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The Stanton Family #2
Sex and the Single Earl
Their marriage was convenient. . .Simon St. James, fifth Earl of Trask, knows he could do worse in the marriage of convenience department. Sophie Stanton may be a bit of a social liability, with her ungovernable ways and flighty nature, but Simon has responsibilities as an earl that far outweigh happiness in the household. And as for happiness in the bedroom. . .he has to admit he sees Sophie's potential in that arena. . .
Their passion was not!
But Sophie isn't some bargaining chip to be traded, and she's not about to let Simon St. James tell her how to live her life--even though she has nurtured a crush on the handsome young earl for as long as she can remember. If his idea of courtship is telling her what to do, then she is not interested, or at least she is trying not to be. But when his scolding words turn to scorching kisses, suddenly Sophie starts paying attention. . .
Praise for Vanessa Kelly and "Mastering the Marquess"
"A rare gem." --Julianne MacLean, "USA Today" bestselling author
"Fast paced and difficult to put down." --"Romantic Times"
"A delectable treat." --Sharon Page, author of "The Club "
Their passion was not!
But Sophie isn't some bargaining chip to be traded, and she's not about to let Simon St. James tell her how to live her life--even though she has nurtured a crush on the handsome young earl for as long as she can remember. If his idea of courtship is telling her what to do, then she is not interested, or at least she is trying not to be. But when his scolding words turn to scorching kisses, suddenly Sophie starts paying attention. . .
Praise for Vanessa Kelly and "Mastering the Marquess"
"A rare gem." --Julianne MacLean, "USA Today" bestselling author
"Fast paced and difficult to put down." --"Romantic Times"
"A delectable treat." --Sharon Page, author of "The Club "
253 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2010
61 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Kelly
36 books1,764 followersVanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. Vanessa also wrote USA Today bestselling contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.
After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.
After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 15, 2010
This book is a tough one for me to review. I read it all--it kept me in the story all the way to the end, but I found myself going "Don't fall for that crap!" way too many times. I don't like books with angry sex, and this one seemed to have all too much of it.
The heroine has been in love with the hero since she was 12, because he's always been kind to her. Now, she's all grown up, and her love doesn't seem to be any more mature than when she was 12. The hero has suddenly found an attraction for the heroine, though he can't seem to explain it even to himself. She's rather brash and impulsive, prone to plunging herself into predicaments and scandal (for things like running in public). And when she does something impulsive, the hero has a habit of shouting at her, then she shouts back, then they fight and one or both of them storms off. Usually he does apologize, but honestly I was getting tired of the childish behavior from both of them, especially when they did such sudden turnabouts without much of a reason that I could see. I particularly did not like the way the hero seemed to be able to turn the heroine into a mindless idiot with sex. Her moods flipped around so erratically, and to such extremes--I just wanted to smack her and tell her to grow up. The hero too. And yet-- I read the whole thing.
I'm having a hard time articulating the reasons for my opinion of this book. It just left me with a bad taste, and how do you articulate that?
The heroine has been in love with the hero since she was 12, because he's always been kind to her. Now, she's all grown up, and her love doesn't seem to be any more mature than when she was 12. The hero has suddenly found an attraction for the heroine, though he can't seem to explain it even to himself. She's rather brash and impulsive, prone to plunging herself into predicaments and scandal (for things like running in public). And when she does something impulsive, the hero has a habit of shouting at her, then she shouts back, then they fight and one or both of them storms off. Usually he does apologize, but honestly I was getting tired of the childish behavior from both of them, especially when they did such sudden turnabouts without much of a reason that I could see. I particularly did not like the way the hero seemed to be able to turn the heroine into a mindless idiot with sex. Her moods flipped around so erratically, and to such extremes--I just wanted to smack her and tell her to grow up. The hero too. And yet-- I read the whole thing.
I'm having a hard time articulating the reasons for my opinion of this book. It just left me with a bad taste, and how do you articulate that?
March 4, 2010
A wonderful follow up to Mastering the Marquess, SATSE mixes the authentic regency detail of a trad with the sensuality of a historical. As with all romance, Simon and Sophie have to work through some issues to get to their HEA, but it's great to watch them--Simon especially--grow as a characters. Recommended to those who enjoy "best friend's little sister", "friends to lovers" and "marriage of convenience" stories.
June 13, 2017
2.5/5 Alpha-hole earl spend the whole book chiding the heroine, bossing her around and controlling every aspect of her life and personality so that she did not embarrass him and screw up his business plans. Simon, the Earl of Trask, was self-centred, over-bearing, and paternalistically arrogant. Right from the start, his business ambitions remained his top priority well above Sophie, was there to provide the dowry, lands and further his ambitions. That she adored him (a common knowledge) was a bonus that he was not afraid to use to further his cause. I kept pushing on and actually finished the book in the expectation that surely he would improve and appreciate her for her strength in character and caring attitude. The much awaited grovelling NEVER CAME!! He remained determined to curb her personality and behaviour less it should mar his investment plans or his society's view of him. Yes, she was a bit headstrong and impulsive but she was passionate about correcting what she felt was a social wrong. He as a powerful earl should have had the fortitude to say: "Bugger you all, this is my lady, accept her or be damned!!" His half-hearted apology towards the end counted for nothing, when he indignantly proceeded to get angry at her for not readily accept his apology.
The rating fell further because Sophie ended up losing my respect, namely by tossing away any remnant of self-respect herself. She acquiesced readily to his bullying ways, because she loved him despite his relentlessly high-handed, oppressive treatment of her. He overtly used her infatuation for him to bend her to his will, and she, after token little resistance, allowed him in exchange for a quick orgasm or two. He remained her Kryptonite, such that even when she decided to end their engagement (after her tore her to pieces verbally once again), it was not to run away licking her wounds and patch up her shredded dignity, but to protect his spotless reputation.
It's a pity because the author is quite a talented writer (I like her My Fair Princess), the kind who pays attention to details. But what is with that awful title? Makes him sound like he is a rakish man-whore, which much that I might detest him, he is anything but.
The rating fell further because Sophie ended up losing my respect, namely by tossing away any remnant of self-respect herself. She acquiesced readily to his bullying ways, because she loved him despite his relentlessly high-handed, oppressive treatment of her. He overtly used her infatuation for him to bend her to his will, and she, after token little resistance, allowed him in exchange for a quick orgasm or two. He remained her Kryptonite, such that even when she decided to end their engagement (after her tore her to pieces verbally once again), it was not to run away licking her wounds and patch up her shredded dignity, but to protect his spotless reputation.
It's a pity because the author is quite a talented writer (I like her My Fair Princess), the kind who pays attention to details. But what is with that awful title? Makes him sound like he is a rakish man-whore, which much that I might detest him, he is anything but.
May 4, 2010
I'll start with what I did like about this novel. I liked that Sophie was strong, and held her own against Simon, and let him know when she thought he was out of line. I also like that she did her own thing, and didn't really care about what others said about her. She stayed true to herself.
My major problem with the book was the storyline. When a family heirloom bracelet is stolen, the heroine in the story, Sophie does try to solve this matter by going after the thief who stole it, and discovers that it was actually a little boy. She's flummoxed by this, and later on can't believe the poverty that he and his sister live in. That's the second problem I had with this book. When I read historical romances, I want to escape. I don't want to think or be reminded of social justice causes while reading them.I know that's very shallow of me, but there it is. I have a feeling that this might be a new trend in historicals, because it's the second one I've read lately where the story centered around the hardships of the time. Another problem I had with this book was the dialogue. I'm all for the characters speaking as they should during the time period the book takes place, but it just was well, jarring in places and interrupted the reading places.
Like the title states, there is sex in this book, but I felt like it didn't really have to be there. I'm all for a good smokin hot love scene, but I just didn't feel the passion between Lord Trask and Sophie to make it necessary to the storyline. It just kind of came out of left field. I feel so bad that I didn't like this book more. I really wanted to, but I need more of a juicier plot then a stolen bracelet and an upset mistress. (Did I forget to mention that part? There is a mistress, and she tries to make a muck out of things and fails horribly.) If you are in the mood for something light (and I do mean light) and are a fan of historical romances, then you'll probably like this book.
My major problem with the book was the storyline. When a family heirloom bracelet is stolen, the heroine in the story, Sophie does try to solve this matter by going after the thief who stole it, and discovers that it was actually a little boy. She's flummoxed by this, and later on can't believe the poverty that he and his sister live in. That's the second problem I had with this book. When I read historical romances, I want to escape. I don't want to think or be reminded of social justice causes while reading them.I know that's very shallow of me, but there it is. I have a feeling that this might be a new trend in historicals, because it's the second one I've read lately where the story centered around the hardships of the time. Another problem I had with this book was the dialogue. I'm all for the characters speaking as they should during the time period the book takes place, but it just was well, jarring in places and interrupted the reading places.
Like the title states, there is sex in this book, but I felt like it didn't really have to be there. I'm all for a good smokin hot love scene, but I just didn't feel the passion between Lord Trask and Sophie to make it necessary to the storyline. It just kind of came out of left field. I feel so bad that I didn't like this book more. I really wanted to, but I need more of a juicier plot then a stolen bracelet and an upset mistress. (Did I forget to mention that part? There is a mistress, and she tries to make a muck out of things and fails horribly.) If you are in the mood for something light (and I do mean light) and are a fan of historical romances, then you'll probably like this book.
July 21, 2011
I didn't enjoy this book at all. I didn't like that the two main characters were at odds through the entire book. They lied to each other and were continuously underhanded.
Sophie has been "in love" with Simon since she was a girl. Simon just though of her as the younger sister of a close friend. He really only considers marrying her for the land in her dowry. He doesn't admit to any feelings for her other than "fondness" and yet he can't even admit to his real reasons for wanting the marriage. She admits her "love" very late in the book and even then, he has no problem betraying her trust.
I don't mind characters having some rough spots in a relationship, but why read a book where they are fighting or lying or manipulating each other all of the time? There was really no "romance" in this book. There was lust, and sex and a one sided naive love, but no romance. I found myself hoping that Sophie would ditch the idiot.. but sadly, I knew that wouldn't happen.
I would have liked to see Sophie and Simon come to terms with their relationship about half way through the book and then work together to solve some of the background stories concerning Toby and Becky as well as Lady Randolph. I would have really liked to see them put her in her place. That could have been a fun storyline.
Skip this one unless you have absolutely nothing else to read.
Sophie has been "in love" with Simon since she was a girl. Simon just though of her as the younger sister of a close friend. He really only considers marrying her for the land in her dowry. He doesn't admit to any feelings for her other than "fondness" and yet he can't even admit to his real reasons for wanting the marriage. She admits her "love" very late in the book and even then, he has no problem betraying her trust.
I don't mind characters having some rough spots in a relationship, but why read a book where they are fighting or lying or manipulating each other all of the time? There was really no "romance" in this book. There was lust, and sex and a one sided naive love, but no romance. I found myself hoping that Sophie would ditch the idiot.. but sadly, I knew that wouldn't happen.
I would have liked to see Sophie and Simon come to terms with their relationship about half way through the book and then work together to solve some of the background stories concerning Toby and Becky as well as Lady Randolph. I would have really liked to see them put her in her place. That could have been a fun storyline.
Skip this one unless you have absolutely nothing else to read.
August 14, 2010
Picked this up at the library on a whim because the title amused me.
The book did not.
I hated the protags. HATED THEM. They spent half the novel carrying the Idiot Ball and not talking to one another. When they did talk to one another, they were lying, obfuscating, blustering, or generally being stupid. This wasn't banter, it was WAR.
There was way too much emphasis on how *weak* Sophie became anytime she was within 3 feet of Simon.
*bleah*
Clearly, this one was not for me.
December 31, 2018
Yılın son kitabını da bitirdim. Erkek karakter çok sinir bozucuydu, kadın karakter o döneme göre ayakta durmaya çalıştı ama bir yere kadar..
Ayrıca kapak inanılmaz kötü ya, otobüste falan kimse görmesin diye gizleyerek okudum :D Hani çirkinliğinden utandım :D
Ayrıca kapak inanılmaz kötü ya, otobüste falan kimse görmesin diye gizleyerek okudum :D Hani çirkinliğinden utandım :D
March 13, 2010
Vanessa Kelly is a fairly new author and knowing that, I was a bit anxious to read Sex and the Single Earl but I was rather surprised at this romantic and delightful book. Sex and the Single Earl is a beautifully crafted tale of two life long friends who fall in love. The storyline and characters were well developed and likable. The chemistry between the main characters was sizzling and entertaining.
Young and spirited, Sophie Stanton is the opposite of what society would want her to be. Sophie grew up privilege and sheltered but she has opened her eyes to the troubles of the world, wanting to help those in need. After an encounter with a little boy who steals a valuable piece of jewelry, Sophie is more intrigued to help the boy and his sister and risk ruining her reputation. Shocked that Simon is in town, Sophie enlists his help to retrieve her jewelry and save the children. Little does she know, Simon has other plans that include marrying her.
Simon St. James, the Ninth Earl of Trask is a handsome, arrogant and determined man who is trying to leave his legacy as one of the wealthiest men ever. In order to achieve his goal of building a mill, he needs an important piece of land that is enriched with coal. The only problem is that the land belongs to Sophie Stanton. Simon has always adored Sophie, though they constantly fight. Realizing that the only way to get control of the land is through marriage, he imposes himself on Sophie, forcing her hand in marriage and hiding the real truth behind his proposal. The problem is that this earl has to keep his fiancé out of constant mischief and convince her that they belong together.
Upon the first fifty pages, I hoped that the overused plot of the girl pining away for the older friend of the family would not be stale and predictable. My wish was granted. Though Sophie always fancied Simon, she fought him throughout the whole book, wanting a marriage based on love and refusing to say yes just to appease her family and her own heart. Sophie was a fiercely independent woman and I was immediately drawn to her spirit. I loved how the author showed James’s love for Sophie even when it was not evident to him. Watching Simon and Sophie’s journey warmed my heart.
The quick and light banter was on point. The one thing that I often look for is a fluid dialogue. I enjoy when my characters engage in conversation with one another and this story does exactly that. The love scenes in this novel were passionate and hot. Their verbal sparring left them highly aroused and the pages exploded with each sexual encounter.
My biggest problem with the book was that the author created suspense by showing that there was an immediate threat to the children. At the end there was some resolution but I was left wondering what happened to them. Now, I understand that the story is centered on the two characters and that the children were merely secondary characters but I felt slighted that I did not get a glimpse of what was to come for the children.
This was a wonderfully romantic novel and I look forward to more from this author. I recommend this book for those who want a beautiful, well-written story that exhibits love, trust, betrayal and forgiveness.
Young and spirited, Sophie Stanton is the opposite of what society would want her to be. Sophie grew up privilege and sheltered but she has opened her eyes to the troubles of the world, wanting to help those in need. After an encounter with a little boy who steals a valuable piece of jewelry, Sophie is more intrigued to help the boy and his sister and risk ruining her reputation. Shocked that Simon is in town, Sophie enlists his help to retrieve her jewelry and save the children. Little does she know, Simon has other plans that include marrying her.
Simon St. James, the Ninth Earl of Trask is a handsome, arrogant and determined man who is trying to leave his legacy as one of the wealthiest men ever. In order to achieve his goal of building a mill, he needs an important piece of land that is enriched with coal. The only problem is that the land belongs to Sophie Stanton. Simon has always adored Sophie, though they constantly fight. Realizing that the only way to get control of the land is through marriage, he imposes himself on Sophie, forcing her hand in marriage and hiding the real truth behind his proposal. The problem is that this earl has to keep his fiancé out of constant mischief and convince her that they belong together.
Upon the first fifty pages, I hoped that the overused plot of the girl pining away for the older friend of the family would not be stale and predictable. My wish was granted. Though Sophie always fancied Simon, she fought him throughout the whole book, wanting a marriage based on love and refusing to say yes just to appease her family and her own heart. Sophie was a fiercely independent woman and I was immediately drawn to her spirit. I loved how the author showed James’s love for Sophie even when it was not evident to him. Watching Simon and Sophie’s journey warmed my heart.
The quick and light banter was on point. The one thing that I often look for is a fluid dialogue. I enjoy when my characters engage in conversation with one another and this story does exactly that. The love scenes in this novel were passionate and hot. Their verbal sparring left them highly aroused and the pages exploded with each sexual encounter.
My biggest problem with the book was that the author created suspense by showing that there was an immediate threat to the children. At the end there was some resolution but I was left wondering what happened to them. Now, I understand that the story is centered on the two characters and that the children were merely secondary characters but I felt slighted that I did not get a glimpse of what was to come for the children.
This was a wonderfully romantic novel and I look forward to more from this author. I recommend this book for those who want a beautiful, well-written story that exhibits love, trust, betrayal and forgiveness.
January 17, 2016
If I could have rated this book less than one star I would have. This is the first time I have read this author and I won't be reading any more. Simon is a misogynistic, unlikable worm. Sophie is a likable, intelligent women with a social conscience. Unfortunately, she is a made out to be a simpering, idiot when ever Simon kisses her. I don't know how she can even be in the same room with him. He insults her, demeans her yells at her and pretty much threatens her with physical violence, even the sex is belittling. There certainly was no passion in this book. How could there be with so little respect for her as a person.
Imagine my surprise to find a flag on my first review. There were no spoilers, profanity or attacks on the author. I simply said that I wouldn't be purchasing any more books from her. I have since read quite a few reviews on different books. Some are really harsh and full of profanity and spoilers and apparently didn't get flagged, for which I am glad as I didn't have to waste my money and time on buying them. It just made me wonder to what standard was my review held? Just wondering?
Imagine my surprise to find a flag on my first review. There were no spoilers, profanity or attacks on the author. I simply said that I wouldn't be purchasing any more books from her. I have since read quite a few reviews on different books. Some are really harsh and full of profanity and spoilers and apparently didn't get flagged, for which I am glad as I didn't have to waste my money and time on buying them. It just made me wonder to what standard was my review held? Just wondering?
May 15, 2010
What did I love about Sex and the Single Earl? Let me count the many things:
(1) An engaging heroine who has--gasp--a social conscience. (Sophie reminded me a bit of Heyer's Arabella, a heroine I adore.)
(2) A hero who has a purpose other than being male and lordly (although he is definitely both male and lordly as well).
(3) Secondary characters with dimension (I know I'm not the only one eager to see a certain villain's motives revealed and her character transformed.)
(4) One of the best proposal scenes ever. (Sigh!)
(5) Kelly's visually rich prose that is a joy to read. (I'm envious.)
There are more, but these are enough to make clear why this was a five star read for me.
(1) An engaging heroine who has--gasp--a social conscience. (Sophie reminded me a bit of Heyer's Arabella, a heroine I adore.)
(2) A hero who has a purpose other than being male and lordly (although he is definitely both male and lordly as well).
(3) Secondary characters with dimension (I know I'm not the only one eager to see a certain villain's motives revealed and her character transformed.)
(4) One of the best proposal scenes ever. (Sigh!)
(5) Kelly's visually rich prose that is a joy to read. (I'm envious.)
There are more, but these are enough to make clear why this was a five star read for me.
May 11, 2010
First of all let me say my very favorite topic of romances are the friends turned to lovers or the one loving the other for a long time...yeah sometimes brutal but well worth it!!
I absolutely adored Simon with his whole I have to perfect facade but only to be brought down by the girl of his youth, Sophia, with her spectacles and big heart!!
Not to mention the steaminess...WOWZA!!! TALK ABOUT H-O-T!!!
I absolutely adored Simon with his whole I have to perfect facade but only to be brought down by the girl of his youth, Sophia, with her spectacles and big heart!!
Not to mention the steaminess...WOWZA!!! TALK ABOUT H-O-T!!!
September 20, 2020
Sophie ini memang terlalu impulsif, tapi Simon, Earl of Trask harus memilikinya....
Gara-gara tas yg berisi gelang emas turun-temurun milik keluarganya, Sophie berusaha keras menemukan maling kecil yg mencurinya. Sophie beruntung krn bocah itu mengembalikannya dgn tulus. Tapi sayangnya bocah kumuh ini juga punya masalah keluarga yg lebih pelik dan berbahaya. Kakak perempuannya yg cantik akan dijual ke muncikari oleh ayah mereka yg bejat. Sophie merasa dan berhak utk turun tangan menyelamatkan mereka, bahkan terjun langsung ke tempat kumuh ini walau sudah dilarang keras oleh tunangannya, Simon.
Plot ceritanya boleh dibilang dibuat ringan dan mulus saja oleh author padahal sebenarnya potensi utk bakal menarik bisa saja dibuat mengingat karakter Sophie dan Simon bagai langit dan bumi perbedaannya. Tapi ya hasilnya begitu saja deh. Karakter Sophie ini antara sebegitu naifnya (saya gak suka), terlalu impulsif (saya juga gak suka), intuisinya walau jalan tapi tetap saja parah. Intinya Sophie ini sembrono dan celakanya keras kepala juga. Sophie boleh dibilang lemah krn "kalah" bisa termakan manipulasi Batsheba, mantan simpanan Simon (Batsheba akan menjadi heroine di buku "My Favorite Countess" buku ke-3 seri Stanton ini).
Sebaliknya Simon adalah tipe hero yg teguh, tegas dan gigih. Sensualitasnya-lah yg mengangkat buku ini menjadi lebih menarik. Simon adalah pendekar ranjang yg bisa diimpikan setiap wanita yg bergairah. Cuma saja tarik ulur Simon dan Sophie bagi saya kurang menarik krn Sophie spt menderita mood swing parah. Sophie tahu Simon menginginkan sesuatu dari dirinya yg gak berhubungan dgn jiwanya. Selayaknya gadis yg masih naif, Sophie mengidealisasikan cinta sbg prioritasnya. Sedangkan Simon selayaknya pria yg praktis, mengekspresikan cinta dgn seks. Bagi saya finalisasi ceritanya juga biasa saja. Gak istimewa. Tapi buku ini lumayan saja.
Gara-gara tas yg berisi gelang emas turun-temurun milik keluarganya, Sophie berusaha keras menemukan maling kecil yg mencurinya. Sophie beruntung krn bocah itu mengembalikannya dgn tulus. Tapi sayangnya bocah kumuh ini juga punya masalah keluarga yg lebih pelik dan berbahaya. Kakak perempuannya yg cantik akan dijual ke muncikari oleh ayah mereka yg bejat. Sophie merasa dan berhak utk turun tangan menyelamatkan mereka, bahkan terjun langsung ke tempat kumuh ini walau sudah dilarang keras oleh tunangannya, Simon.
Plot ceritanya boleh dibilang dibuat ringan dan mulus saja oleh author padahal sebenarnya potensi utk bakal menarik bisa saja dibuat mengingat karakter Sophie dan Simon bagai langit dan bumi perbedaannya. Tapi ya hasilnya begitu saja deh. Karakter Sophie ini antara sebegitu naifnya (saya gak suka), terlalu impulsif (saya juga gak suka), intuisinya walau jalan tapi tetap saja parah. Intinya Sophie ini sembrono dan celakanya keras kepala juga. Sophie boleh dibilang lemah krn "kalah" bisa termakan manipulasi Batsheba, mantan simpanan Simon (Batsheba akan menjadi heroine di buku "My Favorite Countess" buku ke-3 seri Stanton ini).
Sebaliknya Simon adalah tipe hero yg teguh, tegas dan gigih. Sensualitasnya-lah yg mengangkat buku ini menjadi lebih menarik. Simon adalah pendekar ranjang yg bisa diimpikan setiap wanita yg bergairah. Cuma saja tarik ulur Simon dan Sophie bagi saya kurang menarik krn Sophie spt menderita mood swing parah. Sophie tahu Simon menginginkan sesuatu dari dirinya yg gak berhubungan dgn jiwanya. Selayaknya gadis yg masih naif, Sophie mengidealisasikan cinta sbg prioritasnya. Sedangkan Simon selayaknya pria yg praktis, mengekspresikan cinta dgn seks. Bagi saya finalisasi ceritanya juga biasa saja. Gak istimewa. Tapi buku ini lumayan saja.
April 17, 2011
I don't know why, but as of right now I'm not in a mood to thoroughly read books. It's just a phase of mine, so I'm not sure when I'll be out of this phase. Anyway, due to it, I skimmed through the book.
Basically, the hero logically planned to be betrothed to his childhood neighbor. However, the heroine doesn't like his high-mindedness because she's in love with him for some time. She wants his love, and so is suspicious when the hero asked for her hand. That's the main problem of the story, with some subplot of an ex-mistress seeking vengeance (or to get the hero back, whichever you look at it) and a little thief's familial problem. Then of course there are the secondary characters, the majority being the family of the couple.
I found the main couple nice and all, though there were some instances that I found both characters exasperating at times. Thus, as I skimmed through the book, the impression that I got from the book left me with a bland feeling.
I'm a harsh critic in that the book really must grab my attention. Sad to say that this book didn't grab it enough for me to go back and read it thoroughly.
Basically, the hero logically planned to be betrothed to his childhood neighbor. However, the heroine doesn't like his high-mindedness because she's in love with him for some time. She wants his love, and so is suspicious when the hero asked for her hand. That's the main problem of the story, with some subplot of an ex-mistress seeking vengeance (or to get the hero back, whichever you look at it) and a little thief's familial problem. Then of course there are the secondary characters, the majority being the family of the couple.
I found the main couple nice and all, though there were some instances that I found both characters exasperating at times. Thus, as I skimmed through the book, the impression that I got from the book left me with a bland feeling.
I'm a harsh critic in that the book really must grab my attention. Sad to say that this book didn't grab it enough for me to go back and read it thoroughly.
June 21, 2014
I liked Sophie in the beginning of the book but disliked her easy capitulation to Simon. I hated Simon in the beginning but liked him at the very end of the book. He was a cruel brute for most of the story which got on my nerves. For the most part he was a condescending asshat to Sophie treating her like a child instead of a full grown woman. He liked her individuality until it pushed the limits of society and then he suddenly wanted her to be like everyone else. Jerk.
I liked both Robert and Anabella in this book so I think I'll read Mastering the Marquess which is actually the first book in the series. I sincerely hope their romance is better written than this one.
I liked both Robert and Anabella in this book so I think I'll read Mastering the Marquess which is actually the first book in the series. I sincerely hope their romance is better written than this one.
August 14, 2011
This author is good. I will keep read her books, so much potential.
The romance between Sophie & Simon is distinctive, it's may not balanced most of the time(thanks to Sophie) but instead crossing the line of a abusive relationship, still more like 2 ppl desperately in love with each other. The book's success: conjure up image in my imaginary ie. I see things described; draw out my sympathy for Sophie (which is rare than hen's teeth cause I abhor weaklings) thanks to amazing character build up not just Sophie alone but also Simon; hence, believable romance.
In future, I'll expect this author to take his/her work up another notch-- move me ie. make me laugh or cry-- because clearly he/she can. Give 5 star so it will get a more deserving rate.
The romance between Sophie & Simon is distinctive, it's may not balanced most of the time(thanks to Sophie) but instead crossing the line of a abusive relationship, still more like 2 ppl desperately in love with each other. The book's success: conjure up image in my imaginary ie. I see things described; draw out my sympathy for Sophie (which is rare than hen's teeth cause I abhor weaklings) thanks to amazing character build up not just Sophie alone but also Simon; hence, believable romance.
In future, I'll expect this author to take his/her work up another notch-- move me ie. make me laugh or cry-- because clearly he/she can. Give 5 star so it will get a more deserving rate.
January 1, 2026
I really liked this book despite the misgivings i had based on the title... I like Vanessa Kelly a lot so i took a chance and while there were a couple of scenes that i skipped over, over all the book and the title had nothing in common. I really liked their relationship. Kelly did a good job of making all of their arguments and issues with each other actually based in "reality" when a lot of authors make the arguments based in fancy or imagination and without any real reason. I liked that they had real basis... Near the end, there were a couple of holes but for the most part, it was very well done.
October 5, 2012
Bu kitabın hakkı 2 ! Bir puan başı için bir puanda sonu için.Ehhh , geriye kalan sayfalarda hç bir olay olmadığını düşünürsek , kitap boşa yazılmış... Kitapdaki konttan resmen tiksindim , ne itici bir karakter o yahu.Kız desen resmen leyla.Koca kitapta 300'e kadar , ''Benimle evleneceksin!' , ''Evlenmeyeceğim!'' dışında hiç birşey olmadı.Kitabı okumayı düşünenler ; başını sonunu okuduğunuzda kitabı çözersiniz.
August 27, 2015
Vanessa’s books are always filled with passion and a great connection between the 2 main characters and it’s wonderful how she weaved previous ones into the plot in this one. t’s sad how women and children were exploited in those times, but how again her heroine wanted to come to the rescue. Well worth reading.
March 13, 2020
3 Stars
July 22, 2013
Yazar yazmasa... Bende okumasam olurmuş yani :D
May 22, 2017
It's been a while since I read a historical romance it's been even longer since I read an actual book.
The heroine annoyed me a bit in this story with her hot and cold attitude, as did the hero, but, the two are so well suited to each other I found myself loving them almost as much as I wanted to knock their heads together.
I'm not sure if I've read anything by Vanessa Kelly before and AFTER I finished this book I realized it was the second in a series... However, not once during the story did I feel lost.
The author did a great job at building up this story. Her characters were great, they gave me a chuckle here and there. I wish I'd seen/felt our hero fall for our heroine but instead I was td it happened and that's what made this a four star read.
I look forward to going back and reading book one and moving forward with all else Vanessa Kelly may have out there.
The heroine annoyed me a bit in this story with her hot and cold attitude, as did the hero, but, the two are so well suited to each other I found myself loving them almost as much as I wanted to knock their heads together.
I'm not sure if I've read anything by Vanessa Kelly before and AFTER I finished this book I realized it was the second in a series... However, not once during the story did I feel lost.
The author did a great job at building up this story. Her characters were great, they gave me a chuckle here and there. I wish I'd seen/felt our hero fall for our heroine but instead I was td it happened and that's what made this a four star read.
I look forward to going back and reading book one and moving forward with all else Vanessa Kelly may have out there.
July 17, 2019
I really liked it. Not four clean stars, more like 3.5, but for me was a nice read. Yeah, maybe the hero was too bossy and blunt in some moments, but nobody is perfect. He followed his plans, but he really cared for the heroine and her well-being. I think Simon was a realistic depiction of a nobleman, arrogant, calculated, searching to marry out of interest, so why should I rate lower this book for being close to that particular period? I also liked Sophie even when she was a pain in the ass. I appreciated that even if she loved him since forever, yet she was aware of her value and stood her ground to wed for who she was and not her vast dowry.
Still, I probably won't read the next one because I believe an intrigant woman like Bathsheba does not deserve a happy ending, not even in a book.
Still, I probably won't read the next one because I believe an intrigant woman like Bathsheba does not deserve a happy ending, not even in a book.
September 27, 2020
This book bored me with Sophie's continuous stubbornness and "strong will" to help Toby and Becky escape their evil father but she didn't actually do something about it. Ms. Kelly wanted the readers to believe that Sophie had been in love with Simon all her life and that Simon cared about her, despite his need to own Sophie's inheritance land but I didn't feel that about them. They continue belittling each other, Simon instructed her around and Sophie promised but didn't keep it, Simon proposed and Sophie kept on trying to annul it. On and on and on like that and I must force myself to continue reading.
There is still book #3 on my to be read shelf. I'll cross my finger and hope for the best
There is still book #3 on my to be read shelf. I'll cross my finger and hope for the best
December 13, 2017
Bagus banget sih ceritanya sophie. Saya bisa mengerti kenapa Sophie tidak percaya atau terkadang sakit hati dengan sikapnya Simon karena sebelumnya Sifat Simon amat sangat menyebalkan menurut saya. Tapi seneng banget akhirnya mereka baikkan dan jadi menikah. Agak penasaran apa yang terjadi dengan Toby dan kakaknya, tapi sepertinya mereka baik2 saja.
Sekarang buku ke 3 menceritakan tentang Bathsheba.., si wanita menyebalkan tapi sepertinya ceritanya bagus karena pasti ada alasan bagus kenapa Bathsheba bersikap seperti ehem.., wanita jalang.
Sekarang buku ke 3 menceritakan tentang Bathsheba.., si wanita menyebalkan tapi sepertinya ceritanya bagus karena pasti ada alasan bagus kenapa Bathsheba bersikap seperti ehem.., wanita jalang.
August 5, 2021
This is the first book by Kelly that is a total miss for me- if you love her other books, don't read this one. The hero is an asshole for 90% of the book and his growth isn't satisfying at all. The heroine is supposedly tough and determined but never gets anything her own way or done the way she wants it, which completely takes away her agency. The villain and plot are as thin as can be, barely substantial enough to hate, but hate them I did. The villain is a one-note scorned mistress and the impoverished children side-plot is cloying and ridiculous.
November 29, 2025
Just the type of historical romance I love. Hero and heroine expected to marry by their respective families. She has been in love with him forever and he needs land that is part of her dowry to enter into a business deal with a mill owner. Simon St. James, the Earl of Trask, has to convince Sophie Stanton to marry him without revealing his ulterior motives. A fast paced, well written steamfest that kept me up all night to get to the epilogue- which I also loved. Every good story should include an epilogue.
November 20, 2017
I started this, but I just can't read further. It might not be worse than some that I've read and even liked lately, but it just started to annoy me so much... I need real history and real romance without father-like male leads... And heroines who act like a little girl. I guess that's why I like more YA, cause there it's fine. Plus the male lead is also a kid and acting like one, so it's just more even there. Guess I just need a bit of a break...
May 23, 2020
Jealous rage not romance
I was enjoying it until it got rapey, towards the end. Are we really supposed to be rooting for the couple when the guy has such anger issues, is ridiculously demeaning. Forces himself on her, just a few degrees shy of rape. She seems like she is going to stick up for herself, but acquiences, pathetically. So tired of authors equating romance with jealous control freak rage mongers. Why????
I was enjoying it until it got rapey, towards the end. Are we really supposed to be rooting for the couple when the guy has such anger issues, is ridiculously demeaning. Forces himself on her, just a few degrees shy of rape. She seems like she is going to stick up for herself, but acquiences, pathetically. So tired of authors equating romance with jealous control freak rage mongers. Why????
May 24, 2020
Sweet
Sophie and Simon grew up together , while she is wild and outspoken he is all about decorum. While she has been in love with him since forever he has never showed her any attention other then lecturing her. When he decides to marry her she ask for a secret engagement she fears he still has attraction to his mistress and while she is helping a poor family scandals come up but never fever Simon might just be her hero
Sophie and Simon grew up together , while she is wild and outspoken he is all about decorum. While she has been in love with him since forever he has never showed her any attention other then lecturing her. When he decides to marry her she ask for a secret engagement she fears he still has attraction to his mistress and while she is helping a poor family scandals come up but never fever Simon might just be her hero
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