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Marlow Intrigues #3.5
The Desperate Love of a Lord
From Kindle bestselling Historical romance author, Jane Lark, comes a brand new FREE novella to accompany her breathtakingly beautiful Regency series.
Fiercely independent, Lady Violet Rimes, the merry widow, has played the town, dangling men from leashes like a pack of adoring hounds, always the one in control. She has never let a man toy with her.
An idle, attractive rake, Lord Geoffrey Sparks has had little to do other than enjoy life. He has let Violet play her games for months without complaint, because he likes her company—and admittedly her bed. But in recent months he's found himself gravitating towards her more and more. Things have changed between them. He likes her for who she is and not simply the notorious widow. He thought his feelings were returned, but . . . Why then has she suddenly vanished from town without a word?
A couple of months ago, she'd complained about his friend being a heartbreaker, but now Violet is breaking his heart...
Fiercely independent, Lady Violet Rimes, the merry widow, has played the town, dangling men from leashes like a pack of adoring hounds, always the one in control. She has never let a man toy with her.
An idle, attractive rake, Lord Geoffrey Sparks has had little to do other than enjoy life. He has let Violet play her games for months without complaint, because he likes her company—and admittedly her bed. But in recent months he's found himself gravitating towards her more and more. Things have changed between them. He likes her for who she is and not simply the notorious widow. He thought his feelings were returned, but . . . Why then has she suddenly vanished from town without a word?
A couple of months ago, she'd complained about his friend being a heartbreaker, but now Violet is breaking his heart...
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2014
199 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Jane Lark
46 books150 followersJane is a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult Romance, and a Kindle top 25 bestselling author.
She began her first historical novel at sixteen, but a life full of adversity derailed her as she lives with the restrictions of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
When she finally completed a novel it was because she was determined not to reach forty still saying, I want to write.
Now Jane is writing a Regency series and contemporary, new adult, stories and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others' imaginations at last.
You might think that Jane was inspired to write by Jane Austen, especially as she lives near Bath in the United Kingdom, but you would be wrong. Jane's favourite author is Anya Seton, and the book which drew her into the bliss of falling into historical imagination was 'Katherine' a story crafted from reality.
Jane has drawn on this inspiration to discover other real-life love stories, reading memoirs and letters to capture elements of the past, and she uses them to create more realistic plots.
'Basically I love history and I am sucker for a love story. I love the feeling of falling in love; it's wonderful being able to do it time and time again in fiction.'
Jane is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development in the United Kingdom, and uses this specialist understanding of people to bring her characters to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 30, 2018
(At the moment, this is being offered for free on Amazon. I read it and posted a review on Amazon perhaps four years ago and still remember how much I disliked it. And since lately I'm always in a very bad mood, I decided to take it out on this book here on Goodreads too.)
(SPOILERISH review) This is a short story which could have been even shorter if there had been a little of that thing we call *communication* between the H and h. But no. That would have made for a 5-page story. Let's drag it out a bit.
The slightly slutty heroine is a widow who isn't interested in remarrying so she just goes for sex with anybody who strikes her fancy. Really? We like that? I would appreciate her much more if she had carefully and discreetly selected one lover at a time for, let's say, at least a 6-month period of exclusive sex before moving on to another.
I have a bit more sympathy for the hero. He's seven years younger than the heroine, has been her lover off and on for a while but lately they have turned exclusive. He's starting to fall in love with her. He's OK although a bit immature.
Now comes the kicker: Heroine gets pregnant by this young lover but does *not* tell him he's going to be a father. Instead, she just up and disappears, going to live in a small village, pretending to be a recent widow. Now, tell me in what universe it's OK to not inform the father of your future child about the pregnancy, especially when he seems to be a decent person, not a rapist or mass murderer.
I consider this "heroine" to be selfish, unprincipled, unthinking, unkind, impulsive, a jumper-to-conclusions, and I wish the hero had gone looking for someone else to love instead of setting out to find her when she disappeared. There's an HEA but it's totally undeserved for this woman. This story just hit all the wrong buttons for me. This was perhaps my second or third Lark HR. I'm a slow learner but have now learned not to read anything more by her.
(SPOILERISH review) This is a short story which could have been even shorter if there had been a little of that thing we call *communication* between the H and h. But no. That would have made for a 5-page story. Let's drag it out a bit.
The slightly slutty heroine is a widow who isn't interested in remarrying so she just goes for sex with anybody who strikes her fancy. Really? We like that? I would appreciate her much more if she had carefully and discreetly selected one lover at a time for, let's say, at least a 6-month period of exclusive sex before moving on to another.
I have a bit more sympathy for the hero. He's seven years younger than the heroine, has been her lover off and on for a while but lately they have turned exclusive. He's starting to fall in love with her. He's OK although a bit immature.
Now comes the kicker: Heroine gets pregnant by this young lover but does *not* tell him he's going to be a father. Instead, she just up and disappears, going to live in a small village, pretending to be a recent widow. Now, tell me in what universe it's OK to not inform the father of your future child about the pregnancy, especially when he seems to be a decent person, not a rapist or mass murderer.
I consider this "heroine" to be selfish, unprincipled, unthinking, unkind, impulsive, a jumper-to-conclusions, and I wish the hero had gone looking for someone else to love instead of setting out to find her when she disappeared. There's an HEA but it's totally undeserved for this woman. This story just hit all the wrong buttons for me. This was perhaps my second or third Lark HR. I'm a slow learner but have now learned not to read anything more by her.
June 12, 2015
I was not impressed by this book as you can see by my rating. The H felt wet behind the ears to me. He is written as being in love with a women 7 years his senior. Geoffrey Sparks can not understand why after three days of visiting his lovers house at various times he can not seem to gain a response. That is because she has fled. "Lady" Violet Rimes has consulted a doctor and learned her fears are true, she is five months pregnant. While she claims a deep love for Geoff she feels that if she confided her pickle he would react by taking their child away. How can you love someone so deeply but assume that he would be so horrible?
Now, if you noticed I wrote lady in quotes that is because the term should be used loosely. Violet (AKA Merry Widow, by self crimination) admits that she has been with so many men she has lost count. It is after the death of her husband, who she believed herself to be in love with. When she meets Geoff and their merry dance begins she learns what she felt for her husband was nothing compared to Geoff. I get that, I like that. They are faithful to one another after their liaison begins so that much was cool to me. But the only answer we get for Vi's endless line of ex lovers is that she didn't care what others think. Well as a reader I want more than that in my h.
The roles are reversed in this book Vi plays the stereotypical rogue, while Geoff is the young innocent buck who is lead around by his jock. After taking everything into consideration it felt as though the author wrote the H as being young and wanting the cougar every other man sampled. Towards the end JL further did harm by explaining how on visits to White's after their marriage men would find it humorous to mention they had lain with his wife and gained a split lip. Why the author felt this would appeal to HR readers is beyond me. First off I like my men to be more aggressive and not be lead around by a slutty h, and what's up with that BTW? I feel even in a CR it gross to have been so free with favors but it's even worse when we are in earlier times.
Even though she is a widow it's still to be done discreetly and her attempt to leave Geoff behind to save her baby future she later carries on with him for a week letting all the villagers witness the scandalous behavior. Does this sound like someone who worries her unborn child may be effected? Of course it is explained by her old self is back and Geoff wants it no other way and yet he confesses that he feels threatened by her past men but she moans out later he's the best man she's ever had in her bed. Isn't that romantic? Good Luck, not one of her best reads.
Now, if you noticed I wrote lady in quotes that is because the term should be used loosely. Violet (AKA Merry Widow, by self crimination) admits that she has been with so many men she has lost count. It is after the death of her husband, who she believed herself to be in love with. When she meets Geoff and their merry dance begins she learns what she felt for her husband was nothing compared to Geoff. I get that, I like that. They are faithful to one another after their liaison begins so that much was cool to me. But the only answer we get for Vi's endless line of ex lovers is that she didn't care what others think. Well as a reader I want more than that in my h.
The roles are reversed in this book Vi plays the stereotypical rogue, while Geoff is the young innocent buck who is lead around by his jock. After taking everything into consideration it felt as though the author wrote the H as being young and wanting the cougar every other man sampled. Towards the end JL further did harm by explaining how on visits to White's after their marriage men would find it humorous to mention they had lain with his wife and gained a split lip. Why the author felt this would appeal to HR readers is beyond me. First off I like my men to be more aggressive and not be lead around by a slutty h, and what's up with that BTW? I feel even in a CR it gross to have been so free with favors but it's even worse when we are in earlier times.
Even though she is a widow it's still to be done discreetly and her attempt to leave Geoff behind to save her baby future she later carries on with him for a week letting all the villagers witness the scandalous behavior. Does this sound like someone who worries her unborn child may be effected? Of course it is explained by her old self is back and Geoff wants it no other way and yet he confesses that he feels threatened by her past men but she moans out later he's the best man she's ever had in her bed. Isn't that romantic? Good Luck, not one of her best reads.
March 9, 2024
Lady Violet Rimes, the merry widow, has played the ton, dangling men from leashes like a pack of adoring hounds, always the one in control. Never has a man toyed with her. An idle, attractive, rake, Lord Geoffrey Sparks has had little to do other than enjoy life. He has let Violet play her games for months without complaint: he likes her company - and admittedly her bed. It is a romance novella so of course it will not remain at that.
A fun light read.
A fun light read.
August 17, 2018
It was really sweet but the female and her actions was very hard to understand.
August 22, 2018
Would have preferred the heroine to be less wanton and more discreet. The idea of having been as openly promiscuous as Violet was, in London no less, and expecting to be able to remain living there after she becomes a decidedly pregnant bride and be accepted back into society after the life she had led is ludicrous. This might fly in today's world, but most certainly not in the period of time that this this book is set in. Her husband having to bear the humiliation and fight with men who loudly stated that they had lain with his wife was not something that was likely to go away any time in the near future. It was nice to know that she had regained her sense of propriety, albeit a little late, but to not have the sense to move to the country where she might have some modicum of anonymity, was sheer stupidity. But then, stupidity pretty much describes Violet.
I have one other Novella by Jane Lark to read, which I also received for free. I am sincerely hoping that it is not in any way a repeat of the disaster of this one. It will most certainly affect my decision as to whether or not I read one of her full length novels.
I have one other Novella by Jane Lark to read, which I also received for free. I am sincerely hoping that it is not in any way a repeat of the disaster of this one. It will most certainly affect my decision as to whether or not I read one of her full length novels.
January 3, 2019
Good
I found this a good book. Violet runs away from her lover when she discovers she is carrying his child. She doesn't realise he loves her and desperately tried to find her. Can they find each other again.
I found this a good book. Violet runs away from her lover when she discovers she is carrying his child. She doesn't realise he loves her and desperately tried to find her. Can they find each other again.
June 14, 2019
A nice story which I enjoyed. Please note that the digital version seems like it wasn't updated before release. They are discrepancies in the fake name of Lady Violet Rimes, and what seems to be leftover notes from the author at the end of the book.
April 3, 2021
Very heartwarming
Loved this book. The characters were realistically portrayed and allowed the reader to empathize with them. Thoroughly enjoyable. I would have loved to read the other books in this series but found them too expensive.
Loved this book. The characters were realistically portrayed and allowed the reader to empathize with them. Thoroughly enjoyable. I would have loved to read the other books in this series but found them too expensive.
December 19, 2022
Delightful!
I enjoyed the characters, especially the will to hide from the man you love because you are carrying his child and you fear he will not love you in return. Then, the man you love turns over every stone to find you so that he can declare his love. This is a fun read!
I enjoyed the characters, especially the will to hide from the man you love because you are carrying his child and you fear he will not love you in return. Then, the man you love turns over every stone to find you so that he can declare his love. This is a fun read!
November 4, 2017
Delightful
Thoroughly enjoyable ! Storyline flows easily from page to imagination, with characters you will love. Have a seat with a cup of tea and enjoy
Thoroughly enjoyable ! Storyline flows easily from page to imagination, with characters you will love. Have a seat with a cup of tea and enjoy
April 22, 2018
Simply Beautiful
I do love this story, from beginning to the end. I read it so fast, even for a novella. First time reading this author and by no means will it be the last.
I do love this story, from beginning to the end. I read it so fast, even for a novella. First time reading this author and by no means will it be the last.
March 6, 2022
A gentleman fears he has lost his love.
April 21, 2022
A bit short Apr 2022
Quite a good story but a bit too short not enough depth one hardly gets a feel for the characters
Quite a good story but a bit too short not enough depth one hardly gets a feel for the characters
November 27, 2022
Secret
Even though it wasn't a very long story. It was a really great book about the love of a man tracking down the women he loves, when she runs away. I so enjoyed reading it.
Even though it wasn't a very long story. It was a really great book about the love of a man tracking down the women he loves, when she runs away. I so enjoyed reading it.
February 19, 2023
I didn’t remember a word.
May 18, 2023
Short and ok shory
Romance level: multiple open door scenes.
Short story so plot and development is shorter as well. Would like more dialogue and less in their heads.
Romance level: multiple open door scenes.
Short story so plot and development is shorter as well. Would like more dialogue and less in their heads.
June 1, 2024
Good fast read
A very fast read but very good. Didn't put it down till done. Thank you for a good book to read
A very fast read but very good. Didn't put it down till done. Thank you for a good book to read
March 28, 2025
A sweet adorable story lots of anguish, love and possible heartbreak, told in 3 chapters. Ms Lark gave us a great little story
August 2, 2016
Author Jane Lark's The Desperate Love of a Lord is a novella that's free on Amazon. I am not into historical romance or romance in general, but I was in the mood for something quick and light, which is why I picked up this novella. Although it was very silly for my taste, it served its purpose of being a light and quick read that was, at the same time, nice as well.
This is the story of Violet and Geoff, a man who is younger to her by seven years. Violet is now a widow and she meets Geoff for purely pleasure purposes. Obviously, you don't need to be the God of romance to put two and two together and figure out that the two eventually start developing feelings for one another when one fine day, Violet just decides to leave the city. The reason behind her disappearance is her newly found companion.
For a historical novella, this story had some modern liberty and intellectuality thrown in as Violet and Geoff's relationship stems from something that is forbidden. And it further leads to more twists and turns that are generally considered forbidden. So it was fresh and atypical to see that in a historical romance. It was genuinely nice to have traditionalism veering slightly towards modernity.
One part that didn't quite sit well with me was all the sexual activity which seemed to be the highlight of the book. No doubt that a romance digger would love to read about it, but I was looking for a meaningful story that had some great conversation between the protagonists. Nonetheless, The Desperate Love of a Lord was a quick, light and nice novella that's perfect for romance lovers.
This is the story of Violet and Geoff, a man who is younger to her by seven years. Violet is now a widow and she meets Geoff for purely pleasure purposes. Obviously, you don't need to be the God of romance to put two and two together and figure out that the two eventually start developing feelings for one another when one fine day, Violet just decides to leave the city. The reason behind her disappearance is her newly found companion.
For a historical novella, this story had some modern liberty and intellectuality thrown in as Violet and Geoff's relationship stems from something that is forbidden. And it further leads to more twists and turns that are generally considered forbidden. So it was fresh and atypical to see that in a historical romance. It was genuinely nice to have traditionalism veering slightly towards modernity.
One part that didn't quite sit well with me was all the sexual activity which seemed to be the highlight of the book. No doubt that a romance digger would love to read about it, but I was looking for a meaningful story that had some great conversation between the protagonists. Nonetheless, The Desperate Love of a Lord was a quick, light and nice novella that's perfect for romance lovers.
October 24, 2014
When I heard Jane was releasing this novella as part of her Marlowe series I couldn’t wait to read it, I immediately put this on pre order.
Jane takes us back to a time where everyone travelled by horse drawn carriage and sex before marriage happens but is frowned upon when the inevitable happens, don’t forget there was no contraception back then. I was effortlessly pulled back to this time and I soon loved characters I had met before.
Lady Violet Rimes courts scandal and had never hidden away from the ton, until she finds herself compromised, carrying Lord Geoffrey Sparks child, Violet loves Geoffrey and doesn’t want his reputation tarnished by this so she runs away.
Of course Violet doesn’t realise the true extent of Geoffrey’s feelings for her, he really does love Violet and doesn’t care what the ton think.
I loved that Geoffrey is distraught at Violet leaving and he chases her to find out why she had left and finally admit his feelings for her.
This is a short, fast paced read if you love Jane’s other historical novels then you will love this. It was nice to see some familiar other faces in this in the case of Jane and Robert.
I have seen someone comment from a reviewer about spelling mistakes, do you know what? it doesn’t detract from the story at all. Personally it didn’t distract me and for me the story just wasn’t long enough.
Keep writing Jane I love these books.
Jane takes us back to a time where everyone travelled by horse drawn carriage and sex before marriage happens but is frowned upon when the inevitable happens, don’t forget there was no contraception back then. I was effortlessly pulled back to this time and I soon loved characters I had met before.
Lady Violet Rimes courts scandal and had never hidden away from the ton, until she finds herself compromised, carrying Lord Geoffrey Sparks child, Violet loves Geoffrey and doesn’t want his reputation tarnished by this so she runs away.
Of course Violet doesn’t realise the true extent of Geoffrey’s feelings for her, he really does love Violet and doesn’t care what the ton think.
I loved that Geoffrey is distraught at Violet leaving and he chases her to find out why she had left and finally admit his feelings for her.
This is a short, fast paced read if you love Jane’s other historical novels then you will love this. It was nice to see some familiar other faces in this in the case of Jane and Robert.
I have seen someone comment from a reviewer about spelling mistakes, do you know what? it doesn’t detract from the story at all. Personally it didn’t distract me and for me the story just wasn’t long enough.
Keep writing Jane I love these books.
March 16, 2015
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I loved the character of Lady Violet Rimes in 'The Passionate Love of a Rake', despite her scandalous ways she always seemed a little sad. In this novella, Violet's secrets are revealed and they prove too damning, even for her to brazen out, amid the 'haute ton'.
This short story has all the emotion, heartache and passionate romance, you find in the longer stories but it is faster paced and more focused on actions and consequences than inner emotional turmoil.
It reads perfectly well as a short stand alone tale but is far more enjoyable if you have read the previous book in the series.
This story is an interesting expose into the hidden secrets of Regency society with a strong female lead and an alpha hero who has to change his ways to win her heart.
This novella is free to read from Harper Impulse.
Jane Lark
October 6, 2014
There were a couple of editing issues like the word "here" being used instead of "hear" but otherwise a nice read. It was different from some Regency books I have read in that the lady wasn't a paragon of virtue and as a "merry widow" was not unafraid to play the field. Also rather different was that it was an older woman and a younger man who were the main characters of the book, possibly the first time I have seen it done within this genre.
Geoff (Lord Sparks) is passionate, caring and totally in love with Lady Violet Rimes and means to tell her so, only to find she has disappeared and his heart is left in tatters, imagining all sorts of things about why she would have left without a word. Lady Violet has some secrets that she doesn't wish to share with Geoff, even though she loves him too. Neither have spoken of their true feelings as it is not that sort of arrangement. Fear on both sides, hamper their re-union.
Geoff (Lord Sparks) is passionate, caring and totally in love with Lady Violet Rimes and means to tell her so, only to find she has disappeared and his heart is left in tatters, imagining all sorts of things about why she would have left without a word. Lady Violet has some secrets that she doesn't wish to share with Geoff, even though she loves him too. Neither have spoken of their true feelings as it is not that sort of arrangement. Fear on both sides, hamper their re-union.
August 26, 2015
A sweet love story about two people finding love when they thought it was impossible.
Lady Violet Rimes has lost her husband, she found her distraction in the form of Lord Geoffrey Sparks. They enjoy one another's company in and out of the bedroom.
Violet discovers she's pregnant and runs away without saying a word to Geoffrey. He shows up at her home to be told by a servant that she has left with no information of where she is or if she will ever be back. So like any man in love Geoffrey sets out to find her (after waiting sometime).
He tracks her down and demands to know what's going on, he finds out about the baby and shocks her when he confesses that he is over joyed. He admits how he feels about her and how he can't stop thinking about her, in return she confesses her feeling towards him.
One of the sweetest love stories I've ever read.
I got my copy of this book on www.amazon.co.uk
Lady Violet Rimes has lost her husband, she found her distraction in the form of Lord Geoffrey Sparks. They enjoy one another's company in and out of the bedroom.
Violet discovers she's pregnant and runs away without saying a word to Geoffrey. He shows up at her home to be told by a servant that she has left with no information of where she is or if she will ever be back. So like any man in love Geoffrey sets out to find her (after waiting sometime).
He tracks her down and demands to know what's going on, he finds out about the baby and shocks her when he confesses that he is over joyed. He admits how he feels about her and how he can't stop thinking about her, in return she confesses her feeling towards him.
One of the sweetest love stories I've ever read.
I got my copy of this book on www.amazon.co.uk
February 21, 2016
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
The Desperate Love of a Lord is a novella that accompanies the Marlow Intrigues by Jane Lark. I love this series. It's a definite favorite of mine, however this time the story felt very rushed. I felt like I didn't really get to know Violet or Geoffrey as much as I could have. There was a little bit of a role reversal. Violet was the promiscuous "scoundrel" in this case, and Geoffrey seemed more the monogamous fellow, which I really liked. That was fun and different, and it was interesting to watch them find each other again.
October 8, 2014
Geoffrey Sparks and Violet Rimes story was a very short story. If you have followed Jane Lark's series, this was tying up nicely the loose ends of these two characters. It was very fast paced and very touching. I look forward to more of Jane Lark's stories, but I would love if they were longer than these short novellas. She is a great author, so I would ask for longer stories. I know her material can produce full length great stories.
December 31, 2016
I wasn't too fond of this book I have to admit. It fell short and ended rather abruptly leaving me wondering, why I wasted my time on this book. I did enjoy the reversed roles where Lady Violet was the rake, but there could have been so much more character play involved, rather than Lord Geoffrey chasing after her when she left town. It felt thrown together and it was a disappointing read, to say the least.
October 6, 2014
Jane Lark did it again! A lovely addition to the Marlowe opus. I liked Violet in The Passionate Love of a Rake - her fierce loyalty and her devil-may-care surface were very appealing. She deserved her own happy ending, and Sparks was the man to give it to her.
A lovely little story that I devoured in one sitting.
A lovely little story that I devoured in one sitting.
September 12, 2015
Cute
Violet is a widow who has been carrying on with a man seven years her senior. Geoff. When she finds that she is with child she leaves without word to anyone, trying to avoid a scandal.
After learning Violet has left, Geoff is devastated. He doesn't understand why she would leave, what he did wrong, so he sets out to find her.
Violet is a widow who has been carrying on with a man seven years her senior. Geoff. When she finds that she is with child she leaves without word to anyone, trying to avoid a scandal.
After learning Violet has left, Geoff is devastated. He doesn't understand why she would leave, what he did wrong, so he sets out to find her.
February 8, 2016
Very quick read. I enjoyed the story and the characters. Sometimes a quick novella is exactly what is needed. Violet and Geoff were content with the affair they were having. Violet was a widow that had made all the rules clear before starting up with Geoffrey.
When Violet gets some unexpected news she has to rethink her situation and moves away.
I enjoyed this book.
When Violet gets some unexpected news she has to rethink her situation and moves away.
I enjoyed this book.
October 24, 2014
I enjoyed reading this novella. It was a sweat romance that blossomed from scandalous characters. We also get a sneak peak into the next book and it already has me wanting to keep reading more. Worth it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews