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Hellions of High Street #3
Passionately Yours
Proper young ladies of the ton—especially ones who have very small dowries—are not encouraged to have an interest in intellectual pursuits. Indeed, the only things they are encouraged to pursue are eligible bachelors. So, the headstrong Sloane sisters must keep their passions a secret. Ah, but secret passions are wont to lead a lady into trouble...
PASSIONATELY YOURS
With her older sisters both happily married, Caro Sloane yearns for a romantic adventure of her own. Unfortunately the muddy, sulfur-scented waters of Bath seem the least likely setting for love or excitement. But the aspiring young poet soon finds inspiration when she runs into a familiar—and achingly handsome—Scottish laird.
Visiting Bath with his sickly sister, Alec McClellan is shocked to be reunited with Caro Sloane. He hasn't been able to forget the English beauty since their brief but exhilarating first meeting. But Bath is not nearly as serene as it appears, and soon Alec must protect Caro from a danger that threatens to extinguish the sparks flying between them. Little does he know that a bit of danger is exactly what Caro is looking for...
PASSIONATELY YOURS
With her older sisters both happily married, Caro Sloane yearns for a romantic adventure of her own. Unfortunately the muddy, sulfur-scented waters of Bath seem the least likely setting for love or excitement. But the aspiring young poet soon finds inspiration when she runs into a familiar—and achingly handsome—Scottish laird.
Visiting Bath with his sickly sister, Alec McClellan is shocked to be reunited with Caro Sloane. He hasn't been able to forget the English beauty since their brief but exhilarating first meeting. But Bath is not nearly as serene as it appears, and soon Alec must protect Caro from a danger that threatens to extinguish the sparks flying between them. Little does he know that a bit of danger is exactly what Caro is looking for...
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2014
35 people are currently reading
974 people want to read
About the author
Cara Elliott
13 books225 followersCara Elliott started creating books at the age of five, or so her mother tells her. And Mom has the proof preserved in a family scrapbook—a neatly penciled story, the pages lavishly illustrated with full color crayon drawings of horses. Cara has since moved on from Westerns to writing about Regency England, a time and place that has captured her imagination ever since she opened the covers of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
A graduate of Yale University, Cara has garnered numerous accolades for her writing, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery /Suspense and two RITAs nominations for Regency Romance.
Cara loves to travel to interesting destinations around the world—however, her favorite spot is London, where the funky antique markets, used book stores and specialty museums offer a wealth of inspiration for her stories.
A graduate of Yale University, Cara has garnered numerous accolades for her writing, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery /Suspense and two RITAs nominations for Regency Romance.
Cara loves to travel to interesting destinations around the world—however, her favorite spot is London, where the funky antique markets, used book stores and specialty museums offer a wealth of inspiration for her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 6, 2017
This book started really good, then I don't know what happened ??? I reached half of it and Bored is all what I felt. After a while I could not read anymore. It has it's ups and downs but I can't recommend it at all.
Sorry
Sorry
February 26, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Such a gorgeous cover! I've really been enjoying this series from it's beautiful covers to it's lively heroines who all have a penchant for writing. This time it's the youngest sister, Caro, who is a poet. A poet with, much to her despair, a sorrowful lack of romantic adventure to inspire her writing. Little does she know...the sedate trip to Bath with it's healing waters is about to give her ample adventures both romantic and otherwise!
Alright so the good was that I really enjoyed the characters who had a little past together--see a while back she caught him meeting with a secret political party at a gathering and there's all sorts of danger and secrets about. Anywho, Caro and Alec were entertaining as they rubbed each other a little wrong, had some lusty thoughts,and actually got to know one another. They're both rather stubborn (he's a little growly too) and headstrong which could be fun. Plus he's Scottish so...noms! lol
"So weather you like it or not, I feel I have a right to know what is going on." She drew a deep breath. "Especially if you wish me to keep silent on the matter."
"That," he growled, "is blackmail."
"I prefer to think of it as persuasion."
There's a bit of suspense with Caro and her friend nearly being kidnapped and Alex investigating a potential traitor in his political party. So a nice swirl of danger and mystery abound.
So some good things, overall. There really was nothing wrong with Passionately Yours but for some reason I spent the entire time feeling rather detached from the story. It was easy to put down and my mind wandered. And I'm not quite sure why that was. I enjoy Elliott's writing and the characters and theme were ones that worked well for me. But it never grabbed me and in the end I felt like I was just reading to read instead of living the story with the characters. It was okay but the weakest of the series for me. I seem to be the odd girl out on that, though. Most of my reader friends who have tried this one loved it and one thought it the best of the series. It has been a fun series so I'd recommend checking it out from the start. The sisters are quite lively and entertaining.
~~~~~notes~~~~~~~~
Half way through and this one is definitely the weakest of the series for me (bummer!) Everyone else seems to think it's the strongest so I don't know what I'm missing :/ It's just not catching me and seems to be ambling along forever. Hoping the second half will pick up some. At this point it's a 3 star.
March 7, 2014
Hmmm this outing with Caro and Alec (who's romance began in Anna's book SINFULLY YOURS) was enjoyable, a bit far fetched and exciting. And with far less "ye gods" tossed around.
+++
I ask for very few things in my historical romances honestly. I want to be entertained, I want clever banter between the characters, I want chemistry and I want the author to either go full out with the accuracy or just toss it to the wind in favor of fun. Cara Elliott delivers all of this and more in this last "Hellions of High Street" book. Centered around Caro, the youngest of the Sloane sisters and an accomplished poet, as she struggles to find that SOMETHING that will make her poetry really come alive.
Alec, a Scottish Baron last seen skulking around in SINFULLY YOURS--trading barbs, quips and grumbles with Caro no less--returns to be just as grouchy growly and in general vexing. Some of Alec's attitude did put me off--he has sudden turns of mood that seemed to come and go like shadows on a pond, but for the most part I thought he was a good foil to Caro.
Andover, who was courting Anna in the last two books and is now just a confidant and blissfully unaware sidekick to Caro's schemes, is also a good foil to Caro. I'm glad Elliott made it clear early on that these two just enjoy each other's company because neither expects anything. Isobel, Alec's younger (half)sister, was also a biddable secondary character. She certainly rang the peal over Alec's head enough to make him rethink treating her like an invalid!
The ongoing plot of Alec's radical ideas (from SINFULLY) re-emerges to a shocking turn. Trust the Scottish to turn Bath into a den of murderers, kidnappers, thieves and wild men. Alec's past heartache also makes things difficult, but honestly I could care less about that part since he angsted over it too much and for no real reasoning to my mind.
Unlike the previous books Caro's sisters are not present throughout most of it. There's the occasional letter from Anna, but not until the very end do they make an appearance and I think Caro was better for it. Much like Alec with Isobel, Olivia and Anna didn't quite see Caro as grown up or mature, but she showed a definite practical streak against the villain!
In all this was a wonderful ending chapter to the Hellions books. It was refreshing to read about three sisters who not only had a close bond, but who also refused to bend to the will of society. Oh they had pretty enough manners, but they weren't called Hellions for no good reason!
+++
I ask for very few things in my historical romances honestly. I want to be entertained, I want clever banter between the characters, I want chemistry and I want the author to either go full out with the accuracy or just toss it to the wind in favor of fun. Cara Elliott delivers all of this and more in this last "Hellions of High Street" book. Centered around Caro, the youngest of the Sloane sisters and an accomplished poet, as she struggles to find that SOMETHING that will make her poetry really come alive.
Alec, a Scottish Baron last seen skulking around in SINFULLY YOURS--trading barbs, quips and grumbles with Caro no less--returns to be just as grouchy growly and in general vexing. Some of Alec's attitude did put me off--he has sudden turns of mood that seemed to come and go like shadows on a pond, but for the most part I thought he was a good foil to Caro.
Andover, who was courting Anna in the last two books and is now just a confidant and blissfully unaware sidekick to Caro's schemes, is also a good foil to Caro. I'm glad Elliott made it clear early on that these two just enjoy each other's company because neither expects anything. Isobel, Alec's younger (half)sister, was also a biddable secondary character. She certainly rang the peal over Alec's head enough to make him rethink treating her like an invalid!
The ongoing plot of Alec's radical ideas (from SINFULLY) re-emerges to a shocking turn. Trust the Scottish to turn Bath into a den of murderers, kidnappers, thieves and wild men. Alec's past heartache also makes things difficult, but honestly I could care less about that part since he angsted over it too much and for no real reasoning to my mind.
Unlike the previous books Caro's sisters are not present throughout most of it. There's the occasional letter from Anna, but not until the very end do they make an appearance and I think Caro was better for it. Much like Alec with Isobel, Olivia and Anna didn't quite see Caro as grown up or mature, but she showed a definite practical streak against the villain!
In all this was a wonderful ending chapter to the Hellions books. It was refreshing to read about three sisters who not only had a close bond, but who also refused to bend to the will of society. Oh they had pretty enough manners, but they weren't called Hellions for no good reason!
March 11, 2014
Published on Buried Under Romance for blog tour
Having come to the conclusion of the Hellions of High Street series, I was no doubt sad to bid farewell to this delightful cast of characters that populated the first two books, the Sloane sisters and their respective husbands, and finally those in Caro's book.
From the beginning, our Scottish baron, Alec, has been well acquainted with Caro's activities, often engaging in witty retorts with the clever poetess Caro. Caro is brilliant and talented at her craft, yet she finds herself in some loneliness as her sisters have gone on with their separate lives, leaving her somewhat behind. In comes Alec, who continually challenges her mind, stimulates her conversation, and serves as a source of amusement for her life. Others think he will be the perfect match for Caro, both being opinionated, independent, and firm of mind. Yet Alec dances a verbal battle with Caro, all the while believing he would not surrender.
What is the highlight of Cara Elliott's books is the tone of adventure that courses through the story, of battling villains, finely tuned tension, and a never ending array of action, battles, in the midst of a grand and inevitable romance. Caro was young, reckless, and somewhat immature in the previous books, and it nice seeing her mature in this story, albeit not changing the fundamental wildness that exemplifies her. Alec, on the other hand, was less of a dynamic character in terms of growth, his personality and behavior having been already established. Despite that, it was great to see him evolve from a secondary character in the previous book, to a guardian and hero in his own right, especially with regards to Caro.
As with the other books of the series, there is a concrete villain in this book, a wily villain who is somewhat predictable, yet at times throws the reader for a twist. These setups are usually the grand stage for the hero to shine and rescue the damsel in distress, of which Alec performs splendidly.
I enjoyed this story from its witty repartees, action-filled scenes, to a reluctant hero who had no idea his fate was sealed long ago (since the second book). It was a fun adventure reading this story, and a nice parting, too, on a high note in harmony with the Hellions theme.
*Review copy courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Having come to the conclusion of the Hellions of High Street series, I was no doubt sad to bid farewell to this delightful cast of characters that populated the first two books, the Sloane sisters and their respective husbands, and finally those in Caro's book.
From the beginning, our Scottish baron, Alec, has been well acquainted with Caro's activities, often engaging in witty retorts with the clever poetess Caro. Caro is brilliant and talented at her craft, yet she finds herself in some loneliness as her sisters have gone on with their separate lives, leaving her somewhat behind. In comes Alec, who continually challenges her mind, stimulates her conversation, and serves as a source of amusement for her life. Others think he will be the perfect match for Caro, both being opinionated, independent, and firm of mind. Yet Alec dances a verbal battle with Caro, all the while believing he would not surrender.
What is the highlight of Cara Elliott's books is the tone of adventure that courses through the story, of battling villains, finely tuned tension, and a never ending array of action, battles, in the midst of a grand and inevitable romance. Caro was young, reckless, and somewhat immature in the previous books, and it nice seeing her mature in this story, albeit not changing the fundamental wildness that exemplifies her. Alec, on the other hand, was less of a dynamic character in terms of growth, his personality and behavior having been already established. Despite that, it was great to see him evolve from a secondary character in the previous book, to a guardian and hero in his own right, especially with regards to Caro.
As with the other books of the series, there is a concrete villain in this book, a wily villain who is somewhat predictable, yet at times throws the reader for a twist. These setups are usually the grand stage for the hero to shine and rescue the damsel in distress, of which Alec performs splendidly.
I enjoyed this story from its witty repartees, action-filled scenes, to a reluctant hero who had no idea his fate was sealed long ago (since the second book). It was a fun adventure reading this story, and a nice parting, too, on a high note in harmony with the Hellions theme.
*Review copy courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review
August 16, 2018
B- for me so 3.5 stars This novel was last in a trilogy but I didn't feel terribly lost even though I've not read the first two installments. Caro Sloane is the baby of the family and being trapped with her sometimes peevish invalid mother in Bath is not doing well for her high spirits. Her older sisters are now both married, and Caro envies them their adventures.
Little does she know that her dull, placid existence in Bath is about to change. She befriends a sickly young woman named Isobel, not knowing that her protective older brother is Alec McClellan, a Scottish baron with whom she had a previous run-in. Alec doesn't entirely approve of Caro or her friendship with his sister, but events keep throwing them together - and then there's Alec's attraction to Caro.
If you don't like historicals with a decidedly modern tone, this one may not be your thing. While there is plenty of historical background woven into the story, the characters often sounded and acted in a rather modern fashion. That would usually grate on me, but somehow it worked in this novel. The book is an adventure romance at heart. Alec is quite involved with the Scottish nationalist cause, and much of the story revolves around various intrigues, with Caro naturally being pulled unwittingly into them.
It took me a while to get into the story with this novel, but once things got going I loved the chemistry between the leads. I enjoyed seeing them spar together even though I sometimes couldn't help rolling my eyes at Caro a tad. I also found the supposedly sickly Isobel something of a delight, and her romance is actually rather sweet.
Little does she know that her dull, placid existence in Bath is about to change. She befriends a sickly young woman named Isobel, not knowing that her protective older brother is Alec McClellan, a Scottish baron with whom she had a previous run-in. Alec doesn't entirely approve of Caro or her friendship with his sister, but events keep throwing them together - and then there's Alec's attraction to Caro.
If you don't like historicals with a decidedly modern tone, this one may not be your thing. While there is plenty of historical background woven into the story, the characters often sounded and acted in a rather modern fashion. That would usually grate on me, but somehow it worked in this novel. The book is an adventure romance at heart. Alec is quite involved with the Scottish nationalist cause, and much of the story revolves around various intrigues, with Caro naturally being pulled unwittingly into them.
It took me a while to get into the story with this novel, but once things got going I loved the chemistry between the leads. I enjoyed seeing them spar together even though I sometimes couldn't help rolling my eyes at Caro a tad. I also found the supposedly sickly Isobel something of a delight, and her romance is actually rather sweet.
April 12, 2021
This series is predictable, and too long. Each book could have easily been cut in half and not lost any of it's integrity. And the endings are abrupt, and honestly not very satisfying.
May 27, 2015
This is the third book in the Hellions of High Street series. If you haven't read the first two, I HIGHLY recommend them! Not because you can't enjoy this one on its own, but because they're just that good! Also, after reading the first two, you have a much better insight into the family and its back story.
Passionately Yours book follows Caro. The youngest sister, she has spent the last two books growing up. Gone is the young school girl, and now we find the youngest sister has grown into a woman all her own. Sharing the eccentric upbringing of her sisters, she is educated, able, and clever. Her oldest sister secretly pens political essays, her middle sister secretly pens novels, and Caro writes passionate poetry. Caro is spending the season at Bath, so that her mother can “take the waters” for their restorative qualities.
Despite the whirling social events, Caro is bored. She misses her sisters dearly, and wishes for adventures like they had experienced. She is surprised to learn that her new best friend Isobel is the younger sister of Alec McClellan, the grouchy, English hating Scot she met during a stay in Scotland not long ago. Although they clash at every opportunity, Caro senses that Alec's gruff exterior is only a front, and that he has passion simmering under the surface. She knows that he raises a passion in her, the kind she's overheard her sisters discussing, the kind she's read about in her older sister’s anonymous novels. Little does she know that following on Alec's heels is an adventure all her own, with political scandal, shifty characters, and kidnapping.
Reading about Caro all grown up is a delight. She is just as passionate as her older sisters, not afraid to take what she wants, even if it's a grouchy man who rubs her the wrong way at every opportunity. Isn't that where the best sparks are made? Caro is not the swooning type, and although she's a virgin, she is not shy. Rules of society are made to be broken, right? The secondary characters in this book are great. We get to branch out of the family a little, since the older sisters are married and away. Isobel is stronger than she seems, and Andy, the family friend, is a refreshingly open-minded gentleman. The only disappointment in this third installment is that we've run out of sisters to read about! ~ George, 5 stars
~~~
Intrigue and passion within the healing waters of Bath… If you weren’t a fan of regency romance before, this book will definitely make you a convert!
Part of a series, this is the third in the set and I believe reading the previous titles would have made this read any better. Caro Sloane is the youngest daughter of the family and has all grown up here. A frustrated poet, she is eager for the excitement and adventures that her sisters continue to have. How else will she bring zest to her writings? Though Bath is known for its idyllic and peaceful setting, and some might see a wee bit boring, there is danger and intrigue afoot and Caro appears to be right in the middle of it. Befriending Alec McClellan’s sister Isobel is the start of a budding romance set within a time of political unrest in the Isles. There will be plenty of experiences to write about but the question will be, will Caro survive to tell the tale?
I loved this sweet, romantic story filled with humorous dialogue, sarcastic wit and enough mystery to keep things interesting. The formal restrictions of the era are still in force as strict protocol must be observed at all times. What I love about the ‘newer’ regencies, and this is a good example, is their ability to convey the formality of society’s rules yet still reveal passion and personality of the individuals behind the polite conversation. While still very correct in speech and mannerisms, the story isn’t bogged down in unnecessary description. Rather, it is a wonderful blend of action, word and dialogue that is a treat to read. And the dialogue is a pip!
“Is that why you are rusticating Bath? To mull over which tulip of the ton to accept?”
Caro and Alec had me smiling throughout as their conversations were smart and funny, and dripped sarcasm at times. Both of them are strong, intelligent and passionate. They are perfectly matched! Though there are no more sisters in the Sloane clan it seems there are more intriguing women of this era whose stories need to be told. Bring on more Hellions! ~ Diane, 4 stars
Passionately Yours book follows Caro. The youngest sister, she has spent the last two books growing up. Gone is the young school girl, and now we find the youngest sister has grown into a woman all her own. Sharing the eccentric upbringing of her sisters, she is educated, able, and clever. Her oldest sister secretly pens political essays, her middle sister secretly pens novels, and Caro writes passionate poetry. Caro is spending the season at Bath, so that her mother can “take the waters” for their restorative qualities.
Despite the whirling social events, Caro is bored. She misses her sisters dearly, and wishes for adventures like they had experienced. She is surprised to learn that her new best friend Isobel is the younger sister of Alec McClellan, the grouchy, English hating Scot she met during a stay in Scotland not long ago. Although they clash at every opportunity, Caro senses that Alec's gruff exterior is only a front, and that he has passion simmering under the surface. She knows that he raises a passion in her, the kind she's overheard her sisters discussing, the kind she's read about in her older sister’s anonymous novels. Little does she know that following on Alec's heels is an adventure all her own, with political scandal, shifty characters, and kidnapping.
Reading about Caro all grown up is a delight. She is just as passionate as her older sisters, not afraid to take what she wants, even if it's a grouchy man who rubs her the wrong way at every opportunity. Isn't that where the best sparks are made? Caro is not the swooning type, and although she's a virgin, she is not shy. Rules of society are made to be broken, right? The secondary characters in this book are great. We get to branch out of the family a little, since the older sisters are married and away. Isobel is stronger than she seems, and Andy, the family friend, is a refreshingly open-minded gentleman. The only disappointment in this third installment is that we've run out of sisters to read about! ~ George, 5 stars
~~~
Intrigue and passion within the healing waters of Bath… If you weren’t a fan of regency romance before, this book will definitely make you a convert!
Part of a series, this is the third in the set and I believe reading the previous titles would have made this read any better. Caro Sloane is the youngest daughter of the family and has all grown up here. A frustrated poet, she is eager for the excitement and adventures that her sisters continue to have. How else will she bring zest to her writings? Though Bath is known for its idyllic and peaceful setting, and some might see a wee bit boring, there is danger and intrigue afoot and Caro appears to be right in the middle of it. Befriending Alec McClellan’s sister Isobel is the start of a budding romance set within a time of political unrest in the Isles. There will be plenty of experiences to write about but the question will be, will Caro survive to tell the tale?
I loved this sweet, romantic story filled with humorous dialogue, sarcastic wit and enough mystery to keep things interesting. The formal restrictions of the era are still in force as strict protocol must be observed at all times. What I love about the ‘newer’ regencies, and this is a good example, is their ability to convey the formality of society’s rules yet still reveal passion and personality of the individuals behind the polite conversation. While still very correct in speech and mannerisms, the story isn’t bogged down in unnecessary description. Rather, it is a wonderful blend of action, word and dialogue that is a treat to read. And the dialogue is a pip!
“Is that why you are rusticating Bath? To mull over which tulip of the ton to accept?”
Caro and Alec had me smiling throughout as their conversations were smart and funny, and dripped sarcasm at times. Both of them are strong, intelligent and passionate. They are perfectly matched! Though there are no more sisters in the Sloane clan it seems there are more intriguing women of this era whose stories need to be told. Bring on more Hellions! ~ Diane, 4 stars
October 17, 2014
3 1/2 stars lovely stars!
The story in a nutshell…
Alec McClellan and Caro Sloane cross paths with each other again, this time in Bath. Caro has accompanied her mother who is to take to the waters. With her two older sisters away with their husbands, she finds herself with a lot of time in her hands and itching for grand adventures that would hopefully inspire her muse to come out more. The last person she would have expected to see was Alec McClellan, whose clandestine support for a political movement in his country of Scotland has him going to Bath on business. But dangers abound and Caro for one is not fazed by them. Still, she and Alec both try to navigate these dangerous waters as well as their growing attraction and attachment to each other.
What worked for me?
I really liked Alec and Caro together. Their interesting in and of themselves individually but the scenes that I was most looking forward to are the ones where they are together. Sadly, they were fewer scenes of this kind than I would have wanted. Among those scenes where they were together, I particularly love when they talk about poetry.
Having said that, I think Caro is a really interesting heroine. She’s unconventional, that’s for sure. With a father who was determined to teach his three daughters the real ways of the world and who tagged them along his travels to exotic places when they were younger, I guess it’s no longer surprising that Caro turned out the way she is: a woman who’s independent, strong-willed, passionate, brave, a bit stubborn, and inquisitive. And I believe these are the characteristics that merit her so in Alec’s eyes.
What didn’t work for me?
I’m not sure if it was me or if it was the way the writer told the overarching mystery plot in the story but I never really did care much about that business about the intrigue surrounding Alec’s involvement with the Scottish movement. And the villain wasn’t much of a villain. I knew from the start he was bad blood and too one dimensional for my taste.
The characters were engaging enough but I sometimes felt like the plot, pacing, and some of the transitions were a bit disjointed and that prevented me from being wholly captivated by the story.
My over-all take on it?
It was still an enjoyable read although at times I would have wanted to squeeze more out of everything: the story, the character development, even the romance. Nevertheless, you have here an unconventional yet passionate young woman as a heroine, who’s not afraid to get her hands dirty and to fight for whatever she believes in so you have a winner in her.
The story in a nutshell…
Alec McClellan and Caro Sloane cross paths with each other again, this time in Bath. Caro has accompanied her mother who is to take to the waters. With her two older sisters away with their husbands, she finds herself with a lot of time in her hands and itching for grand adventures that would hopefully inspire her muse to come out more. The last person she would have expected to see was Alec McClellan, whose clandestine support for a political movement in his country of Scotland has him going to Bath on business. But dangers abound and Caro for one is not fazed by them. Still, she and Alec both try to navigate these dangerous waters as well as their growing attraction and attachment to each other.
What worked for me?
I really liked Alec and Caro together. Their interesting in and of themselves individually but the scenes that I was most looking forward to are the ones where they are together. Sadly, they were fewer scenes of this kind than I would have wanted. Among those scenes where they were together, I particularly love when they talk about poetry.
Having said that, I think Caro is a really interesting heroine. She’s unconventional, that’s for sure. With a father who was determined to teach his three daughters the real ways of the world and who tagged them along his travels to exotic places when they were younger, I guess it’s no longer surprising that Caro turned out the way she is: a woman who’s independent, strong-willed, passionate, brave, a bit stubborn, and inquisitive. And I believe these are the characteristics that merit her so in Alec’s eyes.
What didn’t work for me?
I’m not sure if it was me or if it was the way the writer told the overarching mystery plot in the story but I never really did care much about that business about the intrigue surrounding Alec’s involvement with the Scottish movement. And the villain wasn’t much of a villain. I knew from the start he was bad blood and too one dimensional for my taste.
The characters were engaging enough but I sometimes felt like the plot, pacing, and some of the transitions were a bit disjointed and that prevented me from being wholly captivated by the story.
My over-all take on it?
It was still an enjoyable read although at times I would have wanted to squeeze more out of everything: the story, the character development, even the romance. Nevertheless, you have here an unconventional yet passionate young woman as a heroine, who’s not afraid to get her hands dirty and to fight for whatever she believes in so you have a winner in her.
February 28, 2014
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2014/02...
Cara Elliott saves the best for last with Passionately Yours ! The youngest Sloane sister’s book is bright, fun, romantic, and dramatic – everything you’d expect for a hellion poet heroine.
Sparks first flew between Caro Sloane and Scottish noble Alec McClellan in the previous Hellions of High Street book, Sinfully Yours. I had high expectations for Caro and Alec coming into Passionately Yours , and fortunately these two met every one of them. Caro is a bright, intelligent, passionate young woman who finds herself a bit at loose ends now that her sisters have gotten married and are off traveling with their husbands. Luckily for Caro, her new friend Isobel happens to be the sister of the man Caro loves to loathe. Alec is a serious, gruff, politically-minded man who seems to be Caro’s opposite. “Seems” is the operative word, for the two have a lot more in common than either could have imagined. I loved watching the back and forth between Alec and Caro as they reluctantly fall in love with one another. It’s not an easy fall, for Alec’s first marriage has left him wary of trusting another woman, but Ms. Elliott gives these two a satisfying happily ever after.
Passionately Yours follows a bit of a predictable path – there’s the requisite kidnapping, a vaguely Wickham-type villain, and a love-shy hero – but Ms. Elliott makes the comfortably familiar journey an entertaining one. Strains of Northanger Abbey filter through the book as well, which added to my enjoyment of the story. Add in a dash of political intrigue, threats to Caro and Isobel’s lives, and an utterly charming secondary romance for Isobel, and there’s truly nothing not to like about Passionately Yours .
Passionately Yours is a fast-paced, engaging read that’s sure to leave you with a smile on your face. I highly recommend Caro and Alec’s story to anyone who’d enjoy a delightful historical romance.
Note:I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Cara Elliott saves the best for last with Passionately Yours ! The youngest Sloane sister’s book is bright, fun, romantic, and dramatic – everything you’d expect for a hellion poet heroine.
Sparks first flew between Caro Sloane and Scottish noble Alec McClellan in the previous Hellions of High Street book, Sinfully Yours. I had high expectations for Caro and Alec coming into Passionately Yours , and fortunately these two met every one of them. Caro is a bright, intelligent, passionate young woman who finds herself a bit at loose ends now that her sisters have gotten married and are off traveling with their husbands. Luckily for Caro, her new friend Isobel happens to be the sister of the man Caro loves to loathe. Alec is a serious, gruff, politically-minded man who seems to be Caro’s opposite. “Seems” is the operative word, for the two have a lot more in common than either could have imagined. I loved watching the back and forth between Alec and Caro as they reluctantly fall in love with one another. It’s not an easy fall, for Alec’s first marriage has left him wary of trusting another woman, but Ms. Elliott gives these two a satisfying happily ever after.
Passionately Yours follows a bit of a predictable path – there’s the requisite kidnapping, a vaguely Wickham-type villain, and a love-shy hero – but Ms. Elliott makes the comfortably familiar journey an entertaining one. Strains of Northanger Abbey filter through the book as well, which added to my enjoyment of the story. Add in a dash of political intrigue, threats to Caro and Isobel’s lives, and an utterly charming secondary romance for Isobel, and there’s truly nothing not to like about Passionately Yours .
Passionately Yours is a fast-paced, engaging read that’s sure to leave you with a smile on your face. I highly recommend Caro and Alec’s story to anyone who’d enjoy a delightful historical romance.
Note:I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 8, 2015
Beware the Dreaded Secondary Character-o-sis
You know how it is. You read a couple of books and there is this secondary character who almost steals the show. They are a delight, they make you laugh, and you can hardly wait for them to have their own book. Then they get it and something happens to them. You don't recognize them as the same person who charmed you so much in the other books. Well, that is what happened with Caro and Alec in the third installment of Cara Elliott's Hellion's of High Street series, Passionately Yours.
In the previous books, Caro was such a drama queen, so over the top, so much fun. When she and Alec encountered each other in the last book, the sparks just flew off the walls. They bickered, they squabbled, and they didn't get along. Alex was such a curmudgeon and Caro was sooooo dramatic, I was really looking forward to their book. However, I barely recognized them in this story. Their characters had become almost tranquil and that wasn't what I was looking for. Even though the writing in the book was good, I was looking for some exciting characters who would make me laugh and I didn't get it. I want to be captivated and I wasn't.
Beside the problem I had with the characters not living up to my expectations, I also wasn't entranced with the mystery. Maybe one of the reason the romance didn't sparkle was because of the time wasted in the book on aimless intrigue. The momentum which was created by Alec and Caro in previous encounters just ran out of fuel in this book. They weren't together enough and when they were, they were pretty mellow.
In the end, while Passionately Yours was a nice try, when I closed the book I couldn't remember too much about it. Passionately Yours could have been so much better if only the sparks had remained.
KaysBlog
You know how it is. You read a couple of books and there is this secondary character who almost steals the show. They are a delight, they make you laugh, and you can hardly wait for them to have their own book. Then they get it and something happens to them. You don't recognize them as the same person who charmed you so much in the other books. Well, that is what happened with Caro and Alec in the third installment of Cara Elliott's Hellion's of High Street series, Passionately Yours.
In the previous books, Caro was such a drama queen, so over the top, so much fun. When she and Alec encountered each other in the last book, the sparks just flew off the walls. They bickered, they squabbled, and they didn't get along. Alex was such a curmudgeon and Caro was sooooo dramatic, I was really looking forward to their book. However, I barely recognized them in this story. Their characters had become almost tranquil and that wasn't what I was looking for. Even though the writing in the book was good, I was looking for some exciting characters who would make me laugh and I didn't get it. I want to be captivated and I wasn't.
Beside the problem I had with the characters not living up to my expectations, I also wasn't entranced with the mystery. Maybe one of the reason the romance didn't sparkle was because of the time wasted in the book on aimless intrigue. The momentum which was created by Alec and Caro in previous encounters just ran out of fuel in this book. They weren't together enough and when they were, they were pretty mellow.
In the end, while Passionately Yours was a nice try, when I closed the book I couldn't remember too much about it. Passionately Yours could have been so much better if only the sparks had remained.
KaysBlog
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2014
Will opposites always attract and fall in love or brush aside due to the differences?
Caro Sloane has the heart of a poet and the independent outlook of a man which does not suite the time she is living in. Her late father taught Caro and her sisters to live life to the fullest and grab onto every experience possible, an idea all three of them embraced. Being told she could do anything, Caro took that to heart and decided to go in search of her heart’s desire. Alec McClellan has encountered Caro before and even experienced one of her so called adventures and while he knows he should not be drawn to her whimsy for some bizarre reason he cannot stay away from her. They are not a good match, their personalities are always sparring, and yet here he wants only to get of taste of her lips and feel her hair between his fingers.
While enjoying their time in Bath there is something nefarious afoot in dark alleys and the shadowed existence both Caro and Alec pass through every day. Is the chance encounter really a set up for harm, or was that person who asked me to dance trying to abscond with information or even a life. Alec a life no one talks about before he returned to care for his sister and everyone believes that may be the root of the problems now occurring, but is it really? Could there be another reason for all the cloak and dagger which creates the idea in Caro’s mind of whether she can truly believe all the Alec says and does.
When kindred souls are joined there is magic surrounding them and only Carol Elliott could write such a story with all the romance and high spirited excitement between such a pairing.
Caro Sloane has the heart of a poet and the independent outlook of a man which does not suite the time she is living in. Her late father taught Caro and her sisters to live life to the fullest and grab onto every experience possible, an idea all three of them embraced. Being told she could do anything, Caro took that to heart and decided to go in search of her heart’s desire. Alec McClellan has encountered Caro before and even experienced one of her so called adventures and while he knows he should not be drawn to her whimsy for some bizarre reason he cannot stay away from her. They are not a good match, their personalities are always sparring, and yet here he wants only to get of taste of her lips and feel her hair between his fingers.
While enjoying their time in Bath there is something nefarious afoot in dark alleys and the shadowed existence both Caro and Alec pass through every day. Is the chance encounter really a set up for harm, or was that person who asked me to dance trying to abscond with information or even a life. Alec a life no one talks about before he returned to care for his sister and everyone believes that may be the root of the problems now occurring, but is it really? Could there be another reason for all the cloak and dagger which creates the idea in Caro’s mind of whether she can truly believe all the Alec says and does.
When kindred souls are joined there is magic surrounding them and only Carol Elliott could write such a story with all the romance and high spirited excitement between such a pairing.
May 19, 2015
Passionately Yours is the last book in The Hellions of High Street series. It is an enjoyable read but I still love the first in the series more.
Caro Sloane is the baby sister and desperate for her own romance, since her both sisters are happily married. Now Cara is in Bath with her mother ( medical purpose)hardly the place to find a handsome eligible man, until she is rescued by Baron Alec McClellan whom she met before.
Alec McClellan has encountered Cara before and he is on the mission to find out the traitor so romance is the last thing in his mind, especially an English hellion.
Cara Elliott's writing is amazing and wonderful, I read the first and the last in this series. The characters are engaging and likable but the plot and pacing in the Passionately Yours was a little slow and not as captivating as the first in the series.
Still this a nice and enjoyable read.
Thank you Cara Elliott
Caro Sloane is the baby sister and desperate for her own romance, since her both sisters are happily married. Now Cara is in Bath with her mother ( medical purpose)hardly the place to find a handsome eligible man, until she is rescued by Baron Alec McClellan whom she met before.
Alec McClellan has encountered Cara before and he is on the mission to find out the traitor so romance is the last thing in his mind, especially an English hellion.
Cara Elliott's writing is amazing and wonderful, I read the first and the last in this series. The characters are engaging and likable but the plot and pacing in the Passionately Yours was a little slow and not as captivating as the first in the series.
Still this a nice and enjoyable read.
Thank you Cara Elliott
February 10, 2016
I won this book for free on Goodreads. I really liked this book. Great story line and characters! This is the third book in "The Hellions of High Street" series, but can stand alone. I highly recommend this book if you love a great love story.
December 27, 2014
This Hellions of High Street series was excellent. This particular book I enjoyed immensely.
Lots of adventures in Bath with Caro and Alex. Well written, as always from Cara Elliott.
Not the best book in the series but still worth 5 stars, imo.
Lots of adventures in Bath with Caro and Alex. Well written, as always from Cara Elliott.
Not the best book in the series but still worth 5 stars, imo.
December 7, 2015
3.5 out of 5 stars
September 10, 2016
surprisingly good. I was unsure if I would like Caro based on her character in the previous books. a good amount of mystery but a little predictable
June 21, 2015
I think I have had my monthly required veggies just reading this. Cause it got corny.... Ha!
The Sloane sisters are a family of Polite Society. They attend balls and are pressured to marry up by their mother like most young women their age. These sister's each bare a secret that could not only ruin their reputation, but also the family name; each of them write and publish themselves with a man's name! (Le gasp!) Each book focuses on each sister in turn and follows her exploits on trying to lead a perfect life in the 1800s England while trying to be true to herself, and whatnot, but also hide the self that's real. Then they all try to not feel sexy urges, too. Cause you know if you want to kiss a dude your a total slut by 17th century English standards.
The Bad- If you have read one book of the series, you really have read them all. The only difference would be the character names. I read these books back to back and man I was feeling deja vu. It was cut and paste the same! It's like the author had a check list that she kept following while writing the series.
1) Sloane sister meets a guy that is higher up in English society and gets on her nerves yet cannot help but be attracted to him. Check
2) Dude pov shows that he is also equally annoyed by Sloane sister but whenever he thinks of her his pants get a little tight. Check
3) Guy finds out that the heroine is really the uber popular Society Issue Critic/Racy Romance Novelist/Poetry writer. Check
4) While succumbing to their passions the guy notices how pink the inside of the girls ear is and that's hot. Check
5) Offers to marry girl right after they bang cause he ruined her. Only to be rejected by girl for making such an offer. (Even though it's the 1800s and back then that's a good deal for a chick.) Check.
6) Some plot happens where there's running to catch the bad guy. Check
7) And they get hitched. Checky Check flipin' CHECK!
Whew! So I guess you have read the series if you read the checklist; your welcome.
Now this is where I am gonna get serious. Throughout the series the sisters all recount how their late father documented various cultures and thus they had a 'different' upbringing, thus explaining their undercover careers that no normal lady would pursue.
The reader learns things like how their father studied primitive cultures by visiting the tribes-people of Crete. This sentence sums up the series in this topic. I could go into more detail but that would make this review very long, and these books are simply not worth the time.
Keywords: Primitive, culture, tribes-people and Crete
Now let me precede in ripping it apart. I have graduated college with a BA in Anthropology. So I have based my academic career in studying culture's, human/primate behavior, forensic's and much more!
Primitive:
That being said I do hope that the author was trying to make the main heroine's come off as snobby racist English girls because that's how it come out to me. First off, no culture should be considered 'primitive' for reasons being, when one thinks of the word 'primitive' you tend think 'simple' and/or 'dumb'. This is insulting because you wouldn't walk out of your air conditioned house, go up to a camp ground and tell people who are camping that they are 'primitive'. You would not also say to them, "You are so stupid, you could be sleeping in an air-conditioned house but instead you are sleeping outside like a pig."
This is exactly what you are saying when you call another person's way of life 'primitive'. There are tribes in existence at this very moment. They are not stupid people. The environment they live in either calls for that particular lifestyle or it just works for them. It would not be economical to have cars in the middle of a desert with no roads would it? Or what about the Amish? It's not because they don't know better, it's just that's how they choose to live.
Tribes-people:
In the first book, Scandalously Yours the main character says something to the effect of, 'the tribes people half were related to half of the island' (NOT a direct quote!). Let's define tribe- a group of nomads (travelers, never 'settle') numbering 20-50 people. I don't believe the author knows what a tribe is because if these people where in fact a tribe, they wouldn't be related to half the island. Unless there were two tribes. One would wonder, why would one be a nomad on an island? Well it's possible, it would depend on how big the island is. After all nomads go where the food is, so to speak. So how big is this island?
Crete:
Well I will tell you! It's much smaller than Japan! Wanna guess where Crete is? Remember the setting is 1800s Europe! So where would 'primitive' people be? Africa of course!~
Wrong! :) Crete is an island off of Greece!
Whaaaaaa?! Greece? But there's like people there that are so not 'primitive'..........
Yes ladies and gentlemen Crete is the biggest island off Greece and has been considered the place where all the smart peeps go. In fact Crete has been regarded as the 'place to be' for over thousands of years! Ottoman empire- idea started in Crete. Venice, Italy lifestyle = Crete. Greece universities = CRETE.
So I'm sure ya'll are thinking, 'But wait, if it's the 1800s wouldn't there NOT be any tribes in Greece? I mean their not known for tribes or 'primitive' culture. Also weren't the Brits heavily influenced by Greece?'
And the answer is YES!
This makes no sense! I think I could have maybe looked over the author writing the norm ignorance of culture's had she not made it Crete. I mean it's really hard to get into the story when you have such a gaping plot hole.......
I mean come on Cara Elliott! You could have googled 'Crete' and been like 'Oh snap, I guess this the one place NOT to set a fictional primitive culture!'.
The Good- Yeah that ship has sailed, then swallowed up by the plot hole.....
The Book- So if you only have a grasp of culture from from the 1800s, NEVER google things and are looking for a cut and paste read that screams "give me your money for little of my effort!" then The Hellions of High Street series is for you!
The Sloane sisters are a family of Polite Society. They attend balls and are pressured to marry up by their mother like most young women their age. These sister's each bare a secret that could not only ruin their reputation, but also the family name; each of them write and publish themselves with a man's name! (Le gasp!) Each book focuses on each sister in turn and follows her exploits on trying to lead a perfect life in the 1800s England while trying to be true to herself, and whatnot, but also hide the self that's real. Then they all try to not feel sexy urges, too. Cause you know if you want to kiss a dude your a total slut by 17th century English standards.
The Bad- If you have read one book of the series, you really have read them all. The only difference would be the character names. I read these books back to back and man I was feeling deja vu. It was cut and paste the same! It's like the author had a check list that she kept following while writing the series.
1) Sloane sister meets a guy that is higher up in English society and gets on her nerves yet cannot help but be attracted to him. Check
2) Dude pov shows that he is also equally annoyed by Sloane sister but whenever he thinks of her his pants get a little tight. Check
3) Guy finds out that the heroine is really the uber popular Society Issue Critic/Racy Romance Novelist/Poetry writer. Check
4) While succumbing to their passions the guy notices how pink the inside of the girls ear is and that's hot. Check
5) Offers to marry girl right after they bang cause he ruined her. Only to be rejected by girl for making such an offer. (Even though it's the 1800s and back then that's a good deal for a chick.) Check.
6) Some plot happens where there's running to catch the bad guy. Check
7) And they get hitched. Checky Check flipin' CHECK!
Whew! So I guess you have read the series if you read the checklist; your welcome.
Now this is where I am gonna get serious. Throughout the series the sisters all recount how their late father documented various cultures and thus they had a 'different' upbringing, thus explaining their undercover careers that no normal lady would pursue.
The reader learns things like how their father studied primitive cultures by visiting the tribes-people of Crete. This sentence sums up the series in this topic. I could go into more detail but that would make this review very long, and these books are simply not worth the time.
Keywords: Primitive, culture, tribes-people and Crete
Now let me precede in ripping it apart. I have graduated college with a BA in Anthropology. So I have based my academic career in studying culture's, human/primate behavior, forensic's and much more!
Primitive:
That being said I do hope that the author was trying to make the main heroine's come off as snobby racist English girls because that's how it come out to me. First off, no culture should be considered 'primitive' for reasons being, when one thinks of the word 'primitive' you tend think 'simple' and/or 'dumb'. This is insulting because you wouldn't walk out of your air conditioned house, go up to a camp ground and tell people who are camping that they are 'primitive'. You would not also say to them, "You are so stupid, you could be sleeping in an air-conditioned house but instead you are sleeping outside like a pig."
This is exactly what you are saying when you call another person's way of life 'primitive'. There are tribes in existence at this very moment. They are not stupid people. The environment they live in either calls for that particular lifestyle or it just works for them. It would not be economical to have cars in the middle of a desert with no roads would it? Or what about the Amish? It's not because they don't know better, it's just that's how they choose to live.
Tribes-people:
In the first book, Scandalously Yours the main character says something to the effect of, 'the tribes people half were related to half of the island' (NOT a direct quote!). Let's define tribe- a group of nomads (travelers, never 'settle') numbering 20-50 people. I don't believe the author knows what a tribe is because if these people where in fact a tribe, they wouldn't be related to half the island. Unless there were two tribes. One would wonder, why would one be a nomad on an island? Well it's possible, it would depend on how big the island is. After all nomads go where the food is, so to speak. So how big is this island?
Crete:
Well I will tell you! It's much smaller than Japan! Wanna guess where Crete is? Remember the setting is 1800s Europe! So where would 'primitive' people be? Africa of course!~
Wrong! :) Crete is an island off of Greece!
Whaaaaaa?! Greece? But there's like people there that are so not 'primitive'..........
Yes ladies and gentlemen Crete is the biggest island off Greece and has been considered the place where all the smart peeps go. In fact Crete has been regarded as the 'place to be' for over thousands of years! Ottoman empire- idea started in Crete. Venice, Italy lifestyle = Crete. Greece universities = CRETE.
So I'm sure ya'll are thinking, 'But wait, if it's the 1800s wouldn't there NOT be any tribes in Greece? I mean their not known for tribes or 'primitive' culture. Also weren't the Brits heavily influenced by Greece?'
And the answer is YES!
This makes no sense! I think I could have maybe looked over the author writing the norm ignorance of culture's had she not made it Crete. I mean it's really hard to get into the story when you have such a gaping plot hole.......
I mean come on Cara Elliott! You could have googled 'Crete' and been like 'Oh snap, I guess this the one place NOT to set a fictional primitive culture!'.
The Good- Yeah that ship has sailed, then swallowed up by the plot hole.....
The Book- So if you only have a grasp of culture from from the 1800s, NEVER google things and are looking for a cut and paste read that screams "give me your money for little of my effort!" then The Hellions of High Street series is for you!
March 5, 2023
Chaperones need to be present
Good third story but noticeably lacking in a decent chaperone. The heroine would have been cast out if she had behaved as the tale.
Good plot though which I really enjoyed but the sticklers among you would be dismayed. Luckily, no skunks or American fruits and berries to contend with. Acceptable from a none UK writer.
Good third story but noticeably lacking in a decent chaperone. The heroine would have been cast out if she had behaved as the tale.
Good plot though which I really enjoyed but the sticklers among you would be dismayed. Luckily, no skunks or American fruits and berries to contend with. Acceptable from a none UK writer.
Read
October 9, 2024Visiting is apart of what you do when you really don't have things to do. Yet while visiting things can happen that weren't expected because people are not as predictable as that. However falling in love is not that predictable either and there in lies the problem because no matter how much you do not want it to happen it will happen anyway.
January 28, 2021
Every book in this series is outstanding, including this one. The details of the regency period are authentic and the characters are well-drawn. If you love romance mixed with adventure in a historical setting you will love this book!
January 15, 2019
Hellions rest assured. Intrigue and romance with a Scottish hunk.
January 13, 2021
This book actually used the phrase "pump handle" as a euphemism for a penis. Pump handle! I laughed out loud.
May 1, 2021
Delightful end to the series - Caro might have been my favorite of the sisters in the series as she's both whimsical and practical with a delightfully gruff Scottish hero
March 21, 2023
Another entertaining romance for Cara Elliott (Andrea Penrose).
March 27, 2025
An entertaining read
March 5, 2014
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Passionately Yours is book three of Cara Elliot's Hellions of Highstreet Series. A Series about three sisters who just don't quite conform. They are funny and talented and witty.. and let loose upon the marriage mart.
HELLIONS OF HIGH STREET SERIES CONTINUES WITH PASSIONATELY YOURS...
Proper young ladies of the ton-especially ones who have very small dowries-are not encouraged to have an interest in intellectual pursuits. Indeed, the only things they are encouraged to pursue are eligible bachelors. So, the headstrong Sloane sisters must keep their passions a secret.
Ah, but secret passions are wont to lead a lady into trouble . . .
Passionately Yours is Caro's story. The baby of the family all grown up and looking for adventure. A gifted poet who wants to be recognized as such Caro has already grown bored of a woman's life in the ton. One season in and she realizes that she didn't want to enter the ton, she just wanted to spend time with her sisters on their adventures. Now her sisters are married and she is alone on an adventure of her very own. And it's a lot scarier than she thought it would be.
Alec McClellan, dour, gruff, opinionated.. Caro's antithesis and yet.. Alec was betrayed in love early in life and has closed himself off to even the chance of getting hurt again. He works solidly towards a free Scotland and he works in a peaceful manner. He believes it is possible but there are those who believe only violence can make change. When his sister and her friend (Caro) are almost kidnapped while walking in the country Alec goes on the alert. Something is wrong. If only his attraction for Caro didn't keep getting in his way.
Hello rock... Alec is hard as stone and determined to stay that way. Trying to keep his sister in the dark as to his political plots is hard enough. Now she's in danger and the every inquisitive Caro Sloane is on hand. Alec doesn't really meet a hard place rather falls to Caro's gentle badgering.. More like water eroding his reserves.
Once again Ms Elliott brings Regency issues to our attention. The world was not all that was perfect there was just as much dissent going on then as now. And people often wanted change, by fair means or fowl. Scotland has always been a free nation in the minds of the Scots.. and in every generation, even ours, there are those fighting for that right.
To use Caro's intrepid sense of adventure and her strong sense of self as Alec's heroine was a perfect decision. These two strong willed individuals are a perfect match.
Another wonderful ending to a great trilogy..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Passionately Yours, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on March 4, 2014
Passionately Yours is book three of Cara Elliot's Hellions of Highstreet Series. A Series about three sisters who just don't quite conform. They are funny and talented and witty.. and let loose upon the marriage mart.
HELLIONS OF HIGH STREET SERIES CONTINUES WITH PASSIONATELY YOURS...
Proper young ladies of the ton-especially ones who have very small dowries-are not encouraged to have an interest in intellectual pursuits. Indeed, the only things they are encouraged to pursue are eligible bachelors. So, the headstrong Sloane sisters must keep their passions a secret.
Ah, but secret passions are wont to lead a lady into trouble . . .
Passionately Yours is Caro's story. The baby of the family all grown up and looking for adventure. A gifted poet who wants to be recognized as such Caro has already grown bored of a woman's life in the ton. One season in and she realizes that she didn't want to enter the ton, she just wanted to spend time with her sisters on their adventures. Now her sisters are married and she is alone on an adventure of her very own. And it's a lot scarier than she thought it would be.
Alec McClellan, dour, gruff, opinionated.. Caro's antithesis and yet.. Alec was betrayed in love early in life and has closed himself off to even the chance of getting hurt again. He works solidly towards a free Scotland and he works in a peaceful manner. He believes it is possible but there are those who believe only violence can make change. When his sister and her friend (Caro) are almost kidnapped while walking in the country Alec goes on the alert. Something is wrong. If only his attraction for Caro didn't keep getting in his way.
Hello rock... Alec is hard as stone and determined to stay that way. Trying to keep his sister in the dark as to his political plots is hard enough. Now she's in danger and the every inquisitive Caro Sloane is on hand. Alec doesn't really meet a hard place rather falls to Caro's gentle badgering.. More like water eroding his reserves.
Once again Ms Elliott brings Regency issues to our attention. The world was not all that was perfect there was just as much dissent going on then as now. And people often wanted change, by fair means or fowl. Scotland has always been a free nation in the minds of the Scots.. and in every generation, even ours, there are those fighting for that right.
To use Caro's intrepid sense of adventure and her strong sense of self as Alec's heroine was a perfect decision. These two strong willed individuals are a perfect match.
Another wonderful ending to a great trilogy..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Passionately Yours, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on March 4, 2014
April 22, 2015
Passionately Yours is a rudimentary title for a book and I wasn’t all that thrilled about picking it up. It’s bland, tells me nothing about the story, and sounds just like any other romance novel.
That being said, this book was a very pleasant read and I finished it fairly quickly. It reads well, and fast-paced enough to keep interest. I really enjoyed how vivacious Caro was. By far my favorite part—the part that had me actually laughing out loud—was when she sneaks into Alec’s house to try and follow Thayer. Alec’s sitting in the bathtub and hears a noise, only to find that Caro is literally crawling on his floor. She tells him there’s no time for him to dress, that they must follow the bad guy to see what he’s up to. So Alec stands up butt naked and follows her with only a towel. I don’t know why, but it had me cracking up. It just looked so ludicrous in my head and I thoroughly enjoyed the elements of the story that were like that. The weird situations that Caro got herself into were funny without being over the top.
The mystery was downplayed a bit, and though I do wish it had been utilized a little more it did do justice as the backdrop for the romance. There was enough danger for it not to be dull. Plus, the addition of Thayer into the fray was very welcome. I fully expected his character to be the third point on a triangle, a guy who is diabolical but Caro would be none the wiser until the very end. I was extremely excited to find that that was not the case at all; that Caro would not be the unwitting damsel in distress like so many other novels. Instead, she knew what her feelings were for Alec and Thayer both fairly early on, and I lauded the author for that. It was a nice change of pace.
Another fun thing was the teasing, both between Alec and Caro and between Caro and her sisters. I would absolutely read more in the series just to see more of the verbal sparring—it was intelligent and funny, and reminiscent of how my family interacts. I had a grand old time when Alec and Caro were spitting (polite) words at each other, and I only wish that Olivia and Anna had made an appearance sooner. This means that if the other books in the series have more interactions with the sisters, I’d definitely be inclined to read them.
The only real complaints that I have is the descriptive words were a bit annoying at times. Everyone’s eyes are like the storm-filled loch, everyone’s mouth quirks up into a smile (something I’ve noticed in a lot of romance novels), Caro repeatedly calls herself a hellion, Alec repeatedly says “damnation” at the beginning of every section. Not deal breakers by any means, but enough to pull me out of the story after the third or fourth time it happened with each.
That those are my only complaints shows this was a pretty darn good book!
(I received this in a First Reads giveaway.)
That being said, this book was a very pleasant read and I finished it fairly quickly. It reads well, and fast-paced enough to keep interest. I really enjoyed how vivacious Caro was. By far my favorite part—the part that had me actually laughing out loud—was when she sneaks into Alec’s house to try and follow Thayer. Alec’s sitting in the bathtub and hears a noise, only to find that Caro is literally crawling on his floor. She tells him there’s no time for him to dress, that they must follow the bad guy to see what he’s up to. So Alec stands up butt naked and follows her with only a towel. I don’t know why, but it had me cracking up. It just looked so ludicrous in my head and I thoroughly enjoyed the elements of the story that were like that. The weird situations that Caro got herself into were funny without being over the top.
The mystery was downplayed a bit, and though I do wish it had been utilized a little more it did do justice as the backdrop for the romance. There was enough danger for it not to be dull. Plus, the addition of Thayer into the fray was very welcome. I fully expected his character to be the third point on a triangle, a guy who is diabolical but Caro would be none the wiser until the very end. I was extremely excited to find that that was not the case at all; that Caro would not be the unwitting damsel in distress like so many other novels. Instead, she knew what her feelings were for Alec and Thayer both fairly early on, and I lauded the author for that. It was a nice change of pace.
Another fun thing was the teasing, both between Alec and Caro and between Caro and her sisters. I would absolutely read more in the series just to see more of the verbal sparring—it was intelligent and funny, and reminiscent of how my family interacts. I had a grand old time when Alec and Caro were spitting (polite) words at each other, and I only wish that Olivia and Anna had made an appearance sooner. This means that if the other books in the series have more interactions with the sisters, I’d definitely be inclined to read them.
The only real complaints that I have is the descriptive words were a bit annoying at times. Everyone’s eyes are like the storm-filled loch, everyone’s mouth quirks up into a smile (something I’ve noticed in a lot of romance novels), Caro repeatedly calls herself a hellion, Alec repeatedly says “damnation” at the beginning of every section. Not deal breakers by any means, but enough to pull me out of the story after the third or fourth time it happened with each.
That those are my only complaints shows this was a pretty darn good book!
(I received this in a First Reads giveaway.)
October 3, 2015
This is the third installment of the Hellions of High Street by Cara Elliott.
Caroline Sloane finds herself once again face to face with Alec, otherwise known as Baron McClellan. They met each other during a house party in Scotland, where her sister Anna ended up marrying Devil Davenport. Despite their differences, Caro and Alec share quite a bit of the same interests, which is what pulls them together. Passionately Yours (Hellions of High Street, #3)Caro is in Bath with her mom taking the famous medicinal waters, and she turns out to be good friends with Isobel (Alec's sister). After a kidnapping attempt, Isobel is surprised when she finds out introductions aren't needed between Caro and Alec.
Isobel is in Bath, because she too is in need of the water there, and has no idea what her brother is doing in town. Meanwhile Caro knows Alec being in town isn't a coincidence. Her gut feeling tells her there's more to his story than he wants them to believe.
Little by little Caro discovers some of what's going on and starts putting the pieces together as best she can. The more she digs the more involved she becomes in the great scheme of things, and coming out unscathed isn't really an option.
Alec wants to keep his sister safe, and now Caro as well. No matter what he does, Caro isn't backing out. If that were his only problem he'd be able to better handle things, but it isn't. He finds himself falling for the Hellion and fighting his past demons.
My thoughts:
I liked Sinfully Yours more than this installment. There I said it. So, Caro is supposed to be THE hellion of THE hellions but honestly I didn't really see what made her a hellion other than she was a bit astute. Then again in looking at her and Isobel, Isobel seemed stronger than Caro. There was more talk about what made Caro a hellion than actually a show of what a hellion she actually was. Her unconventional upbringing by her long deceased father kept being mentioned, and was used as an excuse for certain things she said but not exactly anything she did (pretending to be Isobel and escaping her kidnappers doesn't make her a hellion in my eyes). I guess when I read the word hellion I was actually expecting more of Caro. She was supposed to be witty, and she could be at times, but in many instances it sounded forced. And like I said, again and again, there were explanations of what or why Caro and her sisters had been declared the Hellions of High Street, I felt like it was being shoved down my throat. I wanted to see more action, more of what really made her a hellion, unfortunately I didn't see it. Last, I thought that the end kind of dragged for too long.
Caroline Sloane finds herself once again face to face with Alec, otherwise known as Baron McClellan. They met each other during a house party in Scotland, where her sister Anna ended up marrying Devil Davenport. Despite their differences, Caro and Alec share quite a bit of the same interests, which is what pulls them together. Passionately Yours (Hellions of High Street, #3)Caro is in Bath with her mom taking the famous medicinal waters, and she turns out to be good friends with Isobel (Alec's sister). After a kidnapping attempt, Isobel is surprised when she finds out introductions aren't needed between Caro and Alec.
Isobel is in Bath, because she too is in need of the water there, and has no idea what her brother is doing in town. Meanwhile Caro knows Alec being in town isn't a coincidence. Her gut feeling tells her there's more to his story than he wants them to believe.
Little by little Caro discovers some of what's going on and starts putting the pieces together as best she can. The more she digs the more involved she becomes in the great scheme of things, and coming out unscathed isn't really an option.
Alec wants to keep his sister safe, and now Caro as well. No matter what he does, Caro isn't backing out. If that were his only problem he'd be able to better handle things, but it isn't. He finds himself falling for the Hellion and fighting his past demons.
My thoughts:
I liked Sinfully Yours more than this installment. There I said it. So, Caro is supposed to be THE hellion of THE hellions but honestly I didn't really see what made her a hellion other than she was a bit astute. Then again in looking at her and Isobel, Isobel seemed stronger than Caro. There was more talk about what made Caro a hellion than actually a show of what a hellion she actually was. Her unconventional upbringing by her long deceased father kept being mentioned, and was used as an excuse for certain things she said but not exactly anything she did (pretending to be Isobel and escaping her kidnappers doesn't make her a hellion in my eyes). I guess when I read the word hellion I was actually expecting more of Caro. She was supposed to be witty, and she could be at times, but in many instances it sounded forced. And like I said, again and again, there were explanations of what or why Caro and her sisters had been declared the Hellions of High Street, I felt like it was being shoved down my throat. I wanted to see more action, more of what really made her a hellion, unfortunately I didn't see it. Last, I thought that the end kind of dragged for too long.
March 25, 2014
Caroline Sloane is vacationing in Bath with her mother and spending some time with old friends and making some new ones. Caro misses the companionship of her newly married sisters feels and she has found a kindred spirit in Isobel Urquehart. It wasn’t until after Caro and Isobel are attacked while walking back from an excursion, that Caro learns that Isobel’s brother is none other than Alec McClellan, Lord Strathcona.
Caroline hasn’t seen Alec since the incident at Dunbar Castle in Scotland when Caro and her sister, Anna and her now husband, Devlin, helped Alec defeat some Scottish nationalists who decided that violence was needed to further their cause.
Caro knows that Alec sees her and her sisters as the Hellions of High Street that they are known to be, and he doesn’t approve of her being involved in trying to find out who was behind their attack. But her father raised them in the most unladylike way, allowing Caro to think for herself and how a young woman can protect herself from danger.
Due to Caro’s Hellion upbringing, she is more than up to the task of helping Alec figure out who is trying to hurt him and his sister.
THOUGHTS:
I really like Cara’s heroines. They have an inner strength and a sharp wit. These Hellions even more than the rest since they were raised by a father with a love for adventure who dragged his girls along. He made sure they could protect themselves in some of the more dangerous areas of the world and taught them interesting activities like lock picking.
Like most of us, Caro compares herself to her old sisters and their accomplishments and finds them lacking. They are all writers but one older sister writes thrilling novels of adventure and the other writes political essays (both under an assumed male name, of course). Caro find her own poetry attempts lack a passion and she is looking for adventure and excitement.
Alec is a little gruff around the edges, but still a very likeable hero.
My only complaint here is that there seemed to be a noticeable lack of foreplay in their sexual adventures. I am still a bit confused why a panic attack makes her feel the need to start stripping and how quickly she undressed herself from all the layers and corset and then redressed herself quickly as well afterwards when she was embarrassed. These ladies usually require a maid or two to help them dress in the morning, but Cara made it sound like Caro tossed her clothes back on and ran out when Alec probably could have had a cigarette in the time it should have taken her.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Caroline hasn’t seen Alec since the incident at Dunbar Castle in Scotland when Caro and her sister, Anna and her now husband, Devlin, helped Alec defeat some Scottish nationalists who decided that violence was needed to further their cause.
Caro knows that Alec sees her and her sisters as the Hellions of High Street that they are known to be, and he doesn’t approve of her being involved in trying to find out who was behind their attack. But her father raised them in the most unladylike way, allowing Caro to think for herself and how a young woman can protect herself from danger.
Due to Caro’s Hellion upbringing, she is more than up to the task of helping Alec figure out who is trying to hurt him and his sister.
THOUGHTS:
I really like Cara’s heroines. They have an inner strength and a sharp wit. These Hellions even more than the rest since they were raised by a father with a love for adventure who dragged his girls along. He made sure they could protect themselves in some of the more dangerous areas of the world and taught them interesting activities like lock picking.
Like most of us, Caro compares herself to her old sisters and their accomplishments and finds them lacking. They are all writers but one older sister writes thrilling novels of adventure and the other writes political essays (both under an assumed male name, of course). Caro find her own poetry attempts lack a passion and she is looking for adventure and excitement.
Alec is a little gruff around the edges, but still a very likeable hero.
My only complaint here is that there seemed to be a noticeable lack of foreplay in their sexual adventures. I am still a bit confused why a panic attack makes her feel the need to start stripping and how quickly she undressed herself from all the layers and corset and then redressed herself quickly as well afterwards when she was embarrassed. These ladies usually require a maid or two to help them dress in the morning, but Cara made it sound like Caro tossed her clothes back on and ran out when Alec probably could have had a cigarette in the time it should have taken her.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2014
ARC received for an honest review.
original post at: http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
I was hesitant to start “Passionately Yours (Hellions of High Street # 3) because I was not ready to say good-bye to the Sloane sisters! I absolutely loved this series! I was worried about Passionately Yours not living up to the previous books, but it definitely did! This was a classic example of romance, adventure and fun! Only Cara Elliott could balance all these elements and keep them equally as interesting.
Caroline Sloane is such a fantastic character! I think that Cara Elliott did a great job of developing her character and having her come –into-her -own story. As the youngest of the Sloane sisters she had big shoes to fill but she did not disappoint. The young poet, Caro is fun, brave, strong, very sweet and vulnerable. Although she is a hit in her season in London, she is looking for love! The Scottish noble Alec McClellan was a perfect challenge for Caro and her for him! While Caro is brave and open Alec is shut off and not the most articulate when it comes to his feelings! Watching them fall in love was really a beautiful experience. Caro was so ready to fall in love and she didn’t lack the courage to be her own person. I loved Alex and Caro’s chemistry in the previous book, Sinfully Yours. While that took place in Scotland, this story was set in Bath. I loved that the author took a quiet and small town like Bath and she turned into a place where there was romance, mystery and treacherous activities.
Another fantastic part of this story were Isobel (Alec’s half-sister) and her chance at love. I loved Isobel and thought that she developed throughout the story. The theme of mystery starts from the beginning of the story as Isobel and Caro suffer an “accident”. Coincidently, this accident is paired with Alec’s visit to Bath and some of his old friends. In Sinfully Yours, we learned that Alec hates the English and that he is part of the movement for Scottish Independence. Many elements of Alec’s past filter into his present and he finds that the people he loves most are in danger because of him. All of these elements are easily explained in this story and Passionately Yours can be read without any of the previous stories and still be as enjoyable. My only complain about this book is that I have nothing to look forward to! I’m so happy for the Sloane sisters and loved them as characters! The hero’s weren’t too shabby either! So happy that Caro and Alec found their way to each other but I’m going to miss these characters!
original post at: http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
I was hesitant to start “Passionately Yours (Hellions of High Street # 3) because I was not ready to say good-bye to the Sloane sisters! I absolutely loved this series! I was worried about Passionately Yours not living up to the previous books, but it definitely did! This was a classic example of romance, adventure and fun! Only Cara Elliott could balance all these elements and keep them equally as interesting.
Caroline Sloane is such a fantastic character! I think that Cara Elliott did a great job of developing her character and having her come –into-her -own story. As the youngest of the Sloane sisters she had big shoes to fill but she did not disappoint. The young poet, Caro is fun, brave, strong, very sweet and vulnerable. Although she is a hit in her season in London, she is looking for love! The Scottish noble Alec McClellan was a perfect challenge for Caro and her for him! While Caro is brave and open Alec is shut off and not the most articulate when it comes to his feelings! Watching them fall in love was really a beautiful experience. Caro was so ready to fall in love and she didn’t lack the courage to be her own person. I loved Alex and Caro’s chemistry in the previous book, Sinfully Yours. While that took place in Scotland, this story was set in Bath. I loved that the author took a quiet and small town like Bath and she turned into a place where there was romance, mystery and treacherous activities.
Another fantastic part of this story were Isobel (Alec’s half-sister) and her chance at love. I loved Isobel and thought that she developed throughout the story. The theme of mystery starts from the beginning of the story as Isobel and Caro suffer an “accident”. Coincidently, this accident is paired with Alec’s visit to Bath and some of his old friends. In Sinfully Yours, we learned that Alec hates the English and that he is part of the movement for Scottish Independence. Many elements of Alec’s past filter into his present and he finds that the people he loves most are in danger because of him. All of these elements are easily explained in this story and Passionately Yours can be read without any of the previous stories and still be as enjoyable. My only complain about this book is that I have nothing to look forward to! I’m so happy for the Sloane sisters and loved them as characters! The hero’s weren’t too shabby either! So happy that Caro and Alec found their way to each other but I’m going to miss these characters!
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