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Gravesmeres #3
Sense & Sensuality
Everyone’s favorite, ever-practical Caroline, Countess of Eskmaine returns in full force in this After Dark novel. A challenge from her sister-in-law Allegra, Duchess of Gravesmere, puts Caroline on the dance floor with the next man who asks her to dance. The irrepressible rake, Tristan, Baron Gresham is recently returned from Venice, bored with the life of a libertine. Attending a ball, he decides to ask Lady Eskmaine for a dance. Determined to teach Allegra that she is capable of handling her own affairs, Caroline accepts Lord Gresham’s invitation.
The moment their hands touch, the attraction is undeniable. Neither knows, however, what the other is seeking. Caroline, tired of being the paragon of common sense in the family, wants to let go and live a little. The return of her old adversary, now obviously interested in her, may be just what she needs. Tristan, on the other hand, wishes to leave behind his rakish lifestyle and become a proper English gentleman. Beautiful, intelligent and dependable Caroline fills his thoughts as the one woman with whom he’d like to build that life.
What happens when the immovable, sensible Caroline meets the irresistible, sensual Tristan? Will he ignite passion’s fires within her, giving her the release she needs? Will she bring him the contentment and love he so deeply desires? And just what is Lady Manning up to this time?
Find out in Alicia Quigley’s latest, Sense & Sensuality: Caroline’s After Dark Georgian Romance!
The moment their hands touch, the attraction is undeniable. Neither knows, however, what the other is seeking. Caroline, tired of being the paragon of common sense in the family, wants to let go and live a little. The return of her old adversary, now obviously interested in her, may be just what she needs. Tristan, on the other hand, wishes to leave behind his rakish lifestyle and become a proper English gentleman. Beautiful, intelligent and dependable Caroline fills his thoughts as the one woman with whom he’d like to build that life.
What happens when the immovable, sensible Caroline meets the irresistible, sensual Tristan? Will he ignite passion’s fires within her, giving her the release she needs? Will she bring him the contentment and love he so deeply desires? And just what is Lady Manning up to this time?
Find out in Alicia Quigley’s latest, Sense & Sensuality: Caroline’s After Dark Georgian Romance!
- GenresHistorical Romance
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2014
16 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 7, 2021
Entertained by the reformed rake, rounding up from 2.5 stars.
October 28, 2019
What a lovely discovery this novel and author are. A very enjoyable and nice story.
Tristan, Baron Gresham, is a rake of notorious reputation who has lived the high and dissolute life in Venice for several years before homesickness prompts his return to England. He is tiring of his empty life and his thoughts have lately turned to a certain elegant lady he has never quite forgotten: Caroline Ansley, the Countess of Eskmaine, a beautiful and charming widow with a young son who is considered the epitome of charm, respectability, and kindness. Several years ago, Tristan was involved in a contretemps with Caroline’s sister-in-law, Allegra, and Caroline’s brother, Adam, the Dukes of Gravesmere, before their marriage. Apparently, Caroline smoothed the situation over, to the relief of those involved as well as the ton at large.
Tristan, Baron Gresham, is a rake of notorious reputation who has lived the high and dissolute life in Venice for several years before homesickness prompts his return to England. He is tiring of his empty life and his thoughts have lately turned to a certain elegant lady he has never quite forgotten: Caroline Ansley, the Countess of Eskmaine, a beautiful and charming widow with a young son who is considered the epitome of charm, respectability, and kindness. Several years ago, Tristan was involved in a contretemps with Caroline’s sister-in-law, Allegra, and Caroline’s brother, Adam, the Dukes of Gravesmere, before their marriage. Apparently, Caroline smoothed the situation over, to the relief of those involved as well as the ton at large.
October 22, 2014
I truly enjoyed SENSE AND SENSUALITY . This is the story of Tristan, Lord Gresham who was the bad boy and Caroline, the staid widow Lady Eskmaine from A DUCHESS ENRAGED.
The book is basically about the relationship between Tristan and Caroline as they learn about each other and themselves.
Tristan has a past with the Duke and Duchess of Gravesmere, aka Adam and Allegra. He tried to steal the Duchess away from the Duke because the Duke had stolen Tristan’s mistress from him. Adam, The Duke, is Caroline’s brother and Allegra is her sister in law.
It is about 2 years since we last saw Tristan. He has just returned to England from the Continent. Tristan and Caroline meet at at the Devonshire Ball. Caroline’s sister in law Allegra made Caroline promise to dance with the next gentleman who asks her. Tristan just happens to be that gentleman. Caroline is being pursued by the young Viscount Barford until Tristan comes along.
Caroline’s Mother, Emily asked her to give her young, naive cousin Cecelia a season. This is where the story takes off. Tristan and Caroline run in the same social circles. She wants to have some fun but doesn’t realize it at first. Caro realizes she misses the marriage bed.
I really didn’t want the story to end. Caro who just learns to let loose and Tristan who finally grew up. Adam and Tristan are always at odds, they just don’t like one another because of their history.
The story was full of humor and HOT sex scenes which were tastefully done. I had many a good laugh throughout the story. There was no evil villain, which was a nice change. Throw in an eccentric cast of characters-Louisa, the ex-mistress of Adam and Tristan, Cecelia, Lord Barford, Adam, Allegra and Emily and you have a wonderful story.
Make sure you read A DUCHESS ENRAGED before your read SENSE AND SENSUALITY as it sets the pace.
I definitely look forward to reading more of Ms. Quigley’s books!
I was given an ARC by the author for a honest review.
This review was posted on Amazon.
February 18, 2015
I have yet to read A Duchess Enraged: An After Dark Version Georgian Romance, the first novel in the After Dark series. Quigley sets the story in Sense & Sensuality: Caroline’s After Dark Georgian Romance as a stand alone showing us the lack of trust stemming from events of the first novel through dialogue and reflection.
Caroline is a loyal, intelligent and spirited. Frequently in the romance genre, characters are described as spirited but come off as a bit silly. Their reactions in the story line are contrary to their independence. They need a man for balance. They are prone to stomping their feet and seeing pigheaded stubbornness as an ability to stand on ones own. Don’t get me wrong, those characters can be fun to read as well and, as consistent with the genre, are often quite young. Caroline is mature, even and knows the path she wants to take. She wants adventure, intimacy and to be seen as someone perhaps a bit unpredictable, the character is a breath of fresh air.
Tristan sees himself as having been a bit led and foolish as a younger man. The level of hostility from Caroline’s family might seem out of place in Sense & Sensuality: Caroline’s After Dark Georgian Romance but the author makes clear that it’s well earned in her novel A Duchess Enraged: An After Dark Version Georgian Romance set a few years prior to this work. Tristan, with the benefit of maturity, has found the sort of fun he once thoroughly enjoyed to not be so entertaining and revenge to be an endeavor that wins for no one. He’s ready to settle down and have children but he will never be one to settle. His eyes are on a particular prize and he’s never one to let things stand in his way.
All of the elements of Quigley’s story converge into a beautiful dance. Quigley’s setting is colorfully described and her narrative is polished. The best stories are the ones that leave the reader feeling that they could have spent more time with the wonderful characters and story-telling and Sense & Sensuality: Caroline’s After Dark Georgian Romance has that feeling in spades.
Caroline is a loyal, intelligent and spirited. Frequently in the romance genre, characters are described as spirited but come off as a bit silly. Their reactions in the story line are contrary to their independence. They need a man for balance. They are prone to stomping their feet and seeing pigheaded stubbornness as an ability to stand on ones own. Don’t get me wrong, those characters can be fun to read as well and, as consistent with the genre, are often quite young. Caroline is mature, even and knows the path she wants to take. She wants adventure, intimacy and to be seen as someone perhaps a bit unpredictable, the character is a breath of fresh air.
Tristan sees himself as having been a bit led and foolish as a younger man. The level of hostility from Caroline’s family might seem out of place in Sense & Sensuality: Caroline’s After Dark Georgian Romance but the author makes clear that it’s well earned in her novel A Duchess Enraged: An After Dark Version Georgian Romance set a few years prior to this work. Tristan, with the benefit of maturity, has found the sort of fun he once thoroughly enjoyed to not be so entertaining and revenge to be an endeavor that wins for no one. He’s ready to settle down and have children but he will never be one to settle. His eyes are on a particular prize and he’s never one to let things stand in his way.
All of the elements of Quigley’s story converge into a beautiful dance. Quigley’s setting is colorfully described and her narrative is polished. The best stories are the ones that leave the reader feeling that they could have spent more time with the wonderful characters and story-telling and Sense & Sensuality: Caroline’s After Dark Georgian Romance has that feeling in spades.
January 4, 2015
Sense & Sensuality
5
5
December 20, 2015
This review was first published on Babblings of a Bookworm: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
Last year I read an historical romance called ‘A Duchess Enraged’ which focused on the relationship between Adam, the Duke of Gravesmere and Allegra, the young woman he’d been forced to marry by his father. I didn’t warm much to either of the protagonists, but I enjoyed some of the secondary characters more, notably Adam’s widowed sister Caroline (Lady Eskmaine), and the rake causing mischief between Adam and Allegra, Lord Gresham. There was obviously some sort of spark between Caroline and Lord Gresham (Tristan). Caroline was a far better match for Tristan intellectually, they sparred verbally and also enjoyed outwitting each other where possible. Although Tristan tried to cause problems in the Gravesmeres’ marriage, he began to soften his cynical stance towards the end of the story, and you wondered if there was hope for him to change his dissolute ways. 'Sense & Sensuality' is Caroline and Tristan’s tale. Please note that this story is not in any way related to 'Sense & Sensibility' by Jane Austen.
Lord Gresham retired to the continent after his scandal-making involvement with the young Duchess of Gravesmere came to an end, but he’s beginning to want to go home. He has become bored of his life, and on more than one occasion he’s thought about Caroline, and wondered how she fares. Upon his return home he is lucky enough to bump into her at an evening soiree and it’s just as he has remembered between them, there’s a definite spark. He is not welcomed by Caroline’s brother, or her sister in law, but he gets a warmer reception from the lady herself.
‘A deep voice cut through her thoughts.
“How pleasant to see you again, Lady Eskmaine.”
Caroline hesitated. The voice was familiar to her, but she couldn’t quite place it; it made her both uncomfortable and oddly excited.’
28 year old Caroline has been a widow now for four years. She’s a devoted mother and the dependable member of her family (compared to her hotheaded brother and scatterbrained sister in law). She has begun to chafe against this expectation, feeling like she’s considered old before her time. Caroline has just been tasked with taking a distant cousin into society because she’s the most appropriate person but for once she wants to do something for herself, rather than for her family.
“Everyone treats me as though I care for nothing but being a paragon of virtue, and am merely a creature of duty without a thought but to care for my family, and my son’s estates. I am tired of being thought of only as a mother, and a daughter, and a sister-in-law, and the sensible one who must act as a chaperone, as another female not much younger than I enjoys herself. I want something for myself as well. Is that so wrong?”
In fact, she has decided to take a lover... and she has somebody in mind. Somebody who she feels more than a spark of attraction for, a man who is famed for his prowess as a lover, is unlikely to turn her down and will never be interested in marriage because men like him never are. She only hopes he will be willing to keep things discreetly quiet.
“You are very handsome, my lord, and all the town knows you have a great deal of experience in these matters. It is my hope, if your desire to make mischief truly lies in the past, that I can trust in your discretion.”
“Discretion is not something I have been renowned for in my amours, but for you, I believe I could muster some,” he replied.
Caroline isn’t wrong in her estimation. Lord Gresham is very happy to consent to a liaison with her, and a scorching affair quickly ensues, but soon he finds that it’s unlike any of his previous affairs. He has a great respect for Caroline’s intelligence and good qualities aside from her physical attractiveness, and he enjoys the time that they spend with each other just talking as they seem to understand one another easily and have a compatible sense of humour. However, Caroline has no intention of letting things get too cosy between them. Although she is strongly attracted to Gresham, she knows that he is notorious for having many lovers so she doesn’t want to allow herself to get too attached to somebody who will undoubtedly move on to pastures new. In addition, she’s in a very fortunate position financially. As a widow who has provided the heir to the estate and has her own private funds, there is no need to marry again, and in fact, a lot of risk in doing so as her husband would have control over her finances.
What Caroline hasn’t taken into account is how unlike Gresham’s previous lovers she is; they have been attractive but no match for him intellectually. She has much offer him in terms of companionship, if he’s reached the stage in life where he wants to settle down. The main sticking point will be whether she can be made to believe that he would ever want to confine himself to one woman.
I enjoyed this book more than ‘A Duchess Enraged’. The characters were more well-rounded and I found I liked the protagonists a lot. Caroline was an intelligent heroine, who was keeping a hot-blooded temperament under wraps and was fed up of being dutiful while nobody cared for her needs, and Tristan was a rake who no longer wanted to keep flitting from woman to woman now he’d found one who understood him. They were nicely compatible for each other, having a similar sense of humour, which I very much enjoyed, and unlike Caroline’s other admirers Tristan seemed to appreciate the woman she was rather than the woman he thought she was.
There were some interesting ideas touched in the book, such as whether a rake can be trusted to change his ways, whether it’s worth the risk for a widow to remarry, and how illegitimate children could be prevented and if that doesn’t work, cared for. We see more of Adam and Allegra in this book, two years down the line from the first book and blissfully in love. Adam is still tiresomely hot-headed, but both he and particularly Allegra seemed matured from their tale.
One word of warning as regards this story, as you may have guessed from the title of the book and the nature of the plot, there are sex scenes, fairly spicy ones. If you don’t like sex scenes I think you’d better off steering clear of this story as although this couple have a relationship which is more than just sexual, there is a lot of sex. For those who don’t mind sex scenes in their historical romances I’d recommend this book. Caroline seems to have surprisingly few qualms about taking a lover and the ending stretched believability a little as things seemed quite rushed but aside from these quibbles I found this an entertaining read and I’d rate it at 4 stars.
*I received an e-book of this story from the author for my honest review.
Last year I read an historical romance called ‘A Duchess Enraged’ which focused on the relationship between Adam, the Duke of Gravesmere and Allegra, the young woman he’d been forced to marry by his father. I didn’t warm much to either of the protagonists, but I enjoyed some of the secondary characters more, notably Adam’s widowed sister Caroline (Lady Eskmaine), and the rake causing mischief between Adam and Allegra, Lord Gresham. There was obviously some sort of spark between Caroline and Lord Gresham (Tristan). Caroline was a far better match for Tristan intellectually, they sparred verbally and also enjoyed outwitting each other where possible. Although Tristan tried to cause problems in the Gravesmeres’ marriage, he began to soften his cynical stance towards the end of the story, and you wondered if there was hope for him to change his dissolute ways. 'Sense & Sensuality' is Caroline and Tristan’s tale. Please note that this story is not in any way related to 'Sense & Sensibility' by Jane Austen.
Lord Gresham retired to the continent after his scandal-making involvement with the young Duchess of Gravesmere came to an end, but he’s beginning to want to go home. He has become bored of his life, and on more than one occasion he’s thought about Caroline, and wondered how she fares. Upon his return home he is lucky enough to bump into her at an evening soiree and it’s just as he has remembered between them, there’s a definite spark. He is not welcomed by Caroline’s brother, or her sister in law, but he gets a warmer reception from the lady herself.
‘A deep voice cut through her thoughts.
“How pleasant to see you again, Lady Eskmaine.”
Caroline hesitated. The voice was familiar to her, but she couldn’t quite place it; it made her both uncomfortable and oddly excited.’
28 year old Caroline has been a widow now for four years. She’s a devoted mother and the dependable member of her family (compared to her hotheaded brother and scatterbrained sister in law). She has begun to chafe against this expectation, feeling like she’s considered old before her time. Caroline has just been tasked with taking a distant cousin into society because she’s the most appropriate person but for once she wants to do something for herself, rather than for her family.
“Everyone treats me as though I care for nothing but being a paragon of virtue, and am merely a creature of duty without a thought but to care for my family, and my son’s estates. I am tired of being thought of only as a mother, and a daughter, and a sister-in-law, and the sensible one who must act as a chaperone, as another female not much younger than I enjoys herself. I want something for myself as well. Is that so wrong?”
In fact, she has decided to take a lover... and she has somebody in mind. Somebody who she feels more than a spark of attraction for, a man who is famed for his prowess as a lover, is unlikely to turn her down and will never be interested in marriage because men like him never are. She only hopes he will be willing to keep things discreetly quiet.
“You are very handsome, my lord, and all the town knows you have a great deal of experience in these matters. It is my hope, if your desire to make mischief truly lies in the past, that I can trust in your discretion.”
“Discretion is not something I have been renowned for in my amours, but for you, I believe I could muster some,” he replied.
Caroline isn’t wrong in her estimation. Lord Gresham is very happy to consent to a liaison with her, and a scorching affair quickly ensues, but soon he finds that it’s unlike any of his previous affairs. He has a great respect for Caroline’s intelligence and good qualities aside from her physical attractiveness, and he enjoys the time that they spend with each other just talking as they seem to understand one another easily and have a compatible sense of humour. However, Caroline has no intention of letting things get too cosy between them. Although she is strongly attracted to Gresham, she knows that he is notorious for having many lovers so she doesn’t want to allow herself to get too attached to somebody who will undoubtedly move on to pastures new. In addition, she’s in a very fortunate position financially. As a widow who has provided the heir to the estate and has her own private funds, there is no need to marry again, and in fact, a lot of risk in doing so as her husband would have control over her finances.
What Caroline hasn’t taken into account is how unlike Gresham’s previous lovers she is; they have been attractive but no match for him intellectually. She has much offer him in terms of companionship, if he’s reached the stage in life where he wants to settle down. The main sticking point will be whether she can be made to believe that he would ever want to confine himself to one woman.
I enjoyed this book more than ‘A Duchess Enraged’. The characters were more well-rounded and I found I liked the protagonists a lot. Caroline was an intelligent heroine, who was keeping a hot-blooded temperament under wraps and was fed up of being dutiful while nobody cared for her needs, and Tristan was a rake who no longer wanted to keep flitting from woman to woman now he’d found one who understood him. They were nicely compatible for each other, having a similar sense of humour, which I very much enjoyed, and unlike Caroline’s other admirers Tristan seemed to appreciate the woman she was rather than the woman he thought she was.
There were some interesting ideas touched in the book, such as whether a rake can be trusted to change his ways, whether it’s worth the risk for a widow to remarry, and how illegitimate children could be prevented and if that doesn’t work, cared for. We see more of Adam and Allegra in this book, two years down the line from the first book and blissfully in love. Adam is still tiresomely hot-headed, but both he and particularly Allegra seemed matured from their tale.
One word of warning as regards this story, as you may have guessed from the title of the book and the nature of the plot, there are sex scenes, fairly spicy ones. If you don’t like sex scenes I think you’d better off steering clear of this story as although this couple have a relationship which is more than just sexual, there is a lot of sex. For those who don’t mind sex scenes in their historical romances I’d recommend this book. Caroline seems to have surprisingly few qualms about taking a lover and the ending stretched believability a little as things seemed quite rushed but aside from these quibbles I found this an entertaining read and I’d rate it at 4 stars.
*I received an e-book of this story from the author for my honest review.
December 13, 2025
On of my favorite HRs ever. I liked Tristan and Caroline. Wish Caroline wasn’t always denying him in public until the very last chapter. Also how immature is Adam
October 26, 2014
I might have given this 4 stars, but it seemed rather hastily written, with several sub-plot lines that went nowhere but were not sufficiently red-herring to make their presence warranted. That being said, this was a quick, fun read. I might even read the sweet version, if there is one.
I liked Caroline still, and could believe in Tristan, which is important for me as a reader, even with fluff. I thought Allegra rather changed from her own book, and Adam even more of a Neanderthal than previously. I rather liked Lord Barford, but devoutly hope that he and what's-her-name will not have their own book, as she was a whiney, petulant annoyance. I was grateful that we didn't have to endure any more of her than we did.
I liked Caroline still, and could believe in Tristan, which is important for me as a reader, even with fluff. I thought Allegra rather changed from her own book, and Adam even more of a Neanderthal than previously. I rather liked Lord Barford, but devoutly hope that he and what's-her-name will not have their own book, as she was a whiney, petulant annoyance. I was grateful that we didn't have to endure any more of her than we did.
March 16, 2015
This is kind of tough to rate. This was a relatively enjoyable but ultimately forgettable read. A lot of telling, not nearly enough showing, which is a maxim it's easy to throw around but authors find it difficult, I know. A plot line which mainly consisted of the h/h bumping into each other at balls and all the other women, aside from the heroine, acting like enormous idiots for no good reason. But the sex was good (although the use of the word creamy for a lady's - well, you know - will never not be a turnoff for me). But I liked the heroine, and the hero, a rare example of a 'confirmed rake' which didn't make me want to bash my kindle in with a blunt object. Everything was fine. Nothing to write home about, but I'll probably pick up another book by this author.
October 7, 2015
Good read
I've liked every book by this author. This particular series has both a clean version and an "after dark" (sexy) version. A few annoying things, but I can't remember them enough to write about them. Normally not a fan of overly descriptive books but this one makes me wish for illustrations. Imagine paper dolls with all of the beautiful clothes (men's &women's). Best thing- free
I've liked every book by this author. This particular series has both a clean version and an "after dark" (sexy) version. A few annoying things, but I can't remember them enough to write about them. Normally not a fan of overly descriptive books but this one makes me wish for illustrations. Imagine paper dolls with all of the beautiful clothes (men's &women's). Best thing- free
March 14, 2015
very good
A sensual love affair. Now a widow, Caroline has decided she's tired of her staid role, of being clever, responsible, dull. When she decides to have a liaison she calls on a rake who has caused trouble in her family in the past. She knows his reputation, and knows it will only last for a limited time, but will enjoy while she can. Adult content.
A sensual love affair. Now a widow, Caroline has decided she's tired of her staid role, of being clever, responsible, dull. When she decides to have a liaison she calls on a rake who has caused trouble in her family in the past. She knows his reputation, and knows it will only last for a limited time, but will enjoy while she can. Adult content.
January 26, 2015
This series is right up my alley and I need to catch up on the rest of the series (roll on summer!) Very enjoyable and real escapism I got into the story quickly and couldn't put it down. I loved the different characters and really felt the backdrops to the story came to life.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews