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INSACIABLE
La paciencia y la reflexión nunca han caracterizado a Catherine Seton Spencer, una joven soltera de la corte de Isabel I. Cuando conoce a Patrick Hepburn, de visita en la corte después de cumplir su deber patrullando los borderlands escoceses, Cat piensa que él es un bruto arrogante, y Patrick, que ella es una insoportable
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
23 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Henley
73 books639 followersVirginia Syddall was born on December 5, 1935 in England, where her father, Thomas Syddall, taught her to love history. She obtained a degree in History in the University. In 1956, Virginia married Arthur Henley. They moved to America, and now they live most of the year in St. Petersburg, Florida, and they spend the hot summers in Ontario, Canada, where they have their two adult children and three grandsons.
Virginia Henley is a New York Times bestselling writer of historical novels. Her work has been translated into fourteen languages. She is the recipient of more than a dozen writing awards, including a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, a Waldenbooks' Bestselling Award, and a Maggie Award for Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers.
Virginia Henley is a New York Times bestselling writer of historical novels. Her work has been translated into fourteen languages. She is the recipient of more than a dozen writing awards, including a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, a Waldenbooks' Bestselling Award, and a Maggie Award for Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 9, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Insatiable is a single title by Henley. It has been years since I have picked this author out. But she has been on my TBR list for quite a long time. So when I saw that this book was available through my local library in audio format....I started listening to it. Took me almost a week, since I only listened for a couple hours while at work. (I am alone baking for the first 3 hours so have some quiet time) I did enjoy the narrator quite a bit. She does many medieval themed romances, which is one of my favorite sub-genres in historical romance to read. I find it so refreshing after all the light Regency that has become so popular lately. So many Julie Garwood fans would love this narrator. I loved her accent of British accents and her character inflections.
The story is pretty solid. It starts off with Cat Spencer, is a courtier of the Queen of England's court. She is out visiting some friends in the countryside. While taking a walk in the woods, she runs into Patrick Hepburn who is wild and untamed. These two have a bit of an angsty relationship in the beginning. Patrick loves his spitfire of a cat and wants her as his wife. He has special psychic abilities, where he can see the future and he knows that he will marry her. I had one reason why this story was a winner for me, the heroine. She bothered me from beginning to end. Most of the time I felt she was childish, selfish, throws tantrums. There were multiple times that I thought she would begin to settle down from her high horse and trust in the man she claims to love but always believes in the worst of him. I had a difficult time with her character because she was spiteful many times. The plot of the story was strong, the historical relevance to the story was accurate and really brings to life between Queen Elizabeth and King James of Scotland and the drama these two dealt with each other. We see the catastrophic consequences of the plague. We also see some positive fun moments for the main characters. I loved Cat's grandfather, Geordie. He was quite amusing, boisterous and proud of his heritage. Loved that and I adored the way he treats his granddaughter. He shows her some enlightening views that help change her views from having lived in court all of her life. Then we have Maggie, Cat's personal maid but was also her nanny and Maggie is very blunt with Cat which I adored. Because she practically raised Cat so she understands her in a way no one else does and I love their relationship. Maggie isn't afraid to tell Cat when she is wrong or being too full of herself.
Now our hero was very delicious to read, because I loved him as the hero. He is quite a alpha male....dominant, driven and hardworking. He definitely knows how to deal with Cat Spencer and I adored the unique ways he handles her. What was most interesting about this story was the complex intricate details in the plot. The development is what pulled me in and I admit I was curious to see if I would ever like Cat Spencer, and to be honest I never really did until the end there. There were moments throughout the story I liked her, but it wasn't enough for the negative aspects to make me like her as I wanted to.
The story overall was quite delicious and full of the depth I have been yearning for. I love a story with rich emotion that pulls me immediately to the characters and the dramatic happenings of the plot. I will be definitely reading more of this author, despite my reservations for the heroine, but when an author can bring history alive they have me hooked. A solid historical romance that is stunning, detailed, and provocative.
Insatiable is a single title by Henley. It has been years since I have picked this author out. But she has been on my TBR list for quite a long time. So when I saw that this book was available through my local library in audio format....I started listening to it. Took me almost a week, since I only listened for a couple hours while at work. (I am alone baking for the first 3 hours so have some quiet time) I did enjoy the narrator quite a bit. She does many medieval themed romances, which is one of my favorite sub-genres in historical romance to read. I find it so refreshing after all the light Regency that has become so popular lately. So many Julie Garwood fans would love this narrator. I loved her accent of British accents and her character inflections.
The story is pretty solid. It starts off with Cat Spencer, is a courtier of the Queen of England's court. She is out visiting some friends in the countryside. While taking a walk in the woods, she runs into Patrick Hepburn who is wild and untamed. These two have a bit of an angsty relationship in the beginning. Patrick loves his spitfire of a cat and wants her as his wife. He has special psychic abilities, where he can see the future and he knows that he will marry her. I had one reason why this story was a winner for me, the heroine. She bothered me from beginning to end. Most of the time I felt she was childish, selfish, throws tantrums. There were multiple times that I thought she would begin to settle down from her high horse and trust in the man she claims to love but always believes in the worst of him. I had a difficult time with her character because she was spiteful many times. The plot of the story was strong, the historical relevance to the story was accurate and really brings to life between Queen Elizabeth and King James of Scotland and the drama these two dealt with each other. We see the catastrophic consequences of the plague. We also see some positive fun moments for the main characters. I loved Cat's grandfather, Geordie. He was quite amusing, boisterous and proud of his heritage. Loved that and I adored the way he treats his granddaughter. He shows her some enlightening views that help change her views from having lived in court all of her life. Then we have Maggie, Cat's personal maid but was also her nanny and Maggie is very blunt with Cat which I adored. Because she practically raised Cat so she understands her in a way no one else does and I love their relationship. Maggie isn't afraid to tell Cat when she is wrong or being too full of herself.
Now our hero was very delicious to read, because I loved him as the hero. He is quite a alpha male....dominant, driven and hardworking. He definitely knows how to deal with Cat Spencer and I adored the unique ways he handles her. What was most interesting about this story was the complex intricate details in the plot. The development is what pulled me in and I admit I was curious to see if I would ever like Cat Spencer, and to be honest I never really did until the end there. There were moments throughout the story I liked her, but it wasn't enough for the negative aspects to make me like her as I wanted to.
The story overall was quite delicious and full of the depth I have been yearning for. I love a story with rich emotion that pulls me immediately to the characters and the dramatic happenings of the plot. I will be definitely reading more of this author, despite my reservations for the heroine, but when an author can bring history alive they have me hooked. A solid historical romance that is stunning, detailed, and provocative.
June 17, 2015
Re-read completed 10/22/14:
Catherine Seton holds a coveted position as a dress designer for and lady of Queen Elizabeth's court. Patrick Seton is the visiting Scottish noble who can admit to finding her exceptionally attractive, refuses to play at being a gentlemen to please this spoiled brat. In the midst of their push and pull attraction, thrones hang in the balance and destinies are being plotted.
I read this originally when it first came out 10 years ago. When I initially rated this, didn't remember a lot of the storyline, so gave it a lower rating. I was pleasantly surprised that the story kept me riveted and could relate to both of these kind of obnoxious in their own way characters. Catherine is so willful, and manipulative. She reminded me of Scarlett O'Hara, except with a more generous spirit. Patrick on the other hand, pushed even my alpha-hole tolerance levels. He was so mercenary, it was sometimes hard to root for this romance. Reading this reminded me once again why for a long time Virgina Henley was my favorite historical romance writer. She excels at bringing lush history to life without making the exposition feel bogged down.
Catherine Seton holds a coveted position as a dress designer for and lady of Queen Elizabeth's court. Patrick Seton is the visiting Scottish noble who can admit to finding her exceptionally attractive, refuses to play at being a gentlemen to please this spoiled brat. In the midst of their push and pull attraction, thrones hang in the balance and destinies are being plotted.
I read this originally when it first came out 10 years ago. When I initially rated this, didn't remember a lot of the storyline, so gave it a lower rating. I was pleasantly surprised that the story kept me riveted and could relate to both of these kind of obnoxious in their own way characters. Catherine is so willful, and manipulative. She reminded me of Scarlett O'Hara, except with a more generous spirit. Patrick on the other hand, pushed even my alpha-hole tolerance levels. He was so mercenary, it was sometimes hard to root for this romance. Reading this reminded me once again why for a long time Virgina Henley was my favorite historical romance writer. She excels at bringing lush history to life without making the exposition feel bogged down.
May 19, 2013
Patrick Hepburn, ostensible son of the actual historical exiled Francis Hepburn Stewart (5th Earl of Bothwell, who never had an heir named Patrick), is gifted with the 2nd sight. He has a vision of a woman with a tattoo on her butt, and knows she's "meant to be."
He's conscripted by James VI to go see Queen Elizabeth and prognosticate when she's going to die. While visiting friends in Richmond, Patrick, still dressed like a Scottish Wildman and stinking of travel, decides to go hunting. He bumps into his vision girl. He's all
And she's all
Cat's in cahoots with true historical figure Arbella Stuart (poor thing), who's fixing to run off and marry William Seymour. Problem is, the two of them are both sort of in line for the throne. Singly they're not too worrisome but together they threaten the crown, which amounts to treason. Patrick finds out and rats them all out. Cat's unloving and unkind mom banishes her to Scotland—and puts Patrick in charge of getting her there.
Thing is, once they're in Scotland, things start happening. Is it the Armstrongs trying to get even with Patrick who had one of their kinsmen hanged for rape, or is it someone who doesn't want Cat to inherit her grandpa's Scottish holdings? Hmmm.
Lots of misunderstandings and hurt feelings in this one, plus fun stuff like plagues, kidnappings and murder attempts. 4 stars
He's conscripted by James VI to go see Queen Elizabeth and prognosticate when she's going to die. While visiting friends in Richmond, Patrick, still dressed like a Scottish Wildman and stinking of travel, decides to go hunting. He bumps into his vision girl. He's all
And she's all
Cat's in cahoots with true historical figure Arbella Stuart (poor thing), who's fixing to run off and marry William Seymour. Problem is, the two of them are both sort of in line for the throne. Singly they're not too worrisome but together they threaten the crown, which amounts to treason. Patrick finds out and rats them all out. Cat's unloving and unkind mom banishes her to Scotland—and puts Patrick in charge of getting her there.
Thing is, once they're in Scotland, things start happening. Is it the Armstrongs trying to get even with Patrick who had one of their kinsmen hanged for rape, or is it someone who doesn't want Cat to inherit her grandpa's Scottish holdings? Hmmm.
Lots of misunderstandings and hurt feelings in this one, plus fun stuff like plagues, kidnappings and murder attempts. 4 stars
April 7, 2009
People raved about this book so I was eager to read it. The premise sounded wonderful and I dove into its pages with gusto. Unfortunately what I read didn't live up to what the cover blurb promised.
It took forever for the book to pick up momentum, at about 100 pages into it I finally felt like things were getting interesting. But by then the main characters began to be overshadowed by the heroines multiple personality disorder. Cat is an impulsive, charming, beautiful lady of Queen Elizabeth's court, everyone adores her. Yet whenever the hero, Patrick, is around she turns into a bratty teenager in the throes of temper tantrum the likes of which no one has ever seen. I know that animosity and tension between a leading couple at first is supposed to, and generally does, lead to some healthy sexual tension and a passionate beginning. But all this did was grate on my nerves. Cat's attitude toward Patrick wore thin with me really quick. She turned into a grade A bitch whenever he was around and I couldn't stand it. Then, miraculously, she does a quick 180 and finally acts like herself around Patrick. But by that time the book is more than half way through and I had more than lost interest.
This story had elements that should have created a great tale, but the delivery fell flat. I was less than impressed with this story and deeply disappointed. I almost quit reading it several times, and for me that is really rare. I usually hand the books I read over to my sister, but I will spare her the long and painful boredom, and trade this book in for something better.
It took forever for the book to pick up momentum, at about 100 pages into it I finally felt like things were getting interesting. But by then the main characters began to be overshadowed by the heroines multiple personality disorder. Cat is an impulsive, charming, beautiful lady of Queen Elizabeth's court, everyone adores her. Yet whenever the hero, Patrick, is around she turns into a bratty teenager in the throes of temper tantrum the likes of which no one has ever seen. I know that animosity and tension between a leading couple at first is supposed to, and generally does, lead to some healthy sexual tension and a passionate beginning. But all this did was grate on my nerves. Cat's attitude toward Patrick wore thin with me really quick. She turned into a grade A bitch whenever he was around and I couldn't stand it. Then, miraculously, she does a quick 180 and finally acts like herself around Patrick. But by that time the book is more than half way through and I had more than lost interest.
This story had elements that should have created a great tale, but the delivery fell flat. I was less than impressed with this story and deeply disappointed. I almost quit reading it several times, and for me that is really rare. I usually hand the books I read over to my sister, but I will spare her the long and painful boredom, and trade this book in for something better.
October 29, 2015
I would have given this a higher rating, but Catherine really annoyed me. All I could think of was "ugh, she's such a brat." I did like Patrick and I liked the historical aspects the author included.
November 18, 2018
I love virginia Henley books. However I didn't like the main male character. I didn't find his personality to be attractive. There wasn't much of a 'chase' between the 2 main characters. I didn't find myself sitting on the edge of my seat anticipating the intimate climax . I like how she uses interesting points of real history in her books but this particular book had too much of a historical story than an intense romance. I didn't finish the last 40 or so pages of the book because I felt it was over and things seemed happily ever after and now it just dragged on
September 3, 2020
What utter drivel. I literally threw the book across the room when I was done. Two stars for the sexy parts, because that was the only thing I liked about the story! Funny how when I was a teen, I just ate these books up, and loved the strong hero who would do ANYTHING to make the headstrong heroine his. Now I see the manipulation, abuse, and bullshit! This one is going in the garbage; one less damaging story a young girl can get a hold of!
November 30, 2017
2.5 stars
Catherine was VERY childish. Kind of annoying.
HE has said some things that are definitely not of my liking and he had sex with ow, unnecessary.
I didn’t feel very connected with the characters tbh and the story was too long. *thumb down*
Catherine was VERY childish. Kind of annoying.
HE has said some things that are definitely not of my liking and he had sex with ow, unnecessary.
I didn’t feel very connected with the characters tbh and the story was too long. *thumb down*
December 20, 2020
Insatiable
The writing was a bit off at the beginning of the book. Almost as though this was a first novel and the author was unsure.
However, after a slow start the book picked up speed and strength and became very good after that.
The writing was a bit off at the beginning of the book. Almost as though this was a first novel and the author was unsure.
However, after a slow start the book picked up speed and strength and became very good after that.
June 29, 2018
Not my type of romance.
April 22, 2018
This is a lovely book. It's got hot sex, intrigue and a yummy hero. The heroine is kind of annoying, but you forgive her because she hasn't had the best parents. He is just delicious and loves her the way she is, which is a good thing.
I would tell you the plot, but half the time I wasn't sure what the hell was going on. Oh, and I don't like the way the author says over and over "mons." It makes me want to slap her. It drolls on, so you can pretty much skip all that. I mean, after the couple marries, the whole thing is kind of over for me. Married, happy ending, and now we need a drink. I mean there's the whole soul surrendering thing, but didn't we know that was coming? It keeps going.
Still, with all the crap that I have read lately, this one is really top notch. Read it and enjoy. Try to ignore the whole "mons" thing. Oh, and she "pants with need" quite often. Not that it's bad, but can't she hold her breath, lose her breath, breath hard, breath raggedly, or can't her breath be stolen? No, she just pants. Okay, done now.
I would tell you the plot, but half the time I wasn't sure what the hell was going on. Oh, and I don't like the way the author says over and over "mons." It makes me want to slap her. It drolls on, so you can pretty much skip all that. I mean, after the couple marries, the whole thing is kind of over for me. Married, happy ending, and now we need a drink. I mean there's the whole soul surrendering thing, but didn't we know that was coming? It keeps going.
Still, with all the crap that I have read lately, this one is really top notch. Read it and enjoy. Try to ignore the whole "mons" thing. Oh, and she "pants with need" quite often. Not that it's bad, but can't she hold her breath, lose her breath, breath hard, breath raggedly, or can't her breath be stolen? No, she just pants. Okay, done now.
October 11, 2009
Eh. I was not really a fan. The language seemed really stiff and phrases like, "... and it filled her with joy," made me roll my eyes. The characters were pretty cliched and the plot was all over the place. I might be willing to try another book by the author, but it had better knock my socks off to get me to try again after that.
November 29, 2010
I give up!
After finishing a third of the book, I couldn't continue reading it further. It was just all over the place; too many supporting characters and too many plot mashed together that seem to go nowhere. It certainly doesn't help when the female character has the maturity level of a twelve-year old brat!
After finishing a third of the book, I couldn't continue reading it further. It was just all over the place; too many supporting characters and too many plot mashed together that seem to go nowhere. It certainly doesn't help when the female character has the maturity level of a twelve-year old brat!
April 1, 2015
One of the best historical romances I have ever read. The herione Cat is the equivalent of fashion designer for none other than Queen Elizabeth and the hero Patrick is equally capable. He is one of the closest confidante of the King of scotland. The story progresses so well. Only the last part was a bit drag with too many people dying of plague. But all in all amazing.
November 19, 2014
Este ha sido un buen ejemplo de una novela romántica-histórica, con sus dotes de drama, histeriqueo, romance y pasión. Las personalidades de los personajes, Patrick y Cath me han encantado y ha sido inevitable ponerse del lado de uno u otro a lo largo de la historia. Las intrigas y modos de la corte funcionan como un telón de fondo bastante entretenido. Muy recomendable
March 16, 2015
This book failed to capture my attention at all. Mostly skimmed the book
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April 10, 2014
I really enjoy Virginia Henley's romance books, as they are substantive enough to be solid reading but also fluffy enough to be a rewarding romance novel. I like the blend of history as well. This is probably my favorite as I found the characters more accessible than some of her others.
November 29, 2008
I really enjoyed this book, it was not only a romance but the intrigue and history of Elizabethan court was fascinating
September 25, 2009
Elizabethan
August 12, 2011
Good, not great. A bit long-winded. I appreciate how Virginia Henley tries to remain historically accurate.
September 4, 2013
They do a lot of packing. I think that the audio version could have been cut down by an hour just by removing all the talk of packing the gowns and wrapping them in tissue paper.
October 24, 2014
Wonderful historical romance!
September 15, 2014
OMG.... Best book ever!!!
February 10, 2019
Hot, hot, hot!!!
September 14, 2015
A definite page turner. Enjoyed the characters... lovely chemistry between hero & heroine. :)
September 3, 2010
Good story idea but with a jerky execution.
June 10, 2013
Boring
Read
February 6, 2014enjoyable fluff
April 7, 2017
En realidad 2 y media.
A ver. ¿Romántica histórica o histórica con un romance? ¿paranormal?
Por momentos lo primero, y con abundantes escenas hot, pero en otros me pareció una lección de historia del momento previo y posterior a la muerte de Isabel I de Inglaterra. Más las visiones de Patrick.
Muchos personajes reales, muchas anécdotas cotidianas de la corte...
En fin... subí un poco porque los últimos 10 capítulos se definen más por el romance (son 37 creo).
A ver. ¿Romántica histórica o histórica con un romance? ¿paranormal?
Por momentos lo primero, y con abundantes escenas hot, pero en otros me pareció una lección de historia del momento previo y posterior a la muerte de Isabel I de Inglaterra. Más las visiones de Patrick.
Muchos personajes reales, muchas anécdotas cotidianas de la corte...
En fin... subí un poco porque los últimos 10 capítulos se definen más por el romance (son 37 creo).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews