What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Rose Trilogy #1
Lady Falls
Raven Wells is no ordinary girl. Plucked from an orphanage by a scheming earl, she has been raised like a thoroughbred, groomed for one purpose: Revenge. Unfortunately, the Earl of Trent never let her in on the plan, so when she meets the man of her dreams, Sir Phillip Warrick, she has no idea that every lesson, every tutor and every impulsive inch of her was crafted for his seduction and destruction. What she does know is that love is the prize she wants most and that nothing should stand in a woman’s way to getting what she wants.
Phillip Warrick is simply trying to recover his friendship with the earl, unaware that the man has spent years laying the foundation for destroying Phillip’s peace of mind. What he does know is that the earl’s ward, Raven Wells, is mesmerizing, fascinating and apparently without reserve. Witty, beautiful, impulsive and impossible—she is like a siren beckoning him to forget the rules and seize only the pleasures of the moment.
Together, their love will set in motion a series of events that no one can foresee. Revenge creates more than one victim, but also more than one winner. Raven Wells will be transformed into a force of nature the likes of which Victorian London has never experienced before. LADY FALLS is the birth of the Black Rose and the end of innocence.
Phillip Warrick is simply trying to recover his friendship with the earl, unaware that the man has spent years laying the foundation for destroying Phillip’s peace of mind. What he does know is that the earl’s ward, Raven Wells, is mesmerizing, fascinating and apparently without reserve. Witty, beautiful, impulsive and impossible—she is like a siren beckoning him to forget the rules and seize only the pleasures of the moment.
Together, their love will set in motion a series of events that no one can foresee. Revenge creates more than one victim, but also more than one winner. Raven Wells will be transformed into a force of nature the likes of which Victorian London has never experienced before. LADY FALLS is the birth of the Black Rose and the end of innocence.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2014
125 people are currently reading
684 people want to read
About the author
Renee Bernard
34 books255 followersWhat in the world is a retired Navy chaplain’s daughter doing writing scorching hot historical romances and paranormal graphic novels? Renee Bernard is applying a great education from traveling all over the world to story telling and doing her best to keep her father proud. Truthfully, her father is her number one fan, even though he has sworn never to read a single word of her books (a vow he has kept to this day!) Nothing stops him from telling everyone he knows that his daughter is now a USA Today Bestselling author or from handing out bookmarks on the golf course. Love can make even a minister do strange things!
Renee Bernard is a freelance writer and host of “Canned Laughter and Coffee” on Readers Entertainment, as well as a contributor to Romantic Times BookReviews magazine. Renee currently lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. (Note an interesting proximity to great wineries!)
Renee Bernard is a freelance writer and host of “Canned Laughter and Coffee” on Readers Entertainment, as well as a contributor to Romantic Times BookReviews magazine. Renee currently lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. (Note an interesting proximity to great wineries!)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
February 7, 2015
Hate it hate it. i literally could not stand this book. The characters were boring. Raven was annoying and her romance with Phillip was so repulsive. i just couldnt they barely knew eachother and all of a sudden they call it love? i just cant. It was a struggle to get through this book it was boring i was uninterested the villian was so pathetic and i just hated it. This book suffered from major instalove and usually i dont mind instalove within reason... but are you serious by their third kiss it was love??????!!!!!!!! Dont read this the only reason i did was because it was free. Oh also did i mention the plot was nonexistent and the characters were 2 dimensional. Also the writitng style was hard to get into. By the end of the book i hated Phillip more than i hated Trent who was the "villian" like seriously Phillip how stupid can you be and the way that he treated her??? That is not love im sorry they were not in love all there was, was physical attraction they barely knew anything about eachother like for example Phillip did not even know about Ravens hard past... Also Raven was annoying and had no personality she was not 'wild and free spirited" like everyone said her to be. She was as bendable as string cheese and as gullible as a 2 year old. She read more like 10 year old than a 18 year old. She was an eager to please puppy and kissed Trents feet and never questioned a thing. I havent given a book 1 star in ahwile and i rarely dont. But this book was one of the most horrible books ive read in a long time. I hate to say i hate a book but i have to. I DO NOT reccomend this.
June 18, 2014
When I finished reading LADY FALLS, the first book in Renee Bernard’s new trilogy, the very first thought in my head was “This is BRILLIANT”, followed closely by “How the heck am I going to write a review that doesn’t give everything away?”
(If you’re wondering what could possibly be so hard about that, then you haven’t read this book yet.)
Since I loathe being spoiled, especially when the surprise is so…surprising!, I will try to keep this as general as possible with it being stressed right now that you simply have to read this book!
I was particularly impressed with Ms. Bernard’s very beautiful and lyrical writing that brought to mind the very best of the Bard’s most romantic prose—even as the characters were quoting the man himself in certain key scenes. Splendidly done!
As for the story and characters, I again must hold back as every aspect should be savored with fresh eyes, but I will say that Raven Wells steals the show with her vibrancy and boldness despite her painful beginnings, but you can sense the steel spine beneath, that springs from the roots of those beginnings.
