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The Disgraced Lords #4
A Whisper of Desire
Sensual heat melts the ice in the new Disgraced Lords novel from USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans, as a marriage of convenience leads to delightful pleasure—and mortal danger.
Lady Marisa Hawkstone’s nightmare is just beginning when she wakes up naked, with no memory of the night before, lying next to Maitland Spencer, the Duke of Lyttleton—a man so aloof and rational, he’s nicknamed “the Cold Duke.” A scandal ensues, in which Marisa’s beloved beau deserts her. As a compromised woman, Marisa agrees to marry Maitland. But on her wedding night, Marisa discovers the one place the duke shows emotion: in the bedroom, where the man positively scorches the sheets.
Taught from a young age to take duty seriously, Maitland cannot understand his new wife’s demands on his love and affection. Marisa’s hot-blooded spirit, however, does have its attractions—especially at night. In retrospect, it seems quite silly that he didn’t marry sooner. But being one of the Libertine Scholars requires constant vigilance, even more so when the enemy with a grudge against his closest friends targets Marisa. Now Maitland must save the woman who sets his heart aflame—or die trying.
Lady Marisa Hawkstone’s nightmare is just beginning when she wakes up naked, with no memory of the night before, lying next to Maitland Spencer, the Duke of Lyttleton—a man so aloof and rational, he’s nicknamed “the Cold Duke.” A scandal ensues, in which Marisa’s beloved beau deserts her. As a compromised woman, Marisa agrees to marry Maitland. But on her wedding night, Marisa discovers the one place the duke shows emotion: in the bedroom, where the man positively scorches the sheets.
Taught from a young age to take duty seriously, Maitland cannot understand his new wife’s demands on his love and affection. Marisa’s hot-blooded spirit, however, does have its attractions—especially at night. In retrospect, it seems quite silly that he didn’t marry sooner. But being one of the Libertine Scholars requires constant vigilance, even more so when the enemy with a grudge against his closest friends targets Marisa. Now Maitland must save the woman who sets his heart aflame—or die trying.
300 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2015
149 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Bronwen Evans
148 books967 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes. Evans is a three-time winner of the RomCon Readers’ Crown and has been nominated for an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. She lives in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand with her dogs Brandy and Duke.
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Join my book club newsletter and receive a FREE eBook.
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Bronwen loves hearing from avid romance readers at Bronwen@bronwenevans.com
You can keep up with Bronwen’s news by visiting her website www.bronwenevans.com
Or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bronwenevans...
Or Twitter: https://twitter.com/bronwenevans_NZ
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
November 11, 2015
*An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the writer and the publisher for the opportunity to read this.*
(This is actually a 3.75 star-rating, but as a personal rule, I round down.)
Take Elizabeth Hoyt's talent in writing steamy scenes, Lorraine Heath's ability to play on the readers' emotions, and combine them with Liz Carlyle's courage to explore sensitive themes, and you will get A Whisper of Desire. This complex and multi-layered novel is definitely the most ambitious I've read this year. Danger, grief, love, passion and perversion all spiral together into one big ball of dark sensual energy that will either enthral you, or suffocate you with its intensity. I can imagine some readers DNF-ing this, crying "Abandon ship!" by the middle of the book, and I don't blame them. It takes a lot of tolerance, strength of will, and open-mindedness to brave through all the emotional punches and twists that Ms. Bronwen Evans gives out in the story. And believe me, she does not hold back.
The story's hero, Maitland Spencer, is part of the Libertine Scholars, a group of young men renown for their intelligence and sexual appeal. Aptly called the "Cold Duke," Maitland is aloof, extremely analytical and pragmatic to a fault, always striving to be in control of his emotions all the time. I'm sure we've all encountered that hero who's all disciplined and taciturn but loses his cool when it comes to the heroine. And I'm sure that it's easy to categorise Maitland in this way, but that wouldn't do him any justice at all. He is a much more complex character than he appears. In fact, as you dig deeper into his persona, you'll see the truth that he hides so well under his facade of control: the broken soul of a man tormented by the demons of his past. Consumed by his fears, he is a victim in desperate need of saving.
And that is just what our heroine is set to do. Strong when it counts and equally pragmatic, Marisa is everything Maitland needs. She refuses to be set aside whenever he starts to detach himself from his feelings for her. She shows him what love really means, bearing her soul in a way that forces him to face his past. I had doubts about Marisa at first, but my respect for her grew with every problem she faced. She is graceful under pressure, and I love her for that.
There is no doubt in my mind that Maitland and Marisa are meant for each other. They're the perfect companions, and even more so in the bedroom.
Oh, the sex. Just like everything else in the novel, the sex is intense, explosive and just downright sinful. I said this once in the comments, and I'll say it again: this book has the dirtiest sex I've ever encountered in a historical romance novel. Man, this isn't just a whisper; it's a whole damn gale of desire that blasts you in the face and knocks you senseless.
I like how Maitland and Marisa's sexual relationship evolves throughout the story. What starts as dirty and wild sex turns into something more beautiful and sweet. You can really see them making love once they get into terms of their feelings. Sigh.
You know, when I got to the 45% marker, I remember saying something about wanting to dedicate a shrine to this book and do some major pagan worshipping to it. I really, really meant it. That is, until I encountered a bomb shell that almost made me DNF this book. I was totally unprepared for it.
You see, there are three main twists to this story. The first twist, which is encountered halfway through the book, is just really downright "twisted" (sorry for the bad pun). It involves Maitland, and I can say that this may very well be the make-or-break point in the entire novel. I was tempted to stop, but I was too invested in the story to do so. Again, like I said in the first paragraph of this review, I won't blame people for doing so. But I just really wish you give Maitland a chance to clear things up. Whatever may have happened in the past is very well justified once you learn more about what happened.
The second twist involves Marisa, and all I can say about that is this:
I'm not sure if I want to applaud or throttle the writer for doing something like that. It was really so unexpected that I could not stop myself from sobbing like a lunatic.
The third twist is the weakest, and felt totally unnecessary. As if Maitland and Marisa didn't have enough on their plate as it is. I didn't like that they couldn't even take a breather from all the drama for a while. I mean, please, just let them rest. They deserve a break.
I also have a similar issue about the ending and the epilogue. I was really bothered by the one big loose end, and the fact that they didn't get the HEA they deserved. I mean, okay, it's sweet and all but I think Maitland and Marisa deserve more than that. This is the main reason why this isn't a 4 star book.
Overall, I really, really, really loved this. BUT I wouldn't recommend this if you're not at all comfortable with heavy drama, and with sensitive topics like sexual abuse, emotional torture, sodomy (no, Maitland isn't gay) and perversion (no, Maitland isn't the one perverted). I applaud Ms. Bronwen Evans for attempting something so ambitious and complex. While the story really did struggle under its own weight at some parts, I personally feel like she pulled it off. Reading this is a torture that I will gladly repeat over and over and over again.
(This is actually a 3.75 star-rating, but as a personal rule, I round down.)
Take Elizabeth Hoyt's talent in writing steamy scenes, Lorraine Heath's ability to play on the readers' emotions, and combine them with Liz Carlyle's courage to explore sensitive themes, and you will get A Whisper of Desire. This complex and multi-layered novel is definitely the most ambitious I've read this year. Danger, grief, love, passion and perversion all spiral together into one big ball of dark sensual energy that will either enthral you, or suffocate you with its intensity. I can imagine some readers DNF-ing this, crying "Abandon ship!" by the middle of the book, and I don't blame them. It takes a lot of tolerance, strength of will, and open-mindedness to brave through all the emotional punches and twists that Ms. Bronwen Evans gives out in the story. And believe me, she does not hold back.
The story's hero, Maitland Spencer, is part of the Libertine Scholars, a group of young men renown for their intelligence and sexual appeal. Aptly called the "Cold Duke," Maitland is aloof, extremely analytical and pragmatic to a fault, always striving to be in control of his emotions all the time. I'm sure we've all encountered that hero who's all disciplined and taciturn but loses his cool when it comes to the heroine. And I'm sure that it's easy to categorise Maitland in this way, but that wouldn't do him any justice at all. He is a much more complex character than he appears. In fact, as you dig deeper into his persona, you'll see the truth that he hides so well under his facade of control: the broken soul of a man tormented by the demons of his past. Consumed by his fears, he is a victim in desperate need of saving.
And that is just what our heroine is set to do. Strong when it counts and equally pragmatic, Marisa is everything Maitland needs. She refuses to be set aside whenever he starts to detach himself from his feelings for her. She shows him what love really means, bearing her soul in a way that forces him to face his past. I had doubts about Marisa at first, but my respect for her grew with every problem she faced. She is graceful under pressure, and I love her for that.
There is no doubt in my mind that Maitland and Marisa are meant for each other. They're the perfect companions, and even more so in the bedroom.
Oh, the sex. Just like everything else in the novel, the sex is intense, explosive and just downright sinful. I said this once in the comments, and I'll say it again: this book has the dirtiest sex I've ever encountered in a historical romance novel. Man, this isn't just a whisper; it's a whole damn gale of desire that blasts you in the face and knocks you senseless.
I like how Maitland and Marisa's sexual relationship evolves throughout the story. What starts as dirty and wild sex turns into something more beautiful and sweet. You can really see them making love once they get into terms of their feelings. Sigh.
You know, when I got to the 45% marker, I remember saying something about wanting to dedicate a shrine to this book and do some major pagan worshipping to it. I really, really meant it. That is, until I encountered a bomb shell that almost made me DNF this book. I was totally unprepared for it.
You see, there are three main twists to this story. The first twist, which is encountered halfway through the book, is just really downright "twisted" (sorry for the bad pun). It involves Maitland, and I can say that this may very well be the make-or-break point in the entire novel. I was tempted to stop, but I was too invested in the story to do so. Again, like I said in the first paragraph of this review, I won't blame people for doing so. But I just really wish you give Maitland a chance to clear things up. Whatever may have happened in the past is very well justified once you learn more about what happened.
The second twist involves Marisa, and all I can say about that is this:
I'm not sure if I want to applaud or throttle the writer for doing something like that. It was really so unexpected that I could not stop myself from sobbing like a lunatic.
The third twist is the weakest, and felt totally unnecessary. As if Maitland and Marisa didn't have enough on their plate as it is. I didn't like that they couldn't even take a breather from all the drama for a while. I mean, please, just let them rest. They deserve a break.
I also have a similar issue about the ending and the epilogue. I was really bothered by the one big loose end, and the fact that they didn't get the HEA they deserved. I mean, okay, it's sweet and all but I think Maitland and Marisa deserve more than that. This is the main reason why this isn't a 4 star book.
Overall, I really, really, really loved this. BUT I wouldn't recommend this if you're not at all comfortable with heavy drama, and with sensitive topics like sexual abuse, emotional torture, sodomy (no, Maitland isn't gay) and perversion (no, Maitland isn't the one perverted). I applaud Ms. Bronwen Evans for attempting something so ambitious and complex. While the story really did struggle under its own weight at some parts, I personally feel like she pulled it off. Reading this is a torture that I will gladly repeat over and over and over again.
January 20, 2016
I have said this before, and I think it bears repeating: sex alone is not sexy.
Warning: serious ranting ahead. Click the arrow on top left to escape. Your last chance.
This book has a lot of sex scenes, which I think, are all feeble attempts at romance. I do agree that they are titillating. But I confess to a certain degree of boredom reading about one after another intercourse, this position and that position and how these experience make the protagonists feel oh my God this is earth-shattering and life-changing. I was laughing in the end, no kidding.
I do apologize for my overtly scarcastic comments on these intimate scenes. But when I am told that 2 practical strangers had great sex and since they were all hots for each other, it must be looooooove, my first response is to laugh. I have trouble taking these intimate moments seriously.
