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The Pemberton #1
A Dangerous Man to Trust?
Bridgerton meets Jane Eyre in this spicy slow-burn Regency romance written with humour and wit. A strong yet vulnerable hero who feels he's unworthy of love, a feisty governess who has sworn off marriage, and a world of heartache and longing between them.
John Thornton’s past has left him a damaged man—both inside and out. After John inherits his father’s estate, he finds himself gifted an opportunity for redemption through the care of his young half-sister Molly and her very stubborn governess Miss Serafina Edgemont. When confronted with her new employer—a gentleman who wears a mask over half of his damaged face—Serafina must concede that despite his irregular and sometimes rude manner, there is something about him that drives her to distraction.
John, for his part, finds Serafina to be a most defiant and protective governess, but his irritation with her begins to melt away as she demonstrates an openness and honesty with him he has never known before. Faced with the temptation she presents, John only hopes that he can control both his mind and his body so that he does not betray her trust. When rumours threaten to destroy everything Serafina holds dear, she must decide whether she can truly trust John with her life.
John Thornton’s past has left him a damaged man—both inside and out. After John inherits his father’s estate, he finds himself gifted an opportunity for redemption through the care of his young half-sister Molly and her very stubborn governess Miss Serafina Edgemont. When confronted with her new employer—a gentleman who wears a mask over half of his damaged face—Serafina must concede that despite his irregular and sometimes rude manner, there is something about him that drives her to distraction.
John, for his part, finds Serafina to be a most defiant and protective governess, but his irritation with her begins to melt away as she demonstrates an openness and honesty with him he has never known before. Faced with the temptation she presents, John only hopes that he can control both his mind and his body so that he does not betray her trust. When rumours threaten to destroy everything Serafina holds dear, she must decide whether she can truly trust John with her life.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2024
About the author
Olivia Elliott
6 books12 followers Receive a free (and steamy) Regency romance novella by signing up at oliviaelliottromance.com.
Olivia Elliott writes steamy historical romances featuring intelligent heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and well-earned happily-ever-afters. She is always on the lookout for that special book that lifts you up and out of your life only to set you back down again feeling like a new person. Each of Olivia's books is crafted with love--for her characters, but also for her readers who she hopes will find a sigh or a smile or simply a delicious escape at the end of a long day.
Olivia Elliott writes steamy historical romances featuring intelligent heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and well-earned happily-ever-afters. She is always on the lookout for that special book that lifts you up and out of your life only to set you back down again feeling like a new person. Each of Olivia's books is crafted with love--for her characters, but also for her readers who she hopes will find a sigh or a smile or simply a delicious escape at the end of a long day.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 22, 2025
A new-to-me author and a debut novel. This writer handles prose very well, with elegance and assurance.
John has returned home to the family manor after the death of his estranged father to take over the estate and guardianship of his younger half-sister, Molly. On the way there, he meets by chance the girl’s governess, Serafina, who doesn’t shriek at John’s scarred face or show intimidation when he barks at her. I was catching Jane Eyre vibes, especially as Serafina and John build a wary friendship around their mutual love for Molly and an acknowledged ease in the company of each other. Emerging feelings hamper communication, and misunderstandings flourish, though, especially when their little country bubble is burst by Serafina’s society connections and a forced trip to London ends in an unexpected way.
This is a slowly-paced, rather quiet book with warmth and charm. The two main characters, plus the little sister, are likable, in spite of the fact John’s insecurity frequently leads him to false conclusions and unilateral decision-making. Disastrously wrong-headed unilateral decision-making, I might add. He really, really needed to believe that Serafina was an adult capable of making up her own mind and quit being so darn noble and self-sacrificing at every turn.
Apart from John’s frustrating tendency to undervalue himself and overthink his every move, the book also uses exposition and interior monologues to impart information that I’d prefer to get through dialogue and action. Also, the villain was pretty ineffectual. He was actually less of a threat than the voice in John’s head that kept telling him to do stupid things.
A nice read, and a much more impressive debut than Mary Balogh’s first novel.
John has returned home to the family manor after the death of his estranged father to take over the estate and guardianship of his younger half-sister, Molly. On the way there, he meets by chance the girl’s governess, Serafina, who doesn’t shriek at John’s scarred face or show intimidation when he barks at her. I was catching Jane Eyre vibes, especially as Serafina and John build a wary friendship around their mutual love for Molly and an acknowledged ease in the company of each other. Emerging feelings hamper communication, and misunderstandings flourish, though, especially when their little country bubble is burst by Serafina’s society connections and a forced trip to London ends in an unexpected way.
This is a slowly-paced, rather quiet book with warmth and charm. The two main characters, plus the little sister, are likable, in spite of the fact John’s insecurity frequently leads him to false conclusions and unilateral decision-making. Disastrously wrong-headed unilateral decision-making, I might add. He really, really needed to believe that Serafina was an adult capable of making up her own mind and quit being so darn noble and self-sacrificing at every turn.
Apart from John’s frustrating tendency to undervalue himself and overthink his every move, the book also uses exposition and interior monologues to impart information that I’d prefer to get through dialogue and action. Also, the villain was pretty ineffectual. He was actually less of a threat than the voice in John’s head that kept telling him to do stupid things.
A nice read, and a much more impressive debut than Mary Balogh’s first novel.
November 5, 2024
It’s a shame we must wait for all the world to be asleep in order to simply be ourselves.
Cute story with adorable main and supporting characters, but something was missing for a better rating. More depth, probably, and stronger motivations for acting and doubting like they did. More courage and the sense to recognize love when it slaps you in the face. Still, despite the back and forth and Serafina's and John's continued blindness, it was an enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to Patience's story with her tortured soldier.
Cute story with adorable main and supporting characters, but something was missing for a better rating. More depth, probably, and stronger motivations for acting and doubting like they did. More courage and the sense to recognize love when it slaps you in the face. Still, despite the back and forth and Serafina's and John's continued blindness, it was an enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to Patience's story with her tortured soldier.
April 24, 2024
Delightful regency romance, with contemporary consciousness spicing it up. Serafina Edgemont is an engaging heroine whose choices may seem much more 21st century than early 19th, but the author frames them very skillfully. Each decision makes emotional sense and leads you further into this steamy novel. Men need to read this to learn how to be like John! Haha
A Dangerous Man to Trust? is a keeper and I'll enjoy re-reading it. I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for any sequels.
A Dangerous Man to Trust? is a keeper and I'll enjoy re-reading it. I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for any sequels.
September 10, 2024
I really liked the atmosphere, the humour and the style in this book. It was a very pleasant read. Perhaps we might have done with a little less introspective stream of consciousness in italics; Molly, the little girl was great if slightly precocious. However, there was warmth, straightforward common sense, deep friendships and a growing love which were a delight to read. The one "baddie" was promptly dealt with, although I felt slightly apprehensive that he was going to resurface and interfere at the last, but fortunately, we were spared that.
I have pre-ordered the second book in this series and look forward to reading it. I hope you do too.
I have pre-ordered the second book in this series and look forward to reading it. I hope you do too.
April 12, 2024
Delightful
A lovely story of two people in the outskirts of society, who find a shared love for each other and his little sister who is now his ward. Scarred and lost John finds love with his sister's governess who is a society lady orphaned and determined to create her own path.
A lovely story of two people in the outskirts of society, who find a shared love for each other and his little sister who is now his ward. Scarred and lost John finds love with his sister's governess who is a society lady orphaned and determined to create her own path.
August 1, 2025
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
A lovely book, much better on a second read. I love a strong, intelligent female who has a kind, supportive and perceptive male to champion her. Olivia Elliott is a wonderful novelist, creates perfect dialogue and writes well rounded, interesting characters. I love both John and Serafina, as well as secondary characters Molly, Patience and all the Pemberton family, not to mention the two dogs Rupert and Potato.
A lovely book, much better on a second read. I love a strong, intelligent female who has a kind, supportive and perceptive male to champion her. Olivia Elliott is a wonderful novelist, creates perfect dialogue and writes well rounded, interesting characters. I love both John and Serafina, as well as secondary characters Molly, Patience and all the Pemberton family, not to mention the two dogs Rupert and Potato.
August 24, 2024
3.5 stars
Mollie was prococious but sweet. I'm often disillusioned if it's a trope that one of the classics has used and this is very much a Rochester/Jane Eyre vibe. Even uses the horse rearing scene, IMO Charlotte did all this better.
I looked for this one because I have the sequel via NetGalley but for me it was just OK.
Mollie was prococious but sweet. I'm often disillusioned if it's a trope that one of the classics has used and this is very much a Rochester/Jane Eyre vibe. Even uses the horse rearing scene, IMO Charlotte did all this better.
I looked for this one because I have the sequel via NetGalley but for me it was just OK.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2026
Sweet. 🗝️
August 20, 2024
John and Seraphina, this was unexpected. Author Olivia is a new voice in historical romance and she's done a gorgeous job with this debut.
Seraphina and John both have painful backstories, especially John who is a burns victim with scarring over nearly half of his body. He suffers from grief and self-loathing, and then he finds himself with a precocious half-sister Molly and her governess. John is a beta hero - plain name/plain man - but his inherent decency shines through.
Seraphina the governess is very clever, and impoverished, and suffering from the lack of options available to women of her time - she's "striking in an inexplicable way". Until John, men seem to want to dominate her and she's not having that. It's perfect watching her unfurl for John and after the slow burn, their steam is tender and delicious. There's a recurring theme around making their own rules which gives them space to be themselves away from the eyes of the 'ton.
It's all go from when they meet, with the push and pull of their personalities and secrets, Molly the meddler, visits to London, the demands of the 'ton, gossip and complications. The joy of it is that they see each other, and even if they can't communicate well, their actions are magnificent. I just loved it all 💖
I'm looking forward to the next instalment in The Pemberton Series. Not long now!
Seraphina and John both have painful backstories, especially John who is a burns victim with scarring over nearly half of his body. He suffers from grief and self-loathing, and then he finds himself with a precocious half-sister Molly and her governess. John is a beta hero - plain name/plain man - but his inherent decency shines through.
Seraphina the governess is very clever, and impoverished, and suffering from the lack of options available to women of her time - she's "striking in an inexplicable way". Until John, men seem to want to dominate her and she's not having that. It's perfect watching her unfurl for John and after the slow burn, their steam is tender and delicious. There's a recurring theme around making their own rules which gives them space to be themselves away from the eyes of the 'ton.
It's all go from when they meet, with the push and pull of their personalities and secrets, Molly the meddler, visits to London, the demands of the 'ton, gossip and complications. The joy of it is that they see each other, and even if they can't communicate well, their actions are magnificent. I just loved it all 💖
I'm looking forward to the next instalment in The Pemberton Series. Not long now!
November 14, 2025
It’s a classic light regency novel with an inevitable HEA and other side characters to move up for their own HEA in future books. One could mock the stereotype but that’s what I wanted so I was not disappointed. I liked the side characters almost more than the main ones so I expect I will read on. No dramatic scenes, just two people gently working out that after a long time someone might really love them just for who they are.
We all want that don’t we?
One dog, Rupert, character not that well developed.
We all want that don’t we?
One dog, Rupert, character not that well developed.
May 26, 2024
Superb! A Satisfying Read
I loved everything about this book. The main characters were interesting and beautifully developed. Before I had even finished the middle chapters, I was searching for more books by this author. I hope she is prolific! And am hoping to learn more about Patience and George (particularly George) soon.
I loved everything about this book. The main characters were interesting and beautifully developed. Before I had even finished the middle chapters, I was searching for more books by this author. I hope she is prolific! And am hoping to learn more about Patience and George (particularly George) soon.
August 15, 2026
Absorbing story, unusual characters, sweet!
Seraphina and John have similar expectations—their lives will be lonely, difficult and empty, companionship and joy beyond their reach. It's delightful to watch them discover otherwise a step at a time. His sister Molly, and Serafina's friends the Pembertons, are believeable, enjoyable characters in the story.
Seraphina and John have similar expectations—their lives will be lonely, difficult and empty, companionship and joy beyond their reach. It's delightful to watch them discover otherwise a step at a time. His sister Molly, and Serafina's friends the Pembertons, are believeable, enjoyable characters in the story.
August 20, 2026
charming
It was the word that came to mind — charming. But it was also filled with angst. A person who is trying to outlive the past is confronted by a very frank young governess. They tangle but find they have a child named Molly to jointly raise. Molly helps bring them together.
It was the word that came to mind — charming. But it was also filled with angst. A person who is trying to outlive the past is confronted by a very frank young governess. They tangle but find they have a child named Molly to jointly raise. Molly helps bring them together.
November 14, 2024
Very moving
Olivia Elliott is a new author for me and she has a new fan. A Dangerous Man to Trust is a beautiful and moving romance, about two people opening their heart and souls to each other. Highly recommend.
Olivia Elliott is a new author for me and she has a new fan. A Dangerous Man to Trust is a beautiful and moving romance, about two people opening their heart and souls to each other. Highly recommend.
May 16, 2026
Nice story
Massive insecurities, lack of options, confining societal rules and difficulties with trust. Quite a setup for a difficult courtship. Both characters are delightful and Molly is exquisite. Enjoyed.
Massive insecurities, lack of options, confining societal rules and difficulties with trust. Quite a setup for a difficult courtship. Both characters are delightful and Molly is exquisite. Enjoyed.
December 1, 2025
a superb romance. gorgeous writing and a slow build to a sumptuous and deep romance. I absolutely loved this. a world-weary and scarred mmc and a quiet hardworking overlooked wonderful fmc find each other and help each other be whole. I love this writer and have inhaled all of her books. this one and book 2 are my faves. I can't wait for book 4 to come out. I only wish she would write faster. would give her 6 stars if I could.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews