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Once Upon a Rogue #2
My Seductive Innocent
Miss Sophia Vane, a hoyden of the first order, makes an unlikely match when she weds Nathaniel Ellison, the rich and wary Duke of Scarsdale. What starts with an unexpected friendship soon blooms into a fiery passion. But a betrayal plunges Sophia into the thorny world of London Society and entangles her in a labyrinth of manipulation and jealousy that will test the strength of her marriage. Behind her husband’s sudden icy facade, Sophia believes dwells the caring, passionate man she loves. To break through the barriers and reclaim their happiness, they must do more than simply cast away their pride. They must fight for their very lives.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2015
351 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Julie Johnstone
96 books763 followersJulie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance and Regency historical romance featuring highlanders and aristocrats are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 13, 2016
I've given this a B- at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars.
My Seductive Innocent tells the story of an emotionally walled-off duke and the tavern maid he marries in order to prevent her scumbag of a father from abusing her and selling her into prostitution. Cross-class romance in historicals is always difficult to pull off because of the very strict social mores of the time, and even though the author does a fairly good job in showing that both characters have been backed into a corner, making marriage the only real solution, the massive social gulf between them does require rather a large suspension of disbelief. But if you can get past that and just go with the flow, then it’s an enjoyable read.
Nathan Ellison, Duke of Scarsdale is handsome, rich and determined that when he eventually marries, it will be solely for the begetting of an heir with no emotional involvement on either side. Growing up with a narcissistic mother whose extreme mood swings drove away Nathan’s father and meant that he never knew where he stood with her has led him to see all women as manipulative liars and he is determined never to allow a woman to worm her way into his heart.
On a visit to one of the less salubrious areas in the environs of Newmarket in order to purchase a horse for his disabled cousin, Scarsdale stops at a wayside tavern to ask for directions and steps in to save a young woman from being assaulted. Grateful for his intervention, the girl – Sophia Vane - offers to show the duke the way to the stables, but on the way, they are held up and Nathan is shot.
Sophia manages to get the injured man back to the tavern, where her father, a greedy, slovenly man whose only interest in Sophia or her young brother is a mercenary one, immediately determines to use his daughter to extort money from the duke. Once the duke’s wound has been seen to, Vane demands that he marry Sophia, given that he has irrevocably compromised her by being alone with her, both on the road and then later in the room while she tended to his injuries. Nathan basically tells the man where to get off – but once he realises the harsh realities of Sophia’s situation and discovers Vane’s plans to sell her nine-year-old brother Harry, he feels compelled to help her.
The only way he can truly protect her is to marry her – but she doesn’t see it that way, which surprises him, as every other woman he knows would be desperate to inveigle such an offer from him. It’s an extreme solution that does stretch the reader’s credulity, but Ms Johnstone just about gets away with it because of the way she thoroughly brings home Sophia’s lack of options and shows that Nathan’s innate decency won’t allow him to leave her to be abused. Sophia clearly has no conception of how difficult it is for a woman without references, reputation or any real skills to find employment. And as far as Scarsdale is concerned, all he needs a wife for is in order to get an heir, so one woman will do as well as another, given that he plans to get her pregnant and then leave her to her own devices in the country while he continues with his life as usual.
But he is completely unprepared for the way that Sophia’s honesty and compassion begin to creep under his carefully built defences, and more than that, is surprised at the intensity of the desire he feels for her. Sophia’s untutored passion is a revelation, and her unconditional love and overwhelming belief in him stun him and cause him to begin to reassess his view of their marriage and his own closed-off heart.
Scarsdale emerges as a man who, deep down, wants love and has a great capacity for it, but whose experiences at the hand of his unstable mother showed him that love wasn’t to be trusted and that he needed to wall off his emotions to prevent greater hurt. He’s gone through some dark times, yet hasn’t been able to truly squash the part of him that wants to love and be loved. He does perhaps fall for his new wife rather quickly, but on the other hand, I liked that he doesn’t spend too much time agonising over the fact that he’s going against everything he’d told himself he wanted, and that he is quick to see that he was wrong and to start to embrace his new life.
But as this all happens in the first half to two-thirds of the book, there must obviously be more to the story. Without giving away too much, someone is out to harm Nathan and things take a sudden and rather unexpected turn leading to his being declared dead. Sophia’s heartbreak at his loss is palpable, and her struggle to rebuild her life is thrown into further turmoil when she learns of a devastating betrayal that threatens to shatter her completely.
That’s all I’m going to say about that part of the plot, which is perhaps a little overblown but held my interest nonetheless. If you can get past that, and can accept the premise of the duke marrying the tavern-maid, then My Seductive Innocent is a well-written page-turner featuring an attractive central couple. The writing flows well, although there are some anachronistic turns of phrase and the usual smattering of Americanisms throughout. It’s the second book in a series, and although the principals from the previous book make an appearance, I don’t think it’s necessary to have read the first book in order for this one to make sense. I’m giving it a qualified recommendation because of the unlikely plot elements, but even so, it’s a very readable tale.
My Seductive Innocent tells the story of an emotionally walled-off duke and the tavern maid he marries in order to prevent her scumbag of a father from abusing her and selling her into prostitution. Cross-class romance in historicals is always difficult to pull off because of the very strict social mores of the time, and even though the author does a fairly good job in showing that both characters have been backed into a corner, making marriage the only real solution, the massive social gulf between them does require rather a large suspension of disbelief. But if you can get past that and just go with the flow, then it’s an enjoyable read.
Nathan Ellison, Duke of Scarsdale is handsome, rich and determined that when he eventually marries, it will be solely for the begetting of an heir with no emotional involvement on either side. Growing up with a narcissistic mother whose extreme mood swings drove away Nathan’s father and meant that he never knew where he stood with her has led him to see all women as manipulative liars and he is determined never to allow a woman to worm her way into his heart.
On a visit to one of the less salubrious areas in the environs of Newmarket in order to purchase a horse for his disabled cousin, Scarsdale stops at a wayside tavern to ask for directions and steps in to save a young woman from being assaulted. Grateful for his intervention, the girl – Sophia Vane - offers to show the duke the way to the stables, but on the way, they are held up and Nathan is shot.
Sophia manages to get the injured man back to the tavern, where her father, a greedy, slovenly man whose only interest in Sophia or her young brother is a mercenary one, immediately determines to use his daughter to extort money from the duke. Once the duke’s wound has been seen to, Vane demands that he marry Sophia, given that he has irrevocably compromised her by being alone with her, both on the road and then later in the room while she tended to his injuries. Nathan basically tells the man where to get off – but once he realises the harsh realities of Sophia’s situation and discovers Vane’s plans to sell her nine-year-old brother Harry, he feels compelled to help her.
The only way he can truly protect her is to marry her – but she doesn’t see it that way, which surprises him, as every other woman he knows would be desperate to inveigle such an offer from him. It’s an extreme solution that does stretch the reader’s credulity, but Ms Johnstone just about gets away with it because of the way she thoroughly brings home Sophia’s lack of options and shows that Nathan’s innate decency won’t allow him to leave her to be abused. Sophia clearly has no conception of how difficult it is for a woman without references, reputation or any real skills to find employment. And as far as Scarsdale is concerned, all he needs a wife for is in order to get an heir, so one woman will do as well as another, given that he plans to get her pregnant and then leave her to her own devices in the country while he continues with his life as usual.
But he is completely unprepared for the way that Sophia’s honesty and compassion begin to creep under his carefully built defences, and more than that, is surprised at the intensity of the desire he feels for her. Sophia’s untutored passion is a revelation, and her unconditional love and overwhelming belief in him stun him and cause him to begin to reassess his view of their marriage and his own closed-off heart.
Scarsdale emerges as a man who, deep down, wants love and has a great capacity for it, but whose experiences at the hand of his unstable mother showed him that love wasn’t to be trusted and that he needed to wall off his emotions to prevent greater hurt. He’s gone through some dark times, yet hasn’t been able to truly squash the part of him that wants to love and be loved. He does perhaps fall for his new wife rather quickly, but on the other hand, I liked that he doesn’t spend too much time agonising over the fact that he’s going against everything he’d told himself he wanted, and that he is quick to see that he was wrong and to start to embrace his new life.
But as this all happens in the first half to two-thirds of the book, there must obviously be more to the story. Without giving away too much, someone is out to harm Nathan and things take a sudden and rather unexpected turn leading to his being declared dead. Sophia’s heartbreak at his loss is palpable, and her struggle to rebuild her life is thrown into further turmoil when she learns of a devastating betrayal that threatens to shatter her completely.
That’s all I’m going to say about that part of the plot, which is perhaps a little overblown but held my interest nonetheless. If you can get past that, and can accept the premise of the duke marrying the tavern-maid, then My Seductive Innocent is a well-written page-turner featuring an attractive central couple. The writing flows well, although there are some anachronistic turns of phrase and the usual smattering of Americanisms throughout. It’s the second book in a series, and although the principals from the previous book make an appearance, I don’t think it’s necessary to have read the first book in order for this one to make sense. I’m giving it a qualified recommendation because of the unlikely plot elements, but even so, it’s a very readable tale.
March 27, 2015
I cut my teeth on historical romance novels at the young age of thirteen. My introduction was courtesy of Judith McNaught. The second book of hers that I read was Something Wonderful. It’s a delightful tale of a young miss living a squalid life buried in the countryside when she rescues a duke and ends up married to him. He is the victim of foul deeds and disappears for a year and is presumed dead. His little child bride grows up and takes the ton by storm. When he returns the two need to negotiate life together, dealing with lust, love and danger.
I recently wrote about the sadness you feel when you have finished reading a great book. You long for the adventure to continue, to spend more time with the characters you love and to feel the emotional connection to the book. I adored the book Something Wonderful. I haven’t read the book in a couple of years and yet I can still remember passages as vividly as if I read it yesterday. What was so amazing about this book by Julie Johnstone was that this book was reminiscent of Something Wonderful.
The central elements of the plots are similar – young woman saves a duke, quickie marriage, duke presumed dead, wife takes the ton by storm and husband comes back from the dead. However, this book had a different, yet equally satisfying flavour. The characters are different and the circumstances, but the writing is excellent and vivid. I found myself enthralled with this book. It was as if I was spending more time with a plot I loved.
Julie Johnstone has created amazing characters that vibrate with intensity on the page. Her heroine is simply wonderful. Sophia has been disillusioned by life and yet she still has hope. She has never allowed the difficulties of life to quash the sliver of hope that lingers in her. When she meets Nathan, her whole world changes. Throughout all these changes, she stays true to the person she is. I think this is one of the many things I liked about this book. Sophia retained her character regardless of the drama and issues. She was a real person with emotions that were entirely relatable. Nathan describes her as, “Sophia was not a beauty on the outside, but on the inside, she might just possibly be an Incomparable. That she was rough, yet gentle. Fragile, yet fierce. Smart, yet uneducated. Worldly, yet naïve. And that he felt as if he had only peeled back the first amazing layers of his complicated wife.”
Nathan was extremely well written. It could have easily been a clichéd figure – unable to love, horrible childhood, rake, etc…However, his miserable childhood is the mystery that Sophia unravels to understand the man she married. She learns of a boy who had love beaten out of him and imagines ways to bring it back to him. Nathan endures horrible conditions to stay alive and human and Sophia is his talisman. It doesn’t take Nathan’s abduction to begin the transformation. He changes once he meets Sophia and she works her way under his skin. Although he marries her out of pity and to protect her, Nathan sees the diamond in the rough and is moved in a way he hasn’t been since he was a young boy. Like all of us, the scars and wounds from family cause long lasting traumas that can never remain truly buried. Sophia makes Nathan uncomfortable because she forces him to face his past and reimagine his future.
There are some very steamy scenes in the book. I heartily enjoyed the passion that Nathan and Sophia found with each other. There lust was genuine and real. With Sophia’s naiveté, her enthusiasm couldn’t be calculated and you felt all the love she poured into her embrace.
I loved that this book had similar plot to a classic on my shelf. It made the book comforting and also exciting to read. Julie Johnstone is a very talented author who has taken a story that could have been so typical and made it special and new. She has created characters that are authentic.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com
I recently wrote about the sadness you feel when you have finished reading a great book. You long for the adventure to continue, to spend more time with the characters you love and to feel the emotional connection to the book. I adored the book Something Wonderful. I haven’t read the book in a couple of years and yet I can still remember passages as vividly as if I read it yesterday. What was so amazing about this book by Julie Johnstone was that this book was reminiscent of Something Wonderful.
The central elements of the plots are similar – young woman saves a duke, quickie marriage, duke presumed dead, wife takes the ton by storm and husband comes back from the dead. However, this book had a different, yet equally satisfying flavour. The characters are different and the circumstances, but the writing is excellent and vivid. I found myself enthralled with this book. It was as if I was spending more time with a plot I loved.
Julie Johnstone has created amazing characters that vibrate with intensity on the page. Her heroine is simply wonderful. Sophia has been disillusioned by life and yet she still has hope. She has never allowed the difficulties of life to quash the sliver of hope that lingers in her. When she meets Nathan, her whole world changes. Throughout all these changes, she stays true to the person she is. I think this is one of the many things I liked about this book. Sophia retained her character regardless of the drama and issues. She was a real person with emotions that were entirely relatable. Nathan describes her as, “Sophia was not a beauty on the outside, but on the inside, she might just possibly be an Incomparable. That she was rough, yet gentle. Fragile, yet fierce. Smart, yet uneducated. Worldly, yet naïve. And that he felt as if he had only peeled back the first amazing layers of his complicated wife.”
Nathan was extremely well written. It could have easily been a clichéd figure – unable to love, horrible childhood, rake, etc…However, his miserable childhood is the mystery that Sophia unravels to understand the man she married. She learns of a boy who had love beaten out of him and imagines ways to bring it back to him. Nathan endures horrible conditions to stay alive and human and Sophia is his talisman. It doesn’t take Nathan’s abduction to begin the transformation. He changes once he meets Sophia and she works her way under his skin. Although he marries her out of pity and to protect her, Nathan sees the diamond in the rough and is moved in a way he hasn’t been since he was a young boy. Like all of us, the scars and wounds from family cause long lasting traumas that can never remain truly buried. Sophia makes Nathan uncomfortable because she forces him to face his past and reimagine his future.
There are some very steamy scenes in the book. I heartily enjoyed the passion that Nathan and Sophia found with each other. There lust was genuine and real. With Sophia’s naiveté, her enthusiasm couldn’t be calculated and you felt all the love she poured into her embrace.
I loved that this book had similar plot to a classic on my shelf. It made the book comforting and also exciting to read. Julie Johnstone is a very talented author who has taken a story that could have been so typical and made it special and new. She has created characters that are authentic.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com
March 26, 2015
Nathaniel Ellison, the Duke of Scarsdale is the last man in England to want to marry. He knows one day he must wed to beget the requisite heir,but emotions will have no part of it. If and when that time arises he will make sure the bride knows there will be no love. Nathan's mother gave a new meaning to the mommy dearest moniker and even though she is long gone, she still has her clutches on Nathan's psyche. To him women are all conniving liars.
Sophia Vane's life has been one trial after the other, and unless she can free herself and her nine year old brother from their father, Frank's grip, their existences are only bound to get worse. Sophia has basically lived a life of servitude to Frank since birth and the corrupt man will use his children in any way he can for monetary gain.
In his travels, Nathaniel saves Sophia from being accosted in Frank's tavern, she thanks him and in return offers to aid him in finding a local address in order to purchase a horse. On the way danger strikes, leaving Nathan shot and Sophia his only aid. Once Sophia has Nathan safely away in Frank's tavern following doctor's orders for his survival, she realizes Frank has a truly nefarious plan to get rid of her and become rich in the process.
When the duke becomes aware of Frank's plan he denies the knave and tries to return to London without further trouble. However, once again seeing Sophia in need, his honor takes over and he frees Sophia and her brother from more pain. Marrying Sophia is the only remedy to the situation but Sophia wants love, not just convenience.
Once Nathan has Sophia in his home he is at a loss. Bringing this girl from the working class and making him his duchess is bound to cause issues, but he is determined to make the most of it. As time passes, Nathan comes to see that Sophia is nothing like the typical women who have wreaked havoc on his life, but she is witty, intelligent and a force to be reckoned with.
Just as they begin to settle into their lives tragedy strikes leaving Sophia suddenly alone and Nathan enslaved. Will Sophia be able to continue on in the role that Nathan gave her? Will Nathan survive the insurmountable odds that keep coming his way. The only way to find out this and so much more is to grab MY SEDUCTIVE INNOCENT by Julie Johnstone and dive in.
I'm pretty sure that just by my summary you can tell I LOVE this book. Author Julie Johnstone has written a brilliant story of love overcoming all the odds. Sophia may be my favorite heroine to date. Her sheer will and fortitude makes everyone around her take notice, especially the one man who never wanted a wife. Nathan is such a contradiction with his verbal denials while demonstrating his caring personality. Apart they are really strong characters, but together they are intense. MY SEDUCTIVE INNOCENT is a winner on all levels and I strongly recommend it to all.
October 13, 2017
OK I just finished reading Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught and retrospectively realized this book is a copy of that book down to some scenes being exactly the same.....surprised Ms. Johnstone was not discredited for plagiarizing the story from Judith McNaught. The funny thing is she didn't even do a better job of it.
It was a great book despite its predictable plot. I just wish the ending was not so rushed. The final obstacle was resolved in less than two pages.
It was a great book despite its predictable plot. I just wish the ending was not so rushed. The final obstacle was resolved in less than two pages.
February 21, 2022
Just re read still a solid 4 star.
This book bares a STRONG resemblance to Judith McNaughts Something Wonderful.
This book bares a STRONG resemblance to Judith McNaughts Something Wonderful.
March 26, 2015
My Seductive Innocent is the second book in the Once Upon A Rogue series. I loved the first book in this series and I could not wait to read what the talented Julie Johnstone had in store for the Duke of Scarsdale. I knew it would be good and was it EVER! I loved this book. Once again Ms. Johnstone has written another book that kept my attention from the first page all the way to the last.
First of all let me just say if you haven't read My Fair Duchess (Book one), never fear this is easily read as a stand alone. If you have read My Fair Duchess then like me you are going to enjoy catching up with Duke of Aversley and his lovely wife Amelia.
Sophia Vane has had a really rough life. She has been abused and belittled by her horrible father. She has a brother that she would do anything for and to protect. I instantly admired this strong independent young lady for her courage and loyalty.
The Duke of Scarsdale doesn't believe in love or happily ever after. He had a horrible childhood with many experiences that jaded his visions of love. However you can tell under that rough and tough exterior that he has a very giving and warm heart. I can certainly see how Sophia would quickly fall in love with him. I loved his interaction with Sophia's brother. He treats Harry so nicely and lets him be a young boy. I loved when Nathan and Harry come up with a surprise for Sophia. It's really very sweet.
OK, now comes the part of my review that I could tell you so much about this book. Oh there is some lovely romance, (shh don't tell Nathan that he really is romantic in his own way) that lead to a few steamy scenes. Drama, oh my goodness is there drama. I was left holding my breath several times. There a lot of emotion in this book. I will issues a Kleenex warning on this one for sure. I know I found myself in tears a couple of times. I don't want to tell you what happened to make me cry. I am going to let you grab your own copy of My Seductive Innocent and find out for yourself. I will tell you that this book had me captivated from the beginning to the very end. I could not wait to see what was going to happen next and to who! Julie Johnstone has done a great job of writing lovely romance story but also has included a grand mystery as well. I distrusted one of the characters that turned out to be one of the villains. I had hoped this person wasn't responsible for some of the horrible things happening but it turned out I was correct to distrust them.
There is also the wonderful close knit friendship between the Duke of Scarsdale, the Duke of Aversley, and the Earl of Harthorne. Amelia and Sophia grow very close quickly as well. This is a nice little group of characters that are fun, charming, and delightful to read about. I can not wait to see what Julie Johnstone has in store for the next book in this series.
If you enjoy historical romance and have not had a chance to read Julie Johnstone's work yet, may I suggest this one? If you have read Ms. Johnstone's work before and are already a fan then hurry go get your copy of My Seductive Innocent now. I think you will enjoy it, I know I loved this story. It did certainly did tear at little pieces of my heart at times but it was well on the way to mended by the end.
I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on My Seductive Innocent.
First of all let me just say if you haven't read My Fair Duchess (Book one), never fear this is easily read as a stand alone. If you have read My Fair Duchess then like me you are going to enjoy catching up with Duke of Aversley and his lovely wife Amelia.
Sophia Vane has had a really rough life. She has been abused and belittled by her horrible father. She has a brother that she would do anything for and to protect. I instantly admired this strong independent young lady for her courage and loyalty.
The Duke of Scarsdale doesn't believe in love or happily ever after. He had a horrible childhood with many experiences that jaded his visions of love. However you can tell under that rough and tough exterior that he has a very giving and warm heart. I can certainly see how Sophia would quickly fall in love with him. I loved his interaction with Sophia's brother. He treats Harry so nicely and lets him be a young boy. I loved when Nathan and Harry come up with a surprise for Sophia. It's really very sweet.
OK, now comes the part of my review that I could tell you so much about this book. Oh there is some lovely romance, (shh don't tell Nathan that he really is romantic in his own way) that lead to a few steamy scenes. Drama, oh my goodness is there drama. I was left holding my breath several times. There a lot of emotion in this book. I will issues a Kleenex warning on this one for sure. I know I found myself in tears a couple of times. I don't want to tell you what happened to make me cry. I am going to let you grab your own copy of My Seductive Innocent and find out for yourself. I will tell you that this book had me captivated from the beginning to the very end. I could not wait to see what was going to happen next and to who! Julie Johnstone has done a great job of writing lovely romance story but also has included a grand mystery as well. I distrusted one of the characters that turned out to be one of the villains. I had hoped this person wasn't responsible for some of the horrible things happening but it turned out I was correct to distrust them.
There is also the wonderful close knit friendship between the Duke of Scarsdale, the Duke of Aversley, and the Earl of Harthorne. Amelia and Sophia grow very close quickly as well. This is a nice little group of characters that are fun, charming, and delightful to read about. I can not wait to see what Julie Johnstone has in store for the next book in this series.
If you enjoy historical romance and have not had a chance to read Julie Johnstone's work yet, may I suggest this one? If you have read Ms. Johnstone's work before and are already a fan then hurry go get your copy of My Seductive Innocent now. I think you will enjoy it, I know I loved this story. It did certainly did tear at little pieces of my heart at times but it was well on the way to mended by the end.
I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on My Seductive Innocent.
August 25, 2015
I read this book because one of the reviews i saw said it was like Judith McNaught's Something wonderful which i absolutely loved ( its among my top 3 favorite books)so i figured why not give it a try. Im giving this book 2 STARS because it was so similar it became annoying. I mean c'mon a little twist would have been great but i couldnt help substituting the names from SOMETHING WONDERFUL into this book. It was as though this author gave different names but wrote the same story, from the botched attacks,the mishap at sea to even the deaf butler!. If i had read this book before Judith McNaught's i would have given it 5 stars for its originality but seeing as i have already read her's i was a tad bit underwhelmed . I enjoyed the first book in the series and i'm looking forward to read the next one.
March 26, 2015
London 1820
Nathaniel (Nathan) Ellison, Marquess of Deering and fifth Duke of Scarsdale, is a very wealthy and handsome man. He became Duke when his parents died in a carriage crash 12 years ago. His widowed aunt, Harriet, and his cousin, Hughbert Ellison, live with him. Hughbert (simply known as Ellison) walks with a limp from a carriage accident some years ago where Nathan was driving. Nathan has always felt guilty and Ellison feeds on his guilt.
Sophia Vane, age 19, is a young woman who works for her father, Frank, a drunk and a gambler, at the Breeding Tavern. Her mother died when she was young. In addition, she has a younger brother, Harry, age 8, who was born as the result of a liaison between Frank a barmaid who left Harry on his doorstep right after he was born. Sophia has always cared for and protected Harry from Frank’s rages and viciousness. Many are the times that Frank has beaten her. Sophia has been saving up so she and Harry can run away. Frank has said he is going to sell Harry to be a chimney sweep which terrifies Sophia.
When Nathan stops by the tavern one day looking for a man in the area who sells horses, he sees Sophia being mauled by a man and he rescues her by beating up the man. As Sophia shows him where the man lives, they are accosted by robbers and Nathan is shot. Back at the Tavern, Sophia takes care of him and his wounds. She is puzzled at his refusal to take laudanum for his pain. (There is a reason which readers will learn about.) When Frank steps in unjustly accusing Nathan of seducing his daughter, Nathan proposes to her to save her and Harry. Thus begins their life together.
How will Sophia, a tavern wench, fit into Nathan’s life and become a Duchess? Will she be accepted by his family and the ton? Sophia is a very strong young woman and the story of watching her learn to become a Duchess is great fun.
Without giving out any more spoilers, I think readers will truly enjoy Julie Johnstone’s latest novel.
London 1820
Nathaniel (Nathan) Ellison, Marquess of Deering and fifth Duke of Scarsdale, is a very wealthy and handsome man. He became Duke when his parents died in a carriage crash 12 years ago. His widowed aunt, Harriet, and his cousin, Hughbert Ellison, live with him. Hughbert (simply known as Ellison) walks with a limp from a carriage accident some years ago where Nathan was driving. Nathan has always felt guilty and Ellison feeds on his guilt.
Sophia Vane, age 19, is a young woman who works for her father, Frank, a drunk and a gambler, at the Breeding Tavern. Her mother died when she was young. In addition, she has a younger brother, Harry, age 8, who was born as the result of a liaison between Frank a barmaid who left Harry on his doorstep right after he was born. Sophia has always cared for and protected Harry from Frank’s rages and viciousness. Many are the times that Frank has beaten her. Sophia has been saving up so she and Harry can run away. Frank has said he is going to sell Harry to be a chimney sweep which terrifies Sophia.
When Nathan stops by the tavern one day looking for a man in the area who sells horses, he sees Sophia being mauled by a man and he rescues her by beating up the man. As Sophia shows him where the man lives, they are accosted by robbers and Nathan is shot. Back at the Tavern, Sophia takes care of him and his wounds. She is puzzled at his refusal to take laudanum for his pain. (There is a reason which readers will learn about.) When Frank steps in unjustly accusing Nathan of seducing his daughter, Nathan proposes to her to save her and Harry. Thus begins their life together.
How will Sophia, a tavern wench, fit into Nathan’s life and become a Duchess? Will she be accepted by his family and the ton? Sophia is a very strong young woman and the story of watching her learn to become a Duchess is great fun.
Without giving out any more spoilers, I think readers will truly enjoy Julie Johnstone’s latest novel.
Nathaniel (Nathan) Ellison, Marquess of Deering and fifth Duke of Scarsdale, is a very wealthy and handsome man. He became Duke when his parents died in a carriage crash 12 years ago. His widowed aunt, Harriet, and his cousin, Hughbert Ellison, live with him. Hughbert (simply known as Ellison) walks with a limp from a carriage accident some years ago where Nathan was driving. Nathan has always felt guilty and Ellison feeds on his guilt.
Sophia Vane, age 19, is a young woman who works for her father, Frank, a drunk and a gambler, at the Breeding Tavern. Her mother died when she was young. In addition, she has a younger brother, Harry, age 8, who was born as the result of a liaison between Frank a barmaid who left Harry on his doorstep right after he was born. Sophia has always cared for and protected Harry from Frank’s rages and viciousness. Many are the times that Frank has beaten her. Sophia has been saving up so she and Harry can run away. Frank has said he is going to sell Harry to be a chimney sweep which terrifies Sophia.
When Nathan stops by the tavern one day looking for a man in the area who sells horses, he sees Sophia being mauled by a man and he rescues her by beating up the man. As Sophia shows him where the man lives, they are accosted by robbers and Nathan is shot. Back at the Tavern, Sophia takes care of him and his wounds. She is puzzled at his refusal to take laudanum for his pain. (There is a reason which readers will learn about.) When Frank steps in unjustly accusing Nathan of seducing his daughter, Nathan proposes to her to save her and Harry. Thus begins their life together.
How will Sophia, a tavern wench, fit into Nathan’s life and become a Duchess? Will she be accepted by his family and the ton? Sophia is a very strong young woman and the story of watching her learn to become a Duchess is great fun.
Without giving out any more spoilers, I think readers will truly enjoy Julie Johnstone’s latest novel.
London 1820
Nathaniel (Nathan) Ellison, Marquess of Deering and fifth Duke of Scarsdale, is a very wealthy and handsome man. He became Duke when his parents died in a carriage crash 12 years ago. His widowed aunt, Harriet, and his cousin, Hughbert Ellison, live with him. Hughbert (simply known as Ellison) walks with a limp from a carriage accident some years ago where Nathan was driving. Nathan has always felt guilty and Ellison feeds on his guilt.
Sophia Vane, age 19, is a young woman who works for her father, Frank, a drunk and a gambler, at the Breeding Tavern. Her mother died when she was young. In addition, she has a younger brother, Harry, age 8, who was born as the result of a liaison between Frank a barmaid who left Harry on his doorstep right after he was born. Sophia has always cared for and protected Harry from Frank’s rages and viciousness. Many are the times that Frank has beaten her. Sophia has been saving up so she and Harry can run away. Frank has said he is going to sell Harry to be a chimney sweep which terrifies Sophia.
When Nathan stops by the tavern one day looking for a man in the area who sells horses, he sees Sophia being mauled by a man and he rescues her by beating up the man. As Sophia shows him where the man lives, they are accosted by robbers and Nathan is shot. Back at the Tavern, Sophia takes care of him and his wounds. She is puzzled at his refusal to take laudanum for his pain. (There is a reason which readers will learn about.) When Frank steps in unjustly accusing Nathan of seducing his daughter, Nathan proposes to her to save her and Harry. Thus begins their life together.
How will Sophia, a tavern wench, fit into Nathan’s life and become a Duchess? Will she be accepted by his family and the ton? Sophia is a very strong young woman and the story of watching her learn to become a Duchess is great fun.
Without giving out any more spoilers, I think readers will truly enjoy Julie Johnstone’s latest novel.
April 10, 2015
Believing in the hope her deceased mother's letter gives her, Sophia Vane works for her abusive father but has been stashing money away so that she & her half-brother can escape & make a better life for themselves.
With a mother that was verbally abusive & denied any love, it's no wonder that Nathaniel Ellison, the Duke of Scarsdale, has hardened his heart. The only affection he lets come to light is for his lame cousin, who he feels responsible for because he feels he caused his lameness.
Nathaniel wonders into the tavern where Sophia works & comes to her rescue when she's being accosted by her father's right hand man. When he asks for directions, Sophia offers to show him the way; however, they are held up before they reach their destination. When Nathaniel is injured Sophia takes him back to her father's tavern where he tries to use the situation to his advantage.
Wanting nothing to do with her father's plans, Sophia realizes she & her brother must leave immediately whether they have the money or not. On his way leaving the town, Nathaniel again runs into Sophia & admires the way she is handling the person who her father sold her brother to. Realizing that the only way to repay Sophia & repair her reputation is to marry her.
Through a series of misunderstandings, a vicious aunt, a vindictive ex-mistress and attempts on his life can Nathaniel soften his heart to love Sophia. Will Sophia's love withstand all that happens?
Absolutely LOVED this story! Julie Johnstone outdid herself with this one. Expect the unexpected - not everyone is who they seem & situations aren't always what they seem!!! Definitely a heart pounding, breath stealing read!!!
With a mother that was verbally abusive & denied any love, it's no wonder that Nathaniel Ellison, the Duke of Scarsdale, has hardened his heart. The only affection he lets come to light is for his lame cousin, who he feels responsible for because he feels he caused his lameness.
Nathaniel wonders into the tavern where Sophia works & comes to her rescue when she's being accosted by her father's right hand man. When he asks for directions, Sophia offers to show him the way; however, they are held up before they reach their destination. When Nathaniel is injured Sophia takes him back to her father's tavern where he tries to use the situation to his advantage.
Wanting nothing to do with her father's plans, Sophia realizes she & her brother must leave immediately whether they have the money or not. On his way leaving the town, Nathaniel again runs into Sophia & admires the way she is handling the person who her father sold her brother to. Realizing that the only way to repay Sophia & repair her reputation is to marry her.
Through a series of misunderstandings, a vicious aunt, a vindictive ex-mistress and attempts on his life can Nathaniel soften his heart to love Sophia. Will Sophia's love withstand all that happens?
Absolutely LOVED this story! Julie Johnstone outdid herself with this one. Expect the unexpected - not everyone is who they seem & situations aren't always what they seem!!! Definitely a heart pounding, breath stealing read!!!
April 7, 2015
I loved this book. Nathan (hero) and Sophia (heroine) were complex characters that brought out the best in each other.
Nathan the Duke of Scarsdale and Sophia both suffered abuse since they have been children. Nathan was an only child, so he had no one to turn too or to be strong for, so he initially dealt with his pain by becoming numb to life through use of drugs. When he finally got sober, he has spent the years trying to atone for the pain he caused his friends. Though he still vowed to never love so he would never be hurt again by a woman.
Sophia was abused and used by her father. However Sophia was able to remain hopeful in her life for two reasons. A note he mother wrote on her deathbed telling Sophia to never give up and her half-brother, who she dedicated her life to protect.
While circumstances caused them to enter each other's lives and they each had to save the other from harm, their journey to love will not be an easy one. They will have to deal with Scarsdale walls, family bent on stealing the dukedom, revenge from an old foes, and lies.
The story will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next and it will not disappoint.
Nathan the Duke of Scarsdale and Sophia both suffered abuse since they have been children. Nathan was an only child, so he had no one to turn too or to be strong for, so he initially dealt with his pain by becoming numb to life through use of drugs. When he finally got sober, he has spent the years trying to atone for the pain he caused his friends. Though he still vowed to never love so he would never be hurt again by a woman.
Sophia was abused and used by her father. However Sophia was able to remain hopeful in her life for two reasons. A note he mother wrote on her deathbed telling Sophia to never give up and her half-brother, who she dedicated her life to protect.
While circumstances caused them to enter each other's lives and they each had to save the other from harm, their journey to love will not be an easy one. They will have to deal with Scarsdale walls, family bent on stealing the dukedom, revenge from an old foes, and lies.
The story will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next and it will not disappoint.
March 19, 2015
My Seductive Innocent (A Once Upon A Rogue Novel Book 1 #2) by JULIE JOHNSTONE is an exciting, thrilling Regency Historical Romance set in 1820 England. #2 in her "Once Upon A Rogue" series, but can be read as a stand alone.
This is Nanthaniel Ellison, Marquess of Deering, the Fifth Dule of Scarsdale and Sophia Vane's story. And what a story!
Fast paced with thrills and chills. A tale of deceit, betrayal, passion and romance. Very Provocative, compelling and intriguing. Well written with charismatic characters, who are engaging as well as endearing. A unique storyline with a familial setting, England. Highly recommended. I absolutely loved this story, the characters and the storyline are all intriguing. Well blended tale with suspense, mystery, and romance. Twists and turns, thrills and chills aplenty! A must read. A keeper! I can hardly wait for the next installment into this thrilling Historical Romance.
*Received for an honest review from the author*
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: HOT
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
This is Nanthaniel Ellison, Marquess of Deering, the Fifth Dule of Scarsdale and Sophia Vane's story. And what a story!
Fast paced with thrills and chills. A tale of deceit, betrayal, passion and romance. Very Provocative, compelling and intriguing. Well written with charismatic characters, who are engaging as well as endearing. A unique storyline with a familial setting, England. Highly recommended. I absolutely loved this story, the characters and the storyline are all intriguing. Well blended tale with suspense, mystery, and romance. Twists and turns, thrills and chills aplenty! A must read. A keeper! I can hardly wait for the next installment into this thrilling Historical Romance.
*Received for an honest review from the author*
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: HOT
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
March 27, 2015
I loved this! I loved the characters and could not stop reading. Suspense, danger, plenty of unexpected twists. Nathan is intrigued by Sophia and feels like he needs to marry her to help her since she saved his life. But he feels like he can never love someone because of his childhood and the way he was treated by his mother. Sophia can't help but love him anyway and she keeps him on his toes. Things change, though, as someone is trying to kill Nathan. An excellent historical romance. Highly recommend.
March 27, 2015
Sophia was not a hoyden. She was fairly staid, given her job (barmaid). Yes she ended up married to a duke.
And that's where the story really begins. By that point, the various characters are well fleshed out, so the plot (literally) could intensify. On their way to happily ever after, these two face obstacles so great, I read straight through.
This book is fairly dark. There is basically no laughter. It deals, in a deep, underlying manner, with child abuse, pretty much no holds barred. I have to wonder if the author even realized it, though.
And that's where the story really begins. By that point, the various characters are well fleshed out, so the plot (literally) could intensify. On their way to happily ever after, these two face obstacles so great, I read straight through.
This book is fairly dark. There is basically no laughter. It deals, in a deep, underlying manner, with child abuse, pretty much no holds barred. I have to wonder if the author even realized it, though.
March 24, 2015
One of my favorite reads so far this year. I also must comment that it has a great cover! The story was fun and entertaining. I thought something would go one way and turned out to go another which made it better for me. I enjoyed this second book more than the first in the series -which I did like. I look forward to the next book- which I'm sure will be just as great. The writing is great and runs well. The smoothness of the book had me continually reading. Highly recommend this read!
November 19, 2017
This storyline was very similar to Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught. This isn't the first time another author has sort of copied McNaught. The first time it happened was when Stephanie Stephens copied Whitney, My Love when she wrote Defiant Angel. Sigh ...
This novel wasn't bad though. It was fairly enjoyable, but certainly not as fabulous as Something Wonderful.
This novel wasn't bad though. It was fairly enjoyable, but certainly not as fabulous as Something Wonderful.
March 30, 2015
so good that i finished it in a day! loved it. this author never disappoints!
historical
January 23, 2019Miss Sophia Vane, a hoyden of the first order, makes an unlikely match when she weds Nathaniel Ellison, the rich and wary Duke of Scarsdale. What starts with an unexpected friendship soon blooms into a fiery passion. But a betrayal plunges Sophia into the thorny world of London Society and entangles her in a labyrinth of manipulation and jealousy that will test the strength of her marriage. Behind her husband’s sudden icy facade, Sophia believes dwells the caring, passionate man she loves. To break through the barriers and reclaim their happiness, they must do more than simply cast away their pride. They must fight for their very lives.
April 21, 2015
Rating 3 1/2 Stars
Posted on What I'm Reading
All right, My Seductive Innocent by Julie Johnstone is a bit rough. It's a good story, but not an easy read. I guess I needed time to digest the information. So, let's talk about the book, because the blurb is a bit vague in a sense.
First off, Sophia isn't a hoyden. When I think of hoyden I think someone who doesn't give a wit about society, marches to beat of her own drum, and carefree. Sophia is definitely not carefree, she actually cares a lot of responsibility. She's trying to protect her brother at all cost, by making sacrifices to ensure he stays safe. However, Sophia is pretty smart, independent, and loving. I would also say that she's a bit of spitfire. She's passionate on the people she loves.
Then we have Nathaniel who is staid. He has this whole life planned out with finding the perfect societal wife who won't give him grief if he has a mistress. Basically, he wants a wife that will be seen, but not heard. However, that is thrown out the window when he encounters Sophia and is kind of force to marry.
So, there marriage is a bit rocky from the start. Nathaniel has this idea of having stepford wife, while Sophia dreams of being love. Oh yeah, she has this dream of finding true love, but it's kind of hard when your married to a duke who has no desire to love his wife. Anyway, she tries to teach him that it's important to have love in a relationship. About the time she starts to open his heart all hell breaks loose. I have to say things start to get a bit crazy. I can't really say what the hell happens, because that would be a spoiler. I guess the best way to sum it up would be never every family believes that blood is thicker than water.
Okay, My Seductive Innocent was an interesting read. It's pretty dark. A lot has to deal with Nathaniel childhood and what happens to him later in the story. Sophia is kind of this ray of sunshine, but slowly diminishes as the story progresses and you start to wonder is this going to end well. Fortunately, there is a happy ending, but it takes a lot of work to get there. It's a good story, but you have wade through a lot of rough emotional stuff to get to a happy ending. If you are a patient person, you will be rewarded with a pleasant ending.
Copy provided by author
Rating 3 1/2 Stars
Posted on What I'm Reading
All right, My Seductive Innocent by Julie Johnstone is a bit rough. It's a good story, but not an easy read. I guess I needed time to digest the information. So, let's talk about the book, because the blurb is a bit vague in a sense.
First off, Sophia isn't a hoyden. When I think of hoyden I think someone who doesn't give a wit about society, marches to beat of her own drum, and carefree. Sophia is definitely not carefree, she actually cares a lot of responsibility. She's trying to protect her brother at all cost, by making sacrifices to ensure he stays safe. However, Sophia is pretty smart, independent, and loving. I would also say that she's a bit of spitfire. She's passionate on the people she loves.
Then we have Nathaniel who is staid. He has this whole life planned out with finding the perfect societal wife who won't give him grief if he has a mistress. Basically, he wants a wife that will be seen, but not heard. However, that is thrown out the window when he encounters Sophia and is kind of force to marry.
So, there marriage is a bit rocky from the start. Nathaniel has this idea of having stepford wife, while Sophia dreams of being love. Oh yeah, she has this dream of finding true love, but it's kind of hard when your married to a duke who has no desire to love his wife. Anyway, she tries to teach him that it's important to have love in a relationship. About the time she starts to open his heart all hell breaks loose. I have to say things start to get a bit crazy. I can't really say what the hell happens, because that would be a spoiler. I guess the best way to sum it up would be never every family believes that blood is thicker than water.
Okay, My Seductive Innocent was an interesting read. It's pretty dark. A lot has to deal with Nathaniel childhood and what happens to him later in the story. Sophia is kind of this ray of sunshine, but slowly diminishes as the story progresses and you start to wonder is this going to end well. Fortunately, there is a happy ending, but it takes a lot of work to get there. It's a good story, but you have wade through a lot of rough emotional stuff to get to a happy ending. If you are a patient person, you will be rewarded with a pleasant ending.
Copy provided by author
Rating 3 1/2 Stars
March 26, 2015
Nathaniel Ellison, the Duke of Scarsdale, has vowed that he is not the man those closest to him believe him to be, one with a good heart and the capacity to love deeply. He scoffs at the notion that anything about him is good because he'd done some pretty unforgivable things in his past. He has worked to get back into the good graces of his closest friends as those are the only opinions of the Ton that he values but while he knows he must marry and have a child to carry one his line, love will not be in the equation. He doesn't believe in it, saw how it broke down not only his father but himself time and again in the face of his mother's cruelty.
Sophia Vane is young, idealistic and dreaming of a better life for herself and her young half-brother. She refuses to accept that all she's ever going be is a tavern "wench" working for her drunken and scheming father for the rest of her days. When the Duke of Scarsdale comes to her aid, she returns the favor by saving his life. Circumstances force their hand and they marry.
Sophia is certainly not Scarsdale's first choice of wife but he finds her fascinating and a breath of fresh air. She is not like any of the ladies he's known before and comes to like her immensely. Scardale becomes her and her brother's salvation but Sophia sees beneath his hardened heart and determines she will break through all his walls for he deserves to be loved. But Fate has so much more in store for them and their road becomes treacherous for someone plots to keep them from their happily ever after.
Ms. Johnstone is one of my favorite authors for she never fails to deliver a great story with compelling plots and diverse characters. You get emotionally invested in each of them and you never want the story to end and this is no exception. I received an ARC of this story for an honest review. I cannot wait for the next book in this great series :)
Sophia Vane is young, idealistic and dreaming of a better life for herself and her young half-brother. She refuses to accept that all she's ever going be is a tavern "wench" working for her drunken and scheming father for the rest of her days. When the Duke of Scarsdale comes to her aid, she returns the favor by saving his life. Circumstances force their hand and they marry.
Sophia is certainly not Scarsdale's first choice of wife but he finds her fascinating and a breath of fresh air. She is not like any of the ladies he's known before and comes to like her immensely. Scardale becomes her and her brother's salvation but Sophia sees beneath his hardened heart and determines she will break through all his walls for he deserves to be loved. But Fate has so much more in store for them and their road becomes treacherous for someone plots to keep them from their happily ever after.
Ms. Johnstone is one of my favorite authors for she never fails to deliver a great story with compelling plots and diverse characters. You get emotionally invested in each of them and you never want the story to end and this is no exception. I received an ARC of this story for an honest review. I cannot wait for the next book in this great series :)
March 26, 2015
This is another winner by this amazing author! The cover that was chosen in my opinion is perfect for what you will find in this gem of a novel! It is a true historical romance! The characters are both troubled and seek only one thing. One love the other marriage of convenience! You should always marry within which you were born into right??? Nathaniel has mommy issues that have haunted him for his whole life into adult life. All women are the same in his eyes. He is definitely your everyday gentleman at the beginning of the story and only wants an heir. I loved how the author wrote his character because you see him start to change into his own person as the story goes. Sophie is stuck in a place only because of her love for family, little does she know danger lurks. Her character struck me as a hard working put your family before yourself first. Her heart is filled with love especially after everything she sees in life. Can two different characters find a median and learn to love? I love the way the author weaves her webb and brings the readers into this novel. You will find more than just another romance in this novel, she pulls in the suspense, betrayal, and other twists to keep you entertained! The story is fascinating and I couldn’t put it down, it is easy to read and i fell in love with the novel immediately! The plot is well written and flawless, your characters are full of life and bantor that are humorous (you always have to have some in a novel). This is one of those i would happily buy in paperback and put on my shelf of collectable novel/ authors to be read again! Another wonderful job and highly recommend it!!
April 3, 2015
FAST PACED PAGE TURNING ROMANCE
First I will start by saying Julie Johnstone has become one of my favored treasures of an author. I have yet to read anything of hers I did not like or did not immediately engage me. The Seductive Innocent is no different in this aspect. This is the second in a series, the first release being Once Upon A Rogue. The characters from the first book do make an appearance, so if you like you may read it first, but that is not mandatory to enjoy this title.
In 1820 London, Sophia Vane, something of a little hellion, makes an unexpected match and marries the Duke of Scarsdale, Nathaniel Ellison. They are friends, but that soon leads to a steamy passion between the two. But trouble in the form of betrayal entangles the heroine into the mess of jealousy and manipulation. Nathaniel, due to his past, doesn’t trust women and as a result his moods are totally unpredictable. Sophia is an independent, headstrong lady turns his world upside down.
This is a fast paced page turner filled emotionally with romance, sparks, passion, trust, and betrayal. The banter between the two totally pulls the reader into the story and makes them feel as if they are among the characters.
This one has found a permanent home on my keeper shelf. I highly recommend this thrilling title, My Seductive Innocent to anyone who loves reading romance.
First I will start by saying Julie Johnstone has become one of my favored treasures of an author. I have yet to read anything of hers I did not like or did not immediately engage me. The Seductive Innocent is no different in this aspect. This is the second in a series, the first release being Once Upon A Rogue. The characters from the first book do make an appearance, so if you like you may read it first, but that is not mandatory to enjoy this title.
In 1820 London, Sophia Vane, something of a little hellion, makes an unexpected match and marries the Duke of Scarsdale, Nathaniel Ellison. They are friends, but that soon leads to a steamy passion between the two. But trouble in the form of betrayal entangles the heroine into the mess of jealousy and manipulation. Nathaniel, due to his past, doesn’t trust women and as a result his moods are totally unpredictable. Sophia is an independent, headstrong lady turns his world upside down.
This is a fast paced page turner filled emotionally with romance, sparks, passion, trust, and betrayal. The banter between the two totally pulls the reader into the story and makes them feel as if they are among the characters.
This one has found a permanent home on my keeper shelf. I highly recommend this thrilling title, My Seductive Innocent to anyone who loves reading romance.
March 26, 2015
Wow! This book was amazing! The excitement begins at the beginning of Chapter two, and it makes it really hard to put the book down.
The Duke of Scarsdale, Nathanial Ellison, has no plans to marry for love. His past haunts him and he wants nothing more to live his life alone. However, a chance meeting with Sophia causes him to rethink his life plan. She and her younger half-brother, Harry, are in a very bad situation, and he cannot help but want to save her. She's unlike the women he usually meets in his social circle, and chooses to marry her to save her reputation.
But what happens after they get married? Of course, it's not a happily-ever-after right away. The excitement doesn't die down with their marriage. The book keeps you on your toes until the very end!
You can feel the passion between Nathan and Sophia early on, which isn't always the case with books like this. These two characters have a great banter and you can feel their sparks flying off the pages at you! I highly recommend this book. Although it's book two in her Once Upon A Rogue Series, don't let that stop you from picking this one up if you haven't read the first one. It can be read as a stand alone. (And then go back and check out the first book as well!)
The Duke of Scarsdale, Nathanial Ellison, has no plans to marry for love. His past haunts him and he wants nothing more to live his life alone. However, a chance meeting with Sophia causes him to rethink his life plan. She and her younger half-brother, Harry, are in a very bad situation, and he cannot help but want to save her. She's unlike the women he usually meets in his social circle, and chooses to marry her to save her reputation.
But what happens after they get married? Of course, it's not a happily-ever-after right away. The excitement doesn't die down with their marriage. The book keeps you on your toes until the very end!
You can feel the passion between Nathan and Sophia early on, which isn't always the case with books like this. These two characters have a great banter and you can feel their sparks flying off the pages at you! I highly recommend this book. Although it's book two in her Once Upon A Rogue Series, don't let that stop you from picking this one up if you haven't read the first one. It can be read as a stand alone. (And then go back and check out the first book as well!)
August 29, 2015
PREDICTABLE BUT OKAY!!
The story started out very good but fell off the cliff fast. Someone is trying to kill The Duke of Scarsdale. During one of theses attempts he was nursed by Sophie Vane a tavern waitress. Her drunkard father Frank owned the tavern. Frank insists that Sophie and Scarsdale marry, because she was alone with him unclothe. His Shirt was off. Yeah right!! No Duke would marry a waitress working at a tavern no matter if she did save his life. Anyway to protect Sophie and her brother Harry from further physical abuse by there father Frank they marry. I liked all the characters but the story gets weighed now with Scarsdale kidnapping an torture. This goes on to long Then his escape and what he perceives as the betrayal of his wife Sophie. I wanted to just say at this point OK already get on with the romance. All these different dark scenarios detract from what could have been a very good romance and love story, between Sophie and Nathan. If you like stories with mistress and plots aplenty then My Seductive Innocent is for you. But for me it just missed the mark
The story started out very good but fell off the cliff fast. Someone is trying to kill The Duke of Scarsdale. During one of theses attempts he was nursed by Sophie Vane a tavern waitress. Her drunkard father Frank owned the tavern. Frank insists that Sophie and Scarsdale marry, because she was alone with him unclothe. His Shirt was off. Yeah right!! No Duke would marry a waitress working at a tavern no matter if she did save his life. Anyway to protect Sophie and her brother Harry from further physical abuse by there father Frank they marry. I liked all the characters but the story gets weighed now with Scarsdale kidnapping an torture. This goes on to long Then his escape and what he perceives as the betrayal of his wife Sophie. I wanted to just say at this point OK already get on with the romance. All these different dark scenarios detract from what could have been a very good romance and love story, between Sophie and Nathan. If you like stories with mistress and plots aplenty then My Seductive Innocent is for you. But for me it just missed the mark
January 16, 2016
My Seductive Innocent by Julie Johnstone
Once Upon a Rogue Series Book Two
Nathaniel Ellison, Marquess of Deering, the Fifth Duke of Scarsdale considered himself a man with a black heart. He would never love a woman, use them for his pleasure, yes...but love them, no. It was the one lesson he learned well from his mother, never love or trust a woman.
Sophia Vane hated her life and was close to escaping it. She would take her little brother and escape the clutches of their cruel father. And then the handsome duke came into the Breeding Tavern and everything changed.
Two worlds collide in this story. The very rich and envied Duke of Scarsdale that every marriage minded mama wanted for her daughter and the poorest of poor. Not to mention someone seems to want the handsome duke dead as well. To enjoy the full story you may want to start with book one, My Fair Duchess.
**Sexual content
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Once Upon a Rogue Series Book Two
Nathaniel Ellison, Marquess of Deering, the Fifth Duke of Scarsdale considered himself a man with a black heart. He would never love a woman, use them for his pleasure, yes...but love them, no. It was the one lesson he learned well from his mother, never love or trust a woman.
Sophia Vane hated her life and was close to escaping it. She would take her little brother and escape the clutches of their cruel father. And then the handsome duke came into the Breeding Tavern and everything changed.
Two worlds collide in this story. The very rich and envied Duke of Scarsdale that every marriage minded mama wanted for her daughter and the poorest of poor. Not to mention someone seems to want the handsome duke dead as well. To enjoy the full story you may want to start with book one, My Fair Duchess.
**Sexual content
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
March 26, 2015
My Seductive Innocent is a sweet historical, the second book in the series. It can be read as a standalone without any problems. You will must miss out on a fantastic story and the back story between Nathan and his best friend the Duke of Aversly, which is mentioned in this one but doesn't give anything away.
This is a classic story of don't know what you have until it is too late. Nathan doesn't feel worthy of love so hardens himself to it, even when his new bride declares it daily. When tragedy strikes will love conquer all?
Super fast read for me. I flew through this book devouring it. Great characters and emotional pieces. I did guess "who done it" early but it didn't ruin the book for me. I enjoy this series immensely. I can not wait for the next one!
This is a classic story of don't know what you have until it is too late. Nathan doesn't feel worthy of love so hardens himself to it, even when his new bride declares it daily. When tragedy strikes will love conquer all?
Super fast read for me. I flew through this book devouring it. Great characters and emotional pieces. I did guess "who done it" early but it didn't ruin the book for me. I enjoy this series immensely. I can not wait for the next one!
July 19, 2015
Julie Johnstone brings the most wonderful characters to life in her books, in the adventures, and the passion she writes of. This story is full of all that and more. I couldn't describe it better than the little blurb on the back cover of this book. Miss Sophia Vane may have been born lowly, but she is certainly a natural as a Duchess and Nathan had no idea just how his life was about to change. I urge you to read this book for yourself, I recommend it, you won't be disappointed. I loved this story, as I have enjoyed all her books. Don't forget to read book #1, My Fair Duchess, the Duke & Duchess of Aversley's story. (Not necessary to read in order)
March 26, 2015
My Seductive Innocent is a story of rescue, betrayal and a friendship that turns into a wonderful love story. Nathaniel, Duke of Scarsdale, who is a rogue that doesn't want anything to do with love and Sophia, the daughter of a tavern owner, who wants to escape her life of drudgery. Sophia rescues Nathaniel from an attack and cares for him at the expense of her reputation. Nathaniel, being grateful, marries Sophia to rescue her. What starts as a friendship blooms into a passionate love but a betrayal nearly separates them forever. Love will always win in the end.
March 26, 2015
Wonderful Story! He is a duke with a battered soul; she is a tavern girl with a heart of gold. Together they embark on a journey of romance, mystery, suspense, betrayal, and passion. The reader will feel the despair, the heartbreak, the passion and the joy of Nathan and Sophia in this powerful love story. Full of intrigue and treachery, it will have you biting your nails wanting to know what will happen next. Once again, here's another Julie Johnstone book you wouldn't want to miss.
August 21, 2016
3.5 stars.
The writing in this one is competent but it's a bit repetitive (not as much as some, but still), the sex is not all that inspiring, it's a bit too long, and the worst fault: at least two glaring instances of implausibility (I won't elaborate due to spoilers). In researching her other books, this seems that it may be the norm for this author.
The saving grace: the second half was better than the first part of the novel.
The writing in this one is competent but it's a bit repetitive (not as much as some, but still), the sex is not all that inspiring, it's a bit too long, and the worst fault: at least two glaring instances of implausibility (I won't elaborate due to spoilers). In researching her other books, this seems that it may be the norm for this author.
The saving grace: the second half was better than the first part of the novel.
March 27, 2015
Where do I start? Julie Johnstone has done it again and it doesn't disappoint! How she can take a broken man and make him into a fabulous hero is purely astonishing. Its a rags to riches meets redemption story. I would suggest this book to all my friends and family. It is, truly, a well written book.
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