To the impressively talented Ms. Bernard I have to say, though this review is much shorter than it could be, my immense pleasure in reading this book is completely without bounds. I CANNOT wait to read the next chapter in Raven’s saga and I mean that literally…gimme gimme gimme!
(If you’re wondering what could possibly be so hard about that, then you haven’t read this book yet.)
Since I loathe being spoiled, especially when the surprise is so…surprising!, I will try to keep this as general as possible with it being stressed right now that you simply have to read this book!
I was particularly impressed with Ms. Bernard’s very beautiful and lyrical writing that brought to mind the very best of the Bard’s most romantic prose—even as the characters were quoting the man himself in certain key scenes. Splendidly done!
As for the story and characters, I again must hold back as every aspect should be savored with fresh eyes, but I will say that Raven Wells steals the show with her vibrancy and boldness despite her painful beginnings, but you can sense the steel spine beneath, that springs from the roots of those beginnings.
To the impressively talented Ms. Bernard I have to say, though this review is much shorter than it could be, my immense pleasure in reading this book is completely without bounds. I CANNOT wait to read the next chapter in Raven’s saga and I mean that literally…gimme gimme gimme!
June 18, 2014
If you are looking for a great summer read then this is your book. Lady Falls is the first book I've read by Renee Bernard and it won't be the last. The novel is part of a trilogy, which I usually don't like because it feels like you have to wait forever for the characters to get their 'happily ever after'. Don't pass up this book if you feel this way because the rest of the trilogy is coming fast. "LADY RISES" comes 7/24 and "LADY TRIUMPHS" comes 8/26 (both 2014).
The characters, both main and secondary, are amusing and you can't help but fall in love with them. The bad guy is just bad enough that I couldn't decide if I liked him or not, leaning more towards like. Really looking forward to seeing what happens to him!!!. The hero is swoon worthy and the heroine is sassy. The story moves along so that there are no boring moments. This book has everything that is needed for a great story and the great thing is there is more to come. So when you buy this book make sure to pre order the other two!!
The characters, both main and secondary, are amusing and you can't help but fall in love with them. The bad guy is just bad enough that I couldn't decide if I liked him or not, leaning more towards like. Really looking forward to seeing what happens to him!!!. The hero is swoon worthy and the heroine is sassy. The story moves along so that there are no boring moments. This book has everything that is needed for a great story and the great thing is there is more to come. So when you buy this book make sure to pre order the other two!!
October 3, 2015
I don't know how to feel about this book. I wanted to like it because the synopsis sounded interesting (though the "revenge" and its reveal seemed really weak) and I'm anxious to see where the series is headed and how it'll pan out, but this book itself just felt too drawn out to me and really filler-y.
June 17, 2014
I was very excited to receive and read my ARC copy of Lady Falls. You will not regret reading this book! It's everything I think a book should be! Romance, fear, anger, suspense, hope, love and about every other emotion you can imagine! My heart was literally racing at the end and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book, Lady Rises. What a brilliant ride Renee Bernard took me on, you should check it out as well! You won't regret it!
December 20, 2015
I liked the beginning. There was a love that would be betrayed, a victim that Raven, the MC, saw bruises on, and pretty decent writing.
Not bad. (Not something I'll remember a week from now though). Good light read.
3/5 stars.
Beware, the ending isn't very satisfactory.
Not bad. (Not something I'll remember a week from now though). Good light read.
3/5 stars.
Beware, the ending isn't very satisfactory.
December 1, 2017
"Most villains swing with a club in blind rage and think to overwhelm you with brute force. But a true Villainess can cut you with a blade so fine that it will be some time before you realize that you are already dead. ~Phillip Warrick"
I love reading books during this time period mostly because the use and sophistication of the English language at this time. The witty banter between the characters at times is really quite comical, Bernard did an excellent job with this.
The story itself starts out a little slow and it is hard to follow the complex scheme that is Lord Trent's revenge. For most of the book I completely forgot that revenge was his MO until the end where it all unraveled in a truly scandalous way, very much to his delight, even if in the end his revenge was riddled with lies. This book for me was far more a romance than anything else, but a good one at that. I am intrigued to find out what will happen with Raven Wells and Phillip Warrick. So, you know that I will be reading the second book in this Trilogy for sure. Over all this book was a quick and fascinating read.
I love reading books during this time period mostly because the use and sophistication of the English language at this time. The witty banter between the characters at times is really quite comical, Bernard did an excellent job with this.
The story itself starts out a little slow and it is hard to follow the complex scheme that is Lord Trent's revenge. For most of the book I completely forgot that revenge was his MO until the end where it all unraveled in a truly scandalous way, very much to his delight, even if in the end his revenge was riddled with lies. This book for me was far more a romance than anything else, but a good one at that. I am intrigued to find out what will happen with Raven Wells and Phillip Warrick. So, you know that I will be reading the second book in this Trilogy for sure. Over all this book was a quick and fascinating read.
June 28, 2014
Raven Wells lost her parents when she was quite young. After being cared for and loved by a foster family who died, she ended up in an orphanage run by a cruel woman. One day, the Earl of Trent comes by and sees her being punished by having to stand outside in the rain. He is impressed not only by her beauty, but by her acceptance and ability to handle this treatment. Deciding that she is the girl he wants for his "plan," he takes her with him. She is brought up in his home, taught everything that her brilliant mind can absorb, and dressed in only the best.
At the age of 17, she is a beautiful young woman on the verge of her come-out in London.
The Earl decides to have a house party with some neighbors, including Phillip Warrick, a friend from his past with whom he has been on the outs. While Phillip does not care for house parties, he decides to accept the invitation because he wants to mend fences with the Earl. When Phillip meets Raven, he is immediately smitten with her beauty and her grace. She, in turn, is smitten by him.
As the party proceeds, we get to know the different people attending. Each of them has their own story which adds so much to the book. They are taken with Raven's talents as a wonderful hostess and her ability to plan entertainment for everyone to keep them occupied.
Even though Phillip has been warned by the Earl to stay away from Raven, the attraction between them is too strong to be denied. Finally, the Earl agrees for them to marry, but insists that they go to Gretna Green to do so. But on the way, something happens that blows the whole story to smithereens. To say anymore would be a total spoiler.
This book is wonderful and I cannot wait to read the next books in the trilogy. Book 2, "'Lady Rises" is scheduled for publication July 22, 2014 and Book 3, "Lady Triumphs" is scheduled for publication August 26, 2014.
At the age of 17, she is a beautiful young woman on the verge of her come-out in London.
The Earl decides to have a house party with some neighbors, including Phillip Warrick, a friend from his past with whom he has been on the outs. While Phillip does not care for house parties, he decides to accept the invitation because he wants to mend fences with the Earl. When Phillip meets Raven, he is immediately smitten with her beauty and her grace. She, in turn, is smitten by him.
As the party proceeds, we get to know the different people attending. Each of them has their own story which adds so much to the book. They are taken with Raven's talents as a wonderful hostess and her ability to plan entertainment for everyone to keep them occupied.
Even though Phillip has been warned by the Earl to stay away from Raven, the attraction between them is too strong to be denied. Finally, the Earl agrees for them to marry, but insists that they go to Gretna Green to do so. But on the way, something happens that blows the whole story to smithereens. To say anymore would be a total spoiler.
This book is wonderful and I cannot wait to read the next books in the trilogy. Book 2, "'Lady Rises" is scheduled for publication July 22, 2014 and Book 3, "Lady Triumphs" is scheduled for publication August 26, 2014.
June 24, 2014
Holy Smokes this is not your typical historical romance! Ms. Bernard is back with an exciting new series that leaves you asking for more. It's hard not to talk about this book without giving something away so I am going to keep this short and sweet.
This book has a plot and characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The writing is amazing and there will be moments where you say, "That's a game changer" or "OMG, did that just happen?" The characters are written well and with all of Ms. Bernard's books/characters no one is a throw away character. The End-OMG-The End!! Be ready readers to spend your day in the world of Lady Falls!
One last thing the book is on sale for $0.99! Go and get it on JUNE 24!!
**Received an ARC copy for an honest review.**
This book has a plot and characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The writing is amazing and there will be moments where you say, "That's a game changer" or "OMG, did that just happen?" The characters are written well and with all of Ms. Bernard's books/characters no one is a throw away character. The End-OMG-The End!! Be ready readers to spend your day in the world of Lady Falls!
One last thing the book is on sale for $0.99! Go and get it on JUNE 24!!
**Received an ARC copy for an honest review.**
June 19, 2014
I devoured this book in 5 hours. I'm telling you I did not want to put it down.
I haven't read many historical romances but I will tell you that this is in my top 10 books of all that I have read.
Raven Wells is spectacular. I could see myself as her this rebellious, out going, spunky, loud mouthed type of girl. And Philip *swoon* he is every girls dream male. I couldn't help but like the bad guy he was likable.
I don't want to give away to much of this book. But the ending will have you begging for more. I have literally tried to figure out what happens next and I can't but that being said I will for sure be awaiting the next book with itchy fingers.
I haven't read many historical romances but I will tell you that this is in my top 10 books of all that I have read.
Raven Wells is spectacular. I could see myself as her this rebellious, out going, spunky, loud mouthed type of girl. And Philip *swoon* he is every girls dream male. I couldn't help but like the bad guy he was likable.
I don't want to give away to much of this book. But the ending will have you begging for more. I have literally tried to figure out what happens next and I can't but that being said I will for sure be awaiting the next book with itchy fingers.
June 24, 2014
My Thoughts: In book 1 the reader gets to know Raven Wells and Phillip thoroughly. Raven Wells had been a pretty, dreamer of a child; poor and destitute where hard times only became harder. She would escape in her own internal world dreaming the god of rain would save her from her plight of destitution. At ten years old when plucked from the orphanage by the earl, she was a beauty with sensuality pouring from her very innocent soul. Even with all her misfortune, she was very much the optimist, a quick learner, a lover of life—AND completely malleable to the wishes of Lord Trent, the earl.
She learned to please him, being the perfect ward. He educated her beyond the usual for a woman at that time. Raven took life by the horns and lived it to the fullest. She was the happiest of souls—a light shone from her being. She comments, “It is Spring and I care nothing for the Fall.” She lives for the moment.
Little did she know she was but a pawn in the hands of her protector, the earl—used as revenge for a certain Phillip Warrick. His crime was taking the earl’s mistress many years previous. The earl never forgets a slight or a wrong and Phillip was to pay.
Phillip was invited to a house party the earl was throwing. He accepted the invitation hoping to get back in the graces of the earl. Apparently, the earl had forgiven him. Phillip tried to avoid his ward because he was utterly taken by her. It would not do for him to get in the bad graces of the earl when their relationship seemed to have improved. The good graces of the earl possibly meant a joint financial venture which he was eager to have.
This had an unusual plot line. In historical romances the heroine is not the pursuer. I was extremely entertained to watch the way Raven approaches learning. She’s a hands-on gal. Yes, even in the art of love. She eventually sets her heart on Phillip and is completely in love and for love. He didn’t have a chance. She was persistent with her pursuit and her natural sensuous inclination entraps Phillip, body and soul. Nothing was more important to him than having her. The reader discovers that Phillip is a personable man with a good heart even though his past wasn’t something to be proud of. The two seem to be the perfect match.
The earl is a conniving dark villain, however well-liked by his neighbors and extremely wealthy. Those types of villains can be the most treacherous—a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Renee Barnard’s straight-forward, yet eloquent story-telling mirrors Raven’s spirit, an uncomplicated, free-thinking soul, embodied in innocence. Even the earl doesn’t feel evil by his actions. Yet, he badly deceives both Phillip and Raven. Renee’s engages the reader leaving her with an edgy feeling, knowing all is not what it seems. She does an excellent job in ratcheting up suspense—I was expecting something to happen and nothing happened well past the time it should have! Clever Renee! BAM! It happened and I couldn’t believe it! No, how is it possible? I’m afraid, reader, I can’t spoil this shock for you. You’re just going to have to read the book! And there is NO way that I’ll be able NOT to continue the series.
Phillip Warrick pens these words at the beginning of the story preparing the reader for an adventure spanning three books you won’t regret reading.
Villains are not born—they are made. And in the case of a Villainess, she is crafted and carved out of the fires of a broken heart and God help the man who thinks to trespass, bruise her further and then survive the encounter.
Most villains swing with a club in blind rage and think to overwhelm you with brute force. But a true villainess can cut you with a blade so fine that it will be some time before you realize that you are already dead.
And you will remember the kiss of that weapon with fondness…and long for her return.
About the Author: (taken from author's website http://www.reneebernardauthor.com)
Does anyone really read these things? I’ll pretend they don’t and say this. It’s very true that my father was a chaplain in the Navy and that he has sworn to never read a word I write (not that this keeps him from telling everyone he sees that his daughter writes romance novels that are too hot for him to read.) See the humor?
If you’ve ever met me, or heard me on Tuesday nights on my internet radio show, “Canned Laughter and Coffee with Renee Bernard” that last bit makes a lot of sense.
My mother, however, does read my books. And while I find this far more frightening, it balances the universe out beautifully and makes me very grateful for that sense of humor mentioned above.
It’s also very true that if you’re not supposed to do something in search of a career in writing, I seem to have accidentally done it. Seriously, all the brilliant advice about not quitting your day job, etc.—those people know what they’re talking about! Not that I meant to quit my day job, but comedy abounds in my life and I’ve simply learned to embrace it.
To maintain my sanity, I write. In the files are romances of every flavor—contemporary, historical, science-fiction/fantasy, paranormal and yes, erotica. I’ve hidden away most of those manuscripts out of a true respect for the writers who know what they’re doing, but somehow the historical romances got out and now, I’m too happy to give it up.
Another truth: Yes, I can write scorching hot sex scenes and yes, I’m too shy to wear open-toed shoes in public. I didn’t say it made sense. I said it was true.
There. I think that says more about me than where I live or a list of my food allergies. (I don’t have any, but I keep thinking that perhaps that isn’t a good thing since being able to honestly say “She never met a food she didn’t like” doesn’t bode well.)
In any case, since you’ve read this far, I’ll just take the opportunity to say thank you. For reading and caring enough to take a look at that odd woman on the back cover. I’m truly grateful.
February 15, 2018
This was actually a good yarn, very much a historical mills & boon and a very readable one at that.
February 8, 2015
I believe this book's premise needed a little bit of work. It kind of reminded me, of how in Dumb and Dumber To, Lloyd has been in a mental institution for twenty years just to prank Harry. And it's funny, because it's just taking a prank waaaaaaay to far.
Also, I really hate that the undercurrent of this book reinforces the idea that a woman who is really well educated, is how the Earl deliberately contributes to her own demise in position. That not only is it perceived as a negative thing by her peers, but also it becomes a negative thing in her behavior.
So yes, this book was not the book for me. Reading the plot, I thought it sounded kind of interesting, but I just had too much difficulty with how the plot worked itself out in real reading time.
Also, I really hate that the undercurrent of this book reinforces the idea that a woman who is really well educated, is how the Earl deliberately contributes to her own demise in position. That not only is it perceived as a negative thing by her peers, but also it becomes a negative thing in her behavior.
So yes, this book was not the book for me. Reading the plot, I thought it sounded kind of interesting, but I just had too much difficulty with how the plot worked itself out in real reading time.
Read
June 17, 2017Why I am giving this 0 stars:
1. The revenge plot is based on a confirmed bachelor semi-adopting the illegitimate daughter of a peer from a work house, raising her to have a wild and free personality while being educated and in finery like any noble-birth woman, just to ensure that the man he wants to ruin falls in love with her. So basically the heroine is just a pawn in this story. The revenge therefore takes at least 8 years to even get started.
Oh what awful incident could have possibly drove the villain to come up with such a bullshit plan for revenge? Well, the other man once bedded the villain's mistress, a courtesan. The villain had already claimed her for himself and started a relationship... *SIGH*
2. The book starts with the heroine being emotionally and physically abused by the matron in charge of the work house. Yeah, cause that is why I read romance - for the heaping amounts of abuse. At the house party years later, there is a lady being beaten by her husband several times.
3. The heroine was so anachronistic that she wasn't a believable character and she grated on my last nerve. She was also childish; at almost the age of 18 (three weeks away from her birthday....as if there was documentation about her birth), she was putting together (at the last fucking minute) a scavenger hunt and an amateur play starring the other women at the house party. She was all about instant gratification and pleasure in being "naughty". Also, she became quite horny and sexually All The Fucking Time right after she was kissed by hero for the very first time.
4. The hero was a wimp who spoke of love...two hours after kissing heroine. And he went into flowerly prose and heaped so much praise on heroine's beauty and skills in bed, that is was nauseating to read. Of course he was an easy mark for the villain to exact his revenge, and hero acted so damn predictable at the end when he found he had been tricked.
5. At 179 NOOK pages, there wasn't much story and way too much sex (especially with a heroine who just had sex for the first time the day before).
6. But that ending - turns out this was a serial!!! I. Hate. Serials. The story ends with hero dumping heroine at the side of the road heading toward Gretna Green. That is not a romance!!! I am beyond pissed that the author could try passing off this story as a full book when it is just the first third of the actual story. A complete waste of my time. Won't be reading anything more from this serial or this author.
1. The revenge plot is based on a confirmed bachelor semi-adopting the illegitimate daughter of a peer from a work house, raising her to have a wild and free personality while being educated and in finery like any noble-birth woman, just to ensure that the man he wants to ruin falls in love with her. So basically the heroine is just a pawn in this story. The revenge therefore takes at least 8 years to even get started.
Oh what awful incident could have possibly drove the villain to come up with such a bullshit plan for revenge? Well, the other man once bedded the villain's mistress, a courtesan. The villain had already claimed her for himself and started a relationship... *SIGH*
2. The book starts with the heroine being emotionally and physically abused by the matron in charge of the work house. Yeah, cause that is why I read romance - for the heaping amounts of abuse. At the house party years later, there is a lady being beaten by her husband several times.
3. The heroine was so anachronistic that she wasn't a believable character and she grated on my last nerve. She was also childish; at almost the age of 18 (three weeks away from her birthday....as if there was documentation about her birth), she was putting together (at the last fucking minute) a scavenger hunt and an amateur play starring the other women at the house party. She was all about instant gratification and pleasure in being "naughty". Also, she became quite horny and sexually All The Fucking Time right after she was kissed by hero for the very first time.
4. The hero was a wimp who spoke of love...two hours after kissing heroine. And he went into flowerly prose and heaped so much praise on heroine's beauty and skills in bed, that is was nauseating to read. Of course he was an easy mark for the villain to exact his revenge, and hero acted so damn predictable at the end when he found he had been tricked.
5. At 179 NOOK pages, there wasn't much story and way too much sex (especially with a heroine who just had sex for the first time the day before).
6. But that ending - turns out this was a serial!!! I. Hate. Serials. The story ends with hero dumping heroine at the side of the road heading toward Gretna Green. That is not a romance!!! I am beyond pissed that the author could try passing off this story as a full book when it is just the first third of the actual story. A complete waste of my time. Won't be reading anything more from this serial or this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2014
PAGE TURNER YOU’LL NOT PUT DOWN!!!!
I must start off by saying that Renee Bernard is one of the few in my handful of favorite authors that I read and re-read and re-read. If I see her name on a book, it is an automatic purchase. After you read this you will do the same.
Lady Falls definitely did not disappoint and in fact is one that will go back to my TBR list to be pulled forward when the next in the series is released. Fantastic beginning for a new series!!!! I finished the book in one sitting, reading well into my bedtime to finish the story.
Raven, the heroine, is not your run of the mill lady, but at a young age is already feisty and fiery. She is from an orphanage with specific plans, without her knowledge, to be raised and used for revenge. Is London ready for the result? Read and find out, you will definitely be surprised. Secondary characters also adds to the intrigue of the story.
An amazing page turner from the very beginning, and will actually have you carrying the book with you if you have to move from your reading spot, even for bathroom breaks, you will not want to put it down. I am anxiously awaiting the next in the series!!!!!!
I must start off by saying that Renee Bernard is one of the few in my handful of favorite authors that I read and re-read and re-read. If I see her name on a book, it is an automatic purchase. After you read this you will do the same.
Lady Falls definitely did not disappoint and in fact is one that will go back to my TBR list to be pulled forward when the next in the series is released. Fantastic beginning for a new series!!!! I finished the book in one sitting, reading well into my bedtime to finish the story.
Raven, the heroine, is not your run of the mill lady, but at a young age is already feisty and fiery. She is from an orphanage with specific plans, without her knowledge, to be raised and used for revenge. Is London ready for the result? Read and find out, you will definitely be surprised. Secondary characters also adds to the intrigue of the story.
An amazing page turner from the very beginning, and will actually have you carrying the book with you if you have to move from your reading spot, even for bathroom breaks, you will not want to put it down. I am anxiously awaiting the next in the series!!!!!!
June 23, 2014
Lady Falls
In all of my many years of reading, Lady Falls is my first encounter with a historical romance novel that does not provide a “happy ever after” ending… because the end of Lady Falls is not the end of the storyline. Book 1 of Renee Bernard’s new trilogy is an intriguing tale of revenge and love that unfolds during a country house party with a compelling cast of characters. Raven Wells, the Lady, unknowingly plays an instrument of retribution in her guardian’s, Lord Trent, maniacal scheme against Sir Phillip Warrick. In keeping with the author’s enchanting style, the secondary characters/subplots provide extra doses of mystery and mayhem. Lady Falls definitely leaves you counting the hours until the saga continues in Book 2.
In all of my many years of reading, Lady Falls is my first encounter with a historical romance novel that does not provide a “happy ever after” ending… because the end of Lady Falls is not the end of the storyline. Book 1 of Renee Bernard’s new trilogy is an intriguing tale of revenge and love that unfolds during a country house party with a compelling cast of characters. Raven Wells, the Lady, unknowingly plays an instrument of retribution in her guardian’s, Lord Trent, maniacal scheme against Sir Phillip Warrick. In keeping with the author’s enchanting style, the secondary characters/subplots provide extra doses of mystery and mayhem. Lady Falls definitely leaves you counting the hours until the saga continues in Book 2.
June 23, 2014
Renee Bernard has always been one of my auto-buys because of her wonderful writing and ability to set the scene of early Victorian romance. Lady Falls, which is the story of Raven Wells is in my opinion a triumph. Ms. Bernard's exquisite language and character driven plot had me devouring this book within one night, staying up far, far past my bedtime. I needed to know what would happen between the sheltered yet strangely worldly Raven and the sweet yet determined Phillip. And what about the Earl of Trent? The secondary characters are marvelous, as usual.I received a ARC for my honest review of this book
You couldn't ask for a better beginning to a series!
You couldn't ask for a better beginning to a series!
September 19, 2015
The first 100 pages were good, I could look past things, but then the 100 after I just could not turn a blind eye to things anymore.
Raven is the most naive girl ever. Fine I know it's historical romance, but you have known him for a few days and boom, there goes the virginity. It was just too fast. And I am so tired of reading about men encountering virginal barriers and pushing through. Those poor women.
Anyway Raven met Phillip. Oh how they fancied each other. But her benefactor has plans for her. Which I saw through at once. And then it got depressing! And that was the end of book 1. And if you forgive him, which you will. You stupid woman.
Started good, ended not so good.
Raven is the most naive girl ever. Fine I know it's historical romance, but you have known him for a few days and boom, there goes the virginity. It was just too fast. And I am so tired of reading about men encountering virginal barriers and pushing through. Those poor women.
Anyway Raven met Phillip. Oh how they fancied each other. But her benefactor has plans for her. Which I saw through at once. And then it got depressing! And that was the end of book 1. And if you forgive him, which you will. You stupid woman.
Started good, ended not so good.
June 28, 2014
I have been a fan of Renee Bernard, for years! if you want a good book from a fabulous author read lady falls. This is the first book in the trilogy. I could sing her praises.... But you really need to read this book! It has a little bit of everything in it, Suspense, and especially love and romance. But please don`t take my word for it. Give it a try, you will not be disappointed!
March 27, 2015
I started is book not knowing until the last page that it was book 1 of a series. I've already downloaded books 2-3 and can't wait to start them. Period Romance is not normally my first pick but this author will now be one of my favorites to read whenever I'm in the mood for such a book.
July 2, 2014
Wonderful story, great characters and excellent dialogue. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
May 16, 2020
The book tells story of Raven Wells, an orphan adopted by Lord Geoffrey Trent, for one purpose only—revenge against Phillip Warwick. Trent raises Raven who is an illegitimate daughter of an unknown noble. She is beautiful, educated, and a good person. She and Phillip fall in love at the house party where Trent begins his revenge. The plot is good, but ends abruptly as Raven and Phillip are on their way to Greta Green to marry. She is kicked out of the carriage in the rain after Phillip reads the letter addressed to him to be read after his marriage. In it Trent reveals his revenge from some slight that happened years ago. He also reveals Raven’s origins and hints that the servants at Trent’s estate have had her. What will happen to Raven and Phillip? You will have to read books two and three of the series.
July 14, 2023
There is a funny podcast called "My Dad Wrote a Porno" where one of the kids found this manuscript his dad was writing (dad was not a writer by profession to say the least) and read it aloud with their friends. It's quite funny. But I actually logged onto goodreads to figure out if this was the book but because it has those vibes. The characters are flat and insipid. I don't even have words to explain my confusion over the earl who adopted her in the first place. He raised a child for a decade and then it ended as it did? What? WHAT? Also at points I feel like the Shakespeare was added only to hit a word count. Like the assignment was write X number of words and they padded it with Shakespeare to check a box. I kept waiting for something to wrap it up to make sense but I'm not reading 2 other books in the vague hopes that it does. I think I'll steer clear of this author in the future.
July 3, 2014
Raven Wells and the Earl of Trent's relationship reminds me a bit of Estella and Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens's Great Expectations
: both girls were seen as weapons of revenge by their benefactors, and their education and upbringing were all to prepare them for the day of reckoning, when the Earl of Trent and Miss Havisham would get their much-anticipated revenge.
In Raven's case, the Earl of Trent was seeking revenge against Sir Phillip Warrick, a former business partner who betrayed his trust and friendship by sleeping with his mistress. Raven is ready to make her bow in society and the Earl of Trent is ready to put his plan into action. Everything happens at a house party, which Trent hosts, and he has one simple instruction to Raven: to pay some attention to Sir Phillip during the house party.
Lady Falls is an interesting study of human nature. The Earl of Trent is a master manipulator and it was frightening how subtly Trent used Raven's natural lust for life against her and Phillip. Even at the orphanage, Raven was a free-spirited young girl, and she has blossomed into a woman with her own mind and opinions. She's so intelligent and well-read and sharp-witted, and I admired how she stood up to Lady Baybrook and Lord Morley.
The Earl of Trent's character eludes me a bit and, I think, Sir Phillip's assessment of him was spot-on:
On one hand, I loved the education she gifted to Raven and how he allowed her to develop her own ideas. I love how he defended her against their guests at the house party. On the other hand, I could not help but think if it was all part of his plan. That he didn't care about Raven at all.
Sir Phillip wasn't that interesting or someone I could sympathise with, to be honest -- I think his role in this particular story is minor and seemed to just be the means by which to move the story of revenge forward. I have to question his sense of honour, though -- because Raven, by society's standards, was not yet "out" and should have been off limits, but Phillip didn't seem too bothered that he had succumbed to her innocent charms and seemed to justify his actions by saying that he would marry her.
I've always seen "house parties" as a bit problematic in historical romances, because they border on boring, and I don't really enjoy reading about how the characters come up with ways to amuse themselves. (In Lady Falls, there is a scavenger hunt and a Shakespearean performance by the ladies of the party) -- but Renee Bernard puts this particular house party to good use: exposing the abusive relationship and marital problems of Lord and Lady Morley, as well as introducing Raven (and us) to a wide gamut of characters: from the very sweet and loving Mr. and Mrs. Carlton, to Mr. Sheffield and Lady Baybrook. The latter two make an interesting contrast (or is it parallelism?): Mr. Sheffield is very pro-male and very macho and arrogant about how ladies should behave in society. Lady Baybrook is also quite outspoken about how ladies should behave. Considering how Lady Baybrook is seen as a leader in society, I find her opinions a bit ironic and very sad.
Did I enjoy this story? Yes. I think the Morley subplot helps keep the story interesting.
Did this story meet expectations? I have to say I had very different expectations coming into this story, especially after reading the blurb and the author's notes. There is no "happy ending" to this story, and it actually sounds like a very long introduction/set-up to the actual story of revenge. The second instalment, Lady Rises, is coming out in July, and will be about what happens to Raven after Trent reveals his plan and after Phillip reacts to the revelation. The author refers to Raven as a "sexy, dark villainess" in her author's notes and as a "kickass heroine" in her blog: I'm very curious about whose "ass" Raven intends to kick. ^_^
: both girls were seen as weapons of revenge by their benefactors, and their education and upbringing were all to prepare them for the day of reckoning, when the Earl of Trent and Miss Havisham would get their much-anticipated revenge.In Raven's case, the Earl of Trent was seeking revenge against Sir Phillip Warrick, a former business partner who betrayed his trust and friendship by sleeping with his mistress. Raven is ready to make her bow in society and the Earl of Trent is ready to put his plan into action. Everything happens at a house party, which Trent hosts, and he has one simple instruction to Raven: to pay some attention to Sir Phillip during the house party.
Lady Falls is an interesting study of human nature. The Earl of Trent is a master manipulator and it was frightening how subtly Trent used Raven's natural lust for life against her and Phillip. Even at the orphanage, Raven was a free-spirited young girl, and she has blossomed into a woman with her own mind and opinions. She's so intelligent and well-read and sharp-witted, and I admired how she stood up to Lady Baybrook and Lord Morley.
"Tell me, Miss Wells. Trent is your guardian but what is your connection to his family?" Lady Baybrooke asked.
Snap. Snarl.
"He is a generous benefactor, Lady Baybrook. I have been told very little of my noble lineage but understand that he knows my father and took me in for the sake of that friendship."
Lady Baybrooke raised a single eyebrow at the words 'noble lineage'. "And your mother? Do you know anything of her?"
Her claws are razor sharp.
"I am not at liberty to say, Lady Baybrook."
"How mysterious! And somewhat intriguing! The by-product of some illicit affair, I would warrant."
Mrs. Carlton gasped, not in disapproval of Raven but mortified at Lady Baybrook's lack of sensitivity.
Raven kept her chin up, her gaze openly defiant and proud. She wasn't going to justify the woman's words or protest at being one breath away from being called a bastard. Trent had taught her better than that. He'd hammered home the lesson that only shameless icy bravado could carry you through fire. ...
- pp. 58-59
The Earl of Trent's character eludes me a bit and, I think, Sir Phillip's assessment of him was spot-on:
"... Your guardian's mood is too erratic to chart and I'm worried that even your glittering night of readings is not going to make a dent."
- p. 252
On one hand, I loved the education she gifted to Raven and how he allowed her to develop her own ideas. I love how he defended her against their guests at the house party. On the other hand, I could not help but think if it was all part of his plan. That he didn't care about Raven at all.
Sir Phillip wasn't that interesting or someone I could sympathise with, to be honest -- I think his role in this particular story is minor and seemed to just be the means by which to move the story of revenge forward. I have to question his sense of honour, though -- because Raven, by society's standards, was not yet "out" and should have been off limits, but Phillip didn't seem too bothered that he had succumbed to her innocent charms and seemed to justify his actions by saying that he would marry her.
I've always seen "house parties" as a bit problematic in historical romances, because they border on boring, and I don't really enjoy reading about how the characters come up with ways to amuse themselves. (In Lady Falls, there is a scavenger hunt and a Shakespearean performance by the ladies of the party) -- but Renee Bernard puts this particular house party to good use: exposing the abusive relationship and marital problems of Lord and Lady Morley, as well as introducing Raven (and us) to a wide gamut of characters: from the very sweet and loving Mr. and Mrs. Carlton, to Mr. Sheffield and Lady Baybrook. The latter two make an interesting contrast (or is it parallelism?): Mr. Sheffield is very pro-male and very macho and arrogant about how ladies should behave in society. Lady Baybrook is also quite outspoken about how ladies should behave. Considering how Lady Baybrook is seen as a leader in society, I find her opinions a bit ironic and very sad.
Did I enjoy this story? Yes. I think the Morley subplot helps keep the story interesting.
Did this story meet expectations? I have to say I had very different expectations coming into this story, especially after reading the blurb and the author's notes. There is no "happy ending" to this story, and it actually sounds like a very long introduction/set-up to the actual story of revenge. The second instalment, Lady Rises, is coming out in July, and will be about what happens to Raven after Trent reveals his plan and after Phillip reacts to the revelation. The author refers to Raven as a "sexy, dark villainess" in her author's notes and as a "kickass heroine" in her blog: I'm very curious about whose "ass" Raven intends to kick. ^_^
October 11, 2022
I am a little torned, I was liking the story but the ending was abrupt, and you need to continue reading to have a proper closure... Was not what I was expecting for sure. Raven's character was likeable and I really enjoyed reading her part, Phillip was likeable too and that is whybthe ending did not sit well with me, it felt a little out of character, but who knows.. maybe that is how someone would react? I would have to think over if I'll read the next book....
November 21, 2017
Another dive to the back of the kindle (this was title I picked up for free in 2015). It was fast and I did find myself intrigued. But it was lots of build up and a very abrupt end-- there is no closure here. That in and of itself isn't necessarily bad (I can appreciate serialization). But there wasn't quite enough here for me to want to seek out book two.
March 14, 2021
What an up and down story, but the ending was quite a SHOCK!
Normally, there is a happy ending; but this left me so anxious to read book 2.
The Earl of Trent is a vicious person and I hope he gets his in due course!
Normally, there is a happy ending; but this left me so anxious to read book 2.
The Earl of Trent is a vicious person and I hope he gets his in due course!
August 19, 2021
Why?
Why wouldn't you inform that the book is not complete? It's bad enough that I had to skip over many pages to omit the adult scenes, but then it is "to be continued" in another book
Why wouldn't you inform that the book is not complete? It's bad enough that I had to skip over many pages to omit the adult scenes, but then it is "to be continued" in another book
Read
September 23, 2021no hea, total bummer of a cliff hanger.
June 13, 2023
Using people for revenge, innocence betrayed, miscommunication so much in one story. Thank you for the escape.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews