What do you think?
Rate this book
Ladies of Seduction #1
The Duchess Takes a Lover
A duchess with nothing to lose...
After a disastrous wedding night followed by eighteen months of isolation at her husband's country estate, the Duchess of Southwick has grown tired of being lonely. There's only so many books a person can read, and Mara has read most of them twice. So she's made a decision. For the first time since her wedding, she's traveling to London for the Season. And while she's there, this meek, shy mouse of a wallflower who has never met a shade of beige she didn't like will do the unthinkable.
Mara Buxton, Duchess of Southwick, is going to take a lover.
A duke with everything to gain...
When Ambrose hears the rumors swirling about his wife, his initial reaction is scornful amusement. Mara, step out on him? Absurd. While a fiery spark of attraction first drew them together, it was extinguished long ago. The Duchess of Southwick, for all her beauty, is cold as ice, and the only thing she has a chance of inviting into her bed is snow. But when Ambrose discovers that she really does intend to have an affair, his amusement quickly turns to incredulity and then to jealousy. Mara is his wife, dammit.
If anyone is going to make her burn with passion...it's him.
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
Ladies of Seduction
Book 1 - The Duchess Takes a Lover
Book 2 - The Lady Courts a Marquess
Book 3 - The Countess Kisses a Rogue
After a disastrous wedding night followed by eighteen months of isolation at her husband's country estate, the Duchess of Southwick has grown tired of being lonely. There's only so many books a person can read, and Mara has read most of them twice. So she's made a decision. For the first time since her wedding, she's traveling to London for the Season. And while she's there, this meek, shy mouse of a wallflower who has never met a shade of beige she didn't like will do the unthinkable.
Mara Buxton, Duchess of Southwick, is going to take a lover.
A duke with everything to gain...
When Ambrose hears the rumors swirling about his wife, his initial reaction is scornful amusement. Mara, step out on him? Absurd. While a fiery spark of attraction first drew them together, it was extinguished long ago. The Duchess of Southwick, for all her beauty, is cold as ice, and the only thing she has a chance of inviting into her bed is snow. But when Ambrose discovers that she really does intend to have an affair, his amusement quickly turns to incredulity and then to jealousy. Mara is his wife, dammit.
If anyone is going to make her burn with passion...it's him.
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
Ladies of Seduction
Book 1 - The Duchess Takes a Lover
Book 2 - The Lady Courts a Marquess
Book 3 - The Countess Kisses a Rogue
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2024
152 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Eaton
89 books489 followersJillian Eaton has written over forty historical romances and is known for finding the perfect balance between "intense emotions, sizzling chemistry, and light-hearted humor" (Swept Away by Romance). She grew up in Maine and now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their three boys on a 17-acre farm where they rescue and rehabilitate senior horses.
When she isn't writing, working at the barn, or playing a cutthroat game of Harry Potter Monopoly with her family, Jillian enjoys gardening, hiking, and being an adjunct professor at her Alma mater, Delaware Valley University.
If readers are new to her books, she always suggests the following:
Sweet and Swoony Romance: Duke at First Sight
Spicy and Mysterious: A Dangerous Seduction
All Around: Bewitched by the Bluestocking
Bit Darker: The Duchess Takes a Lover
When she isn't writing, working at the barn, or playing a cutthroat game of Harry Potter Monopoly with her family, Jillian enjoys gardening, hiking, and being an adjunct professor at her Alma mater, Delaware Valley University.
If readers are new to her books, she always suggests the following:
Sweet and Swoony Romance: Duke at First Sight
Spicy and Mysterious: A Dangerous Seduction
All Around: Bewitched by the Bluestocking
Bit Darker: The Duchess Takes a Lover
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 3, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 (I really loved Eaton’s scenes here – I liked the language used for the foreplay but it got light for anything after)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (I would have loved them a bit longer!)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine and some minor details from a maid
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to fast
When mains are first on page together: Takes a little bit, but the book is shorter so it doesn’t feel quite as long, 20% (chapter 3)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, several weeks later
Format: read an e-book copy through kindle unlimited
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Eaton’s Ladies of Seduction series.
Basic plot:
Mara decides to take a lover, since her husband abandoned her in the country, and the rumors quickly swirl to her husband.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1813)
- country house setting
- second chanceish/marriage in jeopardy
- emotionally strong hero (hero cries)
- heroine nurses hero back to health
- jealous hero
- lessons
- mid to higher steam – 4 full scenes but they are a touch short
- this felt like a quick read to me – amazon has it at 179 pages
Ages:
- I didn’t see them mentioned
First line:
“Have you heard the news?” Lady Harmsworth asked in a hushed tone that was not very hushed at all.
My thoughts:
I ended up really enjoying this story!! Even though this is the year of second chance for me apparently 🤣 6 this month and 10 this year. But this one worked for me better for a few different reasons.
First, this one has a shorter page count so that helped me get into it. I didn’t feel bogged down in tons of memories. It does have flashbacks which usually drive me kinda nuts, but it was only a few scenes and it helped me feel like I was getting their complete story, which I always want in second chance to help salvage those relationship feels.
Second, I felt like their relationship was still ‘new’. They had barely started when they separated so I felt like I wasn’t missing a lot of that initial build up of tension.
I loved the plot of this one! I loved the interfering servants and the whole idea of our heroine taking a lover to show her husband that she is bored and won’t actually sit and wait around for him. I loved that the hero came back and pursued.
I did have a few minor issues. I do think his love happened too fast. Within a short page count and the separation and then when they come back it got steamy pretty quick – I felt like I needed a few more non intimate interactions and bonding moments between Mara and Ambrose to really feel their connection and that he was falling in love with her.
And I had a love/disappointment thing going with the steam. What I got I really did love. I loved the language, I loved the ‘good girls’ and hair grabs – but at the same time it felt so light and short and I was sad. I wanted the scenes to be longer and more developed because what I got, I really loved and thought it was really good. I just wanted MORE. Being a short book, I think they worked with it, overall though.
I think this is my first Jillian Eaton? I really had fun with her writing. I liked her humor and her characters and I’m really curious where this series will be going! I will definitely try to come back and read more when they come out.
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 (I really loved Eaton’s scenes here – I liked the language used for the foreplay but it got light for anything after)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (I would have loved them a bit longer!)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine and some minor details from a maid
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium to fast
When mains are first on page together: Takes a little bit, but the book is shorter so it doesn’t feel quite as long, 20% (chapter 3)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, several weeks later
Format: read an e-book copy through kindle unlimited
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Eaton’s Ladies of Seduction series.
Basic plot:
Mara decides to take a lover, since her husband abandoned her in the country, and the rumors quickly swirl to her husband.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1813)
- country house setting
- second chanceish/marriage in jeopardy
- emotionally strong hero (hero cries)
- heroine nurses hero back to health
- jealous hero
- lessons
- mid to higher steam – 4 full scenes but they are a touch short
- this felt like a quick read to me – amazon has it at 179 pages
Ages:
- I didn’t see them mentioned
First line:
“Have you heard the news?” Lady Harmsworth asked in a hushed tone that was not very hushed at all.
My thoughts:
I ended up really enjoying this story!! Even though this is the year of second chance for me apparently 🤣 6 this month and 10 this year. But this one worked for me better for a few different reasons.
First, this one has a shorter page count so that helped me get into it. I didn’t feel bogged down in tons of memories. It does have flashbacks which usually drive me kinda nuts, but it was only a few scenes and it helped me feel like I was getting their complete story, which I always want in second chance to help salvage those relationship feels.
Second, I felt like their relationship was still ‘new’. They had barely started when they separated so I felt like I wasn’t missing a lot of that initial build up of tension.
I loved the plot of this one! I loved the interfering servants and the whole idea of our heroine taking a lover to show her husband that she is bored and won’t actually sit and wait around for him. I loved that the hero came back and pursued.
I did have a few minor issues. I do think his love happened too fast. Within a short page count and the separation and then when they come back it got steamy pretty quick – I felt like I needed a few more non intimate interactions and bonding moments between Mara and Ambrose to really feel their connection and that he was falling in love with her.
And I had a love/disappointment thing going with the steam. What I got I really did love. I loved the language, I loved the ‘good girls’ and hair grabs – but at the same time it felt so light and short and I was sad. I wanted the scenes to be longer and more developed because what I got, I really loved and thought it was really good. I just wanted MORE. Being a short book, I think they worked with it, overall though.
I think this is my first Jillian Eaton? I really had fun with her writing. I liked her humor and her characters and I’m really curious where this series will be going! I will definitely try to come back and read more when they come out.
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
February 10, 2024
Loved tbis
For once a separation and he didn't cheat! Woo hoo! But he was still a jerk. He married a young innocent women, had terrible sex on their wedding night, maybe, and then he leaves her for two years. What the heck?? he was a jerk. They eventually come to terms and it is a good story with s separation but no cheating. She thinks she can take a lover but she doesn't want to sleep with them. Lol. He tries to show her the errors of her way and she is more than happy. Loved it and I am glad to have read it!
For once a separation and he didn't cheat! Woo hoo! But he was still a jerk. He married a young innocent women, had terrible sex on their wedding night, maybe, and then he leaves her for two years. What the heck?? he was a jerk. They eventually come to terms and it is a good story with s separation but no cheating. She thinks she can take a lover but she doesn't want to sleep with them. Lol. He tries to show her the errors of her way and she is more than happy. Loved it and I am glad to have read it!
February 11, 2024
2 Stars
New to me author. Plot was interesting so I dove in. Overall it was a decent read if not a little over dramatic. It could have been better had it not been nearly entirely focused on mending the broken relationship between the two MCs by using lust rather than actual communication. Both techniques would have been fine, but it often ended up with the hero sucking the heroines face and her being too weak to resist.
I think I liked both MCs. Its hard to say because this was a quick read and the author didn't delve too deeply into them as individuals much unless it was connected to their past with their own abusive parents. Then we just dug and dug for more trauma dumping.
Personally I wasn't a fan of the flashbacks. I wouldn't have minded them but the author simply wrote them in as a moment of reflection for one of the MCs and then suddenly we're wandering down memory lane for literally pages and then back to the present. I wasn't a fan of that style, particularly because it wasn't italicized or marked separate from the present. It felt like my own mind began to wander away after the third flashback tbh.
I DID like the premise, and I enjoyed that we jumped right into the meat of the story. I also liked that although everyone (including the heroine) believed the hero had a mistress (or had had multiple ones) since he and the heroine had become estranged (two years ago) that he admitted he hadn't bothered to get one because the drama and clinginess they bring but instead chose his own hand when he felt the urge. Which obviously was because he loved his wife but was afraid of his feelz, duh.
So, yeah. Although entertaining even with some light skimming due to the flashbacks and a little too navel-gazing going on I did enjoy this up until the last few chapters.
I did not like how the author brought about the ending and bringing the two MCs together to confess their feelings. I mean, a wild dog attack, really? And the then for the hero to develop a fever from a bite and yet the housekeeper somehow convinced the heroine to hie off to London asap to fetch a female doctor "she heard of" to help the hero?! And the heroine just does it because it makes sense (I guess) and oh but she loves him and she'll do anything to save him!! 😆
Truly this kind of ruined the book for me. It was so contrived and silly. Like, come on. The dude had a fever...y'all seriously don't know how to handle that without running for a doctor, let alone a brand new one in London and not the village doctor who had already helped??
And this was all because it seemed the housekeeper (who was also I guess as close to a mother to the hero growing up) decided it'd be good for the hero to think the heroine ran off to London to finally get that lover that had been talked about throughout the whole book. Because that makes so much sense when the man has been unconscious for days in what the village doctor called a "blood loss coma" and so let's let him finally wake up, only to learn his wife is gone and to London of all places while her husband has been in his sickbed.
And then for the fool to actually run after her moments after waking because he really did believe he had to stop her from implementing her plan to find a lover and leaving him for good...but...I just couldn't grasp WHY he would even believe his sweet wife who he adores would just RANDOMLY decide "well my jerk husband is near death after saving me so now would be a great time to leave for London and find a lover!" .... Yeah, no. 😂🤦🏻♀️
Honestly those last chapters were just too ridiculous. Top it off with the cheesy as hell ending with the hero limping into the doctor's office looking like hell to find his wife and actually crying during his overblown love confession and I just could NOT anymore.
The epilogue sadly didn't improve my final impression as it didn't offer anything of worth from this books MCs before it turned to the heroines sister and the drama she had going on with her own husband and, well, I couldn't stand her so I didn't care.
I DID find it amusing how the heroine was shocked by the orgasm the hero gave her upon his return home and he even told her it was her first orgasm when she and what that was... But... The thing is the flashbacks of the heroine remembering herself remembering being in bed after one outing with the hero was of her touching herself and she mentioned a climax. AND one of the last flashbacks from their courtship included heavy over the clothes petting where both of them climaxed so...yeah didn't make much sense. 🤷🏻♀️
New to me author. Plot was interesting so I dove in. Overall it was a decent read if not a little over dramatic. It could have been better had it not been nearly entirely focused on mending the broken relationship between the two MCs by using lust rather than actual communication. Both techniques would have been fine, but it often ended up with the hero sucking the heroines face and her being too weak to resist.
I think I liked both MCs. Its hard to say because this was a quick read and the author didn't delve too deeply into them as individuals much unless it was connected to their past with their own abusive parents. Then we just dug and dug for more trauma dumping.
Personally I wasn't a fan of the flashbacks. I wouldn't have minded them but the author simply wrote them in as a moment of reflection for one of the MCs and then suddenly we're wandering down memory lane for literally pages and then back to the present. I wasn't a fan of that style, particularly because it wasn't italicized or marked separate from the present. It felt like my own mind began to wander away after the third flashback tbh.
I DID like the premise, and I enjoyed that we jumped right into the meat of the story. I also liked that although everyone (including the heroine) believed the hero had a mistress (or had had multiple ones) since he and the heroine had become estranged (two years ago) that he admitted he hadn't bothered to get one because the drama and clinginess they bring but instead chose his own hand when he felt the urge. Which obviously was because he loved his wife but was afraid of his feelz, duh.
So, yeah. Although entertaining even with some light skimming due to the flashbacks and a little too navel-gazing going on I did enjoy this up until the last few chapters.
I did not like how the author brought about the ending and bringing the two MCs together to confess their feelings. I mean, a wild dog attack, really? And the then for the hero to develop a fever from a bite and yet the housekeeper somehow convinced the heroine to hie off to London asap to fetch a female doctor "she heard of" to help the hero?! And the heroine just does it because it makes sense (I guess) and oh but she loves him and she'll do anything to save him!! 😆
Truly this kind of ruined the book for me. It was so contrived and silly. Like, come on. The dude had a fever...y'all seriously don't know how to handle that without running for a doctor, let alone a brand new one in London and not the village doctor who had already helped??
And this was all because it seemed the housekeeper (who was also I guess as close to a mother to the hero growing up) decided it'd be good for the hero to think the heroine ran off to London to finally get that lover that had been talked about throughout the whole book. Because that makes so much sense when the man has been unconscious for days in what the village doctor called a "blood loss coma" and so let's let him finally wake up, only to learn his wife is gone and to London of all places while her husband has been in his sickbed.
And then for the fool to actually run after her moments after waking because he really did believe he had to stop her from implementing her plan to find a lover and leaving him for good...but...I just couldn't grasp WHY he would even believe his sweet wife who he adores would just RANDOMLY decide "well my jerk husband is near death after saving me so now would be a great time to leave for London and find a lover!" .... Yeah, no. 😂🤦🏻♀️
Honestly those last chapters were just too ridiculous. Top it off with the cheesy as hell ending with the hero limping into the doctor's office looking like hell to find his wife and actually crying during his overblown love confession and I just could NOT anymore.
The epilogue sadly didn't improve my final impression as it didn't offer anything of worth from this books MCs before it turned to the heroines sister and the drama she had going on with her own husband and, well, I couldn't stand her so I didn't care.
I DID find it amusing how the heroine was shocked by the orgasm the hero gave her upon his return home and he even told her it was her first orgasm when she and what that was... But... The thing is the flashbacks of the heroine remembering herself remembering being in bed after one outing with the hero was of her touching herself and she mentioned a climax. AND one of the last flashbacks from their courtship included heavy over the clothes petting where both of them climaxed so...yeah didn't make much sense. 🤷🏻♀️
February 7, 2024
Enough is enough!
Have you heard the news?
The clients of a dress shop in London quieten, waiting.
“The Duchess of Southwick is coming to London . . . and she plans to take a lover.”
Oh my! Scandal and gossip! Gasps of titillation all round!
What to do when a neglected wife decides to take matters into her own hands?
Lady Marabelle Anne Buxton is puzzled as to why her husband Ambrose, Duke of Southwick, married her. They’d spent admittedly a rather incongruous wedding night together and then Ambrose packed her off to Southwick Castle where she’s remained for thirteen years. Ambrose has come to the castle a mere handful of times. Never to have marital affairs. Just to check the estate.
Mara has decided to go to London and intends to take a lover. (Not that she quite understands what that entails. When her sister mentions nakedness Mara definitely quails.)
Well that rumor puts an end to Ambrose’s plans.
No! This will not be allowed to happen. Ambrose whips off to Southwick as fast as his best carriage horses can take him! Thirteen years too late it would seem!
A second chance romance, mostly probable. I liked parts of the story but other entanglements were entirely too predictable.
A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Have you heard the news?
The clients of a dress shop in London quieten, waiting.
“The Duchess of Southwick is coming to London . . . and she plans to take a lover.”
Oh my! Scandal and gossip! Gasps of titillation all round!
What to do when a neglected wife decides to take matters into her own hands?
Lady Marabelle Anne Buxton is puzzled as to why her husband Ambrose, Duke of Southwick, married her. They’d spent admittedly a rather incongruous wedding night together and then Ambrose packed her off to Southwick Castle where she’s remained for thirteen years. Ambrose has come to the castle a mere handful of times. Never to have marital affairs. Just to check the estate.
Mara has decided to go to London and intends to take a lover. (Not that she quite understands what that entails. When her sister mentions nakedness Mara definitely quails.)
Well that rumor puts an end to Ambrose’s plans.
No! This will not be allowed to happen. Ambrose whips off to Southwick as fast as his best carriage horses can take him! Thirteen years too late it would seem!
A second chance romance, mostly probable. I liked parts of the story but other entanglements were entirely too predictable.
A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
April 8, 2024
Loved the plot. This was a very on and off story. I felt sorry for the Duchess - although she didn't take a lover. Her Duke had a lot of problems with his father when he was a young boy.
I enjoyed the story. 5☆
I enjoyed the story. 5☆
February 5, 2024
After a disastrous wedding night followed by eighteen months of isolation at her husband's country estate, Mara the Duchess of Southwick has grown tired of being lonely. So she's made a decision. For the first time since her wedding, she's traveling to London for the Season. And while she's there, she’s going to take a lover. When Ambrose hears the rumours swirling about his wife, his initial reaction is scornful amusement. But when Ambrose receives a letter & discovers that she really does intend to have an affair, his amusement quickly turns to incredulity and then to jealousy. So he dashes home
The first in a new series & an interesting starter, Both Ambrose & Mara had had abusive childhoods & so now closely guard their feeling. It takes nearly losing each other for them both to wake up to what they really want & feel. A well written second chance romance which I thoroughly enjoyed & I look forward to the rest of the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The first in a new series & an interesting starter, Both Ambrose & Mara had had abusive childhoods & so now closely guard their feeling. It takes nearly losing each other for them both to wake up to what they really want & feel. A well written second chance romance which I thoroughly enjoyed & I look forward to the rest of the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 3, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While browsing the NetGalley catalog, I was immediately drawn in by the bright fuchsia color scheme and daring décolletage. I could tell by the clothing that it was historical romance and I was immediately sold. I was utterly enraptured by this book and read it in one sitting. That's rather rare for me considering I like to savor my books over a few days rather than my Joey Chestnut champion eater impression devouring The Duchess Takes A Lover in one bite. This book was so engaging that I couldn't get enough. I had never read Jillian Eaton before and I plan to fill up my plate with her bibliography in the future.
I tend to be a tad wary over Second Chance Romance, but every single flashback was thankfully on page. We got the complete timeline of Mara and Ambrose's relationship. From their first meeting to courtship to wedding day to him leaving her alone in a giant estate for 18 months! I loved seeing their feelings evolve and the reason for their estrangement was provided so gracefully. I adored both characters. They weren't insufferable, childish, or mean-spirited. They loved each other underneath those layers of hurt and shared many things in common. Plus, the hero adored the heroine's freckles and as a proud owner of random melanated spots, so did I.
The Duchess Takes a Lover was a wonderful surprise and I can't wait to read more from Jillian Eaton. I didn't plan to finish this book in one sitting, but I suppose that's a testament to her phenomenal writing. I was hesitant by the saucy title, but the words behind the cover blew me away. I hope every story has an ending as happy as this one the next time The Duchess Takes A Lover.
While browsing the NetGalley catalog, I was immediately drawn in by the bright fuchsia color scheme and daring décolletage. I could tell by the clothing that it was historical romance and I was immediately sold. I was utterly enraptured by this book and read it in one sitting. That's rather rare for me considering I like to savor my books over a few days rather than my Joey Chestnut champion eater impression devouring The Duchess Takes A Lover in one bite. This book was so engaging that I couldn't get enough. I had never read Jillian Eaton before and I plan to fill up my plate with her bibliography in the future.
I tend to be a tad wary over Second Chance Romance, but every single flashback was thankfully on page. We got the complete timeline of Mara and Ambrose's relationship. From their first meeting to courtship to wedding day to him leaving her alone in a giant estate for 18 months! I loved seeing their feelings evolve and the reason for their estrangement was provided so gracefully. I adored both characters. They weren't insufferable, childish, or mean-spirited. They loved each other underneath those layers of hurt and shared many things in common. Plus, the hero adored the heroine's freckles and as a proud owner of random melanated spots, so did I.
The Duchess Takes a Lover was a wonderful surprise and I can't wait to read more from Jillian Eaton. I didn't plan to finish this book in one sitting, but I suppose that's a testament to her phenomenal writing. I was hesitant by the saucy title, but the words behind the cover blew me away. I hope every story has an ending as happy as this one the next time The Duchess Takes A Lover.
March 12, 2024
Ambrose Buxton, 6th Duke of Southwich, deserted his bride on their wedding night to return to London. Left at his country estate, his bride Mara has been content to live without her husband for eighteen months. Lonely, she decides to go to London and find a lover. Nothing but this rumor would force Ambrose to return to the estate he hates to seduce the woman he really loves.
A game of seduction. VERY STEAMY!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
A game of seduction. VERY STEAMY!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
February 11, 2024
So there are a few authors I read that I call my “go to” authors. "Go-to" is when I have read all my "regular" authors new releases and looking for more to read until the next group of new releases come out. Jillian Eaton is one of those authors. Nothing against not calling her one of my “regular authors” because I really enjoy her books but I ended up reading her books years after some of the other authors I read. This is my 21st book by her. I read a series of 4 books in 2018 and didn't pick her up again until 2021.
I really enjoyed Mara and Ambrose's story. I liked the concept of the story. It was a fast read but seemed to have gotten some good depth. It felt like she had a lot more steam than she usually writes. Which I really enjoyed. Overall a good read. Looking forward to book 2.
I really enjoyed Mara and Ambrose's story. I liked the concept of the story. It was a fast read but seemed to have gotten some good depth. It felt like she had a lot more steam than she usually writes. Which I really enjoyed. Overall a good read. Looking forward to book 2.
January 30, 2024
Do you know when you read a book and at the same time a movie passes through your head? That's exactly what happened to this book. I didn't expect to read it so fast, literally in one sitting. It was a quick read and made me want more. The ending seemed kinda rushed but besides that I really enjoyed it.
I can't wait for the next books in the series! I also wish the book was a bit longer.
I can't wait for the next books in the series! I also wish the book was a bit longer.
March 19, 2024
this man did not grovel anywhere near enough. where was my romance? where was my swooning? all i got was subpar sex and seduction. he needs to feel more pain and agony after hurting the fmc! what’s the point of 2nd chance romance without groveling?!!
February 8, 2024
The Duchess Takes a Lover by Jillian Eaton is a novel in which Ambrose Pierce Nathaniel Buxton 6th Duke of Southwick, currently residing in London, is surprised to hear that his wife is coming to London to take a lover. Imagine. She was as cold as ice in his bed. And now she was broadcasting this news. At his country estate of Southwick, his wife, Marabelle Anne Buxton, Duchess of Southwick, was working in the garden, having nothing else to do except spar verbally with her sister, Kitty, who was staying. No one knew for how long. They had had an abusive father whom Mara had escaped by marrying Ambrose and Kitty had escaped by marrying the first man who came along. Mara had no bed sport and Kitty had nothing but: no marriage to speak of. Ambrose remembered his wedding night. She had been frightened and he had been drunk. Not an auspicious beginning, but instead of setting it right, he had run. Now she was planning to find someone else. Over his dead body. He was not going to lose something else.
Both damaged by abuse, though of different sorts, Mara and Ambrose were also hampered by the inability to communicate. This broke the heart of the current housekeeper at Southwick, Agnes, who knew what the life of the small boy had been like and wanted the best for him. It all came to a head when instead of joining him for dinner (at his command), Mara took a walk and was attacked by wolves. He heard her scream and raced to save her, only to find she was doing an excellent job of fending them away herself. But, one of them had bit him behind his knee and he was losing blood. He passed out and they got him to the house. She loved him. She didn’t know how to let him know that. He was cold, apparently unfeeling, and difficult to approach. Actually, the epitome of a duke. She was a simple girl, who had been overwhelmed by him and now didn’t know what to do. What a terrific story! Excellent characters and an interesting dilemma. The pacing was excellent and the reader was rooting for them all the way.
I was invited to read a copy of the Duchess Takes a Lover by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #JillianEaton #TheDuchessTakesALover
Both damaged by abuse, though of different sorts, Mara and Ambrose were also hampered by the inability to communicate. This broke the heart of the current housekeeper at Southwick, Agnes, who knew what the life of the small boy had been like and wanted the best for him. It all came to a head when instead of joining him for dinner (at his command), Mara took a walk and was attacked by wolves. He heard her scream and raced to save her, only to find she was doing an excellent job of fending them away herself. But, one of them had bit him behind his knee and he was losing blood. He passed out and they got him to the house. She loved him. She didn’t know how to let him know that. He was cold, apparently unfeeling, and difficult to approach. Actually, the epitome of a duke. She was a simple girl, who had been overwhelmed by him and now didn’t know what to do. What a terrific story! Excellent characters and an interesting dilemma. The pacing was excellent and the reader was rooting for them all the way.
I was invited to read a copy of the Duchess Takes a Lover by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #JillianEaton #TheDuchessTakesALover
February 15, 2024
Marabelle and her sister, Katherine, grow up in a home where their father physically abuses his family. He kills his wife during a particularly volatile fight, and she falls down a flight of stairs. Mara witnesses this. Thereafter, she strives as much as possible to shield Kitty from her father's abuse, while showering her with love and gifts. Ambrose Pierce Nathaniel Buxton, the sixth Duke of Southwick, was himself abused by his father growing up.
Both have withdrawn from society as a means of coping. Mara is scared and withdrawn, while Ambrose locks all emotions away and is harsh with all whomever he deals with.
Following their marriage and less than successful wedding night, Ambrose banishes Mara to the family country estate of Southwick while he remains in London. Eighteen months later, frustrated with how she her husband has abandoned her to the country and feeling lonely, Mara decides it is time to take a lover. News of this reaches Ambrose in London who initially scoffs at the idea that the woman he married would have the temerity to do such a thing but as more and more rumours spread around town, he decides to return to his country seat and confront Mara about the rumours and ensure she does not sleep with anyone except him!
What follows is a story of two lost and hurting people who finally come to see their spouse in a different light, get to know them and fall in love. Lovely.
I received a copy of this book as a gift from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Both have withdrawn from society as a means of coping. Mara is scared and withdrawn, while Ambrose locks all emotions away and is harsh with all whomever he deals with.
Following their marriage and less than successful wedding night, Ambrose banishes Mara to the family country estate of Southwick while he remains in London. Eighteen months later, frustrated with how she her husband has abandoned her to the country and feeling lonely, Mara decides it is time to take a lover. News of this reaches Ambrose in London who initially scoffs at the idea that the woman he married would have the temerity to do such a thing but as more and more rumours spread around town, he decides to return to his country seat and confront Mara about the rumours and ensure she does not sleep with anyone except him!
What follows is a story of two lost and hurting people who finally come to see their spouse in a different light, get to know them and fall in love. Lovely.
I received a copy of this book as a gift from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
February 8, 2024
“The Duchess Takes a Lover” is the introductory novella to Jillian Eaton’s new series, “Ladies of Seduction.” Ambrose married Mara because she seems meek and obedient and exactly the type of woman he can abandon in the country - which he promptly does. So color him shocked when he hears she is going to be coming to London to take a lover. He goes to her first instead, setting up a second chance romance.
Except that Mara and Ambrose’s story is light on the romance and heeeeeavy on the lust. Which don’t get me wrong, I love a little lust. But here it is unclear that there is anything else. Ambrose goes from disconnected, cold, and occasionally cruel to suddenly madly in love with little to bridge the two states. I think we are supposed to infer he has always loved Mara since he has not slept with anyone else during their separation, but his treatment of her during that same separation just doesn’t bare that out. And Mara goes from deep resentment and anger at her husband to unbridled passion almost immediately. There just wasn’t enough story in this story, which is the best parallel for the characters’ inability to communicate with one another.
I did find the epilogue intriguing and likely will pick up the next book in the series, especially as I have read Jillian Eaton in the past and found other examples of her work much stronger. 2.5 stars, rounded to 3. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for a complimentary ARC of this book. These opinions are my own.
Except that Mara and Ambrose’s story is light on the romance and heeeeeavy on the lust. Which don’t get me wrong, I love a little lust. But here it is unclear that there is anything else. Ambrose goes from disconnected, cold, and occasionally cruel to suddenly madly in love with little to bridge the two states. I think we are supposed to infer he has always loved Mara since he has not slept with anyone else during their separation, but his treatment of her during that same separation just doesn’t bare that out. And Mara goes from deep resentment and anger at her husband to unbridled passion almost immediately. There just wasn’t enough story in this story, which is the best parallel for the characters’ inability to communicate with one another.
I did find the epilogue intriguing and likely will pick up the next book in the series, especially as I have read Jillian Eaton in the past and found other examples of her work much stronger. 2.5 stars, rounded to 3. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for a complimentary ARC of this book. These opinions are my own.
February 20, 2024
I’ve read many books written by Jillian Eaton and I always enjoy them!
After a disastrous wedding night followed by eighteen months of isolation at her husband's country estate, Mara Buxton, the Duchess of Southwick, has grown tired of being lonely. So she's made a decision. For the first time since her wedding, she's traveling to London for the Season. And while she's there, this meek, shy mouse of a wallflower will do the unthinkable: she is going to take a lover.
When Ambrose hears the rumors swirling about his wife, his initial reaction is scornful amusement. While a fiery spark of attraction first drew them together, it was extinguished long ago. The Duchess of Southwick, for all her beauty, is cold as ice, and the only thing she has a chance of inviting into her bed is snow. But when Ambrose discovers that she really does intend to have an affair, his amusement quickly turns to incredulity and then to jealousy. If anyone is going to make her burn with passion...it's him.
This book is short, super easy to read and engaging. I loved Mara. She is sweet but strong and resilient. Ambrose is intense and a bit insufferable, but they really work together. There’s a lot of sexual tension, a bit of aghast and many lovely moments. The sexy times are steamy and really good. I enjoyed the secondary characters a lot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After a disastrous wedding night followed by eighteen months of isolation at her husband's country estate, Mara Buxton, the Duchess of Southwick, has grown tired of being lonely. So she's made a decision. For the first time since her wedding, she's traveling to London for the Season. And while she's there, this meek, shy mouse of a wallflower will do the unthinkable: she is going to take a lover.
When Ambrose hears the rumors swirling about his wife, his initial reaction is scornful amusement. While a fiery spark of attraction first drew them together, it was extinguished long ago. The Duchess of Southwick, for all her beauty, is cold as ice, and the only thing she has a chance of inviting into her bed is snow. But when Ambrose discovers that she really does intend to have an affair, his amusement quickly turns to incredulity and then to jealousy. If anyone is going to make her burn with passion...it's him.
This book is short, super easy to read and engaging. I loved Mara. She is sweet but strong and resilient. Ambrose is intense and a bit insufferable, but they really work together. There’s a lot of sexual tension, a bit of aghast and many lovely moments. The sexy times are steamy and really good. I enjoyed the secondary characters a lot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 30, 2024
The trope of a Second Chance in an existing marriage is a favorite of mine, and this book certainly lived up to my expectations. The novella begins by introducing Mara Buxton, the Duchess of Southwick, who feels imprisoned within the opulent constraints of nobility. Neglected by her husband Ambrose in favor of London's allure, Mara seeks to escape her solitary eighteen-month existence by finding a lover.
Her husband, Ambrose, initially reacts with scornful amusement when he hears rumors about his wife’s intentions. After all, their fiery attraction had long since faded. But when he discovers that Mara truly intends to have an affair, his amusement turns to incredulity and then to jealousy. Mara is his wife, and if anyone is going to make her burn with passion, it’s him.
The story leads the reader on an odyssey of forbidden love, where a duchess with nothing left to lose and a duke with everything at stake are involved in an emotional conflict. The characters are intricately developed, and their emotional complexity enriches a narrative that might otherwise be a typical romance. It serves as a reminder that love can emerge in the most unforeseen places, and occasionally, a single spark is all that's needed to ignite the heart. I gave it four stars because I wished the couple had shared their past wounds with each other, and I felt the ending was too abrupt, missing a peek into Ambrose and Mara's future.
Her husband, Ambrose, initially reacts with scornful amusement when he hears rumors about his wife’s intentions. After all, their fiery attraction had long since faded. But when he discovers that Mara truly intends to have an affair, his amusement turns to incredulity and then to jealousy. Mara is his wife, and if anyone is going to make her burn with passion, it’s him.
The story leads the reader on an odyssey of forbidden love, where a duchess with nothing left to lose and a duke with everything at stake are involved in an emotional conflict. The characters are intricately developed, and their emotional complexity enriches a narrative that might otherwise be a typical romance. It serves as a reminder that love can emerge in the most unforeseen places, and occasionally, a single spark is all that's needed to ignite the heart. I gave it four stars because I wished the couple had shared their past wounds with each other, and I felt the ending was too abrupt, missing a peek into Ambrose and Mara's future.
February 4, 2024
A bitter-sweet romance, one in which the main characters are more alike than it at first appears, given their background and history. If only they had taken the time to talk, then pride would not have gotten in the way of almost ruining what is, in fact, the perfect match. After a disastrous wedding night, The Duke of Southwick banishes his timid bride to the country whilst he tries to forget about her and the mistakes he has made. Only, Mara finally comes to the place in her life where she is no longer willing to hide out in the shadows. In the opening chapter of this novel, the description of the effects of gossip is incredibly well portrayed, and certainly, before Mara can catch her breath news of her planned infidelity hits the gossip columns and every house and club in Mayfair and beyond. Suddenly Ambrose is forced to take notice and he vows that no other male will become his estranged wife's lover. The tiny spark that brought them together in the first place bursts into flames, and when Mara is in danger, Ambrose will do anything to keep her safe from harm, just short of losing his own life in the process. Almost too late he comes to his senses, bringing this enjoyable and heart-warming romance to a beautiful conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift from Draglonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 22, 2024
Alright SO. This is the first book I have read by Jillia Eaton, who seems to have quite an extensive back catalogue.
I got off on the wrong foot with the first scene. Some details were off - for example, there's a scene where two women are gossiping at a dressmakers - and one of the women, who we discover is unmarried is referred to as 'Lady Topple'. This is not how unmarried women would be referred to - it would be 'Lady Susan' or 'Lady Amelia' etc.
So, that irked me.
Moving on - the premise of the book is that Mara, the Duchess in question, has grown tired of being parked at the country estate of the Duke she married (Ambrose) in good faith, a year and a half ago. She's decided to go to London and find some companionship. Through a well meaning housekeeper, the whole of London finds this out, including said Duke.
He's all very damaged because his parents weren't very nice to him, so had decided to keep his wife at arm's length, but this revelation rather convinces him to rethink.
Once it gets going, it's a fun read. I'm interested to hear about Mara's sister in what I suspect will be the second book in this series.
Received an ARC from Netgalley.
I got off on the wrong foot with the first scene. Some details were off - for example, there's a scene where two women are gossiping at a dressmakers - and one of the women, who we discover is unmarried is referred to as 'Lady Topple'. This is not how unmarried women would be referred to - it would be 'Lady Susan' or 'Lady Amelia' etc.
So, that irked me.
Moving on - the premise of the book is that Mara, the Duchess in question, has grown tired of being parked at the country estate of the Duke she married (Ambrose) in good faith, a year and a half ago. She's decided to go to London and find some companionship. Through a well meaning housekeeper, the whole of London finds this out, including said Duke.
He's all very damaged because his parents weren't very nice to him, so had decided to keep his wife at arm's length, but this revelation rather convinces him to rethink.
Once it gets going, it's a fun read. I'm interested to hear about Mara's sister in what I suspect will be the second book in this series.
Received an ARC from Netgalley.
February 4, 2024
A Marriage Gone Awry.
The Duke is determined to never open himself up to hurt again by refusing to love anyone or anything. When his wedding night is a disaster, he packs off his duchess to his country estate and puts her out of his mind, after all he had never intended to live with his wife once an heir was on the way. The fact that he doesn’t have the requisite heir he also puts to one side. However her existence is brought to his notice some two years later, by first a rumour, which is then confirmed by her letter, that she intends to take a lover. Overwhelming anger and possessiveness leads to an immediate trip to his hated country estate where he confronts Mara. In the intervening years, Mara, whilst lonely, has grown in confidence and to his surprise is no longer a shy, biddable girl but a woman who knows her own mind.
An enjoyable story but I wished the pair of them had opened up to each other. The reader knows the back stories of the H and h but at the end I felt that Ambrose and Mara were still strangers to each other rather than a couple.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Duke is determined to never open himself up to hurt again by refusing to love anyone or anything. When his wedding night is a disaster, he packs off his duchess to his country estate and puts her out of his mind, after all he had never intended to live with his wife once an heir was on the way. The fact that he doesn’t have the requisite heir he also puts to one side. However her existence is brought to his notice some two years later, by first a rumour, which is then confirmed by her letter, that she intends to take a lover. Overwhelming anger and possessiveness leads to an immediate trip to his hated country estate where he confronts Mara. In the intervening years, Mara, whilst lonely, has grown in confidence and to his surprise is no longer a shy, biddable girl but a woman who knows her own mind.
An enjoyable story but I wished the pair of them had opened up to each other. The reader knows the back stories of the H and h but at the end I felt that Ambrose and Mara were still strangers to each other rather than a couple.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 7, 2024
Mara Buxton, the Duchess of Southwick, embarks on a bold journey to shed her life of isolation and loneliness after a disappointing start to her marriage. Following eighteen months at her husband's remote country estate, where her companions were books and solitude, Mara decides to break free from the confines of her quiet existence. With a determination to reinvent herself, she heads to London for the Season, intent on doing something utterly scandalous for a woman of her standing: taking a lover. Meanwhile, her husband, Duke Ambrose, initially dismisses the rumors of Mara's intentions with disbelief. Once an undeniable attraction brought them together, now he perceives her as distant and untouchable. However, as the reality of Mara's plan dawns on him, Ambrose's feelings shift from amusement to a complex mix of incredulity and jealousy. This unexpected turn of events rekindles the dormant spark between them, setting the stage for a story of rediscovery and passion. As a new reader to this author, I am eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2024
An emotional second chance romance
Jillian Eaton has written an enjoyable and emotional novella about two damaged people who are struggling to make sense of their marriage. This second chance romance definitely pulled at my heartstrings. Mara has been abandoned at her husband’s country estate after a disastrous wedding night while Ambrose her husband (the Duke of Southwick) continues his life in London. When word gets through to Ambrose that his wife is intending to pursue an affair with another, he hightails it back to his country estate. Can Mara and Ambrose find a happily ever after together? This first book in a new series, Ladies of Seduction, has plenty of heat, suspense and danger but I wish that both Mara and Amber had shared their past experiences with abuse with each other. This would have added more depth to the story. Ambrose’s response to conflict led him to turn off his emotions while Mara’s had her looking for safety. The epilogue does a good job of introducing what I assume will be the basis of the second in the series but I wish it had given us a look into Mara and Ambrose’s future.
Jillian Eaton has written an enjoyable and emotional novella about two damaged people who are struggling to make sense of their marriage. This second chance romance definitely pulled at my heartstrings. Mara has been abandoned at her husband’s country estate after a disastrous wedding night while Ambrose her husband (the Duke of Southwick) continues his life in London. When word gets through to Ambrose that his wife is intending to pursue an affair with another, he hightails it back to his country estate. Can Mara and Ambrose find a happily ever after together? This first book in a new series, Ladies of Seduction, has plenty of heat, suspense and danger but I wish that both Mara and Amber had shared their past experiences with abuse with each other. This would have added more depth to the story. Ambrose’s response to conflict led him to turn off his emotions while Mara’s had her looking for safety. The epilogue does a good job of introducing what I assume will be the basis of the second in the series but I wish it had given us a look into Mara and Ambrose’s future.
March 6, 2024
Get ready for a fun adventure in this exciting story by Jillian Eaton. You're going to love this one, I sure did! Couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end. Mara, Duchess of Southwick, has decided to have an affair. After a lonely marriage and an absent husband she wants more. Ambrose has avoided his beautiful wife ever since a terrible misunderstanding of a wedding night. That is until he learns that his wife is planning to take a lover. He decides that no matter how cold she is to him he won’t let this go unnoticed and unhandled. Now he is going to show her what real passion is, and Mara can’t get enough.
A story packed full of second-chances, a back story of abuse, miscommunication and lots and lots of romance. Eaton is a new to me author and I am hooked. Her characters are so in depth, full of personality and back stories to complete the adventure. Her attention to detail is on point. With a perfect mix of chemistry, wit and spice you will be as hooked as I was. I received this as an ARC but I will be definitely starting a Jillian Eaton collection for my bookshelf and I can’t wait to read them all. Enjoy your adventure.
A story packed full of second-chances, a back story of abuse, miscommunication and lots and lots of romance. Eaton is a new to me author and I am hooked. Her characters are so in depth, full of personality and back stories to complete the adventure. Her attention to detail is on point. With a perfect mix of chemistry, wit and spice you will be as hooked as I was. I received this as an ARC but I will be definitely starting a Jillian Eaton collection for my bookshelf and I can’t wait to read them all. Enjoy your adventure.
May 23, 2024
"What was life but a series of pictures that you painted as you went? Sometimes with more grays. Other times with vivid reds and oranges. Always changing. Always evolving. Always bringing you, canvas by canvas, to where you were truly meant to be."
Sometimes the writing is like this passage and other times cliched. The H and the h both had physically and emotionally abusive fathers. To remain emotionally detached and avoid the pain of loss, the H chooses the h to be his quiet, obedient wife. After a disastrous wedding night, the H sends his wife away from London. A year and a half later London is abuzz with the rumour that his wife plans to take a lover. At first he laughs it off but then he turns up at the country estate where his wife lives. I didn't see an explanation for the change. Not sure why so much of the book is spent relating their brief courtship. More of the H's present day life in London is needed to provide a context for his interaction with his wife. It feels like there are holes in the story.
Sometimes the writing is like this passage and other times cliched. The H and the h both had physically and emotionally abusive fathers. To remain emotionally detached and avoid the pain of loss, the H chooses the h to be his quiet, obedient wife. After a disastrous wedding night, the H sends his wife away from London. A year and a half later London is abuzz with the rumour that his wife plans to take a lover. At first he laughs it off but then he turns up at the country estate where his wife lives. I didn't see an explanation for the change. Not sure why so much of the book is spent relating their brief courtship. More of the H's present day life in London is needed to provide a context for his interaction with his wife. It feels like there are holes in the story.
June 25, 2024
This is the first installment of a new series, Ladies of Seduction, and it is off to a brilliant start! Mara's marriage did not begin well and she is tired of her lonely life at her husband's country estate and decides to take matters into her own hands and go to London for the Season. She determines that she will be lonely no more. When her husband, Ambrose, first hears about the rumors of his wife coming to London and finding companionship elsewhere, he does not believe his shy wife would do something so bold. But then he learns her intentions are true, his amusement is replacement by pure jealously. He resolves to show her he is the only one that can satisfy her.
An interesting and entertaining sort of second chance romance. The story was engaging and kept my interest from start to finish. A very steamy read as well!
Overall a good novel and I look forward to continuing the series.
My thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary review.
An interesting and entertaining sort of second chance romance. The story was engaging and kept my interest from start to finish. A very steamy read as well!
Overall a good novel and I look forward to continuing the series.
My thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary review.
January 18, 2024
I've always enjoyed this author's books. They always tend to have just the right balance of swoony romance and throat clenching angst.
This looks like it's the beginning of a series and I am super keen to read the rest. In this book Mara and Ambrose married and then he abandoned her in the country. After a couple of years of neglect she has decided to finally take something for herself - a lover.
Ambrose is not happy about this, even if he can't initially understand why, but he sets out to thwart his wife's plans.
These two characters are nursing some serious pain after upbringings that left a lot to be desired. Ambrose in particular has a lot of healing to do.
I loved these two and the way that they find their way back to each other. The story is sweet and spicy - my favourite kind.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This looks like it's the beginning of a series and I am super keen to read the rest. In this book Mara and Ambrose married and then he abandoned her in the country. After a couple of years of neglect she has decided to finally take something for herself - a lover.
Ambrose is not happy about this, even if he can't initially understand why, but he sets out to thwart his wife's plans.
These two characters are nursing some serious pain after upbringings that left a lot to be desired. Ambrose in particular has a lot of healing to do.
I loved these two and the way that they find their way back to each other. The story is sweet and spicy - my favourite kind.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 29, 2024
5 stars
Really enjoyed this story and great start to a series. Marabelle has been left at Ambrose's country estate. There was one attempt for lovemaking at the start of the marriage that goes wrong. Ambrose packs her off to the country and stays in London. Mara (odd name) enjoys country life but decides because she's lonely that she needs to find someone. She like her sister, Katie was a victim of her father's coersive control and physcial bullying. We learn the reason for Ambrose's coldness in the story. I liked the way the rumour of her planned infidentity winds it's way to London where Ambrose is angry enough to want to be that Lover. I wonder if the second book will be Katherine's tale. I will look out for it eagerly. I would have liked an epilogue to find out how Ambrose and his Duchess got on. I have read other books by this author but this is my favourite.,
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Really enjoyed this story and great start to a series. Marabelle has been left at Ambrose's country estate. There was one attempt for lovemaking at the start of the marriage that goes wrong. Ambrose packs her off to the country and stays in London. Mara (odd name) enjoys country life but decides because she's lonely that she needs to find someone. She like her sister, Katie was a victim of her father's coersive control and physcial bullying. We learn the reason for Ambrose's coldness in the story. I liked the way the rumour of her planned infidentity winds it's way to London where Ambrose is angry enough to want to be that Lover. I wonder if the second book will be Katherine's tale. I will look out for it eagerly. I would have liked an epilogue to find out how Ambrose and his Duchess got on. I have read other books by this author but this is my favourite.,
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
After a disastrous wedding night followed by eighteen months of isolation at her husband's country estate, the Mara, the Duchess of Southwick wants to take a lover as she realises that her life is not one that she wants as it is. Yet when the duke, Ambrose hears of the rumours, he decides that he will set her straight and return to London. However, when he arrives, the woman he knew who was meek as a mouse, is no longer and instead their attraction burns intensely.
This was a quick read and fast paced. I was drawn in from the start and loved their arguments and moments of passion. A great read in that the background of both characters and the misunderstanding between them is well delivered and interwoven into the storyline. I enjoyed the two time periods, before they married and present day, as these were well integrated and seamless.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a quick read and fast paced. I was drawn in from the start and loved their arguments and moments of passion. A great read in that the background of both characters and the misunderstanding between them is well delivered and interwoven into the storyline. I enjoyed the two time periods, before they married and present day, as these were well integrated and seamless.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 19, 2024
If you can move past some deceit, a toooooooooon of miscommunication, and two damaged people making poor decisions in their interactions, this series starter was a fun read.
I definitely had a bunch of issues with this - mostly all with behavior and communication.
One of my biggest issues - I mostly liked Mara but come on, are you really going to jump into bed with your long estranged husband who never even consummated the marriage now that he’s back and acting drastically different than he did during the marriage? I would hope that Mara would have more self-respect, so I was aggravated and disappointed in how most of the connection between Mara and Ambrose after such a lengthy estrangement is in intimacy. Intimacy is highly important, but so is actual communication - this didn’t sit well with me.
Issues aside, I did mostly enjoy this one, and plan on checking out more by the author.
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC
I definitely had a bunch of issues with this - mostly all with behavior and communication.
One of my biggest issues - I mostly liked Mara but come on, are you really going to jump into bed with your long estranged husband who never even consummated the marriage now that he’s back and acting drastically different than he did during the marriage? I would hope that Mara would have more self-respect, so I was aggravated and disappointed in how most of the connection between Mara and Ambrose after such a lengthy estrangement is in intimacy. Intimacy is highly important, but so is actual communication - this didn’t sit well with me.
Issues aside, I did mostly enjoy this one, and plan on checking out more by the author.
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC
February 26, 2024
Ambrose and Mara both carry the emotional baggage from having physically abusive fathers. Ambrose determines he will never love anyone because if you care, they have the power to hurt you. He needs a wife and heir so he finds what he thinks is a meek wallflower in Mara and marries her. When her thoughts of her father's abuse surfaces on her wedding night making her nervous, it doesn't go well and Ambrose abandons her to his country estate alone for 18 months. Only rumors of her planned affair makes him return. So the title is a little misleading. The book is really about their reconciliation and Mara's transformation into a strong and confidant person. You'll meet Kitty, Mara's younger sister, who she tried to protect from her father's fists. Now, Kitty is in an unhappy marriage and will be featured in the next book of the series. I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
January 21, 2024
A light, quick read with a sweet storyline but also 🔥🌶 scenes.
Mara decides she is going to travel to London for the season to take a lover, but she is still very naive and has not really considered what this will entail.
Her husband, the Duke, Ambrose, hears of her plan and is furious and jealous. In his head, she belongs to him and he plans to make that known to her... only when he returns to his Duchess, he finds that she is not the same shy and submissive wife that he left behind.
This book was fun and had a lot of passion/spicy scenes.
TW: mention of harm caused to an animal and one scene where a character defends themselves from an animal attack.
4/5⭐
Thank you to Netgalley, Dragonblade Publishing and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Mara decides she is going to travel to London for the season to take a lover, but she is still very naive and has not really considered what this will entail.
Her husband, the Duke, Ambrose, hears of her plan and is furious and jealous. In his head, she belongs to him and he plans to make that known to her... only when he returns to his Duchess, he finds that she is not the same shy and submissive wife that he left behind.
This book was fun and had a lot of passion/spicy scenes.
TW: mention of harm caused to an animal and one scene where a character defends themselves from an animal attack.
4/5⭐
Thank you to Netgalley, Dragonblade Publishing and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews