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Fraternitas Aureae Crucis #4
Iluminada por la luna
Royden Napier, barón de Saint-Bryce, es un hombre alto, moreno e implacable… y está a la caza de una peligrosa belleza… La víspera de su huida al Continente, la hermosa y audaz Lisette Colburne acepta una propuesta que no se atreve a rechazar: hacerse pasar por la futura esposa de Royden Napier, el hombre de ojos acerados, y ayudarle a resolver su caso más peligroso. Pronto Lisette se ve inmersa en un peligro aún mayor: el de perder su corazón en manos del único hombre que tiene el poder de destruirla. Repudiado por su aristocrática familia, el enigmático Napier se ha ganado una reputación como el inspector de policía más implacable. Se ha prometido llevar a Lisette ante la justicia, pero con cada beso prohibido y cada tentadora caricia, cada vez está menos convencido de su culpabilidad… y más seguro de que Lisette tiene que ser suya. Pero cuando el peligro por la toque, ¿podrá salvarla?
480 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2013
103 people are currently reading
1120 people want to read
About the author
Liz Carlyle
46 books848 followersDear Readers,
The awful truth about novelists is that we are mostly dull, introverted homebodies who only write in order to live our fantasies vicariously. I came to writing rather late in life, and I’m still amazed I can get paid for doing something I love, and that I get to stay home while I do it.
My favorite comedian Steve Martin once said, "I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art. But if you set out to make art, you’re an idiot." I have never tried to create art, but I do try to tell one heck of a good story. Yes, I try to write with a hot iron, while the heat of the story is in me. And I try, always, to entertain my readers.
Regards,
Liz
The awful truth about novelists is that we are mostly dull, introverted homebodies who only write in order to live our fantasies vicariously. I came to writing rather late in life, and I’m still amazed I can get paid for doing something I love, and that I get to stay home while I do it.
My favorite comedian Steve Martin once said, "I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art. But if you set out to make art, you’re an idiot." I have never tried to create art, but I do try to tell one heck of a good story. Yes, I try to write with a hot iron, while the heat of the story is in me. And I try, always, to entertain my readers.
Regards,
Liz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
February 27, 2017
3'5 Estrellas. Éste libro me ha dejado bastante satisfecha, y lo he disfrutado mucho, pero también es cierto que no ha dado mucho de sí. La historia es interesante, los personajes son interesantes también, y por supuesto el gran elenco de secundarios, que nos son presentados al principio como si de una obra de teatro se tratara. Pues bien, ésto no es una melodrama, pero sí que habrá un crimen, un crimen que nuestro buen protagonista como adjunto de la policía que es, no puede si no investigar.
Conocíamos a Royden Napier de las anteriores entregas de ésta serie. Confieso que desde que apareció en el primer libro tuve muchísimas ganas de su historia, y no me ha decepcionado para nada. Sí, es un hombre frío, un hombre duro, de ésos que piensas que no son capaces de amar, pero Royden sí lo hace y muy profundamente.
En cuanto a Lisette, también la conocimos en los anteriores libros, pero no por quien era, o por quien creíamos que era. El final del tercer libro me dejó muy perpleja en lo concerniente a éste personaje, pero desde los primeros capítulos fui hilvanando su historia, y poco a poco se sabe el por qué hizo lo que hizo, pues en el fondo Lisette es una superviviente.
Ambos protagonistas se conocieron de un modo peculiar, antes de lo que pensamos. Y tras el final del tercer libro ambos vuelven a encontrarse, ella acusada de un crimen y a punto de huir de la justicia, y él sospechando de lo que ha hecho. El gran secreto de Royden, como pudimos conocer poco a poco en los anteriores libros, es que está emparentado con una familia noble, sí, es el heredero de un vizconde, su padre abnegó de su herencia cuando conoció a una mujer de la que se enamoró, y se casó con ella. El tío de Royden ha muerto (en extrañas circunstancias), y éste se convierte en el heredero de su abuelo. Debido a la extraña muerte del anterior heredero, Royden decide viajar a la finca familiar para averiguar lo que ocurrió, pero su anciana tía quiere endilgarle a su dama de compañía para que sea su baronesa, así que a Royden se le ocurre llevar a una prometida para alejar a las mujeres casaderas. De ésta manera Royden soborna a Lisette, la detendrá si se niega, pero si va con él tendrá una oportunidad de escapar de la justicia. Éste viaje a la finca familiar hará las delicias de lo que siempre digo: el roce hace el cariño, y poco a poco nuestros protagonistas se irán enamorando.
La lástima de la historia es que, como viene siendo habitual en Liz Carlyle, el romance pasa a un plano secundario, y tiene más peso en la historia lo que debería ser secundario, que en éste caso es el crimen que hubo en la casa, primero referente al heredero, y después el del cuñado del vizconde. Por supuesto en éste tipo de casos lo normal es sospechar de los familiares cercanos, así que Napier deberá sospechar de una anciana tía, un primo libertino, dos primas, una institutriz, una dama de compañía... sí, un elenco interesante, pero ¿Quién será el culpable y por qué? Creo que la autora ha sabido mantener la intriga hasta el final del libro, y lo aplaudo, es lo que me ha tenido enganchada a sus páginas.
En todo caso, otro punto en contra que podría ponerle al libro, es que a pesar de su interesante historia, es excesivamente largo, sí, es un libro muy largo, y he tenido unos días muy ocupados para leer (mea culpa, cierto), pero cuando un libro me dura más de la cuenta no lo disfruto igual. Aún así el libro ha sido muy satisfactorio para cerrar la serie, aunque más bien creo que no debería pertenecer a la Sociedad de St.James, pues no sale absolutamente nada de la sociedad ni de los "poderes" de sus miembros, si la han incluido en la serie es porque los personajes eran secundarios allegados de los anteriores libros.
Conocíamos a Royden Napier de las anteriores entregas de ésta serie. Confieso que desde que apareció en el primer libro tuve muchísimas ganas de su historia, y no me ha decepcionado para nada. Sí, es un hombre frío, un hombre duro, de ésos que piensas que no son capaces de amar, pero Royden sí lo hace y muy profundamente.
En cuanto a Lisette, también la conocimos en los anteriores libros, pero no por quien era, o por quien creíamos que era. El final del tercer libro me dejó muy perpleja en lo concerniente a éste personaje, pero desde los primeros capítulos fui hilvanando su historia, y poco a poco se sabe el por qué hizo lo que hizo, pues en el fondo Lisette es una superviviente.
Ambos protagonistas se conocieron de un modo peculiar, antes de lo que pensamos. Y tras el final del tercer libro ambos vuelven a encontrarse, ella acusada de un crimen y a punto de huir de la justicia, y él sospechando de lo que ha hecho. El gran secreto de Royden, como pudimos conocer poco a poco en los anteriores libros, es que está emparentado con una familia noble, sí, es el heredero de un vizconde, su padre abnegó de su herencia cuando conoció a una mujer de la que se enamoró, y se casó con ella. El tío de Royden ha muerto (en extrañas circunstancias), y éste se convierte en el heredero de su abuelo. Debido a la extraña muerte del anterior heredero, Royden decide viajar a la finca familiar para averiguar lo que ocurrió, pero su anciana tía quiere endilgarle a su dama de compañía para que sea su baronesa, así que a Royden se le ocurre llevar a una prometida para alejar a las mujeres casaderas. De ésta manera Royden soborna a Lisette, la detendrá si se niega, pero si va con él tendrá una oportunidad de escapar de la justicia. Éste viaje a la finca familiar hará las delicias de lo que siempre digo: el roce hace el cariño, y poco a poco nuestros protagonistas se irán enamorando.
La lástima de la historia es que, como viene siendo habitual en Liz Carlyle, el romance pasa a un plano secundario, y tiene más peso en la historia lo que debería ser secundario, que en éste caso es el crimen que hubo en la casa, primero referente al heredero, y después el del cuñado del vizconde. Por supuesto en éste tipo de casos lo normal es sospechar de los familiares cercanos, así que Napier deberá sospechar de una anciana tía, un primo libertino, dos primas, una institutriz, una dama de compañía... sí, un elenco interesante, pero ¿Quién será el culpable y por qué? Creo que la autora ha sabido mantener la intriga hasta el final del libro, y lo aplaudo, es lo que me ha tenido enganchada a sus páginas.
En todo caso, otro punto en contra que podría ponerle al libro, es que a pesar de su interesante historia, es excesivamente largo, sí, es un libro muy largo, y he tenido unos días muy ocupados para leer (mea culpa, cierto), pero cuando un libro me dura más de la cuenta no lo disfruto igual. Aún así el libro ha sido muy satisfactorio para cerrar la serie, aunque más bien creo que no debería pertenecer a la Sociedad de St.James, pues no sale absolutamente nada de la sociedad ni de los "poderes" de sus miembros, si la han incluido en la serie es porque los personajes eran secundarios allegados de los anteriores libros.
July 21, 2016
This is the fourth book in a series of which I have not (yet) read the other three. Usually when I pick up a book mid-series, I can say confidently that I don’t think it’s necessary to have read the others, but with this one, I felt at a slight disadvantage, and I’m not quite sure why that was. There’s a fairly large cast of recurring and supporting characters, all of whom are introduced in a helpful foreword by the author – but in the early stages, I had to keep referring back to the list to check who was who, which did interrupt the flow of reading. But after a chapter or so, I had it worked out and I got sucked into the story.
The story opens in 1847 in the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Royden Napier. A young woman, Elizabeth Colbourne, bursts into his office demanding the re-arrest and conviction for murder of Rance Welham, future Lord Lazonby (whose story is told in the previous book). She holds Welham responsible for the death of her father and her sister’s fiancé, for a life lived in penury in the charge of uncaring relatives, and for causing the death of her sister. She wants to see him hang for his crimes. Napier is struck by the depth of her hatred and her intensity, but can do nothing for her – Welham has been exonerated, due process has been followed, and that’s an end of it.
We then jump ahead two years, and to the scene of the murder of Sir Wilfred Leeton, an old crony of Rance Welham’s. Now Lord Lazonby, Welham has sent for Napier, knowing that he’s the only man who can clear Welham’s name of suspicion once and for all. In order to secure Napier’s cooperation, Welham tells him that before he was killed, the late Sir Wilfred had made accusations of corruption against his father, who had held the position of Assistant Commissioner before him.
At this point, I was expecting the rest of the story to concentrate on the search for the truth about Napier’s father and the quest to prove Lazonby’s innocence. But shortly after this, it took a swift turn into different territory, which I think was very much a turn for the better. Instead of being an adventure romp, the book is more by way of an Agatha Christie-type country house mystery which features a sizable cast of characters, all with grudges to bear and secrets to hide.
Napier is, in fact, the heir to the viscountcy of Duncaster. He never expected to be such; his late father was the third son, estranged from his father, and Napier has been more than content to make his own way in the world. But following the deaths of both his uncles, he is now Lord Saint-Bryce and his grandfather’s heir. At first, he wants none of it. He has had very little to do with his family and wants to keep it that way. He’s risen through the ranks on his own merits and followed in his father’s footsteps to become Assistant Commissioner, and he is committed to a life of service to the Crown. But at the request of his superior, Sir George Grey – an old friend of Viscount Duncaster – Napier travels to Wiltshire to meet with his grandfather and quietly investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent deaths in the family.
Sir George also warns Napier of the match-making schemes of his great aunt Cordelia, Lady Hepplewood, suggesting that it might be prudent for Napier to take along his ‘fiancée’ in order to keep her at bay. Napier realizes that while it not be an ideal situation, it will make his appearance seem more like a visit than an investigation –and he also realizes that if he takes the right woman with him, she could prove helpful.
His choices however, are limited. He ends up taking someone he wouldn’t have chosen in a million years: Elizabeth (Lisette) Colborne. She is a key witness (and more, Napier suspects) in the murder of Sir Wilfred, and is on the point of leaving the country, but Napier, certain that she knows more than she lets on, offers her a deal. If she accompanies him to Wiltshire for a couple of weeks, he will let her leave the country.
Napier’s visit is well-received by his grandfather, who is under the impression that he has come to his senses at last and is there to start to learn how to manage the estate. He quickly attempts to dispel that notion, adamant that once he has uncovered the truth about his uncles’ deaths, he will return to his job and his life in London. He and Lisette are plunged into a family enmeshed in petty squabbles and not-so-petty resentments, and despite his initial misgivings about taking her along, Napier is forced to admire the subtlety with which she stands up to his great-aunt, and the ease with which she gains the confidence of the other women of the house. It is Lisette who gives Napier something to think about when she points out that the skills he has honed over his years in government service have, in fact, well-equipped him for the task of running a large estate, and that in doing so, he would still be serving his country — albeit in a different way.
Lisette is an engaging and slightly unusual heroine. In her late 20s, she’s had far from an easy life, losing her parents at a young age and then being farmed out to relatives in America who both used and neglected her. She had to grow up very quickly and take responsibility for herself , her aunt, and sot of an uncle who she learned later had been paid to take both her and her sister (who has since died) away from England after the death of her parents.
She’s prickly, she’s tough, and she’s clever. Clever enough to admit to herself that spending most of her life hating and seeking revenge upon the man she holds responsible for her family’s tragedies has left her almost soulless and empty and to wonder if she’s capable of any finer feelings. And clever enough to realize that it’s time for her to start living her own life and put the past behind her before it’s too late.
Napier has a reputation for coldness, ruthlessness, and incorruptibility. He could have been a bit of a dry stick, but at the heart of his story is the way he comes to the realization that not every situation can be seen in black and white and to acknowledge that sometimes a bad thing can be the right thing in certain circumstances. He falls hard for Lisette, even as he is constantly questioning her part in Leeton’s murder, and it’s only when he admits to both himself and her that he no longer cares about her involvement that she can finally trust him enough to tell him the truth. With regard to the accusations against his father, Napier at last admits to himself that he had probably known for some time that all was not quite above board – but there is no proof. The man he was at the beginning of the book would likely have been completely broken by the discovery that the father he idolized had feet of clay; but the man he has become by the end of it is able to accept – albeit not to condone – his father’s duplicity.
The relationship between Napier and Lisette is antagonistic, tender and passionate. They are immediately and devastatingly attracted to each other even while recognizing that a relationship between them could be dangerous and stupid. They get under each other’s skins and into each other’s heads in a way neither has before experienced, which both entices and scares the hell out of them. The sexual tension between them is like a ticking time-bomb and fairly leaps off the page, and there is a great deal of humor in their frequent bickering.
The supporting cast is clearly delineated, from the gruff patriarch to the eccentric aunt, the downtrodden companion, the dictatorial aunt, and the youngest cousin Beatrice who is just twelve and worried for her future.
I found A Bride by Moonlight to be an entertaining page-turner that quickly caught my interest and – apart from a few things that confused me at the beginning –sustained it right until the end.
The story opens in 1847 in the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Royden Napier. A young woman, Elizabeth Colbourne, bursts into his office demanding the re-arrest and conviction for murder of Rance Welham, future Lord Lazonby (whose story is told in the previous book). She holds Welham responsible for the death of her father and her sister’s fiancé, for a life lived in penury in the charge of uncaring relatives, and for causing the death of her sister. She wants to see him hang for his crimes. Napier is struck by the depth of her hatred and her intensity, but can do nothing for her – Welham has been exonerated, due process has been followed, and that’s an end of it.
We then jump ahead two years, and to the scene of the murder of Sir Wilfred Leeton, an old crony of Rance Welham’s. Now Lord Lazonby, Welham has sent for Napier, knowing that he’s the only man who can clear Welham’s name of suspicion once and for all. In order to secure Napier’s cooperation, Welham tells him that before he was killed, the late Sir Wilfred had made accusations of corruption against his father, who had held the position of Assistant Commissioner before him.
At this point, I was expecting the rest of the story to concentrate on the search for the truth about Napier’s father and the quest to prove Lazonby’s innocence. But shortly after this, it took a swift turn into different territory, which I think was very much a turn for the better. Instead of being an adventure romp, the book is more by way of an Agatha Christie-type country house mystery which features a sizable cast of characters, all with grudges to bear and secrets to hide.
Napier is, in fact, the heir to the viscountcy of Duncaster. He never expected to be such; his late father was the third son, estranged from his father, and Napier has been more than content to make his own way in the world. But following the deaths of both his uncles, he is now Lord Saint-Bryce and his grandfather’s heir. At first, he wants none of it. He has had very little to do with his family and wants to keep it that way. He’s risen through the ranks on his own merits and followed in his father’s footsteps to become Assistant Commissioner, and he is committed to a life of service to the Crown. But at the request of his superior, Sir George Grey – an old friend of Viscount Duncaster – Napier travels to Wiltshire to meet with his grandfather and quietly investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent deaths in the family.
Sir George also warns Napier of the match-making schemes of his great aunt Cordelia, Lady Hepplewood, suggesting that it might be prudent for Napier to take along his ‘fiancée’ in order to keep her at bay. Napier realizes that while it not be an ideal situation, it will make his appearance seem more like a visit than an investigation –and he also realizes that if he takes the right woman with him, she could prove helpful.
His choices however, are limited. He ends up taking someone he wouldn’t have chosen in a million years: Elizabeth (Lisette) Colborne. She is a key witness (and more, Napier suspects) in the murder of Sir Wilfred, and is on the point of leaving the country, but Napier, certain that she knows more than she lets on, offers her a deal. If she accompanies him to Wiltshire for a couple of weeks, he will let her leave the country.
Napier’s visit is well-received by his grandfather, who is under the impression that he has come to his senses at last and is there to start to learn how to manage the estate. He quickly attempts to dispel that notion, adamant that once he has uncovered the truth about his uncles’ deaths, he will return to his job and his life in London. He and Lisette are plunged into a family enmeshed in petty squabbles and not-so-petty resentments, and despite his initial misgivings about taking her along, Napier is forced to admire the subtlety with which she stands up to his great-aunt, and the ease with which she gains the confidence of the other women of the house. It is Lisette who gives Napier something to think about when she points out that the skills he has honed over his years in government service have, in fact, well-equipped him for the task of running a large estate, and that in doing so, he would still be serving his country — albeit in a different way.
Lisette is an engaging and slightly unusual heroine. In her late 20s, she’s had far from an easy life, losing her parents at a young age and then being farmed out to relatives in America who both used and neglected her. She had to grow up very quickly and take responsibility for herself , her aunt, and sot of an uncle who she learned later had been paid to take both her and her sister (who has since died) away from England after the death of her parents.
She’s prickly, she’s tough, and she’s clever. Clever enough to admit to herself that spending most of her life hating and seeking revenge upon the man she holds responsible for her family’s tragedies has left her almost soulless and empty and to wonder if she’s capable of any finer feelings. And clever enough to realize that it’s time for her to start living her own life and put the past behind her before it’s too late.
Napier has a reputation for coldness, ruthlessness, and incorruptibility. He could have been a bit of a dry stick, but at the heart of his story is the way he comes to the realization that not every situation can be seen in black and white and to acknowledge that sometimes a bad thing can be the right thing in certain circumstances. He falls hard for Lisette, even as he is constantly questioning her part in Leeton’s murder, and it’s only when he admits to both himself and her that he no longer cares about her involvement that she can finally trust him enough to tell him the truth. With regard to the accusations against his father, Napier at last admits to himself that he had probably known for some time that all was not quite above board – but there is no proof. The man he was at the beginning of the book would likely have been completely broken by the discovery that the father he idolized had feet of clay; but the man he has become by the end of it is able to accept – albeit not to condone – his father’s duplicity.
The relationship between Napier and Lisette is antagonistic, tender and passionate. They are immediately and devastatingly attracted to each other even while recognizing that a relationship between them could be dangerous and stupid. They get under each other’s skins and into each other’s heads in a way neither has before experienced, which both entices and scares the hell out of them. The sexual tension between them is like a ticking time-bomb and fairly leaps off the page, and there is a great deal of humor in their frequent bickering.
The supporting cast is clearly delineated, from the gruff patriarch to the eccentric aunt, the downtrodden companion, the dictatorial aunt, and the youngest cousin Beatrice who is just twelve and worried for her future.
I found A Bride by Moonlight to be an entertaining page-turner that quickly caught my interest and – apart from a few things that confused me at the beginning –sustained it right until the end.
February 7, 2015
3.5
Los personajes me han gustado mucho. Es una buena novela y está bien escrita. La autora se toma muhco cuidado en describirnos todos los persoanjes, no tan solo los protagonistas, sino también los muchos secundarios que aparecen. Pero la novela, una pena, se centra principalmente en esas circunstancias extrañas que rodean las dos recientes muertes ocurridas en la mansión dejando, a mi parecer, un poco de lado la relación entre ellos. Una pena, en serio, porque he disfrutado mucho de las conversaciones entre ambos, en cómo Royden va perdiendo ese estiramento y rectitud a medida que Elizabeth le va conquistando.
Es una novel extensa y en algunos momentos me ha dado la sensación de que no avanzaba.
Los personajes me han gustado mucho. Es una buena novela y está bien escrita. La autora se toma muhco cuidado en describirnos todos los persoanjes, no tan solo los protagonistas, sino también los muchos secundarios que aparecen. Pero la novela, una pena, se centra principalmente en esas circunstancias extrañas que rodean las dos recientes muertes ocurridas en la mansión dejando, a mi parecer, un poco de lado la relación entre ellos. Una pena, en serio, porque he disfrutado mucho de las conversaciones entre ambos, en cómo Royden va perdiendo ese estiramento y rectitud a medida que Elizabeth le va conquistando.
Es una novel extensa y en algunos momentos me ha dado la sensación de que no avanzaba.
January 29, 2021
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
A Bride By Moonlight is book four of the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis series. And yes that is such a complex spelling for a series? But once you read these books you begin to understand the reasoning of it a bit more. This book *sigh* was a struggle and I am not sure if it was just because it was my first historical in a long while, lack of energy or my mood but this took me almost a week to read and that is just not me even for a historical which I have struggled with lately. So I am not sure how long this review will be, but I do want to share my honest thoughts about this story.
A Bride By Moonlight is a story that is about two more opposite of people Lisette and Napier. Napier is a man that works with and is a defender of upholding the laws of the land. Lisette, is a woman who has a dark past and pushes the boundaries of the law. But Napier and Lisette come to an arrangement of sorts, a fake engagement to help solve a mystery and a murder mystery at that. Lisette is used to pushing men away, she doesn't like to get emotionally involved but with Napier its different. They have passion between them but there is something deeper and he is proving to be more of a challenge to let go of.
This is a story that I will say was confusing to say the least. The first half of the book was a huge struggle, so I really felt I had to force my way through it. I am not sure why I kept up with this one to be honest. I haven't read this author in years so I also had to adjust to her writing style which I definitely wasn't used to since its been so long. But I just wanted to love it. And even though I ended up liking some aspects of the story, it just didn't pull me in, or engage me and quite frankly I didn't feel the emotion that I wanted to feel between these two. As a plus though, there is a well written mystery that is put into play in this story and I definitely had a fun time with that. The second half of the book is definitely a vast improvement and I highly recommend that if you want to pick this one up, do so but stick with it and I guarantee that it does get better.
Overall, even though it didn't quite meet my expectations, it had such promise within its pages, and was a solid story of intrigue, unrequited love and the power of opposites being attracted....
A Bride By Moonlight is book four of the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis series. And yes that is such a complex spelling for a series? But once you read these books you begin to understand the reasoning of it a bit more. This book *sigh* was a struggle and I am not sure if it was just because it was my first historical in a long while, lack of energy or my mood but this took me almost a week to read and that is just not me even for a historical which I have struggled with lately. So I am not sure how long this review will be, but I do want to share my honest thoughts about this story.
A Bride By Moonlight is a story that is about two more opposite of people Lisette and Napier. Napier is a man that works with and is a defender of upholding the laws of the land. Lisette, is a woman who has a dark past and pushes the boundaries of the law. But Napier and Lisette come to an arrangement of sorts, a fake engagement to help solve a mystery and a murder mystery at that. Lisette is used to pushing men away, she doesn't like to get emotionally involved but with Napier its different. They have passion between them but there is something deeper and he is proving to be more of a challenge to let go of.
This is a story that I will say was confusing to say the least. The first half of the book was a huge struggle, so I really felt I had to force my way through it. I am not sure why I kept up with this one to be honest. I haven't read this author in years so I also had to adjust to her writing style which I definitely wasn't used to since its been so long. But I just wanted to love it. And even though I ended up liking some aspects of the story, it just didn't pull me in, or engage me and quite frankly I didn't feel the emotion that I wanted to feel between these two. As a plus though, there is a well written mystery that is put into play in this story and I definitely had a fun time with that. The second half of the book is definitely a vast improvement and I highly recommend that if you want to pick this one up, do so but stick with it and I guarantee that it does get better.
Overall, even though it didn't quite meet my expectations, it had such promise within its pages, and was a solid story of intrigue, unrequited love and the power of opposites being attracted....
November 22, 2023
5/5 ⭐
"—La experiencia me ha demostrado que la pasión puede ser una fuente de grandes males —dijo Napier."
🌜Es el 4to libro de la Sociedad de St. James de Lyz Carlyle. Los anteriores tres los leí en el 2017 y en ese entonces no dejaba mi opinión en goodreads más que la puntuación, así que si me preguntan, no me acuerdo de nada. Obviamente están relacionados pero la portada de éste no va en relación con las anteriores y qué pena porque Titania creaba hermosas portadas románticas.
🌛 “Iluminada por la luna” fue publicado en español en el 2013 y con un prólogo muy atrapante da comienzo en el año 1849 en Greenwich con sir Wilfred muerto víctima de un disparo accidental. “Supuestamente accidental”, luego de haberse confesado ser autor del apuñalamiento a un hombre en una partida de naipes que, según rumores, fue por una mujer. La cuestión es que es un antiguo caso de asesinato que involucra a la Corona.
🌜Aquí los protagonistas principales son Royden Napier, también conocido como Roy el Desalmado y Elizabeth Colburne, “Lisette” quien había dedicado más de la mitad de sus veintisiete años de vida a una única y electrizante misión: la venganza. Y ahora que por fin la había saboreado, sentía en la boca una amargura mayor que la de la ceniza.
🌛La trama de ésta novela es bien compleja y a lo largo de quince capítulos de extensas páginas conoceremos a Royden como un hombre implacable, fiel a sus principios y a su profesión como inspector de la policía metropolitana. Él y Lisette ya aparecen en “Las perlas de la novia” cuando Lord Lazonby descubrió que buscaban ensuciar su nombre. Ella por su parte, tuvo que atravesar varios obstáculos entre ellos la muerte de su padre y de su hermana lo que le llevó a trasladarse a los Estados Unidos a la casa de sus tíos Ashton. Es una mujer luchadora, fuerte con sentido del honor y de la verdad; De todos modos, ella sabe muy bien quién fue el que ocasionó que su padre se suicidara y su hermana tuviese una tragedia: Lord Lazonby y no va a parar hasta destruirlo por completo y esa es su razón de estar en Inglaterra.
🌜Ésta joven belleza se cruzará en el camino de Royden haciendo que éste desconfie de ella porque tras esa cara bonita y esa mente rápida quizás se esconda una asesina en busca de venganza. De modo que sus caminos se cruzaron y él temiendo que se dé a la fuga le propone una disparatada idea: que actué como su prometida ya que su abuelo el vizconde de Duncaster le pide que lo viste en Burlingame y que se haga cargo del título barón de Saint-Bryce, honor que él rechaza ya que el trato con su familia paterna ha sido nulo. Y hasta allí viajarán juntos fingiendo ser una pareja de enamorados.
🌛Me ha encantado ésta historia porque sus personajes son tan complejos como la trama: Royden en su trabajo es implacable, poseé un carácter que lo hace frío y busca mantenerse apartado de las emociones hasta que conoce a Lisette y allí su pasión se desborda demostrando que debajo de esa coraza existe un hombre apasionado. Entre ellos se establecerá una lucha entre la desconfianza y la tensión sexual. Son una pareja real, que se complementan y están a su altura.
🌜Lyz Carlyle cierra la Sociedad St James de manera impecable con personaje secundarios también bien desarrollados, a los cuales uno de ellos no soporté (la dichosa tía lady Hepplewood y su bastón que otorga respeto y autoridad) donde en la casa Wiltshire, en las cuales Royden empieza a recibir cartas haciendo referencia a las muertes ocurridas allí, también hay secretos familiares, intrigas, envenenamientos, toda una madeja donde hay víctimas inocentes y por supuesto la muerte se hace presente. Cito: "En esta casa hay tanta rabia contenida como para que volemos todos por los aires si a alguien se le ocurre encender una cerilla en el momento equivocado."
🌜Si como yo, han leído los anteriores y aún tienen pendiente éste, LEANLO porque la trama está bien creada. Nada es lo que parece. Es una excelente novela romántica histórica.
"—La experiencia me ha demostrado que la pasión puede ser una fuente de grandes males —dijo Napier."
🌜Es el 4to libro de la Sociedad de St. James de Lyz Carlyle. Los anteriores tres los leí en el 2017 y en ese entonces no dejaba mi opinión en goodreads más que la puntuación, así que si me preguntan, no me acuerdo de nada. Obviamente están relacionados pero la portada de éste no va en relación con las anteriores y qué pena porque Titania creaba hermosas portadas románticas.
🌛 “Iluminada por la luna” fue publicado en español en el 2013 y con un prólogo muy atrapante da comienzo en el año 1849 en Greenwich con sir Wilfred muerto víctima de un disparo accidental. “Supuestamente accidental”, luego de haberse confesado ser autor del apuñalamiento a un hombre en una partida de naipes que, según rumores, fue por una mujer. La cuestión es que es un antiguo caso de asesinato que involucra a la Corona.
🌜Aquí los protagonistas principales son Royden Napier, también conocido como Roy el Desalmado y Elizabeth Colburne, “Lisette” quien había dedicado más de la mitad de sus veintisiete años de vida a una única y electrizante misión: la venganza. Y ahora que por fin la había saboreado, sentía en la boca una amargura mayor que la de la ceniza.
🌛La trama de ésta novela es bien compleja y a lo largo de quince capítulos de extensas páginas conoceremos a Royden como un hombre implacable, fiel a sus principios y a su profesión como inspector de la policía metropolitana. Él y Lisette ya aparecen en “Las perlas de la novia” cuando Lord Lazonby descubrió que buscaban ensuciar su nombre. Ella por su parte, tuvo que atravesar varios obstáculos entre ellos la muerte de su padre y de su hermana lo que le llevó a trasladarse a los Estados Unidos a la casa de sus tíos Ashton. Es una mujer luchadora, fuerte con sentido del honor y de la verdad; De todos modos, ella sabe muy bien quién fue el que ocasionó que su padre se suicidara y su hermana tuviese una tragedia: Lord Lazonby y no va a parar hasta destruirlo por completo y esa es su razón de estar en Inglaterra.
🌜Ésta joven belleza se cruzará en el camino de Royden haciendo que éste desconfie de ella porque tras esa cara bonita y esa mente rápida quizás se esconda una asesina en busca de venganza. De modo que sus caminos se cruzaron y él temiendo que se dé a la fuga le propone una disparatada idea: que actué como su prometida ya que su abuelo el vizconde de Duncaster le pide que lo viste en Burlingame y que se haga cargo del título barón de Saint-Bryce, honor que él rechaza ya que el trato con su familia paterna ha sido nulo. Y hasta allí viajarán juntos fingiendo ser una pareja de enamorados.
🌛Me ha encantado ésta historia porque sus personajes son tan complejos como la trama: Royden en su trabajo es implacable, poseé un carácter que lo hace frío y busca mantenerse apartado de las emociones hasta que conoce a Lisette y allí su pasión se desborda demostrando que debajo de esa coraza existe un hombre apasionado. Entre ellos se establecerá una lucha entre la desconfianza y la tensión sexual. Son una pareja real, que se complementan y están a su altura.
🌜Lyz Carlyle cierra la Sociedad St James de manera impecable con personaje secundarios también bien desarrollados, a los cuales uno de ellos no soporté (la dichosa tía lady Hepplewood y su bastón que otorga respeto y autoridad) donde en la casa Wiltshire, en las cuales Royden empieza a recibir cartas haciendo referencia a las muertes ocurridas allí, también hay secretos familiares, intrigas, envenenamientos, toda una madeja donde hay víctimas inocentes y por supuesto la muerte se hace presente. Cito: "En esta casa hay tanta rabia contenida como para que volemos todos por los aires si a alguien se le ocurre encender una cerilla en el momento equivocado."
🌜Si como yo, han leído los anteriores y aún tienen pendiente éste, LEANLO porque la trama está bien creada. Nada es lo que parece. Es una excelente novela romántica histórica.
October 2, 2013
Somehow, I'd never read Liz Carlyle before now. This was a grave mistake that I intend to keep on rectifying!
What I Loved:
Absolutely gorgeous, insight-laden prose and sharp dialogue. I was very pleasantly surprised by just how good a writer Carlyle is---certainly not a given in this particular genre! :) That alone compelled me and my greedy Kindle to buy a bunch of her other novels.
This is a great choice for those of us who sometimes crave a large dollop of mystery with our romance. And, unlike most books that aspire to give us both mystery and romance and end up succeeding at neither, the mystery is actually fairly compelling.
The hero and heroine, while not personal all-time favorites of mine, were vivid and well drawn.
What I Didn't Love:
As others have noted, parts of the book feel a little crowded, with a few too many characters and a bit too much going on. I wouldn't say it's too convoluted to follow, but I did have a couple more of those 'wait, who's that and what the heck is his deal again...?!' moments than is typical of me.
At 416 pages, the book was a little overlong---and those pages contained a little too much tiresomely detailed, explicit sex for my personal, admittedly odd "less is more!" taste :) Those who love steamy sex scenes will almost certainly enjoy those parts of the book more than I did.
Overall, the aspects of the book that I loved definitely outweighed the ones that I didn't, and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
What I Loved:
Absolutely gorgeous, insight-laden prose and sharp dialogue. I was very pleasantly surprised by just how good a writer Carlyle is---certainly not a given in this particular genre! :) That alone compelled me and my greedy Kindle to buy a bunch of her other novels.
This is a great choice for those of us who sometimes crave a large dollop of mystery with our romance. And, unlike most books that aspire to give us both mystery and romance and end up succeeding at neither, the mystery is actually fairly compelling.
The hero and heroine, while not personal all-time favorites of mine, were vivid and well drawn.
What I Didn't Love:
As others have noted, parts of the book feel a little crowded, with a few too many characters and a bit too much going on. I wouldn't say it's too convoluted to follow, but I did have a couple more of those 'wait, who's that and what the heck is his deal again...?!' moments than is typical of me.
At 416 pages, the book was a little overlong---and those pages contained a little too much tiresomely detailed, explicit sex for my personal, admittedly odd "less is more!" taste :) Those who love steamy sex scenes will almost certainly enjoy those parts of the book more than I did.
Overall, the aspects of the book that I loved definitely outweighed the ones that I didn't, and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
February 13, 2015
Me gustó más Nunca te enamores de un canalla. Quizá este tenga una trama más interesante o compleja, con un mayor número de personajes secundarios... pero es excesivamente largo. A veces resulta pesado y en muchas menos páginas se hubiese podido contar lo mismo y mejor. Una pena, porque la pluma de la autora me gusta.
*Reseña ya en el blog: http://mymagic-books.blogspot.com.es/...
*Reseña ya en el blog: http://mymagic-books.blogspot.com.es/...
April 12, 2025
Kobo+ Mad About Series Challenge 2025. HRBC. Tropes: Victorian Romance, Romance/Mystery,Law Enforement/Spy, Fake Fiance/Bride, Disguise.
MC's h. *Elizabeth Colburne,27, orphaned at 11, went to Boston to live with her uncle and aunt Ashton, always believed Rance Welham, Earl of Lazonby was guilty of killing her papa, Arthur Cobourne. Elizabeth (Lisette) has two other alias's-Elizabeth Ashton 1/2 sister to Jack Coldwater newspapter reporter for the London Times, bent on slandering Rance Welham's name after he had been aquitted with Ruthveyn's and the St. James Society's help.* H. Royden Napier,34, assistant Police Commissioner in London, aka Roughshod Roy, Baron Saint-Bryce,since his uncle passed away, will inherit the title Viscount Duncaster and a few female 1 aunt, 3 female-cousin dependants.
****************************************************************************
Comments: This is the conclusion of the series. The books were connected through the St. James Society except for this last one. The connection was through the false accusation of Rance Welham, Lazonby by the police Royden Napier's father Nicolas Napier and Jack Coldwater. In this book there was the suspicion that Elizabeth may be the killer of Wilfrid Leeton by Royden Napier and he asked her to come to his ancestral home to help uncover the truth about his Aunt's husband's death and his Uncle's death. An interesting mystery to be sure. The first uncle was killed by arsenic poisoning accidently by his nieces who were unaware that the cloth they dipped into water was leaching arsenic onto his face. His (illigitimate daughter) unbeknownst to her,Diana new but was hoping they would move him home to die and mirculously be cured. His wife wouldn't allow him to go back home for a very good reason we find out at the end of the story. The next uncle Saint -Bryce died from appoplexy (Stroke). Diana was engaged to him. She didn't want to marry him but she only ever wanted to marry Tony (who in actual fact is her half brother) but neither of them had that knowledge. The only one's who knew were Uncle and Aunt Hepplewood and the real mother and pretend father.
The romance in the story added some diversion from all the mysteries. I gave this 4 stars. The writing was very good and the mystery I belive the best of the 4 novels in the series. The epilogue wrapped up the forgiveness of the Saint Bryce's and Lazonby's and both women are expecting babies. A great ending to the series. I was a little sad that Ruthveyn and Besset didn't have more parts in the last book.
****************************************************************************
MC's h. *Elizabeth Colburne,27, orphaned at 11, went to Boston to live with her uncle and aunt Ashton, always believed Rance Welham, Earl of Lazonby was guilty of killing her papa, Arthur Cobourne. Elizabeth (Lisette) has two other alias's-Elizabeth Ashton 1/2 sister to Jack Coldwater newspapter reporter for the London Times, bent on slandering Rance Welham's name after he had been aquitted with Ruthveyn's and the St. James Society's help.* H. Royden Napier,34, assistant Police Commissioner in London, aka Roughshod Roy, Baron Saint-Bryce,since his uncle passed away, will inherit the title Viscount Duncaster and a few female 1 aunt, 3 female-cousin dependants.
****************************************************************************
Comments: This is the conclusion of the series. The books were connected through the St. James Society except for this last one. The connection was through the false accusation of Rance Welham, Lazonby by the police Royden Napier's father Nicolas Napier and Jack Coldwater. In this book there was the suspicion that Elizabeth may be the killer of Wilfrid Leeton by Royden Napier and he asked her to come to his ancestral home to help uncover the truth about his Aunt's husband's death and his Uncle's death. An interesting mystery to be sure. The first uncle was killed by arsenic poisoning accidently by his nieces who were unaware that the cloth they dipped into water was leaching arsenic onto his face. His (illigitimate daughter) unbeknownst to her,Diana new but was hoping they would move him home to die and mirculously be cured. His wife wouldn't allow him to go back home for a very good reason we find out at the end of the story. The next uncle Saint -Bryce died from appoplexy (Stroke). Diana was engaged to him. She didn't want to marry him but she only ever wanted to marry Tony (who in actual fact is her half brother) but neither of them had that knowledge. The only one's who knew were Uncle and Aunt Hepplewood and the real mother and pretend father.
The romance in the story added some diversion from all the mysteries. I gave this 4 stars. The writing was very good and the mystery I belive the best of the 4 novels in the series. The epilogue wrapped up the forgiveness of the Saint Bryce's and Lazonby's and both women are expecting babies. A great ending to the series. I was a little sad that Ruthveyn and Besset didn't have more parts in the last book.
****************************************************************************
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2013
A Bride by Moonlight by Liz Carlyle is the fourth in the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis series. This book is scheduled for release in February 2013.
Lisette has had a troubled life. She has had many responsibilities placed on her . She has also tossed away her own happiness in search of justice for her father's death.
Royden Napier is a policeman with Scotland yard. He is also a reluctant heir to a vast estate . When two members of his family die closely together, apparently of natural causes, Napier will have to step into his role on the estate. But, an anonymous letter hints that the deaths may not have been natural.
In order to investigate unimpeded, Royden brings Lissette along to distract his matchmaking Aunt.
Napier and Lisette have a little bit of a history with each other. Napier knows Lissette could be a very dangerous lady, and she also might need his protection.
So, with nothing to lose , Lisette agrees to pretend to be Napier' s fiancee. But , she will also prove quite valuable in the investigation, when she's not too busy driving Napier crazy with desire, that is.
I enjoyed this story very much. Lisette and Napier both harbor secrets and regrets that threatens to keep them from long term happiness.
Both characters struggle mightily with their principles and conscience and try to make the right choices for their future and each other.
Meanwhile, Napier is puzzled by his cousins and other family members and staff. He begins to think that maybe he's been sent on a wild goose chase when no evidence appears to suggest any foul play. But, with Lissette helping gather information, a terrible tragedy with far reaching consequences comes to light.
Part mystery , part romance. This story deals with obsession, forgiveness, unconditional love, and finding peace. Love conquerors all in the end.
My complaint with this one is that the language was far stronger than I'm used to with historical romances. Also, a theme in 2013 releases seems to be more experimental sexual situations that seem more fitting in current day settings . I'm afraid we are losing all authenticity in historical romances . There's nothing wrong with thinking outside the box and trying to freshen up historical romances, but I hope it doesn't get out of hand.
Otherwise, the plot was original. I loved the mystery and family drama and scandals, and of course the HEA
overall a B.
Thanks Edelweiss for the advance copy.
Lisette has had a troubled life. She has had many responsibilities placed on her . She has also tossed away her own happiness in search of justice for her father's death.
Royden Napier is a policeman with Scotland yard. He is also a reluctant heir to a vast estate . When two members of his family die closely together, apparently of natural causes, Napier will have to step into his role on the estate. But, an anonymous letter hints that the deaths may not have been natural.
In order to investigate unimpeded, Royden brings Lissette along to distract his matchmaking Aunt.
Napier and Lisette have a little bit of a history with each other. Napier knows Lissette could be a very dangerous lady, and she also might need his protection.
So, with nothing to lose , Lisette agrees to pretend to be Napier' s fiancee. But , she will also prove quite valuable in the investigation, when she's not too busy driving Napier crazy with desire, that is.
I enjoyed this story very much. Lisette and Napier both harbor secrets and regrets that threatens to keep them from long term happiness.
Both characters struggle mightily with their principles and conscience and try to make the right choices for their future and each other.
Meanwhile, Napier is puzzled by his cousins and other family members and staff. He begins to think that maybe he's been sent on a wild goose chase when no evidence appears to suggest any foul play. But, with Lissette helping gather information, a terrible tragedy with far reaching consequences comes to light.
Part mystery , part romance. This story deals with obsession, forgiveness, unconditional love, and finding peace. Love conquerors all in the end.
My complaint with this one is that the language was far stronger than I'm used to with historical romances. Also, a theme in 2013 releases seems to be more experimental sexual situations that seem more fitting in current day settings . I'm afraid we are losing all authenticity in historical romances . There's nothing wrong with thinking outside the box and trying to freshen up historical romances, but I hope it doesn't get out of hand.
Otherwise, the plot was original. I loved the mystery and family drama and scandals, and of course the HEA
overall a B.
Thanks Edelweiss for the advance copy.
May 24, 2016
4.5 Stars for me. I can always depend on Liz Carlyle to deliver a solid entertaining read and of course that is what she has done. We have known Napier Royden from the very first book and found him to be dark and intriguing. He is no different in his own book. He has always come off as a bit of a stiff character, but as the Chief Detective he needs to be. But we always knew that the right woman would set those deep currents of his flowing. Of course that is exactly what titan haired Lisette Colburn does for Napier. When he is called once again to a murder scene where that rascally Rance Welhelm is again involved, but this time Lisette is also on scene and claiming that her "brother" Jack Coldwater is the one that did the dirty deed. (You at least need to read The Bride Wore Pearls, because this book picks up at the very end of that book and overlaps a little.) But if you have read the entire series then you know what kind of dealings Rance and Jack had with one another.
Royden knows that he can't trust Lisette at all, but he is having a hard time convincing his heart and other areas of his body that she is off limits. I loved how sentimental Royden turned out the be. Added a bit of unexpected sweetness to a overall serious book. Those that don't like the woo-woo-kachoo in their romances will be happy to know that this book doesn't have that. Strictly straight romance. Wonderful read, wonderful series and I can't wait for the next book in the series, Mr. Quartermain's from what I understand. (who doesn't love a sexy blond in glasses?)
Royden knows that he can't trust Lisette at all, but he is having a hard time convincing his heart and other areas of his body that she is off limits. I loved how sentimental Royden turned out the be. Added a bit of unexpected sweetness to a overall serious book. Those that don't like the woo-woo-kachoo in their romances will be happy to know that this book doesn't have that. Strictly straight romance. Wonderful read, wonderful series and I can't wait for the next book in the series, Mr. Quartermain's from what I understand. (who doesn't love a sexy blond in glasses?)
December 4, 2013
For this special review (my 500th!), I'm glad this book won the price and not another bad bet. I must however confess that some books are so awfully bad that they are remembered very long after their reading up to forever while some good ones with nothing special are rather quickly forgotten, at least by me. Let's stop there for the digression, nobody can really be sure whether those are still allowed and that would be the height of absurdity if this 500th review were the one to be deleted;(
From the first page, this book had a different tone from the usual romance. The characters, both male and female, were unusual - the hero extremely stiff, stickler to the law, having totally forgotten to live, and the heroine on the other hand oozing a very deep despair and loss of humanity in favor of achieving her vengeance. I was really puzzled by their first interactions which manage to reflect perfectly their own uncertainties and insecurities when confronted with the other. And it took time to get them settled into the beginning of a relationship, while still pursuing their second maybe-murder investigation.
The characters of the remainder of the family were rather well depicted as well, very chilling for most of them.
There are many surprises to come regarding both investigations, the first one on which Napier found himself again facing Lisette, and the second on which he had procured her help on his family members. And for once, the surprises were rather good ones, with something very distinctive about them.
Last but not least, the writing was extremely high, which I remarked and enjoyed until the last sentence, and it seemed even better than Liz Carlyle's usual or that of her books I had previously read. There are not many writers that can claim such a perfect way of playing with words and making them work.
From the first page, this book had a different tone from the usual romance. The characters, both male and female, were unusual - the hero extremely stiff, stickler to the law, having totally forgotten to live, and the heroine on the other hand oozing a very deep despair and loss of humanity in favor of achieving her vengeance. I was really puzzled by their first interactions which manage to reflect perfectly their own uncertainties and insecurities when confronted with the other. And it took time to get them settled into the beginning of a relationship, while still pursuing their second maybe-murder investigation.
The characters of the remainder of the family were rather well depicted as well, very chilling for most of them.
There are many surprises to come regarding both investigations, the first one on which Napier found himself again facing Lisette, and the second on which he had procured her help on his family members. And for once, the surprises were rather good ones, with something very distinctive about them.
Last but not least, the writing was extremely high, which I remarked and enjoyed until the last sentence, and it seemed even better than Liz Carlyle's usual or that of her books I had previously read. There are not many writers that can claim such a perfect way of playing with words and making them work.
January 22, 2015
Courtesy of Avon through Edelweiss in exchange of an honest review.
Royden Napier is tall, dark, dangerous and ruthless – just the kind of man Lisette Colburne should stray away from. Caught in a web of lies and a potentially dangerous situation that can ruin her life, Lisette has no choice but to accept a fake proposal she cannot dare to refuse.
When something in his family goes amidst, Royden Napier must travel with his fake fiancee to his family home and solve the murder. But he will need the help of Lisette in order to keep his aunt from pushing an engagement he does not want to take a part of.
A Bride by Moonlight was a wonderful story. It had mystery, lots of tension and well rounded characters. It made me feel like I was reading an exciting mystery novel, so involved into finding out who was the murdered that twice I have guessed wrong. The characters were well written and thoroughly thought out. I enjoyed the interactions, the story line, and Liz Carlyle's writing was very intricate. Carlyle's spin on story telling, knew how to capture my attention until the very thought of putting the book down became unthinkable.
I love Lisette and what she stood for. A broken woman who lead a hard life growing up, Lisette came out the most human out of this book. She suffers from the mistakes she has made and managed to build a brick wall around her heart. What Lisette did not expect was for Royden to come knocking it down. Letting down her walls wasn't easy, and that was the part that made this book so emotionally investing. You cannot help but feel the pain that Lisette has gone through, and her fear of letting the one man that can ruin her into her life. Letting Royden in, means spilling secrets that he had come so eager to know, secrets that can break her apart.
Royden Napier was a ruthless cop who is also hard not to like. Becoming emotionally attached to Lisette couldn't have been easy but I loved the tension and attraction between them. Scenes from their steamy and emotional runs ins had imprisoned my heart and made a permanent impact. Seeing the way these characters grew throughout the book and opened up to let love into their lives was very heart warming.
Plus, the lively estate of characters that appear throughout the book all have their issues and keep you flipping the pages and wondering until the very end.
Though this is sadly my first book ny Liz Carlyle, I will be adding A Bride By Moonlight to my bookshelves <3 the cover is just simply lovely!
Royden Napier is tall, dark, dangerous and ruthless – just the kind of man Lisette Colburne should stray away from. Caught in a web of lies and a potentially dangerous situation that can ruin her life, Lisette has no choice but to accept a fake proposal she cannot dare to refuse.
When something in his family goes amidst, Royden Napier must travel with his fake fiancee to his family home and solve the murder. But he will need the help of Lisette in order to keep his aunt from pushing an engagement he does not want to take a part of.
A Bride by Moonlight was a wonderful story. It had mystery, lots of tension and well rounded characters. It made me feel like I was reading an exciting mystery novel, so involved into finding out who was the murdered that twice I have guessed wrong. The characters were well written and thoroughly thought out. I enjoyed the interactions, the story line, and Liz Carlyle's writing was very intricate. Carlyle's spin on story telling, knew how to capture my attention until the very thought of putting the book down became unthinkable.
I love Lisette and what she stood for. A broken woman who lead a hard life growing up, Lisette came out the most human out of this book. She suffers from the mistakes she has made and managed to build a brick wall around her heart. What Lisette did not expect was for Royden to come knocking it down. Letting down her walls wasn't easy, and that was the part that made this book so emotionally investing. You cannot help but feel the pain that Lisette has gone through, and her fear of letting the one man that can ruin her into her life. Letting Royden in, means spilling secrets that he had come so eager to know, secrets that can break her apart.
Royden Napier was a ruthless cop who is also hard not to like. Becoming emotionally attached to Lisette couldn't have been easy but I loved the tension and attraction between them. Scenes from their steamy and emotional runs ins had imprisoned my heart and made a permanent impact. Seeing the way these characters grew throughout the book and opened up to let love into their lives was very heart warming.
Plus, the lively estate of characters that appear throughout the book all have their issues and keep you flipping the pages and wondering until the very end.
Though this is sadly my first book ny Liz Carlyle, I will be adding A Bride By Moonlight to my bookshelves <3 the cover is just simply lovely!
dnf
March 20, 2016DNFed at 16%
It's not you. It's me. (For real).
As I read the first few chapters in this book and got the massive info dump, it was clear to me that this was one of those series that MUST be read in order. Both characters seemed to have been pivotal in previous books so trying to catch up to their background and all the crazy stuff that had happened in 3 previous books was jarring. You would think that I'd like to start the series from the beginning, but the said info dump already revealed villains, plots, etc. There's just not reason for me to bother.
It's not you. It's me. (For real).
As I read the first few chapters in this book and got the massive info dump, it was clear to me that this was one of those series that MUST be read in order. Both characters seemed to have been pivotal in previous books so trying to catch up to their background and all the crazy stuff that had happened in 3 previous books was jarring. You would think that I'd like to start the series from the beginning, but the said info dump already revealed villains, plots, etc. There's just not reason for me to bother.
Read
June 19, 2023DNF
March 31, 2013
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book as part of Liz Carlyle's book tour. Yes, this is an honest review.
I had very different expectations when I read through the prologue and the first few chapters of A Bride by Moonlight. I had expected it to be a revenge plot that would involve Royden Napier, Elizabeth Colburne and Rance Welham, Lord Lazonby and it seemed to be following said trajectory with Elizabeth's pursuit of Lord Lazonby and the events in Chapters 1 and 2.
But, what Liz Carlyle was doing was to set up the foundations on which Elizabeth and Royden would build their relationship. And the main story actually begins in Chapter 4.
And the story is very interesting.
Roy's return to his estranged extended family in Wiltshire and to Burlingame, the estate his father grew up in, introduces us to a motley set of characters reminded me a bit of Robert Altman's Gosford Park and the country house trope. (Note: There's an excellent article on this subject at The Guardian.)
Two strangely sudden deaths and a letter suggesting that all manner of things are happening at Burlingame prompts Roy to investigate and he brings along Elizabeth to serve as protection against Roy's domineering, matchmaking aunt. Roy does not expect Elizabeth to act beyond what was required of her but she surprises him by proving herself an able and intelligent assistant in his investigation.
And it surprises both of them when they realize the strong and undeniable attraction that they feel for each other. (This is where the events of the prologue and first few chapters come into play --) But there is a big problem: Roy is investigating Elizabeth's involvement in the shooting of Sir Wilfred and her relationship with Lord Lazonby.
Is this part of Elizabeth's game? Is her heart, a heart full of vengeance, capable of love? And can Roy be able to sift the truth from all of his doubts?
Liz Carlyle's A Bride by Moonlight is a well-crafted historical romance set alongside a very clever whodunnit that leaves readers guessing up to the every end. This was my first Liz Carlyle book -- and it definitely won't be my last. ^_^
I had very different expectations when I read through the prologue and the first few chapters of A Bride by Moonlight. I had expected it to be a revenge plot that would involve Royden Napier, Elizabeth Colburne and Rance Welham, Lord Lazonby and it seemed to be following said trajectory with Elizabeth's pursuit of Lord Lazonby and the events in Chapters 1 and 2.
But, what Liz Carlyle was doing was to set up the foundations on which Elizabeth and Royden would build their relationship. And the main story actually begins in Chapter 4.
And the story is very interesting.
Roy's return to his estranged extended family in Wiltshire and to Burlingame, the estate his father grew up in, introduces us to a motley set of characters reminded me a bit of Robert Altman's Gosford Park and the country house trope. (Note: There's an excellent article on this subject at The Guardian.)
Two strangely sudden deaths and a letter suggesting that all manner of things are happening at Burlingame prompts Roy to investigate and he brings along Elizabeth to serve as protection against Roy's domineering, matchmaking aunt. Roy does not expect Elizabeth to act beyond what was required of her but she surprises him by proving herself an able and intelligent assistant in his investigation.
And it surprises both of them when they realize the strong and undeniable attraction that they feel for each other. (This is where the events of the prologue and first few chapters come into play --) But there is a big problem: Roy is investigating Elizabeth's involvement in the shooting of Sir Wilfred and her relationship with Lord Lazonby.
Is this part of Elizabeth's game? Is her heart, a heart full of vengeance, capable of love? And can Roy be able to sift the truth from all of his doubts?
Liz Carlyle's A Bride by Moonlight is a well-crafted historical romance set alongside a very clever whodunnit that leaves readers guessing up to the every end. This was my first Liz Carlyle book -- and it definitely won't be my last. ^_^
September 24, 2013
As I read Chapter One of A Bride by Moonlight it sounded very familiar. Then I realized it is the same as a scene from a previous book but from a different perspective.
Royden Napier and Elizabeth “Lisette” Colburne are back but this time as the main characters. Napier does not know what to think about Lisette. He is not sure if she is innocent or guilty of murder. He does know that in spite of everything he is very attracted to her.
He is called to his estranged grandfather’s home to solve a mystery and he is warned that there will be pressure put on him to wed someone not of his choice. Using blackmail he convinces Lisette to go with him and pose as his betrothed.
The story unwinds from there. There is a lot of tension in A Bride by Moonlight; tension between Napier and his family, between Napier and Lisette, tension caused by Lisette’s past and tension from past secrets in both of their lives. Both Napier and Lisette must face the fact that not all of the past was as it seemed. The plot is full of surprises, twists and turns, and of course romance. The journey to Napier’s and Lissett’s HEA is really fun read, one you don’t want to miss.
While A Bride by Moonlight is part of a series you can read it as a stand alone.
Royden Napier and Elizabeth “Lisette” Colburne are back but this time as the main characters. Napier does not know what to think about Lisette. He is not sure if she is innocent or guilty of murder. He does know that in spite of everything he is very attracted to her.
He is called to his estranged grandfather’s home to solve a mystery and he is warned that there will be pressure put on him to wed someone not of his choice. Using blackmail he convinces Lisette to go with him and pose as his betrothed.
The story unwinds from there. There is a lot of tension in A Bride by Moonlight; tension between Napier and his family, between Napier and Lisette, tension caused by Lisette’s past and tension from past secrets in both of their lives. Both Napier and Lisette must face the fact that not all of the past was as it seemed. The plot is full of surprises, twists and turns, and of course romance. The journey to Napier’s and Lissett’s HEA is really fun read, one you don’t want to miss.
While A Bride by Moonlight is part of a series you can read it as a stand alone.
February 20, 2014
I can't do it, this is the third time I've tried to read this book and I always have to stop around chapter 3 because it's just too convoluted and complicated for me to follow. Maybe there's an earlier book in the series that I should be reading that would make the intro chapters make sense? But I'm just not willing to pay money to find out. Maybe I'll read another series from this author at some point, but I just can't read this book as a stand-alone, it isn't enjoyable because it is so hard to follow.
October 26, 2013
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
Royden Napier and Lissette Colbourne were characters from two books ago, The Bride wore Pearls. The chronology of this books starts outs overlapping with a scene from that book, but from a different perspective. There were some interesting characters and really funny moments in this one. I enjoyed it.
Royden Napier and Lissette Colbourne were characters from two books ago, The Bride wore Pearls. The chronology of this books starts outs overlapping with a scene from that book, but from a different perspective. There were some interesting characters and really funny moments in this one. I enjoyed it.
November 7, 2021
I DO SO LOVE A MATCH OF AN AUSTERE LAW ENFORCEMENT HERO MEETS HEADSTRONG HEROINE. IF YOU ENJOY MYSTERY WITH A TABOO, GRAND PASSION BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS? THIS IS YOUR CUP OF TEA.
NAPIER is Scotland Yard's most ruthless and coldhearted police commissioner. Once he takes a bite of a case, he won't let go until justice is served. But, he will learn that in this world not everything is black and white, and in his case, his lesson comes in the form of a beautifully, albeit broken woman. This was a rather long story with much details that needed your mind to do plenty of digesting. The characters were well layered, and so was the whole plot that drove the entire story. Napier's character was exquisite. He's the kind of male that I prefer and enjoy reading about - he's immovable, responsible and honourable, and he has no time for nonsense. So imagine the delight of having a strong man like this, being taken down a peg or two by a woman and love that sweeps him off his feet. Absolutely grand! Napier struggles with his inappropriate lust for Lisette who might just possibly be a murderess. The emotions here ran high, and no one's perfect, least of all our two main characters. When Napier discovers that he might just well be the new heir of an earldom, he's forced to go "home" and there's no better way than to keep an eye on Lisette by bringing her along to play the charade of his bride-to-be, until their attraction enters a more dangerous territory. What deems to be a trip home becomes a murder-solving mystery in which Napier and Lisette works on together to unravel the truth as they battle their attraction.
LISETTE is delightful heroine to read. She's bold, vivacious and a SURVIVOR at the forefront. She's not a highborn lady, though she has the connections and her family is completely dead but not without having left her some emotional scars. Every since young, she's been fighting the injustice of the cards that life dealt to her. Lisette's character is strong and resilient, absolutely independent and self-reliant to the point where she will NEVER trust anyone. This attribute solidifies when she believes her father was wrongly pushed to suicide and her family gone to shambles. And thus, she goes on a quest of revenge, only to realize she had been chasing the wrong man and for her life to fall apart around her ears. It's obvious from the start that Lisette had killed a man who becomes the main reason why Napier re-enters her life after she stormed into his office 2 years ago, accusing him of many things and even attempting to bribe him with money and her body. It took me awhile to warm up to Lisette's character because I wasn't certain what she was all about until several chapters later and she's blackmailed into being Napier's bride, do we get to understand her motivation and see that she's a misunderstood but not sorry woman.
OVERALL the characters were endearing in the sense that they do admit their faults and mistakes, owning up to them and trying to do what's right after stumbling into the pit. I'm glad that hardened Napier and Lisette who were shaped by their tough lives found love in each other and were able to find their own happily ever after. This certainly WASN'T FLUFF, OR RAINBOWS AND ROSES. IT WAS MORE OF A FIGHT THROUGH A THORNY JUNGLE BEFORE THE CHARACTERS GOT TO REACH TO THE END - A CASTLE OF GRANDNESS AND HAPPINESS THAT AWAITED THEM. The story did hold a bit of gothic romance vibes, except I saw someone tagged this as neo-gothic romance? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the term but overall, if you enjoy murder mystery then you'll no doubt enjoy this one. The characters were definitely NOT DUMB. And bordered on very mature topics of conversation.
NAPIER is Scotland Yard's most ruthless and coldhearted police commissioner. Once he takes a bite of a case, he won't let go until justice is served. But, he will learn that in this world not everything is black and white, and in his case, his lesson comes in the form of a beautifully, albeit broken woman. This was a rather long story with much details that needed your mind to do plenty of digesting. The characters were well layered, and so was the whole plot that drove the entire story. Napier's character was exquisite. He's the kind of male that I prefer and enjoy reading about - he's immovable, responsible and honourable, and he has no time for nonsense. So imagine the delight of having a strong man like this, being taken down a peg or two by a woman and love that sweeps him off his feet. Absolutely grand! Napier struggles with his inappropriate lust for Lisette who might just possibly be a murderess. The emotions here ran high, and no one's perfect, least of all our two main characters. When Napier discovers that he might just well be the new heir of an earldom, he's forced to go "home" and there's no better way than to keep an eye on Lisette by bringing her along to play the charade of his bride-to-be, until their attraction enters a more dangerous territory. What deems to be a trip home becomes a murder-solving mystery in which Napier and Lisette works on together to unravel the truth as they battle their attraction.
LISETTE is delightful heroine to read. She's bold, vivacious and a SURVIVOR at the forefront. She's not a highborn lady, though she has the connections and her family is completely dead but not without having left her some emotional scars. Every since young, she's been fighting the injustice of the cards that life dealt to her. Lisette's character is strong and resilient, absolutely independent and self-reliant to the point where she will NEVER trust anyone. This attribute solidifies when she believes her father was wrongly pushed to suicide and her family gone to shambles. And thus, she goes on a quest of revenge, only to realize she had been chasing the wrong man and for her life to fall apart around her ears. It's obvious from the start that Lisette had killed a man who becomes the main reason why Napier re-enters her life after she stormed into his office 2 years ago, accusing him of many things and even attempting to bribe him with money and her body. It took me awhile to warm up to Lisette's character because I wasn't certain what she was all about until several chapters later and she's blackmailed into being Napier's bride, do we get to understand her motivation and see that she's a misunderstood but not sorry woman.
OVERALL the characters were endearing in the sense that they do admit their faults and mistakes, owning up to them and trying to do what's right after stumbling into the pit. I'm glad that hardened Napier and Lisette who were shaped by their tough lives found love in each other and were able to find their own happily ever after. This certainly WASN'T FLUFF, OR RAINBOWS AND ROSES. IT WAS MORE OF A FIGHT THROUGH A THORNY JUNGLE BEFORE THE CHARACTERS GOT TO REACH TO THE END - A CASTLE OF GRANDNESS AND HAPPINESS THAT AWAITED THEM. The story did hold a bit of gothic romance vibes, except I saw someone tagged this as neo-gothic romance? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the term but overall, if you enjoy murder mystery then you'll no doubt enjoy this one. The characters were definitely NOT DUMB. And bordered on very mature topics of conversation.
December 31, 2022
It’s my first time reading a book where you can enjoy romance and a murder mystery. I was not sure if I would like it but it did surprise me.
Royden Napier is a detective who works for Scotland Yard. For a while he suspects a man of vicious crimes. When he is finally arrested, he learns that he will be released from prison. One day Lady Elizabeth Colburne bursts into his office and demands of him to keep this man in prison. She is convinced that he has murdered her father. The moment he sees her, he is smitten. But unfortunately, he cannot help her.
2 years later, they meet again. But in a very unusual way. Napier finds out Elizabeth is involved in a very suspicious murder case. Sir Wilfred got killed in his garden. And one of the suspects involved is, guess who… Elizabeth. She has only one option now… to escape and to leave England as soon as possible. But before she is able to do that, Napier shows up at her door. And he has a completely different proposal.
It seems that this mysterious situation will stay a mystery (for now). But Napier has a different problem. It seems that multiple deaths seem to happen at his aristocratic family’s estate. As he is suddenly the heir of the estate, he is forced to go there and to figure out what is going on. But to get his aunt off his back (for marriage proposals), he needs a con-woman to pretend to be his fiancé and to solve these murders. He basically forces Elizabeth to do this for him and in exchange, he will let her go afterwards. This mystery on the estate brings them both together. Could it be possible that they both finally start to trust and love each other?
It was a good mix of romance and mystery, I have to say. I liked the combination of it. There were moments, I was hungry for more romance and suddenly Liz would give that to you. The last few chapters certainly kept me on the edge of my seat. I wasn’t sure if this book would give me a happy ending because it is a different type of style. But thank God, there was one. 😊 Conclusion: I liked the mix of romance and murder mystery but it doesn’t make me want to read another one right away. I would certainly like to try another one in the future. But let’s say that I am good for now.
Royden Napier is a detective who works for Scotland Yard. For a while he suspects a man of vicious crimes. When he is finally arrested, he learns that he will be released from prison. One day Lady Elizabeth Colburne bursts into his office and demands of him to keep this man in prison. She is convinced that he has murdered her father. The moment he sees her, he is smitten. But unfortunately, he cannot help her.
2 years later, they meet again. But in a very unusual way. Napier finds out Elizabeth is involved in a very suspicious murder case. Sir Wilfred got killed in his garden. And one of the suspects involved is, guess who… Elizabeth. She has only one option now… to escape and to leave England as soon as possible. But before she is able to do that, Napier shows up at her door. And he has a completely different proposal.
It seems that this mysterious situation will stay a mystery (for now). But Napier has a different problem. It seems that multiple deaths seem to happen at his aristocratic family’s estate. As he is suddenly the heir of the estate, he is forced to go there and to figure out what is going on. But to get his aunt off his back (for marriage proposals), he needs a con-woman to pretend to be his fiancé and to solve these murders. He basically forces Elizabeth to do this for him and in exchange, he will let her go afterwards. This mystery on the estate brings them both together. Could it be possible that they both finally start to trust and love each other?
It was a good mix of romance and mystery, I have to say. I liked the combination of it. There were moments, I was hungry for more romance and suddenly Liz would give that to you. The last few chapters certainly kept me on the edge of my seat. I wasn’t sure if this book would give me a happy ending because it is a different type of style. But thank God, there was one. 😊 Conclusion: I liked the mix of romance and murder mystery but it doesn’t make me want to read another one right away. I would certainly like to try another one in the future. But let’s say that I am good for now.
September 5, 2025
I enjoy Liz Carlyle's writing style. It seems to set a slower pace than most HR, but the stories are so well-plotted and the protagonists so intricately described that as a reader, I don't tend to mind if the books are a little longer.
This book shares a timeline with another book in the series (which I hadn't read), but the salient plot points were provided as the story progressed, so I was never confused.
For years Lisette has been on a misguided mission of vengeance against the man she believed indirectly caused the deaths of her father and sister, which completely ruined her life. In the prologue, she seeks help from the police commissioner Roydan Napier but her desperate plea and bribe are immediately rebuffed by the upstanding lawman.
Chapter One begins after Lisette discovers she was mistaken and the target of her vendetta was falsely accused (he's the hero of a previous book).
When her actions ultimately lead to the death of the true culprit, Lisette is drowning in guilt, not only for being involved in a death, but also for her part in ruining a good man's reputation. She is planning to leave England when Napier reappears to investigate the homicide.
Napier suggests an opportunity for Lisette to accompany him to his estranged family's country estate, where he is planning to covertly investigate the recent deaths of two of his relatives. Lisette will pose as his betrothed, partly to keep her under close observation, while also providing a decoy for his nosy relatives who hope to set him up with one of their poor relations.
I enjoyed how the mystery played out, and the slow-burn between the MCs was perfectly paced, with believable angst from Lisette's guilty conscience.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
This book shares a timeline with another book in the series (which I hadn't read), but the salient plot points were provided as the story progressed, so I was never confused.
For years Lisette has been on a misguided mission of vengeance against the man she believed indirectly caused the deaths of her father and sister, which completely ruined her life. In the prologue, she seeks help from the police commissioner Roydan Napier but her desperate plea and bribe are immediately rebuffed by the upstanding lawman.
Chapter One begins after Lisette discovers she was mistaken and the target of her vendetta was falsely accused (he's the hero of a previous book).
When her actions ultimately lead to the death of the true culprit, Lisette is drowning in guilt, not only for being involved in a death, but also for her part in ruining a good man's reputation. She is planning to leave England when Napier reappears to investigate the homicide.
Napier suggests an opportunity for Lisette to accompany him to his estranged family's country estate, where he is planning to covertly investigate the recent deaths of two of his relatives. Lisette will pose as his betrothed, partly to keep her under close observation, while also providing a decoy for his nosy relatives who hope to set him up with one of their poor relations.
I enjoyed how the mystery played out, and the slow-burn between the MCs was perfectly paced, with believable angst from Lisette's guilty conscience.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
September 5, 2022
The original 'murder' is in a previous book. Royce (police) thinks she did it, but cannot prove it. He ends up asking her to be a faux fiancée to put off his dead cousin's intended that folks want him to marry. While at the house, poisonings and attempted murders happen revealing a murder did take place in the past. Witty repartee, intense passion, and eventually Royce realizes that there are shades of grey and that his father had been crooked. Book #3 has more on that.
I would read this series in a different order. #1, #3, #2, #4. These three stories overlap to some extent, and #2 gets really mixed up with #3 and makes more sense if you read it in that order, or you wonder what the heck is going on with this side story? I found this one the best of all of them. This one could be read independently.
Lissette Colburne, aka Elizabeth Ashton, aka Jack Coldwater was an interesting character, and I love it when a lead like Royden Napier (Tarleton), aka Baron Saint-Bryce, aka heir to Viscount Doncaster, learns something and grows as an individual besides just falling in lust/love.
I would read this series in a different order. #1, #3, #2, #4. These three stories overlap to some extent, and #2 gets really mixed up with #3 and makes more sense if you read it in that order, or you wonder what the heck is going on with this side story? I found this one the best of all of them. This one could be read independently.
Lissette Colburne, aka Elizabeth Ashton, aka Jack Coldwater was an interesting character, and I love it when a lead like Royden Napier (Tarleton), aka Baron Saint-Bryce, aka heir to Viscount Doncaster, learns something and grows as an individual besides just falling in lust/love.
July 28, 2020
We really really liked this book. Yes, it has some flaws: the first quarter is made up of utterly confusing backstory (it helps a little bit if you've read books 2 and 3 in the series, but only a little bit), and Lisette keeps a secret from the reader even though you're in her head. That said, the mystery here is probably the best we've ever read in a romance novel; the characters are very well-drawn and enjoyable; and the sex is really hot.
37-Word Summaries:
Meg: Possible criminal Lisette and indefatigable police commissioner/baron Napier pretend to be engaged to solve a mystery. Concurrently, he tries to figure out her secrets. A complex, mature romance (if you can can handle the reams of backstory).
Laine: Lisette wants revenge on the man who ruined her family, but she has the wrong guy and now the investigator has her for his observation and protection while they attempt to figure out why his relatives died.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
37-Word Summaries:
Meg: Possible criminal Lisette and indefatigable police commissioner/baron Napier pretend to be engaged to solve a mystery. Concurrently, he tries to figure out her secrets. A complex, mature romance (if you can can handle the reams of backstory).
Laine: Lisette wants revenge on the man who ruined her family, but she has the wrong guy and now the investigator has her for his observation and protection while they attempt to figure out why his relatives died.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
November 21, 2020
Me gusta, me gusta mucho mucho. La verdad que tras leer mucho romance histórico (no se por qué me dio ahora por ahí) había perdido la esperanza de encontrar algo novedoso, fuera de todo cliché. Y me equivocaba, pues no había leído algo como este libro.
Situado a finales del siglo XIX, esta potente historia cuenta un romance entre dos personas con mucho carácter que tienen una gran historia por delante, tanto de forma personal como en relación con un misterio que deben desvelar.
No puedo decir mucho más... quizás que no es apto para gente que no le guste el erotismo, y que es justo lo que creí que podría encontrar en otras autoras que enlazaban misterio y romance (y no lo encontraba). No se si este libro fue una hermosa casualidad o esta autora tiene más que mostrarme, pues este es el primer libro que leo suyo.
Situado a finales del siglo XIX, esta potente historia cuenta un romance entre dos personas con mucho carácter que tienen una gran historia por delante, tanto de forma personal como en relación con un misterio que deben desvelar.
No puedo decir mucho más... quizás que no es apto para gente que no le guste el erotismo, y que es justo lo que creí que podría encontrar en otras autoras que enlazaban misterio y romance (y no lo encontraba). No se si este libro fue una hermosa casualidad o esta autora tiene más que mostrarme, pues este es el primer libro que leo suyo.
June 13, 2017
I wish I'd seen the reviews saying that this doesn't do well as a stand-alone book. I've never read ANYTHING by this author before, just picked up the book on a sale a while ago, and never got past the first few chapters despite two or three tries. Finally, as I'm trying to finish my giant TBR, after much effort (and much reference to the cast of characters she wrote out) I just decided to move past the back story and try to follow along. Ultimately I thought the pairing of mystery and romance was very well done, I enjoyed both genre aspects of the book. I now look forward to reading the series in order, and I expect I'll be a lot less confused this time around.
September 5, 2025
I wrote a huge review which I somehow forgot to save, so...
In summary: It was long for an HR. A little slow to start, but once it got going, I really enjoyed it.
The MCs Royden Napier and Lisette have an enemies-to-lovers, fake-relationship, slow-burn with angst from the heroine with guilt over her past actions.
There is a mystery element that kept me interested with a few red herrings along the way. The book is closely linked to a previous book in the series (The Bride Wore Pearls, I think), but I read it cold and was able to follow the story well enough.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
In summary: It was long for an HR. A little slow to start, but once it got going, I really enjoyed it.
The MCs Royden Napier and Lisette have an enemies-to-lovers, fake-relationship, slow-burn with angst from the heroine with guilt over her past actions.
There is a mystery element that kept me interested with a few red herrings along the way. The book is closely linked to a previous book in the series (The Bride Wore Pearls, I think), but I read it cold and was able to follow the story well enough.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
May 29, 2017
4.5/5
First, Do NOT read this as a stand alone book. The author provides descriptions of past characters trying to clear things up, but it would be confusing if you don't read the beginning of the series first. I think that's why I disliked the last book, I started with that one and it made the characters confusing.
That being said, I loved this book. Great plot with interesting twists, a good intrigue, and characters woven together to make this a great story. I love how this one ended. Great writing that flows, witty lines, and a climax you will keep the pages turning.
First, Do NOT read this as a stand alone book. The author provides descriptions of past characters trying to clear things up, but it would be confusing if you don't read the beginning of the series first. I think that's why I disliked the last book, I started with that one and it made the characters confusing.
That being said, I loved this book. Great plot with interesting twists, a good intrigue, and characters woven together to make this a great story. I love how this one ended. Great writing that flows, witty lines, and a climax you will keep the pages turning.
October 7, 2019
Este libro me ha gustado tanto como los anteriores de las serie, ya tenía ganas de leer este último y me ha parecido que se mantiene en el mismo nivel, tanto la historia de amor como el misterio.
El único pro a este libro es que es bastante extenso, con casi quinientas páginas, hay partes que se harán un pelín más lentas pero se compensa con las interesantes, y para una historia tan elaborada han sido necesarias todas las páginas.
Reseña completa: https://atrapadaenunashojasdepapel.bl...
El único pro a este libro es que es bastante extenso, con casi quinientas páginas, hay partes que se harán un pelín más lentas pero se compensa con las interesantes, y para una historia tan elaborada han sido necesarias todas las páginas.
Reseña completa: https://atrapadaenunashojasdepapel.bl...
January 24, 2019
4'5 estrellas. Es un libro que te atrapa por el misterio que se describe en la historia. Los personajes están muy bien elaborados e incluso se tiene un conocimiento amplio de los secundarios que participan. En cambio, me hubuese gustado que la autora se hubiese centrado un poco más en el romance de los dos protagonistas. Aún así, recomiendo mucho este libro a la gente que le gusta lo romántico.
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