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Red Roses Mean Love
Yellow for friendship.
Pink for passion. But . . .
Red Roses Mean Love .
She dreamed of roses....
Orphaned and abandoned by her fiancé, Hayley Albright is determined to care for her younger siblings even if it means having to give up her own dreams. She doesn't expect to ever find love or get married . . . until one moonlit night when she saves the life of a mysterious stranger.
. . . And he wants only to make her dreams come true....
Lord Stephen Barrett woke up gazing at the face of an angel. He was alive. And safe, for now, from the killer stalking his every move. Allowing Hayley to believe he is just a tutor of modest means, Stephen stays on for reasons of his own, never anticipating the passions Hayley would stir in his cold, wary heart. Her innocence is pure seduction. Her touch is sweet temptation. And suddenly the man who has everything is willing to risk it all--for a woman who has nothing to give . . . but all her heart. . . .
Pink for passion. But . . .
Red Roses Mean Love .
She dreamed of roses....
Orphaned and abandoned by her fiancé, Hayley Albright is determined to care for her younger siblings even if it means having to give up her own dreams. She doesn't expect to ever find love or get married . . . until one moonlit night when she saves the life of a mysterious stranger.
. . . And he wants only to make her dreams come true....
Lord Stephen Barrett woke up gazing at the face of an angel. He was alive. And safe, for now, from the killer stalking his every move. Allowing Hayley to believe he is just a tutor of modest means, Stephen stays on for reasons of his own, never anticipating the passions Hayley would stir in his cold, wary heart. Her innocence is pure seduction. Her touch is sweet temptation. And suddenly the man who has everything is willing to risk it all--for a woman who has nothing to give . . . but all her heart. . . .
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1999
7 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Jacquie D'Alessandro
121 books419 followersJacquie D'Alessandro grew up on Long Island and fell in love with romance at an early age. She dreamed of being swept away by a dashing rogue riding a spirited stallion. When Joe, her hero finally showed up, he was dressed in jeans and driving a Volkswagen, but she recognized him anyway. They married after they both graduated from Hofstra University, and are now living their happily-ever-after in Atlanta, Georgia, along with their very bright and active son, Christopher, alias "Junior", who is a dashing rogue in the making.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
February 26, 2025
"I have no intention of seducing her." Stephen glared at Justin. "While I'm grateful to her, she is not my type at all. She's too tall, too outspoken, and much too unconventional."
"From what I can see, she's caring, artless, friendly, and warm. Your normal type is cold, calculating, and morally corrupt." He regarded Stephen with a thoughtful expression. "Perhaps I shouldn't be concerned that Miss Albright will lose her heart to you. It's more likely you will lose your heart to her."
"Like bloody hell," Stephen muttered.
"Think you have no heart to lose, my friend? That's what I thought about myself. Then I met your sister."
Quite the fantastic story about a marquess who is shot in the middle of nowhere and saved by a free-spirited, extraordinary young woman. Hiding his true identity, Stephen stays with Hayley to recover and falls in love – not only with the girl but also with her extraordinary family. He must leave them, however, because he has to hunt down the killer who is after him, and because she is better off without him and deserves better anyway. (Insert an eyeroll here.) Even though she confesses his love to him, he's sure she will never forgive him his lies about being a tutor. (Insert another eyeroll.) It takes a showdown with the killer in London and some (but far from enough) groveling before they get their happily ever after.
The romance is nice but nothing special, and the crime plot is rather underwhelming (actually, you can't really call it a crime plot). Both main characters are great, though, even if Stephen has some irritating moments. The rest of Hayley's family (four siblings and a half deaf aunt) is also lovely, and the eccentric "house staff" is an asset.
Mostly, the book benefits from the heartwarming bonding scenes with Stephen and Hayley's family and from its humor. The bickering "personnel" is pretty funny and the banter between Stephen and Justin, his friend and brother-in-law, made me smile all the time. Because there were many lengthy scenes with the sole purpose of being funny or cute without adding much to the story, the book dragged a bit at times. Still, it was a good entertainment.
3.5 rounded up to 4 because despite the shortcomings, I smiled a lot and that was what I needed.
"From what I can see, she's caring, artless, friendly, and warm. Your normal type is cold, calculating, and morally corrupt." He regarded Stephen with a thoughtful expression. "Perhaps I shouldn't be concerned that Miss Albright will lose her heart to you. It's more likely you will lose your heart to her."
"Like bloody hell," Stephen muttered.
"Think you have no heart to lose, my friend? That's what I thought about myself. Then I met your sister."
Quite the fantastic story about a marquess who is shot in the middle of nowhere and saved by a free-spirited, extraordinary young woman. Hiding his true identity, Stephen stays with Hayley to recover and falls in love – not only with the girl but also with her extraordinary family. He must leave them, however, because he has to hunt down the killer who is after him, and because she is better off without him and deserves better anyway. (Insert an eyeroll here.) Even though she confesses his love to him, he's sure she will never forgive him his lies about being a tutor. (Insert another eyeroll.) It takes a showdown with the killer in London and some (but far from enough) groveling before they get their happily ever after.
The romance is nice but nothing special, and the crime plot is rather underwhelming (actually, you can't really call it a crime plot). Both main characters are great, though, even if Stephen has some irritating moments. The rest of Hayley's family (four siblings and a half deaf aunt) is also lovely, and the eccentric "house staff" is an asset.
Mostly, the book benefits from the heartwarming bonding scenes with Stephen and Hayley's family and from its humor. The bickering "personnel" is pretty funny and the banter between Stephen and Justin, his friend and brother-in-law, made me smile all the time. Because there were many lengthy scenes with the sole purpose of being funny or cute without adding much to the story, the book dragged a bit at times. Still, it was a good entertainment.
3.5 rounded up to 4 because despite the shortcomings, I smiled a lot and that was what I needed.
October 9, 2008
Pure fantasy historical romance. This was a great mental escape book to simply fall in love, feel the passion and experience regency London in the 1820s.
Haley finds Stephen wounded on the side of a road unconscious, shot and bleeding. Someone is trying to kill Stephen, so he hides out at Haley's home and pretents to be a tutor. Stephen is actually a wealthy marquess and heir to a dukedome. In the weeks spent recovering with Haley (who is head of the household at 26 due to her parents death) and her lively family and servants, Stephen discovers a side of himself he never knew: that he can care deeply for others. He learns to enjoy life via swimming, fishing and simple conversations. But life is not so simple, as he must return to his real life and face the killer. His deep desires for Haley sets his head spinning, and turns his life upside down.
This book has it all: great characters, a fun storyline, deep passion, and enough heat to satisfy those who like a spicy read. And best of all, I love what the book didn't have: there are no TSTLs or big misunderstandings, he is not a brooding sour alpha jerk (OK, he does have his moments, but nothing too aweful), and the ending was not rushed with a phony climatic conclusion. It was sweet, wonderful and romantic fun perfect for a mental escape break.
Haley finds Stephen wounded on the side of a road unconscious, shot and bleeding. Someone is trying to kill Stephen, so he hides out at Haley's home and pretents to be a tutor. Stephen is actually a wealthy marquess and heir to a dukedome. In the weeks spent recovering with Haley (who is head of the household at 26 due to her parents death) and her lively family and servants, Stephen discovers a side of himself he never knew: that he can care deeply for others. He learns to enjoy life via swimming, fishing and simple conversations. But life is not so simple, as he must return to his real life and face the killer. His deep desires for Haley sets his head spinning, and turns his life upside down.
This book has it all: great characters, a fun storyline, deep passion, and enough heat to satisfy those who like a spicy read. And best of all, I love what the book didn't have: there are no TSTLs or big misunderstandings, he is not a brooding sour alpha jerk (OK, he does have his moments, but nothing too aweful), and the ending was not rushed with a phony climatic conclusion. It was sweet, wonderful and romantic fun perfect for a mental escape break.
November 30, 2008
"4.5 stars" This was a sweet, tender, lighthearted romance that I found to be very emotionally satisfying. It had very good character and relationship development which is a big plus for me. I loved both Stephen and Hayley, the hero and heroine. Stephen was a little tortured but not particularly dark. His life just lacked warmth and love, and he never realized what he was missing until he met Hayley. Hayley was one of the most well-balanced heroines I think I have ever read, and she embodied so many wonderful qualities. I really like that she could be so kindhearted as to give up her life to care for her family, but was never a push-over. She had enough feistiness to give Stephen a piece of her mind more than once, and was brave enough to ask for what she wanted too which I admired. I also enjoyed that they didn't bicker a lot or have any really BIG misunderstandings. I also liked that when things did go wrong between them, there was lots of room for apologies and forgiveness. The secondary characters were great too, a wonderfully funny and eclectic bunch. Overall, this was a really fun read that was a definite keeper for me. Although this was my first book by Jacquie D'Alessandro, it certainly won't be my last.
June 16, 2025
Un libro muy tierno. Pero predecible y ahora mismo estoy pasando por un bloqueo lector y siento que nada me llena. Le pongo 4 estrellas.
May 20, 2010
This book, for me, is almost the "perfect romance". I loved every moment spent reading this one, and read every spare moment I had until it was finished....it took me 1 day.
The thing I loved about this book was the attention that D'Allessandro gives to her characters. There was a whole host of characters in this book, but this author makes each individual so compelling and unique that you begin to care for each and every one of them...something that is really hard to do!
I loved Hayley. She is the type of woman that I wish I could be more like. Selfless, caring, honest, down to earth, creative, and intelligent....(and completely humble!). I almost thought that the author made her "to good to be true" until a few scenes where her temper arises and she "stands up" to the sometimes arrogant Stephen.
I also loved Stephen. He was arrogant and said and did hurtful things to Hayley, but he also was quick to say "I'm Sorry!" I love a man who isn't so prideful to admit when he's wrong. The captivating part of this book is watching Stephen become a part of "a family" for the first time. He is unused to all the commotion and messiness that a household of kids brings with it, but slowly he begins to long for all that this family represents...unconditional love, acceptance, support, and loyalty. As he starts to open himself up and experience some emotions for the first time....I was moved to tears....wonderful stuff.
The scenes between Stephen and the boys and even more so with Callie are some of the sweetest scenes in the book. How an arrogant marquess becomes a man so in tuned with a 6 year old girl that he's engaging in tea parties and fixing her precious doll is truly heartwarming. Buy this book...you'll want to read it again and again!
The thing I loved about this book was the attention that D'Allessandro gives to her characters. There was a whole host of characters in this book, but this author makes each individual so compelling and unique that you begin to care for each and every one of them...something that is really hard to do!
I loved Hayley. She is the type of woman that I wish I could be more like. Selfless, caring, honest, down to earth, creative, and intelligent....(and completely humble!). I almost thought that the author made her "to good to be true" until a few scenes where her temper arises and she "stands up" to the sometimes arrogant Stephen.
I also loved Stephen. He was arrogant and said and did hurtful things to Hayley, but he also was quick to say "I'm Sorry!" I love a man who isn't so prideful to admit when he's wrong. The captivating part of this book is watching Stephen become a part of "a family" for the first time. He is unused to all the commotion and messiness that a household of kids brings with it, but slowly he begins to long for all that this family represents...unconditional love, acceptance, support, and loyalty. As he starts to open himself up and experience some emotions for the first time....I was moved to tears....wonderful stuff.
The scenes between Stephen and the boys and even more so with Callie are some of the sweetest scenes in the book. How an arrogant marquess becomes a man so in tuned with a 6 year old girl that he's engaging in tea parties and fixing her precious doll is truly heartwarming. Buy this book...you'll want to read it again and again!
November 30, 2015
►►Mi reseña en Mi Rinconín de Lectura◄◄
December 15, 2008
This one was sweet... again... Jacquie writes really strong female characters. I liked that she kept the family together and the real eccentric way that they all related. The hero was in over his head being completed shut off from people and having people do everything for him. He wound his way into this misfit family and wanted to stay. Great story.
January 12, 2024
Es tan divertida esta autora!!!
September 6, 2011
I bought this based on the high ratings, but the beginning was so cutesy that I had to put it down. I picked it back up for the TBR challenge, and I'm so glad I did. The whole thing had a very Amanda Quick vibe to it with the adorable, quirky heroine and the stern faced hero who learns to love, but it actually felt a bit more grown up (this coming from an Amanda Quick fan). The cutesy moments did continue all the way through the end, each time eliciting a shudder of both embarrassment and enjoyment, but the actual progression of their relationship, filled with missteps by the hero, rang true.
November 17, 2008
3 ½ stars for this one. It’s good but a bit long sometimes and too sticky sweet for my taste.
The heroine, Hayley, is too forgiving of just about everything in life. She’s not a doormat but she sort of just takes stuff that happens to her and gets a little angry or occasionally a lot angry but it never lasts and she gives in. Stephen, the hero, isn’t all that exciting either –needed to take the bull by the horns at times. He lacked that fierce strength and when it finally did come through it seemed out of character and over the top.
There are some funny characters who grate on the nerves at the beginning (Olivia the doddering aunt, Winston the swearing sailor, Pierre the stereotypical French chef, Grimsley the spacey butler and then Hayley’s younger siblings who sometimes get in the way of the story) but you come to like them towards the end. The steam is too short, nothing really happens until you’ve nearly finished. There’s a mystery or two also but nothing very exciting. The ending is too abrupt and leaves you feeling like something more should have been written. There is some cute stuff about flowers and what they mean which added a little spice.
It’s all a very predictable read that seems to be missing the “wow” or smiles that you find in a really good romance.
The heroine, Hayley, is too forgiving of just about everything in life. She’s not a doormat but she sort of just takes stuff that happens to her and gets a little angry or occasionally a lot angry but it never lasts and she gives in. Stephen, the hero, isn’t all that exciting either –needed to take the bull by the horns at times. He lacked that fierce strength and when it finally did come through it seemed out of character and over the top.
There are some funny characters who grate on the nerves at the beginning (Olivia the doddering aunt, Winston the swearing sailor, Pierre the stereotypical French chef, Grimsley the spacey butler and then Hayley’s younger siblings who sometimes get in the way of the story) but you come to like them towards the end. The steam is too short, nothing really happens until you’ve nearly finished. There’s a mystery or two also but nothing very exciting. The ending is too abrupt and leaves you feeling like something more should have been written. There is some cute stuff about flowers and what they mean which added a little spice.
It’s all a very predictable read that seems to be missing the “wow” or smiles that you find in a really good romance.
December 16, 2015
Esta es la primera novela de Jacquie D' Alessandro y fue casi una de las primeras novelas de romance histórico que leí (sí, esta es la relectura *-* ) y aún así me sigue gustando por que es ADORABLE!!!
En serio, me encanta. Stephen y Hayley son tan perfectos a su modo. Hayley es tan cariñosa, linda, orgullosa, firme en sus decisiones y con un GRAN corazón. Mientras que Stephen es tan arrogante, un idiota (a veces), pero aún así siempre se disculpa y es tan amable y preocupado. Juntos hacen la pareja perfecta y, a pesar de que hubo ciertas complicaciones, tampoco es fue insoportable de leer por volverse dramático. A decir verdad, me parece que tiene lo suficiente de todo para enganchar.
Y, algo más que adore, fueron a los chicos, sobretodo, a Lottie *o* Que ternura de ñiña. Las partes de ella con Stephen fueron tan maravillosas y muy divertidas. De hecho, la novela tuvo muchísimos momentos cómicos que me parecieron super acertados. Además como Stephen cambiaba el apellido del ex de Hayley fue muy gracioso.
Super recomendado ^-^
En serio, me encanta. Stephen y Hayley son tan perfectos a su modo. Hayley es tan cariñosa, linda, orgullosa, firme en sus decisiones y con un GRAN corazón. Mientras que Stephen es tan arrogante, un idiota (a veces), pero aún así siempre se disculpa y es tan amable y preocupado. Juntos hacen la pareja perfecta y, a pesar de que hubo ciertas complicaciones, tampoco es fue insoportable de leer por volverse dramático. A decir verdad, me parece que tiene lo suficiente de todo para enganchar.
Y, algo más que adore, fueron a los chicos, sobretodo, a Lottie *o* Que ternura de ñiña. Las partes de ella con Stephen fueron tan maravillosas y muy divertidas. De hecho, la novela tuvo muchísimos momentos cómicos que me parecieron super acertados. Además como Stephen cambiaba el apellido del ex de Hayley fue muy gracioso.
Super recomendado ^-^
November 2, 2016
No es que tuviera expectativas muy altas pero fue menos de lo que esperaba, la verdad. De entrada tenía todos los ingredientes para ser de mi agrado pero, justamente, me he ido encontrando con detalles que me hacían poner cara de "no...en serio...no, eso no". Uno muy claro y que me ha tocado las narices es el hecho de que el protagonista se "olvide" constantemente de que hay un asesino tras él (sale al principio) ¿Quién se "olvida" de que su vida está en peligro? ¿Hola, que tal? ._. Mira, me dejó flipando eso. Ella me gustó bastante más; más coherente, más natural, más normal. No es que tenga grandes fallos pero han sido puntos que no me han permitido conectar con la historia y sus personajes como me hubiese gustado.
Del estilo de D'Alessandro no tengo quejas y no me importaría repetir; aunque tampoco me declaro fan.
Del estilo de D'Alessandro no tengo quejas y no me importaría repetir; aunque tampoco me declaro fan.
February 18, 2010
This is my first book by this author and it captured my heart.
Hayley Albright is an orphan that takes care of her five siblings and a staff. She finds Lord Stephen Barrett in the woods after someone tried to kill him and She takes him home.He pretends to be a lowly tutor to remain anonymous while he recovers, and then he will track down his assassins.I know this plot has been done to death already but never as good as this.I cannot wait to read more by JD.
Hayley Albright is an orphan that takes care of her five siblings and a staff. She finds Lord Stephen Barrett in the woods after someone tried to kill him and She takes him home.He pretends to be a lowly tutor to remain anonymous while he recovers, and then he will track down his assassins.I know this plot has been done to death already but never as good as this.I cannot wait to read more by JD.
November 21, 2013
Review:
I love romances with hidden identity (preferably some successful/wealthy having to pretend and live the life of someone not so financially blessed), it’s one of my absolute guilty pleasures, so obviously, this book was just what the doctor ordered. Well, there is an over privileged aristocrat Stephen, who has someone after him with the clear motive to send him to the other world. After one nasty close call, he ends up at the dedicated care of Hayley, the sole caretaker of her three siblings and every other staff member, with the latter acting and needing more guidance then the actual children. Of course, the foreign environment brings about changes in various forms for everyone involved, including attraction and love between the cold hero and independent heroine, with the latter naturally not knowing who the hero is in reality. But with hidden identity comes confrontation, and as usual, it tends not to go smoothly when the one in disguise is unveiled.
The family oriented take on the romance, the focus not only being on the couple and the home-sweet-home like environment with all the quirky family and misfits was refreshing and heartwarming. The main couple was still in center stage, but no one was neglected, thus every single character had a distinct personality and traits that made them unusual and likable. All that was brought out by everyone’s interaction with the hero, who through the various people comes to know himself more, what he lacks and what he desires, and as a side effect comes to appreciate and care for all the people that have this influence on him. It was pleasing to see the change, but I was also glad it wasn’t abrupt, the changes were subtle and took time, he was still a jaded douche, but less so with every good deed.
I also liked the mystery in the book even though it wasn’t very prominent. It was fun to guess who was after Stephen and I admit that I was surprised by the revelations. Hayley’s occupation was also an intriguing surprise.
The biggest flaws in the book were at times the hero and heroine for two entirely different aspects: the heroine was too nice and forgiving, the hero too bitter and mean. It’s not to mean that I didn’t enjoy reading about them and didn’t find them ideal for one another, but it was sometimes frustrating due to the choices they made, how they acted and what they said.
Characters:
Hayley – She was very admirable, generous and kind, but I feel she should have shown a more tougher and demanding side of her more often, with her complete household and with Stephen. Overall, I liked her, but she was too saintly at times and more heroic than the hero with all the saves she managed.
Stephen – As with Hayley, I mostly liked him, but he absolutely knew how to act like a complete jerk on too many occasions. His specialty was to decide one thing and a second later act the opposite. Nevertheless, it wasn’t really his interactions with Hayley that made me like him, but all the scenes between him and various individuals of the Albright household – sweet, humorous and caring.
Overall:
While the main characters have to be top notch for me to enjoy a story, it wasn’t entirely the case her. I liked the main couple, but they weren’t by far the strongest point. Still, I thought this book was charming, heartwarming, cute, but a bit frustrating. In general, I liked it a lot!
I love romances with hidden identity (preferably some successful/wealthy having to pretend and live the life of someone not so financially blessed), it’s one of my absolute guilty pleasures, so obviously, this book was just what the doctor ordered. Well, there is an over privileged aristocrat Stephen, who has someone after him with the clear motive to send him to the other world. After one nasty close call, he ends up at the dedicated care of Hayley, the sole caretaker of her three siblings and every other staff member, with the latter acting and needing more guidance then the actual children. Of course, the foreign environment brings about changes in various forms for everyone involved, including attraction and love between the cold hero and independent heroine, with the latter naturally not knowing who the hero is in reality. But with hidden identity comes confrontation, and as usual, it tends not to go smoothly when the one in disguise is unveiled.
The family oriented take on the romance, the focus not only being on the couple and the home-sweet-home like environment with all the quirky family and misfits was refreshing and heartwarming. The main couple was still in center stage, but no one was neglected, thus every single character had a distinct personality and traits that made them unusual and likable. All that was brought out by everyone’s interaction with the hero, who through the various people comes to know himself more, what he lacks and what he desires, and as a side effect comes to appreciate and care for all the people that have this influence on him. It was pleasing to see the change, but I was also glad it wasn’t abrupt, the changes were subtle and took time, he was still a jaded douche, but less so with every good deed.
I also liked the mystery in the book even though it wasn’t very prominent. It was fun to guess who was after Stephen and I admit that I was surprised by the revelations. Hayley’s occupation was also an intriguing surprise.
The biggest flaws in the book were at times the hero and heroine for two entirely different aspects: the heroine was too nice and forgiving, the hero too bitter and mean. It’s not to mean that I didn’t enjoy reading about them and didn’t find them ideal for one another, but it was sometimes frustrating due to the choices they made, how they acted and what they said.
Characters:
Hayley – She was very admirable, generous and kind, but I feel she should have shown a more tougher and demanding side of her more often, with her complete household and with Stephen. Overall, I liked her, but she was too saintly at times and more heroic than the hero with all the saves she managed.
Stephen – As with Hayley, I mostly liked him, but he absolutely knew how to act like a complete jerk on too many occasions. His specialty was to decide one thing and a second later act the opposite. Nevertheless, it wasn’t really his interactions with Hayley that made me like him, but all the scenes between him and various individuals of the Albright household – sweet, humorous and caring.
Overall:
While the main characters have to be top notch for me to enjoy a story, it wasn’t entirely the case her. I liked the main couple, but they weren’t by far the strongest point. Still, I thought this book was charming, heartwarming, cute, but a bit frustrating. In general, I liked it a lot!
February 2, 2018
Livro encantador sobre o nobre e herdeiro Stephen Barrett que ao ser encontrado ferido por Hayley e seus três agregados se vê envolto nesta família tão diferente da sua. Acostumado a ser servido e não servir, de repente para dar um tempo a quem deseja matá-lo, decide esconder sua condição de nobre. E é dessa forma que ele descobre um mundo de lealdade, amor e paixão, algo que não encontra no mundo em que vive.
Hayley é desde a morte dos pais, que assumiu a a responsabilidade de educar os irmão e alimentá-los, junto com os agregados que serviam ao pai dela como capitão do mar.E uma solteirona que não se acha nada atrativa, pois é muita alta e foge do estereótipo da mulher bonita.
Stephen é um "bon vivant" experiente, amargurado por suas obrigações como herdeiro, visto que sempre se sentiu só e com uma enorme carga nos ombros. Em Hayley ele encontra a sensibilidade de pertencer a algo, a simplicidade de uma vida cheia de risos e encantos.
É uma envolvente narrativa fluída, emotiva e com personagens divertidos, os quatro irmãos - mirem Callie, sua irmãzinha caçula, os marinheiros, o cozinheiro, além da tia meio-surda!?!
Todos eles dão seu toque especial a esta história.
Quando a paixão cresce entre os dois, Stephen não quer envolver Hayley no perigo no qual ele se encontra. E se afasta dela provocando uma ruptura, que só poderá ser corrigida quando toda verdade vier à tona.
Hayley é desde a morte dos pais, que assumiu a a responsabilidade de educar os irmão e alimentá-los, junto com os agregados que serviam ao pai dela como capitão do mar.E uma solteirona que não se acha nada atrativa, pois é muita alta e foge do estereótipo da mulher bonita.
Stephen é um "bon vivant" experiente, amargurado por suas obrigações como herdeiro, visto que sempre se sentiu só e com uma enorme carga nos ombros. Em Hayley ele encontra a sensibilidade de pertencer a algo, a simplicidade de uma vida cheia de risos e encantos.
É uma envolvente narrativa fluída, emotiva e com personagens divertidos, os quatro irmãos - mirem Callie, sua irmãzinha caçula, os marinheiros, o cozinheiro, além da tia meio-surda!?!
Todos eles dão seu toque especial a esta história.
Quando a paixão cresce entre os dois, Stephen não quer envolver Hayley no perigo no qual ele se encontra. E se afasta dela provocando uma ruptura, que só poderá ser corrigida quando toda verdade vier à tona.
January 5, 2025
He leído esta novela porque, según expertas, era de lo mejor de esta autora. Pues no sé yo. A ver, que no está mal, no es un desastre, pero me gustó más "El ladrón de novias". Este libro se me ha hecho algo cuesta arriba durante la primera mitad (tanto que lo he dejado y leído otros antes de acabarlo). Es cierto que el romance va lento y eso no es malo, pero ya me aburría un poco. Los momentos de trocotró bien, eso sí. Aparte de los dos protagonistas, la chica tiene una familia muy peculiar que, en manos de otra, sería una cosa insoportable entre la tía sorda, la hermana pequeña, la casadera con pretendiente, los hermanos adolescentes, los criados brutos y malhablados y los tres perros, pero aquí no molestan. Es una historia más bien plana, con un malo que está acechando al protagonista, el cual debe ocultar su identidad ante la joven que lo acoge herido tras un intento de asesinato. Su experiencia en esa casa de locos lo hará cambiar y se prendará de la inocencia y bondad de la chica que mantiene a su familia gracias un "trabajo" poco adecuado para una mujer, pero a mí no me ha hecho tilín la historia. Correcta (con algún exceso de "¡Maldita sea!" como pasaba en "Despiertos a medianoche") y ya está. No me va a dejar poso.
February 7, 2010
This was my first Jacuie D'Alessandro romance and I found it delightful. Hayley Albright was a charming heroine and her family made the story especially heartwarming. Stephen Barrett, Lord Glenfield, a.k.a. Stephen Barrettson, definitely could be the "dolt" that his sister claimed he was, yet when it really counted he became the romantic hero. The story had such a great ending that I didn't want to let this couple and their charming family go...
March 25, 2015
Una gran recomendación. No me ha decepcionado en absoluto. Realmente tierno en las escenas en las que aparecen los hermanos menores de la protagonista, y muy divertido con los más mayores.
September 6, 2020
Una historia de amor dulce y divertida.
Mi valoración tres estrellas y media.
Mi valoración tres estrellas y media.
July 10, 2019
Stephan’s been shot. Someone’s out to get him and they’ve been trying for awhile now. When he wakes up from the brink of death in some ragtag cottage with some ragtag peasants, he immediately decides to lie to them. Setting aside his title of marquess, he pretends to be a lowly tutor who was set upon by highwaymen. While he recovers from his wounds, he finds himself growing more and more fond of the country bumpkins he’s stumbled upon, especially the hardworking, head-of-household Hayley...
Okay. So here’s the deal. Stephan was alright, but definitely not my favorite hero. I prefer alfalfa heroes myself, and he just seemed so... passive. It felt like Hayley was the one constantly trying to make their relationship work, especially towards the end. The scene at the garden during the party was completely unprecedented, in my opinion. Stephan ultimately struck me as a man who had no idea what he wanted because he had no idea who he was. He was challenged by the carefree attitude of Hayley’s family and the love they exchanged so freely. I think it knocked him hard enough to become unsure of himself. But whatever. Character development, am I right?
I did like Hayley better. She was hardworking, genuine, and kind. Very down to earth, girl next door type. I felt exceedingly bad for her because she’s so unlucky in love. Sigh.
All in all, I appreciated reading it, but I wouldn’t keep this on my shelf. It’s a fun, light read for a day or so.
Okay. So here’s the deal. Stephan was alright, but definitely not my favorite hero. I prefer alfalfa heroes myself, and he just seemed so... passive. It felt like Hayley was the one constantly trying to make their relationship work, especially towards the end. The scene at the garden during the party was completely unprecedented, in my opinion. Stephan ultimately struck me as a man who had no idea what he wanted because he had no idea who he was. He was challenged by the carefree attitude of Hayley’s family and the love they exchanged so freely. I think it knocked him hard enough to become unsure of himself. But whatever. Character development, am I right?
I did like Hayley better. She was hardworking, genuine, and kind. Very down to earth, girl next door type. I felt exceedingly bad for her because she’s so unlucky in love. Sigh.
All in all, I appreciated reading it, but I wouldn’t keep this on my shelf. It’s a fun, light read for a day or so.
August 9, 2022
By God...she's a Candace Camp type.
This book was absolutely fantastic. Great prose, interesting plot, sizzling chemistry. I could have done with a tad more grovel at the end. And sometimes her sentences strike a bit funny - like she's added one too many words in so it doesn't read naturally but I totally get it...because I do it as well.
I went into this with the lowest of expectations. I had seen this book recommended previously in a group, but when I went to check the author out, I got temporarily side tracked by another book of hers that had a Duke and you all you I do like them powerful, sexy and rich so I read that one first instead. BIG MISTAKE. It completely set the tone for the author to me, putting me off her for the longest time. The writing in the other book was just fickle and lacklustre. It was transcendental love, completely without merit and just boring. And so I just didn't think she could write.
How odd that I now read this masterpiece. She does the whole flower love language like Laura Lee Guhrke's Guilty Pleasures which I remember was thoroughly romantic.
Urgh - I just love, LOVE. That's why I read HR. And this book definitely is up there.
Now I'm going to give D'Alessandro one last try to hopefully surmise what type of author she is. Hopefully she's just inconsistent like Candace Camp and not a one-hit-wonder like Gaelen Foley or Julia London.
This book was absolutely fantastic. Great prose, interesting plot, sizzling chemistry. I could have done with a tad more grovel at the end. And sometimes her sentences strike a bit funny - like she's added one too many words in so it doesn't read naturally but I totally get it...because I do it as well.
I went into this with the lowest of expectations. I had seen this book recommended previously in a group, but when I went to check the author out, I got temporarily side tracked by another book of hers that had a Duke and you all you I do like them powerful, sexy and rich so I read that one first instead. BIG MISTAKE. It completely set the tone for the author to me, putting me off her for the longest time. The writing in the other book was just fickle and lacklustre. It was transcendental love, completely without merit and just boring. And so I just didn't think she could write.
How odd that I now read this masterpiece. She does the whole flower love language like Laura Lee Guhrke's Guilty Pleasures which I remember was thoroughly romantic.
Urgh - I just love, LOVE. That's why I read HR. And this book definitely is up there.
Now I'm going to give D'Alessandro one last try to hopefully surmise what type of author she is. Hopefully she's just inconsistent like Candace Camp and not a one-hit-wonder like Gaelen Foley or Julia London.
February 17, 2024
I really really wanted to love this book, I had a good feeling about it when I got it, I think there was just too many side characters for me, the heroine has several younger siblings she is sole caretaker of, so they take up a lot of time and impede the story. I really liked the main characters and I think the story idea was good, I love stories about guys being nursed back to health, and both of their emotions and feelings were beautifully written, especially in the steamy scenes, I just got so frustrated with the other characters and other plot tangents getting in the way of the romance.
The few steamy scenes are extremely good, the writing is really some of the best I've read, so passionate and so vivid, I just wish more of the book had been like that. The author is so amazing at writing the hero's side of his struggle to rein himself back and wanting her so much, he collapses on her often which I'm always a sucker for. I'd give the spice 5/5 stars!
The few steamy scenes are extremely good, the writing is really some of the best I've read, so passionate and so vivid, I just wish more of the book had been like that. The author is so amazing at writing the hero's side of his struggle to rein himself back and wanting her so much, he collapses on her often which I'm always a sucker for. I'd give the spice 5/5 stars!
March 6, 2019
4.25 stars
September 21, 2020
3,5 stars. Lovely. He was kind of frustrating at the end but I enjoyed this book.
Read
January 21, 2021Dnf
June 19, 2023
J’ai eu un peu de mal à véritablement apprécier ce livre. Ce n’était pas nul mais j’ai eu du mal tout de même.
August 28, 2024
3.5 stars. Didn't like as much as her other books but was also her debut novel
October 9, 2013
"One of the greatest pleasures of having books is sharing them with others who love them as well." p.74, loc.1164
Author: Jacquie D'Alessandro
First published: 1999
Length: 353 pages, 1224 locations
Setting: London and just outside, 1820
Sex: reasonably explicit but not frequent (about three times).
Almost Cheating: These are references to the mistress Stephen left in London, during his time with Hayley.
Heroine: tall ("exactly six feet in my stockings" p.44, loc.727) and believes herself rather ordinary. Sister Pamela is the "pretty" one.
This is one of those books I picked up due to an Amazon forum discussion. In this case it was most re-read romances.
So I gave it a go.
And it was... okay.
A nice enough story but Hayley was very much a doormat. She let *everyone* walk all over her. Pushed and pulled here and there. And then she lets Stephen get away with a love you - hate you relationship.
For a woman who has achieved so much, who has fought so hard, she is very easily manipulated and doormat-ed.
In fact, all the female characters were poorly drawn - from precocious Callie to eavesdropping Victoria, sickly sweet but unhelpful Pamela and vapid (almost nameless) Mother.
I struggled.
I wanted to like Hayley.
I wanted to understand Stephen.
I wanted to appreciate the background characters.
But I didn't.
It's a first book by the author. Maybe I need to be more forgiving. But I didn't take to it and certainly wouldn't put it on my Best Of lists.
*sigh*
You win some, you lose some.
The Red Roses Series:
Red Roses Mean Love - Hayley and Stephen
Heart's Desire - Callie and William
References:
Author's website: http://www.jacquied.com/
(ISBN 9780307490056)
-CR-
Author: Jacquie D'Alessandro
First published: 1999
Length: 353 pages, 1224 locations
Setting: London and just outside, 1820
Sex: reasonably explicit but not frequent (about three times).
Almost Cheating: These are references to the mistress Stephen left in London, during his time with Hayley.
Heroine: tall ("exactly six feet in my stockings" p.44, loc.727) and believes herself rather ordinary. Sister Pamela is the "pretty" one.
This is one of those books I picked up due to an Amazon forum discussion. In this case it was most re-read romances.
So I gave it a go.
And it was... okay.
A nice enough story but Hayley was very much a doormat. She let *everyone* walk all over her. Pushed and pulled here and there. And then she lets Stephen get away with a love you - hate you relationship.
For a woman who has achieved so much, who has fought so hard, she is very easily manipulated and doormat-ed.
In fact, all the female characters were poorly drawn - from precocious Callie to eavesdropping Victoria, sickly sweet but unhelpful Pamela and vapid (almost nameless) Mother.
I struggled.
I wanted to like Hayley.
I wanted to understand Stephen.
I wanted to appreciate the background characters.
But I didn't.
It's a first book by the author. Maybe I need to be more forgiving. But I didn't take to it and certainly wouldn't put it on my Best Of lists.
*sigh*
You win some, you lose some.
The Red Roses Series:
Red Roses Mean Love - Hayley and Stephen
Heart's Desire - Callie and William
References:
Author's website: http://www.jacquied.com/
(ISBN 9780307490056)
-CR-
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