he bent ever so slightly at the waist, tipped an imaginary hat, and strode casually into the house. She would never be the same...
This is a sweeping epic novel. It’s the kind of book that makes you think, “this must be resolved…this must be the end…where on earth is this story going?” It’s the tale of a young widow and her soul mate. They meet each other at his family’s plantation in New Orleans after she has been widowed and lost her unborn child. Justin, the patriarch of the family, takes her in and for over a year has helped her heal. When his adventuring son, Trevor comes home the sparks begin to fly.
Trevor and his cousin Cameron close as brothers and business partners in their shipping line, both want Celine. She is beautiful, haunting and seems like a fragment of time about to evaporate. Celine is fearful of Trevor. He stirs something in her so deep that she runs screaming from it. It’s more than passion; it’s like seeing the other half of what will complete you. Cameron doesn’t frighten her, yet she is scared of him because of the tension between Trevor and Cameron who compete for her interest.
Trevor and Celine build the foundation of their relationship at Carlton Oaks. They come to know one another, flirt and eventually consummate their passion. However, like all good historical romance novels, there are problems. Celine is barren after losing her child in the carriage accident. She wants to get away from New Orleans and start fresh in San Francisco with her friend. She feels that Trevor isn’t the man for her because he either burns too bright or turns cold as ice. Trevor has enjoyed the life of a captain of a ship. He has no intention of settling down. Celine could be his mistress, but not his wife. He can be childish, spending time with other woman to hurt her or staying away to punish her for demanding more. While at the plantation, the two can’t seem to fit the puzzle pieces together.
As Celine is about to embark on her ship to San Francisco, Trevor won the quest to captain the ship. Through miscommunication, Celine believes that he is doing this to make her his mistress in full. She runs way, even though Trevor had very honourable intentions before they set foot on the ship.
The rest of the saga is how these two lovers reunite. With the option of sailing gone, Celine makes her way to San Francisco over land. This is fraught with danger and she ends up being captured by Indians. I use the word Indian, because at the time, this is what they were referred to, not as First Nations people. Trevor chases after her and meets an interesting tracker named Wolf. The two of them almost have her in their grasp, when they too meet misfortune at the hands of the Indians.
Celine is taken to White Feather’s home territory where she is treated well. She longs for Trevor who she believes is dead. She is still determined to make it to her destination, although it takes some time as she is carrying his child. For a woman who believed she was barren and her lover is dead, she calls upon all the strength and fortitude she has to get back to safety.
It takes Trevor longer to reach San Francisco and along the way, he truly realizes how much he loves Celine. He knows that if she is still alive that all his grand plans of sailing to China will be forgotten. He knows she is the missing piece in his life.
This story was a grand adventure. Every time you thought it was resolved, another incident, another mishap, another miscommunication occurred and sometimes you wanted to groan with frustration. But the lengths Celine and Trevor went through to be together makes their homecoming so sweet. They both grew as characters and they became better people. By the end of the novel, the author is no longer describing attributes to Trevor about his looks, but rather his strength of character and consideration.
I enjoyed the depth of research that went into this novel. From the daily life of plantation living, the talk of the impending troubles in the south over slaves, to the lives of Native Americans and their traditions. The author made you feel that you were really on the humid, hazy plantation in New Orleans or wandering the dusty streets of Missouri. The imagery and attention to details made this story realistic and not just one grand chase around the United States. She accurately describes how difficult travel was back then and how treacherous it could be whether a man or woman.
I enjoyed this book. It felt exhausting, yet exhilarating to read. When Trevor and Celine get their happily ever after, you feel as though they both really deserved the moment. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com Thank you Net Galley for an advanced copy.
Overview by Amazon:
He stepped off a jewel of a sternwheeler onto one of the most beautiful plantations in all of Louisiana. And into her life. Celine's breath caught in her throat. Heat smoldered in her belly. What a sensual man. The scion of the Andrews family carried an aura of personal magnetism so powerful, a sensation close to fright swept through her. She stood still and aloof, masking her emotions. His intense gaze seemed almost a physical touch. She held her head at a proud, haughty angle, not flinching from his bold scrutiny. In seconds, Trevor regained his cool, casual air. A lusty grin caught at the corners of his mouth, and fire danced in his eyes as he bent ever so slightly at the waist, tipped an imaginary hat, and strode casually into the house. She would never be the same...
This is a sweeping epic novel. It’s the kind of book that makes you think, “this must be resolved…this must be the end…where on earth is this story going?” It’s the tale of a young widow and her soul mate. They meet each other at his family’s plantation in New Orleans after she has been widowed and lost her unborn child. Justin, the patriarch of the family, takes her in and for over a year has helped her heal. When his adventuring son, Trevor comes home the sparks begin to fly.
Trevor and his cousin Cameron close as brothers and business partners in their shipping line, both want Celine. She is beautiful, haunting and seems like a fragment of time about to evaporate. Celine is fearful of Trevor. He stirs something in her so deep that she runs screaming from it. It’s more than passion; it’s like seeing the other half of what will complete you. Cameron doesn’t frighten her, yet she is scared of him because of the tension between Trevor and Cameron who compete for her interest.
Trevor and Celine build the foundation of their relationship at Carlton Oaks. They come to know one another, flirt and eventually consummate their passion. However, like all good historical romance novels, there are problems. Celine is barren after losing her child in the carriage accident. She wants to get away from New Orleans and start fresh in San Francisco with her friend. She feels that Trevor isn’t the man for her because he either burns too bright or turns cold as ice. Trevor has enjoyed the life of a captain of a ship. He has no intention of settling down. Celine could be his mistress, but not his wife. He can be childish, spending time with other woman to hurt her or staying away to punish her for demanding more. While at the plantation, the two can’t seem to fit the puzzle pieces together.
As Celine is about to embark on her ship to San Francisco, Trevor won the quest to captain the ship. Through miscommunication, Celine believes that he is doing this to make her his mistress in full. She runs way, even though Trevor had very honourable intentions before they set foot on the ship.
The rest of the saga is how these two lovers reunite. With the option of sailing gone, Celine makes her way to San Francisco over land. This is fraught with danger and she ends up being captured by Indians. I use the word Indian, because at the time, this is what they were referred to, not as First Nations people. Trevor chases after her and meets an interesting tracker named Wolf. The two of them almost have her in their grasp, when they too meet misfortune at the hands of the Indians.
Celine is taken to White Feather’s home territory where she is treated well. She longs for Trevor who she believes is dead. She is still determined to make it to her destination, although it takes some time as she is carrying his child. For a woman who believed she was barren and her lover is dead, she calls upon all the strength and fortitude she has to get back to safety.
It takes Trevor longer to reach San Francisco and along the way, he truly realizes how much he loves Celine. He knows that if she is still alive that all his grand plans of sailing to China will be forgotten. He knows she is the missing piece in his life.
This story was a grand adventure. Every time you thought it was resolved, another incident, another mishap, another miscommunication occurred and sometimes you wanted to groan with frustration. But the lengths Celine and Trevor went through to be together makes their homecoming so sweet. They both grew as characters and they became better people. By the end of the novel, the author is no longer describing attributes to Trevor about his looks, but rather his strength of character and consideration.
I enjoyed the depth of research that went into this novel. From the daily life of plantation living, the talk of the impending troubles in the south over slaves, to the lives of Native Americans and their traditions. The author made you feel that you were really on the humid, hazy plantation in New Orleans or wandering the dusty streets of Missouri. The imagery and attention to details made this story realistic and not just one grand chase around the United States. She accurately describes how difficult travel was back then and how treacherous it could be whether a man or woman.
I enjoyed this book. It felt exhausting, yet exhilarating to read. When Trevor and Celine get their happily ever after, you feel as though they both really deserved the moment. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com Thank you Net Galley for an advanced copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2024
Overall it was an decent book, with good characters and expansive settings. Just when you thought the story was going to end at 2/3 of the book, there is a twist and it changed into another story. I was frustrated at the jarring transition at first, but then the story got interesting again. The book seemed a bit too long in the last 1/3 parts, almost becoming an epic. The ending seemed abrupt. I would've liked to savor the sweet ending a bit longer.
July 11, 2020
DNF at 80%
This started off really good, the first half felt like a really cute 4-5 star book like honestly really good and then it took a phat turn and now there’s this whole other thing happening and i’m just not having a good time reading it anymore. I normally don’t put DNFs as read but i got over half in this one so I’m including it
This started off really good, the first half felt like a really cute 4-5 star book like honestly really good and then it took a phat turn and now there’s this whole other thing happening and i’m just not having a good time reading it anymore. I normally don’t put DNFs as read but i got over half in this one so I’m including it
December 25, 2019
The more I read Historical romances the more I enjoy them.
The love story between Celine and Trevor was a journey but a lovely one in deed
The love story between Celine and Trevor was a journey but a lovely one in deed
May 23, 2021
Just relax and enjoy.
It made me smile and think of things in the past.
A great story that keep me going.
I lovely read
It made me smile and think of things in the past.
A great story that keep me going.
I lovely read
May 25, 2021
Oh Celine! Innocent yet fiercely desirable... poignantly approachable yet she holds back her heart until almost too late!! Achingly vulnerable
October 6, 2014
To find their true soul mates, a sassy Southern Belle & a wealth shipping magnet must travel a path through love, jealousy, stupidity, misunderstandings & even across the untamed wilds of America!
Pregnant Celine Kirkland buried her mother-in-law in the unforgiving Louisiana downpour, climbed aboard the carriage with her hubby & father-in-law & on their way home tragedy struck. While trapped under a carriage wheel, she stared into the dead eyes of her hubby & gave birth to dead child in the rising river until she was rescued. Justin Andrews lost his eldest daughter & as a friend of hubby's dad, took Celine into his family home & over the their mutual grieving, she became the family of his heart. Within the last 12 months, the Andrews family has won a place in her heart, but she is ready for next step & plans to go to San Francisco to stay with her BF from childhood, Dianah, after her Bday ball at Carlton Oaks.
Trevor Andrews is the eldest son, has lots of brothers, his cousin, uncle & only 1 spoiled sister in his large & loving family. He is the head of his family shipping company, has traveled the world & has came home to await the delivery of their newest clipper ship, before he takes the maiden voyage to China. But what he finds at his family plantation, Carlton Oaks, is a gorgeous woman with sad, but sultry green eyes.
Celine sees the scoundrel Trevor from the balcony, their eyes lock & she feels it down to her curled toes & he feels it straight to his cojones. Trevor isn't the only new addition to the family gathering, but his BF & Cousin Cameron is also slightly smitten with the pretty widow. Trevor pushes, pulls & twists her into a web of seduction, but she refuses to be another of his conquest. As a terrible thunderstorm comes, Celine is helpless with terror, dosed with laudanum & unknown to her, soothed by none other than Trevor. Everything changes after that, as Celine discover her inner BAD GIRL, she plans to seduce him & then hop aboard the next ship to San Francisco. With a few stolen pantalettes dropping kisses, thumpty thump heart caresses & quivering girlie parts, Trevor stirs up her world & awakens her dead heart, but she rocks his foundation & cracks up his walled up heart!
With insane misunderstands, another terror filled storm, a ho of a widow, a night of hot, raw & dominant loving, too many jealousies to count, a pair of dueling pistols & a male ego the size of the Mississippi to send a girl packing for the West! Celine races to get away to only wound up in trouble, with Trevor on her heels, a mysterious tracker named Wolf, a wagon train, Indians afoot, a well placed arrow, snail paced mail & a fast Boston clipper ship to make this romance hit the dusty road for the unknown West! Can Celine get out of the trouble she is in? Does she even want to? Will Trevor raise HADES to find her? Is a relationship possible with China in Trevor future? Who is this mysterious Wolf & how can he help? Who fought in a duel?
This is my 3rd book by Ms. Roth & that are all so different from each other, but she touched the hidden places in my heart & made me CRY UGLY! All the sassy Southern Belles I have had the pleasure to have as friends, are unique creatures with their polished manners, endless cheer, gigantic hearts & if you make them mad, BOOM, you had better have a will ready! Celine lost so many people during her young life, but how she got up each day was a testament of her strong inner strength (that I called her Steel MagnoliaNESS)! She protected her bitterly fragile heart by wrapping it up in cotton & that was just 1 reason why she was a true sister of my heart! Trevor was my 1st Southern rake/rogue, but he could put a Duke to shame! And like all rake/rogues when they fall it is hard, fast, messy & they always screw it up with use their heads instead of their hearts. Trevor didn't only not use his head or heart, but he unleashed his massive EGO & let her slip thru his fingers! I will be honest & say that at some points in this tale Ms. Roth took me into many an unseen twists, turns & rutted paths that seem kinda iffy to me, but the romance was so worth the bump, dusty & uncomfortable ride! Ms. Roth didn't just write about sweet & spicy burn passions between them, but she made Celine & Trevor spoke to me using their bodies as they tangled lips, tongues, legs & finally their hearts together! The Andrews family was a character in it self with their large, caring & loud selves that were meddling PITAs (pain in the a$$es) & they will always have a special place in my own personal book COSMO! Now Wolf was an interesting character with a mysterious background that is in Ms. Roth's next book in this When Hearts Dare series, Alanna, & I can't wait for that romance! Again Ms. Roth has WOWED me with yet another totally different romance filled with UNEXPECTED, so I give her my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes, AGAIN!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
Pregnant Celine Kirkland buried her mother-in-law in the unforgiving Louisiana downpour, climbed aboard the carriage with her hubby & father-in-law & on their way home tragedy struck. While trapped under a carriage wheel, she stared into the dead eyes of her hubby & gave birth to dead child in the rising river until she was rescued. Justin Andrews lost his eldest daughter & as a friend of hubby's dad, took Celine into his family home & over the their mutual grieving, she became the family of his heart. Within the last 12 months, the Andrews family has won a place in her heart, but she is ready for next step & plans to go to San Francisco to stay with her BF from childhood, Dianah, after her Bday ball at Carlton Oaks.
Trevor Andrews is the eldest son, has lots of brothers, his cousin, uncle & only 1 spoiled sister in his large & loving family. He is the head of his family shipping company, has traveled the world & has came home to await the delivery of their newest clipper ship, before he takes the maiden voyage to China. But what he finds at his family plantation, Carlton Oaks, is a gorgeous woman with sad, but sultry green eyes.
Celine sees the scoundrel Trevor from the balcony, their eyes lock & she feels it down to her curled toes & he feels it straight to his cojones. Trevor isn't the only new addition to the family gathering, but his BF & Cousin Cameron is also slightly smitten with the pretty widow. Trevor pushes, pulls & twists her into a web of seduction, but she refuses to be another of his conquest. As a terrible thunderstorm comes, Celine is helpless with terror, dosed with laudanum & unknown to her, soothed by none other than Trevor. Everything changes after that, as Celine discover her inner BAD GIRL, she plans to seduce him & then hop aboard the next ship to San Francisco. With a few stolen pantalettes dropping kisses, thumpty thump heart caresses & quivering girlie parts, Trevor stirs up her world & awakens her dead heart, but she rocks his foundation & cracks up his walled up heart!
With insane misunderstands, another terror filled storm, a ho of a widow, a night of hot, raw & dominant loving, too many jealousies to count, a pair of dueling pistols & a male ego the size of the Mississippi to send a girl packing for the West! Celine races to get away to only wound up in trouble, with Trevor on her heels, a mysterious tracker named Wolf, a wagon train, Indians afoot, a well placed arrow, snail paced mail & a fast Boston clipper ship to make this romance hit the dusty road for the unknown West! Can Celine get out of the trouble she is in? Does she even want to? Will Trevor raise HADES to find her? Is a relationship possible with China in Trevor future? Who is this mysterious Wolf & how can he help? Who fought in a duel?
This is my 3rd book by Ms. Roth & that are all so different from each other, but she touched the hidden places in my heart & made me CRY UGLY! All the sassy Southern Belles I have had the pleasure to have as friends, are unique creatures with their polished manners, endless cheer, gigantic hearts & if you make them mad, BOOM, you had better have a will ready! Celine lost so many people during her young life, but how she got up each day was a testament of her strong inner strength (that I called her Steel MagnoliaNESS)! She protected her bitterly fragile heart by wrapping it up in cotton & that was just 1 reason why she was a true sister of my heart! Trevor was my 1st Southern rake/rogue, but he could put a Duke to shame! And like all rake/rogues when they fall it is hard, fast, messy & they always screw it up with use their heads instead of their hearts. Trevor didn't only not use his head or heart, but he unleashed his massive EGO & let her slip thru his fingers! I will be honest & say that at some points in this tale Ms. Roth took me into many an unseen twists, turns & rutted paths that seem kinda iffy to me, but the romance was so worth the bump, dusty & uncomfortable ride! Ms. Roth didn't just write about sweet & spicy burn passions between them, but she made Celine & Trevor spoke to me using their bodies as they tangled lips, tongues, legs & finally their hearts together! The Andrews family was a character in it self with their large, caring & loud selves that were meddling PITAs (pain in the a$$es) & they will always have a special place in my own personal book COSMO! Now Wolf was an interesting character with a mysterious background that is in Ms. Roth's next book in this When Hearts Dare series, Alanna, & I can't wait for that romance! Again Ms. Roth has WOWED me with yet another totally different romance filled with UNEXPECTED, so I give her my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes, AGAIN!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
January 11, 2016
The story takes place in the lush antebellum Louisiana territory during the pre-civil war period. We are first introduced to Celine, a young mother-to-be, her husband, and her father-in-law as they are riding back from the funeral of her mother-in-law. A horrible summer storm takes place and the winds jackknife the wagon into a nearby bayou or swamp. Celine's husband and her unborn child are killed. Her father-in-law's body is never found, but a grave is provided to him. (That leaves his character open, I guess to re-emerge). Celine is left there among active moccasins, cold water, stormy winds and dead bodies. It is among all this that she gives birth to her child, alone. A horrible scene, to be sure. And while Celine survives... alone in these fierce circumstances... she is left with dreadful fears and nightmares of any storm. Mr. Andrews, a family friend from a neighboring plantation, takes Celine into his home. He, his family and his staff nurse Celine back to health. They treat her as one of their family. She becomes like a daughter to him, filling a gap created by the loss of a daughter years ago from influenza. After a year passes, Mr. Andrews decides to throw a ball for Celine, and brings members of his family home - those that had been living away - to meet Celine, and help her back into society after her year of recovery.
Excitement is beyond imagination in the household over the return of Trevor, the eldest son, who now heads the family's international shipping company. He has been living abroad, most recently in England. From the moment Trevor steps off the boat at the dock, sparks begin to fly. Celine (who had been hiding on the balcony hoping to spy on him and see what all the fuss was about) and Trevor lock eyes on each other, and from that point, he becomes smitten with her, and she with him -- although both try vehemently to deny anything relating to more than lust and the need for slaking their thirst for each other, believing the need will go away. Of course, this isn't the case. Every time they are in contact, the fire heats up. Roth spends a lot of time building up the sexual tension between Celine and Trevor. His cousin, Cameron, who incidentally could pass as Trevor's twin (his mother was the sister of Trevor's mother and his father, the brother of Trevor's father), also expresses interest in Celine. However, for Celine, there is only heat where there is Trevor.
A storm hits the plantation and startles more than just Celine. Trevor is forced to put aside his feelings of lust, as real feelings for her surface, as he comforts her while the storm rages. Celine begins to recognize that she is growing attached to Trevor, but her own fears threaten to keep her from finding happiness with him. When she lost her child, the doctor told her that she would never be able to have any more children because of the fever that ensued. Believing herself baron, she cannot think to saddle a man that would want a family with a woman who could not give him the promise of any child. But she refuses to share that secret. Trevor has his reasons for not being able to commit to love, as well. But neither share.
The 'coming out' party finally happens. It ends badly when Celine finds Trevor in the arms of a local 'widow.' Celine runs away from the scene in front of her, back to her room, where she retreats and licks her wounded heart. She decides that its time that she makes her way to San Francisco, and learn to live on her own. While she is appreciative of Mr. Andrews and all that he has done for her, she doesn't want to become one of Trevor's conquests. She knows that she cannot be an affair for him. At this point, the story picks up pace considerably.
I don't want to make this sound too simplistic. But before Celine is able to find her way to San Francisco, she hits a series of 'almosts.' Trevor and Celine almost get together, but neither is good at communication. Celine is a magnet to adventure and bad luck. And tragedy almost destroys Celine and her chances at happiness. There is so much to this story…so many twists and turns, and it picks up its pace and moves very fast. I refuse to reveal anything more. You have to read!
This story is rich and well written. I love the characters, and found myself addicted to the story until I finished it. It is well researched and has plenty of historical tidbits woven within its pages. It is a story about love, hurt, family and learning acceptance about ones own strengths. Roth does a very good job on all of this. Her love scenes are tender and passionate; they are the kind of love scenes that pull you into the pages. I found myself only wanting when I finished this book. I want to get the next book, and I know I will want the next after that. It deserves five stars!
Excitement is beyond imagination in the household over the return of Trevor, the eldest son, who now heads the family's international shipping company. He has been living abroad, most recently in England. From the moment Trevor steps off the boat at the dock, sparks begin to fly. Celine (who had been hiding on the balcony hoping to spy on him and see what all the fuss was about) and Trevor lock eyes on each other, and from that point, he becomes smitten with her, and she with him -- although both try vehemently to deny anything relating to more than lust and the need for slaking their thirst for each other, believing the need will go away. Of course, this isn't the case. Every time they are in contact, the fire heats up. Roth spends a lot of time building up the sexual tension between Celine and Trevor. His cousin, Cameron, who incidentally could pass as Trevor's twin (his mother was the sister of Trevor's mother and his father, the brother of Trevor's father), also expresses interest in Celine. However, for Celine, there is only heat where there is Trevor.
A storm hits the plantation and startles more than just Celine. Trevor is forced to put aside his feelings of lust, as real feelings for her surface, as he comforts her while the storm rages. Celine begins to recognize that she is growing attached to Trevor, but her own fears threaten to keep her from finding happiness with him. When she lost her child, the doctor told her that she would never be able to have any more children because of the fever that ensued. Believing herself baron, she cannot think to saddle a man that would want a family with a woman who could not give him the promise of any child. But she refuses to share that secret. Trevor has his reasons for not being able to commit to love, as well. But neither share.
The 'coming out' party finally happens. It ends badly when Celine finds Trevor in the arms of a local 'widow.' Celine runs away from the scene in front of her, back to her room, where she retreats and licks her wounded heart. She decides that its time that she makes her way to San Francisco, and learn to live on her own. While she is appreciative of Mr. Andrews and all that he has done for her, she doesn't want to become one of Trevor's conquests. She knows that she cannot be an affair for him. At this point, the story picks up pace considerably.
I don't want to make this sound too simplistic. But before Celine is able to find her way to San Francisco, she hits a series of 'almosts.' Trevor and Celine almost get together, but neither is good at communication. Celine is a magnet to adventure and bad luck. And tragedy almost destroys Celine and her chances at happiness. There is so much to this story…so many twists and turns, and it picks up its pace and moves very fast. I refuse to reveal anything more. You have to read!
This story is rich and well written. I love the characters, and found myself addicted to the story until I finished it. It is well researched and has plenty of historical tidbits woven within its pages. It is a story about love, hurt, family and learning acceptance about ones own strengths. Roth does a very good job on all of this. Her love scenes are tender and passionate; they are the kind of love scenes that pull you into the pages. I found myself only wanting when I finished this book. I want to get the next book, and I know I will want the next after that. It deserves five stars!
December 25, 2015
Boring First Half, Second Half Was In Overdrive
Celine Kirkland was in a horrific carriage accident in a storm after her mother-in-law's funeral. Celine barely survived, and she lost her unborn baby, her husband and father-in-law. Justin Andrews took her to his plantation to recover. While there, Justin's eldest son, Trevor, came to visit. Trevor found himself bewitched by this beautiful, tragic figure, and despite her bold rebuffs, Trevor was sure she felt the attraction, too. But where could this possibly go? Trevor was not in the market for marriage and neither was Celine.
My advice is to start this book at 40%. Until that point, nothing but self talk about lust in the characters' heads is discussed. Trevor is supposed to be the head of an international shipping firm, but all he does is idly wonder about the plantation, thinking about having sex with Celine, and Celine can't think about anything but going to bed with Trevor. In actuality, both Trevor and Celine have more scenes with everyone around them than with each other. Trevor was written as an angry, jealous, rebel with severe mother issues. IMHO, almost every man in the book seemed a better romantic hero than Trevor. I almost gave up finishing this book numerous times. I was so bored. Finally, at 40% we get some action.
The second half of the book finds Celine and Trevor all over the western half of the United States suffering injuries, near death experiences, swindlers, lechers, Native Americans, wars, duels, quarantines, almost every negative experience one can imagine. Everything is fantastical, improbable and/or impossible. And, once again, the lovers are suffering all this separately. One could get whiplash from the twists and turns of the second half of the book. I will say this, it kept my attention, but my mind was often going into "WHAT?" Mode. The explanation of the duel after it was over was a jumbled mess of psycho babble that never would have taken place in this time period, and especially by an alpha male.
Kathleen Bittner Ross has real trouble plotting. She could have had three or four good books out of this book, instead she threw everything but the kitchen sink into one mix, 'causing this book to be very mediocre.
The first half of the book had the H and h angry at, or jealous of, each other all the time. There was never any event where they had a pleasant encounter. There are one or two pleasant interludes in the second half. We readers are supposed to believe that this is love. Where I came from, it was taught that one should run, don't walk away from this antagonistic, insecure, immature behavior. Love for me is an euphoric, magical adventure, experienced by two people together, not separately. As I mentioned before, the second half gave the main characters no time together at all until the very last few pages. As a romance, this book is a one star. If one likes disjointed action and peril, that starts at 40%, the book is a 3 star.
The sex scenes are done very well, though. Kathleen Bittner Ross introduces Wolf in this book. He is the Hero in the next book of this series. The author does a good job of making him intriguing, but in view of this reading experience, I am not sure that this author will not bore me senselessly, again, in the next book. Roth has lots of good ideas, but this book did not demonstrate an ability to develop these ideas. Have not decided if I will ever pick up another of her books.
Celine Kirkland was in a horrific carriage accident in a storm after her mother-in-law's funeral. Celine barely survived, and she lost her unborn baby, her husband and father-in-law. Justin Andrews took her to his plantation to recover. While there, Justin's eldest son, Trevor, came to visit. Trevor found himself bewitched by this beautiful, tragic figure, and despite her bold rebuffs, Trevor was sure she felt the attraction, too. But where could this possibly go? Trevor was not in the market for marriage and neither was Celine.
My advice is to start this book at 40%. Until that point, nothing but self talk about lust in the characters' heads is discussed. Trevor is supposed to be the head of an international shipping firm, but all he does is idly wonder about the plantation, thinking about having sex with Celine, and Celine can't think about anything but going to bed with Trevor. In actuality, both Trevor and Celine have more scenes with everyone around them than with each other. Trevor was written as an angry, jealous, rebel with severe mother issues. IMHO, almost every man in the book seemed a better romantic hero than Trevor. I almost gave up finishing this book numerous times. I was so bored. Finally, at 40% we get some action.
The second half of the book finds Celine and Trevor all over the western half of the United States suffering injuries, near death experiences, swindlers, lechers, Native Americans, wars, duels, quarantines, almost every negative experience one can imagine. Everything is fantastical, improbable and/or impossible. And, once again, the lovers are suffering all this separately. One could get whiplash from the twists and turns of the second half of the book. I will say this, it kept my attention, but my mind was often going into "WHAT?" Mode. The explanation of the duel after it was over was a jumbled mess of psycho babble that never would have taken place in this time period, and especially by an alpha male.
Kathleen Bittner Ross has real trouble plotting. She could have had three or four good books out of this book, instead she threw everything but the kitchen sink into one mix, 'causing this book to be very mediocre.
The first half of the book had the H and h angry at, or jealous of, each other all the time. There was never any event where they had a pleasant encounter. There are one or two pleasant interludes in the second half. We readers are supposed to believe that this is love. Where I came from, it was taught that one should run, don't walk away from this antagonistic, insecure, immature behavior. Love for me is an euphoric, magical adventure, experienced by two people together, not separately. As I mentioned before, the second half gave the main characters no time together at all until the very last few pages. As a romance, this book is a one star. If one likes disjointed action and peril, that starts at 40%, the book is a 3 star.
The sex scenes are done very well, though. Kathleen Bittner Ross introduces Wolf in this book. He is the Hero in the next book of this series. The author does a good job of making him intriguing, but in view of this reading experience, I am not sure that this author will not bore me senselessly, again, in the next book. Roth has lots of good ideas, but this book did not demonstrate an ability to develop these ideas. Have not decided if I will ever pick up another of her books.
February 19, 2016
Full review available on All About Romance - http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
Celine is the first book in a new series, taking place in 19th century America. I love the sweeping, epic feel that good American historicals have, and this one certainly fits the bill. There’s family drama, romantic drama, actual danger, and a certain mysterious something that makes this novel just feel luscious.
Celine Kirkland, in one stormy night, lost her husband, father, and unborn child to a terrible accident. Luckily Justin Andrews, a friend of her father’s, is happy to take her in, and shelter Celine with his family at their plantation, Carlton Oaks. Unfortunately, she’s thrown out of her comfort zone when, after a year of staying with the family, the prodigal son returns. Trevor Andrews, known ladies’ man, is back in New Orleans after some time in England to expand the family’s shipping business. From the moment he steps off the paddleboat, however, he is captivated by the widow who has become part of his family. Their lack of communication and their expectations of what their lives should be rips them apart again and again, but their journey, sweeping across the American West, has just begun.
First, the setting. I am definitely a bit picky - as a New Orleans native, I was looking for a certain feel to the location. While there are a lot of different famous New Orleans sites (the St. Charles Hotel, the Garden District, and the Dueling Oaks to name a few), the story could have taken place just about anywhere in the South. There’s a bit of creole flavor hiding here and there, but it felt more researched than true. But then again, New Orleans is my home, and I want my home to feel real, rather than a just famous place to set a novel. The plantation setting, however, was gorgeous and real, and I loved it.
Now, the characters here were just fabulous - Celine and Trevor were complicated and interesting and infuriating and endearing all at the same time, and it was great. To start with, Celine is an incredibly strong woman. In a horrible storm, she is trapped under a carriage, pregnant, with her husband and father. While waiting to be rescued from the rising waters of the storm, she gives birth to her dead child alone, injured, and desperately scared. I kinda fell in love with her a little bit. Unsurprisingly, Trevor and Celine both suffer from a case of the stupids that leave them separating just when they should be getting together, but they both definitely still had growing to do as individuals before they could come back as a stronger couple.
Celine is the first book in a new series, taking place in 19th century America. I love the sweeping, epic feel that good American historicals have, and this one certainly fits the bill. There’s family drama, romantic drama, actual danger, and a certain mysterious something that makes this novel just feel luscious.
Celine Kirkland, in one stormy night, lost her husband, father, and unborn child to a terrible accident. Luckily Justin Andrews, a friend of her father’s, is happy to take her in, and shelter Celine with his family at their plantation, Carlton Oaks. Unfortunately, she’s thrown out of her comfort zone when, after a year of staying with the family, the prodigal son returns. Trevor Andrews, known ladies’ man, is back in New Orleans after some time in England to expand the family’s shipping business. From the moment he steps off the paddleboat, however, he is captivated by the widow who has become part of his family. Their lack of communication and their expectations of what their lives should be rips them apart again and again, but their journey, sweeping across the American West, has just begun.
First, the setting. I am definitely a bit picky - as a New Orleans native, I was looking for a certain feel to the location. While there are a lot of different famous New Orleans sites (the St. Charles Hotel, the Garden District, and the Dueling Oaks to name a few), the story could have taken place just about anywhere in the South. There’s a bit of creole flavor hiding here and there, but it felt more researched than true. But then again, New Orleans is my home, and I want my home to feel real, rather than a just famous place to set a novel. The plantation setting, however, was gorgeous and real, and I loved it.
Now, the characters here were just fabulous - Celine and Trevor were complicated and interesting and infuriating and endearing all at the same time, and it was great. To start with, Celine is an incredibly strong woman. In a horrible storm, she is trapped under a carriage, pregnant, with her husband and father. While waiting to be rescued from the rising waters of the storm, she gives birth to her dead child alone, injured, and desperately scared. I kinda fell in love with her a little bit. Unsurprisingly, Trevor and Celine both suffer from a case of the stupids that leave them separating just when they should be getting together, but they both definitely still had growing to do as individuals before they could come back as a stronger couple.
October 7, 2014
I don’t often come across American Historicals, this glimpse into the pre-civil war southern plantation was an interesting read. Kathleen Bittner Roth obviously did her research and incorporated detail that is true to time, place and people into the story.
Celine was an interesting character, recovering from the loss of her husband and child, she gives us a view into plantation life as seen through her eyes. Quietly she is healing and finding herself and her place in the world until Trevor appears.
Trevor is everything that scares Celine: determined, sexy, and passionate with a rough veneer of polish that hides the untamed man below. He induces feelings in her, feelings she would rather ignore and not deal with after losing her first love.
And with the spark and passion, I would have been completely happy had the book stopped here. But then we get into some fairly forced plotting and twists added, that were reversed and felt useless later. Sadly, for me, the book started to feel formulaic and fitted into an outline that artificially added twists and spins, as the two are working their way back to an HEA. The introduction of Wolf, a highlight in book two, and the addition of the traditions and lore from the Native American tribes they have met was clever and intriguing. Unfortunately, the continued twists and turns in the latter-middle section of the story didn’t work for me at all. I did like wrapping up and seeing their growth as a couple, and the introduction of characters who will become important in the next book was a nice glimpse of what is to come.
The writing is skillful and solid, characters are well-developed and the secondary characters all bring a sense of self and completeness that makes them memorable and interesting. While the story lagged for me for a good portion after the halfway point, the conclusion was satisfying and left me intrigued about more from this author.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility
Celine was an interesting character, recovering from the loss of her husband and child, she gives us a view into plantation life as seen through her eyes. Quietly she is healing and finding herself and her place in the world until Trevor appears.
Trevor is everything that scares Celine: determined, sexy, and passionate with a rough veneer of polish that hides the untamed man below. He induces feelings in her, feelings she would rather ignore and not deal with after losing her first love.
And with the spark and passion, I would have been completely happy had the book stopped here. But then we get into some fairly forced plotting and twists added, that were reversed and felt useless later. Sadly, for me, the book started to feel formulaic and fitted into an outline that artificially added twists and spins, as the two are working their way back to an HEA. The introduction of Wolf, a highlight in book two, and the addition of the traditions and lore from the Native American tribes they have met was clever and intriguing. Unfortunately, the continued twists and turns in the latter-middle section of the story didn’t work for me at all. I did like wrapping up and seeing their growth as a couple, and the introduction of characters who will become important in the next book was a nice glimpse of what is to come.
The writing is skillful and solid, characters are well-developed and the secondary characters all bring a sense of self and completeness that makes them memorable and interesting. While the story lagged for me for a good portion after the halfway point, the conclusion was satisfying and left me intrigued about more from this author.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility
June 14, 2015
Got an ARC from netgalley.
There's something about historical romance that makes you believe in love again even though it is set during the early times and concepts of romance differ in great lengths from what used to be and the now. Celine gave me that feeling. It is more than an historical romance.It is about two lovers taking on a journey to finding their destiny. Although that may sound like every other historical romance out there, believe me, there is still something new to find in Celine.
Celine and Trevor had been both failed by love in the past. They hurt and sought different ways to cope with their losses until they found each other and discovered desire they'd never felt before. Of course, it was only a matter of time before they fell in love with each other but as all romance went, it was never easy. They found themselves faced with adversities one after another before they finally had their happy ending.
Without me saying, you'd have known that this book isn't all balls and soirees, of finding a husband or ensnaring a debutante. It is filled with fascinating tales of broadway performances, of traveling wagons and of courageous Indians. There's not only romance but an adventure that will surely keep you riveted.
What I like about this book is that the author gives vivid descriptions of places and detailed information of how people then lived their lives even to the smallest of details like what type of silk they fashion and what wine they drink. Others might find it unnecessary and boring but I like it. As a reader, it is always a plus when you get to learn something new from a romance novel.
Also, I love every one of the characters. They all have winning qualities that you just can't help but want to root for them to finding their happiness. Over all, this book is enjoyable. It may have irritated me in some instances but that's what constitutes a good book: when it makes you feel and think at the same time.
There's something about historical romance that makes you believe in love again even though it is set during the early times and concepts of romance differ in great lengths from what used to be and the now. Celine gave me that feeling. It is more than an historical romance.It is about two lovers taking on a journey to finding their destiny. Although that may sound like every other historical romance out there, believe me, there is still something new to find in Celine.
Celine and Trevor had been both failed by love in the past. They hurt and sought different ways to cope with their losses until they found each other and discovered desire they'd never felt before. Of course, it was only a matter of time before they fell in love with each other but as all romance went, it was never easy. They found themselves faced with adversities one after another before they finally had their happy ending.
Without me saying, you'd have known that this book isn't all balls and soirees, of finding a husband or ensnaring a debutante. It is filled with fascinating tales of broadway performances, of traveling wagons and of courageous Indians. There's not only romance but an adventure that will surely keep you riveted.
What I like about this book is that the author gives vivid descriptions of places and detailed information of how people then lived their lives even to the smallest of details like what type of silk they fashion and what wine they drink. Others might find it unnecessary and boring but I like it. As a reader, it is always a plus when you get to learn something new from a romance novel.
Also, I love every one of the characters. They all have winning qualities that you just can't help but want to root for them to finding their happiness. Over all, this book is enjoyable. It may have irritated me in some instances but that's what constitutes a good book: when it makes you feel and think at the same time.
October 11, 2014
From the first moment Trevor Andrews spied Celine, there was an instant recognition and the fickle finger of fate was cast. No matter how each tried to deny the feelings that sparked between them their destiny was set in stone, although the journey these two would take would not be easy if there was ever to be a happily ever after.
*** This was my first book by author Kathleen Bittner Roth, but for sure it will not be the last. One of the things I loved about CELINE was the depth of the story, the sensualness and especially the journey to discovery.
Naturally, there was miscommunication which caused numerous issues, as well as trust and the guarding of one’s heart from further pain, as both the protagonists were so hesitant to confess to what they felt for one another. Celine had issues both physical and emotional, from the horrible accident that caused the loss of husband and child and the terror of storms. While Trevor’s issues were more of an emotional nature and dealt with relationships.
The author used the miscommunication and the trust issues to her advantage and turned what might have been a boring boy meets girl, fall in love and get together long time plot into the fabulous adventure that CELINE ended up to be. With the addition of a broad spectrum of secondary characters the author was able to run the gamut of emotions to include happiness, sensualness, betrayals, high adventure, and at times, even tears.
Bottom line: I loved CELINE - it had a little bit of everything that makes reading a solid story so absolutely endearing and leaving you with that ….ahhhhh feeling!
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
*** This was my first book by author Kathleen Bittner Roth, but for sure it will not be the last. One of the things I loved about CELINE was the depth of the story, the sensualness and especially the journey to discovery.
Naturally, there was miscommunication which caused numerous issues, as well as trust and the guarding of one’s heart from further pain, as both the protagonists were so hesitant to confess to what they felt for one another. Celine had issues both physical and emotional, from the horrible accident that caused the loss of husband and child and the terror of storms. While Trevor’s issues were more of an emotional nature and dealt with relationships.
The author used the miscommunication and the trust issues to her advantage and turned what might have been a boring boy meets girl, fall in love and get together long time plot into the fabulous adventure that CELINE ended up to be. With the addition of a broad spectrum of secondary characters the author was able to run the gamut of emotions to include happiness, sensualness, betrayals, high adventure, and at times, even tears.
Bottom line: I loved CELINE - it had a little bit of everything that makes reading a solid story so absolutely endearing and leaving you with that ….ahhhhh feeling!
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
October 8, 2014
The words “lush,” “sweeping,” and “saga” entered my mind when I put down my ARC of Celine – exactly the kind of Americana novels I’ve always loved.
This one is full of romance, drama, sexual tension, excitement, family struggles, and plenty of twists and turns across all kinds of American soil to keep you turning pages well into the night. Just when you think Celine and Trevor have things set to finally go right for them, another twist comes, and they are on another trial to find/test/prove their love.
The description of the land between New Orleans and San Francisco (and the description of the trials to traverse it) is as beautiful and vivid as the powerful love story. I loved all the historical details, from what Celine was wearing to what they had at meals to the interesting details of the Wild West caravan at the end.
Trevor was a delicious hero. Flirtatious, sexy, devilish. Loved everything about him, and especially how love blindsides him and brings him to his knees. Celine is a heroine you really root for. She’s strong enough to make you cheer for her, but vulnerable enough to make you sympathize (and maybe grab for a tissue or two!) when she’s at her lowest.
I loved the secondary characters too, especially Wolf (who it looks like we’ll get to see more of in book 2, according to the sneak peek at the end of this book).
Thank you to Kathleen Bittner Roth for bringing some sweeping Americana back! Her books are definitely on my auto-buy list from now on. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
This one is full of romance, drama, sexual tension, excitement, family struggles, and plenty of twists and turns across all kinds of American soil to keep you turning pages well into the night. Just when you think Celine and Trevor have things set to finally go right for them, another twist comes, and they are on another trial to find/test/prove their love.
The description of the land between New Orleans and San Francisco (and the description of the trials to traverse it) is as beautiful and vivid as the powerful love story. I loved all the historical details, from what Celine was wearing to what they had at meals to the interesting details of the Wild West caravan at the end.
Trevor was a delicious hero. Flirtatious, sexy, devilish. Loved everything about him, and especially how love blindsides him and brings him to his knees. Celine is a heroine you really root for. She’s strong enough to make you cheer for her, but vulnerable enough to make you sympathize (and maybe grab for a tissue or two!) when she’s at her lowest.
I loved the secondary characters too, especially Wolf (who it looks like we’ll get to see more of in book 2, according to the sneak peek at the end of this book).
Thank you to Kathleen Bittner Roth for bringing some sweeping Americana back! Her books are definitely on my auto-buy list from now on. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
September 13, 2014
I first fell in love with historical romance while reading epic sagas that swept the reader through danger-fraught adventure, scandals, family conflict, and a love destined to triumph despite formidable odds. I was delighted to discover CELINE, a delicious Americana romance with that epic feel, a love story that transports the reader to another place and time.
Kathleen Bittner Roth has woven a love story that takes the hero and heroine on a perilous journey from New Orleans across the American West to a tender and hard-won happily-ever-after in San Francisco. Celine is by turns vulnerable and strong, while Trevor is a courageous, to-die-for hero I rooted for from the very start. The supporting characters are well-developed and likeable. I especially loved Wolf, a rugged, unconventional tracker who has all the makings of a hero in his own right.
The author utilizes rich historical detail and description that speaks to all the senses. I felt drawn into Celine and Trevor’s world, and I devoured this story until the delightful ending. Kathleen Bittner Roth is one of my new go-to authors when I want to be immersed in a lush historical romance.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC of CELINE in exchange for an honest review.
Kathleen Bittner Roth has woven a love story that takes the hero and heroine on a perilous journey from New Orleans across the American West to a tender and hard-won happily-ever-after in San Francisco. Celine is by turns vulnerable and strong, while Trevor is a courageous, to-die-for hero I rooted for from the very start. The supporting characters are well-developed and likeable. I especially loved Wolf, a rugged, unconventional tracker who has all the makings of a hero in his own right.
The author utilizes rich historical detail and description that speaks to all the senses. I felt drawn into Celine and Trevor’s world, and I devoured this story until the delightful ending. Kathleen Bittner Roth is one of my new go-to authors when I want to be immersed in a lush historical romance.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC of CELINE in exchange for an honest review.
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