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To Save a Sinner
He expected to be the topic of scandalous gossip.
He did not expect an intriguing young lady to barge into his home with the intention of saving his wicked soul.
Banished to Boston for causing the death of Lord Banbury, Lucas Dempsey vowed never to set foot on English soil again. But when his brother inherits the viscountcy and pleads for his return, the opportunity to show his contempt and loathing for the Society who turned its back on him proves to be far too enticing to resist.
When the dishonourable Lucas Dempsey steps into the ballroom after a four-year absence, Helena Ecclestone is quick to label the gentleman a murderous rogue. That is until she stumbles upon a secret conversation and feels a moral obligation to see justice done. But while the ladies swoon over his handsome countenance, Helena is determined to look beyond such superficial features, intrigued to find the true character of the gentleman he hides beneath his arrogant façade.
He did not expect an intriguing young lady to barge into his home with the intention of saving his wicked soul.
Banished to Boston for causing the death of Lord Banbury, Lucas Dempsey vowed never to set foot on English soil again. But when his brother inherits the viscountcy and pleads for his return, the opportunity to show his contempt and loathing for the Society who turned its back on him proves to be far too enticing to resist.
When the dishonourable Lucas Dempsey steps into the ballroom after a four-year absence, Helena Ecclestone is quick to label the gentleman a murderous rogue. That is until she stumbles upon a secret conversation and feels a moral obligation to see justice done. But while the ladies swoon over his handsome countenance, Helena is determined to look beyond such superficial features, intrigued to find the true character of the gentleman he hides beneath his arrogant façade.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2015
2015 people are currently reading
1801 people want to read
About the author
Adele Clee
56 books532 followersAdele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her scarred heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.
Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee
Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html
Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee
Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
February 15, 2022
Feeling an overwhelming desire to intimidate, a desperate need to unsettle her steely composure, he stepped into the moonlight and bestowed his most dazzling, most self-assured smile. Nothing. No gasp, no languid sigh, no fluttering of the lashes, not even the unwitting wetting of the lips. --Mr. Lucas Dempsey
5+ stars!
I've been on a Kindle freebie downloading binge this month, and so far I've discovered some absolutely wonderful books and authors for free! This amazing novel is one of them. It encompasses what is probably my favorite HR trope: a jaded Scoundrel (often an outcast or former member of the ton) has a chance meeting with an innocent, often overlooked but strong-willed Lady who ends up being someone he needs to help him accomplish something (clear his name, solve a murder/crime, etc). Sparks fly, heads butt, and witty banter ensues as our MCs work together, while Society tries to force them apart.
And oh how I LOVED this book.
Lucas Dempsey was banished to America by his Father four years ago after it is believed he killed a man with a single punch. At the beginning of the story, Lucas' Father has died, his older brother Anthony has inherited the title of Viscount and begged Lucas to return home. Lucas reluctantly agrees, if only to succeed in making members of the ton who condemned him four years ago uncomfortable with his presence now. He is used to being seen only for his pretty face or his past mistakes and has learned to trust no one, as even his family abandoned him in his hour of need.
It's at his first ball that he runs into Helena Ecclestone, who believes that Lucas has seduced her sister. They are almost happened upon by Lucas' former mistress, and after he lures her away (with Helena still listening on, eek!) Helena overhears a private conversation between two gentlemen admitting that they are the ones who killed Lord Banbury four years ago, and now plan on getting rid of Lucas to tie up loose ends. Helena then vows to help Lucas uncover the identity of these two men and clear his name, as she values honesty in character above all else, although Lucas is skeptical as to why she wants to help him at all. Danger, mystery, and lust follows as these two work to uncover the truth.
Overall, this book was just so lovely. The MCs were such strong and well-written characters and absolutely made this novel even more enjoyable for me. I loved the danger and murder mystery aspect, as it kept the plot moving while providing something for Lucas and Helena to work towards. And guess what people!? There was NO MISUNDERSTANDING--when Lucas' former mistress tries to trap Helena into believing that they are still having relations, Helena stops to consider all the facts in front of her (including Lucas' disgusted reaction) and decides to CONTINUE TRUSTING HIM and not believe what some woman is telling her. She has faith in what they have and doesn't automatically assume the worst!!! And I loved her all the more for it. There was some great lines in here that made me laugh out loud and smile and made my heart hurt when Lucas continued to distrust and second-guess Helena's motives. Definitely give this one a read--it's so worth it!
My Lucas Dempsey, cornflower blue eyes, gorgeous hair, and arrogant smile..
April 21, 2020
Me sorprendió, no creí que me fuera a gustar.
Me gustaron mucho los personajes sobre todo ella era, muy sincera y sin filtro a pesar de que todo mundo la tenía catalogada como tímida.
Si es un poco cliché la chica florero poco agraciada que enamora al sinvergüenza, guapo e indecente de todo Londres pero esos son los que yo disfruto en romance histórico.
Tiene un tinte de misterio porque Lucas es acusado de asesinato 4 años antes y exiliado a Boston pero ahora a su regreso se entera que puede que él no haya matado por accidente en un duelo.
Si creo que le faltó en esa parte fue muy fácil y también le faltó un poco de drama al final pero creo que los personajes y su química lo compensan.
Me gustaron mucho los personajes sobre todo ella era, muy sincera y sin filtro a pesar de que todo mundo la tenía catalogada como tímida.
Si es un poco cliché la chica florero poco agraciada que enamora al sinvergüenza, guapo e indecente de todo Londres pero esos son los que yo disfruto en romance histórico.
Tiene un tinte de misterio porque Lucas es acusado de asesinato 4 años antes y exiliado a Boston pero ahora a su regreso se entera que puede que él no haya matado por accidente en un duelo.
Si creo que le faltó en esa parte fue muy fácil y también le faltó un poco de drama al final pero creo que los personajes y su química lo compensan.
June 28, 2019
A brooding hero (who reminded me so much of Ross Poldark it wasn't funny) accused of a crime and a young woman who can't fight her attraction journey to find the truth.
July 5, 2015
To Save a Sinner was a good book. Both the heroine and the hero were strong characters. Lucas was sent away to Boston due to being accused of murdering another man with one punch during a fight. He is called back home to England by his brother and meets the heroine at a ball when she goes into the garden to find her sister. Though her sister is considered the beauty and never lets the heroine forget it, they seem to have a decent relationship. The heroine is not considered ugly, just not as pretty as the sister.
Since the heroine values honesty and is extremely forthright, the plot is not based on misunderstandings (which is a pleasant change in historical romances) She says exactly what she thinks and feels.
The hero/ heroine come together early in the book and spend the rest of the story trying to prove Lucas's innocence. This is a good book and I liked the premise and the honesty each show each other.
If the characters were slightly more developed and there was more "meat" in the story, I would have rated it 4 stars. From the ending of this book, you can tell it is going to be part of a series.
There were some sex scenes,though they weren't over the top, probably a PG-13
I got this free from Amazon prime and would have felt ok if I paid a few dollars for it.
Since the heroine values honesty and is extremely forthright, the plot is not based on misunderstandings (which is a pleasant change in historical romances) She says exactly what she thinks and feels.
The hero/ heroine come together early in the book and spend the rest of the story trying to prove Lucas's innocence. This is a good book and I liked the premise and the honesty each show each other.
If the characters were slightly more developed and there was more "meat" in the story, I would have rated it 4 stars. From the ending of this book, you can tell it is going to be part of a series.
There were some sex scenes,though they weren't over the top, probably a PG-13
I got this free from Amazon prime and would have felt ok if I paid a few dollars for it.
March 24, 2017
Lucas the wronged and Helena the sleuth.
I loved both MCs. Lucas is a bitter man after accidentally killing a man in a duel when he was younger, and being forced into exile by his father. But underneath all the hardened cynicism and slutty behavior, is a world weary man with a heart of gold. Helena is an intelligent wallflower who happens to overhear two men plotting to kill Lucas to cover up the fact that the man Lucas supposedly killed was actually murdered by one of them. But who are they? She must warn Lucas.
Every time the MCs meet, you can feel the chemistry between them. And it's not just sexual but also about respect and admiration. Most people when they see Helena see a small skinny woman with crazy hair. Lucas sees a graceful wood nymph with the heart of a lion. AND she is oblivious to all his standard seduction ploys ; )
SOoo the story is a mystery whoodunit with an OW wannabe, a cast of possible villains, a shallow sister, a standup brother etc.
There's no annoying misunderstandings despite the OW wannabe because the MCs actually communicate and think before reacting. I loved it!!!
Will definitely have to read this author again.
I loved both MCs. Lucas is a bitter man after accidentally killing a man in a duel when he was younger, and being forced into exile by his father. But underneath all the hardened cynicism and slutty behavior, is a world weary man with a heart of gold. Helena is an intelligent wallflower who happens to overhear two men plotting to kill Lucas to cover up the fact that the man Lucas supposedly killed was actually murdered by one of them. But who are they? She must warn Lucas.
Every time the MCs meet, you can feel the chemistry between them. And it's not just sexual but also about respect and admiration. Most people when they see Helena see a small skinny woman with crazy hair. Lucas sees a graceful wood nymph with the heart of a lion. AND she is oblivious to all his standard seduction ploys ; )
SOoo the story is a mystery whoodunit with an OW wannabe, a cast of possible villains, a shallow sister, a standup brother etc.
There's no annoying misunderstandings despite the OW wannabe because the MCs actually communicate and think before reacting. I loved it!!!
Will definitely have to read this author again.
March 24, 2017
This book is currently on the kindle free list and after reading a few reviews I decided," why not?" I think the major problem some may find with this read is the pre marital sex. It is slightly descriptive without being overly done and the h, Helena, has no inhibitions. It was troublesome that the two never thought about a possible child being conceived but for me that became over shadowed by the love I found in the couple.
Lucas had never met a woman like Helena she is has no filter. Her questions are without reserve and anything goes. It is Helena herself that I loved. She is a strong, intelligent woman. The short side of what this book is about is Helena overhearing a conversation that proves that Lucas is not the murderer everyone believes him to be. Most the women of the ton only admire his looks, wealth but Helena sets a new precidence. The best part of the book is when Lucas's ex mistress Lady Colebrook and a Mr. Huntley-Fisher( who wants Helena for himself) try to break the two up. Helena and Lucas are betrothed at this point and the mischievous pair arrange a scene where Helena will catch Lucas with Lady Colebrook together. Helena doesn't even flinch before saying," I take it you have finished explaining to Lady Colebrook that you are not the sort of man who plays with the bones once he has finished with his meal."
It made my day and it's not the only scene where the two stand up for the other or give into the petty games others try to play. I really enjoyed the couple and while there is an element that gives it a modern vibe I still would read it again. Enjoy!
Lucas had never met a woman like Helena she is has no filter. Her questions are without reserve and anything goes. It is Helena herself that I loved. She is a strong, intelligent woman. The short side of what this book is about is Helena overhearing a conversation that proves that Lucas is not the murderer everyone believes him to be. Most the women of the ton only admire his looks, wealth but Helena sets a new precidence. The best part of the book is when Lucas's ex mistress Lady Colebrook and a Mr. Huntley-Fisher( who wants Helena for himself) try to break the two up. Helena and Lucas are betrothed at this point and the mischievous pair arrange a scene where Helena will catch Lucas with Lady Colebrook together. Helena doesn't even flinch before saying," I take it you have finished explaining to Lady Colebrook that you are not the sort of man who plays with the bones once he has finished with his meal."
It made my day and it's not the only scene where the two stand up for the other or give into the petty games others try to play. I really enjoyed the couple and while there is an element that gives it a modern vibe I still would read it again. Enjoy!
April 4, 2021
**4.25 estrellas
Me encantó todo!! Los protagonistas estuvieron excelentes, sus conversaciones muy divertidas!! Y la trama me gustó... estuvo chévere e interesante
Tenía tiempo que no leía un histórico que me gustara tanto
Me encantó todo!! Los protagonistas estuvieron excelentes, sus conversaciones muy divertidas!! Y la trama me gustó... estuvo chévere e interesante
Tenía tiempo que no leía un histórico que me gustara tanto
September 5, 2018
This one had a bad narrator so it was hard to get through. The story was okay but the narration was really problematic
not-for-me-dnf
November 10, 2019Insta-love (or passion), stupid female protagonist, brooding male protagonist - I made it half through the book but had to give up when she begged him for several pages to "take her" *gasp*. Jeez, you'll be married, can't you wait a couple of weeks and let the poor guy, who was unfairly accused of murder, do the honorable thing?
I did like the idea of solving the mystery around the murder, but additional to the people not acting at all like society dictated at this time (the guys taking the lady with them on a murder investigation?), this insta-love was just getting too old.
No rating for an unfinished book. Not finishing it should be rating enough ;)
I did like the idea of solving the mystery around the murder, but additional to the people not acting at all like society dictated at this time (the guys taking the lady with them on a murder investigation?), this insta-love was just getting too old.
No rating for an unfinished book. Not finishing it should be rating enough ;)
September 4, 2022
1820. Lucas Dempsey has returned to England after being banished to Boston for killing Lord Banbury. While at a ball Helena Ecclestone overhears a conversation she believes proves him innocent. She decides to help prove it.
An entertaining mystery and romance with its mature content and likeable characters.
An entertaining mystery and romance with its mature content and likeable characters.
August 1, 2016
I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book! So much so, that I will be reading the second of the series - 'A Curse of the Heart'.
'To Save A Sinner' was well-written, and the overall tone and flavor of the story appeared to be historically accurate as well.
I liked the male protagonist Lucas, as he proved to be more than just a pretty face, and I liked the heroine Helena even more, with her straightforward manner, bordering on blunt. While she stuck to the dictates of society - more or less - she really didn't care for it and its nasty, gossiping members. She seemed happier with her face in a book, or standing on the sidelines wondering what made people tick, like some sort of early 19th century behavioral scientist - lol.
The romance was steamy without being over the top explicit, and the sex scenes didn't take over the story, which was very nice. And speaking of the story, the plot was interesting enough with its twists and turns - including the unsolved murder for which Lucas was blamed, and the constant jealous meddling of his former mistress.
'To Save A Sinner' was well-written, and the overall tone and flavor of the story appeared to be historically accurate as well.
I liked the male protagonist Lucas, as he proved to be more than just a pretty face, and I liked the heroine Helena even more, with her straightforward manner, bordering on blunt. While she stuck to the dictates of society - more or less - she really didn't care for it and its nasty, gossiping members. She seemed happier with her face in a book, or standing on the sidelines wondering what made people tick, like some sort of early 19th century behavioral scientist - lol.
The romance was steamy without being over the top explicit, and the sex scenes didn't take over the story, which was very nice. And speaking of the story, the plot was interesting enough with its twists and turns - including the unsolved murder for which Lucas was blamed, and the constant jealous meddling of his former mistress.
April 24, 2016
Das Buch war okay, aber nicht das große Highlight und wird wohl schnell wieder vergessen sein.
Gut fand ich, dass Helena nicht auf verschiedene Intrigen hereingefallen ist, sondern wirklich Vertrauen zu Lucas hatte. Woher das allerdings gekommen ist - ist mir etwas schleierhaft. Das war doch sehr Insta-Love...
Kann man lesen, muss man aber (leider) nicht
Gut fand ich, dass Helena nicht auf verschiedene Intrigen hereingefallen ist, sondern wirklich Vertrauen zu Lucas hatte. Woher das allerdings gekommen ist - ist mir etwas schleierhaft. Das war doch sehr Insta-Love...
Kann man lesen, muss man aber (leider) nicht
September 2, 2015
I fell in love with Lucas Dempsey!
A definite page turner that I struggled to put down. If you like historical romance you will love this book.
A definite page turner that I struggled to put down. If you like historical romance you will love this book.
January 14, 2022
A very nice love story
January 13, 2018
Contemporary romance with regency overtones
Really tired of reading books that categorized historical and are really modern. Time I won't get back,stop reading this author.
Really tired of reading books that categorized historical and are really modern. Time I won't get back,stop reading this author.
May 20, 2023
Trigger warning? Nope!
Safety?
FMC is a virgin.
MMC is definitely not. He has had numerous partners, and there is an OW drama throughout the book. He has just returned from America, and has slept with (at least) one specific OW since returning.
After meeting the FMC he still tries to sleep with the OW, but is unable too because his nether regions are unresponsive to her.
The OW and MMC kiss in the garden just around the corner from the FMC so that the MMC and FMC were not caught together without a chaperon. The MMC was trying to distract the OW and get her out of the garden so that the FMC could go back inside.
This OW also kisses the MMC at a later date in his home and he pushes her off. Then after that there is a moment where the FMC and a OM (who is interested in the FMC but she shows no interest in him) come across the MMC and OW together in the hallway and the OW’s hands on the MMC’s chest. It was orchestrated by the OW and OM. FMC observes that the MMC looks trapped and like a victim. To which she realizes the MMC does not want the OW’s hands on him, and so she helps him get out of the situation.
My thoughts?
I LOVE THIS FMC. She was so thoughtful, and level headed. When stumbling across the MMC and the OW in the hallway she is hurt, but then she takes stock of expressions and hand placements. Leading her to understand that this is the OW being relentless and not her MMC being a wayward. Even when the OW tries to throw it in the FMC’s face that the OW kissed him, she notices that the phrasing shows that the OW kissed the MMC not the other way around. She is also a character who admits to her faults and judging the MMC just like the rest of the society has done. She is amazing.
The MMC was a rascal, but I loved every minute of it. With every time the MMC tried to throw up walls with the FMC she tried her best to be rational and get around them. Even with the one time where he genuinely hurt her feelings, he felt immediately guilty and tried to apologize right away. He was a dickhead but it made perfect sense to me why he was. Who wouldn’t be after thinking you had killed a man 4 years ago and then to be thrown out by your family to an unknown land? To be treated like a sinner amongst society? He had emotional wounds and they went deep.
The epilogue was of them in their home with one son, living happily married. I am interested in the other books in this series!
Also I will make note that I tagged this as safe-for-me because even with the OW scenes the MMC is completely about the FMC once he meets her. Even if it takes his brain a bit to get on the same wave length as his body lol!
Safety?
FMC is a virgin.
MMC is definitely not. He has had numerous partners, and there is an OW drama throughout the book. He has just returned from America, and has slept with (at least) one specific OW since returning.
After meeting the FMC he still tries to sleep with the OW, but is unable too because his nether regions are unresponsive to her.
The OW and MMC kiss in the garden just around the corner from the FMC so that the MMC and FMC were not caught together without a chaperon. The MMC was trying to distract the OW and get her out of the garden so that the FMC could go back inside.
This OW also kisses the MMC at a later date in his home and he pushes her off. Then after that there is a moment where the FMC and a OM (who is interested in the FMC but she shows no interest in him) come across the MMC and OW together in the hallway and the OW’s hands on the MMC’s chest. It was orchestrated by the OW and OM. FMC observes that the MMC looks trapped and like a victim. To which she realizes the MMC does not want the OW’s hands on him, and so she helps him get out of the situation.
My thoughts?
I LOVE THIS FMC. She was so thoughtful, and level headed. When stumbling across the MMC and the OW in the hallway she is hurt, but then she takes stock of expressions and hand placements. Leading her to understand that this is the OW being relentless and not her MMC being a wayward. Even when the OW tries to throw it in the FMC’s face that the OW kissed him, she notices that the phrasing shows that the OW kissed the MMC not the other way around. She is also a character who admits to her faults and judging the MMC just like the rest of the society has done. She is amazing.
The MMC was a rascal, but I loved every minute of it. With every time the MMC tried to throw up walls with the FMC she tried her best to be rational and get around them. Even with the one time where he genuinely hurt her feelings, he felt immediately guilty and tried to apologize right away. He was a dickhead but it made perfect sense to me why he was. Who wouldn’t be after thinking you had killed a man 4 years ago and then to be thrown out by your family to an unknown land? To be treated like a sinner amongst society? He had emotional wounds and they went deep.
The epilogue was of them in their home with one son, living happily married. I am interested in the other books in this series!
Also I will make note that I tagged this as safe-for-me because even with the OW scenes the MMC is completely about the FMC once he meets her. Even if it takes his brain a bit to get on the same wave length as his body lol!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2018
I confess I have this book on my kindle shelves for a while, and it was nearly well forgotten until a bookbub newsletter reminded me of its existence.
And I was glad of it.
It was a very much enjoyable read.
I loved both main characters plus their family circle, well except maybe Helena’s mother.
Helena Ecclestone is not the conventional type, she speaks her mind, never afraid to voice loudly her thoughts. And while she feels a strong pulse toward Lucas, it doesn’t render her weak but intrigued her.
“I don’t know what I want. For the first time in my life, logic has escaped me. My head feels as though it’s stuffed with feathers and periodically they float down and tickle my heart to make it flutter.”
It was funny to see her interacting with her sister, the beautiful one, while Helena has more brain than beauty, She is not ugly, far from and is rather pretty but not in a classical way. She has a special relationship with her sister, but they love each other.
“You’re not exactly beautiful. You laugh loudly in public, say the most inappropriate things, find yourself in compromising situations. Still, the most handsome man in all of England falls at your feet.”
Lucas Dempsey buried his real one deep inside himself, deeply wounded by his father’s and ton’s rejection. Now back in England, he thinks of only one thing, going back in Boston to leave London’s society far behind.
I adored how they interacted, their witty banters and the faith they put in the other. I liked to see struggling to put name on their feeling, and also working side by side to unravel the facts behind the false charges against Lucas.
It was not the usual romance, they rather got along fast in the story, each one drawn to the other, even with some dents in their relationship, they can’t stay away of another.
Their greatest challenge was to win the truth of the other, as their own doubts distort their feelings.
It was my first read of Adele Clee work, and for sure it will not be the last.
And I was glad of it.
It was a very much enjoyable read.
I loved both main characters plus their family circle, well except maybe Helena’s mother.
Helena Ecclestone is not the conventional type, she speaks her mind, never afraid to voice loudly her thoughts. And while she feels a strong pulse toward Lucas, it doesn’t render her weak but intrigued her.
“I don’t know what I want. For the first time in my life, logic has escaped me. My head feels as though it’s stuffed with feathers and periodically they float down and tickle my heart to make it flutter.”
It was funny to see her interacting with her sister, the beautiful one, while Helena has more brain than beauty, She is not ugly, far from and is rather pretty but not in a classical way. She has a special relationship with her sister, but they love each other.
“You’re not exactly beautiful. You laugh loudly in public, say the most inappropriate things, find yourself in compromising situations. Still, the most handsome man in all of England falls at your feet.”
Lucas Dempsey buried his real one deep inside himself, deeply wounded by his father’s and ton’s rejection. Now back in England, he thinks of only one thing, going back in Boston to leave London’s society far behind.
I adored how they interacted, their witty banters and the faith they put in the other. I liked to see struggling to put name on their feeling, and also working side by side to unravel the facts behind the false charges against Lucas.
It was not the usual romance, they rather got along fast in the story, each one drawn to the other, even with some dents in their relationship, they can’t stay away of another.
Their greatest challenge was to win the truth of the other, as their own doubts distort their feelings.
It was my first read of Adele Clee work, and for sure it will not be the last.
April 23, 2020
Cuando Helena conoce a Lucas en uno de los tantos bailes de la sociedad todo el mundo habla sobre el como si fuera un asesino. Ella está sorprendida pero cuando un encuentro casual con él en el jardín la lleva más tarde a escuchar una conversación de lo más interesante, se ve obligada moralmente a ayudar a Lucas a limpiar su nombre. Pero a veces las misiones secretas te llevan a descubrir cosas sobre ti misma, como que tienes más sentimientos por el hombre al que ayudas.
Me ha encantado! Hacía ya un tiempo que no me leía nada histórico así que ha sido precioso. La gente lo tilda cómo rápido y cliché, pues yo no tengo queja ni de una cosa ni la otra para mí ha sido perfecto. Ni exceso de drama, aunque Lucas si era un poco cabezón e inseguro sobre todos los sentimientos que flotaban en el aire, y tampoco tenemos a una protagonista floja o histérica. Me ha encantado Helena, me encantan las protagonistas refrescantes y sinceras. Me ha gustado que se fueron enamorando a lo tonto y por tonterías y que al final tanto luchaba uno como el otro por seguir juntos, aunque la que más luchaba era Helena porque el pobre Lucas sufre mucha inseguridad.
En definitiva, lo amé, amé a Lucas pero también a Helena y amé la historia de principio a fin. Me la he leído en un suspiro (en los ratos que tenía claro) y ha sido muy fácil de leer. Muy recomendada!
Me ha encantado! Hacía ya un tiempo que no me leía nada histórico así que ha sido precioso. La gente lo tilda cómo rápido y cliché, pues yo no tengo queja ni de una cosa ni la otra para mí ha sido perfecto. Ni exceso de drama, aunque Lucas si era un poco cabezón e inseguro sobre todos los sentimientos que flotaban en el aire, y tampoco tenemos a una protagonista floja o histérica. Me ha encantado Helena, me encantan las protagonistas refrescantes y sinceras. Me ha gustado que se fueron enamorando a lo tonto y por tonterías y que al final tanto luchaba uno como el otro por seguir juntos, aunque la que más luchaba era Helena porque el pobre Lucas sufre mucha inseguridad.
En definitiva, lo amé, amé a Lucas pero también a Helena y amé la historia de principio a fin. Me la he leído en un suspiro (en los ratos que tenía claro) y ha sido muy fácil de leer. Muy recomendada!
January 6, 2018
I found the characters well developed and likeable. I liked their romance and was on the edge of my seat waiting to see where it would lead. I do agree with some reviewers that Miss Clee could have made a couple more attempts on the hero’s life to add a little more excitement. But honestly, I didn't even realize there was just the one until I was reading other reviews. I wasn't bored at all. Helena did spend a lot of time unchaperoned which is hard to believe. She is out till at least 10pm one night with just men with no mention of what was told to her parents. This book kept me thoroughly entertained! I hate when people give a book a bad review because there is too much or not enough sex...it says in the description of the book there is descriptive sex scenes. Why would you read it if you don't like sex scenes? I'm not buying YA novels and then complaining, in my 2-star review, that there was no steamy sex... WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. I have read book Adele Clee has published and loved them all! I think only one of her books got 4-stars. She is consistent and inventive.
Romance-5/5 Steaminess-4/5 Explicitness-3/5
Romance-5/5 Steaminess-4/5 Explicitness-3/5
November 26, 2024
What a cute little book! The love story was great, and the characters were so much fun! I love Lucas and Helena.
I would give this a 🌶.5 on the spice scale. There is a lot of talk and build-up. But only 2 scenes of the actual act, and it isn't in deep detail. Very subtle and very vanilla. Which I don't mind.
Would recommend a quick read. This is part of a series. Which I may or may not read, lol.
We shall see.
I would give this a 🌶.5 on the spice scale. There is a lot of talk and build-up. But only 2 scenes of the actual act, and it isn't in deep detail. Very subtle and very vanilla. Which I don't mind.
Would recommend a quick read. This is part of a series. Which I may or may not read, lol.
We shall see.
May 2, 2017
Sweet. I enjoyed it but didn't love it. Not sure if I will continue on with the next book.
Want to read
January 31, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/31/2018)! 💝
October 22, 2020
A walk in the garden
An exciting and suspenseful recency romance and mystery. True love and a strong spirit help discover the truth of a murder that has been attributed to the wrong man.
An exciting and suspenseful recency romance and mystery. True love and a strong spirit help discover the truth of a murder that has been attributed to the wrong man.
October 2, 2015
- Review in English at the bottom of the page-
Man kann bei diesem Buch mit Sicherheit darüber diskutieren, ob es historisch korrekt geschrieben ist, da sich da schon eine (größere) Freiheiten auftun, aber davon abgesehen ist es ein unwahrscheinlich lebendiges Buch, das mich von der ersten Seite an gefesselt hat!
Der Klappentext ist ein wenig irreführend, so dass ich etwas zurückhaltend an das Buch heranging, da ich doch eine ganz andere Geschichte erwartete.
Die Geschichte selbst ist peppig und durchaus spannend, aber auch nicht unbedingt außergewöhnlich, hier sind es die Figuren, die den Unterschied machen.
Insbesondere Helena, die Protagonistin, besticht durch ihre offene und ehrliche Art und die Art und Weise, wie sie ihren Witz, ihren Charme und ihren Verstand einsetzt. Spätestens wenn sie sich einen verbalen Schlagabtausch mit der ehemaligen Geliebten von Lucas Dempsey liefert, dürfte sie auch die letzte Leserin für sich gewonnen haben. Aber auch sonst hat sie eine unwahrscheinlich erfrischende und liebenswerte Art, die mich im Sturm eroberte.
Und auch Lucas Dempsey erliegt sehr schnell ihrem Charme, obwohl es Helena gar nicht darauf anlegt, immerhin hat sie ihn eigentlich nur aufgesucht, weil sie ihn warnen will...
Mit viel Charme und Witz geschrieben, begleitet das Buch die beiden Protagonisten auf ihrer Suche nach dem Mann, der Lucas Leben zerstört hat - und wenn es zwischendurch zwischen den beiden Protagonisten ordentlich funkt, dann seufzt man als Leserin einmal wohlig und freut sich, weil die beiden einfach wunderbar zueinander passen, auch wenn der eine der andere sich schwer tut, das einzusehen.
"To save a sinner" ist ein Buch, das mich sehr überrascht hat und das ich mit Sicherheit nicht zum letzten Mal gelesen habe!
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As a reader one can debate about the historical correctness of the book especially as it takes some (more) liberties concerning said correctness but apart from that it is an incredibly vivacious book that captivated me from the first page on!
The blurb is somewhat misleading and when I started to read I was very pleased to realize that it turned out to be very different from what I was expecting.
The story itself is peppy and even exciting but not that extraordinary to make a difference, it is the characters that make it remarkable.
Especially Helena as the heroine, impresses the reader by her open and honest character and also by the way she uses her wit, her charme and her brain when dealing with those around her.
At the latest from the moment of her verbal sparring with the former lover of Lucas Dempsey, she should have conquered the last of the readers but besides that it was her exceptionally refreshing and lovable nature that took my heart by storm. And Lucas Dempsey quickly succumbs to her charm as well even though Helena doesn't even try to conquer him, after all she just went to see him in order to warn him...
Written in a charming and humorous manner, the book accompanies its heroes when they're searching for the man who destroyed Lucas' life – and if there are some sparks flying when the two of them interact, the reader just sighs contentedly and enjoys the knowledge how well those two suit one another, even if the one or the other needs a bit time to understand that fact.
“To save a sinner” is a book that surprised me and that I definitely haven't read the last time!
Man kann bei diesem Buch mit Sicherheit darüber diskutieren, ob es historisch korrekt geschrieben ist, da sich da schon eine (größere) Freiheiten auftun, aber davon abgesehen ist es ein unwahrscheinlich lebendiges Buch, das mich von der ersten Seite an gefesselt hat!
Der Klappentext ist ein wenig irreführend, so dass ich etwas zurückhaltend an das Buch heranging, da ich doch eine ganz andere Geschichte erwartete.
Die Geschichte selbst ist peppig und durchaus spannend, aber auch nicht unbedingt außergewöhnlich, hier sind es die Figuren, die den Unterschied machen.
Insbesondere Helena, die Protagonistin, besticht durch ihre offene und ehrliche Art und die Art und Weise, wie sie ihren Witz, ihren Charme und ihren Verstand einsetzt. Spätestens wenn sie sich einen verbalen Schlagabtausch mit der ehemaligen Geliebten von Lucas Dempsey liefert, dürfte sie auch die letzte Leserin für sich gewonnen haben. Aber auch sonst hat sie eine unwahrscheinlich erfrischende und liebenswerte Art, die mich im Sturm eroberte.
Und auch Lucas Dempsey erliegt sehr schnell ihrem Charme, obwohl es Helena gar nicht darauf anlegt, immerhin hat sie ihn eigentlich nur aufgesucht, weil sie ihn warnen will...
Mit viel Charme und Witz geschrieben, begleitet das Buch die beiden Protagonisten auf ihrer Suche nach dem Mann, der Lucas Leben zerstört hat - und wenn es zwischendurch zwischen den beiden Protagonisten ordentlich funkt, dann seufzt man als Leserin einmal wohlig und freut sich, weil die beiden einfach wunderbar zueinander passen, auch wenn der eine der andere sich schwer tut, das einzusehen.
"To save a sinner" ist ein Buch, das mich sehr überrascht hat und das ich mit Sicherheit nicht zum letzten Mal gelesen habe!
--------------------------------------------------
As a reader one can debate about the historical correctness of the book especially as it takes some (more) liberties concerning said correctness but apart from that it is an incredibly vivacious book that captivated me from the first page on!
The blurb is somewhat misleading and when I started to read I was very pleased to realize that it turned out to be very different from what I was expecting.
The story itself is peppy and even exciting but not that extraordinary to make a difference, it is the characters that make it remarkable.
Especially Helena as the heroine, impresses the reader by her open and honest character and also by the way she uses her wit, her charme and her brain when dealing with those around her.
At the latest from the moment of her verbal sparring with the former lover of Lucas Dempsey, she should have conquered the last of the readers but besides that it was her exceptionally refreshing and lovable nature that took my heart by storm. And Lucas Dempsey quickly succumbs to her charm as well even though Helena doesn't even try to conquer him, after all she just went to see him in order to warn him...
Written in a charming and humorous manner, the book accompanies its heroes when they're searching for the man who destroyed Lucas' life – and if there are some sparks flying when the two of them interact, the reader just sighs contentedly and enjoys the knowledge how well those two suit one another, even if the one or the other needs a bit time to understand that fact.
“To save a sinner” is a book that surprised me and that I definitely haven't read the last time!
May 6, 2017
Awesome love story..
This was a really good book. There was just enough sexual tension through the whole book so that it didn’t get boring waiting for a sex scene that comes out of nowhere, so that was nice. However, I was a little confused with this story. It wasn’t a religious book, although I thought it was until I read some of the reviews. (It really needs a different name, IMO.) BUT this was one of the best LOVE stories I’ve ever read. The tenderness between Lucas and Helena was so sweet and the sex was great! There was no angst and what could have been a misunderstanding Helena thought about it and came up with the right solution, instead of running off in a fit of tears. I've read one other book where the heroine had a brain and didn't jump to conclusions and I loved that one too. I can't stand misunderstandings that can be solved with a thought or talking.
I really liked Lucas and Helena. I liked the feelings he was continuing to fight over her. And I liked that she was so honest that she told him she loved him after such a short time of knowing him. She was so honest and forthright that you couldn’t help but like her. Of course, Lucas thought he wasn’t good enough for her, par for the course for 95% of romance books, but she still became important to him within a short time. Anyway, Lucas wanted to tell Helena to go away, in order to protect her from whoever was trying to kill him, and the next minute he couldn’t imagine not being able to see her. Oops, and of course they were compromised, and we all know what that means.
In the end Lucas had to return to Boston, where he was exiled to when his father thought he killed a man, and Helena turned up on the same ship, along with her father as chaperone. I would like to have seen something happen between his father and him but that wasn’t meant to be. And the murderer wasn’t in the book, at all, but then showed up out of the blue, ready to kill again. This was a good love story but not that great a mystery. And what happened to Weston? To his sister? A few unanswered questions.
There was want and desire in this book that was marvelous and a couple of sex scenes to go with all that love and desire. No swearing.
As to the narration: I won’t be listening to the second book on Audible, A Curse of the Heart, because the narrator was changed from Stevie Zimmerman to Kylie Stewart. I love listening to Stevie but I heard just enough of Ms. Stewart do a man’s voice to know she’s not very good at it, and I can’t listen to a book where the men sound girlie. Should have stuck with Ms. Zimmerman, she does men’s voices like a pro and reads with great emotion.
This was a really good book. There was just enough sexual tension through the whole book so that it didn’t get boring waiting for a sex scene that comes out of nowhere, so that was nice. However, I was a little confused with this story. It wasn’t a religious book, although I thought it was until I read some of the reviews. (It really needs a different name, IMO.) BUT this was one of the best LOVE stories I’ve ever read. The tenderness between Lucas and Helena was so sweet and the sex was great! There was no angst and what could have been a misunderstanding Helena thought about it and came up with the right solution, instead of running off in a fit of tears. I've read one other book where the heroine had a brain and didn't jump to conclusions and I loved that one too. I can't stand misunderstandings that can be solved with a thought or talking.
I really liked Lucas and Helena. I liked the feelings he was continuing to fight over her. And I liked that she was so honest that she told him she loved him after such a short time of knowing him. She was so honest and forthright that you couldn’t help but like her. Of course, Lucas thought he wasn’t good enough for her, par for the course for 95% of romance books, but she still became important to him within a short time. Anyway, Lucas wanted to tell Helena to go away, in order to protect her from whoever was trying to kill him, and the next minute he couldn’t imagine not being able to see her. Oops, and of course they were compromised, and we all know what that means.
In the end Lucas had to return to Boston, where he was exiled to when his father thought he killed a man, and Helena turned up on the same ship, along with her father as chaperone. I would like to have seen something happen between his father and him but that wasn’t meant to be. And the murderer wasn’t in the book, at all, but then showed up out of the blue, ready to kill again. This was a good love story but not that great a mystery. And what happened to Weston? To his sister? A few unanswered questions.
There was want and desire in this book that was marvelous and a couple of sex scenes to go with all that love and desire. No swearing.
As to the narration: I won’t be listening to the second book on Audible, A Curse of the Heart, because the narrator was changed from Stevie Zimmerman to Kylie Stewart. I love listening to Stevie but I heard just enough of Ms. Stewart do a man’s voice to know she’s not very good at it, and I can’t listen to a book where the men sound girlie. Should have stuck with Ms. Zimmerman, she does men’s voices like a pro and reads with great emotion.
August 27, 2016
Better than expected
A truly spunky, but not annoying heroine combined with a falsely-accused-of-murder hero interacting in a reasonably believable plot make for good, light reading. I really liked the calm, steady cleverness of Helena who never gave way to fits of pique or allowed herself to be duped by attempts to discredit her or Lucas. She is a woman on a mission and I liked that she maintained her focus on 'saving' Lucas. In short, there were no tedious, contrived misunderstandings to muddy the water between the two of them and I 'believed' both of these characters.
While 'To Save a Sinner' was far better than I anticipated, I do believe it went on three more chapters than necessary after the denouement and the grand scheme to unmask the real murderer was a bit silly. I also wish the secondary characters had been a bit better developed but perhaps the author is saving them for future stories.
Bottom line: as Regency romances go, this one is pretty good. It's certainly not the best of the genre, but it's far from the worst. I enjoyed it and didn't feel as if either my time or my money were wasted.
A truly spunky, but not annoying heroine combined with a falsely-accused-of-murder hero interacting in a reasonably believable plot make for good, light reading. I really liked the calm, steady cleverness of Helena who never gave way to fits of pique or allowed herself to be duped by attempts to discredit her or Lucas. She is a woman on a mission and I liked that she maintained her focus on 'saving' Lucas. In short, there were no tedious, contrived misunderstandings to muddy the water between the two of them and I 'believed' both of these characters.
While 'To Save a Sinner' was far better than I anticipated, I do believe it went on three more chapters than necessary after the denouement and the grand scheme to unmask the real murderer was a bit silly. I also wish the secondary characters had been a bit better developed but perhaps the author is saving them for future stories.
Bottom line: as Regency romances go, this one is pretty good. It's certainly not the best of the genre, but it's far from the worst. I enjoyed it and didn't feel as if either my time or my money were wasted.
September 28, 2016
What a breath of fresh air! When so many romance novels rely on misunderstanding and misinterpretation on the characters' parts to create conflict we are presented with a couple whose whole relationship is hinged on there being trust and mutual understanding. Which is something every relationship is typically needing to be real and lasting. Also very well written. Except for the usage of the term 'coupling' I have no complaints. I saw the next book coming as soon as Gabriel was introduced. I wasn't even aware of the next book's synopsis either. I will gladly read more by this author.
September 29, 2020
Without insult, this is an average historical romance. A story about a gentlemen who's reputation is stained by a crime he didn't commit and young lady trying to clear his name. The premise sounds a lot more exciting than the final execution. While there could have potentially been a lot of conflict with a story like this, this one had surprisingly little conflict and the resolution was rather quick. It's a nice easy read for a Sunday.
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Stevie Zimmerman, who is always a delight to listen to.
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Stevie Zimmerman, who is always a delight to listen to.
October 5, 2016
Just wonderful! I loved it. I ended up reading it in just one sitting. It was so well written. The pacing was great, I couldn't wait to find out what would be happening next. The cherry on top was the wonderful characters! I loved Lucas and Helena. I also loved many of the supporting cast of characters. Even the not so nice characters were well written and entertaining whether they were evil or not. This was the first book I have read by Adele Clee, and it will not be my last.
July 9, 2017
Es entretenido, al principio me gustó mucho, el final desinfla un poco
Tiene un poco de suspenso, bien resuelto porque el malo no es el que uno se imagina
Helena no es Bonita, es más ella se siente fea sobre todo porque se compara con su hermana, pero a Lucas que es un churro y la sensación de la temporada la zona ncuentra diferente y refrescante.
Es buena para un fin de semana de no pensar
Tiene un poco de suspenso, bien resuelto porque el malo no es el que uno se imagina
Helena no es Bonita, es más ella se siente fea sobre todo porque se compara con su hermana, pero a Lucas que es un churro y la sensación de la temporada la zona ncuentra diferente y refrescante.
Es buena para un fin de semana de no pensar
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