What do you think?
Rate this book
Cynfell Brothers #1
Sinful Confessions
Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. The Cynfell brothers are the very embodiment of a sinful existence. But could the right woman change that?
Wrath
Locked behind the walls of Lockwood Manor, Julian Cynfell, the Marquess of Lockwood whiles away his days writing angry letters, drinking and sleeping. He never expects his solitude to be interrupted by a brazen American heiress.
An American heiress who is expecting a wedding.
Viola Thompson can’t believe her luck when the English lord she has been corresponding with for the better part of a year asks her to visit him. This has to mean an offer of marriage surely? Finally, Viola will prove to her family and friends that she is more than a ruined woman with no prospects. Not to mention she knows they will be a love match. No one could write such beautiful letters without being the perfect man.
But when she arrives in cold, dreary England to be faced by a foul-tempered, grizzled—albeit in a handsome way—marquess, her dreams of marriage are quickly dashed. Can she draw the lord out of his melancholy ways? And does she even want to remain in England while rumours of three dead wives circulate around Lockwood?
One thing is for certain, this American heiress has never been one to back down from a challenge—especially when not even the Atlantic Ocean could dampen the patent desire running between them.
Wrath
Locked behind the walls of Lockwood Manor, Julian Cynfell, the Marquess of Lockwood whiles away his days writing angry letters, drinking and sleeping. He never expects his solitude to be interrupted by a brazen American heiress.
An American heiress who is expecting a wedding.
Viola Thompson can’t believe her luck when the English lord she has been corresponding with for the better part of a year asks her to visit him. This has to mean an offer of marriage surely? Finally, Viola will prove to her family and friends that she is more than a ruined woman with no prospects. Not to mention she knows they will be a love match. No one could write such beautiful letters without being the perfect man.
But when she arrives in cold, dreary England to be faced by a foul-tempered, grizzled—albeit in a handsome way—marquess, her dreams of marriage are quickly dashed. Can she draw the lord out of his melancholy ways? And does she even want to remain in England while rumours of three dead wives circulate around Lockwood?
One thing is for certain, this American heiress has never been one to back down from a challenge—especially when not even the Atlantic Ocean could dampen the patent desire running between them.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2015
348 people are currently reading
634 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Holt
304 books701 followersSamantha Holt resides in Warwickshire, England, with her twin girls, having followed her soldier husband around the UK for nearly 10 years. Growing up in Hampshire, she was inspired by the authors Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, both of whom lived and wrote only miles from her home town.
Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.
Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
July 19, 2015
I've been sneaking away to read this one all day. I love a good bodice ripper and this just filled the spot.
He's a grumpy Marquess plus a widower three times over, she's a plucky American heiress. Following a long exchange of letters, she comes to stay with him at his country pile, mistakenly thinking they have an arrangement. Awkward.
Her no-nonsense attitude really perked this story up and made the most of their cultural and social differences. And the tension those differences created led to plenty of simmering glances and forbidden trysts in the library, out in the garden and just all over his ancestral pile.
A relatively short but very satisfying historical romantic read with plenty of warmth and good smut. Recommended.
He's a grumpy Marquess plus a widower three times over, she's a plucky American heiress. Following a long exchange of letters, she comes to stay with him at his country pile, mistakenly thinking they have an arrangement. Awkward.
Her no-nonsense attitude really perked this story up and made the most of their cultural and social differences. And the tension those differences created led to plenty of simmering glances and forbidden trysts in the library, out in the garden and just all over his ancestral pile.
A relatively short but very satisfying historical romantic read with plenty of warmth and good smut. Recommended.
February 3, 2021
I do love Samantha Holt as an author but for this novella it was a bit boring and slow for my liking. Although the plot was okay and I did enjoy the H/H, I could not rate it any higher.
July 12, 2015
Reviews for this book and Sinful Deeds since it doesn't seem fair to read a 100 page book for my challange score and actually call it a "book."
Sinful Confessions
So, I had an Aunt Viola and I absolutely hated that name. I have no idea why, I just did, so it was very difficult to read a book with the heroine having that name. AND to make it worse her name, in this 101 page book, was used 184 times. Holy crap, that’s ridiculous.
I loved Julian and what’s-her-name and I hated his mother.
I also liked the letter he wrote to her at the end of the story.
One reviewer said the “heat” was mild but I have to say that I don’t think so. They had pages of explicit sex twice, including oral, so I think it was a little more than “mild.” It’s certainly not erotic but it’s explicit. Just how I like it.
Sinful Deeds
Dante was a bit immature in his thinking, especially in thinking all he had to do was get a job and Jo-Jo would come back to him, that THAT would show her! Umm! Not! And, Jo-Jo put up with a lot with his drunken ways for four long years. He had it made. Why would he want to give that up? I couldn’t blame her for calling an end to their affair. She deserved better.
This was a really good short story by SH. I’ve read a few of her books this past month and I’ve enjoyed every one of them.
This only had one sex scene but it had a lot of sexual tension and that’s just as good as far as I’m concerned. No one writes sexual tension like Ms. Holt. She could give lessons.
Sinful Confessions
So, I had an Aunt Viola and I absolutely hated that name. I have no idea why, I just did, so it was very difficult to read a book with the heroine having that name. AND to make it worse her name, in this 101 page book, was used 184 times. Holy crap, that’s ridiculous.
I loved Julian and what’s-her-name and I hated his mother.
I also liked the letter he wrote to her at the end of the story.
One reviewer said the “heat” was mild but I have to say that I don’t think so. They had pages of explicit sex twice, including oral, so I think it was a little more than “mild.” It’s certainly not erotic but it’s explicit. Just how I like it.
Sinful Deeds
Dante was a bit immature in his thinking, especially in thinking all he had to do was get a job and Jo-Jo would come back to him, that THAT would show her! Umm! Not! And, Jo-Jo put up with a lot with his drunken ways for four long years. He had it made. Why would he want to give that up? I couldn’t blame her for calling an end to their affair. She deserved better.
This was a really good short story by SH. I’ve read a few of her books this past month and I’ve enjoyed every one of them.
This only had one sex scene but it had a lot of sexual tension and that’s just as good as far as I’m concerned. No one writes sexual tension like Ms. Holt. She could give lessons.
July 7, 2015
Very sweet and charming read. Viola and Julian were good characters, both likeable and their chemistry was believable. The pacing of the story was steady and I was captivated by the author 's writing from the first page. I am eager to read more from this author.
September 30, 2016
Reading this little novella was a chore! I can't for the life of me comprehend some of the rave reviews here. Unless, of course, said reviews were solicited somehow. Boggles the mind.
To begin with, the premise of the story is all wrong. The so called misunderstanding notwithstanding, how on earth does one explain away a woman of no consequence proposing marriage to a Marquess?!! And getting away with it as if it was the order of things?! Secondly, even American females of the time did not travel alone and put themselves up in a gentleman's house ALONE. No 'gentleman', let alone a peer, would have consented to such an arrangement. A genteel woman of good birth, whether English or American, would have been chaperoned. A father or a brother would have travelled with her. If she'd arrived on a gentleman's doorstep unchaperoned, then she would have had to be provided with one by her host. And a lady's maid would not have been enough! No, she would have needed some older female relative of her host's to stay in the house for the duration.
All of this not to mention that our little 'heroine' Viola was nothing but a tart! She actually made all the sexual advances, encouraged them, but had the gall to feel affronted when Julian offered her carte blanche (i.e. invited her to become his mistress).
Falling in love in six-months of letter-writing?? PUU-LEASE!! Just how many letters do you think were sent to and fro from New York to England during that time? Without even knowing what each looked like too, if you please! Then there is more 'falling in loving' going on upon arrival. All this lovey-dovey in a matter of days might have been believable if it were just the young, impressionable heroine doing it, although in this case, even this is debatable. I actually think she was stark raving mad to jump to that conclusion, as it were. But to have us believe that a mature man of the Marquess of Lockwood's social standing, would act like an immature stripling, throw all his principles and social background to the dogs, and jump into the marriage bandwagon in a matter of days, is just dumb and not at all peer-like. Ergo, hardly believable.
The whole had me rolling my eyes from start to finish. I had trouble even LIKING Viola, to be frank. Her prejudice against English women and English culture was just downright odious. She constantly carped and made comparisons between English and American girls, as thought the former were insipid creatures incapable of passion, while the latter were passion personified, and supposedly better women for it!
Never mind other pertinent details that slipped the author's notice and never got explained to the reader. Like for instance, how on earth does a young wealthy girl travel transatlantic with only a little carpetbag. Where was the trunk? And where did all those gowns come from?? WTF. Ah, well, there were just too many of these silly details which I detested about the novel.
The bottom line ... I really don't think an author can truly build up and develop her characters with any depth in just a 100 or so pages. The novella is way too short on both words and substance. First time I've read this author Samantha Holt, and I won't be reading anymore of hers.
To begin with, the premise of the story is all wrong. The so called misunderstanding notwithstanding, how on earth does one explain away a woman of no consequence proposing marriage to a Marquess?!! And getting away with it as if it was the order of things?! Secondly, even American females of the time did not travel alone and put themselves up in a gentleman's house ALONE. No 'gentleman', let alone a peer, would have consented to such an arrangement. A genteel woman of good birth, whether English or American, would have been chaperoned. A father or a brother would have travelled with her. If she'd arrived on a gentleman's doorstep unchaperoned, then she would have had to be provided with one by her host. And a lady's maid would not have been enough! No, she would have needed some older female relative of her host's to stay in the house for the duration.
All of this not to mention that our little 'heroine' Viola was nothing but a tart! She actually made all the sexual advances, encouraged them, but had the gall to feel affronted when Julian offered her carte blanche (i.e. invited her to become his mistress).
Falling in love in six-months of letter-writing?? PUU-LEASE!! Just how many letters do you think were sent to and fro from New York to England during that time? Without even knowing what each looked like too, if you please! Then there is more 'falling in loving' going on upon arrival. All this lovey-dovey in a matter of days might have been believable if it were just the young, impressionable heroine doing it, although in this case, even this is debatable. I actually think she was stark raving mad to jump to that conclusion, as it were. But to have us believe that a mature man of the Marquess of Lockwood's social standing, would act like an immature stripling, throw all his principles and social background to the dogs, and jump into the marriage bandwagon in a matter of days, is just dumb and not at all peer-like. Ergo, hardly believable.
The whole had me rolling my eyes from start to finish. I had trouble even LIKING Viola, to be frank. Her prejudice against English women and English culture was just downright odious. She constantly carped and made comparisons between English and American girls, as thought the former were insipid creatures incapable of passion, while the latter were passion personified, and supposedly better women for it!
Never mind other pertinent details that slipped the author's notice and never got explained to the reader. Like for instance, how on earth does a young wealthy girl travel transatlantic with only a little carpetbag. Where was the trunk? And where did all those gowns come from?? WTF. Ah, well, there were just too many of these silly details which I detested about the novel.
The bottom line ... I really don't think an author can truly build up and develop her characters with any depth in just a 100 or so pages. The novella is way too short on both words and substance. First time I've read this author Samantha Holt, and I won't be reading anymore of hers.
January 30, 2016
Viola Thompson’s cat ate a letter to her father. In desperation she wrote back to ask the writer to send it again. He, Julian Cynfell, the Marquess of Lockwood, also has a troublesome cat. They start to correspond. He thinks it is a business arrangement. She does not.
So when she misinterprets one of his letters, she arrives on his doorstep thinking he wants to marry her. Not only is she saturated, she’s alone and unescorted by even a ladies’ maid but he is unable to throw her out.
***
This was an odd one. First off: I think the series idea is that each Cynful brother will embody one of the seven deadly sins. Okay… gosh… no one has ever thought of that idea before. The real problem is that this guy is supposed to be wrath. Now my dictionary definition of wrath is extreme anger or divine chastisement. After reading the book I fail to see how he embodies this. You might be able to argue that the three dead wives fit divine chastisement but he’s the victim, not the wrathful punisher.
Okay… now I’m just confusing myself.
An epistolary seduction campaign from England to America in Late Victorian 1895 would have taken freaking YEARS. This isn’t email.
[I asked my asperger’s son and he said if they used Cunard liners maybe more than three weeks door to door… hmmm… I suppose that might work. Then he launched into a lecture on the Royal Mail ships… I did ask.]
There was just too much flip flopping on the emotion side. I know she is American, but I understood that well to do American ladies didn’t behave like this either. Wearing trousers?
I get stuck on the oddest things sometimes. She walks in the rain to his door at the start of the book. Where is her luggage? She said the carriage dumped her at the end of the lane. She can’t have carried her bags. And she must have an enormous set of trunks and actual magic skills to pull off the outfits she is described as having, the intricate hair etc without a maid. Most of those dresses you literally cannot get into alone.
It just doesn’t inspire me to read the rest of the series.
2 let me ruin you some more stars
So when she misinterprets one of his letters, she arrives on his doorstep thinking he wants to marry her. Not only is she saturated, she’s alone and unescorted by even a ladies’ maid but he is unable to throw her out.
***
This was an odd one. First off: I think the series idea is that each Cynful brother will embody one of the seven deadly sins. Okay… gosh… no one has ever thought of that idea before. The real problem is that this guy is supposed to be wrath. Now my dictionary definition of wrath is extreme anger or divine chastisement. After reading the book I fail to see how he embodies this. You might be able to argue that the three dead wives fit divine chastisement but he’s the victim, not the wrathful punisher.
Okay… now I’m just confusing myself.
An epistolary seduction campaign from England to America in Late Victorian 1895 would have taken freaking YEARS. This isn’t email.
[I asked my asperger’s son and he said if they used Cunard liners maybe more than three weeks door to door… hmmm… I suppose that might work. Then he launched into a lecture on the Royal Mail ships… I did ask.]
There was just too much flip flopping on the emotion side. I know she is American, but I understood that well to do American ladies didn’t behave like this either. Wearing trousers?
I get stuck on the oddest things sometimes. She walks in the rain to his door at the start of the book. Where is her luggage? She said the carriage dumped her at the end of the lane. She can’t have carried her bags. And she must have an enormous set of trunks and actual magic skills to pull off the outfits she is described as having, the intricate hair etc without a maid. Most of those dresses you literally cannot get into alone.
It just doesn’t inspire me to read the rest of the series.
2 let me ruin you some more stars
April 18, 2015
I see this read is still a freebie and if you've never read Samantha Holt let this be your first book. You have nothing to lose but your heart. Julian Cynfell, Marquess of Lockwood, has been married three times and all three wives have died. It is rumored that he is the cause and so he avoids going into public. It is through letters to a woman in New York (a business associate's daughter) that he forms a relationship. What he does not see coming is her sudden appearance on his doorstep not only shocks him but his disheveled appearance is sure to make her flee.
Viola Thompson comes under the impression she was invited and is soon to receive a marriage purposal. She leaves behind her in America a sick father, disappointed brothers and a hopeless past. She has had her share of disappointment but after the wonderful words that spilled out in every letter written by Julian her future looks bright. The whole story is endearing from start to finish. Julian is not written as some horny rogue but as a gentleman and I for one thought it a breath of fresh air. I do not mean to say that there are not love scenes or that Julian kept his clothes on during. He turned up the heat but does not do it with charming words or seductive moves.
In fact while Julian is talented with a pen and paper he struggles expressing the same silky charm with his mouth. That to me was charming. He is not practiced or frivolous but a man who has real flaws and I enjoyed the two discover what they could build together. The book is short but SH once again delivers a convincing romance between two that are both staring down a dark future apart. Enjoy!!
Viola Thompson comes under the impression she was invited and is soon to receive a marriage purposal. She leaves behind her in America a sick father, disappointed brothers and a hopeless past. She has had her share of disappointment but after the wonderful words that spilled out in every letter written by Julian her future looks bright. The whole story is endearing from start to finish. Julian is not written as some horny rogue but as a gentleman and I for one thought it a breath of fresh air. I do not mean to say that there are not love scenes or that Julian kept his clothes on during. He turned up the heat but does not do it with charming words or seductive moves.
