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Tender Betrayal
BELOVED ENEMIES
Beautiful, proud Audra Brennan felt like a stranger in a foreign land when she came north from Louisiana to study music the summer she was seventeen. But when she savored her first forbidden taste of desire in the arms of handsome lawyer Lee Jeffreys, his caresses sparked a flame within her that burned away the differences between rebel and Yankee, all objections silenced by the fierce beating of two wild hearts falling impetuously, impossibly in love.
STOLEN KISSES AND SECRET RENDEZVOUS
Suddenly cannon fire shattered the country --- and their newfound joy in each other. Principled, impassioned, and committed to a nation united, Lee answered the call to fight against the Confederacy, while Audra hurried home to a plantation shadowed by the darkening cloud of war. All through the violent days and hellish nights, Lee never fogot the spirited beauty who'd captured his heart. And as Audra endured the heartache and loss that would transform a pampered young belle into a woman of courage, she dreamed of a new life in an untamed land. But could she surrender her rebel's heart of the only man who'd ever possess her soul?
Beautiful, proud Audra Brennan felt like a stranger in a foreign land when she came north from Louisiana to study music the summer she was seventeen. But when she savored her first forbidden taste of desire in the arms of handsome lawyer Lee Jeffreys, his caresses sparked a flame within her that burned away the differences between rebel and Yankee, all objections silenced by the fierce beating of two wild hearts falling impetuously, impossibly in love.
STOLEN KISSES AND SECRET RENDEZVOUS
Suddenly cannon fire shattered the country --- and their newfound joy in each other. Principled, impassioned, and committed to a nation united, Lee answered the call to fight against the Confederacy, while Audra hurried home to a plantation shadowed by the darkening cloud of war. All through the violent days and hellish nights, Lee never fogot the spirited beauty who'd captured his heart. And as Audra endured the heartache and loss that would transform a pampered young belle into a woman of courage, she dreamed of a new life in an untamed land. But could she surrender her rebel's heart of the only man who'd ever possess her soul?
229 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1993
About the author
Rosanne Bittner
86 books628 followersI am a USA-TODAY best-selling author with 41 years, 76 books, and numerous writing awards behind me. My major genre is historical romance. I have always written for standard publishers but am now writing strictly for Amazon so I have more freedom to write real history. My most recent publication is SHADOW TRAIL, the 6th book in my Outlaw Hearts series. I also wrote and published my first full-length contemporary story, DANCING BENEATH YOU, in September 2022, a romance involving mystery and a depiction of reservation life in the Badlands of South Dakota. My best sellers are my SAVAGE DESTINY series (7 books) and my OUTLAW HEARTS series. See my website (www.rosannebittner.com) for details on all my books - most available for Kindle and in print. I am known for great love stories filled with real history and high emotion. I have also written many Native American stories, all based on real history.
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 18, 2020
Where oh, where, do I begin to say how much I loved Tender Betrayal? I enjoyed it this time even more than I did 27 yrs ago. When one reads a Rosanne Bittner book, the rollar coaster ride a readers emotions go through, is definitely one of the most twisting, forward and backward rides ever ridden.
Lee and Audrea’s story is a Civil War story, that in my opinion should be a classic, even better than Gone with the Wind.
Rosanne Bittner’s portrayal goes beyond the fluff of Hollywood. Tender Betrayal is a Very Raw Honest depiction of the real true to life effects the Civil War had on life. Even all these years later can still be felt, especially in the South where I was raised. One thing I have always loved about Rosanne Bittner books as a reader, I get a honest, no sugar coated History Lesson. I literally have sobs tears for the people in our history and as with her other books, Tender Betrayal was no different. Rosanne Bittner’s books should be a required reading, at least at the High School Senior level.
Lee and Audrea’s story is a Civil War story, that in my opinion should be a classic, even better than Gone with the Wind.
Rosanne Bittner’s portrayal goes beyond the fluff of Hollywood. Tender Betrayal is a Very Raw Honest depiction of the real true to life effects the Civil War had on life. Even all these years later can still be felt, especially in the South where I was raised. One thing I have always loved about Rosanne Bittner books as a reader, I get a honest, no sugar coated History Lesson. I literally have sobs tears for the people in our history and as with her other books, Tender Betrayal was no different. Rosanne Bittner’s books should be a required reading, at least at the High School Senior level.
April 27, 2017
Yet another great read by Bittner! They knew they shouldn't fall in love one being a Yankee and one a Confederate. That was before the Civil War even began. This is a great novel to see the effects the Civil War had on the State's, individuals and towns. Such a bloody, destructive war that had terrible effects on everyone. It played havoc over and over on the love that Audra and Lee shared but they truly were the love of each other's lives. Lee was strongly against Slavery and Audra was a proud plantation debutant that didn't see anything wrong with slavery. Slavery has been in her family for generations after all. Standing up for her beliefs and being determined to hold on to her wealth, status in Louisiana and family plantation causes her to endure many traumatic life events. Lee will always wish he had believed enough in their love for each other to have never let her go. A must read to see how it all unfolds.
April 12, 2025
Tender Betrayal is one of the finest HRs I’ve ever read set against the backdrop of the U.S. Civil War. It’s the story of abiding love, and the hope of two people determined to survive the horrors of the time.
Lee, a wealthy NYC lawyer, age 29 meets Audra, a young 17 year old from Louisiana at his family’s summer residence in Connecticut. She’s there for the summer taking singing lessons from his mother. Despite all their differences they’re attracted to each other. At the end of the summer she returns home to the plantation where she grew up… her father’s one of the wealthiest men in the state. When the Civil War starts Audra and Lee are on opposite sides .., he’s a Yankee and she’s a Rebel… enemies and lovers.
This is a gut wrenching story full of the ghastly war and how it affected these two individuals in particular. They endure long separations, and many hardships … Audra especially loses the most. Nevertheless, she matures as a woman and perseveres. For Lee, it wasn’t fair as he had to choose between his duty as a soldier for his country or the woman he loved.
Overall, Tender Betrayal is a book that totally shredded my emotions …, it’s deeply sad, riveting, and ever so romantic with splendid passionate scenes. Bittner has realistically portrayed the U.S. Civil War .., the author’s included actual events and people from this time period tho her portrait of the slaves can be a bit jarring for readers today. I absolutely loved this book… an epic Civil War HR masterpiece! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lee, a wealthy NYC lawyer, age 29 meets Audra, a young 17 year old from Louisiana at his family’s summer residence in Connecticut. She’s there for the summer taking singing lessons from his mother. Despite all their differences they’re attracted to each other. At the end of the summer she returns home to the plantation where she grew up… her father’s one of the wealthiest men in the state. When the Civil War starts Audra and Lee are on opposite sides .., he’s a Yankee and she’s a Rebel… enemies and lovers.
This is a gut wrenching story full of the ghastly war and how it affected these two individuals in particular. They endure long separations, and many hardships … Audra especially loses the most. Nevertheless, she matures as a woman and perseveres. For Lee, it wasn’t fair as he had to choose between his duty as a soldier for his country or the woman he loved.
Overall, Tender Betrayal is a book that totally shredded my emotions …, it’s deeply sad, riveting, and ever so romantic with splendid passionate scenes. Bittner has realistically portrayed the U.S. Civil War .., the author’s included actual events and people from this time period tho her portrait of the slaves can be a bit jarring for readers today. I absolutely loved this book… an epic Civil War HR masterpiece! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 28, 2020
Probably about a 3.5. A roller coaster. Good ending but crazy middle. Just couldn’t help being disgusted of the Brennon family. Sure would’ve been cool if Tuesday and Lee got together.
September 23, 2016
Ah Bittner, you know how to take me on an emotional journey. More used to her Westerns, this take on a Civil War tale still pleased on all fronts. I appreciated the new environment but still enjoyed the classic Bittner elements.
At first, I didn’t like Audra; I found her immature and blind to the world around her. Yet, she quickly aged as the Civil War years approached and the harsh North/South divide played a part in her life. By the time we’d reached the climax, she was a strong, resolute woman, determined to make a difference in the world and to create new lives with those she never thought to rub elbows with.
Her relationship with Lee was heart-felt from the beginning. Despite such different backgrounds and family circumstances, there’s an instant connection that laid the groundwork for a relationship to develop through the war years. While they may not share much time together page-wise, there’s still a very tangible love between these two that the reader is sure to feel.
From a historical standpoint and as a tale of the Civil War in general, this book also entertains and excels. The harsh reality of a civil war comes to vicious life as the author explores the institution of slavery itself, the toll of the war took on all, and the common place death that stalked the American South.
I was reminded of a mini-series from the ‘80s that I enjoyed, North & South, with Patrick Swayze. That also combined a historical familial saga of the Civil War years with romance. This book is similar in that it has plot points and characters that ring close to those others. I have to wonder if the author didn’t pull some inspiration from Patrick Swayze and his flowing locks. LOL
A nice shake-up from Bittner’s usual Westerns, this tale of Civil War romance and bleakness stands out. The characters change with the circumstances, being relatable to the audience. The romance is sweet and emotional. If you like Bittner, you’ll love this title.
At first, I didn’t like Audra; I found her immature and blind to the world around her. Yet, she quickly aged as the Civil War years approached and the harsh North/South divide played a part in her life. By the time we’d reached the climax, she was a strong, resolute woman, determined to make a difference in the world and to create new lives with those she never thought to rub elbows with.
Her relationship with Lee was heart-felt from the beginning. Despite such different backgrounds and family circumstances, there’s an instant connection that laid the groundwork for a relationship to develop through the war years. While they may not share much time together page-wise, there’s still a very tangible love between these two that the reader is sure to feel.
From a historical standpoint and as a tale of the Civil War in general, this book also entertains and excels. The harsh reality of a civil war comes to vicious life as the author explores the institution of slavery itself, the toll of the war took on all, and the common place death that stalked the American South.
I was reminded of a mini-series from the ‘80s that I enjoyed, North & South, with Patrick Swayze. That also combined a historical familial saga of the Civil War years with romance. This book is similar in that it has plot points and characters that ring close to those others. I have to wonder if the author didn’t pull some inspiration from Patrick Swayze and his flowing locks. LOL
A nice shake-up from Bittner’s usual Westerns, this tale of Civil War romance and bleakness stands out. The characters change with the circumstances, being relatable to the audience. The romance is sweet and emotional. If you like Bittner, you’ll love this title.
October 25, 2016
4.5 stars, if I was able to give the book. A great read. Although I enjoyed Lee and Audra's story, part of me wished it would have been Lee and Tootsie. But still, Rosanne provided an awesome read from beginning to end. I really loved the change in Audra.
May 18, 2025
This was a hell of a ride. It had everything; love, hate, angst, friendship, betrayal, war, death, grief, and ultimately survival, forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation. There were few reasons to cheer and I cried more than once. It was gritty yet moving and I haven’t wanted two characters to get their happily ever after like I wanted Lee and Audra to get theirs in a long time.
Audra was just seventeen when she met Lee and the story spans seven years. She’s from Louisiana. He’s an established lawyer in New York City. She’s taking voice lessons from his mother at the Jeffreys summer home in Connecticut when he comes for a visit. She brought her maid with her, who happened to be a slave. Lee was an abolitionist and had no trouble expressing his views but nor did Audra. Arguments ensued and not just between the two of them. It bears noting that both Lee and Audra come from wealth and both were in for very rude awakenings. Their clashes in ideology didn’t hold a match to the realities that awaited them.
I had a problem with the age gap because she was an immature, spoiled rotten brat at her being just seventeen. He wasn't an old man in the literal sense, but he had some miles on him. He'd been engaged before, was already an established lawyer, was on the outs with his father and two brothers...I'm not a fan of age gaps, but as the story unraveled, Audra did a lot of growing up in a short amount of time and that helped.
Joey is Audra's brother. I loved this kid so much. He had a speech impediment that embarrassed their father and made their father think he would never be able to take over the plantation. While he and Audra were in Connecticut, Lee took the boy under his wing, showed him a few things, gave him some confidence, and worked with him on his stutter. They became great friends, which has a huge bearing on this story.
Without revealing too much, this was a heart-wrenching story. It's a long book at almost 500 pages, but it was so worth it. It was perfectly balanced with good and bad characters (I despised Audra's cousin, Eleanor, all the way to the end. I was calling her names that maybe even a pirate wouldn't say) and I was drawn in by the tragedies that war brings and how it can decimate not only land and cultures, but individuals. It brings out survival instincts that were previously unknown. To watch and experience Lee and Audra suffer through the Civil War, to watch them change with the times and the circumstances made this an absolute stellar novel.
I love Civil War books and have my favorites, one of which is Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. This one is right up there with that. They are very different stories and both are worth the time it takes to read them.
This was probably the best book I've read so far this year. Amazing!
Audra was just seventeen when she met Lee and the story spans seven years. She’s from Louisiana. He’s an established lawyer in New York City. She’s taking voice lessons from his mother at the Jeffreys summer home in Connecticut when he comes for a visit. She brought her maid with her, who happened to be a slave. Lee was an abolitionist and had no trouble expressing his views but nor did Audra. Arguments ensued and not just between the two of them. It bears noting that both Lee and Audra come from wealth and both were in for very rude awakenings. Their clashes in ideology didn’t hold a match to the realities that awaited them.
I had a problem with the age gap because she was an immature, spoiled rotten brat at her being just seventeen. He wasn't an old man in the literal sense, but he had some miles on him. He'd been engaged before, was already an established lawyer, was on the outs with his father and two brothers...I'm not a fan of age gaps, but as the story unraveled, Audra did a lot of growing up in a short amount of time and that helped.
Joey is Audra's brother. I loved this kid so much. He had a speech impediment that embarrassed their father and made their father think he would never be able to take over the plantation. While he and Audra were in Connecticut, Lee took the boy under his wing, showed him a few things, gave him some confidence, and worked with him on his stutter. They became great friends, which has a huge bearing on this story.
Without revealing too much, this was a heart-wrenching story. It's a long book at almost 500 pages, but it was so worth it. It was perfectly balanced with good and bad characters (I despised Audra's cousin, Eleanor, all the way to the end. I was calling her names that maybe even a pirate wouldn't say) and I was drawn in by the tragedies that war brings and how it can decimate not only land and cultures, but individuals. It brings out survival instincts that were previously unknown. To watch and experience Lee and Audra suffer through the Civil War, to watch them change with the times and the circumstances made this an absolute stellar novel.
I love Civil War books and have my favorites, one of which is Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. This one is right up there with that. They are very different stories and both are worth the time it takes to read them.
This was probably the best book I've read so far this year. Amazing!
July 28, 2024
My new favorite author! This book was very well written. I stayed up way too late at night reading because I couldn't put it down. Love, hate, tragedy, joy, romance and drama, all mixed in with a bit of Civil War history. The story was believable. Many unexpected twists and turns. Great dialogue. So glad that Ms Bittner has written a number of other novels. Can't wait to dive in!
March 23, 2020
A very different book for Rosanne Bittner, but it’s one not to be missed.
Ms. Bittner is such a talented author, she can definitely write about any situation in history and have her readers wanting more.
Ms. Bittner is such a talented author, she can definitely write about any situation in history and have her readers wanting more.
July 14, 2022
North and South are always at odds.....
Another good civil war drama, I have read many they all turn out the same but the characters are somewhat different, some more stubborn and pridefull and others more forgiving. This was a nice love story that only this author can pull off in this length of storyline, the sad truth of the aftermath of the war of the States is there is still fighting and prejudice, in this society 150 plus years after. That being said I still will continue to read about our history as reading is my passion, and maybe I might get my HEA.
Another good civil war drama, I have read many they all turn out the same but the characters are somewhat different, some more stubborn and pridefull and others more forgiving. This was a nice love story that only this author can pull off in this length of storyline, the sad truth of the aftermath of the war of the States is there is still fighting and prejudice, in this society 150 plus years after. That being said I still will continue to read about our history as reading is my passion, and maybe I might get my HEA.
February 27, 2024
Great book, love the characters and Rosanne Bittner is one of favorite authors.
December 29, 2024
My all time favorite author and she does not disappoint.
What a heartfelt story, I lived with the characters so much lost, passion and love.
Totally loved this book.
What a heartfelt story, I lived with the characters so much lost, passion and love.
Totally loved this book.
January 18, 2025
If you want a book that will bring tears to your eyes, this is the one.
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April 9, 2012
J'ai pas réussi à apprécier :(
January 24, 2013
Another entertaining story from Ms. Bittner. I was not as fond of this book as I have been of her others, but it is a good story in it's own right.
May 15, 2014
A different type of story for RB, but one to not be missed. Very very emotional tale.
February 4, 2016
Awesome!
Everything you'll ever want from a Civil War romance! Love, steamy nights, good guys and bad guy, and of course the beautiful heroine! I loved it!
Everything you'll ever want from a Civil War romance! Love, steamy nights, good guys and bad guy, and of course the beautiful heroine! I loved it!
January 29, 2017
thrilling
this book was captivating! this book shows the pain of war and so much of the patriotic people on both sides north and south! did not stop reading until the end!
this book was captivating! this book shows the pain of war and so much of the patriotic people on both sides north and south! did not stop reading until the end!
April 2, 2016
Lee & Audra
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews