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House of Trent #0.5
The Devil's Pearl
If anyone were to guess that sweet, shy Lady Esme had been secretly penning scandalous stories, she would never be able to show her face in London again! Fortunately, her good friend, bestselling author Jennifer Haymore, can reveal her passionate tale of obsession and seduction . . .
Sir Devlin Vaughn will never forget the sweet, sensual pleasures of his beloved "Jewel." Charmingly naive in the ways of love, she had blossomed under his guidance to become the most skilled lover a man could ever desire. And desire her he did - especially after she disappeared, leaving him alone and longing for her touch. Now, Devlin will do anything to get her back. Even kidnap her . . .
Julia Beaumont will never forget the man who unlocked her deepest desires and made her crave things no decent woman should. Fearing she would never be more than his mistress, she left, vowing never to see him again - until one reckless night, when a stranger in black appears from the shadows and sweeps her away to his bedroom chamber. Now, she will be his courtesan, his captive, his slave. Can she free herself from Devlin's thrall, or will their passion be her ultimate undoing?
Sir Devlin Vaughn will never forget the sweet, sensual pleasures of his beloved "Jewel." Charmingly naive in the ways of love, she had blossomed under his guidance to become the most skilled lover a man could ever desire. And desire her he did - especially after she disappeared, leaving him alone and longing for her touch. Now, Devlin will do anything to get her back. Even kidnap her . . .
Julia Beaumont will never forget the man who unlocked her deepest desires and made her crave things no decent woman should. Fearing she would never be more than his mistress, she left, vowing never to see him again - until one reckless night, when a stranger in black appears from the shadows and sweeps her away to his bedroom chamber. Now, she will be his courtesan, his captive, his slave. Can she free herself from Devlin's thrall, or will their passion be her ultimate undoing?
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 10, 2013
Lady Esme has a secret...she writes scandalous stories and if anyone were to find out, well, that would be disastrous. The Devil's Pearl is one of her stories and while short, it is filled with passion, betrayal and obsession.
Sir Delvin Vaughn is outraged when he sees the woman he can not stop thinking about, the woman who dared shun him in society, hanging off two men. Two! His riches and power were not enough to keep her but seeing this drives him mad and he knows he needs to have her now and forever and he will do whatever it takes. Julia Beaumont had to leave Devlin before he hurt her and she had to do it in a public manner to get her point across but now he is back and taken her hostage. Can she stand up to him again or will this couple explain the true depths of their hearts to find the happiness that is there waiting?
I was a bit hesitant to keep reading this one after the first chapter as I was worried it would have a forced seduction scene in it but it thankfully did not play out that way. Instead, I found myself surprisingly invested with this couple, especially considering how short this story is (about half my kindle file) so kudos to Jennifer Haymore for that! I liked seeing how torn up this couple was (even though just talking would have fixed it) but since this is a novella, it worked for me and did not bother me too much. It has drama, despair, heat and a dash of humor and I was sad to see it end. Smart writing, a brisk pace, a nice dose of heat all add up to a winner for me. 4 stars
eARC provided by Forever Yours via netgalley.com
Sir Delvin Vaughn is outraged when he sees the woman he can not stop thinking about, the woman who dared shun him in society, hanging off two men. Two! His riches and power were not enough to keep her but seeing this drives him mad and he knows he needs to have her now and forever and he will do whatever it takes. Julia Beaumont had to leave Devlin before he hurt her and she had to do it in a public manner to get her point across but now he is back and taken her hostage. Can she stand up to him again or will this couple explain the true depths of their hearts to find the happiness that is there waiting?
I was a bit hesitant to keep reading this one after the first chapter as I was worried it would have a forced seduction scene in it but it thankfully did not play out that way. Instead, I found myself surprisingly invested with this couple, especially considering how short this story is (about half my kindle file) so kudos to Jennifer Haymore for that! I liked seeing how torn up this couple was (even though just talking would have fixed it) but since this is a novella, it worked for me and did not bother me too much. It has drama, despair, heat and a dash of humor and I was sad to see it end. Smart writing, a brisk pace, a nice dose of heat all add up to a winner for me. 4 stars
eARC provided by Forever Yours via netgalley.com
July 25, 2013
Devlin Vaughan is enraged to the point of obsession when he sees his former lover, Julia Beaumont, following a year's absence when she abandoned him to go with another to France. She broke his heart and humiliated him and now he wants her back on his terms. She's trying to shield her heart from being broken by a man who only wants a mistress.
This is a story of miscommunications where two people fail to express to one another their true feelings. Each is left to speculate from the behaviors of the other with disastrous results. Normally, that's a story that would drive me batty but not a lot of time was wasted here and it wasn't protracted. More emphasis was put on learning from both Julia and Devlin's perspectives just how deeply their passions ran and what they really wanted.
I enjoyed this opening novella with its steaminess and honesty. It's my first introduction to Jennifer Haymore and I like her writing style. I'm looking forward to reading all the books planned for this series.
This is a story of miscommunications where two people fail to express to one another their true feelings. Each is left to speculate from the behaviors of the other with disastrous results. Normally, that's a story that would drive me batty but not a lot of time was wasted here and it wasn't protracted. More emphasis was put on learning from both Julia and Devlin's perspectives just how deeply their passions ran and what they really wanted.
I enjoyed this opening novella with its steaminess and honesty. It's my first introduction to Jennifer Haymore and I like her writing style. I'm looking forward to reading all the books planned for this series.
May 16, 2016
This kidnapping skated a bit close to creepy and stalkerish for me instead of sexy and erotic.
June 3, 2013
The Devil's Pearl is a prequel novella in the new house of Trent series by historical romance writer Jennifer Haymore. While I enjoy Haymore's writing style, this novella didn't do much for me. Neither of the main characters were particularly compelling and the kidnapping element pushed the romance into creepy and not sexy.
Devlin Vaughn is furious for Julie Beaumont. The two start a passionate affair which is cut off when Julie suddenly leaves Devlin in a very public and humiliating manner. A year has passed but Devlin hasn't forgotten Julia and he still wants his revenge. When he finds that she has returned to London, he decides to kidnap her and in the hopes of rekindling the physical passion that they once shared without the emotional attachment.
I feel like this story could have been called "Poor Communication" because that's really the root of Dev and Julia's problems. Both of them failed to communicate their feelings and fears during their brief affair, leading to pain, embarrassment and public ruination. Now I know misunderstandings are quite common in romances and that they are great catalysts for drama and emotion. However, it just didn't seem very believable to me in this case.
I blame Devlin more than Julia for their initial demise though. He was older and much more experienced. We don't learn too much about their initial romance but it sounds like he pursued Julia (not unwillingly) then met with her secretly once a week to continue their affair. He never told her he loved her or talked about the future. His excuse is that he assumed that she knew his feelings were. This seems a little naive on his part. I just can't believe that he wouldn't understand that he was treating Julia like a mistress and not someone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. I don't really blame Julia for leaving while she could. Sure, she could have handled it better but Dev didn't give her much hope to begin with.
I also did not approve of Devlin's method of revenge on Julia. Kidnapping's not cool, even if you love the person. He fully planned on locking her in a room (which he actually did for a bit) and forcing her to become his courtesan. Julia didn't seem very upset about this, which also bothered me.
There were a few really tender moments between Dev and Julia and I am glad that they sorted everything out in the end. However, the elements of this story never really came together for me and I finished the story feeling pretty ambivalent about the whole thing. There is quite a long excerpt for the first full length book in the series, The Duchess Hunt, at the end of The Devil's Pear which seemed pretty interesting. I still want to give Haymore a chance but I've only read her novellas thus far. I think a full length novel will showcase her talents better.
*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.
Devlin Vaughn is furious for Julie Beaumont. The two start a passionate affair which is cut off when Julie suddenly leaves Devlin in a very public and humiliating manner. A year has passed but Devlin hasn't forgotten Julia and he still wants his revenge. When he finds that she has returned to London, he decides to kidnap her and in the hopes of rekindling the physical passion that they once shared without the emotional attachment.
I feel like this story could have been called "Poor Communication" because that's really the root of Dev and Julia's problems. Both of them failed to communicate their feelings and fears during their brief affair, leading to pain, embarrassment and public ruination. Now I know misunderstandings are quite common in romances and that they are great catalysts for drama and emotion. However, it just didn't seem very believable to me in this case.
I blame Devlin more than Julia for their initial demise though. He was older and much more experienced. We don't learn too much about their initial romance but it sounds like he pursued Julia (not unwillingly) then met with her secretly once a week to continue their affair. He never told her he loved her or talked about the future. His excuse is that he assumed that she knew his feelings were. This seems a little naive on his part. I just can't believe that he wouldn't understand that he was treating Julia like a mistress and not someone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. I don't really blame Julia for leaving while she could. Sure, she could have handled it better but Dev didn't give her much hope to begin with.
I also did not approve of Devlin's method of revenge on Julia. Kidnapping's not cool, even if you love the person. He fully planned on locking her in a room (which he actually did for a bit) and forcing her to become his courtesan. Julia didn't seem very upset about this, which also bothered me.
There were a few really tender moments between Dev and Julia and I am glad that they sorted everything out in the end. However, the elements of this story never really came together for me and I finished the story feeling pretty ambivalent about the whole thing. There is quite a long excerpt for the first full length book in the series, The Duchess Hunt, at the end of The Devil's Pear which seemed pretty interesting. I still want to give Haymore a chance but I've only read her novellas thus far. I think a full length novel will showcase her talents better.
*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.
May 7, 2013
I didn't like this novella. I don't understand (or remember) how the characters are connected to the House of Trent. I really didn't like Devlin kidnapping Julia -- and her being a-okay with that!
I did, however, like the teaser chapters for THE DUCHESS HUNT, so perhaps I will read it to see whether I'll stay with this series or not.
I did, however, like the teaser chapters for THE DUCHESS HUNT, so perhaps I will read it to see whether I'll stay with this series or not.
July 28, 2013
A sexy novella that is the first of several promised erotic stories by a character in Haymore's newest series, The House of Trent. For my full review: http://bit.ly/13nPH7b
September 5, 2017
I didn't expect it
April 17, 2025
stupid men are not hot
June 7, 2013
I am a huge fan of historical romance; it is my go to genre when I want a "sweep me off my feet" love story. I love the rules each character has to play by in society in order to maintain a good standing reputation. I also enjoy the thrill of risking it all for both the pleasure and love just to experience passion, I eat it up! Now the tricky part is because I love Historical Romance so much I am very picky with what I enjoy; the books have to be done right not any old bodice ripper will do. As a brand new reader of Jennifer Haymore dare say she didn't just do it “right” she has made a fan out of me.
The thing about The Devil's Pearl is your leading lady isn't starting out the picture perfect girl in society, which is the normal route taken in historical romance. It was a breath of fresh air in a genre that can be very repetitive at times. In fact throughout the story I found myself admiring the fact I couldn't predict the "norm" of historical romance.
Dev the leading man in The Devil's Pearl starts out as the bad guy in this novella. Instead of capturing the leading ladies heart he flat out captures her. Dev is scorned after Julia left him without even saying goodbye and he has come to take her and force her to… Well I obviously won't tell you, his intentions are a majority of the fun of this story, and you will have to read it to find them out.
When presented with the opportunity to review The Devil's Pearl I wasn't sure what to expect. I often shy away from novellas because it can be hard to really fall in love with brand new characters and feel a real chemistry from those characters in such a short amount of time. Oh but fall in love I did, days later I found myself reminiscing about the love story of Dev and Julia wanting to pick this story back up and dive back in.
You see Jennifer Haymore is smart she didn't start a novella trying to make two characters fall in a short span of time when the two characters just met. She started a novella with two characters that had a history and as the reader you are literally thrown in the middle of this lovers’ quarrel, and quickly catch on to the chemistry they already had.
I highly recommend this novella to lovers of historical romance. The Devil's Pearl has the perfect blend of romance, mystery, and suspense to keep readers on the edge of each page. This novel is however not suitable for younger readers to strong sexual content.
The thing about The Devil's Pearl is your leading lady isn't starting out the picture perfect girl in society, which is the normal route taken in historical romance. It was a breath of fresh air in a genre that can be very repetitive at times. In fact throughout the story I found myself admiring the fact I couldn't predict the "norm" of historical romance.
Dev the leading man in The Devil's Pearl starts out as the bad guy in this novella. Instead of capturing the leading ladies heart he flat out captures her. Dev is scorned after Julia left him without even saying goodbye and he has come to take her and force her to… Well I obviously won't tell you, his intentions are a majority of the fun of this story, and you will have to read it to find them out.
When presented with the opportunity to review The Devil's Pearl I wasn't sure what to expect. I often shy away from novellas because it can be hard to really fall in love with brand new characters and feel a real chemistry from those characters in such a short amount of time. Oh but fall in love I did, days later I found myself reminiscing about the love story of Dev and Julia wanting to pick this story back up and dive back in.
You see Jennifer Haymore is smart she didn't start a novella trying to make two characters fall in a short span of time when the two characters just met. She started a novella with two characters that had a history and as the reader you are literally thrown in the middle of this lovers’ quarrel, and quickly catch on to the chemistry they already had.
I highly recommend this novella to lovers of historical romance. The Devil's Pearl has the perfect blend of romance, mystery, and suspense to keep readers on the edge of each page. This novel is however not suitable for younger readers to strong sexual content.
September 19, 2021
There’s no way he was hooking up with a girl from a good family and didn’t know she would want marriage. Stupid man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2013
If you are looking for a short, sweet story about revenge and redemption then The Devil's Pearl by Jennifer Haymore is the perfect story for you. This story was "ghost" written by Ms Haymore for the shy Lady Esme there will be more novella's written in this form throughout The House of Trent Series. Just a tease to make it fun.
Julia Beaumont was a sweet young woman who fell in love. As young women in love tend to do she gave herself completely to the man she adored. When another tried to force his way into her life she listened to his stories and worried about how she had become someone's mistress. Trying to avoid a family scandal she turned her back on the man she loved but was still cast aside by her atrocious, self righteous family. Left shattered and alone she fled to Paris and tried to start over. Only to have the Vicious Viscount who started the entire fiasco follow her... Even though she turned him aside he still managed to further destroy her by returning to London and telling the world that she was nothing more than an expensive courtesan ready to service anyone who could meet her price.
Sir Devlan Vaughan had loved completely and deeply. When she chose another over him he was devastated He failed to understand how his love was not enough, how money was more important.. When she returns to London on the arms of a pair of dandies he is furious. Bitter and full of self righteous pride he devices a plan of revenge...
Together they must find a way through the tangle of lies, understand where they went wrong and decide if there is a chance for them.
There is a powerful story in these few short pages.. I am hoping we see more of these two as The House of Trent Series continues.
While short, this is an excellent way to spend an afternoon.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Devil's Pearl provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on May 7, 2013
Julia Beaumont was a sweet young woman who fell in love. As young women in love tend to do she gave herself completely to the man she adored. When another tried to force his way into her life she listened to his stories and worried about how she had become someone's mistress. Trying to avoid a family scandal she turned her back on the man she loved but was still cast aside by her atrocious, self righteous family. Left shattered and alone she fled to Paris and tried to start over. Only to have the Vicious Viscount who started the entire fiasco follow her... Even though she turned him aside he still managed to further destroy her by returning to London and telling the world that she was nothing more than an expensive courtesan ready to service anyone who could meet her price.
Sir Devlan Vaughan had loved completely and deeply. When she chose another over him he was devastated He failed to understand how his love was not enough, how money was more important.. When she returns to London on the arms of a pair of dandies he is furious. Bitter and full of self righteous pride he devices a plan of revenge...
Together they must find a way through the tangle of lies, understand where they went wrong and decide if there is a chance for them.
There is a powerful story in these few short pages.. I am hoping we see more of these two as The House of Trent Series continues.
While short, this is an excellent way to spend an afternoon.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Devil's Pearl provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on May 7, 2013
May 4, 2013
MY THOUGHTS:
THE DEVIL’S PEARL by Jennifer Haymore is an exciting Erotic Regency Historical Romance. “The House of Trent”o.5 and what a novella.
“A Lady Esme” novella. It starts out with Lady Esme talking with her good friend Jennifer Haymore as she tells her story of writing scandalous stories. Fast paced and passion filled,with misunderstandings, and lies,will love be able to pick up where it left off. Follow, Julia Beaumont, and Sir Devlin Vaughn on their very own journey of passion,and misunderstanding,as Devlin and his “Jewel”,Julia learn the truth. Devlin and Julia find that even after a year,you can’t stop passion or how they feel about each other. Julia will be no man’s mistress. Dev can not let Julia be anyone else’s but his, no matter what. Although, Dev believes the lies told about Julia,his heart is broken,he thinks she is a “Soiled Dove”,but how can this be true. You can’t deny passion between two wounded souls. A must read! A quick read with a story of love thought to be lost. I loved this story. Although, I would dearly love to know if Lord Clayton, a liar, and despicable man gets his just rewards. For he is the cause of Julia’s and Dev’s misery from beginning to end. Oh wait,did I mention the passion between Dev and Julia is steamy. Oh my, what an exciting introduction to “The House of Trent”. Another great series,this author has written in earnest. I love Ms. Haymore’s stories,she is a great storyteller and this one was no exception,although,short it is powerful and a great read. Few can bring a story to completion on so few pages. Job well done! Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: HOT
REVIEWED BY: AprilR (Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More)
THE DEVIL’S PEARL by Jennifer Haymore is an exciting Erotic Regency Historical Romance. “The House of Trent”o.5 and what a novella.
“A Lady Esme” novella. It starts out with Lady Esme talking with her good friend Jennifer Haymore as she tells her story of writing scandalous stories. Fast paced and passion filled,with misunderstandings, and lies,will love be able to pick up where it left off. Follow, Julia Beaumont, and Sir Devlin Vaughn on their very own journey of passion,and misunderstanding,as Devlin and his “Jewel”,Julia learn the truth. Devlin and Julia find that even after a year,you can’t stop passion or how they feel about each other. Julia will be no man’s mistress. Dev can not let Julia be anyone else’s but his, no matter what. Although, Dev believes the lies told about Julia,his heart is broken,he thinks she is a “Soiled Dove”,but how can this be true. You can’t deny passion between two wounded souls. A must read! A quick read with a story of love thought to be lost. I loved this story. Although, I would dearly love to know if Lord Clayton, a liar, and despicable man gets his just rewards. For he is the cause of Julia’s and Dev’s misery from beginning to end. Oh wait,did I mention the passion between Dev and Julia is steamy. Oh my, what an exciting introduction to “The House of Trent”. Another great series,this author has written in earnest. I love Ms. Haymore’s stories,she is a great storyteller and this one was no exception,although,short it is powerful and a great read. Few can bring a story to completion on so few pages. Job well done! Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: HOT
REVIEWED BY: AprilR (Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More)
May 5, 2013
A wonderful romance full of love, betrayals, and lies. The Devil's Pearl was a lovely novella, a great peek into a new series.
Misunderstandings and lies fuel this book. Devlin and Julia were in love and happy. Until, a cruel viscount starts feeding Julia lies and tears the couple apart. A year later, both are still hurt and angry. And desperation leads Devlin to take Julia for a chance to find out why.
Julia was a little difficult. I kind of understood why she was susceptible to the lies the viscount told her. Despite their love for each other, Devlin hadn't said anything about a permanent relationship. But, if she loved Devlin, why didn't she have enough faith in him to talk to him about it? This wasn't a huge bother, but it was a bit frustrating. However, I still really liked her character. No matter what others thought, she always tried to do the right thing. Overall, she was great.
Devlin was also a wonderful character. After watching the love of his life run away from him with another man and hearing rumors of her debauched ways for a year, he's incredibly hurt and wants nothing more than to know why she did it. I felt so bad for him. He's been through so much hurt, yet he still loves Julia. He was utterly amazing and I adored him.
The romance was brilliantly done. Despite all the obstacles, these two clearly belonged together. They were a sweet couple. And when sparks flew, it got very hot!
The plot was great. There were surprises in store as all the misunderstandings were cleared away. And the ending was so sweet!
The Devil's Pearl was a wonderful romance novella. If you want a great, quick read, this is the novella for you.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Forever Yours for a copy!
Misunderstandings and lies fuel this book. Devlin and Julia were in love and happy. Until, a cruel viscount starts feeding Julia lies and tears the couple apart. A year later, both are still hurt and angry. And desperation leads Devlin to take Julia for a chance to find out why.
Julia was a little difficult. I kind of understood why she was susceptible to the lies the viscount told her. Despite their love for each other, Devlin hadn't said anything about a permanent relationship. But, if she loved Devlin, why didn't she have enough faith in him to talk to him about it? This wasn't a huge bother, but it was a bit frustrating. However, I still really liked her character. No matter what others thought, she always tried to do the right thing. Overall, she was great.
Devlin was also a wonderful character. After watching the love of his life run away from him with another man and hearing rumors of her debauched ways for a year, he's incredibly hurt and wants nothing more than to know why she did it. I felt so bad for him. He's been through so much hurt, yet he still loves Julia. He was utterly amazing and I adored him.
The romance was brilliantly done. Despite all the obstacles, these two clearly belonged together. They were a sweet couple. And when sparks flew, it got very hot!
The plot was great. There were surprises in store as all the misunderstandings were cleared away. And the ending was so sweet!
The Devil's Pearl was a wonderful romance novella. If you want a great, quick read, this is the novella for you.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Forever Yours for a copy!
April 27, 2013
Originally posted on What I'm Reading
One more novella before I hit the sack. I got a chance to checkout Jennifer Haymore's new novella which is part of her new series House of Trent. I'm not sure how this is all going to play out into the new series, but I bet it will all be answer one day. Until then I will bring you The Devil's Pearl. I'm just going to dive into my thoughts:
First off, this story stems from a huge misunderstanding between Julia Beaumont and Sir Devlin Vaughn. Let's be honest, communication is the key that will solve a lot of problems. However, if they didn't have a communication problem we wouldn't have this novella.
The main reason they have a communication break down is Devlin isn't good with words. Instead using words, he used trinkets and baubles. The women who like trinkets and baubles instead of words are mistresses, and Julia didn't want to be a mistress. So, the best thing to do is run away. How does running away solve any problems? It never does.
You gotta love misunderstandings (only in a book, because in real life they suck), because they make the most interesting reads. This whole novella focuses on there perpetual misunderstanding between Devlin and Julia. I like this story, and I wonder how Julia and Devlin will play out in the series. I can't wait to see what happens with House of Trent. Looking for a quick read full of misunderstanding, but still get a happy ending you might want to consider The Devil's Pearl. I hope that I can avoid my own misunderstandings.
Copy provided by ForeverRomance via NetGalley
One more novella before I hit the sack. I got a chance to checkout Jennifer Haymore's new novella which is part of her new series House of Trent. I'm not sure how this is all going to play out into the new series, but I bet it will all be answer one day. Until then I will bring you The Devil's Pearl. I'm just going to dive into my thoughts:
First off, this story stems from a huge misunderstanding between Julia Beaumont and Sir Devlin Vaughn. Let's be honest, communication is the key that will solve a lot of problems. However, if they didn't have a communication problem we wouldn't have this novella.
The main reason they have a communication break down is Devlin isn't good with words. Instead using words, he used trinkets and baubles. The women who like trinkets and baubles instead of words are mistresses, and Julia didn't want to be a mistress. So, the best thing to do is run away. How does running away solve any problems? It never does.
You gotta love misunderstandings (only in a book, because in real life they suck), because they make the most interesting reads. This whole novella focuses on there perpetual misunderstanding between Devlin and Julia. I like this story, and I wonder how Julia and Devlin will play out in the series. I can't wait to see what happens with House of Trent. Looking for a quick read full of misunderstanding, but still get a happy ending you might want to consider The Devil's Pearl. I hope that I can avoid my own misunderstandings.
Copy provided by ForeverRomance via NetGalley
October 20, 2021
Having previously read the first instalment—simply beautiful!—I wasn’t new to the House of Trent series and that’s why I was so impatient to read this novella, to finally find out what kind of stories Lady Esme seems to be so fond of. She writes a lot, but about what exactly? Well, the introduction Jennifer Haymore does before The Devil’s Pearl actually begins is quite explanatory, funny and it makes you like Lady Esme even more!
Wrong assumptions lead to the dramatic separation of Devlin and Julia, once amazing lovers and now two heartbroken souls still in love with one another but not ready to admit it out loud. The lack of communication between the two of them clearly doesn’t help their situation, and the kidnapping of Julia makes things even harder . . . But a desperate man, hungry for answers and burning with desire, would try anything to take the woman he loves back, and Sir Devlin Vaughn has the perfect plan to succeed in this. Or so he thinks . . .
Fast, sensual and romantic. Oh, Lady Esme, please let it not be the first and only time you let us read one of your stories, come back with more, we won’t judge!
I received a free copy of this book from the Publisher for an honest review. This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review—originally posted on Darkest Sins.
Wrong assumptions lead to the dramatic separation of Devlin and Julia, once amazing lovers and now two heartbroken souls still in love with one another but not ready to admit it out loud. The lack of communication between the two of them clearly doesn’t help their situation, and the kidnapping of Julia makes things even harder . . . But a desperate man, hungry for answers and burning with desire, would try anything to take the woman he loves back, and Sir Devlin Vaughn has the perfect plan to succeed in this. Or so he thinks . . .
Fast, sensual and romantic. Oh, Lady Esme, please let it not be the first and only time you let us read one of your stories, come back with more, we won’t judge!
I received a free copy of this book from the Publisher for an honest review. This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review—originally posted on Darkest Sins.
November 23, 2014
3 STARS
"Sir Devlin Vaughn will never forget the sweet, sensual pleasures of his beloved "Jewel." Charmingly naive in the ways of love, she had blossomed under his guidance to become the most skilled lover a man could ever desire. And desire her he did-especially after she disappeared, leaving him alone and longing for her touch. Now, Devlin will do anything to get her back. Even kidnap her . . .
Julia Beaumont will never forget the man who unlocked her deepest desires and made her crave things no decent woman should. Fearing she would never be more than his mistress, she left, vowing never to see him again-until one reckless night, when a stranger in black appears from the shadows and sweeps her away to his bedroom chamber. Now, she will be his courtesan, his captive, his slave. Can she free herself from Devlin's thrall, or will their passion be her ultimate undoing?" (From Amazon)
A great prequel novella to a series.
"Sir Devlin Vaughn will never forget the sweet, sensual pleasures of his beloved "Jewel." Charmingly naive in the ways of love, she had blossomed under his guidance to become the most skilled lover a man could ever desire. And desire her he did-especially after she disappeared, leaving him alone and longing for her touch. Now, Devlin will do anything to get her back. Even kidnap her . . .
Julia Beaumont will never forget the man who unlocked her deepest desires and made her crave things no decent woman should. Fearing she would never be more than his mistress, she left, vowing never to see him again-until one reckless night, when a stranger in black appears from the shadows and sweeps her away to his bedroom chamber. Now, she will be his courtesan, his captive, his slave. Can she free herself from Devlin's thrall, or will their passion be her ultimate undoing?" (From Amazon)
A great prequel novella to a series.
September 26, 2019
Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
Read
February 5, 2016Too short. Ends at 57%
I was really enjoying this story, but it was shorter than I expected. I mean, I don't think it really needed to be longer, but I was surprised when it ended at 57% with previews for another book in the series following.
I was really enjoying this story, but it was shorter than I expected. I mean, I don't think it really needed to be longer, but I was surprised when it ended at 57% with previews for another book in the series following.
September 20, 2013
I hate novellas. They are just teases. But I did enjoy this short story. I hope they plan on putting all of Esme's stories into one printed book and not just a bunch of ebooks.
July 22, 2013
Lies, miscommunication, naiviety, more miscommunication, and revenge. Great big misunderstanding, but sexy makeup. In a kidnappery sex slave sort of way in 60 or so pages.
March 8, 2014
2.5 out of 5
Dev had serious anger management issues. I didn't like him at all and wanted Julia with someone else.
Dev had serious anger management issues. I didn't like him at all and wanted Julia with someone else.
June 21, 2015
it is really cool the sister is supposedly a romance writer. I really can't say enough about this novella. So I hope you will read the series it is really good.
December 31, 2014
Was good.
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