In fact while Julian is talented with a pen and paper he struggles expressing the same silky charm with his mouth. That to me was charming. He is not practiced or frivolous but a man who has real flaws and I enjoyed the two discover what they could build together. The book is short but SH once again delivers a convincing romance between two that are both staring down a dark future apart. Enjoy!!
August 9, 2017
It seemed like the book was so short, it didn't allow time to put the characters through trials to have them grow. It seemed like life was easy for them. Too easy.
September 22, 2015
Review originally posted on Reading Romances.
Seven brothers and seven sins. This is the first book in the series about the “Cynfell Brothers”. This is Wrath; Julian is a charm when writing letters but struggles expressing the same out loud. Some say he has the “touch of death”. Viola, our heroine, has read more into Julian’s correspondence then intended. Confused and out of her habitat, her personality is the reason the plot convinces the reader.
“Her outspoken manner and vivacious ways never failed to draw a smile from him. She understood how to enjoy life—something he hadn’t been able to do in a long time.”
I really enjoyed the epilogue, where we get a taste of the hero’s writing. Their first scene together is my favorite, it’s as awkward as it’s funny. On the other hand, I did’t find that warth a huge part in this story. The title makes you expect a sinister vibe, or a more sexual feel to it. The book is short so eventually I missed more character development.
It is a stand alone so it doesn’t end with a cliffhanger and events in the end felt a little rushed to my taste. I read it in one setting and had a great time with their story!
Copy provided by the author in exchange of a honest review.
Seven brothers and seven sins. This is the first book in the series about the “Cynfell Brothers”. This is Wrath; Julian is a charm when writing letters but struggles expressing the same out loud. Some say he has the “touch of death”. Viola, our heroine, has read more into Julian’s correspondence then intended. Confused and out of her habitat, her personality is the reason the plot convinces the reader.
“Her outspoken manner and vivacious ways never failed to draw a smile from him. She understood how to enjoy life—something he hadn’t been able to do in a long time.”
I really enjoyed the epilogue, where we get a taste of the hero’s writing. Their first scene together is my favorite, it’s as awkward as it’s funny. On the other hand, I did’t find that warth a huge part in this story. The title makes you expect a sinister vibe, or a more sexual feel to it. The book is short so eventually I missed more character development.
It is a stand alone so it doesn’t end with a cliffhanger and events in the end felt a little rushed to my taste. I read it in one setting and had a great time with their story!
Copy provided by the author in exchange of a honest review.
February 25, 2016
A romance can be predictable -in fact, it usually is- but still be exciting in some way. This one just felt... generic to me. It promised something new at the beginning, but in the end it was the same old boring storyline as most. I'm growing tired of plots where the hero has some silly reason for not marrying the heroine, and the story just revolves around that. Where's the real drama, the anguish, the angst? Where's the tension in the story?
November 17, 2017
3.5 stars!
This was a cute historical romance. I liked Viola and Julian and they both felt believable. I liked that Viola was American and different from the normal English lady. I plan to continue on with the series and can't wait to meet the other brothers!
This was a cute historical romance. I liked Viola and Julian and they both felt believable. I liked that Viola was American and different from the normal English lady. I plan to continue on with the series and can't wait to meet the other brothers!
August 16, 2018
3.5/5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2.
I can’t give this kind of books more then four stars because of their length.
But, about this novella, it was really nice, albeit short. I liked the characters and I enjoyed the plot.
Nothing too articulated but very entertaining.
I’ll read the next books for sure.
I can’t give this kind of books more then four stars because of their length.
But, about this novella, it was really nice, albeit short. I liked the characters and I enjoyed the plot.
Nothing too articulated but very entertaining.
I’ll read the next books for sure.