Now let me briefly list the elements of the book:
Step 1: introduce Maitland. aka the cold Duke who is not exactly comfortable with his sexual desires. Awful father he had, you know.
Step 2: enters Marisa: the sister of Maitland's good friend Sebastian. She was in love with a cad and was going to marry him. But that does not signify. This plotline is not important.
Step 3: Maitland and Marisa were found in bed naked together. They must marry posthaste. So they did.
Step 4: Mailand and Marisa basked in their wedded bliss with some hot sex.
Step 5: Now we must add in a villain. So Maitland and Marisa went to an infamous "club" where they witnessed more sexual acts. Sexy times.
Step 6: Maitland and Marisa or at least one of them has to say I love you. So Maitland came clean with his "sordid past", which was of course sexual in nature. Marisa understood and they have crazy fantastic sex and oh she loved him, without a doubt. Sex is too great.
Step 7: The story gotta end somehow. Someone was out to get these sexy boys called the Libertine Scholars. So violence, sex, loss, danger. The end.
I firmly believe, that someone's villain is another's hero. It is all about perspectives, experiences and essentially who we are. This book, is just not my kind of story. Too much emphasis on sex. Not enough on romance. A really weak illustration of vulnerability in relationship and of longings for acceptance and love. For me (and I cannot point this out often enough, and me alone), to bare one's soul has little to do with what we say or even what we do. In my experience, it is what we refuse to say or do that is more telling, especially in matters of love.
Now my pretty little speech has a point. This book, employs a lot of sex and talking. "Oh I am so deep inside you now and it feels good" is roughly translated to "I have feelings for you." and "I want you now and tomorrow and every night" probably means "I wish you knew how I feel about you." This book has a lot of telling. They converse about how they feel about sex, marriage, expectations and regrets. But I cringe at almost every word. I wish I was more eloquent that I actually am so that I can explain why all this "telling" bothered me so much. I experienced such frustration reading about them talking about how they felt. Empty words, I say. Words without emotions are empty words and carry no weight.
You see my dilemma here. Two strangers, coming together in matrimony, they must dance the little dance called "getting to know you". They can have sex, yeah, why not. Have great sex, by all means. But this is not "here is my heart please take it and don't break it." And a man finding salvation in great sex with his wife, fighting his denied lust and hiding his "lustful tendencies", I find it rather off-putting.
Which, brings me to my point. I am all about vulnerabilty and longing in love. And this book, leaves little to my imagination about sex but leaves everything that makes love wonderful out of the picture. What makes love wonderful in my book? The tentative touches, the embarrasing attempts at showing affections, the deafening silence, the inarticualted I-do-give-a-shit-about-you.
Suffice it to say, this entire penis-business rarely impresses me. And books that explore only this part of human psyche usually suffer the same fate in my book.
Warning: serious ranting ahead. Click the arrow on top left to escape. Your last chance.
This book has a lot of sex scenes, which I think, are all feeble attempts at romance. I do agree that they are titillating. But I confess to a certain degree of boredom reading about one after another intercourse, this position and that position and how these experience make the protagonists feel oh my God this is earth-shattering and life-changing. I was laughing in the end, no kidding.
I do apologize for my overtly scarcastic comments on these intimate scenes. But when I am told that 2 practical strangers had great sex and since they were all hots for each other, it must be looooooove, my first response is to laugh. I have trouble taking these intimate moments seriously.
Now let me briefly list the elements of the book:
Step 1: introduce Maitland. aka the cold Duke who is not exactly comfortable with his sexual desires. Awful father he had, you know.
Step 2: enters Marisa: the sister of Maitland's good friend Sebastian. She was in love with a cad and was going to marry him. But that does not signify. This plotline is not important.
Step 3: Maitland and Marisa were found in bed naked together. They must marry posthaste. So they did.
Step 4: Mailand and Marisa basked in their wedded bliss with some hot sex.
Step 5: Now we must add in a villain. So Maitland and Marisa went to an infamous "club" where they witnessed more sexual acts. Sexy times.
Step 6: Maitland and Marisa or at least one of them has to say I love you. So Maitland came clean with his "sordid past", which was of course sexual in nature. Marisa understood and they have crazy fantastic sex and oh she loved him, without a doubt. Sex is too great.
Step 7: The story gotta end somehow. Someone was out to get these sexy boys called the Libertine Scholars. So violence, sex, loss, danger. The end.
I firmly believe, that someone's villain is another's hero. It is all about perspectives, experiences and essentially who we are. This book, is just not my kind of story. Too much emphasis on sex. Not enough on romance. A really weak illustration of vulnerability in relationship and of longings for acceptance and love. For me (and I cannot point this out often enough, and me alone), to bare one's soul has little to do with what we say or even what we do. In my experience, it is what we refuse to say or do that is more telling, especially in matters of love.
Now my pretty little speech has a point. This book, employs a lot of sex and talking. "Oh I am so deep inside you now and it feels good" is roughly translated to "I have feelings for you." and "I want you now and tomorrow and every night" probably means "I wish you knew how I feel about you." This book has a lot of telling. They converse about how they feel about sex, marriage, expectations and regrets. But I cringe at almost every word. I wish I was more eloquent that I actually am so that I can explain why all this "telling" bothered me so much. I experienced such frustration reading about them talking about how they felt. Empty words, I say. Words without emotions are empty words and carry no weight.
You see my dilemma here. Two strangers, coming together in matrimony, they must dance the little dance called "getting to know you". They can have sex, yeah, why not. Have great sex, by all means. But this is not "here is my heart please take it and don't break it." And a man finding salvation in great sex with his wife, fighting his denied lust and hiding his "lustful tendencies", I find it rather off-putting.
Which, brings me to my point. I am all about vulnerabilty and longing in love. And this book, leaves little to my imagination about sex but leaves everything that makes love wonderful out of the picture. What makes love wonderful in my book? The tentative touches, the embarrasing attempts at showing affections, the deafening silence, the inarticualted I-do-give-a-shit-about-you.
Suffice it to say, this entire penis-business rarely impresses me. And books that explore only this part of human psyche usually suffer the same fate in my book.
November 24, 2015
3.3 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Marisa has been anxiously awaiting a proposal from Lord Rutherford but when Maitland, the Duke of Lyttleton her brother's friend, finds him in the garden with another woman, he decides to make his move. Maitland has had his eye on Marisa for a while and when they find themselves in a compromised situation, he finds himself getting what he wants, married to Marisa. "The Cold Duke" is now her husband and Marisa is feeling a little off kilter but when they discover their hot chemistry, she can't wait to explore the benefits of marriage more. However, with a husband determined to keep a certain amount of physical distance and a mystery person out for revenge, Marisa and Maitland have the odds stacked against them and their happily ever after may take some redefining.
A Whisper of Desire is book four in the Disgraced Lords series, I didn't read the previous and would say you could get away with it also, but there were definitely times that I felt lost and felt myself barely hanging on for the ride. The first chapter is jammed pack with somewhat hurried explanations to what has already happened in the series; past characters make appearances but what really seems to connect the books is a revenge storyline. The group of friends, the Disgraced Lords, have a mysterious person trying to wreak havoc and revenge on their lives but they can't figure out who or why; this edition gives us somewhat of a name, Fleur de Lily, but no one can associate that name with anyone or anything.
Marisa started off as a somewhat vague character as her only purpose seemed to be our hero needing a wife for the romance aspect but gained substance as the story went on. She was the one who pushed the sexual side of the relationship as her sensual nature (and very, very modern bent, our Lady doesn't pause in using the word bitch at one time) comes to the forefront. Later on in the story she dabbles over into martyr territory with her sudden desire to save all the orphan children of the world. Maitland arrived with some heavy backstory, his father died of syphilis which was greatly earned; his father's depraved acts are teased and reiterated here and there. Maitland is of the mind that blood tells, so he likes to keep a strong leash on himself, which includes only sleeping with his wife a certain amount of times during the week. With Marisa's stronger sensual side, you can see what conflict hits their relationship.
Through her brother, Maitland and Marisa were aware of each other but their marriage is where they get to know one another. They poke and prod each other a bit as Marisa feels Maitland isn't attracted to her and Maitland tries to keep a clamp on what he feels are his baser needs and indulged, could have him turning out like his father. This all occurs as the mysterious revenge storyline circles around mainly bringing in Arend, Maitland's friend and another Disgraced Lord. Maitland's stepmother was another more central secondary character; she started off adding another dimension to the story only to end up overcrowding it with a fantastical and needless arc. Honestly, the first 30% of this story accomplished or had more in it than most whole books include. This aspect in turns made the story wild, crazy, fun, hard to manage, and fast paced.
Starting in the middle of the series with book four definitely hurt me, the hero's desire for marriage felt too immediate, I couldn't help feeling I maybe missed our couple's beginning relationship steps in previous books; their attraction felt immediate, however, the bonding work was done in this story. The revenge plot was a big part of the story but felt all a little mystifying to me as I didn't have prior background knowledge beyond the hurried explanations in the beginning and basically, no answers were given here. I am incredibly interested in Arend and Isobel's (somewhat of a friend of Marisa's) story as Arend was deliciously broodingly darkly dangerous and had biting chemistry with Isobel (their book looks to be one away yet).
I had never read a book by this author before but I admired her desire and ability to add a ton of ingredients into the pot and her courage in writing a “struggling” happily ever after. I don’t include spoilers in my reviews but when Maitland and Marisa ride off into the sunset, just know they are leaving a storm behind and venturing into a night most written romantic couples never see. This book was fast paced, jammed pack with story (sometimes overly), and more naughty than your average regency romance read. The sexual scenes were dirty and liked to make appearances, be aware too, that there is open talk of voyeurism, M/M, and M/M/F. A Whisper of Desire had a more modern bent but for readers looking for spicier historical fare, this was entertaining.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Marisa has been anxiously awaiting a proposal from Lord Rutherford but when Maitland, the Duke of Lyttleton her brother's friend, finds him in the garden with another woman, he decides to make his move. Maitland has had his eye on Marisa for a while and when they find themselves in a compromised situation, he finds himself getting what he wants, married to Marisa. "The Cold Duke" is now her husband and Marisa is feeling a little off kilter but when they discover their hot chemistry, she can't wait to explore the benefits of marriage more. However, with a husband determined to keep a certain amount of physical distance and a mystery person out for revenge, Marisa and Maitland have the odds stacked against them and their happily ever after may take some redefining.
A Whisper of Desire is book four in the Disgraced Lords series, I didn't read the previous and would say you could get away with it also, but there were definitely times that I felt lost and felt myself barely hanging on for the ride. The first chapter is jammed pack with somewhat hurried explanations to what has already happened in the series; past characters make appearances but what really seems to connect the books is a revenge storyline. The group of friends, the Disgraced Lords, have a mysterious person trying to wreak havoc and revenge on their lives but they can't figure out who or why; this edition gives us somewhat of a name, Fleur de Lily, but no one can associate that name with anyone or anything.
Marisa started off as a somewhat vague character as her only purpose seemed to be our hero needing a wife for the romance aspect but gained substance as the story went on. She was the one who pushed the sexual side of the relationship as her sensual nature (and very, very modern bent, our Lady doesn't pause in using the word bitch at one time) comes to the forefront. Later on in the story she dabbles over into martyr territory with her sudden desire to save all the orphan children of the world. Maitland arrived with some heavy backstory, his father died of syphilis which was greatly earned; his father's depraved acts are teased and reiterated here and there. Maitland is of the mind that blood tells, so he likes to keep a strong leash on himself, which includes only sleeping with his wife a certain amount of times during the week. With Marisa's stronger sensual side, you can see what conflict hits their relationship.
Through her brother, Maitland and Marisa were aware of each other but their marriage is where they get to know one another. They poke and prod each other a bit as Marisa feels Maitland isn't attracted to her and Maitland tries to keep a clamp on what he feels are his baser needs and indulged, could have him turning out like his father. This all occurs as the mysterious revenge storyline circles around mainly bringing in Arend, Maitland's friend and another Disgraced Lord. Maitland's stepmother was another more central secondary character; she started off adding another dimension to the story only to end up overcrowding it with a fantastical and needless arc. Honestly, the first 30% of this story accomplished or had more in it than most whole books include. This aspect in turns made the story wild, crazy, fun, hard to manage, and fast paced.
Starting in the middle of the series with book four definitely hurt me, the hero's desire for marriage felt too immediate, I couldn't help feeling I maybe missed our couple's beginning relationship steps in previous books; their attraction felt immediate, however, the bonding work was done in this story. The revenge plot was a big part of the story but felt all a little mystifying to me as I didn't have prior background knowledge beyond the hurried explanations in the beginning and basically, no answers were given here. I am incredibly interested in Arend and Isobel's (somewhat of a friend of Marisa's) story as Arend was deliciously broodingly darkly dangerous and had biting chemistry with Isobel (their book looks to be one away yet).
I had never read a book by this author before but I admired her desire and ability to add a ton of ingredients into the pot and her courage in writing a “struggling” happily ever after. I don’t include spoilers in my reviews but when Maitland and Marisa ride off into the sunset, just know they are leaving a storm behind and venturing into a night most written romantic couples never see. This book was fast paced, jammed pack with story (sometimes overly), and more naughty than your average regency romance read. The sexual scenes were dirty and liked to make appearances, be aware too, that there is open talk of voyeurism, M/M, and M/M/F. A Whisper of Desire had a more modern bent but for readers looking for spicier historical fare, this was entertaining.
November 12, 2015
ARC from Netgalley/Random House Publishing for an honest review.
3.75
Lady Marisa is at a ball and awaiting a proposal from Rutherford, the man she loves (so she thinks). She's had a successful season and is looking forward to marriage. As she searching for her beau she runs into Maitland, her brother Sebastian's long time friend. Maitland is actually watching over and guarding Marisa from a madwomen who's after the Libertine Scholars and their families. What Lady Marisa thought she knew of the Cold Duke is put to the test and in fact reveals that he's not cold at all. Maitland reveals a side of himself that shocks and intrigues Marisa, as he proceeds to flirt with her and they share a very passionate kiss.
The Duke of Lyttleton, Maitland, is known as the Cold Duke. Maitland has been given that label because he's a very controlled individual that show's almost no emotion.Maitland fears he's like his father, who was a very sick and sexually debauched individual. Maitland is part of the Libertine Scholars, a very intelligent and loyal group of men. The Duke has been thinking of marrying as it was time for a heir and Lady Marisa seemed like a good candidate. At the ball Maitland goes out to the garden for a smoke and overhears Rutherford with his mistress and realizes that Marisa's brother needs to be told.
After the two had shared their passionate kiss they each go their separate ways. But the next morning we find the two naked and in bed together. They realize that they have been drugged, both are compromised and that they will need to marry.
The story becomes somewhat dark and full of angst from this point as we see what poor Maitland has endured in the past due to his father. You begin to hurt for Maitland as he's trying to comes to grips with his passion for Marisa. He's fearful of falling in love and losing control of his passion and hurting her. Marisa in turn learns the truth about Rutherford. She sees a side of Maitland that she never knew existed and starts to fall in love with him. The two slowly begin to open up as they learn to trust each other and share their fears.
The story and romance was well written with a lot of passion and angst filled moments. I will say at the beginning I didn't care for Marisa very much, as she came across somewhat shallow (pretty much like her sister called it) and immature at times. But as the story progressed her character developed into a more likable heroine. Maitland, my heart just hurt for that guy,what he endured was just so wrong. He had great character development and depth. The story was well paced, it was an emotional read for sure and it had likable secondary characters.
3.75
Lady Marisa is at a ball and awaiting a proposal from Rutherford, the man she loves (so she thinks). She's had a successful season and is looking forward to marriage. As she searching for her beau she runs into Maitland, her brother Sebastian's long time friend. Maitland is actually watching over and guarding Marisa from a madwomen who's after the Libertine Scholars and their families. What Lady Marisa thought she knew of the Cold Duke is put to the test and in fact reveals that he's not cold at all. Maitland reveals a side of himself that shocks and intrigues Marisa, as he proceeds to flirt with her and they share a very passionate kiss.
The Duke of Lyttleton, Maitland, is known as the Cold Duke. Maitland has been given that label because he's a very controlled individual that show's almost no emotion.Maitland fears he's like his father, who was a very sick and sexually debauched individual. Maitland is part of the Libertine Scholars, a very intelligent and loyal group of men. The Duke has been thinking of marrying as it was time for a heir and Lady Marisa seemed like a good candidate. At the ball Maitland goes out to the garden for a smoke and overhears Rutherford with his mistress and realizes that Marisa's brother needs to be told.
After the two had shared their passionate kiss they each go their separate ways. But the next morning we find the two naked and in bed together. They realize that they have been drugged, both are compromised and that they will need to marry.
The story becomes somewhat dark and full of angst from this point as we see what poor Maitland has endured in the past due to his father. You begin to hurt for Maitland as he's trying to comes to grips with his passion for Marisa. He's fearful of falling in love and losing control of his passion and hurting her. Marisa in turn learns the truth about Rutherford. She sees a side of Maitland that she never knew existed and starts to fall in love with him. The two slowly begin to open up as they learn to trust each other and share their fears.
The story and romance was well written with a lot of passion and angst filled moments. I will say at the beginning I didn't care for Marisa very much, as she came across somewhat shallow (pretty much like her sister called it) and immature at times. But as the story progressed her character developed into a more likable heroine. Maitland, my heart just hurt for that guy,what he endured was just so wrong. He had great character development and depth. The story was well paced, it was an emotional read for sure and it had likable secondary characters.
November 27, 2015
Lady Marisa Hawkestone expects Lord Rutherford to propose; she only wants to marry for love, and he does love her, doesn’t he? She’s at a ball, and the elusive Duke of Lyttleton, Maitland Spencer, flirts with Marisa; this has never happened before, the Duke never flirts! But even worse, Marisa finds Maitland very much appealing, but he is so aloof; he is not known as “The Cold Duke” for nothing, and Marisa wants passion. But then Maitland sort of proposes! Marisa is so surprised, she starts to imbibe champagne, and so does the Duke. The following morning, Marisa wakes up in Maitland’s room! It turns out they both had been drugged by an enemy of Maitland’s and his friends, Libertine Scholars. Marisa is ruined, and then she learns that her betrothed is definitely not the man she thought he was. And so, she agrees to marry the Duke; after all, he’s a good man, he’s doing the right thing. Things could be worse; however Marisa has one condition: she will help the Libertine Scholars find the culprit!
A WHISPER OF DESIRE is not at all what I expected, and what a fabulous surprise it was! Although there is the mystery arc that threads through all the books, it can easily be read as a standalone. Ms. Evan strikes a perfect balance between the mystery, the romance, and the sex! The story is, in fact, based on sexual matters, but it is not sex for sex’s sake, but rather it is the basis for fabulous character development, it weaves right into the suspense and the romance. There are spectacular, unexpected, and wonderfully ingenious plot twists, even better than in the previous books! Both Maitland and Marisa are fascinating and, to say multilayered characters would be an understatement! I love how some usually unmentioned historical realities were important matters in the plot. And towards the end, we get a taste of what we will be looking forward to, and it sounds like it will be just as fantastic. Extremely well done, Ms. Evans!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
A WHISPER OF DESIRE is not at all what I expected, and what a fabulous surprise it was! Although there is the mystery arc that threads through all the books, it can easily be read as a standalone. Ms. Evan strikes a perfect balance between the mystery, the romance, and the sex! The story is, in fact, based on sexual matters, but it is not sex for sex’s sake, but rather it is the basis for fabulous character development, it weaves right into the suspense and the romance. There are spectacular, unexpected, and wonderfully ingenious plot twists, even better than in the previous books! Both Maitland and Marisa are fascinating and, to say multilayered characters would be an understatement! I love how some usually unmentioned historical realities were important matters in the plot. And towards the end, we get a taste of what we will be looking forward to, and it sounds like it will be just as fantastic. Extremely well done, Ms. Evans!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 8, 2021
I really don't understand this author the abuse to the heroines of her stories are horrific!! But the worse so far is Lady Marisa Hawkstone. She is caught in a bed naked with Maitland Spencer the Duke of Lyttelton her brother Sebastian's best friend and a member of the Libertine Scholars. They marry the same day. Both have been drugged and place in bed naked together by there enemy the Villainous person who has been trying to kill and destroy all of the Libertine Scholars.
We are lead to believe that the Villainous is a female. But with the introduction of homosexuals in this story it might be a male who was brutally raped by the fathers of the Libertine Scholars.
But what has caused me not to read anymore books in this series is, at almost the end of this story Marisa Duchess of Lyttelton is kidnapped and horrible injured. She was speared with a wooden stake in her stomach when the carriage was turned over. Her Womb has to be removed because it was so badly damaged. Marisa and Maitland will never have a child. A Duke needs an heir!! What a stupid thing to write about the heroine of your story!!
WHY? would an author write such a Devastating and Diabolical end to the heroine of the story!! This ruined the entire story for me!!
Don't waste your money or time on this story!! I am Done With The Disgraced Lords series!!
We are lead to believe that the Villainous is a female. But with the introduction of homosexuals in this story it might be a male who was brutally raped by the fathers of the Libertine Scholars.
But what has caused me not to read anymore books in this series is, at almost the end of this story Marisa Duchess of Lyttelton is kidnapped and horrible injured. She was speared with a wooden stake in her stomach when the carriage was turned over. Her Womb has to be removed because it was so badly damaged. Marisa and Maitland will never have a child. A Duke needs an heir!! What a stupid thing to write about the heroine of your story!!
WHY? would an author write such a Devastating and Diabolical end to the heroine of the story!! This ruined the entire story for me!!
Don't waste your money or time on this story!! I am Done With The Disgraced Lords series!!
September 12, 2016
I read this book for a Lisa Kleypas challenge. I had the letter M and the two main characters are "M". Not really pertinent to the review, but...
Another book I just don't quite know how to review. For starters, the synopsis was a little misleading to me. The premise of an honorable man taking on the challenge of marrying a woman who has been compromised through no fault of either character is appealing. The added appeal is it was clear that while he is the rather shut down "Cold Duke", her winsome personality changes him. Hints of Julia Quinn. NOPE, not so much.
The Cold Duke aka Maitland is more than cold and more than shut down. For very good reasons, he has numbed himself from the opposite sex. He will only allow himself to have relations with a courtesan, no mistresses but a different woman each time, as he does not want to stoop to the depravity of his father. He's looking for a wife he can have an aloof relationship for his own protection as well as hers. His father ended up contracting syphillis and going mad, but not before trying to afflict as many others before he died, and Maitland's greatest fear is turning into a sexual beast like his father. Not really a spoiler. Evil papa passed on the syphilis to his second wife, Maitland's step-mother which is an integral side plot. This is explored more at length later.
That, my fellow readers, is the tip of the iceberg. Maitland initially offered for the h, Marissa, but was turned down by her brother, his best friend, as he wants a love match for his sister.
Love match is not going to happen, as Maitland overhears Marissa's beloved having a tryst with another and discussing how he plans to marry the h for her dowry. Some how, some way, Maitland and Marissa end up drugged and in bed and the inevitable MOC happens. Here is where it goes off the rails. Apparently, Maitland and his band of friends are being stalked by someone trying to avenge the evil their fathers' did.
Per Maitland's attempt to sexually repress himself, he backs off from Marissa on the wedding night. That's not part of her plan. They are married and...well... they are married. Consummation occurs and, oh my, for someone sexually repressed or one who hopes to be sexually repressed, let's just say the Duke knows what he is doing. Once again, let me get my fan out. Law's a mercy!
Sadly, he puts a kibosh on future action much to his bride's chagrin and ours, okay mine. He loses the fight more than occasionally, but the h is confused and hurt that her husband doesn't want her. A hysterical conversation with her brother who wants NOTHING to do with the info doesn't really help her.
The two main characters struggle with what marriage means for them: for him a match for procreation and someone to help him soothe the beast within; for the h it means love and intimacy.
Along the way, more details of the evil woman who is haunting the Disgraced Lords pops up, and the story takes a dark turn. From here the story takes a step into the ugliness that society has to offer: prostitution, STD's, infidelity, pedophilia, lunacy, and murder. I am not going to do a spoiler alert because at this point you are either titillated to read or not. There is no gratuitous violence or sex, but there is quite enough between the lines that could make some readers uncomfortable.
I was a little shocked in the latter part of the story as there are a couple of events that shocked me. When you read as much as a Goodread reader does, it's nice to be shocked even though it may be ugly at times. So NO SPOILERS!!!! I am sure there are some readers who saw things coming, but not me!
I probably should have read the other books first as I missed a lot of back story. One character I really liked was Helen, Marissa's sister, who has a yen for someone. Despite some googling, I don't think she gets her HEA. Sad face. It's odd how sometimes we can fix on a minor character that gets no redress.
I recommend this with a couple of caveats. This is not a cute, sweet little Regency novel. There are dark layers and people behaving despicably. The H and h are not of that ilk I am happy to report. If I review a BDSM novel, I'm not going to go on and on about bondage as that is is an integral part of the story. In a Regency like this, I like to forwarn to the more delicate reader.
Another book I just don't quite know how to review. For starters, the synopsis was a little misleading to me. The premise of an honorable man taking on the challenge of marrying a woman who has been compromised through no fault of either character is appealing. The added appeal is it was clear that while he is the rather shut down "Cold Duke", her winsome personality changes him. Hints of Julia Quinn. NOPE, not so much.
The Cold Duke aka Maitland is more than cold and more than shut down. For very good reasons, he has numbed himself from the opposite sex. He will only allow himself to have relations with a courtesan, no mistresses but a different woman each time, as he does not want to stoop to the depravity of his father. He's looking for a wife he can have an aloof relationship for his own protection as well as hers. His father ended up contracting syphillis and going mad, but not before trying to afflict as many others before he died, and Maitland's greatest fear is turning into a sexual beast like his father. Not really a spoiler. Evil papa passed on the syphilis to his second wife, Maitland's step-mother which is an integral side plot. This is explored more at length later.
That, my fellow readers, is the tip of the iceberg. Maitland initially offered for the h, Marissa, but was turned down by her brother, his best friend, as he wants a love match for his sister.
Love match is not going to happen, as Maitland overhears Marissa's beloved having a tryst with another and discussing how he plans to marry the h for her dowry. Some how, some way, Maitland and Marissa end up drugged and in bed and the inevitable MOC happens. Here is where it goes off the rails. Apparently, Maitland and his band of friends are being stalked by someone trying to avenge the evil their fathers' did.
Per Maitland's attempt to sexually repress himself, he backs off from Marissa on the wedding night. That's not part of her plan. They are married and...well... they are married. Consummation occurs and, oh my, for someone sexually repressed or one who hopes to be sexually repressed, let's just say the Duke knows what he is doing. Once again, let me get my fan out. Law's a mercy!
Sadly, he puts a kibosh on future action much to his bride's chagrin and ours, okay mine. He loses the fight more than occasionally, but the h is confused and hurt that her husband doesn't want her. A hysterical conversation with her brother who wants NOTHING to do with the info doesn't really help her.
The two main characters struggle with what marriage means for them: for him a match for procreation and someone to help him soothe the beast within; for the h it means love and intimacy.
Along the way, more details of the evil woman who is haunting the Disgraced Lords pops up, and the story takes a dark turn. From here the story takes a step into the ugliness that society has to offer: prostitution, STD's, infidelity, pedophilia, lunacy, and murder. I am not going to do a spoiler alert because at this point you are either titillated to read or not. There is no gratuitous violence or sex, but there is quite enough between the lines that could make some readers uncomfortable.
I was a little shocked in the latter part of the story as there are a couple of events that shocked me. When you read as much as a Goodread reader does, it's nice to be shocked even though it may be ugly at times. So NO SPOILERS!!!! I am sure there are some readers who saw things coming, but not me!
I probably should have read the other books first as I missed a lot of back story. One character I really liked was Helen, Marissa's sister, who has a yen for someone. Despite some googling, I don't think she gets her HEA. Sad face. It's odd how sometimes we can fix on a minor character that gets no redress.
I recommend this with a couple of caveats. This is not a cute, sweet little Regency novel. There are dark layers and people behaving despicably. The H and h are not of that ilk I am happy to report. If I review a BDSM novel, I'm not going to go on and on about bondage as that is is an integral part of the story. In a Regency like this, I like to forwarn to the more delicate reader.
September 17, 2016
I've given this a C- at AAR, so that's 2.5 stars.
A Whisper of Desire is the fourth book in Bronwen Evans’ Disgraced Lords series, and I have to start out by saying that it doesn’t quite work as a standalone because I quickly found myself somewhat adrift, not having read the previous three titles in the series. It’s true that the author is careful to include information necessary for the new reader to get a feel for what went before, but this is unsubtly done in the form of sporadic info-dumps and isn’t at all conducive to the overall reading experience.
The overarching plot that runs through the series is that there is someone out to get the six “Libertine Scholars”, a group of men who met at school and are as famous for their intellectual brilliance as for their abilities between the sheets. Each book features one of their number, and in this, our hero is Maitland Spenser, the Duke of Lyttleton, a man so ruthlessly self-controlled that he has earned the nickname the “Cold Duke”. He has cultivated his iron control because he is terrified of ending up like his father, whose obsession with sex led him to some dark places and which saw him riddled with the syphilis which eventually killed him.
At the age of thirty, Maitland has decided it is time for him to do his duty to his title and beget an heir. He wants a demure, biddable wife who is unlikely to tempt him to feats of unbridled passion, and offers for Lady Marisa Hawkstone, the sister of one of his fellow scholars – and is surprised and not a little put out when her brother turns him down. Sebastian Hawkstone has recently married for love and, knowing his sister holds out hope of the same, doesn’t think that Maitland will make her happy.
However, matters are taken out of both their hands when Maitland and Marisa wake up naked in bed together, with no idea of where they are or how they got there. The Scholars detect the hand of the villainess who is intent on destroying them, but while they try to work out the nature of her current scheme, the gossip is spreading and there is no alternative but for Marissa and Maitland to get married, and quickly.
That, in a nutshell, is the plot. Some madwoman is out to get our hero for some still unknown reason, and the protagonists are forced into marriage. I’m a fan of that particular trope, (the forced marriage one, not the murderous madwoman one!) but it doesn’t work at all well here because there is no real relationship developing between the pair. Maitland’s worry about turning into a sexual beast and his self-imposed restraint make Marisa worry that he doesn’t desire her or is in love with someone else – which is certainly something that makes for a shaky start to their marriage. But all their concerns are about their sex life, and there is no sense of an emotional connection between them.
In fact, pretty much the entire book is about sex. Either the principals are thinking about it, kissing and touching each other and thinking about it, talking about it or actually doing it. Marisa is very, very enlightened when it comes to sex – far too much for a young woman of the 19th Century. Not only is she curious about it, she initiates it and is very laissez-faire about the sexual preferences of others. She speaks openly to her brother (a notorious rake before his marriage) and to a woman she barely knows about her sex life, and I just couldn’t buy it.
I also couldn’t buy the part of the story where, as part of the search for the evil villainess – and yes, she is referred to as a “villainess” throughout (when she’s not referred to as a “bitch”) – Maitland and Marissa have to go undercover to a notorious gaming/sex club run by a man they believe could lead them to their quarry. It happens to be a club for men who like men, and for Maitland to be suitably convincing he will have to take someone upstairs with him at the end of the night. No problem though – because Marisa can just dress up as a man and go with him and nobody will be any the wiser. I didn’t see the point of this at all – unless it was supposed to provide a bit of extra titillation. (Which it didn’t.)
The search for the villainess doesn’t advance at all within this story, and the plotline is naturally left unresolved to be picked up in the next book. I am all for concentrating on the romance in a romantic novel, but if you’re going to have a mystery sub-plot running through several books, then it needs to move on within each story; and if it is dealt with in the previous books in the same way it is here (that is – not at all!) then I can’t help asking myself what was the point of including it in the first place?
I feel I also have to add a warning about the ending, because while Marisa and Maitland do get their HEA, they are not allowed to walk off into the sunset without a care in the world. A terrible tragedy serves to bring them closer, but nonetheless puts a damper on the ending.
As is obvious, I can’t recommend A Whisper of Desire. It’s too modern in tone for an historical romance and is so light on historical detail that I have no idea when the book is set. The characterisation is thin, the hero’s issues miraculously disappear, and there is a ridiculously melodramatic incident near the end that had me laughing and rolling my eyes, which I’m sure was not the desired reaction.
Ms Evans is good at turning up the heat between her central couple and fortunately, given the number of sex scenes in the book, she writes them well. I’m just not sure what she wants this book to be. The mystery plot is almost non-existent; there are more sex scenes than are normally found in an historical romance, but not enough, er… ‘variety’ for it to be taken as an erotic romance. I’m sure it’s possible to combine these elements successfully – but unfortunately, that isn’t the case here.
A Whisper of Desire is the fourth book in Bronwen Evans’ Disgraced Lords series, and I have to start out by saying that it doesn’t quite work as a standalone because I quickly found myself somewhat adrift, not having read the previous three titles in the series. It’s true that the author is careful to include information necessary for the new reader to get a feel for what went before, but this is unsubtly done in the form of sporadic info-dumps and isn’t at all conducive to the overall reading experience.
The overarching plot that runs through the series is that there is someone out to get the six “Libertine Scholars”, a group of men who met at school and are as famous for their intellectual brilliance as for their abilities between the sheets. Each book features one of their number, and in this, our hero is Maitland Spenser, the Duke of Lyttleton, a man so ruthlessly self-controlled that he has earned the nickname the “Cold Duke”. He has cultivated his iron control because he is terrified of ending up like his father, whose obsession with sex led him to some dark places and which saw him riddled with the syphilis which eventually killed him.
At the age of thirty, Maitland has decided it is time for him to do his duty to his title and beget an heir. He wants a demure, biddable wife who is unlikely to tempt him to feats of unbridled passion, and offers for Lady Marisa Hawkstone, the sister of one of his fellow scholars – and is surprised and not a little put out when her brother turns him down. Sebastian Hawkstone has recently married for love and, knowing his sister holds out hope of the same, doesn’t think that Maitland will make her happy.
However, matters are taken out of both their hands when Maitland and Marisa wake up naked in bed together, with no idea of where they are or how they got there. The Scholars detect the hand of the villainess who is intent on destroying them, but while they try to work out the nature of her current scheme, the gossip is spreading and there is no alternative but for Marissa and Maitland to get married, and quickly.
That, in a nutshell, is the plot. Some madwoman is out to get our hero for some still unknown reason, and the protagonists are forced into marriage. I’m a fan of that particular trope, (the forced marriage one, not the murderous madwoman one!) but it doesn’t work at all well here because there is no real relationship developing between the pair. Maitland’s worry about turning into a sexual beast and his self-imposed restraint make Marisa worry that he doesn’t desire her or is in love with someone else – which is certainly something that makes for a shaky start to their marriage. But all their concerns are about their sex life, and there is no sense of an emotional connection between them.
In fact, pretty much the entire book is about sex. Either the principals are thinking about it, kissing and touching each other and thinking about it, talking about it or actually doing it. Marisa is very, very enlightened when it comes to sex – far too much for a young woman of the 19th Century. Not only is she curious about it, she initiates it and is very laissez-faire about the sexual preferences of others. She speaks openly to her brother (a notorious rake before his marriage) and to a woman she barely knows about her sex life, and I just couldn’t buy it.
I also couldn’t buy the part of the story where, as part of the search for the evil villainess – and yes, she is referred to as a “villainess” throughout (when she’s not referred to as a “bitch”) – Maitland and Marissa have to go undercover to a notorious gaming/sex club run by a man they believe could lead them to their quarry. It happens to be a club for men who like men, and for Maitland to be suitably convincing he will have to take someone upstairs with him at the end of the night. No problem though – because Marisa can just dress up as a man and go with him and nobody will be any the wiser. I didn’t see the point of this at all – unless it was supposed to provide a bit of extra titillation. (Which it didn’t.)
The search for the villainess doesn’t advance at all within this story, and the plotline is naturally left unresolved to be picked up in the next book. I am all for concentrating on the romance in a romantic novel, but if you’re going to have a mystery sub-plot running through several books, then it needs to move on within each story; and if it is dealt with in the previous books in the same way it is here (that is – not at all!) then I can’t help asking myself what was the point of including it in the first place?
I feel I also have to add a warning about the ending, because while Marisa and Maitland do get their HEA, they are not allowed to walk off into the sunset without a care in the world. A terrible tragedy serves to bring them closer, but nonetheless puts a damper on the ending.
As is obvious, I can’t recommend A Whisper of Desire. It’s too modern in tone for an historical romance and is so light on historical detail that I have no idea when the book is set. The characterisation is thin, the hero’s issues miraculously disappear, and there is a ridiculously melodramatic incident near the end that had me laughing and rolling my eyes, which I’m sure was not the desired reaction.
Ms Evans is good at turning up the heat between her central couple and fortunately, given the number of sex scenes in the book, she writes them well. I’m just not sure what she wants this book to be. The mystery plot is almost non-existent; there are more sex scenes than are normally found in an historical romance, but not enough, er… ‘variety’ for it to be taken as an erotic romance. I’m sure it’s possible to combine these elements successfully – but unfortunately, that isn’t the case here.
October 7, 2015
I L O V E D this romance!
It reminded me of Let Sleeping Rogues Lie, and I do adore that romance, the characteristics the novels share are so little adopted in historical romances and, at the same time, so very much needed! I don't understand why heroes like Bronwen Evans' Maitland and Sabrina Jeffries' Anthony are not more common in this genre.
But as always, a great romance can't be considered so just because of a hero or a heroine, the perfection is given by the combination of the protagonists, and here, an amazing hero is matched with an excellent heroine, Lady Marisa Hawkestone.
Maitland, the Duke of Lyttleton, is not a rake, at first glance he's restrained, moderate and with an impeccable aplomb. But behind this very ducally attitude he can be also extremely, and I put the emphasis on EXTREMELY, passionate. However, he feels the need to restrain this fire because of a fear which is following him since he was a young boy.
He is deeply tormented and his darkness comes from a terrible relationship and figure from his past, a father who should have been an example but who had been not only negative, but also perversely destructive.
However, despite the anguish, Maitland can be also very sweet, protective and cheerful, and he gives his best with Marisa. I loved their interactions, they are very engaging, emotional and even funny. They have this perfect connection, also when there are incomprehension between them.
Marisa's boldness is so very entertaining, she's sympathetic, as passionate as Maitland but with a combination of curiosity and naivety which is particularly adorable and, in some instance, very funny indeed.
This romance, however, has also very sad and moving moments, and it's in those parts that the author confirms the great ability to picture the depth of Maitland and Marisa's love. In the tragedy their relationship shows its strength and this is intensely touching.
**I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book on courtesy of NetGalley and Loveswept in exchange for an honest review, thank you for the opportunity**
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October 8, 2015
Whenever I pick up a title by author, Bronwen Evans, I know I am in for an emotional roller coaster and a cutting edge story. This fourth book in the Disgraced Lords series is a nail biter I just couldn't put down.
So certain that she is going to marry the gentleman who has been courting her for weeks, Lady Marissa Hawkstone has blinders on when it comes to the man's true character. When her brother's best friend, Maitland Spencer, the Duke of Lyttleton, who is also known by the ton as the Cold Duke, tells Marissa of her gentleman's duplicity she is angered and dismayed by what she finds out. She is also confused by Maitland's attempt at flirtation which he appears quite serious in pursuing. Marissa believed Maitland never even noticed her behind his cool and calm exterior.
Maitland decided months ago that he needed a wife, he even went to far as to suggest to to his best friend, Sebastian that his sister, Marissa would be a good choice for his wife. When that idea is shot down by Sebastian, Maitland still has that little voice in his head that feels Marissa should be his wife. Maitland's upbringing was not ideal and he constantly lives in the shadow of his father's reputation for his proclivities and debauchery. Trying to be a better man, Maitland curbs his passions by keeping to a strict schedule with rule to keep him in check, but Marissa seems to bring out his passions and if he allows himself to feel, the flood gates may open and that is what Maitland doesn't want.
In addition to Maitland's personal worries, there is still the matter of a madwoman on the loose attempting to destroy all that Maitland and his friends, the Libertine Scholars, hold dear. Finding this evil woman is paramount, but leads are few and far between, with this danger knowing their every move. When Marissa awakens from a drug induced stupor, naked and in bed with Maitland, they quickly deduce that they have been manipulated into this ruinous occasion and the only way out in binding themselves in matrimony.
The expectations from this marriage between Maitland and Marissa cause issues that could lead to despair for while their passion and desire for one another quickly ignites, Maitland's holding back from his new wife will cause heartbreak unless they both come to terms with the past and look forward into the future.
The wait for A WHISPER OF DESIRE by Bronwen Evans was so worthwhile as this story is teeming with intrigue and passion, danger and need. Ms. Evans is expert in taking the readers through the spectrum of emotions with her carefully spun web. It is always a delight to see the charcters' journeys and through this author's insightful eyes with each and every tale. A WHISPER OF DESIRE is a book that should not be missed!
~KIMBERLY~
So certain that she is going to marry the gentleman who has been courting her for weeks, Lady Marissa Hawkstone has blinders on when it comes to the man's true character. When her brother's best friend, Maitland Spencer, the Duke of Lyttleton, who is also known by the ton as the Cold Duke, tells Marissa of her gentleman's duplicity she is angered and dismayed by what she finds out. She is also confused by Maitland's attempt at flirtation which he appears quite serious in pursuing. Marissa believed Maitland never even noticed her behind his cool and calm exterior.
Maitland decided months ago that he needed a wife, he even went to far as to suggest to to his best friend, Sebastian that his sister, Marissa would be a good choice for his wife. When that idea is shot down by Sebastian, Maitland still has that little voice in his head that feels Marissa should be his wife. Maitland's upbringing was not ideal and he constantly lives in the shadow of his father's reputation for his proclivities and debauchery. Trying to be a better man, Maitland curbs his passions by keeping to a strict schedule with rule to keep him in check, but Marissa seems to bring out his passions and if he allows himself to feel, the flood gates may open and that is what Maitland doesn't want.
In addition to Maitland's personal worries, there is still the matter of a madwoman on the loose attempting to destroy all that Maitland and his friends, the Libertine Scholars, hold dear. Finding this evil woman is paramount, but leads are few and far between, with this danger knowing their every move. When Marissa awakens from a drug induced stupor, naked and in bed with Maitland, they quickly deduce that they have been manipulated into this ruinous occasion and the only way out in binding themselves in matrimony.
The expectations from this marriage between Maitland and Marissa cause issues that could lead to despair for while their passion and desire for one another quickly ignites, Maitland's holding back from his new wife will cause heartbreak unless they both come to terms with the past and look forward into the future.
The wait for A WHISPER OF DESIRE by Bronwen Evans was so worthwhile as this story is teeming with intrigue and passion, danger and need. Ms. Evans is expert in taking the readers through the spectrum of emotions with her carefully spun web. It is always a delight to see the charcters' journeys and through this author's insightful eyes with each and every tale. A WHISPER OF DESIRE is a book that should not be missed!
~KIMBERLY~
September 1, 2016
Review updated
This was the book that laid down the framework for the absolute destruction of the rest books in this series imo. I read my review and wonder what i was thinking when i wrote all that because i certainly cannot see what had me spellbound. I decided to revisit this particular book and consigned myself to abject misery. 2 stars is me being generous. I don't know what i was smoking but it had to have been really strong based on my glowing review below.
4.5 STARS due to my emotional anguish
Just reading the first page and i was already enraptured, i had almost forgotten what happened in the other books so the introduction of the previous characters and the main story line was very much appreciated. Bronwen Evans really knows her stuff, she weaves stories that take you on an emotional roller coaster.
As i started this book i was really rooting for Marisa ( you go girl), she knew what she wanted and took it, no simpering miss from her. Maitland was awesome, i loved him. They were just perfect for each other and i really wanted their happily ever after but...Bronwen Evans wanted to up the 'wtf' factor
They deserved their HEA and this wasnt it. I couldnt stop crying, what did they do to you Bronwen, what did they do, what did i do
She left me completely without hope, i still hope for a miracle in the next book, pleaseeee, the doctor could have been a quack, she was born with two functioning uterus, i want them happy
This was the book that laid down the framework for the absolute destruction of the rest books in this series imo. I read my review and wonder what i was thinking when i wrote all that because i certainly cannot see what had me spellbound. I decided to revisit this particular book and consigned myself to abject misery. 2 stars is me being generous. I don't know what i was smoking but it had to have been really strong based on my glowing review below.
4.5 STARS due to my emotional anguish
Just reading the first page and i was already enraptured, i had almost forgotten what happened in the other books so the introduction of the previous characters and the main story line was very much appreciated. Bronwen Evans really knows her stuff, she weaves stories that take you on an emotional roller coaster.
As i started this book i was really rooting for Marisa ( you go girl), she knew what she wanted and took it, no simpering miss from her. Maitland was awesome, i loved him. They were just perfect for each other and i really wanted their happily ever after but...Bronwen Evans wanted to up the 'wtf' factor
They deserved their HEA and this wasnt it. I couldnt stop crying, what did they do to you Bronwen, what did they do, what did i do
She left me completely without hope, i still hope for a miracle in the next book, pleaseeee, the doctor could have been a quack, she was born with two functioning uterus, i want them happy
October 8, 2015
I truly loved this book, it made me crazy at times as I want to shake both leads until their teeth rattle...lol.
This was a marriage of necessity between Marisa and Maitland, due to a villainess. Marisa was at a ball expecting a proposal from a man she thought she "loved" as her brothers good friend discovered that her intended was marrying her for her dowry and to release his money from his father....while keeping a mistress. Maitland shows her on this night a different side of him, as he is known as the Cold Duke.... somehow they are drugged and awaken to discover themselves together in bed, naked. Therefore there is no choice in that they must wed when they are seen....
Maitland is a wonderful hero, trying to do the right thing and control his baser desires as he fears turning into a lecherous monster like his father (who is a monster).
I felt bad hating the OW... Priscila the stepmother of Maitland, mother of his half sister and his former lover. She is still in love with Maitland, and I do feel sorry for her, due to circumstances in the book...(but since I love angst it kept my stomach in a knot as I waited for her to turn into a shrew or friend to Marisa...lol) and I won't say which.
I was heartbroken at the end, for a loss that occurred, but the villainess is alive and well and now I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series and so will you!
THANK YOU BRONWEN EVANS & NETGALLEY for the wonderful read!!!!!
This was a marriage of necessity between Marisa and Maitland, due to a villainess. Marisa was at a ball expecting a proposal from a man she thought she "loved" as her brothers good friend discovered that her intended was marrying her for her dowry and to release his money from his father....while keeping a mistress. Maitland shows her on this night a different side of him, as he is known as the Cold Duke.... somehow they are drugged and awaken to discover themselves together in bed, naked. Therefore there is no choice in that they must wed when they are seen....
Maitland is a wonderful hero, trying to do the right thing and control his baser desires as he fears turning into a lecherous monster like his father (who is a monster).
I felt bad hating the OW... Priscila the stepmother of Maitland, mother of his half sister and his former lover. She is still in love with Maitland, and I do feel sorry for her, due to circumstances in the book...(but since I love angst it kept my stomach in a knot as I waited for her to turn into a shrew or friend to Marisa...lol) and I won't say which.
I was heartbroken at the end, for a loss that occurred, but the villainess is alive and well and now I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series and so will you!
THANK YOU BRONWEN EVANS & NETGALLEY for the wonderful read!!!!!
November 23, 2015
I have read all the books in this series and have enjoyed each one but this books was so good and by far the best in the series. It had everything I look for in a good romantic suspense. A romance that evolved through out the book, great chemistry and strong characters. A tortured hero and a heroine bent on breaking down the walls he's built around is very soul. A nail biting suspense that had me on the edge of my seat. I could hardly put it down.
Maitland Spencer, the fifth Duke of Lyttleton is one of the infamous six lords known as the Libertine Scholars. They meet in school and formed a lasting friendship, all of them having one thing in common. A monster for a father. Each out to prove that they are not like their sires. Drugged and caught in a compromising situation with Marisa one of the Libertines Scholars Sebastian, Lord Coldhurst's sisters, they are left with one solution, marriage. Maitland's not entirely against the match Marisa is a beautiful woman and he's in need of an heir...now all he has to do is stay to his ridged schedule and keep his hands off his wife except for his scheduled days of release. That is until he gets a taste of Marisa and she starts to get under his skin he vows to protect her in every way a that excludes himself and the evil that is out to end the Libertine Scholars and all that they love.
This is book four in the series and should be read in order to fully enjoy them. I can not wait for the next book "A Taste of Seduction".
Maitland Spencer, the fifth Duke of Lyttleton is one of the infamous six lords known as the Libertine Scholars. They meet in school and formed a lasting friendship, all of them having one thing in common. A monster for a father. Each out to prove that they are not like their sires. Drugged and caught in a compromising situation with Marisa one of the Libertines Scholars Sebastian, Lord Coldhurst's sisters, they are left with one solution, marriage. Maitland's not entirely against the match Marisa is a beautiful woman and he's in need of an heir...now all he has to do is stay to his ridged schedule and keep his hands off his wife except for his scheduled days of release. That is until he gets a taste of Marisa and she starts to get under his skin he vows to protect her in every way a that excludes himself and the evil that is out to end the Libertine Scholars and all that they love.
This is book four in the series and should be read in order to fully enjoy them. I can not wait for the next book "A Taste of Seduction".
October 8, 2015
A Whisper of Desire: Disgraced Lord Series book 4 by Bronwen Evans. ****
Lady Marisa Hawkestone and Maitland Spencer, the Duke of Lyttleton paths cross in a most unusual way. They are both found naked in bed. This creates quite a scandal and this compromising position forces their marriage. Marisa has known Maitland since she was a child he is her brothers closest friend.
He is a very rigid individual known as the Duke of Cold. Marisa accepts the marriage whole heartedly but Maitland has a few skeletons in his closet. The man is a perfect example of OCD in his daily life. Carrying this compulsion to his sex life. He believes he is a sexaholic inherit from his father.
All this revolves around the true plot of the series a revenge by a villainous for the evil deeds of the Libertine Scholars dead fathers.
I have read all four of this series and I must say I did very must enjoy this book. I was brought to tears at times. However, I have to add this plot of a villainous has been strung out too long. Let's end it already.
Lady Marisa Hawkestone and Maitland Spencer, the Duke of Lyttleton paths cross in a most unusual way. They are both found naked in bed. This creates quite a scandal and this compromising position forces their marriage. Marisa has known Maitland since she was a child he is her brothers closest friend.
He is a very rigid individual known as the Duke of Cold. Marisa accepts the marriage whole heartedly but Maitland has a few skeletons in his closet. The man is a perfect example of OCD in his daily life. Carrying this compulsion to his sex life. He believes he is a sexaholic inherit from his father.
All this revolves around the true plot of the series a revenge by a villainous for the evil deeds of the Libertine Scholars dead fathers.
I have read all four of this series and I must say I did very must enjoy this book. I was brought to tears at times. However, I have to add this plot of a villainous has been strung out too long. Let's end it already.
November 22, 2015
I received this book through netgalley.
This is the first book I have read by this author. This is also the 4th book in a series. And with not having read any of the previous books, I still loved it!
I'm not sure I can get my thoughts down to properly review this book. If you are a fan of historical romance this is a must read. It does have a dark side to it that I haven't ran across in historical romance before. But I absolutely loved it. I will be reading other books by this author.
This is the first book I have read by this author. This is also the 4th book in a series. And with not having read any of the previous books, I still loved it!
I'm not sure I can get my thoughts down to properly review this book. If you are a fan of historical romance this is a must read. It does have a dark side to it that I haven't ran across in historical romance before. But I absolutely loved it. I will be reading other books by this author.
January 2, 2016
worst book of the series! waste of my money!!!
December 10, 2015
I have enjoyed this series from the beginning. The continuous story arc about the mysterious women set to destroy the Libertine Scholars is intriguing and has me wanting to know more about these men and the women who captivate them. As with many series, there is a connection between the books and many characters come and go, but this can easily be read as a standalone, the author updates new and old readers seamlessly.
Maitland Spencer is the Duke of Lyttleton, also known as The Cold Duke. He has always struggled with social niceties; he had a hard life growing up with an uncaring father who later turned out to be a madman. His saving grace was being sent to school where he met five other young men and together they were called the Libertine Scholars; they became great friends and were known for their brilliance and their way with the ladies.
Marisa is Sebastian’s sister (one of the Libertine Scholars), she believes she will be engaged soon to Lord Rutherford and is enjoying the latest ball. However, the next morning she does not remember the end of the night and is surprised to wake up naked in a strange room, wrapped around a warm man, a man who just so happens to be Maitland. He also is confused by their circumstances but believes they have been compromised by an insane woman known as De Palma (Fleur de Lily) who is intent on destroying the six men; she has been hounding them for several years, slowly chipping away at each one until she accomplishes what she wants. She is making them pay for their father’s sins of which they knew nothing about, but are slowly gaining clues.
Well done Ms. Evans, again I am fascinated with the Libertine Scholars and what will happen in the end, but along the way the stories are well written and continue to keep me interested with romance, exciting plots and engaging character development, not to mention the amazing sex scenes.
Marisa was slow to grow on me, she was just the sister of Sebastian, nothing that stood out about her, but I liked her more as she came into her own voice. She was determined to make Maitland feel, and was the one who pushed the sexual part of their marriage and worked her way into his heart. I like Maitland, he had to overcome some huge hurtles by the time the end of the book came around, his upbringing really did a number on him and if it was not for his friends he would have been lost. The two together are explosive and their scenes sizzle, they definitely have chemistry.
There is a lot uncovered in this book, it is a bit darker than the others and we are getting closer to finding out what happened all those years ago that sent this woman into her deranged revenge. The pace is fast; I had no trouble racing through the book as I wanted to find out more information. There are some twists and turns along with much sadness toward the end but I like how Maitland and Marissa came through it. I am very invested in this series and look forward to the next two books to see how this all concludes, but even if you have not read the others, this is definitely an enjoyable read if you like danger, the darker side of London and an incredible romance.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from the publisher for an honest review
Maitland Spencer is the Duke of Lyttleton, also known as The Cold Duke. He has always struggled with social niceties; he had a hard life growing up with an uncaring father who later turned out to be a madman. His saving grace was being sent to school where he met five other young men and together they were called the Libertine Scholars; they became great friends and were known for their brilliance and their way with the ladies.
Marisa is Sebastian’s sister (one of the Libertine Scholars), she believes she will be engaged soon to Lord Rutherford and is enjoying the latest ball. However, the next morning she does not remember the end of the night and is surprised to wake up naked in a strange room, wrapped around a warm man, a man who just so happens to be Maitland. He also is confused by their circumstances but believes they have been compromised by an insane woman known as De Palma (Fleur de Lily) who is intent on destroying the six men; she has been hounding them for several years, slowly chipping away at each one until she accomplishes what she wants. She is making them pay for their father’s sins of which they knew nothing about, but are slowly gaining clues.
Well done Ms. Evans, again I am fascinated with the Libertine Scholars and what will happen in the end, but along the way the stories are well written and continue to keep me interested with romance, exciting plots and engaging character development, not to mention the amazing sex scenes.
Marisa was slow to grow on me, she was just the sister of Sebastian, nothing that stood out about her, but I liked her more as she came into her own voice. She was determined to make Maitland feel, and was the one who pushed the sexual part of their marriage and worked her way into his heart. I like Maitland, he had to overcome some huge hurtles by the time the end of the book came around, his upbringing really did a number on him and if it was not for his friends he would have been lost. The two together are explosive and their scenes sizzle, they definitely have chemistry.
There is a lot uncovered in this book, it is a bit darker than the others and we are getting closer to finding out what happened all those years ago that sent this woman into her deranged revenge. The pace is fast; I had no trouble racing through the book as I wanted to find out more information. There are some twists and turns along with much sadness toward the end but I like how Maitland and Marissa came through it. I am very invested in this series and look forward to the next two books to see how this all concludes, but even if you have not read the others, this is definitely an enjoyable read if you like danger, the darker side of London and an incredible romance.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from the publisher for an honest review
October 23, 2015
I have enjoyed Bronwen Evans' writing in the past. For me, this was not her best book.
Marisa is madly in love with one man who turns out to be a fortune hunter. Maitland is enamored of her. And he lets her know it with a very sensual kiss.
The two of them are drugged and trapped together, both are naked and in a locked room. That leads to them being forced to marry. He is her brother's best friend, and it is a joining of two important families and two families affected by the mysterious woman who is bent on revenge against the Disgraced Lords.
Each of them have strong physical attraction for one another and many precisely descriptive episodes of sex ensue. For me, this is a place I was disappointed, it seemed there was a great deal of lust and not much romance.
Eventually the Disgraced Lords develop a plan to get information which may lead them to their enemy. Each of them are concerned about protecting themselves and their families from attack.
At that point, the story takes a very dark turn into child prostitution. I realize that was part of life in that time period, but I am not sure for me such precise information was what I expected.
Because of unforseen circumstances, a happily ever after for Marisa and Maitland disappears from possibility.
The complete character development is just what one expects from Ms Evans. For me, Marisa and Maitland were not at the top of my list for favorite characters. He was a sympathetic hero for me. He had a childhood of emotional abuse and found it difficult to commit to anyone. Marisa was a spoiled woman who wanted what she wanted when she wanted it. She was not extremely appealing to me.
The plot is not what one usually finds in a Regency romance novel. For me, it was much darker than what I had expected.
As always, Ms Evans has taken us into the Regency period and provided an interesting story populated by interesting people. Just as in real life, not everyone I meet is someone I want as a friend, but everyone we meet is interesting.
I received this book from the publisher through Net Galley in the hope I would write a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Marisa is madly in love with one man who turns out to be a fortune hunter. Maitland is enamored of her. And he lets her know it with a very sensual kiss.
The two of them are drugged and trapped together, both are naked and in a locked room. That leads to them being forced to marry. He is her brother's best friend, and it is a joining of two important families and two families affected by the mysterious woman who is bent on revenge against the Disgraced Lords.
Each of them have strong physical attraction for one another and many precisely descriptive episodes of sex ensue. For me, this is a place I was disappointed, it seemed there was a great deal of lust and not much romance.
Eventually the Disgraced Lords develop a plan to get information which may lead them to their enemy. Each of them are concerned about protecting themselves and their families from attack.
At that point, the story takes a very dark turn into child prostitution. I realize that was part of life in that time period, but I am not sure for me such precise information was what I expected.
Because of unforseen circumstances, a happily ever after for Marisa and Maitland disappears from possibility.
The complete character development is just what one expects from Ms Evans. For me, Marisa and Maitland were not at the top of my list for favorite characters. He was a sympathetic hero for me. He had a childhood of emotional abuse and found it difficult to commit to anyone. Marisa was a spoiled woman who wanted what she wanted when she wanted it. She was not extremely appealing to me.
The plot is not what one usually finds in a Regency romance novel. For me, it was much darker than what I had expected.
As always, Ms Evans has taken us into the Regency period and provided an interesting story populated by interesting people. Just as in real life, not everyone I meet is someone I want as a friend, but everyone we meet is interesting.
I received this book from the publisher through Net Galley in the hope I would write a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 10, 2015
Title: A Whisper of Desire
Series: The Disgraced Lords #4
Author: Bronwen Evans
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 300
Heat Level: 3 out of 4 flames
Overall Star Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Naughty Book Snitch Kay
I loved the first two books in this series, the third one fell flat for me but this one was really good. Lots and lots of suspense. I am liking that less and less in this genre but it totally worked for me here.
As one of the infamous Libertine Scholars, the Duke of Lyttleton is no stranger to scandal. When he's found in bed with his best friend's little sister, he's honor bound to ask for her hand. He's not upset by it since he talked to her brother about marrying her months before. He needs a wife, an heir and he likes what he knows about Marisa. He is upset that she got drug into the scheme of a madwoman hell bent on revenge against the Libertine Scholars.
Marisa is shocked when she finds herself in bed with the Cold Duke. She was ready to accept an offer from another titled man but then she found out he was a liar. Now she finds herself married to her brother's best friend and in the middle of a really dangerous situation. The madwoman is closing in and won't let anyone stand in her way. To make matters worse, Marisa falls in love with her husband but he refuses to accept her love or acknowledge his for her.
I really liked this one. It was exciting, passionate and heartbreaking. Bronwen Evans is pulling out all the stops in this series and I'm thrilled to be along for the ride.
Book given in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
Series: The Disgraced Lords #4
Author: Bronwen Evans
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 300
Heat Level: 3 out of 4 flames
Overall Star Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Naughty Book Snitch Kay
I loved the first two books in this series, the third one fell flat for me but this one was really good. Lots and lots of suspense. I am liking that less and less in this genre but it totally worked for me here.
As one of the infamous Libertine Scholars, the Duke of Lyttleton is no stranger to scandal. When he's found in bed with his best friend's little sister, he's honor bound to ask for her hand. He's not upset by it since he talked to her brother about marrying her months before. He needs a wife, an heir and he likes what he knows about Marisa. He is upset that she got drug into the scheme of a madwoman hell bent on revenge against the Libertine Scholars.
Marisa is shocked when she finds herself in bed with the Cold Duke. She was ready to accept an offer from another titled man but then she found out he was a liar. Now she finds herself married to her brother's best friend and in the middle of a really dangerous situation. The madwoman is closing in and won't let anyone stand in her way. To make matters worse, Marisa falls in love with her husband but he refuses to accept her love or acknowledge his for her.
I really liked this one. It was exciting, passionate and heartbreaking. Bronwen Evans is pulling out all the stops in this series and I'm thrilled to be along for the ride.
Book given in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
October 22, 2015
I have to be honest here. I really did not like this book too much. My main issue was with Marissa. I found it hard to feel sympathy with her regarding her childbearing status. For the simple fact is, had she stayed in that carriage as her husband asked. She would have never found herself in that predicament. There is also the fact that she was basically saying that gay people were born that way. You can't help who you love..blah blah blah is not how women of that time spoke. This is more like the author inserting her own feelings. Historical books should be in the range of that time period. First she was in love with the other guy. And then Maitland tries to seduce her, she insists she loves this other guy. And even that felt out of place for Maitland's character. Then the next thing they're drugged and in bed together. She still insists on marrying that cad. Even though she has been "compromised" by society's standards. She was too willfull and headstrong. She wanted Maitland to bare his heart and soul , she questioned his motives all the time. She listened to rumor and innuendo regarding his stepmother Priscilla. Who happened to go crazy in last few pages. It was too much...everyone remarking on the cold Duke. But no one seemed to think that Marissa was petulant and silly. The steamy scenes were wonderful between them, but I could not get over Marissa's personality. It rubbed me the wrong way. Obviously, you need to read the following books to see if the Fluer de Lily will be caught...
April 30, 2016
Whisper of Desire is the 4th book in The Disgraced Lords series. This story centers around Libertine Scholar Maitland Spencer, Duke of Lyttleton and Lady Marisa Hawkestone- sister of Sebastian (from book 2). The continuing mystery running throughout this series is that the Libertine Scholars are looking for a dangerous woman who is determined to destroy them in revenge for the sins of their fathers. Clues are revealed in each story. In this fourth book, Lady Marisa attends a ball anxiously awaiting a proposal from her beau Rutherford but instead wakes up in bed with Maitland Spencer- the Cold Duke. To save her reputation, Maitland and Marisa must marry. Marisa soon discovers that Maitland is anything but cold when it comes to lovemaking and Maitland discovers what a hot-blooded, adventuresome wife he has! Still, Maitland's fears of becoming like his father and the menacing unnamed woman out there threatening to harm his wife and friends, leads to some titillating undercover work, heartache, and self discoveries. Maitland and Marisa are both strong characters and I loved their story.
Since I began with the 4th book in the series, I had a hard time understanding why the Libertine Scholars were being singled out. I plan to read the series from the beginning to clear up my confusion with the plot and the mysterious woman's true motives.
Since I began with the 4th book in the series, I had a hard time understanding why the Libertine Scholars were being singled out. I plan to read the series from the beginning to clear up my confusion with the plot and the mysterious woman's true motives.
November 27, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the writer and the publisher for the opportunity to read this.
The rating I'd give is 3.5 stars. This is a well written book and it is part of a series and I haven't read any of the other books. Perhaps not knowing the background made me grade this one lower.
To me, this was a dark book -- and I don't care for dark books unless there is a big HEA and this book only has a half way HEA -- definitely not satisfying to me. I read part of another series recently that had a half-HEA to it and was finished with the series until I expressed my unhappiness to the author. She told me that the problem would be fixed in the next book. So, I'll read the next book -- however, this problem CANNOT be fixed in the next book as it is permanent. So -- given that, I won't be going back to read the earlier books nor will I be reading the others in the series.
Love abounds in this book and that is sweet. There is love between the hero and heroine, between the hero and the step-mother, between the hero and his friends, etc. The heroine is a very sweet, loving person who wants to save the world.
The story is well written and solid and if you don't mind a less than satisfactory ending you'll enjoy it.
The rating I'd give is 3.5 stars. This is a well written book and it is part of a series and I haven't read any of the other books. Perhaps not knowing the background made me grade this one lower.
To me, this was a dark book -- and I don't care for dark books unless there is a big HEA and this book only has a half way HEA -- definitely not satisfying to me. I read part of another series recently that had a half-HEA to it and was finished with the series until I expressed my unhappiness to the author. She told me that the problem would be fixed in the next book. So, I'll read the next book -- however, this problem CANNOT be fixed in the next book as it is permanent. So -- given that, I won't be going back to read the earlier books nor will I be reading the others in the series.
Love abounds in this book and that is sweet. There is love between the hero and heroine, between the hero and the step-mother, between the hero and his friends, etc. The heroine is a very sweet, loving person who wants to save the world.
The story is well written and solid and if you don't mind a less than satisfactory ending you'll enjoy it.
November 25, 2015
Marissa never allowed herself to look beyond what she thought she wanted. Enter Maitland, her brother's friend and an honorable man. He threatens her cheating suitor and offers up himself as a contender. Before she can form an opinion, they end up compromised. She chooses to marry him and their relationship develops and changes. It's well written :)
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2016
Oh boy this one struck me right in the heart!!
and sucker punched me in the gut..
and sucker punched me in the gut..
December 28, 2015
Just ok. The book was a bit depressing and Marisa was not my favorite. However, I will continue with the series.
Read
September 1, 2016Note to self: avoid due to infertility/miscarriage theme
February 4, 2018
FINAL DECISION: Darker than the other books in the series, this book made me cry at the injustices done to this couple. The most complex and layered book, this is the best book of the series for me.
THE STORY: Lady Marisa Hawkstone is planning her marriage to the man she loves when everything goes wrong. She wakes up naked in the arms of her brother's friend Maitland Spencer, Duke of Lyttleton. Maitland has a reputation of being cold and controlled, but secretly he fears the seething amount of passion and emotion he feels. Compelled to marry as Marisa is ruined, Maitland is challenged at every turn by the passionate Marisa. At the same time, it becomes clear that the secret enemy that is stalking Maitland and his friends has turned her attention to him.
OPINION: This is my favorite book in the series even though it tears my heart out. The story definitely isn't "fair" as Maitland has one of the darkest backstories from among his friends and also there is a very dark moment in this book.
Maitland is a man who, like the other Libertine Scholars, had a miserable excuse for a father. Maitland saw his father ruthlessly indulge himself in his passions and Maitland has imposed deep controls on himself as a result. He intends never to feel enough passion to challenge those controls -- because he is scared. And that is one reason that I really enjoyed this book because Maitland is a fallible and complex character who struggles through this book.
Marisa is another character that I liked. She is thoughtful and strong and determined to make her husband talk and listen to her. In fact, one of the best parts of this book is how the characters actually have discussions and work out their problems.
One small dislike in this book is how quickly Marisa declares her love for Maitland. As he observes, just a few days ago she claimed to be in love with someone else. That bothered me a little as well.
The sadness and darkness in this book is its strength. It demands more complexity and nuance in how these characters lives deal with their adversities and while I cried through much of the last quarter of the book, I think this book is the best of the series.
WORTH MENTIONING: One of the minor characters in this book gets his own happy ending in A DREAM OF REDEMPTION.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A WHISPER OF DESIRE is the fourth book in the Disgraced Lords series. While the romance can be read as standalone, there is an ongoing storyline involving the villain out to destroy the heroes in the series. This makes the series better read in order. I began the series by reading book 5 and while I quickly understood what was going on, it is better reading from the beginning.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: Lady Marisa Hawkstone is planning her marriage to the man she loves when everything goes wrong. She wakes up naked in the arms of her brother's friend Maitland Spencer, Duke of Lyttleton. Maitland has a reputation of being cold and controlled, but secretly he fears the seething amount of passion and emotion he feels. Compelled to marry as Marisa is ruined, Maitland is challenged at every turn by the passionate Marisa. At the same time, it becomes clear that the secret enemy that is stalking Maitland and his friends has turned her attention to him.
OPINION: This is my favorite book in the series even though it tears my heart out. The story definitely isn't "fair" as Maitland has one of the darkest backstories from among his friends and also there is a very dark moment in this book.
Maitland is a man who, like the other Libertine Scholars, had a miserable excuse for a father. Maitland saw his father ruthlessly indulge himself in his passions and Maitland has imposed deep controls on himself as a result. He intends never to feel enough passion to challenge those controls -- because he is scared. And that is one reason that I really enjoyed this book because Maitland is a fallible and complex character who struggles through this book.
Marisa is another character that I liked. She is thoughtful and strong and determined to make her husband talk and listen to her. In fact, one of the best parts of this book is how the characters actually have discussions and work out their problems.
One small dislike in this book is how quickly Marisa declares her love for Maitland. As he observes, just a few days ago she claimed to be in love with someone else. That bothered me a little as well.
The sadness and darkness in this book is its strength. It demands more complexity and nuance in how these characters lives deal with their adversities and while I cried through much of the last quarter of the book, I think this book is the best of the series.
WORTH MENTIONING: One of the minor characters in this book gets his own happy ending in A DREAM OF REDEMPTION.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A WHISPER OF DESIRE is the fourth book in the Disgraced Lords series. While the romance can be read as standalone, there is an ongoing storyline involving the villain out to destroy the heroes in the series. This makes the series better read in order. I began the series by reading book 5 and while I quickly understood what was going on, it is better reading from the beginning.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
October 19, 2022
I enjoyed this more than Grayson’s book in terms of Maitland and Marisa not being as frustrating as Grayson and Portia.
Whilst Maitland came across as robot-ish and without feelings at times, he was a red blooded man underneath his cool facade, which Marisa managed to see. Her continuous seduction of Maitland amused me and their sex scenes were hot. The chemistry wasn’t the best, but it was there. Sexual chemistry was obviously there.
Though it took some time for Maitland to come around and stand up to his fear and weakness, it was heartwarming to see him confiding in Marisa about his past to make him the “cold man” he was today.
However the fact that Maitland could not have his heir with Marisa broke my heart.
Whilst Maitland came across as robot-ish and without feelings at times, he was a red blooded man underneath his cool facade, which Marisa managed to see. Her continuous seduction of Maitland amused me and their sex scenes were hot. The chemistry wasn’t the best, but it was there. Sexual chemistry was obviously there.
Though it took some time for Maitland to come around and stand up to his fear and weakness, it was heartwarming to see him confiding in Marisa about his past to make him the “cold man” he was today.
However the fact that Maitland could not have his heir with Marisa broke my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2015
Lady Marisa Hawkstone is enjoying her season and waiting, expectantly for a proposal a man she believes loves her as deeply as she thinks she loves him. Unbeknownst to her, there are outside forces that are working against her wants and desires. While attending a ball, and waiting not so patiently for a proposal, she encounters Maitland Spencer, Duke of Lyttleton aka The Cold Duke. He is present as a bodyguard to help protect her from a villainess who is out to destroy her brother Sebastian as well as Maitland and their other friends. He informs her that he believes she would be perfect as his bride. She laughs him off and goes about her evening while trying to ignore the feelings he stirred up inside her
Maitland is looking for a wife to give him a son because he worries this villainess will try to cause him harm before he can ensure an heir to his line. He has always though his best friend's sister was beautiful and would be perfect for him, but Sebastian has already turned him down. Maitland's has a dark, secretive, sordid past and lives by a very strict schedule that does not include love to ensure he doesn't become sex crazed and crazy like his father and Sebastian wants his sister to have a love match.
After encountering each other at the ball and going their separate ways, Marisa believed that was the end of the strange encounter with Maitland until she wakes up the next morning, completely naked next to a very naked Maitland in a strange room with a drugged head. Neither of them knows how they got in this situation, but they both know that Marisa is now compromised and Maitland's reputation could be ruined. They also know that the only way to fix it for them both is to be married.
Marisa must now decide, does she marry the cold Duke that she barely knows or weather the gossip storm that is brewing? Can Maitland maintain his strict schedule and guard is soul against this sensual beautiful woman that his body keeps betraying him too? Will he be able to protect Marisa from the heinous activity that this secret keeps throwing at him and his friends because of the sins of their fathers?
Bronwen writes a story for Maitland that consists of hurt, anger and betrayal. He is man so afraid of losing control his basic manly urges he is willing do anything to keep them in check. She does a wonderful job showing the readers exactly how and why he feels the way he does and allows you to feel sympathy for him and anger on his behalf. He deserve a happily ever after but he must over come so much to be able to even catch a glimpse of it.
Ms. Evans writes Marisa, as a kind, loving woman who is very curious and very forthcoming. She doesn't usually have a filter and is willing to do anything for those she loves no matter the risk to herself. She is also very drawn to sex, whether it be trying to catch a glimpse of her brother with the neighboring girl while growing up, or watching one of her brother's friend get extremely intimate with a woman in the gardens at a party. She wants to have a healthy happy relationship with her husband but her future holds so much sadness and anger and secrets there is no guarantee she will find what she seeks.
This is a wonderfully story but I would HIGHLY recommend reading the previous books in the series before reading this one. You will find some plot lines that can be better explained by reading the previous books as well as backstories on certain characters from their own books. As much as I enjoyed reading the book, I wish there had been more detail on the villainess and her scheming. I would have like to have seen more of her in the story. All in all it was a great book and I would definitely recommend it to others to read, I caution you to make sure you have tissues as there are several parts of this book that will make you cry, break your heart and make you want to scream uncontrollably.
Maitland is looking for a wife to give him a son because he worries this villainess will try to cause him harm before he can ensure an heir to his line. He has always though his best friend's sister was beautiful and would be perfect for him, but Sebastian has already turned him down. Maitland's has a dark, secretive, sordid past and lives by a very strict schedule that does not include love to ensure he doesn't become sex crazed and crazy like his father and Sebastian wants his sister to have a love match.
After encountering each other at the ball and going their separate ways, Marisa believed that was the end of the strange encounter with Maitland until she wakes up the next morning, completely naked next to a very naked Maitland in a strange room with a drugged head. Neither of them knows how they got in this situation, but they both know that Marisa is now compromised and Maitland's reputation could be ruined. They also know that the only way to fix it for them both is to be married.
Marisa must now decide, does she marry the cold Duke that she barely knows or weather the gossip storm that is brewing? Can Maitland maintain his strict schedule and guard is soul against this sensual beautiful woman that his body keeps betraying him too? Will he be able to protect Marisa from the heinous activity that this secret keeps throwing at him and his friends because of the sins of their fathers?
Bronwen writes a story for Maitland that consists of hurt, anger and betrayal. He is man so afraid of losing control his basic manly urges he is willing do anything to keep them in check. She does a wonderful job showing the readers exactly how and why he feels the way he does and allows you to feel sympathy for him and anger on his behalf. He deserve a happily ever after but he must over come so much to be able to even catch a glimpse of it.
Ms. Evans writes Marisa, as a kind, loving woman who is very curious and very forthcoming. She doesn't usually have a filter and is willing to do anything for those she loves no matter the risk to herself. She is also very drawn to sex, whether it be trying to catch a glimpse of her brother with the neighboring girl while growing up, or watching one of her brother's friend get extremely intimate with a woman in the gardens at a party. She wants to have a healthy happy relationship with her husband but her future holds so much sadness and anger and secrets there is no guarantee she will find what she seeks.
This is a wonderfully story but I would HIGHLY recommend reading the previous books in the series before reading this one. You will find some plot lines that can be better explained by reading the previous books as well as backstories on certain characters from their own books. As much as I enjoyed reading the book, I wish there had been more detail on the villainess and her scheming. I would have like to have seen more of her in the story. All in all it was a great book and I would definitely recommend it to others to read, I caution you to make sure you have tissues as there are several parts of this book that will make you cry, break your heart and make you want to scream uncontrollably.
November 30, 2015
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher
A Whisper of Desire is the fourth volume in the Disgraced Lords series following a group of friends facing a mysterious person determined to get revenge on the sons for something inflicted by the fathers. If I liked the previous volumes (of which you can find the reviews here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., and https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) I must say that unfortunately this last volume left me skeptical.
Let’s begin with the backdrop plot of the series: don’t wait for big revelations. We’ll only learn the nickname of the mysterious woman after them, and some snippets of information. So be it, there are still two members of the group to marry off after all. At the end of the novel we have nonetheless a glimpse of her thoughts and projects for the two last bachelors (and it’s hardly cheering).
Let’s move on to our couple. Maitland and Marissa marry when the mysterious Nemesis drug them and lock them up naked in a bedroom, where they are discovered by the heroine’s brother and their hostess. That’s a piece of luck as the hero had just decided he needed a wife and a heir, and that the heroine was suitable for the role even if she was in love with another man.
We have on one side a hero who was traumatized by his father’s perverted behavior, and is very afraid that giving in to his carnal drives will make him become like him. He’s a hero quite classic (but easy to appreciate) who is frank and doesn’t indulge in feelings to the point he’s nicknamed the cold duke. Fortunately some discussions more or less wanted with his friends quickly get his head straight. The positive point is that once he loosens up, the sex scenes are scorching.
On the other side we have the heroine who was the origin of my problem with this novel. First there’s the fact that when she was a teen, she spied her brother’s lovemaking, so not only she’s not intimidated by the prospect of sexual relation, but she doesn’t hesitate to initiate their lovemaking. She doesn’t hesitate either to ask her brother for advice, then seeks her newfound female friend.
Secondly she tells the hero she loves him less than a week after their wedding when she was in love with someone else just before it. That makes her a bit of a weathercock and made me doubts her feelings.
And lastly, instead of staying sensibly in the carriage like her husband told her, she goes out of it two times and puts herself in danger, with dire consequences for her but also for her husband. And the worst is that at no time she thinks it’s a little her own fault and that she should have listened to the hero. No, it’s only the Nemesis’ fault.
To conclude, A Whisper of Desire is for me one level lower than the rest of the series, but not enough to stop there, because I want to know how the last members of the group will thwart what the Nemesis has in store for them.
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher
A Whisper of Desire is the fourth volume in the Disgraced Lords series following a group of friends facing a mysterious person determined to get revenge on the sons for something inflicted by the fathers. If I liked the previous volumes (of which you can find the reviews here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., and https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) I must say that unfortunately this last volume left me skeptical.
Let’s begin with the backdrop plot of the series: don’t wait for big revelations. We’ll only learn the nickname of the mysterious woman after them, and some snippets of information. So be it, there are still two members of the group to marry off after all. At the end of the novel we have nonetheless a glimpse of her thoughts and projects for the two last bachelors (and it’s hardly cheering).
Let’s move on to our couple. Maitland and Marissa marry when the mysterious Nemesis drug them and lock them up naked in a bedroom, where they are discovered by the heroine’s brother and their hostess. That’s a piece of luck as the hero had just decided he needed a wife and a heir, and that the heroine was suitable for the role even if she was in love with another man.
We have on one side a hero who was traumatized by his father’s perverted behavior, and is very afraid that giving in to his carnal drives will make him become like him. He’s a hero quite classic (but easy to appreciate) who is frank and doesn’t indulge in feelings to the point he’s nicknamed the cold duke. Fortunately some discussions more or less wanted with his friends quickly get his head straight. The positive point is that once he loosens up, the sex scenes are scorching.
On the other side we have the heroine who was the origin of my problem with this novel. First there’s the fact that when she was a teen, she spied her brother’s lovemaking, so not only she’s not intimidated by the prospect of sexual relation, but she doesn’t hesitate to initiate their lovemaking. She doesn’t hesitate either to ask her brother for advice, then seeks her newfound female friend.
Secondly she tells the hero she loves him less than a week after their wedding when she was in love with someone else just before it. That makes her a bit of a weathercock and made me doubts her feelings.
And lastly, instead of staying sensibly in the carriage like her husband told her, she goes out of it two times and puts herself in danger, with dire consequences for her but also for her husband. And the worst is that at no time she thinks it’s a little her own fault and that she should have listened to the hero. No, it’s only the Nemesis’ fault.
To conclude, A Whisper of Desire is for me one level lower than the rest of the series, but not enough to stop there, because I want to know how the last members of the group will thwart what the Nemesis has in store for them.
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