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Pretty Poison
What’s an American heiress to do when a pair of britches, a plunge into a pond in the dead of winter and a broken betrothal force her to set sail across the ocean to an arranged marriage with a fortune-hunting Englishman?
With her hopes and dreams sinking to the bottom of the sea like so much lost treasure, Emily Calvert falls into the pretty poison she finds in a little blue bottle.
Can Nicholas Avery, a charming aristocrat with a faulty memory for names and a family in dire need of financial salvation, convince the wounded lady that the blessed oblivion she finds in his arms is sweeter than laudanum?
With her hopes and dreams sinking to the bottom of the sea like so much lost treasure, Emily Calvert falls into the pretty poison she finds in a little blue bottle.
Can Nicholas Avery, a charming aristocrat with a faulty memory for names and a family in dire need of financial salvation, convince the wounded lady that the blessed oblivion she finds in his arms is sweeter than laudanum?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2015
11 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Barron
8 books232 followersWrite About What You Know.
Every Creative Writing Teacher and College Professor said these words to Lynne Barron in one form or another. But what did she know?
She knew she enjoyed the guilty pleasure of reading romance novels whenever she could find time between studying, working and raising her son as a single mother.
She knew quite a bit about women's lives in the Regency and Victorian era from years spent bouncing back and forth between European History and English Literature as a major in college.
She knew precious little about romance except to know that it was more than the cliché card and a dozen red roses on Valentine's Day.
Then she met her wonderfully romantic husband and finally she knew.
Passion, Love and Romance.
And she began to write.
If you would like to learn more about Lynne Barron and the Idyllwild Series, please visit her website at LynneBarron.com or follow her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LynneBarronR...
Every Creative Writing Teacher and College Professor said these words to Lynne Barron in one form or another. But what did she know?
She knew she enjoyed the guilty pleasure of reading romance novels whenever she could find time between studying, working and raising her son as a single mother.
She knew quite a bit about women's lives in the Regency and Victorian era from years spent bouncing back and forth between European History and English Literature as a major in college.
She knew precious little about romance except to know that it was more than the cliché card and a dozen red roses on Valentine's Day.
Then she met her wonderfully romantic husband and finally she knew.
Passion, Love and Romance.
And she began to write.
If you would like to learn more about Lynne Barron and the Idyllwild Series, please visit her website at LynneBarron.com or follow her at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LynneBarronR...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 10, 2016
dnf @31%
Even potentially interesting topic of opium addiction, couldn't elevate the story for me and I had to give it up. Forced, uneven, strangely-phrased writing, bogged down plot with no sense of time or place, of class or gender roles. The characters behaved as though they were transported from the 21st century... I was amazed to discover that the reviews page for it is filled with four and five star ratings.
Even potentially interesting topic of opium addiction, couldn't elevate the story for me and I had to give it up. Forced, uneven, strangely-phrased writing, bogged down plot with no sense of time or place, of class or gender roles. The characters behaved as though they were transported from the 21st century... I was amazed to discover that the reviews page for it is filled with four and five star ratings.
February 4, 2016
**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Emily Calvert was seen wearing britches, not too long after being caught swimming in her unmentionables with two men (her brother and their very good friend). She's involved in scandals without even trying. Because of her reckless behavior, her fiancé breaks off the engagement and she's forced to go to England to marry a broke aristocrat she's never even met.
On her way to England, she falls ills and is given laudanum by a doctor, and she soon realizes how good it makes her feel, making her forget about all her problems and what her life has become.
I loved reading about Emily! We don't really get to see what goes on during the months she's addicted to laudanum, what makes her stop taking it and how she got the scar on her chest, until the story is revealed later in the book. Emily felt very real and she was so strong, it just shows you that even the strongest of people can have their own problems and insecurities.
She's also very smart, she's got what she likes to call a treasure trove of useless knowledge, and does things likes helping out her father with the household accounts and their horse farm. And it's a real shame that he tells her to play dumb, because men don't like smart women (which was true, except Nick was a little different).
Nick is very sweet, it was adorable seeing him try to convince Emily to marry him, which was not easy to do, given that the boy is no stranger to making silly mistakes, like never learning her name!
She can't get herself to trust him thinking he's a rake, and let's be honest, kissing her without even knowing who she was and thinking her the stable's master's daughter doesn't really get him any points.
But they had a beautiful relationship and I loved every single moment they shared together. They make a wonderful silly couple.
I still don't know how I feel about her dad. At first it seemed like he didn't care that much about her, but that definitely changed after her addiction problem. Even so, I didn't like the fact that he had a wonderful wife and cheated on her like that. God knows how much I hate cheaters. And her aunt's story was kind of similar, it made me uncomfortable to know that she was with a man just like Emily's dad, a married one. This man is no other than Nick's dad, who tells him that he can always cheat on his soon-to-be wife, like all men do.
Still, it was cute how he confided in his family and Emily's aunt when he made stupid mistakes.
There are also other women in the story, but they never had a chance against Emily, Nick is just crazy about her. And seriously, how could he not be? She's amazing. And it's very sweet how he tries to prove to her that he will be a faithful husband, which is the biggest reason she doesn't want to marry: every single man around her is a cheater. Except her former fiancé, Peter Marshall, and that's pretty much why she wanted to marry that man.
She also has her laudanum addiction, because, even though she has stopped drinking the little potion, she stills craves it from time to time, and is worried about what Nick might think of her.
This is a very beautiful story about recovery, trust and understanding. Definitely worth the read :)
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
Emily Calvert was seen wearing britches, not too long after being caught swimming in her unmentionables with two men (her brother and their very good friend). She's involved in scandals without even trying. Because of her reckless behavior, her fiancé breaks off the engagement and she's forced to go to England to marry a broke aristocrat she's never even met.
On her way to England, she falls ills and is given laudanum by a doctor, and she soon realizes how good it makes her feel, making her forget about all her problems and what her life has become.
I loved reading about Emily! We don't really get to see what goes on during the months she's addicted to laudanum, what makes her stop taking it and how she got the scar on her chest, until the story is revealed later in the book. Emily felt very real and she was so strong, it just shows you that even the strongest of people can have their own problems and insecurities.
She's also very smart, she's got what she likes to call a treasure trove of useless knowledge, and does things likes helping out her father with the household accounts and their horse farm. And it's a real shame that he tells her to play dumb, because men don't like smart women (which was true, except Nick was a little different).
Nick is very sweet, it was adorable seeing him try to convince Emily to marry him, which was not easy to do, given that the boy is no stranger to making silly mistakes, like never learning her name!
She can't get herself to trust him thinking he's a rake, and let's be honest, kissing her without even knowing who she was and thinking her the stable's master's daughter doesn't really get him any points.
But they had a beautiful relationship and I loved every single moment they shared together. They make a wonderful silly couple.
I still don't know how I feel about her dad. At first it seemed like he didn't care that much about her, but that definitely changed after her addiction problem. Even so, I didn't like the fact that he had a wonderful wife and cheated on her like that. God knows how much I hate cheaters. And her aunt's story was kind of similar, it made me uncomfortable to know that she was with a man just like Emily's dad, a married one. This man is no other than Nick's dad, who tells him that he can always cheat on his soon-to-be wife, like all men do.
Still, it was cute how he confided in his family and Emily's aunt when he made stupid mistakes.
There are also other women in the story, but they never had a chance against Emily, Nick is just crazy about her. And seriously, how could he not be? She's amazing. And it's very sweet how he tries to prove to her that he will be a faithful husband, which is the biggest reason she doesn't want to marry: every single man around her is a cheater. Except her former fiancé, Peter Marshall, and that's pretty much why she wanted to marry that man.
She also has her laudanum addiction, because, even though she has stopped drinking the little potion, she stills craves it from time to time, and is worried about what Nick might think of her.
This is a very beautiful story about recovery, trust and understanding. Definitely worth the read :)
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
January 5, 2016
Unusual!
I love coming across books so charming that I'll even forget their flaws! The characters were fun (especially Da), intriguing and the Laudanum theme was an unusual one.
I do see developmental editing flaws, but I decided to overlook them and reward the overall effort and and compelling plot! :)
I love coming across books so charming that I'll even forget their flaws! The characters were fun (especially Da), intriguing and the Laudanum theme was an unusual one.
I do see developmental editing flaws, but I decided to overlook them and reward the overall effort and and compelling plot! :)
January 28, 2015
I was asked to read and review this book by Lynne Barron. I have read all her other books and have liked them, but this is by far my Favorite one. I just Loved Emily, then when you add Nick to the equation it just gets even better. I hope they're going to be a book about Jamerson and Bernice. (I need to know more about them)
So this book start out in America with Emily being dropped by her fiance Peter after being seen swimming in her shift and riding in Breeches (or britches). Her "Da" has had enough and is taking her to his half sister in England to meet her "new" fiance Nicholas Avery. On the way there she comes down with a sickness and is giving some Laudanum. She start to take it to escape and soon becomes addicted. By time she reaches England and meets her "Fiance" she is a pale skinny mumbling shell of who she was. After being caught sleeping more than once she is dropped by he almost Fiance and is ruined. She retreats back to the country with her aunt and father and is promised by them "no more fiances or no more husband hunting" This is where Nick meets a fire haired, wild , Breeches wearing sexy woman. At first he doesn't recognize her as his "almost fiance" Once he does this is where all the sexy, steamy, funny times come in. Nick was just so true to Emily once the realized the true Emily, He would not take no for an answer and didn't want to change her (so sweet) I was LOL-ing and smiling though most of this book. I loved Em and Nick together. Emily's aunt and "Da" were too funny.
Like I said I really enjoyed this book by far my favorite one. Great read! Must Read for all!
*Side note I loved Nicholas and his family little game with her name. And the Snowman/ Snowwoman Contest too.
So this book start out in America with Emily being dropped by her fiance Peter after being seen swimming in her shift and riding in Breeches (or britches). Her "Da" has had enough and is taking her to his half sister in England to meet her "new" fiance Nicholas Avery. On the way there she comes down with a sickness and is giving some Laudanum. She start to take it to escape and soon becomes addicted. By time she reaches England and meets her "Fiance" she is a pale skinny mumbling shell of who she was. After being caught sleeping more than once she is dropped by he almost Fiance and is ruined. She retreats back to the country with her aunt and father and is promised by them "no more fiances or no more husband hunting" This is where Nick meets a fire haired, wild , Breeches wearing sexy woman. At first he doesn't recognize her as his "almost fiance" Once he does this is where all the sexy, steamy, funny times come in. Nick was just so true to Emily once the realized the true Emily, He would not take no for an answer and didn't want to change her (so sweet) I was LOL-ing and smiling though most of this book. I loved Em and Nick together. Emily's aunt and "Da" were too funny.
Like I said I really enjoyed this book by far my favorite one. Great read! Must Read for all!
*Side note I loved Nicholas and his family little game with her name. And the Snowman/ Snowwoman Contest too.
January 19, 2016
Pretty Poison isn't your typical romance. I loved it, I have never read another story like this. Lynne Barron has a talent for taking her Heroines and lowering them as far as they could go and then having them claw their way back up and a Hero thats stands by them no matter what.
Emily is an American heiress who has burned her all her bridges with her tomboyish and scandalous ways her only hope of finding a suitable marriage is to go to England and make the match her aunt thinks is perfect for her. Emily was spoilt and she wasn't looking forward to what her father was forcing her to do on the way she got sick and was given laudium. Unaware Emily slowly became addicted to the "pretty poison". The sallow, drugged version of herself is just a hollow version of her true self and doesn't make a good impression on Nicholas Avery. Nicholas has made no secret that he is need of an heiress, his father is set on making him a match with Emily but after a few meetings decides to look elsewhere. Six months later Nicholas and his family are invited to a hunting party and he comes across a beautiful woman he mistakes as the stable masters daughter, so different from the girl he met in London he doesn't recognize Emily. Nicholas' love for Emily grows and grows in the passing days, even with the other heiress flaunting themselves at him he only has eyes for Emily. Emily is scared that he will be like every other man she has known and not loyal for this she tries to keep him at arms distance even more she is afraid of what he will think of her when he finds out about her addiction to opium. I enjoyed this book so much, Lynne Barron really is a great story teller
Emily is an American heiress who has burned her all her bridges with her tomboyish and scandalous ways her only hope of finding a suitable marriage is to go to England and make the match her aunt thinks is perfect for her. Emily was spoilt and she wasn't looking forward to what her father was forcing her to do on the way she got sick and was given laudium. Unaware Emily slowly became addicted to the "pretty poison". The sallow, drugged version of herself is just a hollow version of her true self and doesn't make a good impression on Nicholas Avery. Nicholas has made no secret that he is need of an heiress, his father is set on making him a match with Emily but after a few meetings decides to look elsewhere. Six months later Nicholas and his family are invited to a hunting party and he comes across a beautiful woman he mistakes as the stable masters daughter, so different from the girl he met in London he doesn't recognize Emily. Nicholas' love for Emily grows and grows in the passing days, even with the other heiress flaunting themselves at him he only has eyes for Emily. Emily is scared that he will be like every other man she has known and not loyal for this she tries to keep him at arms distance even more she is afraid of what he will think of her when he finds out about her addiction to opium. I enjoyed this book so much, Lynne Barron really is a great story teller
January 28, 2016
Thank you Net Galley and Booktrope for the chance to read this book. Here is my honest review.
I was eager to read this book once I had read the synopsis. I work within the drug and alcohol addiction field and work with people that are in recovery from their addictions. I also love any form of historical romance. I wanted to see what an author could do with both historical romance and drug addiction. Lynne Barron has blended the two elements together very well. Emily Calvert the main focus character was well done. She struggles through the illness of the putrid throat and then been given laudanum by a doctor her father finds for her on the way to England. It is clear that the author took a lot of time to research the effects of opiates. Not just on the body but also the fragile mind. She also explored the apothecary's that sold the drug in "pretty blue bottles". She has also given her character at great deal of depth and pure human emotions and raw fears.
Emily has a tough time at the start of the book, being jilted at the beginning by a man she thought she loved. Then being forced to go to England to marry a man she had never met, in a country she had no wish to go to. Her romance with Nicholas Avery was a highlight of book for me. It was nice to see that they explored their emotions the good and the bad. I love the characters of the aunt and Emily's "Da". These two made me laugh alot but in a good way.
All in all an amazing book 5 out 5 stars. I can't wait to read more novels by the author.
I was eager to read this book once I had read the synopsis. I work within the drug and alcohol addiction field and work with people that are in recovery from their addictions. I also love any form of historical romance. I wanted to see what an author could do with both historical romance and drug addiction. Lynne Barron has blended the two elements together very well. Emily Calvert the main focus character was well done. She struggles through the illness of the putrid throat and then been given laudanum by a doctor her father finds for her on the way to England. It is clear that the author took a lot of time to research the effects of opiates. Not just on the body but also the fragile mind. She also explored the apothecary's that sold the drug in "pretty blue bottles". She has also given her character at great deal of depth and pure human emotions and raw fears.
Emily has a tough time at the start of the book, being jilted at the beginning by a man she thought she loved. Then being forced to go to England to marry a man she had never met, in a country she had no wish to go to. Her romance with Nicholas Avery was a highlight of book for me. It was nice to see that they explored their emotions the good and the bad. I love the characters of the aunt and Emily's "Da". These two made me laugh alot but in a good way.
All in all an amazing book 5 out 5 stars. I can't wait to read more novels by the author.
December 29, 2015
Emily is a twenty-four year old heiress to a grand plantation home and horse farm in 1826 Maryland, but her life isn’t balls and proper society. She’s forced by her father to raise her younger siblings and to manage the farm, but she enjoys this. She’s a hoyden and her mischief turns the family into a laughingstock. When her fiancé leaves her, her father sends her to England for an arranged marriage her aunt set up. Emily became sick on board the ship and she’s so depressed and scared about how her life is turning out that she abuses her medicine, laudanum. She finds escape in the little blue bottle and her life quickly unravels even more.
Nicholas is desperate to marry to save the family home, title and dwindling fortune but backs out of the almost betrothal after the scandal a drug-addled Emily created among the Ton. No one knew about her problem until it was almost too late and the scar now on her body doesn’t compare to the one in her heart.
This book starts strong with believable characters. Emily is a very strong-willed woman but she loses sight of who she is. All she’s ever known among her family and life in Maryland is spousal betrayal, pain and humiliation. She wants better and drowns her sorrows in drugs since she thinks she’ll never have it. Nick is a proper man bound by honor to help his family and to secure their happiness, but he meets an addict and cannot follow through with his promise. When Nick and Emily meet again months after she’s clean, romance blossoms but Emily’s self-esteem is fragile and she doesn’t trust Nick to love her and to stay loyal to her as she deserves.
Most of the side characters brought a lot of depth to the story. Emily’s father and aunt, Charles and Margaret respectively, love Emily but didn’t know how to help her. Nick’s father, brother and sister are delightful characters and I love the relationship between the father, Andrew, Viscount Talbolt, and Aunt Margaret, Lady Morris. Bernice, Adelaide and Lucy were great friends to Emily, Veronica was the antagonist and rival for Nick’s affection, and Jamison was Nick’s mysterious best friend. A few other side characters played bit roles while even more seemed to be filler.
The pacing slowed in the middle of the book and seemed rushed at the end. In my opinion, the author introduced a few minor characters not needed for the story which slowed the pacing. The reader is left to speculate through the majority of the book about what happened to scar up Emily’s chest but, since it’s not described until the end, my assumption didn’t match up to what the author wrote. That’s pretty annoying since I read the book with this one idea in mind. By the end, there were a lot of loose ends not tied up. The reader is left to wonder about who is trying to force Veronica to marry and why is she so mean, why did Jamison refuse Bernice’s love even though he loves her and why is he so cold and seemingly unfeeling (I was dying to learn more about this couple!), why did Nick buy the box at the apothecary shop and what happened with all the other couples in the story. It was hard to keep track of who was falling in love with whom because there were so many side characters.
The book needs another round of editing. Periods are missing and wrong words are being used. It’s written in third person, sometimes in passive, and the POV occasionally shifts from each main character to a few side characters without scene breaks. The shifts were well-written, however, so I usually knew who was talking and thinking.
I haven’t read many romance books where the female lead is the drug addict. It was refreshing to see the downfall, recovery and forgiveness from the female perspective. Emily and Nick are wonderful, three-dimensional characters with flaws and a lot of heart, but I’m debating on giving the book 3.5 to 4 stars. With editing, tightening up the middle section and the addition of an epilogue to wrap up the loose ends, this is easily a 5 star story. I hope there will be a sequel (starring Jamison and Bernice please!) to answer the above questions but I think I’ll round up to 4 just because I really enjoyed the story.
4 Stars
Disclaimer – I won a print copy of this book through a contest. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
Nicholas is desperate to marry to save the family home, title and dwindling fortune but backs out of the almost betrothal after the scandal a drug-addled Emily created among the Ton. No one knew about her problem until it was almost too late and the scar now on her body doesn’t compare to the one in her heart.
This book starts strong with believable characters. Emily is a very strong-willed woman but she loses sight of who she is. All she’s ever known among her family and life in Maryland is spousal betrayal, pain and humiliation. She wants better and drowns her sorrows in drugs since she thinks she’ll never have it. Nick is a proper man bound by honor to help his family and to secure their happiness, but he meets an addict and cannot follow through with his promise. When Nick and Emily meet again months after she’s clean, romance blossoms but Emily’s self-esteem is fragile and she doesn’t trust Nick to love her and to stay loyal to her as she deserves.
Most of the side characters brought a lot of depth to the story. Emily’s father and aunt, Charles and Margaret respectively, love Emily but didn’t know how to help her. Nick’s father, brother and sister are delightful characters and I love the relationship between the father, Andrew, Viscount Talbolt, and Aunt Margaret, Lady Morris. Bernice, Adelaide and Lucy were great friends to Emily, Veronica was the antagonist and rival for Nick’s affection, and Jamison was Nick’s mysterious best friend. A few other side characters played bit roles while even more seemed to be filler.
The pacing slowed in the middle of the book and seemed rushed at the end. In my opinion, the author introduced a few minor characters not needed for the story which slowed the pacing. The reader is left to speculate through the majority of the book about what happened to scar up Emily’s chest but, since it’s not described until the end, my assumption didn’t match up to what the author wrote. That’s pretty annoying since I read the book with this one idea in mind. By the end, there were a lot of loose ends not tied up. The reader is left to wonder about who is trying to force Veronica to marry and why is she so mean, why did Jamison refuse Bernice’s love even though he loves her and why is he so cold and seemingly unfeeling (I was dying to learn more about this couple!), why did Nick buy the box at the apothecary shop and what happened with all the other couples in the story. It was hard to keep track of who was falling in love with whom because there were so many side characters.
The book needs another round of editing. Periods are missing and wrong words are being used. It’s written in third person, sometimes in passive, and the POV occasionally shifts from each main character to a few side characters without scene breaks. The shifts were well-written, however, so I usually knew who was talking and thinking.
I haven’t read many romance books where the female lead is the drug addict. It was refreshing to see the downfall, recovery and forgiveness from the female perspective. Emily and Nick are wonderful, three-dimensional characters with flaws and a lot of heart, but I’m debating on giving the book 3.5 to 4 stars. With editing, tightening up the middle section and the addition of an epilogue to wrap up the loose ends, this is easily a 5 star story. I hope there will be a sequel (starring Jamison and Bernice please!) to answer the above questions but I think I’ll round up to 4 just because I really enjoyed the story.
4 Stars
Disclaimer – I won a print copy of this book through a contest. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
March 3, 2015
This is my first read of Lynne Barron and i know for it won't be my last. I was surprised by how well it was written, not to be mean, but it flowed and definitely kept me turning the pages.
The title may have gotten me off in the wrong footing but it definitely made sense once I read the story and came to understand the complications Laudanum can bring.
I really liked how this story was set up and told because we don't get very many, well, at least I haven't read many novels in which the heroine is the Laudanum user, so it was definitely different from the norm.
In this story Emily is an American Heiress who has been sent to London for the season to get married after her failed engagement back home. But as she was on her way across the ocean she fell in with the poison of Laudanum. Unfortunately for her, her intended in London also didn't want her after a few meetings and she was soon sent off to the country side to live a life of spinsterhood, in which she promise to never marry. I thought Emily was a great heroine. She's strong and independent, a wild heart tomboy who can run with the boys and play hard. But she's also a lady who's sweet and has vulnerabilities that are hidden. She's smart and knows she doesn't want less than love but is also afraid of how others would see her, most likely if they know of her addiction to Laudanum, especially Nick's reaction to it.
Nick is a sexy gent! He was Emily's intended when she arrived in London but for some unfortunate events he just didn't think of her as suitable. When he later meets her again in the country side he was surprised to find that the wild spirited lady there was the very same lady he was supposed to married in London. Sure he can be a bit dimwitted but he is sexy and smooth like chocolate. I'll say he's the kind of man I'll like to fall for myself. I love that he isn't in it just for the money and looks, but for love and for one being true about one's self. He also cared a lot about Emily and loved her very much despite her reasons to not marry him because of her failings as a suitable wife and her addiction.
I thought this was a great read with many humorous and heart pullings scenes but over all a wonderful first start for my first Lynne Barron novel.
I'll have to check out Lynne's other novels because this was a great and well read and I'm hoping the others are just as wonderful.
*This book was provided for an honest review.
The title may have gotten me off in the wrong footing but it definitely made sense once I read the story and came to understand the complications Laudanum can bring.
I really liked how this story was set up and told because we don't get very many, well, at least I haven't read many novels in which the heroine is the Laudanum user, so it was definitely different from the norm.
In this story Emily is an American Heiress who has been sent to London for the season to get married after her failed engagement back home. But as she was on her way across the ocean she fell in with the poison of Laudanum. Unfortunately for her, her intended in London also didn't want her after a few meetings and she was soon sent off to the country side to live a life of spinsterhood, in which she promise to never marry. I thought Emily was a great heroine. She's strong and independent, a wild heart tomboy who can run with the boys and play hard. But she's also a lady who's sweet and has vulnerabilities that are hidden. She's smart and knows she doesn't want less than love but is also afraid of how others would see her, most likely if they know of her addiction to Laudanum, especially Nick's reaction to it.
Nick is a sexy gent! He was Emily's intended when she arrived in London but for some unfortunate events he just didn't think of her as suitable. When he later meets her again in the country side he was surprised to find that the wild spirited lady there was the very same lady he was supposed to married in London. Sure he can be a bit dimwitted but he is sexy and smooth like chocolate. I'll say he's the kind of man I'll like to fall for myself. I love that he isn't in it just for the money and looks, but for love and for one being true about one's self. He also cared a lot about Emily and loved her very much despite her reasons to not marry him because of her failings as a suitable wife and her addiction.
I thought this was a great read with many humorous and heart pullings scenes but over all a wonderful first start for my first Lynne Barron novel.
I'll have to check out Lynne's other novels because this was a great and well read and I'm hoping the others are just as wonderful.
*This book was provided for an honest review.
January 11, 2016
Grabbed me, kept me and wouldn’t let me go. This story was excellent!
Emily Calvert is taken from Maryland to England by her father. He has decided she needs a husband and there are no suitable prospects where they live. She develops an addiction while crossing the Atlantic that leaves her a shell of her former self. The person she has become is not suitable for marriage in England, either.
Nicholas Avery needs a wealthy wife to keep his family going. He knows his duty but is hopeful he can find a wife he will also care for. Emily has been chosen for him by his father BUT it is not to be…at least…not at first.
Time passes and Emily is back to her normal self again and living on her aunt’s country estate with a large house party revving up. She has given up on the idea of marriage and is looking forward to returning to America when Nicholas shows up again and steals a kiss from her in the stables. The chase is on with Nicholas wanting Emily but Emily not wanting to marry. There are other women visiting that have their eye on Nicholas as a potential husband but he only has eyes for Emily.
The writing is superbly done with scenes that drew me in and helped me know the characters better. Some of the interactions between characters include a snowman building contest, running from wild dogs, dancing parties, wild horseback rides across the countryside, visits to the village, verbal sparring and of course…some steamy encounters between lovers.
This was not a typical historical romance – no – it was so much more. There was courage and strength and caring and sharing and trust and communication and laughter and well everything a good novel should have. I have never read this author before but look forward to reading more books by her in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and Booktrope for the copy of this book to read and review.
Emily Calvert is taken from Maryland to England by her father. He has decided she needs a husband and there are no suitable prospects where they live. She develops an addiction while crossing the Atlantic that leaves her a shell of her former self. The person she has become is not suitable for marriage in England, either.
Nicholas Avery needs a wealthy wife to keep his family going. He knows his duty but is hopeful he can find a wife he will also care for. Emily has been chosen for him by his father BUT it is not to be…at least…not at first.
Time passes and Emily is back to her normal self again and living on her aunt’s country estate with a large house party revving up. She has given up on the idea of marriage and is looking forward to returning to America when Nicholas shows up again and steals a kiss from her in the stables. The chase is on with Nicholas wanting Emily but Emily not wanting to marry. There are other women visiting that have their eye on Nicholas as a potential husband but he only has eyes for Emily.
The writing is superbly done with scenes that drew me in and helped me know the characters better. Some of the interactions between characters include a snowman building contest, running from wild dogs, dancing parties, wild horseback rides across the countryside, visits to the village, verbal sparring and of course…some steamy encounters between lovers.
This was not a typical historical romance – no – it was so much more. There was courage and strength and caring and sharing and trust and communication and laughter and well everything a good novel should have. I have never read this author before but look forward to reading more books by her in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and Booktrope for the copy of this book to read and review.
November 7, 2015
I received a KINDLE Edition from the author through a LibraryThing giveaway and the following is my honest review for this book.
If you can imagine a 21st Century woman getting transported to the late 1800’s, then you’ll know precisely the kind of woman Emily Calvert happens to be especially when you consider the way she acts. Emily doesn’t fit the picture of what demure and proper lady should be acting like at that time, she’s an heiress with an engagement which when sour and is now forced to travel to London to an arranged marriage to Nicholas Avery. When you add in her addiction to Laudanum [a tincture of opium containing approximately 10% powdered opium by weight]; it puts Nicholas is in a quandary as he needs her inheritance to keep the style of living he’s been accustomed to; but after seeing her a few times her decides to look elsewhere, and Emily’s sent away to the country.
Six months later fate steps in when Nicholas and his family travel to where Emily’s been living for a hunting party, he gets infatuated by a beautiful woman not knowing it’s her; she’s not totally different from the way he remembers her back in London. And even though the other heiresses there are literally throwing themselves at Nicholas, he now only has his eyes set on Emily. However Emily is frightened he’ll be like all the other men she’s met, only interested in the money she possesses.
Can the conflict which exists between these two lovers be resolved so there can be a happy ever after in both of their lives? I’m not the type of reviewer who gives away any real spoilers, so you’ll have to read this 5 STAR book yourself.
If you can imagine a 21st Century woman getting transported to the late 1800’s, then you’ll know precisely the kind of woman Emily Calvert happens to be especially when you consider the way she acts. Emily doesn’t fit the picture of what demure and proper lady should be acting like at that time, she’s an heiress with an engagement which when sour and is now forced to travel to London to an arranged marriage to Nicholas Avery. When you add in her addiction to Laudanum [a tincture of opium containing approximately 10% powdered opium by weight]; it puts Nicholas is in a quandary as he needs her inheritance to keep the style of living he’s been accustomed to; but after seeing her a few times her decides to look elsewhere, and Emily’s sent away to the country.
Six months later fate steps in when Nicholas and his family travel to where Emily’s been living for a hunting party, he gets infatuated by a beautiful woman not knowing it’s her; she’s not totally different from the way he remembers her back in London. And even though the other heiresses there are literally throwing themselves at Nicholas, he now only has his eyes set on Emily. However Emily is frightened he’ll be like all the other men she’s met, only interested in the money she possesses.
Can the conflict which exists between these two lovers be resolved so there can be a happy ever after in both of their lives? I’m not the type of reviewer who gives away any real spoilers, so you’ll have to read this 5 STAR book yourself.
June 25, 2015
Surprising plot twist
It is not often where you find the heroine choose oblivion in opium rather than marry the hero. I felt there was a little to much manipulation and selfish greed for my taste. Then it dragged for a bit with an on-again-off-again romance. However, there was that light at the end of the tunnel and all became clear sailing as only a house party can provide. I did enjoy the story and characters so I give it 4.5⭐️.
It is not often where you find the heroine choose oblivion in opium rather than marry the hero. I felt there was a little to much manipulation and selfish greed for my taste. Then it dragged for a bit with an on-again-off-again romance. However, there was that light at the end of the tunnel and all became clear sailing as only a house party can provide. I did enjoy the story and characters so I give it 4.5⭐️.
September 28, 2015
I loved this book! Barron does a wonderful job transporting readers to the late 1800's! Emily is a fiery young woman that doesn't always live up to the proper women of the time. Battling with the pressures of getting married, and becomes I'll. She does not make a great first impression on her future husband. Lots of ups and downs in this story and every bit makes you love the characters even more.
February 13, 2017
Charming and ribald
This love story is a charming and ribald house party with a realistic peek into opium addiction.
There are typos and historical inaccuracies but the happiness is worth reading.
Mature content
Read in KU
This love story is a charming and ribald house party with a realistic peek into opium addiction.
There are typos and historical inaccuracies but the happiness is worth reading.
Mature content
Read in KU
September 20, 2015
A delicious Tale
A delicious tale of passion and struggle. It's well written. The characters are likeable ad enjoyable. I loved the book!
A delicious tale of passion and struggle. It's well written. The characters are likeable ad enjoyable. I loved the book!
March 13, 2016
Love love loved this book. Stayed up way too late trying to finish it last night. Great story, fabulous writing, fun twist.
November 3, 2015
Many historical romances are penned about mismatched personalities and the need to marry for money.
All of those things come up in this novel, not a single one in the way you expect.
Emily Calvert has lost her "last chance" at a marriage match. This does not disturb her as much as it does her Da and the social busybodies. Emily is nothing like the heiresses of her day.
Since Mr. Calvert is headed toward England for business, his widowed sister, Lady Margaret, who lives across the ocean, suggests he bring Emily along. Lady Margaret is positive she can find a suitable husband for her where no one knows her. There are many problems with this plan, two major ones being that Lady Margaret does not understand Emily's true character; Emily would prefer to remain in the states caring for her siblings and running the family horse business. The second problem being that while crossing the ocean, Emily discovers and unintentionally becomes addicted to a pretty poison, laudanum.
She actually becomes addicted to the way it does NOT make her feel.
The author has a talent for taking the characters as fas as she can to circumstantial and emotional extremes. Although Emily desires to take charge of the horse business in the states, she is prepared to do her duty as the eldest daughter, to follow her father's wishes, to marry if she must.
Emily is an intelligent and strong woman.
Nicholas Avery is a second son, who is also prepared to do his familial duty, marry and produce an heir.
OH - one more thing, he needs to marry an heiress. His family is broke.
From the first disastrous meeting to repeated attempts to remember Emily's name, Nicholas is still willing to do his duty, although he is afraid he'll break this "fragile" girl.
He gets a reprieve when Emily is spirited away mysteriously.
As if the gossip mongers did not already have more than enough to whisper.
I liked how this was not your typical storyline of mismatched betrothed.
Or Almost Betrothed. I appreciated how the true nature of characters was revealed.
I was given this book in exchange for my review.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
All of those things come up in this novel, not a single one in the way you expect.
Emily Calvert has lost her "last chance" at a marriage match. This does not disturb her as much as it does her Da and the social busybodies. Emily is nothing like the heiresses of her day.
Since Mr. Calvert is headed toward England for business, his widowed sister, Lady Margaret, who lives across the ocean, suggests he bring Emily along. Lady Margaret is positive she can find a suitable husband for her where no one knows her. There are many problems with this plan, two major ones being that Lady Margaret does not understand Emily's true character; Emily would prefer to remain in the states caring for her siblings and running the family horse business. The second problem being that while crossing the ocean, Emily discovers and unintentionally becomes addicted to a pretty poison, laudanum.
She actually becomes addicted to the way it does NOT make her feel.
The author has a talent for taking the characters as fas as she can to circumstantial and emotional extremes. Although Emily desires to take charge of the horse business in the states, she is prepared to do her duty as the eldest daughter, to follow her father's wishes, to marry if she must.
Emily is an intelligent and strong woman.
Nicholas Avery is a second son, who is also prepared to do his familial duty, marry and produce an heir.
OH - one more thing, he needs to marry an heiress. His family is broke.
From the first disastrous meeting to repeated attempts to remember Emily's name, Nicholas is still willing to do his duty, although he is afraid he'll break this "fragile" girl.
He gets a reprieve when Emily is spirited away mysteriously.
As if the gossip mongers did not already have more than enough to whisper.
I liked how this was not your typical storyline of mismatched betrothed.
Or Almost Betrothed. I appreciated how the true nature of characters was revealed.
I was given this book in exchange for my review.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
November 9, 2015
Many historical romances are penned about mismatched personalities and the need to marry for money.
All of those things come up in this novel, not a single one in the way you expect.
Emily Calvert has lost her "last chance" at a marriage match. This does not disturb her as much as it does her Da and the social busybodies. Emily is nothing like the heiresses of her day.
Since Mr. Calvert is headed toward England for business, his widowed sister, Lady Margaret, who lives across the ocean, suggests he bring Emily along. Lady Margaret is positive she can find a suitable husband for her where no one knows her. There are many problems with this plan, two major ones being that Lady Margaret does not understand Emily's true character; Emily would prefer to remain in the states caring for her siblings and running the family horse business. The second problem being that while crossing the ocean, Emily discovers and unintentionally becomes addicted to a pretty poison, laudanum.
She actually becomes addicted to the way it does NOT make her feel.
The author has a talent for taking the characters as fas as she can to circumstantial and emotional extremes. Although Emily desires to take charge of the horse business in the states, she is prepared to do her duty as the eldest daughter, to follow her father's wishes, to marry if she must.
Emily is an intelligent and strong woman.
Nicholas Avery is a second son, who is also prepared to do his familial duty, marry and produce an heir.
OH - one more thing, he needs to marry an heiress. His family is broke.
From the first disastrous meeting to repeated attempts to remember Emily's name, Nicholas is still willing to do his duty, although he is afraid he'll break this "fragile" girl.
He gets a reprieve when Emily is spirited away mysteriously.
As if the gossip mongers did not already have more than enough to whisper.
I liked how this was not your typical storyline of mismatched betrothed.
Or Almost Betrothed. I appreciated how the true nature of characters was revealed.
All of those things come up in this novel, not a single one in the way you expect.
Emily Calvert has lost her "last chance" at a marriage match. This does not disturb her as much as it does her Da and the social busybodies. Emily is nothing like the heiresses of her day.
Since Mr. Calvert is headed toward England for business, his widowed sister, Lady Margaret, who lives across the ocean, suggests he bring Emily along. Lady Margaret is positive she can find a suitable husband for her where no one knows her. There are many problems with this plan, two major ones being that Lady Margaret does not understand Emily's true character; Emily would prefer to remain in the states caring for her siblings and running the family horse business. The second problem being that while crossing the ocean, Emily discovers and unintentionally becomes addicted to a pretty poison, laudanum.
She actually becomes addicted to the way it does NOT make her feel.
The author has a talent for taking the characters as fas as she can to circumstantial and emotional extremes. Although Emily desires to take charge of the horse business in the states, she is prepared to do her duty as the eldest daughter, to follow her father's wishes, to marry if she must.
Emily is an intelligent and strong woman.
Nicholas Avery is a second son, who is also prepared to do his familial duty, marry and produce an heir.
OH - one more thing, he needs to marry an heiress. His family is broke.
From the first disastrous meeting to repeated attempts to remember Emily's name, Nicholas is still willing to do his duty, although he is afraid he'll break this "fragile" girl.
He gets a reprieve when Emily is spirited away mysteriously.
As if the gossip mongers did not already have more than enough to whisper.
I liked how this was not your typical storyline of mismatched betrothed.
Or Almost Betrothed. I appreciated how the true nature of characters was revealed.
February 18, 2016
3.75/5. Another interesting storyline from Ms Barron. Feisty American heiress, Emily, was reluctantly dragged to England to meet her "almost betrothed", the second son of a viscount whose family is desperate for the funds that marriage to Emily will bring. After an illness during the trans-Atlantic journey, she became addicted to laudanum, relishing the escape it provided her from the strangulating future her father and aunt had planned for her. Sickly, vague and in opioid la-la land, she hardly made a positive impression on Nicholas Avery, who released her from any promised commitment towards him. Emily much later realised with the aid of her equally stubborn aunt, that laudanum entrapped her far more than any potential marriage might be, and she fought a valiant and ultimately successful battle to free herself from the snare of this poison. Nicholas and Emily crossed path again months later and the result was a pyro-technician's delight. This was where, I had a bit of problem with the story, because she had no problem indulging her physical attraction towards him but reigned in on the emotional attraction, despite Nicholas's patient wooing. The hot and cold oscillations grew a bit weary and it did drag on a bit. She was also rather histrionic in her reactions a few times, which perplexed me as much as it did Nicholas. Where did that temper come from and why the over-reaction? The end also left a lot of unresolved questions, like what happened to Veronica and more importantly, where is Bernice and Jamison's story and happily ever after? A few editing mistakes including repeatedly misspelt words were picked up also.
November 3, 2015
Emily can’t help but spread out some scandalous talks in her town, until it made her father to move her to England to her aunty. He hoped his sister would make Emily a lady which would be suitable to become a marital material.
When Emily traveled the Atlantic Ocean with her maid and her father, she left behind the life she knew, her love to run the stable business and ridding horses, her mischievous way to dip into the pond in the middle of winter, and to wear britches while ridding or running, her old carefree days, and also her ex fiancee who walked away on her after some ridiculous gossip.
While she crossed the ocean, she fell sick and pale. But coming to England, she was determined to do everything not to let the new bachelor her aunty found to touch her. She knew it was her last chance to be married, yet what her dad and auty wanted to do was forcing her to be married to a stranger… On the way to aunt’s house, she bought a blue bottle of poison…. While she tried to settle in the new house, she sipped on the poison which weakened her health, almost killing her. The pressure to marry the guy was put away, and she was allowed to ride the horses again. Time passed and she became healthy and vibrant again, tanned and alive.
After all, she came to love the bachelor to the end.
There is more to the story, but it has a happy ending. Amazing events, and plot.
When Emily traveled the Atlantic Ocean with her maid and her father, she left behind the life she knew, her love to run the stable business and ridding horses, her mischievous way to dip into the pond in the middle of winter, and to wear britches while ridding or running, her old carefree days, and also her ex fiancee who walked away on her after some ridiculous gossip.
While she crossed the ocean, she fell sick and pale. But coming to England, she was determined to do everything not to let the new bachelor her aunty found to touch her. She knew it was her last chance to be married, yet what her dad and auty wanted to do was forcing her to be married to a stranger… On the way to aunt’s house, she bought a blue bottle of poison…. While she tried to settle in the new house, she sipped on the poison which weakened her health, almost killing her. The pressure to marry the guy was put away, and she was allowed to ride the horses again. Time passed and she became healthy and vibrant again, tanned and alive.
After all, she came to love the bachelor to the end.
There is more to the story, but it has a happy ending. Amazing events, and plot.
October 15, 2016
My first experience with Lynne Barron's novels. While Emily Calvert crosses the Atlantic ocean to meet her unwanted fate, she become sick with a fever and a putrid throat. Her father finds a doctor on board the ship who provides her a magic elixir of laudanum. Emily's willfulness ignores advice to use medical discretion. To her delight, the potion not only eases her physical discomfort but numbs her anxieties. As with any addiction she hits rock bottom.
First, do not allow the shortcomings overshadow a good plot concept. It seems it might be the author's first book or she did not employ an editor. I enjoyed this character-driven romance centered around internal issues, English aristocratic societal rules of marriage and fidelity. Reading a romance novel containing addiction can be daunting. Praises to the author's intent of not focusing on Emily's demon but revealing her flawed courageousness. Nicholas Avery was the perfect English gentleman.
One interesting character is Tilly, a lady's maid. At first, I thought of her as poorly developed until I learned of her background.
I think, the author wrote an entertaining story but it fell short due to unnecessary details. I started skipping pages. Next, excessive love scenes. IMHO, two or three acts are sufficient. Last, closure to the fate of secondary characters. I hope there is a series to follow.
First, do not allow the shortcomings overshadow a good plot concept. It seems it might be the author's first book or she did not employ an editor. I enjoyed this character-driven romance centered around internal issues, English aristocratic societal rules of marriage and fidelity. Reading a romance novel containing addiction can be daunting. Praises to the author's intent of not focusing on Emily's demon but revealing her flawed courageousness. Nicholas Avery was the perfect English gentleman.
One interesting character is Tilly, a lady's maid. At first, I thought of her as poorly developed until I learned of her background.
I think, the author wrote an entertaining story but it fell short due to unnecessary details. I started skipping pages. Next, excessive love scenes. IMHO, two or three acts are sufficient. Last, closure to the fate of secondary characters. I hope there is a series to follow.
February 5, 2016
I rec'd this book through a contest the author had.
This was a great book full of humor, guessing, romance, mystery, addiction and adventure.
This story begins on Emerald Isle Plantation, Calvert County, Maryland January 1826. Emily, daughter of Charles Calvert, keeps finding herself in the center of scandals. In early March, Charles finally decides to send his daughter to live with his sister, Lady Margaret in the city of Baltimore in the USA. Who has set up Emily with a charming arisocrat to marry, thinking this her last chance to marry. Finally aboard the "Silent Night" the name of the ship taking Charles, Emily and Tilly (Emily's helper) across the ocean, Tilly finds Emily externally sick. Charles finds a so called doctor abroad who gives Emily laudanum.
Finally after several weeks of being sick, they finally dock in the United States to meet Lady Margaret and her betrothal, Nicholas Avery.
Following a number of twists and turns, will Nicholas marry Emily or will Emily fight not marry at all and return to Emerald Isle to continue working on her father's plantation.
Looking forward to reading more of Lynne Barron's novels.
This was a great book full of humor, guessing, romance, mystery, addiction and adventure.
This story begins on Emerald Isle Plantation, Calvert County, Maryland January 1826. Emily, daughter of Charles Calvert, keeps finding herself in the center of scandals. In early March, Charles finally decides to send his daughter to live with his sister, Lady Margaret in the city of Baltimore in the USA. Who has set up Emily with a charming arisocrat to marry, thinking this her last chance to marry. Finally aboard the "Silent Night" the name of the ship taking Charles, Emily and Tilly (Emily's helper) across the ocean, Tilly finds Emily externally sick. Charles finds a so called doctor abroad who gives Emily laudanum.
Finally after several weeks of being sick, they finally dock in the United States to meet Lady Margaret and her betrothal, Nicholas Avery.
Following a number of twists and turns, will Nicholas marry Emily or will Emily fight not marry at all and return to Emerald Isle to continue working on her father's plantation.
Looking forward to reading more of Lynne Barron's novels.
January 17, 2016
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. This was an amazing story of courage as Emily faces her demons and looks to find happiness without the aid of her pretty blue bottle. Once I began reading this book, I just couldn't put it down as it was so well written. It had many really funny moments that had me laughing out loud. I loved the whole scene where Nick is trying to remember her name and literally goes through a whole slew of names starting with the letter E. A wonderful read and I hope to read Bernice's story. This is a great author and I highly recommend this book for a great love story full of passion and humor.
December 6, 2015
I love it
It was different with a touch of reality because in the real world addiction is well known. Both player were wonderful and you now have a fan. I hope to find V. Story and Bernice. So off to the book shop to find their release. May God bless you and your house. Happy holiday season. DH from New York City
It was different with a touch of reality because in the real world addiction is well known. Both player were wonderful and you now have a fan. I hope to find V. Story and Bernice. So off to the book shop to find their release. May God bless you and your house. Happy holiday season. DH from New York City
August 4, 2016
Great look at opium addiction in the 1820s.
August 7, 2020
This was part of a multi author bundle I purchased called SCANDALOUS SCOUNDRELS.
There were things I liked about this story and some I did not. I feel it would have flowed better being shorter in length.
Granted the h grew up in America and ran wild because her father was busy with his mistress or business. He left his young daughter to raise her 1/2 siblings and ran the house and stables. Even knowing she didn't grow up in London Society, her actions and talk were more of this Century.
The H needed to marry a rich women for his families sake. The h only sees that men cheat and she'd rather not be married and have to share her husband. You understand why she feels this way when everyone around her, including the Aunt she is forced to live with cheats.
The lovemaking is outside of marriage and described often and in detail, heat level 5 out of 5 so be warned.
This did have a unique aspect in that the h became innocently addicted to laudanum. This causes the H to not marry her in the beginning. At the end of the story the h sees something and you assume she thinks the worse of the H, but I loved that my thinking didn't come to pass. That was a welcoming twist I enjoyed.
Plenty of cheating but not with our H/h, no cliffhanger except with two of their friends, HEA but not a smooth ride to reach it, romance and plenty of steam. (ljb)
There were things I liked about this story and some I did not. I feel it would have flowed better being shorter in length.
Granted the h grew up in America and ran wild because her father was busy with his mistress or business. He left his young daughter to raise her 1/2 siblings and ran the house and stables. Even knowing she didn't grow up in London Society, her actions and talk were more of this Century.
The H needed to marry a rich women for his families sake. The h only sees that men cheat and she'd rather not be married and have to share her husband. You understand why she feels this way when everyone around her, including the Aunt she is forced to live with cheats.
The lovemaking is outside of marriage and described often and in detail, heat level 5 out of 5 so be warned.
This did have a unique aspect in that the h became innocently addicted to laudanum. This causes the H to not marry her in the beginning. At the end of the story the h sees something and you assume she thinks the worse of the H, but I loved that my thinking didn't come to pass. That was a welcoming twist I enjoyed.
Plenty of cheating but not with our H/h, no cliffhanger except with two of their friends, HEA but not a smooth ride to reach it, romance and plenty of steam. (ljb)
July 22, 2017
I won this thanks to the giveaways that goodreads does.
This was a wonderful story, that isn't love at first sight but still enjoyable. I was able to finish this in a single day. Which is not to say I was rushing, it just worked out that way.
The opium part was interesting, while also not overtaking the story. At first you wonder how long she'd use it for and where it will lead and than finding out the truth is curious. Maybe a little sad that her need for it caused her to
Emily is a very likeable main character and Nick is quite a charmer. I think they'll be able to make it work perhaps.
This book is historical romance, but it doesn't seem like it to me. It feels different somehow and in a good way. Some parts are funny, and others are beautiful. Would recommend for historical romance lovers out there.
This was a wonderful story, that isn't love at first sight but still enjoyable. I was able to finish this in a single day. Which is not to say I was rushing, it just worked out that way.
The opium part was interesting, while also not overtaking the story. At first you wonder how long she'd use it for and where it will lead and than finding out the truth is curious. Maybe a little sad that her need for it caused her to
Emily is a very likeable main character and Nick is quite a charmer. I think they'll be able to make it work perhaps.
This book is historical romance, but it doesn't seem like it to me. It feels different somehow and in a good way. Some parts are funny, and others are beautiful. Would recommend for historical romance lovers out there.
September 6, 2016
I stumbled across this book last year and loved it! I just reread the story and I've got to say its just was wonderful the second time around! Definitely one of my top 10 all time favorites! Emily's struggle to find herself after such a low point in her life was touching and the love that developed between her and Nicholas made my heart glad! I for one love some steaminess to go along with a great story and boy does this deliver! Also if I can read between the lines correctly there is a delicious story just waiting to be told about my next favorite characters Lady Berince and Lord Jamison, and I absolutely cannot wait and can only hope this happens sooner rather than later!!!
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