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Markham Hall #2
The Education of Ivy Leavold
I knew I was taking a risk loving a man like Julian Markham. But I thought that love was enough to cover over his darkness.
I thought wrong.
***
Ivy Leavold came to Markham Hall looking for a home and a new start, and instead she found the enigmatic Julian Markham—along with a love that threatened to consume them both. Now Mr. Markham is offering her a new life as his bride, as the mistress of Markham Hall, and Ivy wants nothing more than to say yes.
But Ivy knows that the closer she binds herself to Mr. Markham, the closer she binds herself to danger. And the deeper their love grows, the closer she gets to discovering the truth surrounding her cousin's death. Once she does, the explosive secret will rip them apart...possibly forever.
This is the second novella in the Markham Hall Trilogy.
I thought wrong.
***
Ivy Leavold came to Markham Hall looking for a home and a new start, and instead she found the enigmatic Julian Markham—along with a love that threatened to consume them both. Now Mr. Markham is offering her a new life as his bride, as the mistress of Markham Hall, and Ivy wants nothing more than to say yes.
But Ivy knows that the closer she binds herself to Mr. Markham, the closer she binds herself to danger. And the deeper their love grows, the closer she gets to discovering the truth surrounding her cousin's death. Once she does, the explosive secret will rip them apart...possibly forever.
This is the second novella in the Markham Hall Trilogy.
5 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 9, 2015
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2944 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
November 19, 2017
Was I excited or was I scared?
And given what I had realized about myself – and about us – did it matter which?
I turned and faced him, my fiancé and master, pressing my back against the door. Blood and warmth and want pooled in my core as I watched him watching me.
Sierra Simone writes excellent historical erotica!
Think of Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights, all this slow burn and desperation. And then add some 50 Shades of Grey in the mix with all the sinister things that a man with a dark soul wants to do to his woman and the guilt that she feels whether this is normal and acceptable and if she is allowed to like it.
In this case, there is no Christian. There is only Julian and Julian moreover likes to share his toys with his best friends.
Who is afraid of Julian?
Ivy is afraid of Julian, because there is still the mystery of the death of his previous wife. And all the evidence points to him. And everyone feels the need to warn confused Ivy. There are the Mrs. Brightmore, the housekeeper; Mrs. Harold, the rector’s wife; Gerald, the valet and a mysterious old, short man with the white hair.
Julian Markham wants to keep Ivy forever. He wants to cage her and isolate her from everybody. But seriously there is no way that he can avoid telling her the truth – even if he has to do it before they get married.
I have a feeling that Ivy will be severely punished in the next book, because she is not allowed to run away from the only man that she ever loved.
Because I was made to be with him. And if I ever had to leave him, it would rent me into pieces.
July 10, 2021
Why does it feel so much more taboo because it’s historical?
So when the title says education, it’s all about one thing and I got my D/s relationship that I’d been hoping for. Except this isn’t your average run of the mill kind. Mr Markham can be incredibly dominating but flip a switch and he can also be subservient which I honestly hadn’t realized could be so sexy.
And while Ivy is obviously very submissive she’s also a bit of a brat and that’s a plus since she won’t take everything lying down. Even while I suspect she’ll spend most of this installment on her back. 😉
Man her punishments are both some of the most erotic but also the most brutal but not horrifically so. He’s just intense af!
I think my issue with some of her writing is a lack of real emotional connection. This one in particular feels less like love and more like obsession. We’re definitely borderline toxic here.
Um … I’m sorry but his revenge on Violet was brilliant! I mean that’s what he’s been so afraid to tell her? And she’s actually devastated by this development? Enough to walk away? Seriously?
I’m coming to the conclusion that I mostly don’t like Ivy and that she’s full of contradictions and hypocrisy. It’s feels like she’s just disagreeable for disagreement’s sake.
And really, he’s not much better. He’s manipulative and controlling. He’s seeped in desperation that screams toxicity. But do I still want to finish this trilogy? At this point it’s more a need than a want.
So when the title says education, it’s all about one thing and I got my D/s relationship that I’d been hoping for. Except this isn’t your average run of the mill kind. Mr Markham can be incredibly dominating but flip a switch and he can also be subservient which I honestly hadn’t realized could be so sexy.
And while Ivy is obviously very submissive she’s also a bit of a brat and that’s a plus since she won’t take everything lying down. Even while I suspect she’ll spend most of this installment on her back. 😉
Man her punishments are both some of the most erotic but also the most brutal but not horrifically so. He’s just intense af!
I think my issue with some of her writing is a lack of real emotional connection. This one in particular feels less like love and more like obsession. We’re definitely borderline toxic here.
Um … I’m sorry but his revenge on Violet was brilliant! I mean that’s what he’s been so afraid to tell her? And she’s actually devastated by this development? Enough to walk away? Seriously?
I’m coming to the conclusion that I mostly don’t like Ivy and that she’s full of contradictions and hypocrisy. It’s feels like she’s just disagreeable for disagreement’s sake.
And really, he’s not much better. He’s manipulative and controlling. He’s seeped in desperation that screams toxicity. But do I still want to finish this trilogy? At this point it’s more a need than a want.
September 19, 2015
5 "I'm going to take that Ass" Stars!!!!
Book two continues with Julian and Ivy's relationship and it is a scorcher! Julian Markham proposed to Ivy but the mystery surrounding Julian's previous wives continue to cast doubt in Ivy's mind. However, after Julian ignited desire and passion within Ivy, she is more than willing to be educated by Mr. Markham. My only question is how quickly can I travel to Markham Hall???
"A flush crept up his neck. Without a word, he roughly flipped me over, so that my feet touched the carpet and I was bent over the table. He didn't miss a beat, just buried his dick in me again, a hand wrapped around my neck for leverage."
"I looked over to see Mr. Markham sitting in a chair across the room from the bed, his long legs stretched out before him, his green eyes watching me like a predator watches his prey. Intently. With ownership...Come here, Ivy, he commanded. When I reached him, he issued another order. Kneel"
"You look amazing like this, he said after a minute. Back arched, dripping with my seed, begging me to take your ass. This, my future wife is the benefit of good education."
Cannot wait to read the continuation of Julian and Ivy's journey of passion and love.
Book two continues with Julian and Ivy's relationship and it is a scorcher! Julian Markham proposed to Ivy but the mystery surrounding Julian's previous wives continue to cast doubt in Ivy's mind. However, after Julian ignited desire and passion within Ivy, she is more than willing to be educated by Mr. Markham. My only question is how quickly can I travel to Markham Hall???
"A flush crept up his neck. Without a word, he roughly flipped me over, so that my feet touched the carpet and I was bent over the table. He didn't miss a beat, just buried his dick in me again, a hand wrapped around my neck for leverage."
"I looked over to see Mr. Markham sitting in a chair across the room from the bed, his long legs stretched out before him, his green eyes watching me like a predator watches his prey. Intently. With ownership...Come here, Ivy, he commanded. When I reached him, he issued another order. Kneel"
"You look amazing like this, he said after a minute. Back arched, dripping with my seed, begging me to take your ass. This, my future wife is the benefit of good education."
Cannot wait to read the continuation of Julian and Ivy's journey of passion and love.
October 12, 2015
**5 I Want Mr. Markham To Teach Me Stars!!!!**
Gosh this book! I loved this book soooo much I'm at a loss for words. I literally want all my friends to read this amazing story. This series reminds me of an erotic Jane Eyre....enough said right?! Book 2 takes off right where book 1 leaves off. And the story gets even more intense as ever. This is not your usual historical...it's very core is laced with steamy eroticism so you must have an open mind while reading it.
I'm loving the storyline and I'm loving the characters. Julian Markham and Ivy Leavold are two of the most interesting characters I've ever read and I have to know what happens next! And the sex...Holy crap I've never been so turned on from a book in my entire life! The heat from the sex, , burned through my kindle. I had to put it down a few times to control myself.
You think you love Christian Grey? Well you haven't met Julian Markham!
Gosh this book! I loved this book soooo much I'm at a loss for words. I literally want all my friends to read this amazing story. This series reminds me of an erotic Jane Eyre....enough said right?! Book 2 takes off right where book 1 leaves off. And the story gets even more intense as ever. This is not your usual historical...it's very core is laced with steamy eroticism so you must have an open mind while reading it.
I'm loving the storyline and I'm loving the characters. Julian Markham and Ivy Leavold are two of the most interesting characters I've ever read and I have to know what happens next! And the sex...Holy crap I've never been so turned on from a book in my entire life! The heat from the sex, , burned through my kindle. I had to put it down a few times to control myself.
You think you love Christian Grey? Well you haven't met Julian Markham!
June 4, 2015
Review to come
Julian!!
Sigh
Wonderful....
A new author on my #mustread list.
Julian!!
Sigh
Wonderful....
A new author on my #mustread list.
February 11, 2015
I'm going to need a minute after reading that...jeez what a scorcher...
In this the second part of Ivy and Mr Markham' s (for I cannot call him Julian) story, Ivy is still trying to figure out whether the devilishly dark and delish Mr Markham could really have bumped off his first and second wives. A few mysterious people creep out of corners and utter a few teasing words, but we still don't know who is to be trusted.
Meanwhile Mr Markham is continuing to educate Ivy on his sexual requirements. He has quite the filthiest mouth and something of an obsession with her arse in this (which oddly for a Victorian English gent he calls 'ass') so it was extremely, incredibly rude. And from someone like me who reads far more erotica than is healthy, that's saying something. I mean, h-o-t.
This is a fairly short read with more sex than story, but it's a page turner. Ends on a cliffhanger, one more part to go. I'm looking forward to it anyway.
Recommended.
In this the second part of Ivy and Mr Markham' s (for I cannot call him Julian) story, Ivy is still trying to figure out whether the devilishly dark and delish Mr Markham could really have bumped off his first and second wives. A few mysterious people creep out of corners and utter a few teasing words, but we still don't know who is to be trusted.
Meanwhile Mr Markham is continuing to educate Ivy on his sexual requirements. He has quite the filthiest mouth and something of an obsession with her arse in this (which oddly for a Victorian English gent he calls 'ass') so it was extremely, incredibly rude. And from someone like me who reads far more erotica than is healthy, that's saying something. I mean, h-o-t.
This is a fairly short read with more sex than story, but it's a page turner. Ends on a cliffhanger, one more part to go. I'm looking forward to it anyway.
Recommended.
June 6, 2015
Review to come but OMG it's FABULOUS
June 21, 2019
(#1) The Awakening of Ivy Leavold ➵ ★★★☆☆
This honestly made me uncomfortable to read at times, which I won't elaborate on because it's more of my personal preferences when reading sex scenes. The ending, however, was absolute god tier angst and heavily reminded me of the complication in Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren. I'm overall disappointed in this and my opinions don't warrant enough to write a review, but I wish these characters would have an honest conversation instead of fucking 24/7 and calling that a relationship.
April 7, 2015
Yahoooooooo-zer !!! Wow ... * fans self * wow .. this was one hot read !
Ivy's journey continues under Julian ' mysteriously broody' Markham's ministrations and boy oh boy do you soooo wanna be there !!!! We got a lot of answers in this installment of the series . But not nearly enough . What really surprised me was how Ivy and Julian like to 'play' .. For a girl who was a virgin till she met Julian , Ivy sure has some serious kinky taste . Like the gal would try anything ! Almost ....
Ivy's journey continues under Julian ' mysteriously broody' Markham's ministrations and boy oh boy do you soooo wanna be there !!!! We got a lot of answers in this installment of the series . But not nearly enough . What really surprised me was how Ivy and Julian like to 'play' .. For a girl who was a virgin till she met Julian , Ivy sure has some serious kinky taste . Like the gal would try anything ! Almost ....
February 26, 2024
Jane Eyre/Rebecca but with STEAM? Sign me tf up! This was everything. Sierra Simone can do no wrong ❤️ *downloads the third book immediately*
Also...the first book in this series "The Awakening of Ivy Leavold" is FREE on Kindle. You're welcome lol
Also...the first book in this series "The Awakening of Ivy Leavold" is FREE on Kindle. You're welcome lol
March 30, 2015
I'm not sure there is much else I can say about Julian and Ivy besides Holy F*ck! They seriously have some of the hottest sexy-times I've ever read. Some of the things that come out of Julian's mouth just make me melt!
I love the push and pull of their relationship. There are some times when Julian is so clearly in charge but then Ivy will turn the tables on him and it is truly delightful to behold. The mystery and intrigue surrounding Julian and his late wives (yes, wives) is a perfect counterbalance to the delightful debauchery of Ivy and Julian. I am dying to get my hands on the next, and last book.
Everyone who hasn't read this series yet read it! Like seriously, read it now.
May 30, 2015
Full review to come at the end of the series but I am loving Julian & Ivy!
April 11, 2015
As what had happened with the The Awakening of Ivy Leavold, I am rendered speechless by Julian. I can’t actually picture out how Ivy would look like because all my thoughts are consume by Mr. Markham himself. And to think that Julian wants a teacher-student relationship with Ivy. Will he be good? Or will she be an obedient pupil?
Please, please! I want to be your student!
But what draws me more to this story is the all-consuming love that and the connection that they felt for each other. Every word and every moment, it tugs at me and consumes me.
Mr. Markham is not the flowers and chocolate type of man no matter how hot he is, or caring, or seeing to Ivy’s needs. There is still that darkness that surrounds him and the mystery that makes you want to unravel him.
“Back arched, dripping with my seed, begging me to take your ass. This, my future wife, this is the benefit of a good education.”
Please, please! I want to be your student!
But what draws me more to this story is the all-consuming love that and the connection that they felt for each other. Every word and every moment, it tugs at me and consumes me.
“I feel like you and I are one person, one soul split into two bodies, and when we’re joined like this, it almost feels like that spirit is whole again.”
“Yes,” he told me. “We were meant to be together. You were born to be Ivy Markham. I was born to love you. When I’m deep inside you, I feel my heart beat in tandem with yours. Can you feel it?”
“I want you to relax again. Be my wildcat, be my kitten. Purr and arch and let me pet you.”
Mr. Markham is not the flowers and chocolate type of man no matter how hot he is, or caring, or seeing to Ivy’s needs. There is still that darkness that surrounds him and the mystery that makes you want to unravel him.
“No gentleman grew rigid and thick at the thought of a woman sobbing underneath him.
But Mr. Markham did.”
November 3, 2020
2 Stars
February 10, 2015
You know how sometimes when you love a book so much you’re at a loss for words to accurately describe your feelings? You just want to shove the book in your friends faces and demand they read it right that second. That’s how I feel about The Education of Ivy Leavold. The dirty factor was upped times 10, compared to book 1. The suspense and mystery that surrounds Julian only grew stronger and Ivy’s self-discovery was so damn erotic, I may have abused myself. Don’t tell anyone, okay?
I love Julian. He’s a dirty, dirty boy. But the man is also extremely sensitive. Sierra really nailed his vulnerability, which I wasn’t expecting a man of his time and stature to so willingly show. There are times that Ivy brings him to his knees and his desperation is heart breaking. Part of me wanted him to suffer for his sins but the other part of me wanted to comfort him. And maybe, if I comforted him enough, he’d do to me that thing he did to Ivy at the dinner table. Because holy heck… the dinner table, good grief. Talk about needing a moment alone after reading that.
Speaking of dinner tables… HOLY LEFT HANDING! There’s a scene… In a restaurant… That will BLOW YOUR FREAKING MIND! And what follows dinner was one of THE hottest things I’ve ever read. I had no idea people from the 1800’s were so dirty and creative and just downright horny. Speaking of the 1800’s, this book does not feel Historical. The wording is not stuffy and confusing. With some minor changes, it really could be contemporary – but I wouldn’t have Sierra change a thing. That fact that Ivy is so dependent on Julian, the simpleness of the setting, it makes Julian and Ivy’s love affair that much more intoxicating.
This is one of those books that I wish everyone would pick up and give a chance. It’s so beautifully written; it’s smart without being stuffy or cold. It’s passionate and erotic and I just can’t get enough of this delicious series. 5 stars – and I can’t wait to get my hands on book #3, The Punishment of Ivy Leavold, coming out March 9th!
I love Julian. He’s a dirty, dirty boy. But the man is also extremely sensitive. Sierra really nailed his vulnerability, which I wasn’t expecting a man of his time and stature to so willingly show. There are times that Ivy brings him to his knees and his desperation is heart breaking. Part of me wanted him to suffer for his sins but the other part of me wanted to comfort him. And maybe, if I comforted him enough, he’d do to me that thing he did to Ivy at the dinner table. Because holy heck… the dinner table, good grief. Talk about needing a moment alone after reading that.
Speaking of dinner tables… HOLY LEFT HANDING! There’s a scene… In a restaurant… That will BLOW YOUR FREAKING MIND! And what follows dinner was one of THE hottest things I’ve ever read. I had no idea people from the 1800’s were so dirty and creative and just downright horny. Speaking of the 1800’s, this book does not feel Historical. The wording is not stuffy and confusing. With some minor changes, it really could be contemporary – but I wouldn’t have Sierra change a thing. That fact that Ivy is so dependent on Julian, the simpleness of the setting, it makes Julian and Ivy’s love affair that much more intoxicating.
This is one of those books that I wish everyone would pick up and give a chance. It’s so beautifully written; it’s smart without being stuffy or cold. It’s passionate and erotic and I just can’t get enough of this delicious series. 5 stars – and I can’t wait to get my hands on book #3, The Punishment of Ivy Leavold, coming out March 9th!
June 1, 2015
"I want you to be my wife," Julian Markham asked of Ivy Leavold.
Ivy could not immediately answer Julian because so many things running thru her mind. But one particular question kept nagging in her mind was who killed Violet? Is it true that Julian had a hand in her death? Everyone says that Julian is a dangerous man.
When Julian use his sexual prowess to Ivy, she's powerless not to say yes. And so when Ivy accepted Julian to be her fiancé, he starts to teach Ivy on how to be a submissive and introduce her to different sexual pleasure for which Ivy learned and enjoyed.
Everything is planned for the wedding until a man from York, inform Ivy that she have a relative looking for her and they are wondering what happened to the letter they are sent to Ivy.
Ivy started to search for that letters and when she discovered where it was hidden. Julian trying to explain why he kept it from her. And finally told Ivy what happened the night Violet died.
Now, it's up to Ivy if she'll accept Julian to be her husband after lying to her or will she just walk away?
If all historical novel is this good, bring it on! Sierra Simone is a great discovery to me and I'm looking forward to read the book 3, for sure it's going to be scorching hot than book 2.
Ivy could not immediately answer Julian because so many things running thru her mind. But one particular question kept nagging in her mind was who killed Violet? Is it true that Julian had a hand in her death? Everyone says that Julian is a dangerous man.
When Julian use his sexual prowess to Ivy, she's powerless not to say yes. And so when Ivy accepted Julian to be her fiancé, he starts to teach Ivy on how to be a submissive and introduce her to different sexual pleasure for which Ivy learned and enjoyed.
Everything is planned for the wedding until a man from York, inform Ivy that she have a relative looking for her and they are wondering what happened to the letter they are sent to Ivy.
Ivy started to search for that letters and when she discovered where it was hidden. Julian trying to explain why he kept it from her. And finally told Ivy what happened the night Violet died.
Now, it's up to Ivy if she'll accept Julian to be her husband after lying to her or will she just walk away?
If all historical novel is this good, bring it on! Sierra Simone is a great discovery to me and I'm looking forward to read the book 3, for sure it's going to be scorching hot than book 2.
November 26, 2019
Sierra Simone and her dark and brooding male characters. 😭 That’s all I have to say.
July 4, 2023
Highly recommended historical erotica, but for the life of me I can't remember the story now 😬
July 26, 2016
3.5
I gaved the first book 5 stars out of 5. This is more like a 3.5,it doesn't reach the fourth star.The story goes on with Ivy and Julian,like in the first book Ivy tries to figure out what does Julian hides. She finds out in this book but before that *i shouldn't be complaining but...* THERE'S SO MANY SMUTTY SCENES GOSH. I tought for a moment that something was going to break down there,i swear...
I have to say,my favourite scene was the one with Silas. I would read a whole book about him without thinking. Blue eyes,black hair...what do you need more?! *I LOOOVE HIM* I hope there's going to be more scenes with him in the next book.
"I turned, seeing a tall man with a striking face and even more striking blue eyes. Carved cheekbones, curved lips, smile lines etched around his eyes and mouth. He’d cut his dark hair short in the week since I’d seen him and he was in expensive evening wear rather than the more casual clothes I’d seen on him before, but I’d still recognize Silas Cecil-Coke anywhere."
So yeah,this time the story bored me a lot. There were a lot of repeted scenes like *SIT DOWN* *KNEEL WILDCAT* Like damn,fifty shades of grey too much?
I gaved the first book 5 stars out of 5. This is more like a 3.5,it doesn't reach the fourth star.The story goes on with Ivy and Julian,like in the first book Ivy tries to figure out what does Julian hides. She finds out in this book but before that *i shouldn't be complaining but...* THERE'S SO MANY SMUTTY SCENES GOSH. I tought for a moment that something was going to break down there,i swear...
I have to say,my favourite scene was the one with Silas. I would read a whole book about him without thinking. Blue eyes,black hair...what do you need more?! *I LOOOVE HIM* I hope there's going to be more scenes with him in the next book.
"I turned, seeing a tall man with a striking face and even more striking blue eyes. Carved cheekbones, curved lips, smile lines etched around his eyes and mouth. He’d cut his dark hair short in the week since I’d seen him and he was in expensive evening wear rather than the more casual clothes I’d seen on him before, but I’d still recognize Silas Cecil-Coke anywhere."
So yeah,this time the story bored me a lot. There were a lot of repeted scenes like *SIT DOWN* *KNEEL WILDCAT* Like damn,fifty shades of grey too much?
March 7, 2024
This was just not it. I liked the first installment in this series, so I continued on since that one isn’t a completed story and the whole story is kind of spread out over this trilogy. I don’t know why I expected more than it was, maybe since book 1 while also smutty still had some plot and story happening. And this 2nd installment is just smut, all the time. The mystery element has kind of fallen apart as well and like I just didn’t care.
I won’t be continuing on in the series now. Which makes me kinda sad because I fully expected to love this, I’ve had this series on my TBR for years and I was here for a Jane Eyre retelling but this just wasn’t it for me. So many people love this series though, so I don’t know. The audios are out now though and on hoopla so there is that!
I won’t be continuing on in the series now. Which makes me kinda sad because I fully expected to love this, I’ve had this series on my TBR for years and I was here for a Jane Eyre retelling but this just wasn’t it for me. So many people love this series though, so I don’t know. The audios are out now though and on hoopla so there is that!
November 16, 2022
three stars! ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ julian markham is… oof 😮💨 and that scene with ivy, julian, and silas?? double oof 😮💨
this definitely isn’t like the best series i’ve read, but it is really entertaining. sierra simone just has a way of writing that sucks me in every time. reading this is reminding me that i never finished her thornchapel series and now i feel like i’m going to binge through all her novels for the rest of the month lmao
this definitely isn’t like the best series i’ve read, but it is really entertaining. sierra simone just has a way of writing that sucks me in every time. reading this is reminding me that i never finished her thornchapel series and now i feel like i’m going to binge through all her novels for the rest of the month lmao
November 8, 2021
Where to begin!
This has put me through so many emotions I can’t wait to read the third and final book. I don’t want their story to end! ☺️
This has put me through so many emotions I can’t wait to read the third and final book. I don’t want their story to end! ☺️
February 12, 2015
Wow, I just love this series!! Love the story, love the writing, love the crazy ass and sometimes cruel Julian, Loved every bit of this book! It does have a cliffhanger and a whopper at that, but thankfully the third and final installment is due out next month. This series is absolutely addicting and I'm so glad I came across it (I love when that happens!)
Bring on book three, Ms. Simone!!! :-)
Bring on book three, Ms. Simone!!! :-)
October 27, 2017
İlk kitapta kızı soydu herkesin önünde ok dedik iki elleme var da gelen misafirler arasında bi adamla karşılaşıyorlsr burda düğün hazırlığı için şehre inince, direk sharing başlıyor bildiğiniz. Mmf. İstemiyorum bana ne. Dokunmasın. Polygamy in sharing out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2015
This book has seriously juicy ASS sex scenes! Mr Markham may be doing his thang a few centuries ago, but he can hold his own with ALL the current alpha BDSM men we all love!!!!
February 6, 2017
Short review found HERE --> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~Kelly
~Kelly
December 14, 2023
Well, I read the second book. What is wrong with me? I’m somehow attached to the characters of Ivy and Julian even though they are fairly silly and boring. This installment opens with Ivy reflecting on whether to marry Julian, while Julian attempts to convince her by, ahem, showing her what it would mean to be his wife.
The way Julian acted in this book with all his “marking Ivy as his own” nonsense was gross and silly, and I disliked the near-constant reflection of Ivy on how “male” and “masculine” Julian was. (I guess he must be though. This guy is able to get it up about four times an hour if this book is anything to go by. Jeez.) Also, there were so many scenes in this book in which Ivy would be talking with Julian about very serious matters, such as whether he killed Violet and his first wife Arabella – and these conversations would occur while they are having sex. There was also lots of sex while crying or being in distinctly mood-killing states. So that was decidedly unsexy. The biggest problem was the descriptions in some parts. Let’s not describe an orgasm as a seizure. Ever. Please.
The only sexy sex scene in this book was at the restaurant when Ivy and Julian decide to invite Silas to join. That was a bit hot. Silas and Molly are such fun characters. I was disappointed Molly wasn’t in this book.
Also, I’m calling it, whoever cut the saddle was trying to kill Julian, not Violet. And it was definitely Gareth. Anyway, on that topic, there is a bit of progress on that mystery in this book, especially toward the end, so that was interesting. The mystery of Violet’s death felt less like window dressing in this book and more like an actual plot thread.
Verdict
I did not like this installment. But it’s likely I’ll buy the third book just to see what else happens.
So, who would enjoy this book?
Anyone who enjoys historical romance novels, though this is firmly in smut territory so be prepared for that.
Others in series
Book 1: The Awakening of Ivy Leavold ★★★☆☆
The way Julian acted in this book with all his “marking Ivy as his own” nonsense was gross and silly, and I disliked the near-constant reflection of Ivy on how “male” and “masculine” Julian was. (I guess he must be though. This guy is able to get it up about four times an hour if this book is anything to go by. Jeez.) Also, there were so many scenes in this book in which Ivy would be talking with Julian about very serious matters, such as whether he killed Violet and his first wife Arabella – and these conversations would occur while they are having sex. There was also lots of sex while crying or being in distinctly mood-killing states. So that was decidedly unsexy. The biggest problem was the descriptions in some parts. Let’s not describe an orgasm as a seizure. Ever. Please.
The only sexy sex scene in this book was at the restaurant when Ivy and Julian decide to invite Silas to join. That was a bit hot. Silas and Molly are such fun characters. I was disappointed Molly wasn’t in this book.
Also, I’m calling it, whoever cut the saddle was trying to kill Julian, not Violet. And it was definitely Gareth. Anyway, on that topic, there is a bit of progress on that mystery in this book, especially toward the end, so that was interesting. The mystery of Violet’s death felt less like window dressing in this book and more like an actual plot thread.
Verdict
I did not like this installment. But it’s likely I’ll buy the third book just to see what else happens.
So, who would enjoy this book?
Anyone who enjoys historical romance novels, though this is firmly in smut territory so be prepared for that.
Others in series
Book 1: The Awakening of Ivy Leavold ★★★☆☆
December 15, 2015
This book is the continuation of the story of Julian Markham and Ivy Leavold.
Mr Markham (for some reason Mr Markham sounds way more delish and wicked) had asked Ivy to be his wife, despite his second wife--her cousin--having only died a couple of months ago. It was no secret that the marriage did not work out, and there were still talks circulating around that he killed her, but Mr Markham didn't care. Ivy was the only one who counted, and he didn't want to live without her.
But Ivy still needed answers in regards to her cousin's death, but Mr Markham had made her promise not to ask him about it. Her feelings had grown stronger and more solid, but she still feared him. If she married him, would she end up getting killed herself?
Another great installment of the Markham Hall series. Half of this book is made up of sex scenes. I kid you not. And you know what? I LOVED IT. There were some serious delicious scenes right here. Especially the punishment scene... that was so hot. But be warned, the punishment scene here most people would find quite offensive.
And holy crap, what an ending. Naturally, I started the next book in the series immediately after! Really I cannot get enough of Mr Markham and Ivy!
Mr Markham (for some reason Mr Markham sounds way more delish and wicked) had asked Ivy to be his wife, despite his second wife--her cousin--having only died a couple of months ago. It was no secret that the marriage did not work out, and there were still talks circulating around that he killed her, but Mr Markham didn't care. Ivy was the only one who counted, and he didn't want to live without her.
But Ivy still needed answers in regards to her cousin's death, but Mr Markham had made her promise not to ask him about it. Her feelings had grown stronger and more solid, but she still feared him. If she married him, would she end up getting killed herself?
Another great installment of the Markham Hall series. Half of this book is made up of sex scenes. I kid you not. And you know what? I LOVED IT. There were some serious delicious scenes right here. Especially the punishment scene... that was so hot. But be warned, the punishment scene here most people would find quite offensive.
And holy crap, what an ending. Naturally, I started the next book in the series immediately after! Really I cannot get enough of Mr Markham and Ivy!
June 12, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
January 28, 2025
“It’s time for your reward. What would you like?”
The story resumes seamlessly from the previous book's conclusion. Ivy and Mr. Markham's passionate romance has led to their engagement, yet dark secrets from his past still haunt them. The question remains: Did he murder his former wife, Violet? If not, who did? Rumors swirl about Julian's menacing nature, heightening the intrigue.
Julian's irresistible charm leaves Ivy unable to refuse his advances. Upon accepting his proposal and becoming his fiancée, Ivy embarks on a journey of sexual discovery under Julian's guidance. He introduces her to the art of submission and various forms of pleasure, which Ivy eagerly embraces and enjoys.
The second book, especially, leans more towards obsession than genuine love. The relationship teeters on the edge of toxicity, creating a tense and compelling dynamic. However, like Ivy I’m over here like ladadada….let’s just look past Mr. Markham’s flaws and desperation. All smut, hardly any plot. Now kneel.
"I looked over to see Mr. Markham sitting in a chair across the room from the bed, his long legs stretched out before him, his green eyes watching me like a predator watches his prey. Intently. With ownership...Come here, Ivy, he commanded. When I reached him, he issued another order. Kneel."
Apparently we learn Mr. Markham likes to share with friends….ahem. Hello, Silas. I have to say, the scene with him was my absolute favorite. I would devour an entire book dedicated to him in a heartbeat.
"I turned, seeing a tall man with a striking face and even more striking blue eyes. Carved cheekbones, curved lips, smile lines etched around his eyes and mouth. He’d cut his dark hair short in the week since I’d seen him and he was in expensive evening wear rather than the more casual clothes I’d seen on him before, but I’d still recognize Silas Cecil-Coke anywhere."
There is a dinner table scene that will blow your mind and what follows dinner….oof.
This is another quick read, heavy on smut but still a compelling page-turner. It ends on a cliffhanger, leaving just one more part to go.
“It was always going to come to this, I realized. It was always going to come down to his secrets, his mysteries, his guilt. And I loved him with every atom and molecule that vibrated in my body, but I couldn’t live with those secrets any longer. I would always love him, always want to be with him.”
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