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Dartmouth Brides #2
Un soupçon de péché
He Could Be Her Ruin
After a shocking letter and then a mysterious warning about the dangers of unworthy men, Celia Burke is on edge. With her precarious position in society, the merest look could tear her reputation to tatters. And the roguish viscount pursuing her seems interested in far more than just a look. . .
She Could Be His Salvation
Rupert Delacorte, Viscount Darling, believes the ravishing Miss Celia Burke played some part in his beloved sister's death. Looking for revenge, he swears he'll seduce and ruin her--without actually touching her. Yet to win Celia's trust and ignite her passions, Delacorte must open his hardened heart to her--and in the process, risk falling for the very woman he hoped to destroy. . .
316 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
23 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Essex
45 books332 followersWhen not re-reading Jane Austen, sipping tea or mucking about her garden, Elizabeth Essex can be found at her computer, making up wonderful stories about people who live far more interesting lives than she.
Elizabeth Essex
It wasn’t always so. Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classical Studies and Art History, and then earned her MA from Texas A&M University in Nautical Archaeology, also known as the archaeology of shipwrecks. While Elizabeth loved the life of a working archaeologist, after writing and reading all those dry, dusty reports on ship construction, she would daydream about how lovely it would have been if only someone had fallen in love on just one of those ships. And so now she writes stories about just that.
Elizabeth lives in Texas with her family, in a house filled to the brim with books.
Elizabeth Essex
It wasn’t always so. Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classical Studies and Art History, and then earned her MA from Texas A&M University in Nautical Archaeology, also known as the archaeology of shipwrecks. While Elizabeth loved the life of a working archaeologist, after writing and reading all those dry, dusty reports on ship construction, she would daydream about how lovely it would have been if only someone had fallen in love on just one of those ships. And so now she writes stories about just that.
Elizabeth lives in Texas with her family, in a house filled to the brim with books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 23, 2017
*3.5 stars*
I have tried to like Elizabeth Essex's books, because she has some decent heroines. However, all heroes of her so far tend to fall into being randy, "rebellious", 17-year olds at heart. And I've read far too many romances by this point to be in any way appreciative of the "he was so experienced SO WORLDLY but her sweet and responsive KISS HAD HIM STAGGERING AT THE KNEES" trope. Down, boy. Down.
The first half of the book suffers from an uneven narrative. The motivations are all over the place, the seduction scenes are too frequent and too long, and frankly the hero Del acts like an idiot. One thing I can count on in the book is Del consistently being a complete idiot. For an ex-Colonel, he doesn't have much of a strategic mind. I suppose I can understand why the author felt the need to put it not one but two gratuitous let Del-kicks-ass scenes into the book- we need to be able to be assured of his competence in SOME way, after all.
Celia Burke, our heroine, is a reasonably solid character. She's slightly absentminded about social cues in the way scientist-types tend to be, but smart enough to fake it. When confronted with blackmail and ghosts from the past, the squares up her shoulders and faces her problems head on, never forgetting to stay within the bounds of social proprieties, because that would be problematic for her. She leaves the bargaining and exclaiming over clothes to her maid Bains (BAAAAAAINS MY LOVE), not because she is not like other girls and merely has disdain for clothes, but because she's saving up money for EXPEDITIONS, thanks.
Del, on the other hand, is cut from the same cloth as a million other romance heroes. The first half has him playing the emotionally volatile ladies man who is angry and is trying so hard to be the bad boy. The second half has him as the besotted suitor who is prone to misunderstandings because that's how relationships work apparently.
Most of the first half of the book revolves around the escalating sexual tension between the characters- the characters lust for each other like horny teenagers, and it's described in great detail. This makes sense for Celia, because she is, in accordance to her exposure to society at this stage, equivalent to an exploring teenager. Less sense for how worldly Del is supposed to be. The sexual tension is traded in for honorable abstinence in the middle and consummation at the end. It's pretty much entirely gratuitous sex, and all the impact on plot would have been just as evident with one scene of sexual tension at each juncture.
Celia and Emily being blackmailed for unnatural relations had me raising an eyebrow and doing a quick search of old English laws and attitudes towards sexuality. Like I suspected, they were mostly nonexistent. There was not enough of a belief that women had sexual urges to make lesbianism a "crime" comparable to buggery in the late 1700s. But I guess it's not really stretching things that much.
So, why does this book get 3.5 stars despite all of my grumbling?
Because I found the background characters far more excellent than the main characters. I love Bains with all my heart. Mrs. Bobbins completely fucking stole the entire show at the end- I'd like to see ANYONE carry off a better rescue. And the parents oh my god the PARENTS OF THE PROTAGONISTS I CANNOT. I love how both of Celia's parents are just quietly supportive of her passions- she only THINKS she works in secret but her Dad knows everything and has been nudging from the back and her Mom specifically hunted and cornered a botanist for her to dance with because she was feeling gloomy and brokenhearted I CANNOT. And that entire speech from Del's father oh GOD I CANNOT it was so sweet it was essentially "well you had a burning need to prove yourself and i think you ahve proven yourself many times over but you don't seem happy so i'm waiting for you" and Del's utter and absolute WTF at that ahhhhhh-
PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS.
//Elizabeth Essex drives a punch straight into that large and soft spot of my heart reserved for parent-child relationships.
I have tried to like Elizabeth Essex's books, because she has some decent heroines. However, all heroes of her so far tend to fall into being randy, "rebellious", 17-year olds at heart. And I've read far too many romances by this point to be in any way appreciative of the "he was so experienced SO WORLDLY but her sweet and responsive KISS HAD HIM STAGGERING AT THE KNEES" trope. Down, boy. Down.
The first half of the book suffers from an uneven narrative. The motivations are all over the place, the seduction scenes are too frequent and too long, and frankly the hero Del acts like an idiot. One thing I can count on in the book is Del consistently being a complete idiot. For an ex-Colonel, he doesn't have much of a strategic mind. I suppose I can understand why the author felt the need to put it not one but two gratuitous let Del-kicks-ass scenes into the book- we need to be able to be assured of his competence in SOME way, after all.
Celia Burke, our heroine, is a reasonably solid character. She's slightly absentminded about social cues in the way scientist-types tend to be, but smart enough to fake it. When confronted with blackmail and ghosts from the past, the squares up her shoulders and faces her problems head on, never forgetting to stay within the bounds of social proprieties, because that would be problematic for her. She leaves the bargaining and exclaiming over clothes to her maid Bains (BAAAAAAINS MY LOVE), not because she is not like other girls and merely has disdain for clothes, but because she's saving up money for EXPEDITIONS, thanks.
Del, on the other hand, is cut from the same cloth as a million other romance heroes. The first half has him playing the emotionally volatile ladies man who is angry and is trying so hard to be the bad boy. The second half has him as the besotted suitor who is prone to misunderstandings because that's how relationships work apparently.
Most of the first half of the book revolves around the escalating sexual tension between the characters- the characters lust for each other like horny teenagers, and it's described in great detail. This makes sense for Celia, because she is, in accordance to her exposure to society at this stage, equivalent to an exploring teenager. Less sense for how worldly Del is supposed to be. The sexual tension is traded in for honorable abstinence in the middle and consummation at the end. It's pretty much entirely gratuitous sex, and all the impact on plot would have been just as evident with one scene of sexual tension at each juncture.
Celia and Emily being blackmailed for unnatural relations had me raising an eyebrow and doing a quick search of old English laws and attitudes towards sexuality. Like I suspected, they were mostly nonexistent. There was not enough of a belief that women had sexual urges to make lesbianism a "crime" comparable to buggery in the late 1700s. But I guess it's not really stretching things that much.
So, why does this book get 3.5 stars despite all of my grumbling?
Because I found the background characters far more excellent than the main characters. I love Bains with all my heart. Mrs. Bobbins completely fucking stole the entire show at the end- I'd like to see ANYONE carry off a better rescue. And the parents oh my god the PARENTS OF THE PROTAGONISTS I CANNOT. I love how both of Celia's parents are just quietly supportive of her passions- she only THINKS she works in secret but her Dad knows everything and has been nudging from the back and her Mom specifically hunted and cornered a botanist for her to dance with because she was feeling gloomy and brokenhearted I CANNOT. And that entire speech from Del's father oh GOD I CANNOT it was so sweet it was essentially "well you had a burning need to prove yourself and i think you ahve proven yourself many times over but you don't seem happy so i'm waiting for you" and Del's utter and absolute WTF at that ahhhhhh-
PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS.
//Elizabeth Essex drives a punch straight into that large and soft spot of my heart reserved for parent-child relationships.
April 7, 2017
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided by Netgalley and the publisher*
Please Note: This review is for the 2017 revised version!
I read this book years ago and loved it, I don't know exactly what was revised, but this story seems much steamier than I recall (that is NOT a complaint!).
This starts out as a revenge type story and slowly transitions over to a romance mystery. Rupert Delacorte, Viscount Darling aka Del is on a mission. He wants revenge on the woman he believes caused his beloved sister Emily to commit suicide. He is being blackmailed and believes that the "Ravishing Miss Celia Burke" is responsible for not only the blackmail but the death of his sister Emily. He vows to destroy her and hopes then he can finally have peace. He has spent the last year burying his pain in reckless behavior, loose women and alcohol.
The book opens with Del looking for Celia at a ball. He proposes a wager to his friend Hugh, that he can seduce and ruin a virtuous woman without ever touching her. Hugh finds this hilarious until he discovers Del's target. He refuses to participate and even goes as far as to warn Celia.
Celia is also being blackmailed and she believes that Del is responsible. She has harbored a tender for him for years - he was her dearest friend Emily's older brother and she fell in love with him through the letters he sent his sister. She can't imagine why he would blackmail her and when she learns of the wager, she is determined to best him.
The first half of the book is good, there is a lot of sexual tension between Del and Celia, but neither really trusts the other and neither has discovered the truth. When they finally realize that they are both victims of a blackmailer and that they have misjudged each other - the story really takes off.
I loved the slow build up to the downfall of the real villain. It was really well done and the reveal scene was priceless - if there was an academy award for best supporting character in a book - Del's housekeeper, Mrs. Bobbins would have won it!
This book is more than just a steamy read (again - NOT complaining!), it is about the power of love, family and forgiveness.
This book is part of a series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I would highly recommend this story and am looking forward to reading the revised version of Hugh's story!
Please Note: This review is for the 2017 revised version!
I read this book years ago and loved it, I don't know exactly what was revised, but this story seems much steamier than I recall (that is NOT a complaint!).
This starts out as a revenge type story and slowly transitions over to a romance mystery. Rupert Delacorte, Viscount Darling aka Del is on a mission. He wants revenge on the woman he believes caused his beloved sister Emily to commit suicide. He is being blackmailed and believes that the "Ravishing Miss Celia Burke" is responsible for not only the blackmail but the death of his sister Emily. He vows to destroy her and hopes then he can finally have peace. He has spent the last year burying his pain in reckless behavior, loose women and alcohol.
The book opens with Del looking for Celia at a ball. He proposes a wager to his friend Hugh, that he can seduce and ruin a virtuous woman without ever touching her. Hugh finds this hilarious until he discovers Del's target. He refuses to participate and even goes as far as to warn Celia.
Celia is also being blackmailed and she believes that Del is responsible. She has harbored a tender for him for years - he was her dearest friend Emily's older brother and she fell in love with him through the letters he sent his sister. She can't imagine why he would blackmail her and when she learns of the wager, she is determined to best him.
The first half of the book is good, there is a lot of sexual tension between Del and Celia, but neither really trusts the other and neither has discovered the truth. When they finally realize that they are both victims of a blackmailer and that they have misjudged each other - the story really takes off.
I loved the slow build up to the downfall of the real villain. It was really well done and the reveal scene was priceless - if there was an academy award for best supporting character in a book - Del's housekeeper, Mrs. Bobbins would have won it!
This book is more than just a steamy read (again - NOT complaining!), it is about the power of love, family and forgiveness.
This book is part of a series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I would highly recommend this story and am looking forward to reading the revised version of Hugh's story!
November 30, 2017
3.5
Epsilon yayınevinden çıkan Günahsız kitabı ile tanışmış olduk yazarla.
İlk böyle 200 sayfa çok geçiştirme gibi geldi bana özellikle son bölümleri daha başarılıydı.
keşke o başarıyı kitabın geneline yayabilseymiş o zaman çok çok daha iyi bir kitap okumuş olurduk.
Epsilon yayınevinden çıkan Günahsız kitabı ile tanışmış olduk yazarla.
İlk böyle 200 sayfa çok geçiştirme gibi geldi bana özellikle son bölümleri daha başarılıydı.
keşke o başarıyı kitabın geneline yayabilseymiş o zaman çok çok daha iyi bir kitap okumuş olurduk.
September 14, 2018
There are many good things about A Sense of Sin. The writing is clever and feels accurate for the time period. The romance is compelling and a bit racy. However, the pacing was a little off and sometimes the motivations for the characters behavior didn't quite make sense. Overall, I enjoyed the book in spite of some issues.
April 7, 2017
3.5/5. This book is hard to rate. I like the prose and there are clever and astute observations and yet the characters appear unable to decide if and why they're coming and going. The initial revenge /seduction-without-touching plot is somewhat porous and a bit inconsistent but the story improves in the 2nd half after their marriage, when their emotions become more raw and real. The author has definite potential as I understand this is a revised edition of an earlier book.
This is a free copy supplied by Net Galley for an unbiased opinion.
This is a free copy supplied by Net Galley for an unbiased opinion.
April 19, 2017
Viscount Darling is on a mission of revenge for his sister and Miss Burke has a secret. These two must reconcile their pathways and hearts to a future. This is the second of the Dartmouth Brides books. Enjoyed their journey to finding truth and love.
Ebook from Net Galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
Ebook from Net Galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
March 10, 2017
"A Sense of Sin was originally published in 2011. This new edition has been revised and reedited."
A Sense of Sin by Elizabeth Essex is a great read with impressive dialog, obe ignited, a incendiary passion and redemption. "A Dartmouth Brides" novel, a sequel to "A Pursuit of Pleasure", but can be read as a stand alone. Set in late 18th-century Dartmouth.
This is the story of Colonel Rupert Delacorte, Viscount Darling and Miss Celia Burke, a ravishing beauty and a friend of Rupert's sister, Emily, who committed suicide. Celia enjoys botany, she's intelligent, and innocent. Rupert blames Celia for his beloved sister's death and plans to ruin her. Rupert and Celia are both blackmailed, anonymously, initially, they suspect each other, but their shared loss of Emily and their attraction to each other, soon has them struggling to find the blackmailer, before it's to late. I enjoyed how Ms. Essex, slowly built Celia and Rupert's sensual tension to fruition, and into a full blown seduction. Whew, it ignites the pages!
With blackmail, secrets, danger, passion, seduction, rebuilding trust, a few surprises, and a few twists and turns, readers will find themselves fully engrossed in "A Sense of Sin".
I enjoyed "A Sense of Sin" and fully intend to read the next installment, "The Danger of Desire", coming April 4, 2017.
Ms. Essex is a talented author, who writes with attention to details, characterizations and a sense of decorum when writing sensual scenes. One of my favorite Georgian-Regency Romance authors. Strongly recommend, you give "A Sense of Sin" a try, I think you will enjoy your choice.
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewed by: AprilR
A Sense of Sin by Elizabeth Essex is a great read with impressive dialog, obe ignited, a incendiary passion and redemption. "A Dartmouth Brides" novel, a sequel to "A Pursuit of Pleasure", but can be read as a stand alone. Set in late 18th-century Dartmouth.
This is the story of Colonel Rupert Delacorte, Viscount Darling and Miss Celia Burke, a ravishing beauty and a friend of Rupert's sister, Emily, who committed suicide. Celia enjoys botany, she's intelligent, and innocent. Rupert blames Celia for his beloved sister's death and plans to ruin her. Rupert and Celia are both blackmailed, anonymously, initially, they suspect each other, but their shared loss of Emily and their attraction to each other, soon has them struggling to find the blackmailer, before it's to late. I enjoyed how Ms. Essex, slowly built Celia and Rupert's sensual tension to fruition, and into a full blown seduction. Whew, it ignites the pages!
With blackmail, secrets, danger, passion, seduction, rebuilding trust, a few surprises, and a few twists and turns, readers will find themselves fully engrossed in "A Sense of Sin".
I enjoyed "A Sense of Sin" and fully intend to read the next installment, "The Danger of Desire", coming April 4, 2017.
Ms. Essex is a talented author, who writes with attention to details, characterizations and a sense of decorum when writing sensual scenes. One of my favorite Georgian-Regency Romance authors. Strongly recommend, you give "A Sense of Sin" a try, I think you will enjoy your choice.
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewed by: AprilR
July 3, 2020
Konu çok güzeldi aslında... Bu kitabı Hoyt yazmalıydı... Yine de hoş vakit geçirtti bana.
April 7, 2017
A Sense of Sin, the second in the Dartmouth Brides series, rates a 4 out of 5 on the sizzle-meter. I enjoyed the blackmail/revenge plot, and found the heroine, a brainy ahead-of-her time botanist, quite likable. Although the hero took awhile to sort the plot out for himself, I found this to be believable and entertaining.
July 2, 2011
Well I really liked this book despite it's flaws. I really liked how despite her beauty she wants to be known for being a scientist and not a pretty face. Her love of science was refreshing but this is one flaw in the story. I really don't think her family or society would have allowed her to be this way in this time period. I am not a nitpicker when it comes to historical stuff so while not accurate it didn't bother me (but I know it will bother some) because I felt it really told alot about her as a character.
I also liked Del as well even though he was a **** for wanting to get revenge on an innocent girl. He really had no proof it was her that was the blackmailer and while he fell in love with her letters he was quick to believe that she spread the rumors and hate her. I did feel his need for revenge was a way for him to express his grief over his sister (as was the rake like behavior leading up to this story). This to me was another minor flaw in the story. Sometimes his emotions swung really quickly from hate to love. However the strongest part of this story is with Del and his seduction. OMG can he whisper and dirty talk with the best of them! Even though they really don't do anything until the middle/last part of the book the talking between them when they are alone was smoking hot. He knows he can't really debaunch her and he gets caught up into his own talking.
The major flaw I had with the story was that the book seemed to me to be split into two differnt stories. One being getting to the marriage and the other after the marriage. The first story was the best by far because the second seemed to be a totally different Del. He becomes upset about her not wanting him while all this time he was trying to seduce her and trick her. It seemed there were a lot of contrived misunderstandings between the two. I do feel that this part should have been more developed or been rewritten to fit with the first part of the story.
So while there were flaws in this story I really liked the author's style and the tension between the two characters. I will check out the first book and hopefully we will get a story about McAlden who seemed so sweet and lonely.
I also liked Del as well even though he was a **** for wanting to get revenge on an innocent girl. He really had no proof it was her that was the blackmailer and while he fell in love with her letters he was quick to believe that she spread the rumors and hate her. I did feel his need for revenge was a way for him to express his grief over his sister (as was the rake like behavior leading up to this story). This to me was another minor flaw in the story. Sometimes his emotions swung really quickly from hate to love. However the strongest part of this story is with Del and his seduction. OMG can he whisper and dirty talk with the best of them! Even though they really don't do anything until the middle/last part of the book the talking between them when they are alone was smoking hot. He knows he can't really debaunch her and he gets caught up into his own talking.
The major flaw I had with the story was that the book seemed to me to be split into two differnt stories. One being getting to the marriage and the other after the marriage. The first story was the best by far because the second seemed to be a totally different Del. He becomes upset about her not wanting him while all this time he was trying to seduce her and trick her. It seemed there were a lot of contrived misunderstandings between the two. I do feel that this part should have been more developed or been rewritten to fit with the first part of the story.
So while there were flaws in this story I really liked the author's style and the tension between the two characters. I will check out the first book and hopefully we will get a story about McAlden who seemed so sweet and lonely.
April 14, 2011
Convinced that Miss Celia Burke is responsible for his sister Emily's death, Rupert, Viscount Darling (2 points! And isn't that name darling?) decides to pursue his revenge by betting his friends that he can seduce her and ruin her without once touching her. However, Celia, herself mourning Emily's death, turns out to be much more perceptive and attractive than Lord Darling counted upon. It soon becomes obvious, as their relationship develops with unintended effects on their lives and families, that they are also both pawns in a larger game they don't yet comprehend.
The characters in this book were well-developed and interesting. Darling has a particularly complex background--as a younger man he left his aristocratic family to enlist in the Royal Marines--eventually being promoted into the officer's ranks. Part of the book shows how his behavior affected his family relationships both negatively and positively, and his reconciliation with his parents. I particularly liked Essex's portrayal of Celia as a botany nerd, monomaniacal and meticulous in the way of 18th-19th century scholar/gentle(wo)men.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was twisty without being byzantine, the foreshadowing was nicely done, and the prose was just delightful. The non-touching seduction was some of the hottest stuff I have read without there being actual touching. And, bonus! The hero was not a spy!
