Humbled

by Renee Rose

Sentenced to die at age eleven for stealing a pig, Jean-Claude receives an unexpected reprieve when a young aristocrat girl takes the blame instead. When the revolution sends the rabble to the girl's chateau years later, he knows he must return the favor and rescue her. As they flee through the woods he makes it clear he is not her servant. In fact, if she wishes his help, she must concede he is her master and understand her disobedience will be punished. Intending to take her only as far as the port city Le Havre and send her off to England, the beautiful aristo inspires a fierce protectiveness in him that makes it hard to say goodbye.

Corinne is alternately infuriated and attracted to the handsome peasant who has no qualms about turning her over his knee and spanking her bare bottom when she steps out of line. When he ends up joining her on a ship to New Orleans, their futures becoming inextricably intertwined. But can a peasant-born blacksmith and the daughter of a duc find enough common ground to make a permanent match?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Erotica, Regency, BDSM, Erotic Romance

109 pages, ebook

First published January 15, 2014

About the author

15-Time USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR RENEE ROSE loves a dominant, dirty-talking alpha hero! She's sold over five million copies of steamy romance with varying levels of kink. Her books have been featured in USA Today's Happily Ever After and Popsugar. Named Eroticon USA's Next Top Erotic Author in 2013, she has also won Spunky and Sassy's Favorite Sci-Fi and Anthology author, The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance, and has hit the USA Today list with her Chicago Bratva, Bad Boy Alpha, and Wolf Ranch books as well as various kinky anthologies.

For FREE RENEE ROSE BOOKS, go to this page: https://subscribepage.com/alphastemp

**Visit her blog at www.reneeroseromance.com
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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT RENEE'S BOOKS:

"I savor Renee Rose's books as if they were the finest of champagnes" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Sierra Cartwright

"Renee Rose has an ability to write the most captivating, most intriguing, and the hottest books around." ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Alta Hensley

"A sexy tale for modern women that's as steamy as a locker room shower." ~Kirkus Reviews

"I've been completely blown away by this series" ~The Romance Reviews

"Nobody writes a bad boy hero like Renee Rose" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Cara Bristol

"If you are looking for a romance you can lose yourself in and think fondly of for days after, look no further. This is a Renee Rose book and this author is very good at what she does." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Maren Smith

"Hands down Renee Rose writes the sexiest, naughtiest, set your Kindle on fire romance." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Natasha Knight

"If you love your men dominant alphas and get considerable pleasure out of watching them have their lives turned upside down by the women in their lives on the way to their happily ever after, then you'll love this story." ~The Romance Reviews [TOP PICK]

"Rose always delivers with her erotic stories. It's hot, it's sexy, & don't forget the icy drink & fan when you read this one." ~Manic Readers

"I have yet to read a book by Renee Rose that I don't enjoy so much as to read it again and again." ~Bottoms Up Book Reviews

Reviews

[Bj · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 "Revolutionary Beginnings" Stars for the story and 3.5 Stars for the narration!

If you love well developed, historical romances with a BDSM element, in this case primarily disciplinary and erotic spankings, and are looking for a sensual, quick listen; then Humbled may just be the right contender for your next listen. The heat factor on this naughty little listen is off the charts, and the cleverly crafted plot, which could easily have truly taken place during this time period, provides for a captivating and entertaining story.

Set during the time period of the French Revolution, Humbled gives us a glance at what life may have been like for both the aristocrats and peasants at around that time. Our hero and heroine meet as children when the heroine, Corrine, a young aristocrat, saves the hero, a peasant named Jean-Claude, from the guillotine.

Having been sentenced to die for the theft of a pig that he wasn't even fortunate enough to catch, Jean-Claude would nearly certainly have died that day had it not been for the courage of Corrine to stand up and take blame for his offense instead. Many years later, during the midst of the French Revolution, Jean-Claude has still not forgotten that incredible act of kindness on Corrine's behalf, and determines to return the favor by saving her from near certain death at the hands of an angry mob that is intent on storming her mansion.

Corrine instantly recognizes Jean-Claude and allows him to lead her to safety. Determined to see her safe for the long haul, Jean-Claude insists that Corrine flee France. Soon they agree that Corrine will board a ship to New Orleans where she can assume a new life. Unwilling to allow possible harm to an unescorted young female, Jean-Claude also comes along.

During this long journey, the couple slowly become aware of their mutual attraction, even as they struggle to acclimate to a new world where their class differences no longer matter. In that regard, Jean-Claude begins showing his dominant side, for both pleasure and disciplinary effect. As their passionate feelings become undeniable, the couple is left struggling with the possible threat that they may still be in danger, never mind have no way of supporting themselves in the New World. Will Corrine and Jean-Claude find their HEA in America? Could a HEA ever possibly take place between two individuals of such different classes?

Having previously read a couple of Renee Rose's books, I was familiar with her unique brand of spanking romances, so I knew what to expect from an erotic perspective. Well, I'm pleased to report that not only does Ms. Rose deliver on this front, but I also very much enjoyed the French Revolution history, and particular attention to the difficulties of class imbalances at the time, as well as the underlying love story that was built on the backbone of the impressive and selfless protective nature of both the heroine and the alpha hero.

Faith Alowyn Alden renders a fantastic performance in Humbled. In fact, I would have easily given Ms. Alden a 5-star rating based on her performance alone. Not only does she have a beautiful, mesmerizing voice, but she produced unique, distinguishable and personality appropriate intonations for each one of the many cast members, making it incredibly easy to know who was talking without needing to rely on dialogue tags. Ms. Alden also does a great job of conveying the particular mood of a scene in her narratives and imbues her voice with just the right amount of emotion to act out the dialogue between the characters.

Unfortunately, however, there were some issues with the production and editing of the audiobook that caused me to lower the overall score. Namely, there was a hollow, almost echo like, sound throughout the entire recording. It almost sounded like the book had been produced in a large auditorium or cave. Another effect of the production--that in my experience is atypical--was that I could hear a light amount of static in the background, almost as if it was recorded during a light rain. There were also a few instances of clicks, and the like, that I would have expected to have been filtered out in the editing process. It is worth noting that notwithstanding these technical issues, after a while of listening, I was able to eventually tune them out. Nonetheless I did feel that it was necessary to point out these matters, as they are not something you would normally expect in a commercially produced title.

All in all, I thought Ms. Rose imbued Humbled with just the right amount of balance between the development of a satisfying historical plot, an enticing romance and an erotically charged love story. Further enhancing this story was Ms. Alden's talented reading which, subject to the noted caveats, makes this a good choice to pick in audiobook format.

Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Carolina Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, one thing that bugs me in many DD and BDSM novels is power imbalance. I cannot be eloquent enough to express the nausea I endure whenever I sense self loathing in female characters, based simply on how wealthy/stronger/clever their partners are. Give me one girl who accepts her value is the very same (or even higher) of her lover and I will give you one female character I'll respect.

This is Corinne. Besides being from a higher social hierarchy, she beleives her pride is to be maintained even in the worst conditions. And, surprisingly, despite the fact he will obviously take her in hand, Jean-Claude allows her some pride and even is fond of it (whenever it does not cause her to put themselves in danger).

More than the usual 'Who's in charge here, lass?' speech, I am blown away by the discussions Corinne and Jean-Claude have about life issues, such as how a domestic discipline marriage works, how is she supposed to pick up the pieces of her wrecked life and even Marquis de Sade, of whom I am a HUGE fan. When you finish this one, get some of his tales and have some Revolutionary French fun too!

[Katherine Deane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome spanking romance set in the French Revolutionary period! I loved it!

I loved the characters! The Aristocratic woman who flees for her life, losing her family, her home, everything!

The blacksmith (a commoner, who owes her his life.), who vows to save her and get her to safety.

The passion that turns to love.

And the conflicting emotions of two people from “different worlds” fighting to see if they truly belong together.

I LOVED IT!

Hot sex, awesome story line, great emotions, and super spankings. (Hehe, you can’t have a great Renee Rose book with some of that, right?)

Mmmmm, the spankings were delicious. The sex was hot! I loved the whole package!

Vive la spank!

[Raine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book by Renee Rose, but not one of the ones either.

[Cheesecake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Corinne and Jean-Claude. This was somehow better than I thought it would be an yet still not my faves by this author (The Westerfield Affair and Pleasing the Colonel). It's a spanking book, so if Domestic Discipline doesn't turn your crank, you should probably try Pleasing the Colonel which is a milder book. I did find the author pushed the discipline thing a bit far for me, talking about the Marquis de Sade and the pleasure of pain. But it's mostly just talk.
Corinne saved Jean-Claude's life when they were kids and as the revolution starts in France he comes to return the favour. He didn't really think it through though, all the ramifications. He didn't realize how much he would like Corinne as a person. I loved how Corinne call him out on his poor planning!
There's a nice push and pull between Corinne and Jean-Claude as they navigate the new world order of "Citizens" instead of Aristocrats and Peasants. They both have built in prejudices but they are both essentially good people and pretty open about their thoughts. It's also a less predictable plot than I was expecting. The move from France to a ship to their destination and making a new life for themselves. I kinda wish the author had put in more details about life at that time, but the story is pretty much centered on the MCs with some talk of fashion. Overall a good read/listen. The reader, Faith Alowyn Alder does a great job with the French accents. I found Jean Claude to be a good romantic lead, despite the talk about pain.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

July 1789.
Corinne is the daughter of a duc in what is now revolutionary France. As angry citizens come to take her parents' estate, she escapes with a man whose life she'd saved from the noose a decade earlier. Jean-Claude feels this is a fair exchange, and no one will miss him in France, so he bargains passage for both of them to Louisiana.

I picked this up because @onlyonebookshelf mentioned it was a novella set during the French Revolution, involved spanking k1nk, and available on KU. That all aligned with my reading bandwidth on vacation. This fulfilled my need for a little history, some solid k1nk, and enough character development to keep me engaged. Because of its length, there are some odd transitions and things I wished the author had explored more, but ultimately this met my expectations.

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy for an honest and fair review.

Let me admit that I'm a history buff so when Renee posted on her blog that she had written a spanking romance set in the French Revolution, I was excited! The prologue, set 10 years before the revolution, drew me in- the stark unfairness between the peasant boy and the aristocrat girl. Renee wrote gorgeous drama as the peasants attacked and Corinne, the aristocrat girl now grown into a young lady, fled for her life. I cheered as Jean-Claude and Corinne made their way across France. When she decided on America, rather than England, as he'd expected, I squealed. And when he ended up accompanying her, oh my, I swooned! As the plan unfolded in New Orleans, I found myself holding my breath again and again in enjoyment and anticipation- such masterful suspense!

The epilogue rounded out the "cold shower" moment that Renee had done such an unbelievable job giving the reader throughout the book. In the end, Jean-Claude's love and care of Corinne breath-takingly overcame the horror of the French Revolution and the travesty of unfairness that exists whenever an aristocrat and a peasant class exist. Beautiful, moving romance.

[Emily Tilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The release of a new historical from Ms. Rose is a day of celebration on my calendar, and Humbled deserves the whole day, since you're not going to be able to put it down. Full of historical detail, but not enough to bog down the action (or the D/s sex!), the story takes a young French aristocratic girl from danger in revolutionary France to safety in New Orleans in the company of a peasant blacksmith (you know, the original fireman) who, being a widower, knows how to keep a woman in line, especially when her safety is in question.

Ms. Rose is I think as good as she is at writing historical spanking romance because her style, direct and yet distinctly musical in key scenes, has a timeless quality that works equally well for describing clothing and describing hot, dirty, shameful D/s sex that never fails to get the reader hot alongside the characters.

(I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of Humbled.)

[Jaye Peaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set during the French Revolution, aristocrat Corinne escapes from France with the help of a silversmith who plans to start a new life in America. She tests Jean-Claude, resulting in several spankings before she learns to live as a commoner.

[Arcanine Patronus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise sounded interesting enough; an aristocrat during the French revolution saved by a peasant as repayment for when she saved him when they were children. The plot of the story focuses on their journey from France to New Orleans. On the way there, they struggle with their class differences and what these mean now that the revolution has abolished the aristocracy. Domestic discipline also plays a big role in the story.

But what really sold the story to me was the chemistry and the dialogue between Corinne and Jean-Claude. I loved how they overcame their class differences and prejudices. While Corinne has some traits that you would associate with a spoiled child of nobility, she's not annoying and petulant in the way those characters are often written. We already know from the prologue that she's selfless, but when faced with hardship she quickly shows how tough she is. And the way her somewhat spoiled nature was dealt with was a lot of fun. Rose wrote it in a way that while you roll your eyes at Corinne's naivety, you also gain respect for how she squares her shoulders and pushes through it.

Most romances I read have fun MMCs, but liking the FMC is especially important to me and Rose definitely succeeded there. Corinne is a character who I grew to respect and like very quickly and Jean-Claude is so much fun.

Some of the domestic discipline aspect of their relationship is genuine, as in Jean-Claude expressing his control over Corinne. But much of it is more playful and sexual. I liked seeing both, especially how it started as the first and grew into the second. This is definitely a book to reread in the future.

[Debbie Kilburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful rescues

A small boy was to be hung for trying to steal a pig. One of an arsticat little girl could not stand by and watch it. Suddenly, she spoke up saying it was she who tried to take the piglet home so she could dress it up and play with it. So Jean Claude was freed. Then as the years rolled by, she forgot about the little boy. When the French Revolution came to pass, Corinne was scared as whit to do. Her maid helped her dress as a servant to help her slip away. But a man came up to her and asked where her mistress was , but after he slapped her, someone walked up and took her by the arm. Next thing she knew was the stranger ran through the garden with her in tow. He placed her on the rail, telling her to wait for him to lift her down. But she didn't wait, but jumped down on her own. This begins the struggle between the little boy trying to return the favor years later. She has to learn how to obey. How to learn to be ordinary people and how to survive. And how to love a man without a title. I recommend this book highly.

[Sonia N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It takes place in the French Revolution. And this story starts off with a young man being accuse of stealing a Duke and Duchess's pig. Punishable by death.
But, their young daughter feels bad for the young man, and saves him by defending him.
A fews years later, Corinne is at one of her parents estate alone. And the people are taking all the nobility and either killing or sending them to prison. He, Jean-Claude remembers the kind favor Corinne did in saving in his life. So he goes to her estate to save her. Her faithful maid gets all her family jewels and sews it into her chemise.
She is surprised to see Jean-Claude, but has to go with him to start a new life.
On their journey, they encounter dangerous situations, but they make it to where they planned.
They find themselves attracted to each other!
Please, just read this beautiful and exciting book. I enjoyed it so much. I listened to it on Audible, and it was so much more intense!!

[Books2lovenow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Spanking Romance

Renee Rose knows how to write an excellent historical spanking romance. I absolutely love her stories and am always excited to see a new one. I very much enjoyed Humbled. It was an interesting story with an unusual plot. So many historicals are set in England or Scotland that it was refreshing to read one that was set in France and New Orleans. I definitely recommend Jean-Claude and Corrine's story.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her rescuer

The peasants are hunting down and killing all the aristocrats. She saved him when he was a boy now he wants to save her. As they fall for each other they have to figure out if they can get to the same level. He's bossy and she's sassy. He'll punish her for complaining. She likes it.

[N.M. McGregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different direction

I enjoy all of Renee Rose's novels. Humbled was a fun, mildly erotic romance. I like the idea of using the revolution in France for the plot and drawing together two lovers , one from the wrong side of the tracks and establishing a dd relationship. Spirited and fun.

[Chele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty good but ended abruptly

[Alexandra Isobel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. It was a neat read!

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for the story but a three for the narration. Although the is great, the recording quality is not good. Happy reading/listening!

[Julie Read Our Lips! Book Review Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Features:
Erotica
Oral sex
Spanking
Historical Romance
Intrigue
Suspense

[vikki Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Excellent plot! Surprising depth of history and culture. I really enjoyed the creative personalities and look forward to New stories placed in New Orleans.

[P.A.B. PhD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loses a half star for lack of lube

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

surprisingly good!

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pace of this book was breakneck. If it was slowed down and expanded it would have been amazing. Great basis for something enjoyable and you can fill in the gaps.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Interesting story and setting, with a lot of spanking.

This is my first book by the author. At first, I thought that it would be heavy on BDSM sex scenes with little story. However, the book surprised me. The plot and story are quite solid and enjoyable to read. The sex scenes didn't come until almost half way through, but the spanking came much sooner. Apart from the demand for obedience and submission, the BDSM aspect is limited to just spanking with hand and other objects.

Although the book is short, the characters are well-developed. The book has everything including romance, drama, humor, and even some actions. I like that it's not over-dramatic. Yes, there are suffering moments, but it's not like things go wrong all the time.

The romance is actually kind of sweet. After the struggling beginning, they both come to care and trust each other. Corinne was the usual spoiled girl. She might be stupid, ignorant, and unbearable at first. However, her characteristic and her knowledge of the world improved overtime. Jean-Claude is a great hero. He is very honorable. He is also understanding and kind, but he doesn't hesitate to discipline her when needed.

The book also ended with sweet epilogue. The writing style is simple and easy to get into. I would probably read more from the author when the mood strikes.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really well written and well told spanking story with a great plot. It's the French revolution and aristocrat Corinne is saved from the mob by someone from her past...a peasant. While Corinne may be above her savior in station, Jean-Claude has no problem showing the young woman who is in charge, and who master's whom.
One thing I very much liked: so many spanking books play off the odious trope of bratting, which leads to spanking. While Corinne required correction, there was no out of control, irritating bratting from her, making the dynamic much more intimate , down to earth, and enjoyable.
I would have liked a bit more connection with Jean Claud's character-especially during the time he's newly establishing himself-but I did enjoy the thoughts and feelings we were given insight to.
The kink is well done and scintillating, and matched with a great storyline, this was quite the enjoyable read.

[Sabine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful historical tale!

This is a short story set during the French revolution. The protagonists first meet when he's eleven & she's about eight. She's nobility & he's a peasant, he's accused of stealing, she saves his life. Years later their paths cross again during the resistance. I won't say more except to say, the relationship that develops between Jean Claude & Corrine is intimate & touching. Another well written offering by Renee Rose.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how these two reconnected after their first meeting. These two had such a chemistry. I really enjoyed seeing them flee France and everything they went through. It was a really good short story!

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time...

My first time reading this author, and I loved it! The story was excellent and I loved the characters. This book is a perfect short read. I will for sure be reading this author again. Happy reading! :)

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story love it

I wish you continue success I am on my way to your library to see what other goodies you have in self to read so happy I read this book. Merry Christmas to you and your family and a wonderful 2017 DH from New York City