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Group of Eight #1
Lord of Regrets
Despite the love and sensuous addiction they shared, Lord Marcus Templeton could never marry Natasha Polinoff. Not while he remained under his grandfather's vise-like control. But when Natasha announces her out-of-wedlock pregnancy - which would destroy his inheritance - Templeton explodes into a rage. One that sends Natasha running into the unforgiving night, never to return...
Now five years have passed, and Lord Templeton has finally found his beloved. And this time, the viscount will have her.
However, Natasha has settled into a new life with her young daughter. Lord Templeton's arrival fills her with terrible fear... and undeniable longing. He has come to claim her. Yet even as her body still longs for his touch, her anger still burns. She is no mere possession. But Lord Templeton will do whatever it takes to bring her back into his arms and back into his bed. Even if it means resorting to blackmail to make Natasha his wife...
Now five years have passed, and Lord Templeton has finally found his beloved. And this time, the viscount will have her.
However, Natasha has settled into a new life with her young daughter. Lord Templeton's arrival fills her with terrible fear... and undeniable longing. He has come to claim her. Yet even as her body still longs for his touch, her anger still burns. She is no mere possession. But Lord Templeton will do whatever it takes to bring her back into his arms and back into his bed. Even if it means resorting to blackmail to make Natasha his wife...
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2014
113 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Darby
20 books192 followersSabrina Darby has been reading romance since the age of seven and learned her best vocabulary (dulcet, diaphanous, and turgid) from them. She started writing romance the day after her wedding when she woke up with an idea for a Regency; she’s been back in the early 19th century ever since.
She currently resides in California with her husband.
And for more historical romance fabulousness, join Sabrina at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILove... for fun discussions led live every Thursday by a different guest co-host.
She currently resides in California with her husband.
And for more historical romance fabulousness, join Sabrina at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILove... for fun discussions led live every Thursday by a different guest co-host.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 13, 2019
Dismal and dreary romance.
Scream of rage and outrage! I knew the hero was going to have an uphill battle to woo me over much less the heroine when his knee jerk reaction to her announcement that she’s pregnant is she must get an abortion. His grandfather has him caught with a codicil that no money if he has a bastard. The heroine pulls a Pollyanna and climbs out window with her mistress jewels.
The hero is another neo maxi zoom dweebie. He can’t do anything right.
Scream of rage and outrage! I knew the hero was going to have an uphill battle to woo me over much less the heroine when his knee jerk reaction to her announcement that she’s pregnant is she must get an abortion. His grandfather has him caught with a codicil that no money if he has a bastard. The heroine pulls a Pollyanna and climbs out window with her mistress jewels.
The hero is another neo maxi zoom dweebie. He can’t do anything right.
July 26, 2019
What a waste of time!
I signed up for Romance and this was not it. Certainly a cold, snippy and resolutely unforgiving h, and a former-pos-now-reformed H, self-abasing and mewling around her don’t make for a romance or a happy reading.
(An apt title that!)
I signed up for Romance and this was not it. Certainly a cold, snippy and resolutely unforgiving h, and a former-pos-now-reformed H, self-abasing and mewling around her don’t make for a romance or a happy reading.
(An apt title that!)
September 23, 2015
I REALLY wanted to like this. The premise was one I was very drawn to.
The H is an English nobleman who is under the thumb of his powerful grandfather. His own father had wasted his fortunes and now the grandfather was holding the H's inheritance hostage to his whims. One rule was that he never father an illegitimate child.
When his mistress turns up pregnant, he freaks. Locks her in her room and calls for the surgeon, freaks. Calls her a whore. Bad stuff.
The heroine, in fear for her child's life and her own (abortion wasn't exactly safe in those days) takes as much jewelry as she can carry and slips out the window.
Meanwhile the hero is downstairs seething until the surgeon arrives with his ominous black bag of instruments. He realizes he can't go through with this. He'll marry his mistress and take his chances with grandfather.
The h has escaped, however. She's disappeared into thin air and it takes the hero 5 years of searching to track her and their daughter down.
This should have been the good part, but it fell flat for me. Too much introspection and very little dialogue. Too much thesaurus love. Example: The man had typical dry mouth after a hangover, and the word used was 'desiccated'. Everything seemed so overwrought to me and the word choices and descriptions too overblown.
Also, and this is a matter of taste, I couldn't stand the decidedly non-alpha hero. I believe the author was trying to portray someone who was essentially a spoiled boy in the beginning who had grown up a lot over the 5 years. But, he was still not the ruthless alpha type I like to read about in these stories. He was always 'walking away' and 'backing down'. Some may prefer to read about a more flawed, not always tough as nails hero, but I like my fantasy to be fantasy. YMMV.
Then it devolves into the H kissing ass (which he needed to do) and the heroine being cold and bitter. This goes on for too long though and then there's a blow up and he leaves. They are both so annoying and teenage angsty about their feelings. Mostly I felt sorry for the little girl caught in the middle. By the time the HEA came, I was just glad it was over for her sake.
The H is an English nobleman who is under the thumb of his powerful grandfather. His own father had wasted his fortunes and now the grandfather was holding the H's inheritance hostage to his whims. One rule was that he never father an illegitimate child.
When his mistress turns up pregnant, he freaks. Locks her in her room and calls for the surgeon, freaks. Calls her a whore. Bad stuff.
The heroine, in fear for her child's life and her own (abortion wasn't exactly safe in those days) takes as much jewelry as she can carry and slips out the window.
Meanwhile the hero is downstairs seething until the surgeon arrives with his ominous black bag of instruments. He realizes he can't go through with this. He'll marry his mistress and take his chances with grandfather.
The h has escaped, however. She's disappeared into thin air and it takes the hero 5 years of searching to track her and their daughter down.
This should have been the good part, but it fell flat for me. Too much introspection and very little dialogue. Too much thesaurus love. Example: The man had typical dry mouth after a hangover, and the word used was 'desiccated'. Everything seemed so overwrought to me and the word choices and descriptions too overblown.
Also, and this is a matter of taste, I couldn't stand the decidedly non-alpha hero. I believe the author was trying to portray someone who was essentially a spoiled boy in the beginning who had grown up a lot over the 5 years. But, he was still not the ruthless alpha type I like to read about in these stories. He was always 'walking away' and 'backing down'. Some may prefer to read about a more flawed, not always tough as nails hero, but I like my fantasy to be fantasy. YMMV.
Then it devolves into the H kissing ass (which he needed to do) and the heroine being cold and bitter. This goes on for too long though and then there's a blow up and he leaves. They are both so annoying and teenage angsty about their feelings. Mostly I felt sorry for the little girl caught in the middle. By the time the HEA came, I was just glad it was over for her sake.
October 31, 2025
Very meh. The hero is a twat and the heroine suffers from victim mentality which is very annoying. Nothing is ever her fault. 3 stars for the writing alone. I couldn't care less about the characters.
June 28, 2025
AWFUL HEROINE!!I HATED NATASHA!!
I hated the Heroine of the story!! It took all I had to finish this book. Natasha is a real B. At first I understood her fear and why she ran away from her lover Marcus. He was a real mean Cad in the first 10minutes of the book, but as soon as he realized what he had said to Natasha about her aborting there baby he knew he was wrong. He was young an afraid. Now with nothing but regrets he has searched for Natasha and his child for 5 longs. Once he finds Natasha and his 4yr.old daughter Leona, he does all he can to make up to them for the past 5yrs.. Marcus at times evens hovel at her feet. He explains that he realized the terrible things he had said to her minutes after he said them on that faithful day she disappeared. He tells her he was a Coward and afraid of being disinherited by his grandfather. But she doesn't care the rest of the book is about her hatred. She is one mean shrew. Marcus marries her and they go back to London with there daughter and there Natasha does everything she can to bring this man down. He does everything he can to garner her forgiveness and build a new life with her and his child. Natasha should not have married him if she hated him so much and she did hate him. She was very unforgiving, no matter what he did to make her happy!! The story is so one sided. Instead of Natasha trying to build a good solid marriage with Marcus she is hell bent on destroying it. Natasha got on my last nerve!! The child Leona was to grown up for a 4yrs. old. The author was trying to show that Leona was intelligent and smart but it came across as a much older child. I just wanted Marcus to dump Natasha take his child on move on with his life!! If you like a story with a lot of Angst this is for you. But I don't like idiot heroines, that are hateful, spiteful and just mean unless it makes sense and Natasha doesn't make any sense. She is Ridiculous!! I loved Marcus and his patience and loving tenderness he showed to Natasha and his daughter. He worked hard to make Natasha and Leona happy!! I don't believe I will read anything else by this author and I am sorry I Can Not Recommend Lord of Regrets!!
I hated the Heroine of the story!! It took all I had to finish this book. Natasha is a real B. At first I understood her fear and why she ran away from her lover Marcus. He was a real mean Cad in the first 10minutes of the book, but as soon as he realized what he had said to Natasha about her aborting there baby he knew he was wrong. He was young an afraid. Now with nothing but regrets he has searched for Natasha and his child for 5 longs. Once he finds Natasha and his 4yr.old daughter Leona, he does all he can to make up to them for the past 5yrs.. Marcus at times evens hovel at her feet. He explains that he realized the terrible things he had said to her minutes after he said them on that faithful day she disappeared. He tells her he was a Coward and afraid of being disinherited by his grandfather. But she doesn't care the rest of the book is about her hatred. She is one mean shrew. Marcus marries her and they go back to London with there daughter and there Natasha does everything she can to bring this man down. He does everything he can to garner her forgiveness and build a new life with her and his child. Natasha should not have married him if she hated him so much and she did hate him. She was very unforgiving, no matter what he did to make her happy!! The story is so one sided. Instead of Natasha trying to build a good solid marriage with Marcus she is hell bent on destroying it. Natasha got on my last nerve!! The child Leona was to grown up for a 4yrs. old. The author was trying to show that Leona was intelligent and smart but it came across as a much older child. I just wanted Marcus to dump Natasha take his child on move on with his life!! If you like a story with a lot of Angst this is for you. But I don't like idiot heroines, that are hateful, spiteful and just mean unless it makes sense and Natasha doesn't make any sense. She is Ridiculous!! I loved Marcus and his patience and loving tenderness he showed to Natasha and his daughter. He worked hard to make Natasha and Leona happy!! I don't believe I will read anything else by this author and I am sorry I Can Not Recommend Lord of Regrets!!
September 9, 2014
Love & Hate are a double edge knife & this romance is about getting sliced, triaged, slowly healed & maybe coming whole again!
Natasha'a life stopped & started when she met, fell in love, left her family, surrendered her body & lived in a love nest all for Marcus. She was so happy for 5 months, until she became pregnant & he was furious, called for a doctor, locked her in her room & called her a WHORE! She was devastated, but wanted their child, so she grabbed all the jewelry she could carry, climbed out her 3rd story window, climbed/jumped down & flees into the night.
Lord Marcus Templeton was always controlled & a puppet to his grandfather, the Earl of Lansdowne, & if he wanted to inherit, no illegitimate children & he must marry by 30. He was in hurry for marriage & he fell in deep LUST for his Tasha. He kept her in their nest & he found happiness, until she said she was pregnant. Marcus was irate, called for a doctor, locked her in the room & called her a WHORE! As he awaiting the doctor, he realized that he actually loved her, wanted their child & marriage ASAP. When he went to tell her, the room was as empty & cold as his heart. Marcus never stopped searching, but nothing for 5 years.
When his investigator said he found her, her daughter & she is a war widow, he was happy & pissed that she married another. Natasha & her precious 4 year old daughter, Leona, lived in a small cottage & had a quiet & peaceful life, until Marcus walked back in & crumbled her almost perfect world. Marcus begs her not to run again & to let him get to know his daughter. They have a fragile truce, but he still has the cottage watched. Marcus has a few tea times, a forced dinner & begins to woo her. With a growing bond with Leona, growing to church together, a night of mistaken ecstasy, an unwanted suitor proposal, Leona wanting her undead daddy & Natasha's reputation ruined, she does what she does best, RUNS!
Marcus finds them & blackmail her with losing Leona, if she doesn't marry him, so she does. As soon as the "I dos" are spoken, their ugly & brutal war begins. They take a long trip to London & back to a world that still thinks she is his WHORE! Leona blooms with all her daddy's love & Natasha resents it. She pushes him away anyway she can & he yanks back anyway he can. Soon it all comes to a head & she pulls a Marcus by using words to devastate him, I HATE YOU, & he pulls a Natasha by running. How can they heal when they are never in the same building? Can Marcus ever prove his undying love to her? Will Natasha let him into her heart again? When will Leona get both a mom & dad? How will the Earl use his 2 puppets? And can I just beotch slap this whole cast of idiots?
I will be perfectly honest & say I hate & loved this war torn romance tale. Ms. Darby pushed all my reading limits off the chart & now I have all new ones & I HATE learning new limits! Natasha was a heroine that played POOR ME card & she seriously made me want to have a "Come to Jesus" talk with her. Ms. Darby introduce Natasha to her BIG GIRL PANTS, measured them, alterations made, fittings done & she slapped them on & grew up just for herself. Marcus was a typical 1800s rogue, but was always felt a step behind & overshadowed by the Earl. He was emotional stunted by his Society parents & HELLO his mom was a PITA! Marcus was willing to put the work into their relationship, but to Natasha, too little too late. Ms. Darby actually made the Earl likeable to me after he had his "Free Will" speech & I totally got him & his dusty & rusty PIXIE DUST! All romances should have scenes of passions unchained & wild, but these 2 just had a lot of hard up against any available surface & anger sex which totally worked for this book. As I stated earlier I loved & hated this tale, but I think if my feelings are still all over the place & both emotions are still brewing inside me that Ms. Darby wrote a compelling love story that is bloody & messing but worth every tears, scream & slap! How to score her is the question, so without further paragraphs, I must give her 4 fingers up & 8 toes.
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
Natasha'a life stopped & started when she met, fell in love, left her family, surrendered her body & lived in a love nest all for Marcus. She was so happy for 5 months, until she became pregnant & he was furious, called for a doctor, locked her in her room & called her a WHORE! She was devastated, but wanted their child, so she grabbed all the jewelry she could carry, climbed out her 3rd story window, climbed/jumped down & flees into the night.
Lord Marcus Templeton was always controlled & a puppet to his grandfather, the Earl of Lansdowne, & if he wanted to inherit, no illegitimate children & he must marry by 30. He was in hurry for marriage & he fell in deep LUST for his Tasha. He kept her in their nest & he found happiness, until she said she was pregnant. Marcus was irate, called for a doctor, locked her in the room & called her a WHORE! As he awaiting the doctor, he realized that he actually loved her, wanted their child & marriage ASAP. When he went to tell her, the room was as empty & cold as his heart. Marcus never stopped searching, but nothing for 5 years.
When his investigator said he found her, her daughter & she is a war widow, he was happy & pissed that she married another. Natasha & her precious 4 year old daughter, Leona, lived in a small cottage & had a quiet & peaceful life, until Marcus walked back in & crumbled her almost perfect world. Marcus begs her not to run again & to let him get to know his daughter. They have a fragile truce, but he still has the cottage watched. Marcus has a few tea times, a forced dinner & begins to woo her. With a growing bond with Leona, growing to church together, a night of mistaken ecstasy, an unwanted suitor proposal, Leona wanting her undead daddy & Natasha's reputation ruined, she does what she does best, RUNS!
Marcus finds them & blackmail her with losing Leona, if she doesn't marry him, so she does. As soon as the "I dos" are spoken, their ugly & brutal war begins. They take a long trip to London & back to a world that still thinks she is his WHORE! Leona blooms with all her daddy's love & Natasha resents it. She pushes him away anyway she can & he yanks back anyway he can. Soon it all comes to a head & she pulls a Marcus by using words to devastate him, I HATE YOU, & he pulls a Natasha by running. How can they heal when they are never in the same building? Can Marcus ever prove his undying love to her? Will Natasha let him into her heart again? When will Leona get both a mom & dad? How will the Earl use his 2 puppets? And can I just beotch slap this whole cast of idiots?
I will be perfectly honest & say I hate & loved this war torn romance tale. Ms. Darby pushed all my reading limits off the chart & now I have all new ones & I HATE learning new limits! Natasha was a heroine that played POOR ME card & she seriously made me want to have a "Come to Jesus" talk with her. Ms. Darby introduce Natasha to her BIG GIRL PANTS, measured them, alterations made, fittings done & she slapped them on & grew up just for herself. Marcus was a typical 1800s rogue, but was always felt a step behind & overshadowed by the Earl. He was emotional stunted by his Society parents & HELLO his mom was a PITA! Marcus was willing to put the work into their relationship, but to Natasha, too little too late. Ms. Darby actually made the Earl likeable to me after he had his "Free Will" speech & I totally got him & his dusty & rusty PIXIE DUST! All romances should have scenes of passions unchained & wild, but these 2 just had a lot of hard up against any available surface & anger sex which totally worked for this book. As I stated earlier I loved & hated this tale, but I think if my feelings are still all over the place & both emotions are still brewing inside me that Ms. Darby wrote a compelling love story that is bloody & messing but worth every tears, scream & slap! How to score her is the question, so without further paragraphs, I must give her 4 fingers up & 8 toes.
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
November 20, 2015
This rant may contain spoilers.
I'm sorry, but this book irked me.
It started with a lot of potential drama, with Marcus acting like your usual jerk hero and Natasha being a strong heroine defending herself and her baby. Marcus immediately saw his wrong, but too late, Natasha already disappear.
Fast forward five years later. Marcus found Natasha, with their daughter. He tried to woo her, she got scared and tried to run away, so he blackmailed her to marry him. Yay, drama!
So they went back to London as husband and wife. This is where everything goes downhill. Natasha turned into unforgiving bitch, Marcus turned into immature jerk, added to the mix a passive aggressive mother in law, a manipulative grandfather and some political conspiracy.
Marcus left to do his grandfather bidding, Natasha stayed and embracing her status as an ex mistress, added to the mix Marcus' illegitimate brother and some political conspiracy.
So this sounded like a great drama right? Nope. Just some boring brooding stuff, with very little dialogue and a vast explanation of some political conditions at that time and conspiracy that was never really explained and didn't have important contribution to the story. Yes, it got Marcus injured so Natasha snapped out of her self righteousness and went after him. But you could just made Marcus fell down of a horse or something, won't make any difference.
And I really bothered the way author didn't allow Natasha to speak her mind. She got this brooding thing, figured stuff out but when she started to say something the servant came with the tea, some lady do something, some footman do whatever and the moment passed. Come on, let the girl speak her mind.
And after being a stubborn jerk who wouldn't stop at nothing to get what he wanted at the beginning, Marcus became this meek man who let his grandfather manipulate him, sulking around France and when he suspected Natasha was having an affair instead of coming home challenge that man to duel he wrote Natasha to go find happiness even if it's with another man. Whaa...? I get it, there's only so much a man can take after being guilt tripped constantly but enough time had passed, grow some beard and balls please.
Because I like alpha heroes who could do a good groveling, strong heroines who could speak their mind and a lot of witty dialogue, this book is not for me.
I'm sorry, but this book irked me.
It started with a lot of potential drama, with Marcus acting like your usual jerk hero and Natasha being a strong heroine defending herself and her baby. Marcus immediately saw his wrong, but too late, Natasha already disappear.
Fast forward five years later. Marcus found Natasha, with their daughter. He tried to woo her, she got scared and tried to run away, so he blackmailed her to marry him. Yay, drama!
So they went back to London as husband and wife. This is where everything goes downhill. Natasha turned into unforgiving bitch, Marcus turned into immature jerk, added to the mix a passive aggressive mother in law, a manipulative grandfather and some political conspiracy.
Marcus left to do his grandfather bidding, Natasha stayed and embracing her status as an ex mistress, added to the mix Marcus' illegitimate brother and some political conspiracy.
So this sounded like a great drama right? Nope. Just some boring brooding stuff, with very little dialogue and a vast explanation of some political conditions at that time and conspiracy that was never really explained and didn't have important contribution to the story. Yes, it got Marcus injured so Natasha snapped out of her self righteousness and went after him. But you could just made Marcus fell down of a horse or something, won't make any difference.
And I really bothered the way author didn't allow Natasha to speak her mind. She got this brooding thing, figured stuff out but when she started to say something the servant came with the tea, some lady do something, some footman do whatever and the moment passed. Come on, let the girl speak her mind.
And after being a stubborn jerk who wouldn't stop at nothing to get what he wanted at the beginning, Marcus became this meek man who let his grandfather manipulate him, sulking around France and when he suspected Natasha was having an affair instead of coming home challenge that man to duel he wrote Natasha to go find happiness even if it's with another man. Whaa...? I get it, there's only so much a man can take after being guilt tripped constantly but enough time had passed, grow some beard and balls please.
Because I like alpha heroes who could do a good groveling, strong heroines who could speak their mind and a lot of witty dialogue, this book is not for me.
September 4, 2014
This book was a very emotional read. I don’t mean that I cried. LOL. But my heart certainly ached and I felt on edge and jittery. From the first page I was captivated and drawn into Natasha’s anguish. My intention to read only the first chapter was waylaid, and I read through the night to finish this book. In my estimation, that made it darn good for me. There were issues though that prevented me from absolutely loving it.
I could not deal with the emotions of the heroine for long. I still cannot determine if this was a bad or good thing. She was so cold and unforgiving for the hurt our hero caused her. Whenever I dipped into her head my heart clenched and I hurt, but I was hurting for Lord Templeton. LOL. This made me hated her a little, for Lord Templeton truly loved her and had been trying from the beginning of the story to mend his thoughtless and hurtful actions. But our heroine did not care to see that so she put him through the ringer. I loved and hated her for it. Love that she stood up for what she believed in, loved that she did not wilt at his feet and declared all was forgiven because he said the magic words “I love you and want to marry you.” Her strength, determination and heartache was beautifully drawn and kudos to the author for engaging my emotions so well.
Lord Templeton himself was a great character. Honorable, kind, and was willing to fight for love and his family at any cost. Lord of Regrets was a story of love, pain, redemption and fulfillment, an enjoyable read. I would recommend to historical romance lovers and I give this book 4 beautiful toasts.
I could not deal with the emotions of the heroine for long. I still cannot determine if this was a bad or good thing. She was so cold and unforgiving for the hurt our hero caused her. Whenever I dipped into her head my heart clenched and I hurt, but I was hurting for Lord Templeton. LOL. This made me hated her a little, for Lord Templeton truly loved her and had been trying from the beginning of the story to mend his thoughtless and hurtful actions. But our heroine did not care to see that so she put him through the ringer. I loved and hated her for it. Love that she stood up for what she believed in, loved that she did not wilt at his feet and declared all was forgiven because he said the magic words “I love you and want to marry you.” Her strength, determination and heartache was beautifully drawn and kudos to the author for engaging my emotions so well.
Lord Templeton himself was a great character. Honorable, kind, and was willing to fight for love and his family at any cost. Lord of Regrets was a story of love, pain, redemption and fulfillment, an enjoyable read. I would recommend to historical romance lovers and I give this book 4 beautiful toasts.
September 4, 2014
Natasha Polinoff makes the mistake of giving in to the raging hot desire that is between her and Lord Marcus Templeton. When she gets pregnant and tells Marcus he's furious, in fact he's in such a rage Natasha flees fearing for her baby's life. Immediately regretting his outburst Marcus wants to apologise, but Natasha has disappeared. Marcus is under his grandfathers control, if he wants to inherit his grandfathers money he must abide by the rules and marry before he's thirty and not have any illegitimate children.
Marcus searches for Natasha but it's five years before the man he's hired finds her living in a small village pretending to be a war widow. Natasha is shocked to see Marcus on her doorstep and although she still loves him she has no intention of becoming involved with him. But then Marcus blackmails her into agreeing to do his bidding.
A tension filled romance but that is also passionate. Marcus despite his actions in the beginning was very likeable. Natasha is wary of Marcus, her priority is their daughter. I really enjoyed this story from one of my favourite historical romance authors.
ARC provided by Sabrina Darby
Marcus searches for Natasha but it's five years before the man he's hired finds her living in a small village pretending to be a war widow. Natasha is shocked to see Marcus on her doorstep and although she still loves him she has no intention of becoming involved with him. But then Marcus blackmails her into agreeing to do his bidding.
A tension filled romance but that is also passionate. Marcus despite his actions in the beginning was very likeable. Natasha is wary of Marcus, her priority is their daughter. I really enjoyed this story from one of my favourite historical romance authors.
ARC provided by Sabrina Darby
September 16, 2015
I haven't read many books by Sabrina Darby but I will after this one. I couldn't put it down. This book is probably not for everyone. It is not a light romance but a highly emotional one fraught with misunderstandings. Marcus and Natasha are fairly young when they meet, fall in love and she becomes his mistress. He loves her but believes he can not marry her as he is heir to an Earl. His grandfather has strict rules about who is suitable. When she becomes pregnant he panics and orders her to get rid of the babe. She then panics and flees. He cools down and regrets what he said but she is already gone.
He searches for her for five years and finally finds her. He has worked to achieve financial freedom from his grandfather but still must marry very soon. He thinks this will be wonderful. He's found his love, his daughter and they will be a family. While his daughter is thrilled, her mother, still hurting from his words, is not so happy about marrying him. She really holds a grudge.
Yes, things eventually work out. But you will need to read the book to find out how. I do recommend it.
He searches for her for five years and finally finds her. He has worked to achieve financial freedom from his grandfather but still must marry very soon. He thinks this will be wonderful. He's found his love, his daughter and they will be a family. While his daughter is thrilled, her mother, still hurting from his words, is not so happy about marrying him. She really holds a grudge.
Yes, things eventually work out. But you will need to read the book to find out how. I do recommend it.
January 24, 2017
Fantastic story. I completely understood why she left him - she feared for her life - and her child's life. It was clear to me, based on his reaction to her pregnancy, that she thought he might do her harm.
Beautiful story and I loved that she did not accept him back without a long trial - she wasn't trying to be nasty - she was simply in a space where she couldn't.
Beautiful story and I loved that she did not accept him back without a long trial - she wasn't trying to be nasty - she was simply in a space where she couldn't.
October 11, 2014
This is a 3- to 3.5-star read for me.
* * *
I'm a big fan of Sabrina Darby and enjoyed her novellas, and, like many of her fans, I kept wondering how her voice and vision would translate in a longer format. When Lord of Regrets was announced (and released), I was very excited to read it. While I had some problems with how the plot is structured (and resolved), I have to say that all the qualities I loved about Sabrina Darby's novellas are also found in Lord of Regrets, and then some.
Marcus and Natasha begin the story as lovers, but, their arrangement becomes upended when Natasha discovers she is pregnant and Marcus panics and commands Natasha to get rid of the baby. It's a reaction that Marcus deeply regrets immediately after, but he never gets the chance to apologise because Natasha disappears that same night.
I thought that this story starts at a very interesting point in a relationship -- often we read about how relationships begin and blossom, and very rarely do we see the dissolution of an affair. I can sympathise with Natasha and understand the fear that drove her to run away from Marcus: she was young, unmarried, and pregnant -- and her lover has refused to support her, and has, actually, threatened to have her pregnancy terminated.
Marcus's reaction, while extreme, is also explained very well in the story: he and his family are beholden to his manipulative and controlling grandfather, who has put in codicils in Marcus's inheritance. One misstep from Marcus could mean a devastating financial blow -- not just to him, but his entire family. With so much to lose, Marcus blindly lashes out at Natasha -- setting into motion the heartbreaking series of events: Natasha disappears, and it takes Marcus five years to find her (and his daughter).
Marcus expected some anger from Natasha, but he also expected her to get over it and then they could pick up where they left off -- but Natasha isn't the same adoring, trusting young girl any more: she's five years older and wiser. She's also discovered that she's in control of her life, and refuses to surrender that control over to Marcus. Sabrina Darby highlights the internal struggle that happens when what the heart wants and what the mind believes are in conflict. (Read Chapter 13) Natasha still loves Marcus, and knows that Marcus still loves her -- but she can't trust him anymore. What if another unplanned event occurs? Will he lash out at her again? Will she have to run away again? It's a difficult situation for her to be in, and made even more complicated because of her daughter -- who has the right to know her parentage.
What happens when Marcus finds Natasha again is a lesson in action and reaction -- how one drop of water can cause an infinite number of ripples in life. Marcus discovers Natasha's depths and appreciates how fiercely she guards her daughter, and how fiercely she guards her heart. There is no "picking up where they left off" -- Marcus realises, and he believes that starting fresh and starting new would be a good alternative for them ... but even that plan backfires a little bit.
Here's the part of the plot that confuses me a bit: at the highest emotional point of the story, when Natasha expresses all the fear, anger,and resentment that she's kept inside her (read Chapter 20), Marcus decides to leave for a diplomatic mission to France. I would've wanted him to stay and work things out with Natasha. I would've wanted him to fight out it with her ... Instead, he disappears, leaving Natasha to sort so many things out on her own:
1. It is discoversed that Natasha was Marcus's former mistress.
2. It is discovered that they have an illegitimate child.
3. Marcus's grandfather manipulates Natasha into "spying" for him.
It is the introduction of the spy element that threw me a bit off kilter. The story already worked so well without it, and what it does is take focus away from the heart of the story. Marcus in France (and the late introduction of a half-sibling -- read Chapter 27) also felt extraneous. Instead of helping resolve their situation, it complicated things even further. Granted, it does allow Marcus to make a grand gesture of selflessness (read Chapter 29) -- I still would have loved to see our hero and heroine work things out together, rather than apart.
Lord of Regrets is a very dramatic and emotional read. I'm so glad to see Sabrina Darby writing full-length novels, and look forward to reading more from her.
* * *
I'm a big fan of Sabrina Darby and enjoyed her novellas, and, like many of her fans, I kept wondering how her voice and vision would translate in a longer format. When Lord of Regrets was announced (and released), I was very excited to read it. While I had some problems with how the plot is structured (and resolved), I have to say that all the qualities I loved about Sabrina Darby's novellas are also found in Lord of Regrets, and then some.
Marcus and Natasha begin the story as lovers, but, their arrangement becomes upended when Natasha discovers she is pregnant and Marcus panics and commands Natasha to get rid of the baby. It's a reaction that Marcus deeply regrets immediately after, but he never gets the chance to apologise because Natasha disappears that same night.
I thought that this story starts at a very interesting point in a relationship -- often we read about how relationships begin and blossom, and very rarely do we see the dissolution of an affair. I can sympathise with Natasha and understand the fear that drove her to run away from Marcus: she was young, unmarried, and pregnant -- and her lover has refused to support her, and has, actually, threatened to have her pregnancy terminated.
Marcus's reaction, while extreme, is also explained very well in the story: he and his family are beholden to his manipulative and controlling grandfather, who has put in codicils in Marcus's inheritance. One misstep from Marcus could mean a devastating financial blow -- not just to him, but his entire family. With so much to lose, Marcus blindly lashes out at Natasha -- setting into motion the heartbreaking series of events: Natasha disappears, and it takes Marcus five years to find her (and his daughter).
Marcus expected some anger from Natasha, but he also expected her to get over it and then they could pick up where they left off -- but Natasha isn't the same adoring, trusting young girl any more: she's five years older and wiser. She's also discovered that she's in control of her life, and refuses to surrender that control over to Marcus. Sabrina Darby highlights the internal struggle that happens when what the heart wants and what the mind believes are in conflict. (Read Chapter 13) Natasha still loves Marcus, and knows that Marcus still loves her -- but she can't trust him anymore. What if another unplanned event occurs? Will he lash out at her again? Will she have to run away again? It's a difficult situation for her to be in, and made even more complicated because of her daughter -- who has the right to know her parentage.
I love you.
The three words still ricocheted in her body. She was foolish. She was vulnerable.
And she wanted to believe.
- Chapter 8
What happens when Marcus finds Natasha again is a lesson in action and reaction -- how one drop of water can cause an infinite number of ripples in life. Marcus discovers Natasha's depths and appreciates how fiercely she guards her daughter, and how fiercely she guards her heart. There is no "picking up where they left off" -- Marcus realises, and he believes that starting fresh and starting new would be a good alternative for them ... but even that plan backfires a little bit.
Different. Natasha was different now; he knew that. She'd had to survive on her own, create a new identity and a new life. Yet those changes were merely the delicate hewing of life -- the marble a sculptor chisels away to create a masterpiece, the platonic ideal waiting to be discovered.
- Chapter 4
Here's the part of the plot that confuses me a bit: at the highest emotional point of the story, when Natasha expresses all the fear, anger,and resentment that she's kept inside her (read Chapter 20), Marcus decides to leave for a diplomatic mission to France. I would've wanted him to stay and work things out with Natasha. I would've wanted him to fight out it with her ... Instead, he disappears, leaving Natasha to sort so many things out on her own:
1. It is discoversed that Natasha was Marcus's former mistress.
2. It is discovered that they have an illegitimate child.
3. Marcus's grandfather manipulates Natasha into "spying" for him.
It is the introduction of the spy element that threw me a bit off kilter. The story already worked so well without it, and what it does is take focus away from the heart of the story. Marcus in France (and the late introduction of a half-sibling -- read Chapter 27) also felt extraneous. Instead of helping resolve their situation, it complicated things even further. Granted, it does allow Marcus to make a grand gesture of selflessness (read Chapter 29) -- I still would have loved to see our hero and heroine work things out together, rather than apart.
Lord of Regrets is a very dramatic and emotional read. I'm so glad to see Sabrina Darby writing full-length novels, and look forward to reading more from her.
September 2, 2014
An okay read, Lord of Regrets was a historical romance full of emotions. It wasn't my favorite romance, but it was an enjoyable read that had its good points and I liked it overall.
Let's start with what I liked.
I liked that Natasha was determined to take care of herself for the 5 years that she was on her own. She wasn't in an easy situation, but she managed to survive.
Leona, her and Marcus's daughter, was a delight. The little girl was a sweetheart and, for me, the best part of the book.
Marcus, despite his mistake that sent Natasha away, was a sweetie. He was determined to find a way to be free of his grandfather's machinations and eventually found a way to support himself without need of his grandfather's favor. Not to mention he had the patience of a saint and never gave up on finding Natasha, even after five years. He proved himself a better man than the one who chased Natasha off and I ended up really liking him.
Now to what I didn't like. Which was mainly Natasha.
First off, she literally had to wait of total of 15 minutes after Marcus stormed off instead of running away the second he was gone and none of the misery she wen through would have happened. Marcus had quickly come to his senses after his temper cooled and went right back to Natasha to apologize and ask for her hand in marriage, but she was already gone. I mean, I know that what he said was terrible, but he regretted it right away and spent five years trying to find Natasha to make amends. It just seemed like Natasha was trying to make her life harder. Rather than waiting a little for Marcus to calm down enough to discuss the situation like rational adults, she just booked it. Then, she spent five years running away from him, rather than just confronting him, for better or for worse. Then, after they reunite and he told her that he had regretted his words right away and had spent five years looking for her to make amends, she kept pushing him away. I just found it hard to understand her actions. It seemed more like her being dramatic and determined to hold on to her bitterness rather than justifiable actions. It made me spend a lot of the book rolling my eyes and generally wanting to shake some sense into her. So, that brought the book down in my estimation. However, I still liked it overall.
The plot moved quickly and I was kept interested the entire way through. Despite my impatience with Natasha, I did like that the book was full of deep emotions and a story about how second chances take work, especially because the two had to rebuild their trust in each other. I enjoyed the story and I liked the ending.
Lord of Regrets was a good historical romance. It had its faults, but I still liked it overall. I don't know if I would recommend it, but if you think what bothered me won't bother you then there is a good story to be read.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Let's start with what I liked.
I liked that Natasha was determined to take care of herself for the 5 years that she was on her own. She wasn't in an easy situation, but she managed to survive.
Leona, her and Marcus's daughter, was a delight. The little girl was a sweetheart and, for me, the best part of the book.
Marcus, despite his mistake that sent Natasha away, was a sweetie. He was determined to find a way to be free of his grandfather's machinations and eventually found a way to support himself without need of his grandfather's favor. Not to mention he had the patience of a saint and never gave up on finding Natasha, even after five years. He proved himself a better man than the one who chased Natasha off and I ended up really liking him.
Now to what I didn't like. Which was mainly Natasha.
First off, she literally had to wait of total of 15 minutes after Marcus stormed off instead of running away the second he was gone and none of the misery she wen through would have happened. Marcus had quickly come to his senses after his temper cooled and went right back to Natasha to apologize and ask for her hand in marriage, but she was already gone. I mean, I know that what he said was terrible, but he regretted it right away and spent five years trying to find Natasha to make amends. It just seemed like Natasha was trying to make her life harder. Rather than waiting a little for Marcus to calm down enough to discuss the situation like rational adults, she just booked it. Then, she spent five years running away from him, rather than just confronting him, for better or for worse. Then, after they reunite and he told her that he had regretted his words right away and had spent five years looking for her to make amends, she kept pushing him away. I just found it hard to understand her actions. It seemed more like her being dramatic and determined to hold on to her bitterness rather than justifiable actions. It made me spend a lot of the book rolling my eyes and generally wanting to shake some sense into her. So, that brought the book down in my estimation. However, I still liked it overall.
The plot moved quickly and I was kept interested the entire way through. Despite my impatience with Natasha, I did like that the book was full of deep emotions and a story about how second chances take work, especially because the two had to rebuild their trust in each other. I enjoyed the story and I liked the ending.
Lord of Regrets was a good historical romance. It had its faults, but I still liked it overall. I don't know if I would recommend it, but if you think what bothered me won't bother you then there is a good story to be read.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
June 19, 2018
I really hated Marcus....all through the book, I hated Marcus....no amount of I love you's, or I'm sorry's, or I regretted it...can change the fact that...after Marcus professed he loved Natasha, ruined her, her family DISOWNED HER...when she told him she was pregnant...he called her a WHORE, then he DEMANDED she kill their unborn child...when she refused he proceeded to not just threaten her, but locked Natasha in a room, went home, sent for a so-called "doctor" to do the deed...and then...when he changed his mind...he had the nerve to be SHOCKED she was gone, had escaped, ran away. Because Marcus's grandfather stipulated in his will, no illegitimate children or he would get NO MONEY..so he chose money over the women he claimed to love, and their child. Yes he regretted it, but Natasha would never forget it, and shouldn't...he was willing to kill their child, and probably her....for money.
So he searched for her for 5 years and wow, shocker to nobody but Marcus, Natasha didn't welcome him warmly, did not trust him or his motives, and wanted to run AGAIN...so he upended her peaceful life, blackmailed her into marriage and pretty much expected her to be just okay with it...
Of course Natasha hated him! He planned on killing their child and probably her...and in those times, she would have had ZERO say in the matter...so cannot blame her one bit for hating him...then the forced marriage, the humiliation, and instead of being a MAN and realizing HE caused all the pain, the hurt and mistrust...at the first chance he got to put distance between them, instead of rebuilding trust as the people they are today...he took it and left...leaving Natasha to deal with the fall out of the scandal of mistress turned wife....and it only got worse...a jealous cousin, a not so welcoming mother-in-law...a harmless flirtation that might have lead to more...misunderstandings...and finally...a confrontation....I personally would have never forgiven Marcus....but that's me, then again, it is a romance novel...I totally empathized with Natasha..protecting herself and her daughter above all else...andhis regrets weren't worth the sappy love letter he wrote that she burned...lol there would be no HEA for me if I had written this one!! I just could not forgive Marcus...no matter what his grandfather wanted him to do...Marcus ALWAYS had a choice..and he chose wrongly....just my opinion
So he searched for her for 5 years and wow, shocker to nobody but Marcus, Natasha didn't welcome him warmly, did not trust him or his motives, and wanted to run AGAIN...so he upended her peaceful life, blackmailed her into marriage and pretty much expected her to be just okay with it...
Of course Natasha hated him! He planned on killing their child and probably her...and in those times, she would have had ZERO say in the matter...so cannot blame her one bit for hating him...then the forced marriage, the humiliation, and instead of being a MAN and realizing HE caused all the pain, the hurt and mistrust...at the first chance he got to put distance between them, instead of rebuilding trust as the people they are today...he took it and left...leaving Natasha to deal with the fall out of the scandal of mistress turned wife....and it only got worse...a jealous cousin, a not so welcoming mother-in-law...a harmless flirtation that might have lead to more...misunderstandings...and finally...a confrontation....I personally would have never forgiven Marcus....but that's me, then again, it is a romance novel...I totally empathized with Natasha..protecting herself and her daughter above all else...andhis regrets weren't worth the sappy love letter he wrote that she burned...lol there would be no HEA for me if I had written this one!! I just could not forgive Marcus...no matter what his grandfather wanted him to do...Marcus ALWAYS had a choice..and he chose wrongly....just my opinion
April 1, 2015
This captivating historical romance is the story of Marcus and Natasha. When Natasha discovers that she is pregnant with her lover's child, she is horrified to realize that he doesn't want it and runs from him and his rage. After years of searching Marcus finally finds her again and is determined to claim her and their child. Can Natasha forgive the one man who captured her heart?
I quite enjoyed this story. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions for all parties involved (including the reader!). At the start Marcus, seen from Natasha's eyes, is the villain, willing to get rid of the child to save his financial future. But when Marcus's side of the story is told, we realize that he is indeed a hero, put in a bad place and capable of extreme emotions that won't be acted upon. He truly loves Natasha and is devastated to find that she has run from him. The five years of searching for her show him to be a determined and competent man, willing to do whatever it takes to right the wrong he has committed and give Natasha the support that she needs. Natasha's character is shown to be forthright and determined, making a life for herself and her daughter in the only way she can and protecting herself and her heart. Marcus's reappearance in her life threatens her new found safety yet at the same time her feelings towards him are still there, buried under the surface and she realizes that despite the separation, she still loves him. Yet that love gives him a power over her that she is unwilling to reveal and their relationship is stormy as a result - full of sexual tension and desire as well as tension and mistrust.
Overall I found this story to be one filled with emotion, tension, sexual desire and romance. The maturation of their relationship from starry eyed lovers to mature and responsible partners was well portrayed. The happy ever after ending is one that both characters richly deserve as they find happiness in each other once again. 4 stars.
I quite enjoyed this story. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions for all parties involved (including the reader!). At the start Marcus, seen from Natasha's eyes, is the villain, willing to get rid of the child to save his financial future. But when Marcus's side of the story is told, we realize that he is indeed a hero, put in a bad place and capable of extreme emotions that won't be acted upon. He truly loves Natasha and is devastated to find that she has run from him. The five years of searching for her show him to be a determined and competent man, willing to do whatever it takes to right the wrong he has committed and give Natasha the support that she needs. Natasha's character is shown to be forthright and determined, making a life for herself and her daughter in the only way she can and protecting herself and her heart. Marcus's reappearance in her life threatens her new found safety yet at the same time her feelings towards him are still there, buried under the surface and she realizes that despite the separation, she still loves him. Yet that love gives him a power over her that she is unwilling to reveal and their relationship is stormy as a result - full of sexual tension and desire as well as tension and mistrust.
Overall I found this story to be one filled with emotion, tension, sexual desire and romance. The maturation of their relationship from starry eyed lovers to mature and responsible partners was well portrayed. The happy ever after ending is one that both characters richly deserve as they find happiness in each other once again. 4 stars.
September 9, 2014
LORD OF REGRETS by Sabrina Darby is a complex Historical Romance. A complex tale of love, regrets, and seduction. A tale filled with very complex emotions from lust,to love, to regrets,manipulation,to hate and hopefully true love. From lover, to mistress, one who was caught in a betrayal,so intense, can forgiveness be easily given? A love so deep, hope is a hard won loss when your future is threatened. Can Natasha ever forgive Marcus? Can Lord Marcus Templeton ever gain, Natasha's forgiveness and their love returned? You MUST read this tale of so much drama and regret.
Well written with many emotions throughout this tale are involved as well as evolved from lust to hate and back to love again. Fast paced. A true page turner. Very unique, not your everyday romance! This romance is troubled and flawed. Dark at times, but can true love finally find their true purpose. We all, even if manipulated have free will and free choice. Sometimes we may not see it until it is nearly too late. Well done, Ms. Darby!
*Received for an honest review from Net Galley and the publisher*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Well written with many emotions throughout this tale are involved as well as evolved from lust to hate and back to love again. Fast paced. A true page turner. Very unique, not your everyday romance! This romance is troubled and flawed. Dark at times, but can true love finally find their true purpose. We all, even if manipulated have free will and free choice. Sometimes we may not see it until it is nearly too late. Well done, Ms. Darby!
*Received for an honest review from Net Galley and the publisher*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
October 8, 2019
Despite the love and sensuous addiction they shared, Lord Marcus Templeton could never marry Natasha Polinoff. At least not while he remained under his grandfather's vise-like control. Then Natasha announces her out-of-wedlock pregnancy,. This would destroy his inheritance. Marcus rage that sends Natasha running into the unforgiving night, never to return...
Five years later Marcus has finally found his beloved and this time, the viscount will have her. But Natasha has settled into a new life with her young daughter. Lord Templeton's arrival fills her with terrible fear.and undeniable longing. He has come to claim her. Yet even as her body still longs for his touch, her anger still burns. She will not
be a mere possession. Lord Templeton will do whatever it takes to bring her back into his arms and back into his bed. Even if it means resorting to blackmail to make Natasha his wife.
I should have seen the red flag that made this a second look title. There is always a reason behind these things.
Usually the book is one that gets bad reviews. In this case it isn't the best book I have read nor the worst.
I gave this book 3.5 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization. It was a book in which i just couldn't like the main characters but kept on reading just in case I would change my mind. Eventually they did grow on me a bit.
I received a second look copy of this book via NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Five years later Marcus has finally found his beloved and this time, the viscount will have her. But Natasha has settled into a new life with her young daughter. Lord Templeton's arrival fills her with terrible fear.and undeniable longing. He has come to claim her. Yet even as her body still longs for his touch, her anger still burns. She will not
be a mere possession. Lord Templeton will do whatever it takes to bring her back into his arms and back into his bed. Even if it means resorting to blackmail to make Natasha his wife.
I should have seen the red flag that made this a second look title. There is always a reason behind these things.
Usually the book is one that gets bad reviews. In this case it isn't the best book I have read nor the worst.
I gave this book 3.5 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization. It was a book in which i just couldn't like the main characters but kept on reading just in case I would change my mind. Eventually they did grow on me a bit.
I received a second look copy of this book via NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
January 18, 2022
I'm lying in my sickbed but I emotionally I kind of feel like I just ran a marathon. Everyone is a total emotional wreck all over the place. It's heavy and exhausting, but I enjoyed it. I liked the distinctive writing style, which is sort of...luxurious? Reminded me a bit of Judith Ivory. I also liked that
I skimmed through some of the reviews and I guess I shouldn't be surprised by people thinking the heroine is a horrible bitch for not forgiving the hero for so long, but I totally disagree. Yeah, she was cold and unforgiving -- no shit! He tried to force her to have an abortion* then stalked her, ruined her reputation and threatened to take her daughter away to force her to marry him. So she's just supposed to be fine with it because he loved her the whole time? I was glad they reconciled, but I had no problem with him suffering before that.
(Also notable: this is the second Regency I've read recently with a plot partially driven by the hero's shady grandfather's machinations. Huh.)
*I'm not sure how I feel about the repeated references to this as basically, he wanted to kill their child. What he did is genuinely awful and I'm not trying to diminish the seriousness of reproductive coercion, but, as someone who is very pro-choice IRL, I don't love the implications there although I understand why the heroine would see things that way.
I skimmed through some of the reviews and I guess I shouldn't be surprised by people thinking the heroine is a horrible bitch for not forgiving the hero for so long, but I totally disagree. Yeah, she was cold and unforgiving -- no shit! He tried to force her to have an abortion* then stalked her, ruined her reputation and threatened to take her daughter away to force her to marry him. So she's just supposed to be fine with it because he loved her the whole time? I was glad they reconciled, but I had no problem with him suffering before that.
(Also notable: this is the second Regency I've read recently with a plot partially driven by the hero's shady grandfather's machinations. Huh.)
*I'm not sure how I feel about the repeated references to this as basically, he wanted to kill their child. What he did is genuinely awful and I'm not trying to diminish the seriousness of reproductive coercion, but, as someone who is very pro-choice IRL, I don't love the implications there although I understand why the heroine would see things that way.
July 9, 2024
4.5 rounded up. Life’s greatest tragedy is me finding this book and then finding out that Sabrina Darby isn’t publishing anymore.
This was exactly what it needed to be.
Natasha was rightfully angry when she fled Marcus when he tried to force her to have an abortion that she didn’t want, that would likely have killed her. She was justified for not believing him when he said that he took it back, even though it was the truth. She was justified in pushing him away.
Marcus was understandably terrified after growing up in the shadows of his father’s failures, and his grandfather’s manipulations, as well as his mother’s cold indifference. He reacted, poorly, to a huge upheaval in what he was to expect in his future. He made the appropriate apologies, and groveled and begged and pleaded. He never took more than was offered to him, except when his fear pushed him into entrapping Natasha.
She pushed and pushed and pushed, and he held her tighter and tighter and tighter until the thread snapped. It was so delicious watching them crawl back to one another.
The only complaint I have is the fact that we really should have delved deeper into their family traumas to understand fully why Natasha would throw away her reputation, even if it wasn’t much of one, to be a mistress, and also Marcus’s father wound. It was lightly touched upon, but we really should have dug deeper into that, because without it, the original conflict feels a bit shallow.
I am SO SAD that this series doesn’t continue and I consider it one of life’s greatest tragedies.
This was exactly what it needed to be.
Natasha was rightfully angry when she fled Marcus when he tried to force her to have an abortion that she didn’t want, that would likely have killed her. She was justified for not believing him when he said that he took it back, even though it was the truth. She was justified in pushing him away.
Marcus was understandably terrified after growing up in the shadows of his father’s failures, and his grandfather’s manipulations, as well as his mother’s cold indifference. He reacted, poorly, to a huge upheaval in what he was to expect in his future. He made the appropriate apologies, and groveled and begged and pleaded. He never took more than was offered to him, except when his fear pushed him into entrapping Natasha.
She pushed and pushed and pushed, and he held her tighter and tighter and tighter until the thread snapped. It was so delicious watching them crawl back to one another.
The only complaint I have is the fact that we really should have delved deeper into their family traumas to understand fully why Natasha would throw away her reputation, even if it wasn’t much of one, to be a mistress, and also Marcus’s father wound. It was lightly touched upon, but we really should have dug deeper into that, because without it, the original conflict feels a bit shallow.
I am SO SAD that this series doesn’t continue and I consider it one of life’s greatest tragedies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2021
I loved the premise of this book, not a secret baby, but a "known" baby who the hero decided he didn't want. I know this is a tough sell for most readers and any author who writes this trope is brave. I happen to love it because it will involve some of the best groveling and redemption on earth! And actually, our hero was young and impulsive when he told the heroine to get rid of the baby but he literally changed his mind in under an hour. By then the heroine had run off (I don't blame her). Then our love sick hero spends 5 years searching for Natasha. He has truly regretted his behavior and wants to do right by the heroine and his daughter. I'm not saying Natasha should have forgiven him immediately, of course she would be angry and hurt. But she certainly did and said things that made things much, much worse and she ended up coming off as the bad guy IMO. The hero made every effort to be and do what she wanted but nothing was enough and I really didn't like Natasha at all. So the book ended up being just ok for me, which is 2 stars on the GR scale.
January 18, 2021
I read 410 books last year so can say I read a lot. I also read a lot of authors. Sabrina Darby is a new author for me.
But I have to say, I'm not sure how I feel about this book.
For one thing, I couldn't put it down. I was up all night reading it. But I was confused on how I feel about the characters. Marcus at first seems like the biggest jerk but wasn't. On the other hand, Natasha at first seemed so sweet and innocent but even though she was correct in her right to be angry, very angry with Marcus but not sure I like how she was portrayed. She came across as a bit of a harpy and ungrateful even when Marcus tried everything he could to correct his mistake. And while Marcus owned up to his error and jumped through hoops to correct everything, I felt she was just so unforgiving until almost to late.
I am going to read the second in the series and see how I feel after reading that one.
But I have to say, I'm not sure how I feel about this book.
For one thing, I couldn't put it down. I was up all night reading it. But I was confused on how I feel about the characters. Marcus at first seems like the biggest jerk but wasn't. On the other hand, Natasha at first seemed so sweet and innocent but even though she was correct in her right to be angry, very angry with Marcus but not sure I like how she was portrayed. She came across as a bit of a harpy and ungrateful even when Marcus tried everything he could to correct his mistake. And while Marcus owned up to his error and jumped through hoops to correct everything, I felt she was just so unforgiving until almost to late.
I am going to read the second in the series and see how I feel after reading that one.
August 28, 2024
This books started off strong with the FMC being betrayed by the MMC when he threatens to force her to have an abortion. She runs away and he finds her 5 years later. At first I liked that she held onto her anger for a long time (he deserved it), but then it just got old. She also seemed incapable of ever using her mouth to communicate so her silence got annoying. Then the whole story devolved into some mess of the MMC leaving to be a diplomat and the FMC staying behind to be a spoiled brat and flirt with infidelity. She could not be appeased and I didn’t care about her at all by the end.
September 14, 2019
From the way this book started, it had my attention all throughout. Marcus truly did love Natasha, even when he had a hard time trying to convince her. Marcus had scared Natasha off all those years ago and so she was hesitant to believe anything he said. Yes, at times she treated him unfairly but if they had communicated better, then things would have been cleared up sooner. They definitely had chemistry between them and that's why at times I became so frustrated with them. The ending was cute but I was also kind of disappointed at the same time.
September 8, 2014
The main theme of this book is regret. Regret makes people angry. It makes them resentful. It makes them do things that are shameful. This story pulls heavily on the regrets of the two main characters and the mess their lives have become. But from this regret, they try to build a new life while learning to let go from the regrets they harbour.
Natasha at the age of 18 fled her family to be Marcus’s mistress. After reading hundreds of historical romance novels, it was a little hard to believe that a well brought up young woman would throw away a future to be a mistress to a young buck on the town. In flashbacks, we learn of a heady, sensual time the two shared. It was idyllic until the reality of an unexpected pregnancy changed everything. Natasha fled in the night to avoid a forced abortion from a furious Marcus. By the time he came to his senses quickly, it was too late.
He spends the next 5 years building up his wealth, looking for ways to avoid the machinations of this grandfather and searching desperately for Natasha. He had a long time to let his regret ferment and grow. He grew up and realized the enormity of his mistake.
When he finally locates Natasha, he has worked through the stages of grief of loss and regret. However this regret is buried once he finds her and he is so eager to resume their love affair. He offers carte blanche – marriage, a title and a home for their illegitimate daughter.
Natasha has had to fend for herself and child for the past 5 years. Alone, pregnant and afraid, she drifted from place to place until she found a small village where she assumed the identity of a widow. She is lonely and sad and angry too. She carved out a meaningful existence for her daughter and with the shield of widowhood, some respectability. This is gone once Marcus returns like a tempest.
He tries wooing her, he makes demands and eventually he blackmails her into marrying him once she tries to run from him again. This happens in the first third of the book, so the reader knows that they have a long road to reconciliation.
Natasha and Leona enter into Marcus’s London world. It is a struggle to fit in. His prickly mother is not pleased, but she puts the good of the family name first. Leona adapts as well as any four year old would. She begins to bond with her father and make London her home.
The problems lie between Marcus and Natasha. He is still so remorseful and begs her frequently to move on, get past it and start fresh. Natasha harbours so much anger and resentment that she can’t adjust to her new life. She fights all of Marcus’s overtures and refuses to give him her heart and body (except for a few occasions when lust overcomes). It is a tale of two people with a very sad history learning about each other and learning to trust and love again.
Marcus is eventually worn down. He can’t handle her rejections anymore and takes a diplomatic mission to France to help with the Napoleon problem on behalf of his autocratic grandfather. This leaves the introduction of Natasha to society to Marcus’ mother Kitty and his grandfather. She experiences the inevitable discovery that she played mistress before marriage and hides the knowledge of Leona away from the world. She makes some new friends from the grandfather’s entourage who help her and guide her. Lord Carlisle makes fast friends with her and wishes to have an affair. Natasha flirts and enjoys that attention, but ultimately realizes that she wants the promise of marriage, not an affair.
Marcus floats around Europe doing diplomatic work. This was less interesting as it was really his moment of running away. He becomes injured in Italy, setting the stage for a reunion between the two. Natasha travels to see him and the two make their vows to start fresh and make this a marriage in truth.
I liked Natasha, she demonstrated great determination that most people would have collapsed under in today’s modern world, let alone England in the 1800s. She is a fighter. I found it very believable that she couldn’t and wouldn’t forgive Marcus. No matter how sinfully handsome he was and how much she physically ached to have sex with him.
Marcus as a youth was callow and unlikable. To ask a young unmarried woman to be his mistress without thinking of any of the consequences made me wonder what on earth Natasha saw in him besides a drinking buddy, a great time in the sack and an adventure. However, the five years have matured him. He is profitable in trade, works his estates and undertakes the task of finding Natasha with zeal. He is regretful, mourns what could have been and tries every tactic he knows to win her back.
The sex scenes between the two are spicy. Since they have clearly done the deed before, there is no hestiation on either part. They know what they like. When Marcus dreams of burying his face between her legs and she rides his hard, you feel the sexual compatibility between the two. Since they spend most of the book at odds with each other, there are not a ton of sex scenes, but when they happen they are torrid.
Overall this was a good read. It was a little melancholy since some much emotional baggage followed the characters around. The secondary characters lent some relief from the constant turmoil between the two. What hooked me as a reader was how the eventual reunion would happen. After all this is a romance novel and there must be a happy ending!
Reviewed for Kiltsandswords
Natasha at the age of 18 fled her family to be Marcus’s mistress. After reading hundreds of historical romance novels, it was a little hard to believe that a well brought up young woman would throw away a future to be a mistress to a young buck on the town. In flashbacks, we learn of a heady, sensual time the two shared. It was idyllic until the reality of an unexpected pregnancy changed everything. Natasha fled in the night to avoid a forced abortion from a furious Marcus. By the time he came to his senses quickly, it was too late.
He spends the next 5 years building up his wealth, looking for ways to avoid the machinations of this grandfather and searching desperately for Natasha. He had a long time to let his regret ferment and grow. He grew up and realized the enormity of his mistake.
When he finally locates Natasha, he has worked through the stages of grief of loss and regret. However this regret is buried once he finds her and he is so eager to resume their love affair. He offers carte blanche – marriage, a title and a home for their illegitimate daughter.
Natasha has had to fend for herself and child for the past 5 years. Alone, pregnant and afraid, she drifted from place to place until she found a small village where she assumed the identity of a widow. She is lonely and sad and angry too. She carved out a meaningful existence for her daughter and with the shield of widowhood, some respectability. This is gone once Marcus returns like a tempest.
He tries wooing her, he makes demands and eventually he blackmails her into marrying him once she tries to run from him again. This happens in the first third of the book, so the reader knows that they have a long road to reconciliation.
Natasha and Leona enter into Marcus’s London world. It is a struggle to fit in. His prickly mother is not pleased, but she puts the good of the family name first. Leona adapts as well as any four year old would. She begins to bond with her father and make London her home.
The problems lie between Marcus and Natasha. He is still so remorseful and begs her frequently to move on, get past it and start fresh. Natasha harbours so much anger and resentment that she can’t adjust to her new life. She fights all of Marcus’s overtures and refuses to give him her heart and body (except for a few occasions when lust overcomes). It is a tale of two people with a very sad history learning about each other and learning to trust and love again.
Marcus is eventually worn down. He can’t handle her rejections anymore and takes a diplomatic mission to France to help with the Napoleon problem on behalf of his autocratic grandfather. This leaves the introduction of Natasha to society to Marcus’ mother Kitty and his grandfather. She experiences the inevitable discovery that she played mistress before marriage and hides the knowledge of Leona away from the world. She makes some new friends from the grandfather’s entourage who help her and guide her. Lord Carlisle makes fast friends with her and wishes to have an affair. Natasha flirts and enjoys that attention, but ultimately realizes that she wants the promise of marriage, not an affair.
Marcus floats around Europe doing diplomatic work. This was less interesting as it was really his moment of running away. He becomes injured in Italy, setting the stage for a reunion between the two. Natasha travels to see him and the two make their vows to start fresh and make this a marriage in truth.
I liked Natasha, she demonstrated great determination that most people would have collapsed under in today’s modern world, let alone England in the 1800s. She is a fighter. I found it very believable that she couldn’t and wouldn’t forgive Marcus. No matter how sinfully handsome he was and how much she physically ached to have sex with him.
Marcus as a youth was callow and unlikable. To ask a young unmarried woman to be his mistress without thinking of any of the consequences made me wonder what on earth Natasha saw in him besides a drinking buddy, a great time in the sack and an adventure. However, the five years have matured him. He is profitable in trade, works his estates and undertakes the task of finding Natasha with zeal. He is regretful, mourns what could have been and tries every tactic he knows to win her back.
The sex scenes between the two are spicy. Since they have clearly done the deed before, there is no hestiation on either part. They know what they like. When Marcus dreams of burying his face between her legs and she rides his hard, you feel the sexual compatibility between the two. Since they spend most of the book at odds with each other, there are not a ton of sex scenes, but when they happen they are torrid.
Overall this was a good read. It was a little melancholy since some much emotional baggage followed the characters around. The secondary characters lent some relief from the constant turmoil between the two. What hooked me as a reader was how the eventual reunion would happen. After all this is a romance novel and there must be a happy ending!
Reviewed for Kiltsandswords
November 20, 2021
Lots of Promise but failed to deliver
Everything felt rushed and underdeveloped, especially the H and h. I had to skip several chapters because i was bored and the writing was tedious. Instead of wasting time on complicated side plots that didn't serve the characters or the plot, Darby should have been focusing more on building the between Natasha and Marcus, and giving us a relationship to root for.
Everything felt rushed and underdeveloped, especially the H and h. I had to skip several chapters because i was bored and the writing was tedious. Instead of wasting time on complicated side plots that didn't serve the characters or the plot, Darby should have been focusing more on building the between Natasha and Marcus, and giving us a relationship to root for.
June 7, 2017
What can I say
have you ever read a story where you didn't like the people but you kept reading it hoping that things would come to pass? this is the book . you won't like him at the beginning and then you won't like her later on but it was an interesting story.
have you ever read a story where you didn't like the people but you kept reading it hoping that things would come to pass? this is the book . you won't like him at the beginning and then you won't like her later on but it was an interesting story.
September 17, 2019
Wonderful!
This book and its characters were so endearing! I loved the story of Marcus and Natasha. Once his lover she ran away but Marcus searched 5 years until he found her again. Regrets abound both of them.
This book and its characters were so endearing! I loved the story of Marcus and Natasha. Once his lover she ran away but Marcus searched 5 years until he found her again. Regrets abound both of them.
September 22, 2019
This book is 322 pages long and 312 of it are filled with abject unrelenting despair, anguish, fear and pain. I read roughly 300 books per year. This one is a VERY difficult read. When the end comes, it is too brief and weary to bring any relief. Read at your own risk.
June 25, 2023
This was super frustrating. In a rare turn of events I thought the hero deserved better and the plot dragged on endlessly with the characters not being together on page for a good chunk of it, and for not a good reason either. Bah!
November 27, 2023
I don’t remember who recommended this but it’s my jam. How are these two ever going to get together?!??
Marcus fucks up BIG on page 1. It takes 5 years to find Natasha and he fucks up 20 more times. She HATES him. He finally gives up just when he shouldn’t. It was gut wrenching.
Marcus fucks up BIG on page 1. It takes 5 years to find Natasha and he fucks up 20 more times. She HATES him. He finally gives up just when he shouldn’t. It was gut wrenching.
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