The characters in this book were well-developed and interesting. Darling has a particularly complex background--as a younger man he left his aristocratic family to enlist in the Royal Marines--eventually being promoted into the officer's ranks. Part of the book shows how his behavior affected his family relationships both negatively and positively, and his reconciliation with his parents. I particularly liked Essex's portrayal of Celia as a botany nerd, monomaniacal and meticulous in the way of 18th-19th century scholar/gentle(wo)men.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was twisty without being byzantine, the foreshadowing was nicely done, and the prose was just delightful. The non-touching seduction was some of the hottest stuff I have read without there being actual touching. And, bonus! The hero was not a spy!
March 5, 2014
A hit or miss author for me, but I've enjoyed some of her books. This one, with its premise of verbal seduction should have been a big hit bc I do lurv dirty talk and innuendo. Just not Rupert's brand, with his questions first a la a Jewish comedian or yoda "Will you? Will you unbutton your riding habit for me?"
Plus within 5 minutes of his angry outburst and the truth of his motives coming to light he's at it again, and the spineless heroine gives him the green light. Despite the fact that she was frightened of him. Couldn't buy the chemistry and don't recommend you buy this book. Try something else by this author.
Plus within 5 minutes of his angry outburst and the truth of his motives coming to light he's at it again, and the spineless heroine gives him the green light. Despite the fact that she was frightened of him. Couldn't buy the chemistry and don't recommend you buy this book. Try something else by this author.
February 12, 2014
Loved this book.
My only issue is that I came to the series without a plan and no knowledge that it was a series until I'd read two - and not in order -face plant into hand-
Now I've read all but the first (Pursuit of Pleasure) which I found on my own bookcase. The signed copy from a romance conference languished for a few years (so sorry Elizabeth ). I'm a couple chapters in, and I have the nasty little feeling that when I finish it I'll be compelled to read the entire series again IN ORDER this time.
My only issue is that I came to the series without a plan and no knowledge that it was a series until I'd read two - and not in order -face plant into hand-
Now I've read all but the first (Pursuit of Pleasure) which I found on my own bookcase. The signed copy from a romance conference languished for a few years (so sorry Elizabeth ). I'm a couple chapters in, and I have the nasty little feeling that when I finish it I'll be compelled to read the entire series again IN ORDER this time.
June 16, 2011
It started so great I thought I discovered a classic but it went downhill abruptly. What a disappointment. Very sensual though and the story was entertaining. There were some elements that were amazing but others that were just awful. It was confusing, a better editor if there was one would have made this an incredible book.
March 28, 2012
Ridiculous. No, that's not the right word...ridiculous implies humor. There is no humor in this book, only the usual overworked "she hurt me, I'll punish her, but she is beautiful and I could love her if only I was capable of love"...and on and on and on.....
September 6, 2017
Really liked this book. The story was strong and the characters engaging. Celia was introduced in The Pursuit of Passion. She was a secondary character that didn't really stand out but her story really gave her a new dimension. Del, Viscount Darling, was my favorite character. He really was the quintessential alpha male. He was a self-made man because he threw away his inheritance and made his way in life in the Royal Marines under an assumed name. He wanted to prove he could make it on his own without the title and privilege he was born into.
June 10, 2024
This story seemed a bit all over the place. There was the blackmailing in the beginning, the meeting and courtship of Del and Celia, blackmailing part two, the awkwardness of Del and Celia after they got married and then solving what really happened to Emily.
I’d have liked the whole blackmailing scenario to have been explained further and more in depth. When they solved the incident with Emily, it was rushed and could have used more explanation there as well.
I’d have liked the whole blackmailing scenario to have been explained further and more in depth. When they solved the incident with Emily, it was rushed and could have used more explanation there as well.
June 15, 2017
In the beginning it took me quite some time to get into this novel because I couldnt connect with the female lead but then I fell in love with this novel after about 25 percent of it.
Celia is unique - I love her love for botany. And Del - not only handsome but also a magician with words tortures her, which is kind of fun to read and I really, really enjoyed it.
Celia is unique - I love her love for botany. And Del - not only handsome but also a magician with words tortures her, which is kind of fun to read and I really, really enjoyed it.
May 20, 2017
This book is second in the series but can be read as a stand alone. Lies, betrayal, blackmail, and more. We end with a slow burning seduction with the characters falling in love somewhere inbetween. A myster or two is also solved. Great read!
November 22, 2025
Bayadır historical romance okumadığımı fark ettim. Maalesef öyle sevdiğim bir roman olmadı. Kitap bir gizemle başlıyor ancak tam olması gerektiği gibi devam etmedi bence.
Maalesef sevemedim. Yazarın diğer kitaplarını da okumayacağım.
Maalesef sevemedim. Yazarın diğer kitaplarını da okumayacağım.
March 3, 2017
I absolutely have a new favorite author. I can't wait for the next book. I hope you love it as ,ugh as I did.
July 27, 2017
sonundaki iç bayıcı, ayrıntılı sahne tasvirlerine kadar epey iyi gidiyordu;
onun dışında türü için güzel bir kitaptı
onun dışında türü için güzel bir kitaptı
October 20, 2017
orta karar bi kitaptı. okumasanızda kaybetmeyeceğiniz türden.
March 9, 2017
Rupert Delacorte (Del) and Celia Paxton had several things in common. They came to know each other through letters between him and his sister Emily, who was her best friend in school. In fact, they fell in love through these same letters. They loved and mourned Emily. They are both being blackmailed about the circumstances of Emily’s death. Because of the blackmailer, Del blames Celia for Emily’s death and means to bring about her ruin. Celia cannot understand why Del seems to hate her. The story revolves around the two of them trying to deal with each other while dealing with the increasing demands of the blackmailer. Their blackmailer makes solving both situations difficult. The mystery of the blackmailer is easy for the reader than for Celia and Del, but there is a surprise for everybody. As for their “romance,” you just want to shake them both and yell, “Get on with it!” Things do finally start to come together for both problems, but will it work out and in time to catch the blackmailer, discover what happened to Emily, and just maybe find love? We’ll see. There is a lot going on in this story, but the well-written plot is interesting and engaging. The characters are well-developed (although a little confused and angsty). Overall a nice read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
March 5, 2017
This is a newly revised edition of the book
He Could Be Her Ruin - After a shocking letter and then a mysterious warning about the dangers of unworthy men, Celia Burke is on edge. With her precarious position in society, the merest look could tear her reputation to tatters. And the roguish viscount pursuing her seems interested in far more than just a look...She Could Be His Salvation - Rupert Delacorte, Viscount Darling, believes the ravishing Miss Celia Burke played some part in his beloved sister's death. Looking for revenge, he swears he'll seduce and ruin her - without actually touching her. Yet to win Celia's trust and ignite her passions, Delacorte must open his hardened heart to her - and in the process, risk falling for the very woman he hoped to destroy.
A page turning read of misunderstandings. This story could well be a standalone read but if like me you love series then I’d recommend reading the first in the series A Pursuit of Pleasure. Celia is a botanist who would rather be ankle deep in water searching for plants than be gracing a ballroom, her friend Lizzie names her ‘The Ravishing Miss Burke’ & the name seems to have stuck. Colonel Rupert Delacorte, Viscount Darling & heir to the Earl of Cleeve joined the marine forces a decade ago but now wants revenge for his sister.
Everything is not as it seems & the attraction between Del & Celia simmers. I thoroughly enjoyed the book & will certainly be reading the third in the series
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review
He Could Be Her Ruin - After a shocking letter and then a mysterious warning about the dangers of unworthy men, Celia Burke is on edge. With her precarious position in society, the merest look could tear her reputation to tatters. And the roguish viscount pursuing her seems interested in far more than just a look...She Could Be His Salvation - Rupert Delacorte, Viscount Darling, believes the ravishing Miss Celia Burke played some part in his beloved sister's death. Looking for revenge, he swears he'll seduce and ruin her - without actually touching her. Yet to win Celia's trust and ignite her passions, Delacorte must open his hardened heart to her - and in the process, risk falling for the very woman he hoped to destroy.
A page turning read of misunderstandings. This story could well be a standalone read but if like me you love series then I’d recommend reading the first in the series A Pursuit of Pleasure. Celia is a botanist who would rather be ankle deep in water searching for plants than be gracing a ballroom, her friend Lizzie names her ‘The Ravishing Miss Burke’ & the name seems to have stuck. Colonel Rupert Delacorte, Viscount Darling & heir to the Earl of Cleeve joined the marine forces a decade ago but now wants revenge for his sister.
Everything is not as it seems & the attraction between Del & Celia simmers. I thoroughly enjoyed the book & will certainly be reading the third in the series
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review
July 14, 2024
Tropes: bluestocking/rake; MMC out for revenge; Big Miscommunication(s)
Part of a series but OK as a standalone
2.5 rounded up to 3, just because this works in places as a guilty pleasure and is sometimes (inadvertently?) funny. I mean, any book that features a wastrel MMC named Viscount Darling who keeps exclaiming "God's balls!" can't be taken seriously. I almost felt like the author wrote parts of this on a dare to see how much readers will accept at face value.
The main characters' behavior is generally dictated by eye-rolling plot machinations and the purple prose is dialed way up. Examples of silliness: at the 20% mark growly, surly MMC's goal suddenly shifts from ruining MFC's reputation to just seducing her--with words, don't you know, no touching--in secret. How exactly will this allow him to exact vengeance? Never mind. And somehow MMC has the ability to track MFC down like a bloodhound, even when she's hiding behind closed doors, just because of her flowery scent. (Yes, this is supposed to be sexy.) MMC wants to get back at MFC in the first place based on some weak rumor his late sister was told, a rumor that makes no sense, and he starts to admit that to himself--but nah. No place for logic in this book. And just because he's kind of been stalking MFC, and may have broken her heart, why won't her dad let him marry her? Her family's broke, after all. Wah. And don't let me get started on the shift in reasoning behind his little seduction games.
And this is just the first half or so of the book.
The MFC is easy to like, at least, and has some depth, which made me feel genuinely sorry for her at times. There's a jarring, truly non-sexy scene where she's having an anxiety attack, sneaks into MMC's bedroom, strips, and desperately foists herself on him, all the while begging him to stop blackmailing her. For the most part, MMC behaves like an emotionally unstable, hormonal 13 year old, and I found him slightly creepy when I think he was supposed to be sexy.
The blackmail plotline takes a backseat at times, then re-emerges when convenient.
Secondary characters, such as MFC's maid and the main characters' parents, are surprisingly well developed and enjoyable, considering how weakly everything plays out. The baddies are easy to deduce, BTW.
Bottom line: it looks like this is an edited version of the orginal book; I'd hate to know what the OG was like. This version still needs a hard edit. But, so help me, I did find it entertaining at times. God's balls!
Part of a series but OK as a standalone
2.5 rounded up to 3, just because this works in places as a guilty pleasure and is sometimes (inadvertently?) funny. I mean, any book that features a wastrel MMC named Viscount Darling who keeps exclaiming "God's balls!" can't be taken seriously. I almost felt like the author wrote parts of this on a dare to see how much readers will accept at face value.
The main characters' behavior is generally dictated by eye-rolling plot machinations and the purple prose is dialed way up. Examples of silliness: at the 20% mark growly, surly MMC's goal suddenly shifts from ruining MFC's reputation to just seducing her--with words, don't you know, no touching--in secret. How exactly will this allow him to exact vengeance? Never mind. And somehow MMC has the ability to track MFC down like a bloodhound, even when she's hiding behind closed doors, just because of her flowery scent. (Yes, this is supposed to be sexy.) MMC wants to get back at MFC in the first place based on some weak rumor his late sister was told, a rumor that makes no sense, and he starts to admit that to himself--but nah. No place for logic in this book. And just because he's kind of been stalking MFC, and may have broken her heart, why won't her dad let him marry her? Her family's broke, after all. Wah. And don't let me get started on the shift in reasoning behind his little seduction games.
And this is just the first half or so of the book.
The MFC is easy to like, at least, and has some depth, which made me feel genuinely sorry for her at times. There's a jarring, truly non-sexy scene where she's having an anxiety attack, sneaks into MMC's bedroom, strips, and desperately foists herself on him, all the while begging him to stop blackmailing her. For the most part, MMC behaves like an emotionally unstable, hormonal 13 year old, and I found him slightly creepy when I think he was supposed to be sexy.
The blackmail plotline takes a backseat at times, then re-emerges when convenient.
Secondary characters, such as MFC's maid and the main characters' parents, are surprisingly well developed and enjoyable, considering how weakly everything plays out. The baddies are easy to deduce, BTW.
Bottom line: it looks like this is an edited version of the orginal book; I'd hate to know what the OG was like. This version still needs a hard edit. But, so help me, I did find it entertaining at times. God's balls!
December 25, 2014
This story takes place in England in 1794.
The hero is Del, twenty-six. He's got blond hair and blue eyes. The heroine is twenty year old Celia, who has dark hair and brown eyes. She's studing botany secretly but her father knows about it. She went to school with Del's younger sister, Emily, until Emily's suicide a year and a half ago.
I liked the plot of the hero, Del, wanting to get revenge on the heroine, Celia for something he thinks she's done. What I don't like about it is him believing Celia has played a part in his sister's suicide when there's really no reason to belive that. Without giving too much away, there was a rumor going around that involved Celia and Emily. Celia and Del are both being blackmailed by the same person, they find out later.
I doesn't make sense to have Del wanting to get revenge on someone he claims to hate by seducing her. If you hate someone why would you, how could you, want to have sex with them?
When it's revealed who the blackmailer(s) is, I was real disappointed. I thought the author could have been a bit more creative with that. I had trouble understanding why Celia was considering paying off the blackmailer(s) when she hadn't done anything wrong.
I could feel Del's attraction for Celia but I couldn't detect any attraction from her for Del. There love wasn't believable to me at all. Their rushed marriage wasn't either. Their characters were underdeveloped, as were everyone's. We got a tiny bit of backstory for Del but nothing for Celia.
The ending was very, and I mean very abrupt. It came so quick I was left a bit stunned. I actually had to go back and read the previous page to see if I'd missed something. I thought I'd accidentally skipped a few pages.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed in this novel. I liked the revenge plot but it seemed to turn into a non revenge plot as soon as the lead couple met. It was like the author changed her mind and decided to drop the revenge plot.
Comment about the cover. I really like her blue dress. I'm pretty sure though that the hero on the cover has dark hair when Del had blond.
I grade this a B-/3.5 stars
The hero is Del, twenty-six. He's got blond hair and blue eyes. The heroine is twenty year old Celia, who has dark hair and brown eyes. She's studing botany secretly but her father knows about it. She went to school with Del's younger sister, Emily, until Emily's suicide a year and a half ago.
I liked the plot of the hero, Del, wanting to get revenge on the heroine, Celia for something he thinks she's done. What I don't like about it is him believing Celia has played a part in his sister's suicide when there's really no reason to belive that. Without giving too much away, there was a rumor going around that involved Celia and Emily. Celia and Del are both being blackmailed by the same person, they find out later.
I doesn't make sense to have Del wanting to get revenge on someone he claims to hate by seducing her. If you hate someone why would you, how could you, want to have sex with them?
When it's revealed who the blackmailer(s) is, I was real disappointed. I thought the author could have been a bit more creative with that. I had trouble understanding why Celia was considering paying off the blackmailer(s) when she hadn't done anything wrong.
I could feel Del's attraction for Celia but I couldn't detect any attraction from her for Del. There love wasn't believable to me at all. Their rushed marriage wasn't either. Their characters were underdeveloped, as were everyone's. We got a tiny bit of backstory for Del but nothing for Celia.
The ending was very, and I mean very abrupt. It came so quick I was left a bit stunned. I actually had to go back and read the previous page to see if I'd missed something. I thought I'd accidentally skipped a few pages.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed in this novel. I liked the revenge plot but it seemed to turn into a non revenge plot as soon as the lead couple met. It was like the author changed her mind and decided to drop the revenge plot.
Comment about the cover. I really like her blue dress. I'm pretty sure though that the hero on the cover has dark hair when Del had blond.
I grade this a B-/3.5 stars
December 6, 2011
Elizabeth Essex "A Sense of Sin"
Rupert Delacorte is looking for revenge on the lady who caused his sister Emily Delacorte to commit suicide. He knows who the lady is and is determined at all costs to seek revenge on her. First though, he must find her and confront her about it. If only that was so easy. You see, the lady that he seeks revenge on, is considered upper societies most beautiful lady, Celia Burke. Rupert must put the beauty of Celia Burke aside and focus on what is important to him, and that is ruining Celia's reputation in memory of his sister.
Celia Burke has been through a very painful loss. She lost her best school friend, Emily Delacorte to suicide. She also has been receiving threating blackmail letters telling her that she must produce a certain amount of money, or they will ruine her reputation. She has no idea who her blackmailer is, but she soon discovers more when Celia hears from a close friend of Rupert Delacorte. Is this person Celia's true blackmailer? Will Celia be able to avoid the traps, and stear clear of web an elaborate web of seduction?
Elizabeth Essex spins a tale of seduction, lies and murder. “A Sense of Sin” delivers non-stop heated passion. This book also has numerous twists and turns that will have you second guessing what is going to happen next. If you like a book with lots of erotic passion, than this book is for you.
3 Hearts Out Of 5
Reviewed by Lady Victoria Kelly- HistoricalRomanceBooks.ca
Visit my Website at http://www.historicalromancebooks.ca
Rupert Delacorte is looking for revenge on the lady who caused his sister Emily Delacorte to commit suicide. He knows who the lady is and is determined at all costs to seek revenge on her. First though, he must find her and confront her about it. If only that was so easy. You see, the lady that he seeks revenge on, is considered upper societies most beautiful lady, Celia Burke. Rupert must put the beauty of Celia Burke aside and focus on what is important to him, and that is ruining Celia's reputation in memory of his sister.
Celia Burke has been through a very painful loss. She lost her best school friend, Emily Delacorte to suicide. She also has been receiving threating blackmail letters telling her that she must produce a certain amount of money, or they will ruine her reputation. She has no idea who her blackmailer is, but she soon discovers more when Celia hears from a close friend of Rupert Delacorte. Is this person Celia's true blackmailer? Will Celia be able to avoid the traps, and stear clear of web an elaborate web of seduction?
Elizabeth Essex spins a tale of seduction, lies and murder. “A Sense of Sin” delivers non-stop heated passion. This book also has numerous twists and turns that will have you second guessing what is going to happen next. If you like a book with lots of erotic passion, than this book is for you.
3 Hearts Out Of 5
Reviewed by Lady Victoria Kelly- HistoricalRomanceBooks.ca
Visit my Website at http://www.historicalromancebooks.ca
January 12, 2012
Elizabeth Essex "A Sense of Sin"
Rupert Delacorte is looking for revenge on the lady who caused his sister Emily Delacorte to commit suicide. He knows who the lady is and is determined at all costs to seek revenge on her. First though, he must find her and confront her about it. If only that was so easy. You see, the lady that he seeks revenge on, is considered upper societies most beautiful lady, Celia Burke. Rupert must put the beauty of Celia Burke aside and focus on what is important to him, and that is ruining Celia's reputation in memory of his sister.
Celia Burke has been through a very painful loss. She lost her best school friend, Emily Delacorte to suicide. She also has been receiving threating blackmail letters telling her that she must produce a certain amount of money, or they will ruine her reputation. She has no idea who her blackmailer is, but she soon discovers more when Celia hears from a close friend of Rupert Delacorte. Is this person Celia's true blackmailer? Will Celia be able to avoid the traps, and stear clear of web an elaborate web of seduction?
Elizabeth Essex spins a tale of seduction, lies and murder. “A Sense of Sin” delivers non-stop heated passion. This book also has numerous twists and turns that will have you second guessing what is going to happen next. If you like a book with lots of erotic passion, than this book is for you.
3 Hearts Out Of 5
Reviewed by Lady Victoria Kelly- HistoricalRomanceBooks.ca
Visit my Website at http://www.historicalromancebooks.ca
Rupert Delacorte is looking for revenge on the lady who caused his sister Emily Delacorte to commit suicide. He knows who the lady is and is determined at all costs to seek revenge on her. First though, he must find her and confront her about it. If only that was so easy. You see, the lady that he seeks revenge on, is considered upper societies most beautiful lady, Celia Burke. Rupert must put the beauty of Celia Burke aside and focus on what is important to him, and that is ruining Celia's reputation in memory of his sister.
Celia Burke has been through a very painful loss. She lost her best school friend, Emily Delacorte to suicide. She also has been receiving threating blackmail letters telling her that she must produce a certain amount of money, or they will ruine her reputation. She has no idea who her blackmailer is, but she soon discovers more when Celia hears from a close friend of Rupert Delacorte. Is this person Celia's true blackmailer? Will Celia be able to avoid the traps, and stear clear of web an elaborate web of seduction?
Elizabeth Essex spins a tale of seduction, lies and murder. “A Sense of Sin” delivers non-stop heated passion. This book also has numerous twists and turns that will have you second guessing what is going to happen next. If you like a book with lots of erotic passion, than this book is for you.
3 Hearts Out Of 5
Reviewed by Lady Victoria Kelly- HistoricalRomanceBooks.ca
Visit my Website at http://www.historicalromancebooks.ca
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