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The Rarest Blooms #3
Pecadora
Habituada a uma existência pacata, Celia Pennifold vê a sua vida virada do avesso após a morte da mãe, Alessandra Northrope, uma cortesã afamada. Para além de uma pequena casa, a mãe deixou-lhe de herança apenas dívidas e uma reputação manchada. O destino de Celia já está traçado há muito. Ela foi educada para seguir as pisadas da mãe. Mas Celia é determinada e tem os seus próprios planos… que não incluem, evidentemente, o misterioso inquilino com que se depara ao instalar-se no seu novo lar. Jonathan Albrighton encontra-se numa missão a mando do tio, pois há suspeitas de que Alessandra possuía informações delicadas sobre alguns dos homens mais influentes da sociedade londrina. Jonathan pensava estar perante uma tarefa simples, não contava encontrar em Celia uma adversária à sua altura…
328 pages, Paperback
First published August 21, 2010
135 people are currently reading
1489 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Hunter
102 books2,100 followersMadeline Hunter is a nationally bestselling author of historical romances who lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. Her books have won two RITA awards and seven nominations, and have had three starred reviews in Publishers Weekly. In a parallel existence to the one she enjoys as a novelist, Madeline has a Ph.D. in art history and teaches at an East Coast university.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
June 9, 2022
This is the story of how much your birth dictated who you were back in the day. If you were born an aristocrat you would be treated as such. In this case, our heroine is the daughter if a famous courtesan but she defies her birthright. This is a story showing how unfairly she was treated simply because of who her mother was, it didn't matter that she was an innocent that didn't want that life for herself. And worst of all, she never had any hopes in her that she could be worth more. She was very pragmatic about her status in life and how it affected people around her.
This was a good continuation of the series and I enjoy when you see a lot of the characters from previous books. Everybody is involved and you see them quite often.
I am looking forward to the last book though I find it incredibly lacking in creativity when four female friends ends up married with four male friends. Just saying.
This was a good continuation of the series and I enjoy when you see a lot of the characters from previous books. Everybody is involved and you see them quite often.
I am looking forward to the last book though I find it incredibly lacking in creativity when four female friends ends up married with four male friends. Just saying.
November 9, 2010
Review originally posted at Fiction Vixen.
I’m so glad that I ended up liking this book! I enjoyed the first book in the series, Ravishing in Red, but I was rather unimpressed with the second book, Provocative in Pearls. I had a deal with myself that this would be my tiebreaker on whether or not to continue the series. I was lying to myself, of course! How could I not read the fourth book when I heard it was about Castleford? I do have to admit that I am relieved that I’ve liked two out of three of these books, though. It makes me confident that I’ll love Castleford’s story as much as I think I will. ;P
Wow, I really wasn’t expecting a heroine like Celia. I knew her circumstances from the previous books, but I thought she’d end up being toned down for her own book. What can I say, everyone else does it. How was I to know that Madeline Hunter would make her character feel so real? Kudos to her, though! I was definitely impressed.
Celia didn’t spend any time with her mother, Alessandra, a famous courtesan, while she was growing up. But when she was sixteen she was brought to live with her. Alessandra began grooming Celia to walk in her footsteps and Celia didn’t react how you would expect in a romance novel. She took to it like a duck in water. She appreciated the thought of having pretty things and a nice house. She took most of her mother’s lessons to heart and had a very upfront attitude about pleasure. She embraced it and learned to focus on her own pleasure even if she didn’t really like who she was with. It was just business. Here’s a little hint of her view while she’s talking to Jonathan from page 131.
Her pragmatic attitude was extremely refreshing. She may have chosen to walk a different path than her mother, but she didn’t reject it out of repugnance for the life. I really liked that, because she knows growing up who she is and what her place in society is going to be. It was nice to see a character who didn’t martyr herself for her pride and honor.
All that practicality and acceptance was in every aspect of her personality as an adult. She was just so grown up. It felt like I was reading about a real person. Sometimes I was a little turned off by her choices, but I still liked her because it made total sense for her personality.
Jonathan was another interesting character. He really turned out to be such a nice guy. I wouldn’t say that he carried the relationship, but I really feel that without him Celia wouldn’t have ended up in quite the same arrangement. She was too aware of her place in the world to dare ask for more. Luckily he was there to insist that she was worth it! I really liked how things turned out in the end. I also Awwwww!ed when I found out about his role in her past when he talked to her mom. That was such a good guy thing to do.
I really appreciated how things turned out for both Jonathan and Celia with their families. While it might not satisfy everyone who desires perfect endings, it satisfied me for its very lack of one. It just made it feel more authentic. Especially when a certain something at the very end was predicted to take so long. There’s no magic snap of the fingers here to solve all their problems.
Where I think this book really shined over the other ones in the series is in the friendships between the men and the women. We’ve met all these characters before, of course, but by the very nature of the girls’ stay with Daphne we never felt like we knew them very well. Everyone just had too many secrets. Here they feel like puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly. They talk and they laugh and they gossip. I really like it. One of my favorite quotes in the book comes from one of those conversations. On page 149 Verity (from Provocative in Pearls) and Daphne were teasing Celia about the possibility of her and Jonathan getting closer.
It cracked me up! But it wasn’t just the women who seemed like more of a real unit. The men were more abrasive and joking with each other too. I think we’re finally getting to see them act like a close group together.
The only complaint I had was that the pacing felt a bit slow in the middle. I still enjoyed it, but it broke the momentum enough that I couldn’t love it.
I cannot wait until next May so I can finally get my hands on the next book! The author has been teasing me with little fascinating snippets of Castleford’s life and personality since the first book! He was almost unlikable in the first book, but something about him was just so compelling that he stole the show every time he came on scene. I’ve loved watching him grow with each book. His attitude on Tuesdays cracks me up! I have to end this review before I write a book myself, but let me leave you with some great quotes involving Castleford that I found in this book. Maybe it’ll whet your appetite enough to want to read about him too. ;)
I’m so glad that I ended up liking this book! I enjoyed the first book in the series, Ravishing in Red, but I was rather unimpressed with the second book, Provocative in Pearls. I had a deal with myself that this would be my tiebreaker on whether or not to continue the series. I was lying to myself, of course! How could I not read the fourth book when I heard it was about Castleford? I do have to admit that I am relieved that I’ve liked two out of three of these books, though. It makes me confident that I’ll love Castleford’s story as much as I think I will. ;P
Wow, I really wasn’t expecting a heroine like Celia. I knew her circumstances from the previous books, but I thought she’d end up being toned down for her own book. What can I say, everyone else does it. How was I to know that Madeline Hunter would make her character feel so real? Kudos to her, though! I was definitely impressed.
Celia didn’t spend any time with her mother, Alessandra, a famous courtesan, while she was growing up. But when she was sixteen she was brought to live with her. Alessandra began grooming Celia to walk in her footsteps and Celia didn’t react how you would expect in a romance novel. She took to it like a duck in water. She appreciated the thought of having pretty things and a nice house. She took most of her mother’s lessons to heart and had a very upfront attitude about pleasure. She embraced it and learned to focus on her own pleasure even if she didn’t really like who she was with. It was just business. Here’s a little hint of her view while she’s talking to Jonathan from page 131.
"People always build some story around pleasure. The story of marriage or the story of love, or at least a brief tale of commerce.”
Her pragmatic attitude was extremely refreshing. She may have chosen to walk a different path than her mother, but she didn’t reject it out of repugnance for the life. I really liked that, because she knows growing up who she is and what her place in society is going to be. It was nice to see a character who didn’t martyr herself for her pride and honor.
All that practicality and acceptance was in every aspect of her personality as an adult. She was just so grown up. It felt like I was reading about a real person. Sometimes I was a little turned off by her choices, but I still liked her because it made total sense for her personality.
Jonathan was another interesting character. He really turned out to be such a nice guy. I wouldn’t say that he carried the relationship, but I really feel that without him Celia wouldn’t have ended up in quite the same arrangement. She was too aware of her place in the world to dare ask for more. Luckily he was there to insist that she was worth it! I really liked how things turned out in the end. I also Awwwww!ed when I found out about his role in her past when he talked to her mom. That was such a good guy thing to do.
I really appreciated how things turned out for both Jonathan and Celia with their families. While it might not satisfy everyone who desires perfect endings, it satisfied me for its very lack of one. It just made it feel more authentic. Especially when a certain something at the very end was predicted to take so long. There’s no magic snap of the fingers here to solve all their problems.
Where I think this book really shined over the other ones in the series is in the friendships between the men and the women. We’ve met all these characters before, of course, but by the very nature of the girls’ stay with Daphne we never felt like we knew them very well. Everyone just had too many secrets. Here they feel like puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly. They talk and they laugh and they gossip. I really like it. One of my favorite quotes in the book comes from one of those conversations. On page 149 Verity (from Provocative in Pearls) and Daphne were teasing Celia about the possibility of her and Jonathan getting closer.
"...did I mention, Verity, that Mrs. Hill tried a new kind of trifle the other night? It had a bit of lemon in the cream."
"It sounds delicious," Verity said.
"I do favor trifle myself, so I must ask her for the recipe. I wonder if trifle is called trifle because it was once served on trifle? That is what my father called our everyday pewter when I was young. Trifle."
"How interesting. One could serve trifle on trifle to a man at dinner, who later trifles with--"
"Could we return to the topic at hand?" Celia interrupted pointedly.
Daphne looked innocent. "I did not realize we had left it, Celia."
It cracked me up! But it wasn’t just the women who seemed like more of a real unit. The men were more abrasive and joking with each other too. I think we’re finally getting to see them act like a close group together.
The only complaint I had was that the pacing felt a bit slow in the middle. I still enjoyed it, but it broke the momentum enough that I couldn’t love it.
I cannot wait until next May so I can finally get my hands on the next book! The author has been teasing me with little fascinating snippets of Castleford’s life and personality since the first book! He was almost unlikable in the first book, but something about him was just so compelling that he stole the show every time he came on scene. I’ve loved watching him grow with each book. His attitude on Tuesdays cracks me up! I have to end this review before I write a book myself, but let me leave you with some great quotes involving Castleford that I found in this book. Maybe it’ll whet your appetite enough to want to read about him too. ;)
page 170:
"You came too early. You are supposed to come at night. Ten o'clock would be good, tomorrow. There is a pugilist match to see, and we can find some whores later. I hope you like common ones. I have never understood men paying a hundred pounds for what can be bought for a shilling."
"I don't like them too common."
"I do. Common and lusty and fun. No sad stories of being driven to sin by poverty either. There's plenty who like the trade."
page 172:
"I remember it well. All these men salivating over the pretty virgin. I have never understood the fascination with them. Virgins. For dynastic reasons it is wise to marry one, but that first night has to be clumsy."
"So you were not interested yourself?"
"Hell, no. Nor in the mother, although she had something to her. You could tell she knew her trade. But if I wanted to swive a woman who subjects me to salons and assemblies and expects diamonds for the effort, I would just get married."
page 247:
He ran his fingers through his hair. And froze. "What the hell--" He groped around his head, trying to make sense of what he did and did not feel.
"I had my man cut it while you slept," Castleford said. "It looks much better now. He did a fine job of it."
Jonathan glared at him. "You go too far."
"I can't be seen around town with a man whose hair is so unfashionable. You will thank me once you see it. The women will be swarming you now."
page 282:
"Rather suddenly Castleford did not appear very drunk at all. Sly intelligence showed in the gaze he settled on Jonathan."
page 342:
"They should have used me during the war, not you, Albrighton. I have a knack for this investigating business. My analytical powers even impressed me this week."
"Being a duke probably helps too."
"In investigating? Probably so."
"Also in impressing yourself, and in convincing yourself you have the right to interfere."
page 343:
"So I went there. Hence my sore ass. I did not want to waste too much time on this and thought riding cross-country would be best. I asked some polite and discreet questions and--"
"You are incapable of being discreet, so you are already turning this tale to make yourself look better," Hawkeswell said.
October 11, 2010
“Ravishing in red” was awesome, alas, the sequel, “Provocative in Pearls” was so bhoring that I wasn’t able to finish, but I’ll pick it up again soon. It’s gratifying that SIS turned out to be the cherry on top of the fruitcake. All the ingredients are mixed v. well in this tasty concoction : blackmail, expired pimp mommy who left not only juicy tips in the art of seduction, but also unpaid debts, a small house & a hunky tenant in the attic. The 2 misfit luvbirds were born on the wrong side of the blanket. I luved the dynamics between main & 2ndary characters, w/ a healthy dose of intrigue. Celia’s been itching to know who sired her & asks Jonathan to assist her in finding the key. Unbeknownst to her, Jonathan is assigned by his uncle to dig out any info to prove Celia’s illustrious mom was a spy. He’s also on a personal mission to find out who tried to assassinate him years ago during his stint in the war against Nap that took the life of an innocent boy. When Celia’s past suitor says ‘payback time’, she faces a tough choice of losing her house, dependants, the chance @ a real luv, or go the other route, sacrifice her virtue in exchange for a life of guaranteed luxury. Jonathan is a go-getter & ceases the day, he goes for broke w/ no apologies, employing “1st-come, 1st-served” tactics on Celia to derail her from giving herself up to the wrong man.
I liked RIR’s powder keg mystery bettah but the intrigue in SIS wasn’t lame either, it made me more invested in H/H’s evolving relationship every step of the way. No long ass estrangement, no hissy fits, no bickerfest, no drawn-out conflict. Her graceful prose aside, MH also did a fab job in tantalizing us w/ tidbits of Tristan, the Duke of McSlut, who’s only functional on Tuesdays & can pull strings like nobody’s business. I’m on pins & needles to see if Daphne can take the slutty duke down a peg or 2 in DID.
Just like Christine Feehan & her infamous “Molten Lava”, going in, I just knew I’d find a plethora MH’s fav go-to word : “Astonish” & its variety : “Astonished / Astonishing / Astonishment”. In “LOS”, her tally : a whopping 20 X (I know, I got too much time on my hands but I couldn’t help it, her fondness for this particular word stands out like a sore thumb). Thank the lord for small mercies, she cut it down by half in SIS.
I liked RIR’s powder keg mystery bettah but the intrigue in SIS wasn’t lame either, it made me more invested in H/H’s evolving relationship every step of the way. No long ass estrangement, no hissy fits, no bickerfest, no drawn-out conflict. Her graceful prose aside, MH also did a fab job in tantalizing us w/ tidbits of Tristan, the Duke of McSlut, who’s only functional on Tuesdays & can pull strings like nobody’s business. I’m on pins & needles to see if Daphne can take the slutty duke down a peg or 2 in DID.
Just like Christine Feehan & her infamous “Molten Lava”, going in, I just knew I’d find a plethora MH’s fav go-to word : “Astonish” & its variety : “Astonished / Astonishing / Astonishment”. In “LOS”, her tally : a whopping 20 X (I know, I got too much time on my hands but I couldn’t help it, her fondness for this particular word stands out like a sore thumb). Thank the lord for small mercies, she cut it down by half in SIS.
February 4, 2017
This is the third in a series and there's enough entwining that it's probably a good idea to read them in order. You get enough backgrounding that things will make sense and all, but knowing the details will be a richer read. Actually, I take that back. The prior novels give you a view of Celia that completely enhances the reading of this one. Seeing her fatalism and determination holding steady over those novels illuminates this one in important ways that I highly recommend.
This is the kind of story that Madeline Hunter was born to tell. I've mentioned before that she tells stories with the emotions ramped up and that she does it well enough that those emotions still feel earned. This story has built-in emotional story-bombs, shows them to you, telegraphs the explosion, then teases you just a little bit, and then sets them off. And I mean that in the best possible way. And no, I don't mean it is predictable plot- or character-wise because it isn't. I just mean that the emotional impact and catharsis is easy to see coming and that Hunter delivers with focused intensity when it comes.
Celia is in a really tough position. It's not just that her mother was a well-known courtesan. It's that her mother had Celia live with her for a year for "training" and then solicited bids for who would be her first "protector". And for all that was six years ago, that kind of thing leaves a mark. So Celia absolutely knows that any relationship (except for the "expected" one where she accepts the fate her mother had planned for her and that she's been avoiding for six years) with anyone with any degree of standing in "society" is completely out of the question. So it's not so much that she's a realist as it is that she's had practicality forced on her with a shovel. She accepts reality, but you can see how much it chafes at the same time. And I really loved her courage and determination even as she has a (completely understandable) sense of futility and fatalism underlying her hope.
And I liked Jonathan, too. He has some of the same problems with society (unacknowledged bastard son of someone), so it makes complete sense that they would form a bond as each can easily sympathize with the other. And he's one of those decent men you get sometimes who can do difficult things without letting them break him or make him into the monster he fears becoming. It doesn't hurt that I found his situation fascinating and was pulled in by his investigations and discoveries. And, of course, he's kind of the ideal man for Celia and that's always engaging.
Anyway, this was a solid four stars all the way through. The only reason it wasn't higher is because the emotional stakes were so high that I feared Hunter bungling it at some point. I needn't have. The eventual resolution and relief of knowing I was in such good hands lets me give this the five stars it really deserves in the end.
A note about Steamy: So Celia has this training. And I'm not sure how that works and still leaves her a virgin, but there you go. There are three or four explicit sex scenes though all but the first are relatively short. So this is on the border between the middle and high part of my steam tolerance. And yes, they were pretty steamy (because of all that leet pro training).
This is the kind of story that Madeline Hunter was born to tell. I've mentioned before that she tells stories with the emotions ramped up and that she does it well enough that those emotions still feel earned. This story has built-in emotional story-bombs, shows them to you, telegraphs the explosion, then teases you just a little bit, and then sets them off. And I mean that in the best possible way. And no, I don't mean it is predictable plot- or character-wise because it isn't. I just mean that the emotional impact and catharsis is easy to see coming and that Hunter delivers with focused intensity when it comes.
Celia is in a really tough position. It's not just that her mother was a well-known courtesan. It's that her mother had Celia live with her for a year for "training" and then solicited bids for who would be her first "protector". And for all that was six years ago, that kind of thing leaves a mark. So Celia absolutely knows that any relationship (except for the "expected" one where she accepts the fate her mother had planned for her and that she's been avoiding for six years) with anyone with any degree of standing in "society" is completely out of the question. So it's not so much that she's a realist as it is that she's had practicality forced on her with a shovel. She accepts reality, but you can see how much it chafes at the same time. And I really loved her courage and determination even as she has a (completely understandable) sense of futility and fatalism underlying her hope.
And I liked Jonathan, too. He has some of the same problems with society (unacknowledged bastard son of someone), so it makes complete sense that they would form a bond as each can easily sympathize with the other. And he's one of those decent men you get sometimes who can do difficult things without letting them break him or make him into the monster he fears becoming. It doesn't hurt that I found his situation fascinating and was pulled in by his investigations and discoveries. And, of course, he's kind of the ideal man for Celia and that's always engaging.
Anyway, this was a solid four stars all the way through. The only reason it wasn't higher is because the emotional stakes were so high that I feared Hunter bungling it at some point. I needn't have. The eventual resolution and relief of knowing I was in such good hands lets me give this the five stars it really deserves in the end.
A note about Steamy: So Celia has this training. And I'm not sure how that works and still leaves her a virgin, but there you go. There are three or four explicit sex scenes though all but the first are relatively short. So this is on the border between the middle and high part of my steam tolerance. And yes, they were pretty steamy (because of all that leet pro training).
February 20, 2018
(4.5 stars) This is Book 3 of Hunter's Rarest Blooms series and is possibly my favorite of the quartet. It pulls me into the historical times of its setting, with no silly or TSTL characters, no jarring anachronistic language or behavior, no Big Misunderstandings or unbelievable situations to frustrate me. It has a tender yet sexy romance and a bit of mystery to add some spice to the story.
Hero Jonathan Albrighton is the illegitimate son of a deceased earl and is shunned by the present earl (his cousin) and other members of the family, with the exception of his uncle Edward. Heroine Celia Pennifold is the illegitimate daughter of a well-known courtesan and a father presumably of the peerage but unknown to her. At the beginning of this story, Celia's mother has died and left Celia all her properties, including a lot of debts. Celia moves into the small house in London she has inherited to find that she has also inherited Jonathan as a tenant of long standing in that house.
From there the story moves into uncovering mysteries from the past; for Jonathan it is to find out what part Celia's mother played in wartime spying and with whom, and for Celia it is to find out the identity of her father. Developments along the way turn them at times into allies and at times lead to some misunderstandings (not of the Big variety) and their romance develops beautifully at the same time.
Another enjoyable aspect of the book is that the main characters of books 1 and 2 play secondary yet important roles in this one. Not to mention the character who has been fascinating everyone since RAVISHING IN RED: Tristan, the Duke of Castleford. He's up to his usual debauchery but always manages to be like the Lone Ranger and save the day for everyone in spite of supposedly being sober only on Tuesday of each week.
(In 2010 when I posted this review on Amazon my last line was "So looking forward to his and Daphne's story, which is coming in May 2011. For Daphne's sake, however, I do hope he is exaggerating his vices so he won't pass on any STDs to her." I am happy to report that Hunter addressed this issue in that book, DANGEROUS IN DIAMONDS. Everybody clean and free of disease. Unfortunately, however, the book itself was a big disappointment to me.)
Hero Jonathan Albrighton is the illegitimate son of a deceased earl and is shunned by the present earl (his cousin) and other members of the family, with the exception of his uncle Edward. Heroine Celia Pennifold is the illegitimate daughter of a well-known courtesan and a father presumably of the peerage but unknown to her. At the beginning of this story, Celia's mother has died and left Celia all her properties, including a lot of debts. Celia moves into the small house in London she has inherited to find that she has also inherited Jonathan as a tenant of long standing in that house.
From there the story moves into uncovering mysteries from the past; for Jonathan it is to find out what part Celia's mother played in wartime spying and with whom, and for Celia it is to find out the identity of her father. Developments along the way turn them at times into allies and at times lead to some misunderstandings (not of the Big variety) and their romance develops beautifully at the same time.
Another enjoyable aspect of the book is that the main characters of books 1 and 2 play secondary yet important roles in this one. Not to mention the character who has been fascinating everyone since RAVISHING IN RED: Tristan, the Duke of Castleford. He's up to his usual debauchery but always manages to be like the Lone Ranger and save the day for everyone in spite of supposedly being sober only on Tuesday of each week.
(In 2010 when I posted this review on Amazon my last line was "So looking forward to his and Daphne's story, which is coming in May 2011. For Daphne's sake, however, I do hope he is exaggerating his vices so he won't pass on any STDs to her." I am happy to report that Hunter addressed this issue in that book, DANGEROUS IN DIAMONDS. Everybody clean and free of disease. Unfortunately, however, the book itself was a big disappointment to me.)
December 13, 2017
This book was so good with a strong heroine who knew and understand her situation in this world. She didn’t moans or upset about it and tried to make the best of it.
I love the hero too, he was a kind man, is not often we got that kind of hero in HR, and they both simply perfect together.
So, I’ve read this story and listen the audiobook version few times already, but somehow I never rate it properly, the latest I’ve read was this year, don’t remember the date! Bad me 😂
I love the hero too, he was a kind man, is not often we got that kind of hero in HR, and they both simply perfect together.
So, I’ve read this story and listen the audiobook version few times already, but somehow I never rate it properly, the latest I’ve read was this year, don’t remember the date! Bad me 😂
October 3, 2020
In love!! 😍😍
Outra obra de arte da autora... Madeline arrasou nessa story...
Book é magic, perfect, wonderful... 🥰🥰
O terceiro livro da série The Rarest Blooms, conta a story da Miss Celia Pennifold e Lord Jonathan Albrighton...
Celia é filha da notória Alessandra Northrope, e sua vida foi escolhida por ela, até que ela decidiu o que faria e fugiu, passando a viver com sua amigas em um lugar seguro, The Rarest Blooms, pertencente a Daphne... Mas quando a mãe morre, ela passa a viver em uma de suas casas, e junto com a casa ganha um inquilino que mexe com sua alma e corpo.. Jonathan é enviado em uma missão, para encontrar algo pertencente a Alessandra, mas acaba descobrindo outra coisa... Ele encontra uma mulher, forte, meiga e determinada, que leva um desejo de proteger e cuidar crescer, ao lado de um outro sentimento...
Tudo é claro como água entre eles, e juntos vivem uma linda story, não têm nada mais lindo que algo simples e delicado... Uma bela flor é assim, delicada e simples, que têm o grande efeito de brilhar, tornar tudo mais belo com sua cor e aroma... É assim que posso descrever essa linda story... ❤❤❤
#BoaLeitura! 🎀 #GoodReading! 🎀
🎀📚🎀❤🥰😍
Outra obra de arte da autora... Madeline arrasou nessa story...
Book é magic, perfect, wonderful... 🥰🥰
O terceiro livro da série The Rarest Blooms, conta a story da Miss Celia Pennifold e Lord Jonathan Albrighton...
Celia é filha da notória Alessandra Northrope, e sua vida foi escolhida por ela, até que ela decidiu o que faria e fugiu, passando a viver com sua amigas em um lugar seguro, The Rarest Blooms, pertencente a Daphne... Mas quando a mãe morre, ela passa a viver em uma de suas casas, e junto com a casa ganha um inquilino que mexe com sua alma e corpo.. Jonathan é enviado em uma missão, para encontrar algo pertencente a Alessandra, mas acaba descobrindo outra coisa... Ele encontra uma mulher, forte, meiga e determinada, que leva um desejo de proteger e cuidar crescer, ao lado de um outro sentimento...
Tudo é claro como água entre eles, e juntos vivem uma linda story, não têm nada mais lindo que algo simples e delicado... Uma bela flor é assim, delicada e simples, que têm o grande efeito de brilhar, tornar tudo mais belo com sua cor e aroma... É assim que posso descrever essa linda story... ❤❤❤
#BoaLeitura! 🎀 #GoodReading! 🎀
🎀📚🎀❤🥰😍
April 20, 2017
I am soooooo emotional right now but it is a necessity that I write a review for this book now. This was by far the greatest book in this series and I would have to put this in my top 5 historical romances reads of all time. It was so honest and sexy and heart wrenching and beautiful. Smh ... I'm speechless.
Oh my goodness where do I begin????????? Okay I guess I will start with the characters first. Specifically the main characters of this book, Celia and Jonathan. When Celia was mentioned in the Ravishing in Red and Provocative in Pearls novels I really didn't think to much about her. Once we learn a little bit about her reasonings for hiding out at The Rarest Blooms in those books I was like "Oh once we get to her story its going to be a very typical historical romance." It didn't help that I was only just okay with the first book and underwhelmed by the second. I am happy to say that Madeline proved me wrong. Their, Celia and Jonathan's story, is anything but typical and falls inline with a trend that I have found about my reading when it comes to historical romance series. The Third Book Is Always The BEST!!!!
I loved how these two were both disadvantaged characters; Celia as the daughter of a courtesan and Jonathan as the bastard child of an earl. They both were practical and logical people when it came to their stations in life and their eventual feelings for each other. I think that is what I enjoyed the most about them. They read like real people!! Celia's mother just passed away and she had to look after her estates and organize what debts needed to be paid off. Plus she needed to find a way to make a living with a preference on not following in her mother's foot steps BUT not above it if she had too. She never looked down on women who chose this profession and sought to help bring up some like Daphne had given her a chance. She took charge of her own sexuality and you NEVER felt like she would be broken apart by intimacy with a man. She was always so strong and you appreciated her moral character in this book. If Celia were a real woman then I would gladly call her a friend.
Jonathan is a sure and honest character. He is clever, smart and logical as well as supportive and considerate. He is, in my opinion, what a man should be. He is protective but not in a caveman way. He is sexy and seductive and he gives as well as he gets. He listens to you and considers what you have to say. He allows you to make your own decisions but he is vocal about his opinion and he always aims to put your best interests first. He can express his emotions through speech and he can make jokes with you. He understands that you need space sometimes but also knows that you love his presence. He understands that he must be flexible and that he will need to wear many hats and he doesn't shy away from these job titles. He wants to be the friend, the lover, the husband, the father and he is up for the task. He understands the meaning of sacrifice and he is willing to pay it to be with Celia. He is soooooo good on paper that he has to be fictitious. One of the best male leads in a historical romance that I have ever read. I wanted to hear his plot line in this story almost a bit more than Celia's however Madeline Hunter did a great job of not only balancing both but making sure they were complementary as well. Both plot lines were okay on their own but they were way better together just like our MCs.
The plot was wondrously woven and had A HELL OF A LOT MORE PURPOSE than the first two books in the series. Book one's plot was like being served a bowl of soup that you thought was full of meat and potatoes only to come to find out, on inspection , that it is mostly broth. The second book's plot was like eating a soup much to thick and so full of unnecessary things that you wished you could just get through the bowl because you are tired of eating it. This plot was as a soup should be, a start to a meal. You get it and you love the taste but it was a small something to tide you over but now your hungry and you wanna eat something. Then the first course comes out and it has a bit of heft to it but not too much and it leaves you with a warm feeling inside but still hungry. The second course comes and this dish is complex and it has a lot of heat. Finally dessert comes and it is sweet and tart and such a beautiful conclusion to your meal you practically weep ( or you actually do like I did) and you extend your appreciation to the chef for a delicious experience.
THAT IS WHAT THIS BOOK WAS LIKE FOR ME!!!!!!!!
If I could give it more stars I would. I would re read this in a heart beat and I am so anxious to start the next book that I am trying to tie this review up so I can go read it now. I hope to everything holy it is about Castleford and if it is then there may be a running for the top spot for best book in this series. If you couldn't guess I highly recommend this book but I do feel like that you need to slough your way through the other two before you can read this to fully understand the interactions between all the players.
Okay I am leaving you all. On to Dangerous in Diamonds XD
Oh my goodness where do I begin????????? Okay I guess I will start with the characters first. Specifically the main characters of this book, Celia and Jonathan. When Celia was mentioned in the Ravishing in Red and Provocative in Pearls novels I really didn't think to much about her. Once we learn a little bit about her reasonings for hiding out at The Rarest Blooms in those books I was like "Oh once we get to her story its going to be a very typical historical romance." It didn't help that I was only just okay with the first book and underwhelmed by the second. I am happy to say that Madeline proved me wrong. Their, Celia and Jonathan's story, is anything but typical and falls inline with a trend that I have found about my reading when it comes to historical romance series. The Third Book Is Always The BEST!!!!
I loved how these two were both disadvantaged characters; Celia as the daughter of a courtesan and Jonathan as the bastard child of an earl. They both were practical and logical people when it came to their stations in life and their eventual feelings for each other. I think that is what I enjoyed the most about them. They read like real people!! Celia's mother just passed away and she had to look after her estates and organize what debts needed to be paid off. Plus she needed to find a way to make a living with a preference on not following in her mother's foot steps BUT not above it if she had too. She never looked down on women who chose this profession and sought to help bring up some like Daphne had given her a chance. She took charge of her own sexuality and you NEVER felt like she would be broken apart by intimacy with a man. She was always so strong and you appreciated her moral character in this book. If Celia were a real woman then I would gladly call her a friend.
Jonathan is a sure and honest character. He is clever, smart and logical as well as supportive and considerate. He is, in my opinion, what a man should be. He is protective but not in a caveman way. He is sexy and seductive and he gives as well as he gets. He listens to you and considers what you have to say. He allows you to make your own decisions but he is vocal about his opinion and he always aims to put your best interests first. He can express his emotions through speech and he can make jokes with you. He understands that you need space sometimes but also knows that you love his presence. He understands that he must be flexible and that he will need to wear many hats and he doesn't shy away from these job titles. He wants to be the friend, the lover, the husband, the father and he is up for the task. He understands the meaning of sacrifice and he is willing to pay it to be with Celia. He is soooooo good on paper that he has to be fictitious. One of the best male leads in a historical romance that I have ever read. I wanted to hear his plot line in this story almost a bit more than Celia's however Madeline Hunter did a great job of not only balancing both but making sure they were complementary as well. Both plot lines were okay on their own but they were way better together just like our MCs.
The plot was wondrously woven and had A HELL OF A LOT MORE PURPOSE than the first two books in the series. Book one's plot was like being served a bowl of soup that you thought was full of meat and potatoes only to come to find out, on inspection , that it is mostly broth. The second book's plot was like eating a soup much to thick and so full of unnecessary things that you wished you could just get through the bowl because you are tired of eating it. This plot was as a soup should be, a start to a meal. You get it and you love the taste but it was a small something to tide you over but now your hungry and you wanna eat something. Then the first course comes out and it has a bit of heft to it but not too much and it leaves you with a warm feeling inside but still hungry. The second course comes and this dish is complex and it has a lot of heat. Finally dessert comes and it is sweet and tart and such a beautiful conclusion to your meal you practically weep ( or you actually do like I did) and you extend your appreciation to the chef for a delicious experience.
THAT IS WHAT THIS BOOK WAS LIKE FOR ME!!!!!!!!
If I could give it more stars I would. I would re read this in a heart beat and I am so anxious to start the next book that I am trying to tie this review up so I can go read it now. I hope to everything holy it is about Castleford and if it is then there may be a running for the top spot for best book in this series. If you couldn't guess I highly recommend this book but I do feel like that you need to slough your way through the other two before you can read this to fully understand the interactions between all the players.
Okay I am leaving you all. On to Dangerous in Diamonds XD
September 30, 2010
The third in the Rarest Blooms quartet, Sinful in Satin features a virtuous, virginal courtesan's daughter (if you can believe there is one) and a spy (of course there's a spy, every historical romance must have one these days). If this is not Madeline Hunter's, I'll probably pass. Under her skillful writing, it becomes quite enjoyable reading. The romance itself is sweet, sometimes goose-bumplingly hot. The tension wanes a bit a bit after their first coupling, but I can still go on and finish the book (a feat that rarely happens lately). The protagonists are likeable, sensible people who, although with their backgrounds, don't whine too much. The future protagonists have some major face time that definitely make the last book in this series an autobuy for me. 4 stars.
July 13, 2018
2,5
Livro leeentoooo... Quase um sonifero.
Não acontecem muita coisas, a narrativa não ajuda e achei a escrita confusa.
Já tinha lido outros livros em português de Portugal e não tive problemas, mas este aqui... tive dificuldade de entender e li por obrigação.
Celia Pennifold é filha de uma cortesã muito famosa, quando sua mãe Alessandra tenta inicia-la no mesmo ramo, ela foge. Passando a viver com Daphne, Audrianna, Verity e outras mulheres. Trabalhando nas Flores mais raras encontrou um novo propósito em sua vida. Mas com a doença de Alessandra um contato relutante é retomado até o fim da vida da cortesã.
Celia tem que lidar com dívidas deixadas pela mãe, um inquilino misterioso e segredos do passado, incluindo quem seria o pai de Celia.
Jonathan Albrighton está a serviço de um contratante misterioso, apenas seu tio, Edward acompanha suas investigações. Alguém quer ter certeza que Alessandra não deixou segredos expostos, uma possível associação a espionagem. Mas também tem que lidar com a filha de Alessandra e sua luta por reconhecimento familiar.
O romance não é dos mais instigantes e não tem muito desenvolvimento. A subtrama sobre Alessandra não cativa e o final ficou muito apressado.
Só o que me dá um certo ânimo para terminar a serie é que o último é sobre Castleford e Daphne, estou super curiosa sobre a história deles e espero não me decepcionar.
Livro leeentoooo... Quase um sonifero.
Não acontecem muita coisas, a narrativa não ajuda e achei a escrita confusa.
Já tinha lido outros livros em português de Portugal e não tive problemas, mas este aqui... tive dificuldade de entender e li por obrigação.
Celia Pennifold é filha de uma cortesã muito famosa, quando sua mãe Alessandra tenta inicia-la no mesmo ramo, ela foge. Passando a viver com Daphne, Audrianna, Verity e outras mulheres. Trabalhando nas Flores mais raras encontrou um novo propósito em sua vida. Mas com a doença de Alessandra um contato relutante é retomado até o fim da vida da cortesã.
Celia tem que lidar com dívidas deixadas pela mãe, um inquilino misterioso e segredos do passado, incluindo quem seria o pai de Celia.
Jonathan Albrighton está a serviço de um contratante misterioso, apenas seu tio, Edward acompanha suas investigações. Alguém quer ter certeza que Alessandra não deixou segredos expostos, uma possível associação a espionagem. Mas também tem que lidar com a filha de Alessandra e sua luta por reconhecimento familiar.
O romance não é dos mais instigantes e não tem muito desenvolvimento. A subtrama sobre Alessandra não cativa e o final ficou muito apressado.
Só o que me dá um certo ânimo para terminar a serie é que o último é sobre Castleford e Daphne, estou super curiosa sobre a história deles e espero não me decepcionar.
March 9, 2025
Not bad. I liked that the heroine was an independent woman.
October 17, 2012
The Rarest Bloom series revolves around a group of four women who, until book 1, lived together very quietly in a property just outside London. That property belongs to one of them, Daphne, who took in the other three when they needed it. All four women clearly have secrets, and the reason they can live so peacefully together is that they have a pact not to ask questions. They each know the others are there to offer support if needed, but they won't be interrogated, whatever happens.
Celia Pennifold's secret is that she's the daughter of a notorious courtesan. All her life, as she was growing up, she knew she was supposed to follow in her mother's footsteps, and she was trained accordingly. But right before taking that last step and choosing her first protector, Celia changed her mind. She ran away, and was taken in by Daphne. She's been living there for the last five years, but now her mother is dead, and although she hasn't left her the answer to the question Celia has been asking since she was born, about her father, she has left her daughter a house.
What Celia doesn't know is that her mother had a tenant, who's still in the house. That tennant is Jonathan Albrighton, who works for the government and has been tasked with finding some Very Important papers which his employers believe Celia's mother might have had. Celia's arrival, and her decision to stay in the house, complicate matters slightly, as does the attraction between them.
I quite liked this book while I was reading it. It wasn't much of a page-turner, and there were a couple of slow bits I had to slog through, but Hunter's writing is a cut above the average romance writer, and Celia and Jonathan were interesting. Celia's someone who has had to become a pragmatist because of the way she was raised, which allowed for no illusions. That's not her nature, however, and meeting Jonathan makes her want to hope. I also liked Jonathan, a man who takes his job seriously, but whose growing feelings for Celia make him reluctant to do what's supposed to be his duty.
Much as I liked this at the time, however, it was a bit forgettable. I read it some time ago (yep, this was one review that fell through the cracks) and the only reason I remember what I liked about Celia and Jonathan is because I'd written a few notes which I've now shaped into this review. The characters and their relationship didn't make much of a lasting impression on me.
Also, there's a big niggle that has been there since the beginning of the series, and that is Castleford, a secondary character who tends to come in and save the day in this series. I keep getting the feeling with him that I'm supposed to find him incredibly sexy, but I find his brand of debauchery quite repulsive. Book 4 is about him and Daphne, and I'm really not sure I want to read it.
MY GRADE: A B-.
Celia Pennifold's secret is that she's the daughter of a notorious courtesan. All her life, as she was growing up, she knew she was supposed to follow in her mother's footsteps, and she was trained accordingly. But right before taking that last step and choosing her first protector, Celia changed her mind. She ran away, and was taken in by Daphne. She's been living there for the last five years, but now her mother is dead, and although she hasn't left her the answer to the question Celia has been asking since she was born, about her father, she has left her daughter a house.
What Celia doesn't know is that her mother had a tenant, who's still in the house. That tennant is Jonathan Albrighton, who works for the government and has been tasked with finding some Very Important papers which his employers believe Celia's mother might have had. Celia's arrival, and her decision to stay in the house, complicate matters slightly, as does the attraction between them.
I quite liked this book while I was reading it. It wasn't much of a page-turner, and there were a couple of slow bits I had to slog through, but Hunter's writing is a cut above the average romance writer, and Celia and Jonathan were interesting. Celia's someone who has had to become a pragmatist because of the way she was raised, which allowed for no illusions. That's not her nature, however, and meeting Jonathan makes her want to hope. I also liked Jonathan, a man who takes his job seriously, but whose growing feelings for Celia make him reluctant to do what's supposed to be his duty.
Much as I liked this at the time, however, it was a bit forgettable. I read it some time ago (yep, this was one review that fell through the cracks) and the only reason I remember what I liked about Celia and Jonathan is because I'd written a few notes which I've now shaped into this review. The characters and their relationship didn't make much of a lasting impression on me.
Also, there's a big niggle that has been there since the beginning of the series, and that is Castleford, a secondary character who tends to come in and save the day in this series. I keep getting the feeling with him that I'm supposed to find him incredibly sexy, but I find his brand of debauchery quite repulsive. Book 4 is about him and Daphne, and I'm really not sure I want to read it.
MY GRADE: A B-.
May 15, 2012
A great addition to the series. Celia's mother, a courtesan has just died and Celia takes up residence in a house her mother has left to her. She is surprised to find Jonathan is a tenant there. They both have motives for searching through her mothers papers. Celia to try to find out who her father was, Jonathan is on a mission from the home office to find a list of the mothers clients to see if there was a traitor passing secrets.
Celia had lived with her mother for a year when she was 16 to be trained by her mother to be a courtesan. While Celia fell in love with the man picked to be her protector, she thought he meant to marry her. When she found out differently, she left, heartbroken, to live at rarest blooms. Now that she is back, this guy thinks he can pick it back up where he left off with her. The thing is, she and Jonathan have some serious chemistry going on.
Jonathan is the supposed illegitimate son of an earl, but his cousin will not acknowledge him. When he was 9 he heard his mother fight with this cousin stating that she had married Jonathan's father while he was on his deathbed.
It was heartbreaking the way they were each treated by society, her being a courtesans daughter (it was just expected that she would take the same route) and he being a bastard.
The part that annoyed me in this story, was Celia kept hearing her mothers courtesan advice in her mind telling her how to act and what to do. She also kept flip flopping that maybe she would take up her mothers proffesion... it was quite annoying.
While I liked Celia and Jonathan's story, honestly, I only read it to get more of Castleford. He absolutely is the highlight in each book.
I am JUMPING to the next book, Dangerous in Diamonds to finally read Castlefords story!!
Celia had lived with her mother for a year when she was 16 to be trained by her mother to be a courtesan. While Celia fell in love with the man picked to be her protector, she thought he meant to marry her. When she found out differently, she left, heartbroken, to live at rarest blooms. Now that she is back, this guy thinks he can pick it back up where he left off with her. The thing is, she and Jonathan have some serious chemistry going on.
Jonathan is the supposed illegitimate son of an earl, but his cousin will not acknowledge him. When he was 9 he heard his mother fight with this cousin stating that she had married Jonathan's father while he was on his deathbed.
It was heartbreaking the way they were each treated by society, her being a courtesans daughter (it was just expected that she would take the same route) and he being a bastard.
The part that annoyed me in this story, was Celia kept hearing her mothers courtesan advice in her mind telling her how to act and what to do. She also kept flip flopping that maybe she would take up her mothers proffesion... it was quite annoying.
While I liked Celia and Jonathan's story, honestly, I only read it to get more of Castleford. He absolutely is the highlight in each book.
I am JUMPING to the next book, Dangerous in Diamonds to finally read Castlefords story!!
May 12, 2011
Celia spent the last couple of years trying to stay away from her past, namely her mother - a celebrated courtesan. She was trained to become one as well, but twhen a man she thought was going to propose marriage proposed something less honourable - she went away. She found sanctuary with Daphne and the rest of Rarest Blooms. But now her mother is dead and she inherited a house in London. A house she wants to use to help Daphne with the business, and a man.
Said man, Johnathan is actually a spy who needs to learn more about Celia's mother and her lovers, because there is a possibility she was selling secrets to the French during the war. If only he didn't start falling for Celia...
Johnathan did everything in his power to get accepted into his family. He is a bastard whose father died before he could acknowledge him, so he spent most of his life trying to prove that he does belong.
Celia is unusually pragmatic woman and completely aware of the way the thing work in 19th century England. Unlike some heroines from that time period she knows the darker side of life. But sometimes it looks she is too aware. Like Johnathan she is bastard, but she has no idea who her father is.
All in all, I liked the book, the feelings are real, and the obstacles are not so easy to overcome.
The only reason I deducted anything from the rating is because I don't like the plot where the hero is lying to the heroine, and in this case the reason is not good - he is investigating her mother for treason.
The rest of the Blooms and their husbands appear, as well as Castleford, who rides into rescue. He is definitely aware of his importance. :-)
Rating:
4.5 stars.
Said man, Johnathan is actually a spy who needs to learn more about Celia's mother and her lovers, because there is a possibility she was selling secrets to the French during the war. If only he didn't start falling for Celia...
Johnathan did everything in his power to get accepted into his family. He is a bastard whose father died before he could acknowledge him, so he spent most of his life trying to prove that he does belong.
Celia is unusually pragmatic woman and completely aware of the way the thing work in 19th century England. Unlike some heroines from that time period she knows the darker side of life. But sometimes it looks she is too aware. Like Johnathan she is bastard, but she has no idea who her father is.
All in all, I liked the book, the feelings are real, and the obstacles are not so easy to overcome.
The only reason I deducted anything from the rating is because I don't like the plot where the hero is lying to the heroine, and in this case the reason is not good - he is investigating her mother for treason.
The rest of the Blooms and their husbands appear, as well as Castleford, who rides into rescue. He is definitely aware of his importance. :-)
Rating:
4.5 stars.
June 19, 2015
The story of Celia, daughter of a notorious courtesan and Jonathan, man of mystery.
Celia struggles to forge her own path and not follow in her mother's footsteps, despite having been groomed to do just that from an early age. She hopes that the Rarest Blooms, the business she and her "sisters" have started, will be her way out, if only her past doesn't catch up with her.
Jonathan wants to solve a mystery of his own past that leads to Celia's mother's clients, which he's investigating. His efforts bring him close to Celia and the two start developing feelings.
A serious yet enjoyable story about two people who found a home in each other.
Last in the series comes Dangerous in Diamonds and Daphne and Castleford's story which I'm looking forward to reading.
Celia struggles to forge her own path and not follow in her mother's footsteps, despite having been groomed to do just that from an early age. She hopes that the Rarest Blooms, the business she and her "sisters" have started, will be her way out, if only her past doesn't catch up with her.
Jonathan wants to solve a mystery of his own past that leads to Celia's mother's clients, which he's investigating. His efforts bring him close to Celia and the two start developing feelings.
A serious yet enjoyable story about two people who found a home in each other.
Last in the series comes Dangerous in Diamonds and Daphne and Castleford's story which I'm looking forward to reading.
April 29, 2011
This book is about Celia, daughter of a mistress. Her mother dies and Celia finds out she gets a house in a more middle class section of London. She finds out she has a lodger, Jonathan Albrighton. Everyone seems to believe Celia will follow in her mother's footsteps, but she's trying to do what she really wants. While doing this, her and Jonathan get to know each other.
This book was good, not as good as the first two though. I'm planning on reading the next book
This book was good, not as good as the first two though. I'm planning on reading the next book
May 6, 2016
Mais um livro desta serie que conseguio conquistar-me.O romance e o mistério que envolve Celia e Jonathan foi muito bem conseguido.
March 26, 2017
Stars: 3.5 / 5
Recommendation: Historical Setting, Mystery, Murder, Scandal, Love and Sex surrounding a Rake and a Woman to make him kneel - what else one would need to complete a successful recipe to keep one glued to the book.
Sinful In Satin is the third of the books in The Rarest Blooms series by Madeline Hunter published in September of 2010. This sinful plot is set between Celia Pennifold and Jonathan Albrighton who are forced by fate to stay together under a roof famed for the most scandalous profession. Like all of her novels, Madeline set this series also in the historic period when arguments were dealt with duels while passions with fire under the shade of skirts and breaches.
Celia Pennifold had been educated in worldly matters and also groomed in the art of pleasure by her mother, Alessandra Northrope - a famed London courtesan who had a successful brothel establishment as well. However, before even she was pulled into that world, five years ago she had run away and hid with her housemates at The Rarest Blooms. Now that her mother has passed away, she inherits all of Alessandra's properties - a small house in town, the brothel she ran and a lot of debt. And she inherits Jonathan Albrighton as well - who claims he had signed a lease with her mother for usage of the back room alone when he was in town. But there are debts to clear still. What else could she do but accept his tenancy rather than deplete her funds. Reluctantly she permits him to stay as a tenant even though she suspects that there was no lease and that there are ulterior motives for Jonathan to be there in that house. Only she did not know what.
Jonathan had been hired by his Uncle Edward on another espionage activity that put him right in tracks of Celia - for the noble suspected that Alessandra had exchanged more than sex and pillow talk with the enemies during her rendezvous as a courtesan during the war. His goal is to find if Alessandra had kept any record of any of those conversations and names that would lead back to any nobles and cause scandals unwanted. And if she kept he would need to swipe them from under the nose of Celia. Did Alessandra really have such kind of accounts stashed away somewhere? Did she really commit espionage with the enemies?
Her last weeks with her mother have been poignant, but no matter how much pressure Celia had put in, Alessandra had not revealed who Celia's father was. And Celia is now determined to find who her father was. Jonathan also has a personal quest that he has been trying to resolve - get a family acknowledgement so ambiguity about his life can be cleared once for all. And his Uncle Edward had been using that as a bait to get Jonathan to do all the espionage stuff for him. However this time he had fear that he would be crossing more than one line that he would either regret doing so or find redemption if possible. Another thing Jonathan had to settle was the attack on him that happened in Cornwall - which almost caused his life. Perhaps this investigation in Alessandra's stuff, albeit secretly, will give answers to him for more than one quest. How will both these quests land Jonathan and Celia in? Will the answers give them more questions or keys to unwanted doors that they could have kept locked? But someone else also was looking for the same thing that Jonathan and partly Celia was after. Who was that? Will that person cause any harm to Celia suspecting she might know the truth?
With all that was coming at them, Celia also had to face the scorn of many people in her neighborhood who knew her past and had shun many patrons who assumed that she now walked in her mother's footsteps. And also dragged the old flame Anthony Dargent back into her life who still expected to be the first patron of Celia when in fact Celia had loved him and thought he want to her to be his bride. Will she brave this weather and come out shiny?
In the sinful rendezvous between Celia and Jonathan, few parties aid and few strive to cause harm - Daphne and Katherine (Remaining residents of The Rarest Blooms), Lord Sebastian Summerhays and Lady Audrianna (we met them in the first book Ravishing In Red (My review here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...)), Lord Grayson Hawkeswell and Lady Verity (we met them in the second book Provocative In Pearls (My review here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...)), Mr. Mappleton (Alessandra's solicitor and executor), Tristan St. Ives Castleford (a one-time friend of Jonathan and part of the quartet of rakes and scoundrels), Marian (a one-time courtesan who worked for Alessandra and had aided Celia when she needed help, now she is housekeeper and cook for Celia) and Bella (a young girl who is lost and saved by Marian and now handmaid to Celia).
All of Madeline Hunter's plots are based on the same concept - some involve the hero and heroine getting married while some involve them in a relationship and end up in marriage at the end, some involve murder and scandal tying to the hero or heroine or both, more than often the hero is a Lord or a Marquess or a Bastard Son of a Lord or Marquess while the heroine is tied with the scandal to begin with involving herself or her father, and above all almost all the plots are set in historic period in England, Ireland or Scotland regions. Yet the characters are so very unique and so very complex.
This time around she had both of the hero and heroine to have scandalous backgrounds - one a bastard son of an earl and one a courtesan's daughter. How well they matched in every way - secrecy, worldly matters and even in sexuality. It was a pleasure to watch these tiptoe around until they fall-over each other. I also loved the easy camaraderie that the author shows the quartet of rakes share - Summerhays, Hawkeswell, Albrighton and Castleford. Initially when Castleford was introduced in the first book, I had an irritated feeling towards him. But as the series progressed, his character is evolving into something different, almost likeable if I may say. So once again we have a marvelous tale between one of her rake and scoundrel of a hero paired with a scandal-filled heroine who wade through the sea of conspiracies and murder / mystery and eventually find love and honor. And like always comes with surprising twists and turns that don’t make the reader bored of this plot.
Another easy breezy romantic-mystery plot that one can enjoy while lazing by that favorite reading spot in your home.
Spoiler Alerts:
1) The plot of this book reminds me another of Madeline Hunter's book that released years after this book was published. The second book in The Wicked Trilogy published in October of 2015 - Tall, Dark and Wicked - has a similar plot where the heroine Padua Belvoir inherits a brothel that her father had a partnership in. My review of this book can be found here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co.... I wonder why the author repeated a similar plot.
2) Now that three pairs have been completed - one woman each coming from The Rarest Blooms housemates, that last book would most definitely be about Daphne. And I wonder if it would be with Castleford since he is the remaining rake of the quartet of rakes - Summerhays, Hawkeswell, Albrighton being the remaining three.
3) I am still curious to see if the final book will have a sub-plot atleast involving Morgan Summerhays - older brother to Lord Sebastian Summerhays and the Third Marquess of Wittonbury. We met him in the first book Ravishing In Red and he had been away in foreign lands hoping to heal his injured legs after being pulled into a scandal.
4) Jonathan Albrighton is introduced in this plot and Celia seems a bit surprised and thoughtful when his name is seen in one of the newspaper articles that Verity collects. Also Jonathan is considered as one of the four in the group that consisted of the most handsome rakes and scoundrels on that time - Summerhays, Hawkeswell and Castleford being the other three. I am inclined to believe there will be a plot between Jonathan Albrighton and one the two remaining women from The Rarest Blooms - either Celia or Daphen.
5) Katherine Johnson joins The Rarest Blooms - being rescued and helped by Verity. Will there be a plot for Katherine as well? I wonder.
6) This entire series though historical, reminds of The Garden Trilogy by Nora Roberts. Although her books had more detailed description of gardening, grafting, green houses, conservatory, etc and dealt with ghosts and legends from past. Check my reviews of this trilogy here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...
7) Audrianna is pregnant in this plot and as it ends it is shown that so does Celia.
8) Grammatical / Geographical / Editing Errors:
a. On Pg 65, Albrighton gets a note from Castleford to be at his home on Tuesday at 8pm. However on Pg. 84 the author shows that Albrighton had arrived at quarter past nine, only 15 minutes late. That should be full hour and fifteen minutes late. Perhaps the author forgot the original time while the plot proceeded.
Recommendation: Historical Setting, Mystery, Murder, Scandal, Love and Sex surrounding a Rake and a Woman to make him kneel - what else one would need to complete a successful recipe to keep one glued to the book.
Sinful In Satin is the third of the books in The Rarest Blooms series by Madeline Hunter published in September of 2010. This sinful plot is set between Celia Pennifold and Jonathan Albrighton who are forced by fate to stay together under a roof famed for the most scandalous profession. Like all of her novels, Madeline set this series also in the historic period when arguments were dealt with duels while passions with fire under the shade of skirts and breaches.
Celia Pennifold had been educated in worldly matters and also groomed in the art of pleasure by her mother, Alessandra Northrope - a famed London courtesan who had a successful brothel establishment as well. However, before even she was pulled into that world, five years ago she had run away and hid with her housemates at The Rarest Blooms. Now that her mother has passed away, she inherits all of Alessandra's properties - a small house in town, the brothel she ran and a lot of debt. And she inherits Jonathan Albrighton as well - who claims he had signed a lease with her mother for usage of the back room alone when he was in town. But there are debts to clear still. What else could she do but accept his tenancy rather than deplete her funds. Reluctantly she permits him to stay as a tenant even though she suspects that there was no lease and that there are ulterior motives for Jonathan to be there in that house. Only she did not know what.
Jonathan had been hired by his Uncle Edward on another espionage activity that put him right in tracks of Celia - for the noble suspected that Alessandra had exchanged more than sex and pillow talk with the enemies during her rendezvous as a courtesan during the war. His goal is to find if Alessandra had kept any record of any of those conversations and names that would lead back to any nobles and cause scandals unwanted. And if she kept he would need to swipe them from under the nose of Celia. Did Alessandra really have such kind of accounts stashed away somewhere? Did she really commit espionage with the enemies?
Her last weeks with her mother have been poignant, but no matter how much pressure Celia had put in, Alessandra had not revealed who Celia's father was. And Celia is now determined to find who her father was. Jonathan also has a personal quest that he has been trying to resolve - get a family acknowledgement so ambiguity about his life can be cleared once for all. And his Uncle Edward had been using that as a bait to get Jonathan to do all the espionage stuff for him. However this time he had fear that he would be crossing more than one line that he would either regret doing so or find redemption if possible. Another thing Jonathan had to settle was the attack on him that happened in Cornwall - which almost caused his life. Perhaps this investigation in Alessandra's stuff, albeit secretly, will give answers to him for more than one quest. How will both these quests land Jonathan and Celia in? Will the answers give them more questions or keys to unwanted doors that they could have kept locked? But someone else also was looking for the same thing that Jonathan and partly Celia was after. Who was that? Will that person cause any harm to Celia suspecting she might know the truth?
With all that was coming at them, Celia also had to face the scorn of many people in her neighborhood who knew her past and had shun many patrons who assumed that she now walked in her mother's footsteps. And also dragged the old flame Anthony Dargent back into her life who still expected to be the first patron of Celia when in fact Celia had loved him and thought he want to her to be his bride. Will she brave this weather and come out shiny?
In the sinful rendezvous between Celia and Jonathan, few parties aid and few strive to cause harm - Daphne and Katherine (Remaining residents of The Rarest Blooms), Lord Sebastian Summerhays and Lady Audrianna (we met them in the first book Ravishing In Red (My review here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...)), Lord Grayson Hawkeswell and Lady Verity (we met them in the second book Provocative In Pearls (My review here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...)), Mr. Mappleton (Alessandra's solicitor and executor), Tristan St. Ives Castleford (a one-time friend of Jonathan and part of the quartet of rakes and scoundrels), Marian (a one-time courtesan who worked for Alessandra and had aided Celia when she needed help, now she is housekeeper and cook for Celia) and Bella (a young girl who is lost and saved by Marian and now handmaid to Celia).
All of Madeline Hunter's plots are based on the same concept - some involve the hero and heroine getting married while some involve them in a relationship and end up in marriage at the end, some involve murder and scandal tying to the hero or heroine or both, more than often the hero is a Lord or a Marquess or a Bastard Son of a Lord or Marquess while the heroine is tied with the scandal to begin with involving herself or her father, and above all almost all the plots are set in historic period in England, Ireland or Scotland regions. Yet the characters are so very unique and so very complex.
This time around she had both of the hero and heroine to have scandalous backgrounds - one a bastard son of an earl and one a courtesan's daughter. How well they matched in every way - secrecy, worldly matters and even in sexuality. It was a pleasure to watch these tiptoe around until they fall-over each other. I also loved the easy camaraderie that the author shows the quartet of rakes share - Summerhays, Hawkeswell, Albrighton and Castleford. Initially when Castleford was introduced in the first book, I had an irritated feeling towards him. But as the series progressed, his character is evolving into something different, almost likeable if I may say. So once again we have a marvelous tale between one of her rake and scoundrel of a hero paired with a scandal-filled heroine who wade through the sea of conspiracies and murder / mystery and eventually find love and honor. And like always comes with surprising twists and turns that don’t make the reader bored of this plot.
Another easy breezy romantic-mystery plot that one can enjoy while lazing by that favorite reading spot in your home.
Spoiler Alerts:
1) The plot of this book reminds me another of Madeline Hunter's book that released years after this book was published. The second book in The Wicked Trilogy published in October of 2015 - Tall, Dark and Wicked - has a similar plot where the heroine Padua Belvoir inherits a brothel that her father had a partnership in. My review of this book can be found here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co.... I wonder why the author repeated a similar plot.
2) Now that three pairs have been completed - one woman each coming from The Rarest Blooms housemates, that last book would most definitely be about Daphne. And I wonder if it would be with Castleford since he is the remaining rake of the quartet of rakes - Summerhays, Hawkeswell, Albrighton being the remaining three.
3) I am still curious to see if the final book will have a sub-plot atleast involving Morgan Summerhays - older brother to Lord Sebastian Summerhays and the Third Marquess of Wittonbury. We met him in the first book Ravishing In Red and he had been away in foreign lands hoping to heal his injured legs after being pulled into a scandal.
4) Jonathan Albrighton is introduced in this plot and Celia seems a bit surprised and thoughtful when his name is seen in one of the newspaper articles that Verity collects. Also Jonathan is considered as one of the four in the group that consisted of the most handsome rakes and scoundrels on that time - Summerhays, Hawkeswell and Castleford being the other three. I am inclined to believe there will be a plot between Jonathan Albrighton and one the two remaining women from The Rarest Blooms - either Celia or Daphen.
5) Katherine Johnson joins The Rarest Blooms - being rescued and helped by Verity. Will there be a plot for Katherine as well? I wonder.
6) This entire series though historical, reminds of The Garden Trilogy by Nora Roberts. Although her books had more detailed description of gardening, grafting, green houses, conservatory, etc and dealt with ghosts and legends from past. Check my reviews of this trilogy here: http://inspirethoughts.livejournal.co...
7) Audrianna is pregnant in this plot and as it ends it is shown that so does Celia.
8) Grammatical / Geographical / Editing Errors:
a. On Pg 65, Albrighton gets a note from Castleford to be at his home on Tuesday at 8pm. However on Pg. 84 the author shows that Albrighton had arrived at quarter past nine, only 15 minutes late. That should be full hour and fifteen minutes late. Perhaps the author forgot the original time while the plot proceeded.
August 2, 2021
This is certainly the most interesting of the series, though it is not without its frustrations. The main couple has a compelling set of shared experiences, and the novels thoughtfully explores these. I also appreciated how this installment leaned into the mystery aspect: the characters are very active in trying to acquire information. Celia is decisive and strong-willed, and a compelling heroine. I enjoy reading about someone trying to figure out what they want for themselves and what is good for them, and having conflicted feelings about the answers they try on along the way.
The title is, once again, relevant, as satin does play a legitimate role in the novel.
But one of the things I find frustrating about this series was a special problem for me here (as it was in the next book, though for different reasons): the heroines in these books do not have much sexual agency at all, they are by and large overwhelmed by the sexual desire and experience that make up so much of the novel (my impression, by the way, is that this one has the most sex in it, though I might be wrong). Celia has lots of agency in other aspects of her life, including when it comes to sexual ethics, but part of the point of the character is that she's had An Education befitting the daughter of a celebrated courtesan. So, when she turns to pudding in bed - well. It seems like a wasted opportunity! There's some thematic and character work attached to that transformation, but none of it, that I can see, strictly requires she turn into pudding, really. She could hit those character beats and still take a more active role. I wish the book had showed more imagination here.
As I mentioned, I thought the rest of the plot - or, rather, plots, as there are a number of them! - were compelling and did a good job bringing the characters together in a meaningful way.
As was the case with the last book, this one would have benefitted from a more careful copyeditor.
The title is, once again, relevant, as satin does play a legitimate role in the novel.
But one of the things I find frustrating about this series was a special problem for me here (as it was in the next book, though for different reasons): the heroines in these books do not have much sexual agency at all, they are by and large overwhelmed by the sexual desire and experience that make up so much of the novel (my impression, by the way, is that this one has the most sex in it, though I might be wrong). Celia has lots of agency in other aspects of her life, including when it comes to sexual ethics, but part of the point of the character is that she's had An Education befitting the daughter of a celebrated courtesan. So, when she turns to pudding in bed - well. It seems like a wasted opportunity! There's some thematic and character work attached to that transformation, but none of it, that I can see, strictly requires she turn into pudding, really. She could hit those character beats and still take a more active role. I wish the book had showed more imagination here.
As I mentioned, I thought the rest of the plot - or, rather, plots, as there are a number of them! - were compelling and did a good job bringing the characters together in a meaningful way.
As was the case with the last book, this one would have benefitted from a more careful copyeditor.
March 10, 2019
This book is about Celia, the daughter of a famous - or infamous - courtesan, Alessandra Northrope. She was grooming Celia to follow her, but Celia ran away and was found by Daphne. Alessandra has recently died, leaving everything to Celia. The big house where she entertained her guests and its contents had to be sold to pay debts, but to Celia’s surprise, there is a smaller house in a quiet respectable neighborhood. Celia proposes expanding The Rarest Blooms and using the house for a London shop. She intends to live there as well.
When she moves in, she is startled to find Jonathan Albrighton, who we met in the last book, living in the attic. He claims to have had a lease agreement with Celia’s mother. Celia soon suspects he is looking for something. Another man comes looking for Celia, one Anthony Daggett. Turns out he bought Celia’s first two years of services and he now wants to collect, in kind. But Celia and Jonathan already have pants feeling for each other.
Celia is also looking for something - evidence showing who her father is. Jonathan is looking for evidence of a traitor who almost got him killed in his last mission in the war; a young man was killed and Jonathan has felt guilty ever since. He suspects Alessandra, Celia’s mother of passing information to the traitor.
In addition, Jonathan is the illegitimate son of the previous Earl of Thornridge. The present earl, Jonathan’s half brother, doesn’t publicly acknowledge him as such and Jonathan hopes to change that.
As you can see, there were all sorts of plot lines in this one and although they do tie up neatly in the end, I just wasn’t feeling it. This is my least favorite of the series so far. I must say, however, that I adore the wicked Duke of Castleford, who I assume will be matched up with Daphne in the next and last book. I look forward to that! 3.5 stars.
When she moves in, she is startled to find Jonathan Albrighton, who we met in the last book, living in the attic. He claims to have had a lease agreement with Celia’s mother. Celia soon suspects he is looking for something. Another man comes looking for Celia, one Anthony Daggett. Turns out he bought Celia’s first two years of services and he now wants to collect, in kind. But Celia and Jonathan already have pants feeling for each other.
Celia is also looking for something - evidence showing who her father is. Jonathan is looking for evidence of a traitor who almost got him killed in his last mission in the war; a young man was killed and Jonathan has felt guilty ever since. He suspects Alessandra, Celia’s mother of passing information to the traitor.
In addition, Jonathan is the illegitimate son of the previous Earl of Thornridge. The present earl, Jonathan’s half brother, doesn’t publicly acknowledge him as such and Jonathan hopes to change that.
As you can see, there were all sorts of plot lines in this one and although they do tie up neatly in the end, I just wasn’t feeling it. This is my least favorite of the series so far. I must say, however, that I adore the wicked Duke of Castleford, who I assume will be matched up with Daphne in the next and last book. I look forward to that! 3.5 stars.
January 6, 2024
Really enjoyed Celia & Jonathan’s story. Loved her inner strength and vulnerability. The romance and spice were very nice. I did struggle to get into this a few times but truly think this was a “me” problem and not necessarily a reflection of the book. I also think I’m overly excited for Daphne’s book and it has me wanting to rush through this one to get to her story.
March 18, 2017
Great writing, loved the characters. Could have done without the Cinderella at the end but not a deal breaker.
August 5, 2014
Opinião do blogue Chaise Longue: http://girlinchaiselongue.blogspot.pt...
Não é segredo para ninguém que Madeline Hunter não exerce sobre mim o fascínio que parece ter sobre a maior parte das suas leitoras nem que, esta série em especial tem servido como reconciliação entre nós. Pecadora é mais um passo nesse sentido, mas ainda não foi desta que cedi, ainda não foi desta que me apaixonei. Contudo, este livro vai mais ao encontro do romance histórico de que gosto do que qualquer outro da série, o que deixa no ar uma grande expectativa para o próximo e último volume, onde, talvez Madeline consiga, finalmente, levar-me à rendição. Por agora, no entanto, deixo-me levar pela sua escrita cuidada e romântica, apreciando os detalhes deliciosos que nos deixa entrever desta época, algo que faz muito bem, sem dúvida, sem me comprometer a algo mais duradouro.
Ao contrário do que aconteceu nos livros anteriores, Pecadora gira mais em torno do romance, deixando um pouco de lado as histórias paralelas e, até, o mistério que levou ao encontro dos amantes. Isso leva a que seja uma narrativa mais romântica, mais tentadora e doce, plena de entrega mútua e, por isso, mais agradável aos sentidos. É com um charme delicioso e uma doçura tocante, que vemos a relação de Celia e Jonathan evoluir, deixando-nos enredar na sua paixão que, rapidamente se torna também uma relação de amizade, confiança e respeito mútuos. Apesar da rapidez com que se enamoram, quase que o esquecemos, tal é a perfeição deste casal junto, o que torna o sonho uma realidade palpável às mãos de qualquer romântica. É este carinho, quase adoração que criámos por este casal, que nos faz apreciar este romance um pouco mais do que os seus anteriores.
No entanto, ao focar-se mais no romance, a autora não conseguiu equilibra-lo, mais uma vez, com a restante narrativa. Os mistérios, ambos interessantes, rapidamente são esquecidos e resolvidos tão rápida e toscamente que o leitor nem percebe muito bem o que aconteceu. Na verdade, parecem quase acrescentos que nada trazem de novo ou interessante à história, algo invulgar nos livros desta autora. Parece assim, que encontrar o equilíbrio é algo difícil de encontrar em Madeline Hunter. Mantêm-se a sua dedicação ao pormenor histórico, à descrição da época, mesmo que não tão evidente. Desta vez, é o submundo das cortesãs e espiões que nos é apresentado, das conspirações e segredos, das diferenças sociais mesmo entre aqueles que partilham um estado. Aqui, verdade seja dita, nunca há falhas.
Celia e Jonathan são o meu casal preferido enquanto Daphne e Castleford não se encontram. Se Celia é pragmática mas doce, leal e realista, Jonathan é introspectivo, intenso e adorável e, juntos, formam um casal tão querido que é difícil não torcermos por eles. Neste livro podemos observar as dinâmicas de grupo entre as meninas e os meninos e, não sei bem o que aconteceu, mas os encontros deles foram muito mais interessantes. Castleford continua a ser a minha personagem secundária preferida mas, por exemplo, Adrianna, parece-me tão diferente do seu livro, tão apagada e sem sal que me está a fazer um bocadinho de confusão.
Pecadora é um livro para as românticas, para as sonhadoras, para as que não precisam de príncipes ou diamantes. É uma história tocante que não roçando a perfeição, sempre nos permite umas horas rápidas no mundo em que tudo é possível.
Não é segredo para ninguém que Madeline Hunter não exerce sobre mim o fascínio que parece ter sobre a maior parte das suas leitoras nem que, esta série em especial tem servido como reconciliação entre nós. Pecadora é mais um passo nesse sentido, mas ainda não foi desta que cedi, ainda não foi desta que me apaixonei. Contudo, este livro vai mais ao encontro do romance histórico de que gosto do que qualquer outro da série, o que deixa no ar uma grande expectativa para o próximo e último volume, onde, talvez Madeline consiga, finalmente, levar-me à rendição. Por agora, no entanto, deixo-me levar pela sua escrita cuidada e romântica, apreciando os detalhes deliciosos que nos deixa entrever desta época, algo que faz muito bem, sem dúvida, sem me comprometer a algo mais duradouro.
Ao contrário do que aconteceu nos livros anteriores, Pecadora gira mais em torno do romance, deixando um pouco de lado as histórias paralelas e, até, o mistério que levou ao encontro dos amantes. Isso leva a que seja uma narrativa mais romântica, mais tentadora e doce, plena de entrega mútua e, por isso, mais agradável aos sentidos. É com um charme delicioso e uma doçura tocante, que vemos a relação de Celia e Jonathan evoluir, deixando-nos enredar na sua paixão que, rapidamente se torna também uma relação de amizade, confiança e respeito mútuos. Apesar da rapidez com que se enamoram, quase que o esquecemos, tal é a perfeição deste casal junto, o que torna o sonho uma realidade palpável às mãos de qualquer romântica. É este carinho, quase adoração que criámos por este casal, que nos faz apreciar este romance um pouco mais do que os seus anteriores.
No entanto, ao focar-se mais no romance, a autora não conseguiu equilibra-lo, mais uma vez, com a restante narrativa. Os mistérios, ambos interessantes, rapidamente são esquecidos e resolvidos tão rápida e toscamente que o leitor nem percebe muito bem o que aconteceu. Na verdade, parecem quase acrescentos que nada trazem de novo ou interessante à história, algo invulgar nos livros desta autora. Parece assim, que encontrar o equilíbrio é algo difícil de encontrar em Madeline Hunter. Mantêm-se a sua dedicação ao pormenor histórico, à descrição da época, mesmo que não tão evidente. Desta vez, é o submundo das cortesãs e espiões que nos é apresentado, das conspirações e segredos, das diferenças sociais mesmo entre aqueles que partilham um estado. Aqui, verdade seja dita, nunca há falhas.
Celia e Jonathan são o meu casal preferido enquanto Daphne e Castleford não se encontram. Se Celia é pragmática mas doce, leal e realista, Jonathan é introspectivo, intenso e adorável e, juntos, formam um casal tão querido que é difícil não torcermos por eles. Neste livro podemos observar as dinâmicas de grupo entre as meninas e os meninos e, não sei bem o que aconteceu, mas os encontros deles foram muito mais interessantes. Castleford continua a ser a minha personagem secundária preferida mas, por exemplo, Adrianna, parece-me tão diferente do seu livro, tão apagada e sem sal que me está a fazer um bocadinho de confusão.
Pecadora é um livro para as românticas, para as sonhadoras, para as que não precisam de príncipes ou diamantes. É uma história tocante que não roçando a perfeição, sempre nos permite umas horas rápidas no mundo em que tudo é possível.
September 7, 2015
Die junge Celia Pennifold ist die Tochter der stadtbekannten Kurtisane Alessandra Northope. Als ihre Mutter stirbt, hinterlässt sie ihr ein kleines Haus aber auch Schulden und ihren Ruf. Bei der ersten Besichtigung stellt sich heraus, dass mit dem Haus auch ein Mieter geerbt wurde: der undurchsichtige aber attraktive Jonathan Albrighton. Die Anziehungskraft zwischen den beiden ist greifbar, doch Jonathan scheint nicht nur Mieter zu sein sondern auch eine Agenda zu haben. Aber Celia hat ganz andere Probleme, denn eine alte Schuld droht ihre Pläne für die Zukunft die sie sich aufgebaut hat bald akut zu gefährden..
Der dritte Band der Rarest-Blooms-Reihe kommt wieder richtig gut rüber nachdem ich mit dem zweiten etwas Probleme hatte. Bei diesem hier musste ich einige Male über den guten Herzog schmunzeln, wenn er ein ums andere Mal feststellte, wie langweilig seine Freunde doch durch die Heirat geworden sind. Ich bin schon sehr gespannt, wenn er im letzten Teil seine eigene Geschichte bekommt. Ich fand ihn trotz seiner Ausschweifungen ungemein unterhaltsam und sympathisch.
Celia und Jonathan waren ein sehr interessantes Paar und hatten eine große Komponente gemeinsam: Beide sind Kinder die aus illegitimen Beziehungen stammten, deren Mütter beide die Geliebten von adeligen Männern waren. Allerdings wurde er immerhin von seinem Vater anerkannt während Celia nicht mal wusste wer ihr Vater war.
Gut gefallen hat es mir auch, wieder von den anderen Paaren zu hören, die immer wieder Gastauftritte hatten. Alles in allem eine schöne Reihe und ich freue mich auf den letzten Teil in dem wir die Geschichte von Daphne und dem Herzog erleben dürfen.
Der dritte Band der Rarest-Blooms-Reihe kommt wieder richtig gut rüber nachdem ich mit dem zweiten etwas Probleme hatte. Bei diesem hier musste ich einige Male über den guten Herzog schmunzeln, wenn er ein ums andere Mal feststellte, wie langweilig seine Freunde doch durch die Heirat geworden sind. Ich bin schon sehr gespannt, wenn er im letzten Teil seine eigene Geschichte bekommt. Ich fand ihn trotz seiner Ausschweifungen ungemein unterhaltsam und sympathisch.
Celia und Jonathan waren ein sehr interessantes Paar und hatten eine große Komponente gemeinsam: Beide sind Kinder die aus illegitimen Beziehungen stammten, deren Mütter beide die Geliebten von adeligen Männern waren. Allerdings wurde er immerhin von seinem Vater anerkannt während Celia nicht mal wusste wer ihr Vater war.
Gut gefallen hat es mir auch, wieder von den anderen Paaren zu hören, die immer wieder Gastauftritte hatten. Alles in allem eine schöne Reihe und ich freue mich auf den letzten Teil in dem wir die Geschichte von Daphne und dem Herzog erleben dürfen.
July 9, 2014
The third book in the very enjoyable Rarest Blooms series by Madeline Hunter.
Celia is the daughter of a famed courtesan, Alessandra Northrope, groomed by her mother for a life of giving men pleasure. But it is not the life Celia wants for herself. She plans to live quietly, owning a small business in London and living in a simple house on Wells Street left to her by her mother. I admired Celia’s outlook on life, despite the way society treated her due to her birth. They treated Jonathan the same way, but he is a man so it is different.
“She knew about male desire in all its forms and manifestations, and could sense it the way some people could smell rain on its way.”
“…she was vulnerable to the cruel judgments merely by her birth.”
Her good friends, Audrianna, Verity, and Daphne love her like a sister yet they must meet in secret or risk the scorn of Polite Society as both Audrianna and Verity have married peers. They can’t even attend Celia’s mother’s funeral in the opening scene but must hide in carriages. Celia understands this but it hurts nonetheless. We also learn a surprising secret about Celia, proving that even readers make assumptions as does society. Celia has always seemed worldly and knowledgeable in the pleasurable arts in the past two novels in this series, but things are not always what they seem.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1swnp9p
Celia is the daughter of a famed courtesan, Alessandra Northrope, groomed by her mother for a life of giving men pleasure. But it is not the life Celia wants for herself. She plans to live quietly, owning a small business in London and living in a simple house on Wells Street left to her by her mother. I admired Celia’s outlook on life, despite the way society treated her due to her birth. They treated Jonathan the same way, but he is a man so it is different.
“She knew about male desire in all its forms and manifestations, and could sense it the way some people could smell rain on its way.”
“…she was vulnerable to the cruel judgments merely by her birth.”
Her good friends, Audrianna, Verity, and Daphne love her like a sister yet they must meet in secret or risk the scorn of Polite Society as both Audrianna and Verity have married peers. They can’t even attend Celia’s mother’s funeral in the opening scene but must hide in carriages. Celia understands this but it hurts nonetheless. We also learn a surprising secret about Celia, proving that even readers make assumptions as does society. Celia has always seemed worldly and knowledgeable in the pleasurable arts in the past two novels in this series, but things are not always what they seem.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1swnp9p
March 10, 2016
3.5 stars
This book was slightly better than the first two in the series. It's my favourite in 'The Rarest Blooms' series so far. The start was a little slow but at the end the story picked up (a little too late for my taste). I liked the ending a lot. Also, I didn't feel the love connection between the two main characters. They had, in my opinion, no chimistry whatsoever. For some reason I didn't warm up to Celia. But the story is unique for regency romance, falling outside the typical setup which is a plus. Though the characters could be a bit more passionate in my opinion. I'm not referring to sex scenes, but rather emotional ones. They are just so sedate when those emotional revelations come that it kind of a let down.
Madelin Hunter is a good author and her books are wonderful to read. I can't wait to read the next book, Dangerous in Diamonds. I'm wondering how Castleford is going to approach Daphane.
This book was slightly better than the first two in the series. It's my favourite in 'The Rarest Blooms' series so far. The start was a little slow but at the end the story picked up (a little too late for my taste). I liked the ending a lot. Also, I didn't feel the love connection between the two main characters. They had, in my opinion, no chimistry whatsoever. For some reason I didn't warm up to Celia. But the story is unique for regency romance, falling outside the typical setup which is a plus. Though the characters could be a bit more passionate in my opinion. I'm not referring to sex scenes, but rather emotional ones. They are just so sedate when those emotional revelations come that it kind of a let down.
Madelin Hunter is a good author and her books are wonderful to read. I can't wait to read the next book, Dangerous in Diamonds. I'm wondering how Castleford is going to approach Daphane.
November 4, 2016
The third in the series focused on women who bonded together in partial anonymity and desperate times. This book belongs to Celia, daughter of a recently deceased famous courtesan. Jonathan has been tasked with discovering if a list of the mother’s clients still exists. Yet he’s known Celia for years and needs to investigate carefully. Celia was a very interesting character because, due to her mother’s practical education, she viewed the status of women, love, sex, and status so differently from many characters in such books. I’m continuing to enjoy the series. I listened to the audiobook. 4/5
October 6, 2010
I love this series! I read Sinful in Satin in one gulp, and I'm already planning to reread it along with the first two just before Dangerous in Diamonds is released in May. So far, the stories have been distinctly individual but with connections sufficient to satisfy my series-loving tastes. I thought the pacing in this one was particularly impressive. And I wanted to cheer at the totally satisfying ending, which gave Celia and Jonathan a lovely HEA without a deus ex machina to make them someone different from who the reader believed them to be.
February 7, 2016
Até agora este foi o mais fraquinho da série :/
Não houve grandes desenvolvimentos, apenas segredos descobertos sobre o casal principal.
Nada de grandes emoções ou peripécias.
Tudo demasiado previsível.
Se não fosse aquele parvo do Castleford a espevitar a coisa no final não sei como seria.
E os erros? Credo! Tantos erros parvos que me enervaram durante a leitura. Nem se fala.
Faz falta uma revisão.
Espero sinceramente que o próximo e último volume desta série seja bem melhorzinho.
Não houve grandes desenvolvimentos, apenas segredos descobertos sobre o casal principal.
Nada de grandes emoções ou peripécias.
Tudo demasiado previsível.
Se não fosse aquele parvo do Castleford a espevitar a coisa no final não sei como seria.
E os erros? Credo! Tantos erros parvos que me enervaram durante a leitura. Nem se fala.
Faz falta uma revisão.
Espero sinceramente que o próximo e último volume desta série seja bem melhorzinho.
December 22, 2015
Another decent book in the series. I liked Jonathan's character, so that made me give the book a higher rating. As the series goes on, I find myself liking the books less. I'm hoping the fourth and final book breaks that trend. I'm looking forward to Castleford's story, but Daphne is my least favorite of the ladies. So, we'll see!
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