July 11, 2017
😍👍🏻good read
Good quick read with a lot of depth to the characters. Can't wait to read the rest of the series
Good quick read with a lot of depth to the characters. Can't wait to read the rest of the series
April 4, 2019
3.5 stars
January 18, 2025
*** Slight spoilers***
Victorian novella. I read book #7 of the series,
& then this one. This had 1 sex scene. And had
an epilogue 18 years on. 3 stars.
Julian, a marquess, was gruff, grumpy and had
an unpleasant temper. He + his 6 bros were in
shipping. He + Viola from NYC exchanged
correspondence x 6 months (long story).
Viola showed up, sopping wet, at Julian's English
country home. By mistake, she thought he was
soon to 'pop the question' to her. Julian the writer
had a huge heart + a sense of humor, this Julian
came across as a taciturn brooder. She was a smart,
bold, vivacious American. We later learned that she
had sex with her fiancé & he dropped her for another.
Just when Julian softened his attitude, he hardened
again. Gossips spoke of his "touch of death." He was
widowed 3 x! He had no responsivity for these deaths.
Julian was hot/ cold with Viola. He loved her auburn
hair and nice curves. He made an inappropriate
proposition to her, which seemed to reinforce her idea
that she was a not-good-enough potential wife.
October 12, 2016
Yay
I love historical romances. This was a lovely story. And for once....well just like with beauty and the beast the girl rescued the guy. Great ending especially with the letter.
I love historical romances. This was a lovely story. And for once....well just like with beauty and the beast the girl rescued the guy. Great ending especially with the letter.
August 15, 2018
The year is 1895. Viola is a brassy, strong-willed American and travels to England all by herself in order to meet the nobleman she’s been corresponding with via mail for the past six months. She’s fallen half in love with the charming marquis and plans to accept his marriage proposal. The man she officially meets, however, is nothing like the man in the letter. And she soon learns he didn’t propose to her.
Julian, Marquis of Lockwood, is a grumpy, temperamental recluse after the deaths of his three wives. The gossipy townsfolk believe he’s cursed, and he thinks this as well. He never expected the woman he’s been sending letters to would come to England, and though he knows he should send her away for both her safety from him and to protect her reputation, he just can’t do it. Like Viola, he’s fallen for her, too, but does not intend to honor his heart.
This is a beautiful love story. Julian’s fear of himself and his shame of losing each woman he had promised to take care of will clench your heart in a vise. He’s such a hurt, stubborn man, and he needed a strong woman to help him break from his shell. Viola has her own problems and past shames, but Julian didn’t mind. They both needed each other and found a love match.
Though this is a novella that focused just on the H/h, I really wish I could’ve met one or more of Julian’s younger brothers. I definitely didn’t like his haughty mother and wished I could’ve seen Julian put her in her place, instead of just being told he did so. The servants in the household were kind, decent and loyal, and I really liked their interactions with both Viola and Julian.
Written in British English, all POV shifts had proper scene/chapter breaks, and I don’t think I noticed any typos. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and would love to read more stories in the Cynfell Brothers series.
4 Stars
Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
Julian, Marquis of Lockwood, is a grumpy, temperamental recluse after the deaths of his three wives. The gossipy townsfolk believe he’s cursed, and he thinks this as well. He never expected the woman he’s been sending letters to would come to England, and though he knows he should send her away for both her safety from him and to protect her reputation, he just can’t do it. Like Viola, he’s fallen for her, too, but does not intend to honor his heart.
This is a beautiful love story. Julian’s fear of himself and his shame of losing each woman he had promised to take care of will clench your heart in a vise. He’s such a hurt, stubborn man, and he needed a strong woman to help him break from his shell. Viola has her own problems and past shames, but Julian didn’t mind. They both needed each other and found a love match.
Though this is a novella that focused just on the H/h, I really wish I could’ve met one or more of Julian’s younger brothers. I definitely didn’t like his haughty mother and wished I could’ve seen Julian put her in her place, instead of just being told he did so. The servants in the household were kind, decent and loyal, and I really liked their interactions with both Viola and Julian.
Written in British English, all POV shifts had proper scene/chapter breaks, and I don’t think I noticed any typos. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and would love to read more stories in the Cynfell Brothers series.
4 Stars
Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
December 13, 2017
Very quick read with some sexual situations near the end. I had some ambivalence with this one.
First the good:
I liked the tension between them and thought the author did a good job of conveying Julian’s turmoil. Initially the question of how she could misunderstand him intrigued me and then his obvious attraction to her but vain attempts not to fall for her. I didn’t have an issue with them falling in love through their letters and more so in person.
Not so good:
Someone suggested he is supposed to embody Wrath, yeah I didn’t see that but honestly didn’t care while reading. There were inconsistencies that were hard to overlook - I’m knowing it’s a scandal for her to stay and not wanting to ruin her, but not enough to make her stay unscandalous. Biggest problem I had was when she admits her “secret” and he acts not much better than her fiancé. That kind of made Julian not as attractive as he had been but the author tried to quickly redeem him.
Another thing I just don’t care for is the “devices” the author uses in the books I’ve read so far. In How to Marry a Rake in Ten Days she included Miss Manners columns. In the epilogue here she includes a letter from Julian. I would have preferred more letters from Julian in the story itself, which would have made readers understand why Viola fell so quickly for him.
Overall I still enjoyed the story and the writing was good enough that I could overlook little things. I will try another in the series.
First the good:
I liked the tension between them and thought the author did a good job of conveying Julian’s turmoil. Initially the question of how she could misunderstand him intrigued me and then his obvious attraction to her but vain attempts not to fall for her. I didn’t have an issue with them falling in love through their letters and more so in person.
Not so good:
Someone suggested he is supposed to embody Wrath, yeah I didn’t see that but honestly didn’t care while reading. There were inconsistencies that were hard to overlook - I’m knowing it’s a scandal for her to stay and not wanting to ruin her, but not enough to make her stay unscandalous. Biggest problem I had was when she admits her “secret” and he acts not much better than her fiancé. That kind of made Julian not as attractive as he had been but the author tried to quickly redeem him.
Another thing I just don’t care for is the “devices” the author uses in the books I’ve read so far. In How to Marry a Rake in Ten Days she included Miss Manners columns. In the epilogue here she includes a letter from Julian. I would have preferred more letters from Julian in the story itself, which would have made readers understand why Viola fell so quickly for him.
Overall I still enjoyed the story and the writing was good enough that I could overlook little things. I will try another in the series.
June 28, 2024
Love is stronger than fear….
This was a sweet, steamy novella about Julian and Viola, the American heiress that traveled all the way to England alone to meet the Marquess that she had been exchanging letters with for months. He felt he was cursed and would be alone, but she showed him another life with happiness and love.
The two main characters within this novella were both lovable in their own ways. Even Julian’s grumpy demeanor was endearing, and Viola’s free spirit and outspokenness was refreshing. The beginning of the book did seem a little wordy with the in depth descriptions of the house and scenery, but it got better once Viola arrived on the scene. I am glad they got their HEA and that love beat out fear in the end.
This was a sweet, steamy novella about Julian and Viola, the American heiress that traveled all the way to England alone to meet the Marquess that she had been exchanging letters with for months. He felt he was cursed and would be alone, but she showed him another life with happiness and love.
The two main characters within this novella were both lovable in their own ways. Even Julian’s grumpy demeanor was endearing, and Viola’s free spirit and outspokenness was refreshing. The beginning of the book did seem a little wordy with the in depth descriptions of the house and scenery, but it got better once Viola arrived on the scene. I am glad they got their HEA and that love beat out fear in the end.
May 7, 2017
This book may be a free download (at least when I downloaded it), but it is a world better than some free offers trying to lure readers in. The story captivated me from page 1 and transported me into the past. I loved Viola's spunky character. She doesn't mince words, she doesn't let her past or circumstances tear her down, and she's intelligent and determined. Just the right person to draw Julian out of his wrathful shell. As for Julian, he wiggles his way into my heart too. The sparks flying between these two were amazing, as were the sensual scenes and the little shocking twists.
I'm definitely going to check out the other 5 books in the series!
I'm definitely going to check out the other 5 books in the series!
February 18, 2023
Viola and Julian
Viola has come to England because of all the letters she has been exchanging with Julian for the past six months. Her father was unable to deal with his correspondence due to illness, so he asked Viola to do so. When Julian sent his first letter, it was one of complaint, but then they started getting to know one another. Then he wrote she should come to England as his guest. She takes it to mean a marriage may be on offer. However, Julian has not told her all in his letters, just as she has not told him everything. What secrets are they hiding? Will they be able to overcome them? There is only one way to find out. Read this great story by Samantha Holt.
Viola has come to England because of all the letters she has been exchanging with Julian for the past six months. Her father was unable to deal with his correspondence due to illness, so he asked Viola to do so. When Julian sent his first letter, it was one of complaint, but then they started getting to know one another. Then he wrote she should come to England as his guest. She takes it to mean a marriage may be on offer. However, Julian has not told her all in his letters, just as she has not told him everything. What secrets are they hiding? Will they be able to overcome them? There is only one way to find out. Read this great story by Samantha Holt.
July 9, 2017
This was a fun, quick read. Love it when I can like both the H and h from the get go and I liked these two. He was a marquis worn down by being widowed three times. Even he believed himself cursed. She was a delightful American miss with her own issues, and traveled to England with expectations of marriage. They are both drawn to each other, but he resists for fear of her dying. Both are broken hearted, but fate has different ideas. This is such a great read for a beach day out plane trip!
January 25, 2022
Samantha Holt's stories are always interesting with flawed characters who manage to grow and yet retain their personalities which captivates you from the beginning until the very end. Sinful Confessions is a enjoyable novella that brims with tension building uncertainties, sizzling passion, heartfelt dialogue and with one fantastic plot that brings this read together perfectly! I can't wait to read the next in The Confell Brothers series, Sinful Deeds.
August 8, 2023
Letters result
Great series opener, wrath may be Julian's sin but brazen American Viola brings out others. Revealing letters, misinterpretation., surprise arrival, and instant attraction combine to make this a non-stop read. Although their relationship isn't what either initially expected, it can't be ignored. Nice twist Julian finds himself better able to express himself in writing than verbally.
Great series opener, wrath may be Julian's sin but brazen American Viola brings out others. Revealing letters, misinterpretation., surprise arrival, and instant attraction combine to make this a non-stop read. Although their relationship isn't what either initially expected, it can't be ignored. Nice twist Julian finds himself better able to express himself in writing than verbally.
August 25, 2023
I really liked this one!
After corresponding with each other for quite a while, Viola (a sassy American woman) travels to Julian in England. Turns out the man in real life isn’t the man that wrote such beautiful letters. He’s grumpy and feels guilty about the deaths of his previous three wives. But Viola has her own past in which she got hurt. Will they benefit from each other’s company, or is Viola’s journey a waste of time?
I loved the ending.
After corresponding with each other for quite a while, Viola (a sassy American woman) travels to Julian in England. Turns out the man in real life isn’t the man that wrote such beautiful letters. He’s grumpy and feels guilty about the deaths of his previous three wives. But Viola has her own past in which she got hurt. Will they benefit from each other’s company, or is Viola’s journey a waste of time?
I loved the ending.
March 9, 2017
Samantha Holt knows how to write Victorian romance!!!! Love this series. On to the next brother. :)
July 9, 2017
Kindle e-book
dnf
July 30, 2017DNF 24%
Safety - Hero had three dead wives. Don't know what happened I lost interest before I found out.
Safety - Hero had three dead wives. Don't know what happened I lost interest before I found out.
November 7, 2017
Enjoyable
Although this was a quick read, I found it quite enjoyable. The characters were witty and you could feel the chemistry between the two.
Although this was a quick read, I found it quite enjoyable. The characters were witty and you could feel the chemistry between the two.
January 9, 2018
A decent historical
It was a good romp. The heroine was very believable. I like that it was a mixed match of England and USA.
It was a good romp. The heroine was very believable. I like that it was a mixed match of England and USA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews