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Birds of Paradise #2
The Darkness in the Marquess of Dane
This is a dark erotic novel with some light BDSM and an instance of multiple partner sex.
For the dark Marquess of Dane, no offer is to low or depraved, but when the offer comes from one of the ton’s noble daughters, Miss Christina Turnbow, Dane is willing to entertain the iniquitous possibilities. Dane is not impressed by the pretenses of silly ton debs, but Christina has a ghost of a chance. She bears an uncanny resemblance to his dead wife.
Christina, already ruined by a slight scandal, and with her family on the brink of financial disaster, determines that she has one thing left to sell. And Dane is the only man who can afford her price. Dane has a secret darkness and only Christina brings him light. She must balance the needs of her family with the strange needs of the only man who can help her. Can she endure Dane's dark world? Can she do what no other woman has done? Love him.
For the dark Marquess of Dane, no offer is to low or depraved, but when the offer comes from one of the ton’s noble daughters, Miss Christina Turnbow, Dane is willing to entertain the iniquitous possibilities. Dane is not impressed by the pretenses of silly ton debs, but Christina has a ghost of a chance. She bears an uncanny resemblance to his dead wife.
Christina, already ruined by a slight scandal, and with her family on the brink of financial disaster, determines that she has one thing left to sell. And Dane is the only man who can afford her price. Dane has a secret darkness and only Christina brings him light. She must balance the needs of her family with the strange needs of the only man who can help her. Can she endure Dane's dark world? Can she do what no other woman has done? Love him.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2015
16 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Lloyd
42 books159 followersHi everyone. Here's my bio but I moved to first person - it's not like I didn't write it! LOL I think romance writing is nearly as good as the real thing. Given my choice of professions, I would have preferred to be a 19th century archeologist, but I am perfectly happy living in the 21st century and comfortably writing about such romantic but inconceivably inconvenient times instead. (Just thinking about being a woman two hundred years ago makes me cringe.)
I love traveling, movies, everyone else’s novels and a good meal out with friends on Saturday night. My greatest flaw is that I believe there is such a thing as true love. Don’t tell me otherwise...please. Maybe that's really why I write to begin with.
Would love to hear about your recommendations for new historical romance writers.
Email: elizalloyd@yahoo.com
I love traveling, movies, everyone else’s novels and a good meal out with friends on Saturday night. My greatest flaw is that I believe there is such a thing as true love. Don’t tell me otherwise...please. Maybe that's really why I write to begin with.
Would love to hear about your recommendations for new historical romance writers.
Email: elizalloyd@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 25, 2024
Still 5 stars on re-read - loved it!
This historical erotica novella just blew me away with its emotional depth.
As expected, the story was filled with lots of hot steamy goodness. Dane was definitely twisted and perverse, and not at all likable...
”You can’t make me hate you, Dane.”
“Can’t I?”
She knew very little about Dane. She raised her eyes to stare at him and realized she viewed a man who had nothing in his soul. There was nothing to know.
...Ah, but there she was wrong. The author slowly peeled away the layers that made Dane who he was, and exposed, little by little, just how tortured his soul was. He didn’t become instantly likable, but finding out how he became the man he was at the beginning of the story definitely changed my opinion of him.
It took him a long time to realize it, but his heart and soul knew that he needed Christina like a drowning man needs a life raft.
Each puff of her breath against his skin caused an anxious well to build in his chest. He stared out the window, not wanting to touch her and not willing to break the contact.
“Why are you here?”
“Because you are here and I can’t be where you are not.”
I loved Christina and had mad respect for how strong she was when faced with what she felt she had to do to save her family. She never once played the victim. Her time with Dane reached into her in a way she never expected, and though it would have been easy to do so, she never lost herself or her dignity.
The HEA was believable and felt so right and the story was a testament to the healing power of the love of a good woman. (Well, that, and sexual healing 😉). I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.
His boot heels clicked along the marble floor, echoing with loneliness and longing.
This historical erotica novella just blew me away with its emotional depth.
As expected, the story was filled with lots of hot steamy goodness. Dane was definitely twisted and perverse, and not at all likable...
”You can’t make me hate you, Dane.”
“Can’t I?”
She knew very little about Dane. She raised her eyes to stare at him and realized she viewed a man who had nothing in his soul. There was nothing to know.
...Ah, but there she was wrong. The author slowly peeled away the layers that made Dane who he was, and exposed, little by little, just how tortured his soul was. He didn’t become instantly likable, but finding out how he became the man he was at the beginning of the story definitely changed my opinion of him.
It took him a long time to realize it, but his heart and soul knew that he needed Christina like a drowning man needs a life raft.
Each puff of her breath against his skin caused an anxious well to build in his chest. He stared out the window, not wanting to touch her and not willing to break the contact.
“Why are you here?”
“Because you are here and I can’t be where you are not.”
I loved Christina and had mad respect for how strong she was when faced with what she felt she had to do to save her family. She never once played the victim. Her time with Dane reached into her in a way she never expected, and though it would have been easy to do so, she never lost herself or her dignity.
The HEA was believable and felt so right and the story was a testament to the healing power of the love of a good woman. (Well, that, and sexual healing 😉). I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.
His boot heels clicked along the marble floor, echoing with loneliness and longing.
August 25, 2023
I can keep re-reading this book, over and over again!
5 Stars on a re-read!
It still makes me shiver!
While I was finishing the last chapter of this book, my husband walked into my office to find me trembling and crying. Imagine his surprise when I told him that an erotica had made me weep.
One may expect many things from an erotic novel, apart from the obvious, but an intense emotional reaction does not even make the top five. This brilliant piece was an assault on your senses and emotions and a few of your delicate sensibilities as well.
I might be comparing apples to oranges, but I would put this book right up there, next to The Duchess Deal, which is an absolute favourite of mine.
I've generally labelled myself as a slightly dispassionate reader (probably because I am now inured to the charms HR has to offer), and I tend to assess the book rather clinically whilst reading, taking notes and everything. But ironically, I rate them based on the feeling they leave me with. Now, when a story manages to extract tears from a girl who rarely cries over books (as it has happened precisely twice), it has to be an excellent reading experience. That is the only explanation I can provide as to why I wrote an overlong introduction to this review.
Thank you, Emtee for this inadvertent recommendation.
My Thoughts
- My first book by this author, and I must say, Eliza Lloyd, you have successfully spoiled shitty eroticas for me. Thank you.
- This was an aptly titled, expertly written and intricately researched story. As I mentioned before, it was emotionally charged. God, the pain in this, my chest still feels heavy. The pain is what made this book beautiful, as it is the thread holding every piece together, and you see it in the plot, the characters, their experiences, the romance, the heartache, and even the sex.
Content Warning: Mild level of BDSM pretty early on.
- I am not a fan of this genre, as it's just not for me. When it popped up here, I was going to drop this book if it continued in a couple more chapters. I am glad I persevered because it was only used by the author to set the context about Dane. She quickly moved away from it to delve into the emotional reasons behind the physical need for the said pain.
- Dane: What is with the title Marquess of Dane? Is it cursed with misery? First Lord of Scoundrels (Dain), and now this one? As a reader, you start with a healthy dislike of Dane, but then you are not supposed to like him. Later, you grow warmer towards him, and finally, I dare you to not fall in love with him. I thought I had a weakness for heroes named Sebastian, but well, now, I am adding Lucien to the list. This man. I want to wrap him up a warm blanket. He was a heartbreakingly, heartachingly, depravedly, beautifully portrayed dark lonely hero.
- Christina: Where did this girl find the fortitude and resilience to go through the things she experienced? She went toe to toe with Dane and won. She practically sold herself to save her family but kept her dignity, her mind, and her intelligence intact. My respect with healthy applause to her.
- Their romance is sublimely sensual, decadently delightful, and utterly unusual with beautiful banter and charismatic chemistry. *Ask me if you need more info as I am out of alliterative adjectives.
Special Mentions:
- Dane's given name is not revealed till the 66% mark, and I did not even notice, so enraptured I was by this story. He was just Dane, a title, an entity, a representation. And then he was Luc, a man, a broken, lonely man. A simple reveal of a name, and you look at him in a whole new light.
- He fixed himself, worked on his pain and suffering and then went to her. She was a catalyst and not a magic HR solution. Oh, how I was overjoyed by that.
- A daughter/sister of an Earl is Lady, not a Miss. Just saying. Although, I don't know why I am pointing it out.
My Recommendation
This is a story that starts as dark as midnight on a moonless night and leaves you as bright as sunshine on a clear cloudless day. Look at me waxing poetic. But I want to end this review with six sentences from the book -
"In London, depravity had a name.
The Marquess of Dane."
"For Christina, hope had a name.
The Marquess of Dane."
"In London, love had a name.
The Marquess and Marchioness of Dane."
Just read it. Trust me, you are missing true beauty if you don't pick this up.
5 Stars on a re-read!
It still makes me shiver!
While I was finishing the last chapter of this book, my husband walked into my office to find me trembling and crying. Imagine his surprise when I told him that an erotica had made me weep.
One may expect many things from an erotic novel, apart from the obvious, but an intense emotional reaction does not even make the top five. This brilliant piece was an assault on your senses and emotions and a few of your delicate sensibilities as well.
I might be comparing apples to oranges, but I would put this book right up there, next to The Duchess Deal, which is an absolute favourite of mine.
I've generally labelled myself as a slightly dispassionate reader (probably because I am now inured to the charms HR has to offer), and I tend to assess the book rather clinically whilst reading, taking notes and everything. But ironically, I rate them based on the feeling they leave me with. Now, when a story manages to extract tears from a girl who rarely cries over books (as it has happened precisely twice), it has to be an excellent reading experience. That is the only explanation I can provide as to why I wrote an overlong introduction to this review.
Thank you, Emtee for this inadvertent recommendation.
My Thoughts
- My first book by this author, and I must say, Eliza Lloyd, you have successfully spoiled shitty eroticas for me. Thank you.
- This was an aptly titled, expertly written and intricately researched story. As I mentioned before, it was emotionally charged. God, the pain in this, my chest still feels heavy. The pain is what made this book beautiful, as it is the thread holding every piece together, and you see it in the plot, the characters, their experiences, the romance, the heartache, and even the sex.
Content Warning: Mild level of BDSM pretty early on.
- I am not a fan of this genre, as it's just not for me. When it popped up here, I was going to drop this book if it continued in a couple more chapters. I am glad I persevered because it was only used by the author to set the context about Dane. She quickly moved away from it to delve into the emotional reasons behind the physical need for the said pain.
- Dane: What is with the title Marquess of Dane? Is it cursed with misery? First Lord of Scoundrels (Dain), and now this one? As a reader, you start with a healthy dislike of Dane, but then you are not supposed to like him. Later, you grow warmer towards him, and finally, I dare you to not fall in love with him. I thought I had a weakness for heroes named Sebastian, but well, now, I am adding Lucien to the list. This man. I want to wrap him up a warm blanket. He was a heartbreakingly, heartachingly, depravedly, beautifully portrayed dark lonely hero.
- Christina: Where did this girl find the fortitude and resilience to go through the things she experienced? She went toe to toe with Dane and won. She practically sold herself to save her family but kept her dignity, her mind, and her intelligence intact. My respect with healthy applause to her.
- Their romance is sublimely sensual, decadently delightful, and utterly unusual with beautiful banter and charismatic chemistry. *Ask me if you need more info as I am out of alliterative adjectives.
Special Mentions:
- Dane's given name is not revealed till the 66% mark, and I did not even notice, so enraptured I was by this story. He was just Dane, a title, an entity, a representation. And then he was Luc, a man, a broken, lonely man. A simple reveal of a name, and you look at him in a whole new light.
- He fixed himself, worked on his pain and suffering and then went to her. She was a catalyst and not a magic HR solution. Oh, how I was overjoyed by that.
- A daughter/sister of an Earl is Lady, not a Miss. Just saying. Although, I don't know why I am pointing it out.
My Recommendation
This is a story that starts as dark as midnight on a moonless night and leaves you as bright as sunshine on a clear cloudless day. Look at me waxing poetic. But I want to end this review with six sentences from the book -
"In London, depravity had a name.
The Marquess of Dane."
"For Christina, hope had a name.
The Marquess of Dane."
"In London, love had a name.
The Marquess and Marchioness of Dane."
Just read it. Trust me, you are missing true beauty if you don't pick this up.
February 11, 2022
Well that took a surprising turn...
I'm not sure what I was expecting and I wasn't even sure of what kind of book mood I was in, but this book kept me engaged and delivered a beautiful story that I will visit again. Christine and Dane were both wonderful characters that I ended up loving.
Dane's self-imposed punishment was dark and I felt sadness for him...because I felt it, it made the heroines sympathy for him that much more believable. She pitied him, but also had an understanding of his pain because she was the caretaker of a sibling who suffered similar imbalances. The author did an amazing job of writing a highly sexual book that dealt with suicide, self mutilation, sexual desires, shame, addiction etc. That's a lot to unpack in a relatively short book, but this author did an incredible job with it. Highly recommend this book.
I'm not sure what I was expecting and I wasn't even sure of what kind of book mood I was in, but this book kept me engaged and delivered a beautiful story that I will visit again. Christine and Dane were both wonderful characters that I ended up loving.
Dane's self-imposed punishment was dark and I felt sadness for him...because I felt it, it made the heroines sympathy for him that much more believable. She pitied him, but also had an understanding of his pain because she was the caretaker of a sibling who suffered similar imbalances. The author did an amazing job of writing a highly sexual book that dealt with suicide, self mutilation, sexual desires, shame, addiction etc. That's a lot to unpack in a relatively short book, but this author did an incredible job with it. Highly recommend this book.
July 29, 2022
Prepare to meet the biggest debauched scoundrel of the ton. I especially liked the way the author risked an anti-hero (kind of) in so few pages, it was daring and well done!
At the beginning it gives DEVIL IN WINTER (Lisa Kleypas) vibes, I loved it!! The end was so cute and realistic enough considering the number of pages.
I'm glad a friend from Goodreads recommended this one to me, now it's time for me to do the same for you dear reader of this review!
⚠️ Erotic! As all the books I've been reading lately 🤷♀️
At the beginning it gives DEVIL IN WINTER (Lisa Kleypas) vibes, I loved it!! The end was so cute and realistic enough considering the number of pages.
I'm glad a friend from Goodreads recommended this one to me, now it's time for me to do the same for you dear reader of this review!
⚠️ Erotic! As all the books I've been reading lately 🤷♀️
February 15, 2022
I want to give a shout out to @emtee for putting up a lovely review on this book or I wouldn’t have come across this one.
It has great characterization and a well-developed plotline for a historical erotica.
One minor quibble though. There was one sex scene where the hero and heroine engaged in anal play, followed by vaginal penetration and oral sex without washing in between. That was just icky. It took me out of the story because I kept thinking about bacterial contamination. 😬
Steam factor: High as this is a historical erotica. I didn’t count but there are close to 10 scenes if I’m not mistaken.
It has great characterization and a well-developed plotline for a historical erotica.
One minor quibble though. There was one sex scene where the hero and heroine engaged in anal play, followed by vaginal penetration and oral sex without washing in between. That was just icky. It took me out of the story because I kept thinking about bacterial contamination. 😬
Steam factor: High as this is a historical erotica. I didn’t count but there are close to 10 scenes if I’m not mistaken.
December 3, 2025
Strictly speaking, this is a re-read for me
I found this book a long, long time ago, when my foray into more erotic reads was just beginning. In fact, I believe the darkest books I had read were Lorraine Heath at the time. HR for me were books like Johanna Lindsay and Julie Garwood (well, and Jane Austen, obviously). Suffice to say the book left a lasting impression.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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I found this book a long, long time ago, when my foray into more erotic reads was just beginning. In fact, I believe the darkest books I had read were Lorraine Heath at the time. HR for me were books like Johanna Lindsay and Julie Garwood (well, and Jane Austen, obviously). Suffice to say the book left a lasting impression.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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August 19, 2025
wow. I had my doubts early on but the emotion and heat @55%. So well written. I only wish it was longer!!! Cannot wait to read more from this author. Yes, an erotica can make you weep.
Per Emtee: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
One may expect many things from an erotic novel, apart from the obvious, but an intense emotional reaction does not even make the top five. This brilliant piece was an assault on your senses and emotions and a few of your delicate sensibilities as well. ... I loved Christina and had mad respect for how strong she was when faced with what she felt she had to do to save her family. She never once played the victim. Her time with Dane reached into her in a way she never expected, and though it would have been easy to do so, she never lost herself or her dignity.
Per Lady Nilambari:
- He fixed himself, worked on his pain and suffering and then went to her. She was a catalyst and not a magic HR solution. Oh, how I was overjoyed by that.
"In London, depravity had a name.
The Marquess of Dane."
"For Christina, hope had a name.
The Marquess of Dane."
"In London, love had a name.
The Marquess and Marchioness of Dane."
Per Emtee: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
One may expect many things from an erotic novel, apart from the obvious, but an intense emotional reaction does not even make the top five. This brilliant piece was an assault on your senses and emotions and a few of your delicate sensibilities as well. ... I loved Christina and had mad respect for how strong she was when faced with what she felt she had to do to save her family. She never once played the victim. Her time with Dane reached into her in a way she never expected, and though it would have been easy to do so, she never lost herself or her dignity.
Per Lady Nilambari:
- He fixed himself, worked on his pain and suffering and then went to her. She was a catalyst and not a magic HR solution. Oh, how I was overjoyed by that.
"In London, depravity had a name.
The Marquess of Dane."
"For Christina, hope had a name.
The Marquess of Dane."
"In London, love had a name.
The Marquess and Marchioness of Dane."
July 25, 2021
The strength of a woman will triumph
I read a review on this book that said that the heroine was weak. I have to disagree. The men in this bookare the weak ones.
I love that that the heroine was very knowledgeable in how to deal with the hero and the other men in her life. She was very strong. She gave the hero exactly what he needed to get past his hurts. The love that they are destined to have is beautiful. Some of the terminology was misplaced for the times, but otherwise an enjoyable read.
I read a review on this book that said that the heroine was weak. I have to disagree. The men in this bookare the weak ones.
I love that that the heroine was very knowledgeable in how to deal with the hero and the other men in her life. She was very strong. She gave the hero exactly what he needed to get past his hurts. The love that they are destined to have is beautiful. Some of the terminology was misplaced for the times, but otherwise an enjoyable read.
November 9, 2015
“I can’t make you happy.”
“No, but you make me whole. I will find my own happiness, but it starts with you."
This book opened with obvious depravity the Marquess of Dane put himself through. With pain and pleasure he punished himself because of the guilt from the past.
Enter Catherine, a lady ruined whose father died leaving a lot of debts. She turned to Dane as a last hope by selling her virginity.
Together they embarked a journey of passion, discovering themselves in each other arms.
It's a beautiful story, engaging from the beginning with strong characters and finely written dialogue.
Dane was a dark character who thinks he didn't deserve to be loved, so he tried his best to be despicable especially towards Catherine. But still she couldn't help falling in love with him, not because she liked being treated cruelly but because she could see the glimpses of Dane's true self, the one that's worth loving.
Catherine was all you could ask as a heroine. She's strong yet vulnerable. The way she dealt with her family's debts, Dane's torment and her growing feelings for him was admirable.
There's a lot of sex scenes but I saw them weren't merely to persuade readers to a lusty state but also as a way to see how Dane punished himself and as relationship milestones of Dane and Catherine.
What I liked the most was how Dane see Catherine's love not as the cure to his damage self but as the gate for his desire to cure himself.
“No, but you make me whole. I will find my own happiness, but it starts with you."
This book opened with obvious depravity the Marquess of Dane put himself through. With pain and pleasure he punished himself because of the guilt from the past.
Enter Catherine, a lady ruined whose father died leaving a lot of debts. She turned to Dane as a last hope by selling her virginity.
Together they embarked a journey of passion, discovering themselves in each other arms.
It's a beautiful story, engaging from the beginning with strong characters and finely written dialogue.
Dane was a dark character who thinks he didn't deserve to be loved, so he tried his best to be despicable especially towards Catherine. But still she couldn't help falling in love with him, not because she liked being treated cruelly but because she could see the glimpses of Dane's true self, the one that's worth loving.
Catherine was all you could ask as a heroine. She's strong yet vulnerable. The way she dealt with her family's debts, Dane's torment and her growing feelings for him was admirable.
There's a lot of sex scenes but I saw them weren't merely to persuade readers to a lusty state but also as a way to see how Dane punished himself and as relationship milestones of Dane and Catherine.
What I liked the most was how Dane see Catherine's love not as the cure to his damage self but as the gate for his desire to cure himself.
April 19, 2016
oh my.... Dane/Luc.... I feared from the first page that I would hate you for the whoremonger you are,....three women all whores from YOUR own brothel....I was concerned...
Then Christina appeared and I had hope, although her choices were horrid and I feared for her....I exhaled as Christina was the first person ever to see him... the real him, the man he was before the mess... the man he was even before that... before betrayal and death took his heart and hope.
Dane could be and was at times horrid... purposely hurtful in trying to keep Christina from caring for him... she was the first thing he feared.... truly the things he did to himself and had others do to him would have frightened most people...but she was the first thing he seemed to truly fear.
The story begins for them as Christina bears a resemblance to someone he loved, and she is quality although has fallen on hard times.... her father was a gambler, her eldest brother and his heir is crippled.... they are drowning in debt so after being made fool of by a man and now considered "damaged" by a scoundrel she has only one thing to barter with, her virginity and was directed to him as he was considered the worst of the worst and that there was nothing the debauched man would not do.....
It was a very sexual book, but a very good story as well... not an easy task..bravo Eliza! I loved it... once the whore scene was over the story enthralled me..... there is no true cheating and there is a HEA with a man who discovers that he must "fix himself" but that he needs her to keep him safe while he does... sigh...exhale... sniff...
LOVE LOVE LOVE
Then Christina appeared and I had hope, although her choices were horrid and I feared for her....I exhaled as Christina was the first person ever to see him... the real him, the man he was before the mess... the man he was even before that... before betrayal and death took his heart and hope.
Dane could be and was at times horrid... purposely hurtful in trying to keep Christina from caring for him... she was the first thing he feared.... truly the things he did to himself and had others do to him would have frightened most people...but she was the first thing he seemed to truly fear.
The story begins for them as Christina bears a resemblance to someone he loved, and she is quality although has fallen on hard times.... her father was a gambler, her eldest brother and his heir is crippled.... they are drowning in debt so after being made fool of by a man and now considered "damaged" by a scoundrel she has only one thing to barter with, her virginity and was directed to him as he was considered the worst of the worst and that there was nothing the debauched man would not do.....
It was a very sexual book, but a very good story as well... not an easy task..bravo Eliza! I loved it... once the whore scene was over the story enthralled me..... there is no true cheating and there is a HEA with a man who discovers that he must "fix himself" but that he needs her to keep him safe while he does... sigh...exhale... sniff...
LOVE LOVE LOVE
August 12, 2021
This was an absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful story... so dark and emotional with a HEA. The hero is so deeply damaged. I cannot image having gone through what he went through then meeting Christina. Both strong characters - I fell in love with both, completely, so much so, I can't stop thinking about them.
I found this story soothing for my soul.
I found this story soothing for my soul.
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 29, 2015
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book... for more, visit Punya Reviews...
I was looking for a diversion from something and Eliza Lloyd’s The Darkness in the Marquess of Dane sounded like something that’d fit my mood. I was also quite ready to dismiss it as ‘another one of those Regency porn’ but the author made me realize that this novel is not as simple as that. Since this was my first book by the author, I had no prior expectations and quite delightfully discovered that I found something worth my time. Something I absolutely enjoyed.
The Darkness in the Marquess of Dane tells you the story of a depraved soul; a man who apparently isn’t bound by any moral code whatsoever. He thrives on debauchery, runs a whorehouse, has his own commissioned prostitutes— quite a large number of them who are at his beck and call whenever the mood strikes him. Dane, whose real name is not known until much later in the story, is what you’d call a rake of the worst order. Maybe even something more than that. The Ton knows him, is very intrigued by him but he rebuffs the Ton’s attention like the plague. He doesn’t mingle with that “set” at all, not even for sex and fun. No, Dane loves his whores, enjoys them. Their transaction is basic and most definitely, honest. He has business ventures that bring him money (that whorehouse is one of the very latest, so he was rich to begin with, though I never knew why he even thought about opening one :/). To him, sex is an art that should be perfected. And it can’t be done if you are entangled in feelings and emotions with your partner. So Dane doesn’t do emotions. His whores know what he wants; they’re paid and looked after well, so they return the “favor” quite generously.
Dane is also a lover of pain, something his whores know. He has done stuff with them that many noblewomen would find distasteful... disgusting even. Some would probably want it secretly, but outwardly they’d mark him as depraved. Oh Dane knows the hypocrisy behind it all, one of the reasons why he shuns the Ton.
The above description should’ve made me shudder in disgust and DNF the story. Fortunately the author, though she starts the book with a slight example of Dane’s depraved lifestyle, lets our H and h met right afterwards and strictly sticks with them the rest of the story. The other stuff were either narrated or told from character monologues to give us a glimpse of what was and how things were changing between him and Christina.
Our h, Christina Turnbow is in a big dilemma. Her father just passed and left a HUGE burden of debt on her and her siblings. She’s got quite a few, with 2 elder brothers and 2 other sisters. The heir, John, is disabled from a long ago accident. He basically can do nothing but sit there and watch the misery written on his siblings’ faces. The younger sisters aren’t aware of the state of their finance as per Christina and her other brother, Mark’s decision. Mark is already involved with an heiress but he has no title, so her family isn’t all that interested in him. Their father’s gambling habits and the rumors of debt would kill any chance he may have with his heiress. The younger sisters need a season and settle down and unless the debts are paid ASAP, they have no future to speak. So Christina and Mark have a lot on their minds. What can they do to change the situation? From where would this huge amount come?
The solution seems to be Christina herself. After getting caught with her ex-fiancé while kissing, her reputation was ruined. The jerk later broke off the engagement leaving her without any matrimonial aspect. Now, with this added financial burden she has no chance of marrying ever again. She has heard of the Marquess of Dane and his debauched ways. She’d also heard that he’s very rich; someone who could just be the solution to all their misery. But what can Christina bargain with? All she has is a tattered reputation and her virginity. In desperation, she comes up with this farfetched plan about selling her virginity to Dane, not knowing if he’d even be interested in such a proposition.
Christina heard of Dane from Mark and I had to question myself how can a brother direct her to someone like Dane? Even though it was always emphasized that the plan and the actions taken afterwards were Christina’s own— adamant about seeing to her siblings’ happiness— even then it seemed Mark was only too happy to let her do it. For some reason, his apparent lack of brotherly concern seemed rather shady to me. I was glad that I didn’t have to deal with him a lot in the story.
Christina had no idea what she’s getting into when she goes to Dane’s home with the proposition. In her inexperience, she thought it’ll all be over quickly. Judging from Dane’s reputation, he’d probably jump her and be done with ‘it’ in a trice. But what she finds when she drops the bomb completely confuses her. Yes, Dane is debauched, as he tries to show her at every turn but it wasn’t as easy or quick at she thought it’d be. Christina couldn’t help but feel like the prey to a predator, stalking her with his eyes… and it excited her like no other! It’s a sensation she’d never known before.
For Dane it was torture. When he was called to deal with this beautiful young thing he also didn’t know what to expect. Then she dumps the most astounding offer on his lap, quite literally, and now he’s the one who is flabbergasted. Though he tries to be as crude in word and action (he makes her strip to have a look at her ‘wares’, then masturbates in front of her) all the while hoping she’d go away, then secretly wishing he could take her right then and there, without any compunction. Christina Turnbow had a body and bearing every man dreams of; it was a wonder she was still not taken by anyone. And she had the looks and coloring of his long deceased wife, Clara. I should’ve been worried over this matter but the author somehow managed not to make it a big issue later in the story.
Though, as mentioned before, Dane wanted to shag her right then and there, he found himself unable to do just that, as if not to sully her with his touch. Quite a weird reason for a rake without any scruples! But when it seemed that Christina wouldn’t listen, even begged him to reconsider (he was trying to dissuade her all this time, again weird for a rake!), Dane throws in his own dice in the bargain. It would not end in a quick humping as Christina was hoping for. If she takes the money, she’d have to cater to his whims for next 7 days, whenever he wished it, whatever he wished for. Take it or leave it.
Christina was already so intrigued by Dane and his odd reluctance contradicting his rather severe reputation as someone so grossly debauched that she couldn’t have said “no” even if there was another option for her. His blatant show of self-pleasure with so little remorse only brought her curiosity to the forefront, highlighting their undeniable attraction. It was as if they were meant to be. However, she didn’t know how she’d far after this experience. Will she be able to come out of it alive and whole?
But it wasn’t until she went to keep her side of the bargain that Christina began to understand just how complex Dane is inside. He’d say things, but won’t necessarily act on them. Then he’d do things when she was least expecting it, totally catching her by surprise! At first, Dane won’t touch her for a while, eating, drinking and chatting away, though Christina was totally prepared to be rid her virginity…. Then, as if sensing her restlessness, he made good on his promise and delivered it. Her first time couldn’t have been more erotic for a totally inexperienced Christina. Dane’s ruthless seduction, as well as coarse talks only served to heighten her curiosity even more. Then there was that part when he asks his Chinese servant, a soul of discretion hence his presence in this secluded home where they were residing, to bind him up. Christina had no idea what was happening until... she just does, as Dane commands that she must whip him. And when she declines, he goes on and on about things to disturb her so that she finally snaps. Christina ends up whipping him, then is full of remorse for hurting him... Somewhere in their oddly erotic dance she begins to grasp that Dane doesn’t only crave it because it’s kinky, he actually believes he deserves the whipping for some unknown past fallacy. And though he’s not cruel in bed, he refuses to show any affection towards her, likewise spurning hers.
Unfortunately, Christina wasn’t wired to give something so intimate up without the bindings of her heart and soon enough she knew this experience is going to ruin her every single way possible. Dane doesn’t back away from anything he wants to do with her body just because she’s newly introduced to the world of pleasure, oh no! He, it seems, is driven by this unknown madness to somehow stake his claim on her body, even if he won’t acknowledge it to anyone. Privately though, Dane knew something is not right in this arrangement. Actually he was aware since the beginning that sex with Christina would be something different than his previous experiences because of the way he reacted to everything about her. To have her so unabashed in his bed, always reacting to his touch just blew Dane’s mind. Then there were times afterwards when she couldn’t help pressing soft kisses on his cheeks. Any show of affection turns Dane cold and he handles it the only way possible, by becoming even colder unless it’s sex that’s their means of communication.
Soon their time together comes to an end and Christina returns to her home an irrevocably changed person. She was sure she’d never see Dane again, until, some weeks later, she attends a ball only to find Lucian Conover attending it. Apparently he had a given name and women of the Ton were still ga-ga over him despite his disinterest. His presence to this particular ball even surprises the hostess, who was once his sister-in-law. But Christina or anyone else for that matter, didn’t know that she’d also left behind an irrevocably changed individual who demanded that his men find out where she is so that he can go and grab her again….. Lucian was obsessed with his new plaything, or so he liked to think of her, if only to tell himself that it’s nothing but lust. And he’s not above manipulation to get her where he wants her the most; in his bed letting him do whatever he wants with her.
In here, we also learn bits and pieces of Lucian’s sordid past which included his wife and his own brother. It ruined the lives of 5 people, 3 of them are now dead. Clara, Peter and the baby she was carrying when she died. Lucian needed to know whose baby was it, a curiosity what was appeased by his ex-SIL, now happily married to another man. It’s been a long time, but the guilt of that incident still lingers and Lucian is still haunted by it every day.
Christina wasn’t happy to see Lucian at all. Not because she didn’t want to but for many other reasons. For one, she was trying to push this experience away since it made her miserable. In one word, she missed him something fierce. And she was sure she’s already a part of his past. Then to see him so suddenly, where everyone noticed his intense interest in her— it was not good news. Gossips will fly soon and her sisters would be the victims. Christina can’t let it happen, not after everything. But Lucian brings the news of new markers of her father’s debt, of which she or any of her siblings were even aware of! This brings in such a devastating picture that there was nothing left to do. Lucian wanted one thing, and one thing only in exchange of the markers he’d already bought. Nothing and no one but Christina will do.
Mark shows some anger (finally!), trying to be big brother but he was as much a captive of Lucian’s manipulation as was Christina. But before you start hating Lucian, you must know that he was trying to be the devil, the deviant. To be true to his reputation. But inside he simply couldn’t come to terms with the fact that Christina can’t be his. He knew she can’t be, she deserved better. She deserved to be loved and he didn’t believe in love. Hell, he didn’t even believe that he deserves to be loved or even return the emotion! But Lucian can, at the least, have her for a while. Christina declines the offer to be his mistress but she can’t turn him away. It was breaking her heart for she wanted Lucian but she knew he wasn’t ready for anything more. So they settle on a few weeks together. Lucian surprises her by taking her to his ancestral seat; a place where he doesn’t venture often. Certainly not with female company!
These couple of weeks proves to be the most intense of their lives, spend as if they were a couple already. Talking, touring the estate... more talking and a lot of sex. Then the time came to say goodbye came again. I can’t say Christina wasn’t disappointed that Lucian didn’t want anything more between them but when she left, she noticed some changes. He even told her some of those painful secrets of his past… but ultimately, how can they be together when one of them doesn’t seem to be ready to leave the past behind and move forward?
After that Christina “vanishes” from London to some unknown place. Lucian never looked for her again, thinking it’s for the best. But it wasn’t until his visit to China, spending months with the Buddhist monks, that Lucian finally wakes up from his hazy nightmares. His mind is finally clear of that miasma of misery. He’s able to grasp at the fact that he’s been in love with Christina since the first moment, yet had done everything to push her away. The heightened intensity of his feelings for Christina pushes Lucian to break into actions. He returns to London, only to find her gone... and no one could give him her whereabouts.
Lucian was hoping it wasn’t too late, and even though things seemed that way, he finds help from the most unexpected of sources. But would he be able to convince her of his feelings and win her back into his life; this time as his wife? Let me just tell you, I ADORED the epilogue. It was be-eau-ti-ful! I won’t tell you why, so you better go and grab the book now! Highly recommended. 4 stars.
PS: Just now noticed that this book seems to be a part of a series. I never read series out of order but honestly, it seemed to be a good standalone.
I was looking for a diversion from something and Eliza Lloyd’s The Darkness in the Marquess of Dane sounded like something that’d fit my mood. I was also quite ready to dismiss it as ‘another one of those Regency porn’ but the author made me realize that this novel is not as simple as that. Since this was my first book by the author, I had no prior expectations and quite delightfully discovered that I found something worth my time. Something I absolutely enjoyed.
The Darkness in the Marquess of Dane tells you the story of a depraved soul; a man who apparently isn’t bound by any moral code whatsoever. He thrives on debauchery, runs a whorehouse, has his own commissioned prostitutes— quite a large number of them who are at his beck and call whenever the mood strikes him. Dane, whose real name is not known until much later in the story, is what you’d call a rake of the worst order. Maybe even something more than that. The Ton knows him, is very intrigued by him but he rebuffs the Ton’s attention like the plague. He doesn’t mingle with that “set” at all, not even for sex and fun. No, Dane loves his whores, enjoys them. Their transaction is basic and most definitely, honest. He has business ventures that bring him money (that whorehouse is one of the very latest, so he was rich to begin with, though I never knew why he even thought about opening one :/). To him, sex is an art that should be perfected. And it can’t be done if you are entangled in feelings and emotions with your partner. So Dane doesn’t do emotions. His whores know what he wants; they’re paid and looked after well, so they return the “favor” quite generously.
Dane is also a lover of pain, something his whores know. He has done stuff with them that many noblewomen would find distasteful... disgusting even. Some would probably want it secretly, but outwardly they’d mark him as depraved. Oh Dane knows the hypocrisy behind it all, one of the reasons why he shuns the Ton.
The above description should’ve made me shudder in disgust and DNF the story. Fortunately the author, though she starts the book with a slight example of Dane’s depraved lifestyle, lets our H and h met right afterwards and strictly sticks with them the rest of the story. The other stuff were either narrated or told from character monologues to give us a glimpse of what was and how things were changing between him and Christina.
Our h, Christina Turnbow is in a big dilemma. Her father just passed and left a HUGE burden of debt on her and her siblings. She’s got quite a few, with 2 elder brothers and 2 other sisters. The heir, John, is disabled from a long ago accident. He basically can do nothing but sit there and watch the misery written on his siblings’ faces. The younger sisters aren’t aware of the state of their finance as per Christina and her other brother, Mark’s decision. Mark is already involved with an heiress but he has no title, so her family isn’t all that interested in him. Their father’s gambling habits and the rumors of debt would kill any chance he may have with his heiress. The younger sisters need a season and settle down and unless the debts are paid ASAP, they have no future to speak. So Christina and Mark have a lot on their minds. What can they do to change the situation? From where would this huge amount come?
The solution seems to be Christina herself. After getting caught with her ex-fiancé while kissing, her reputation was ruined. The jerk later broke off the engagement leaving her without any matrimonial aspect. Now, with this added financial burden she has no chance of marrying ever again. She has heard of the Marquess of Dane and his debauched ways. She’d also heard that he’s very rich; someone who could just be the solution to all their misery. But what can Christina bargain with? All she has is a tattered reputation and her virginity. In desperation, she comes up with this farfetched plan about selling her virginity to Dane, not knowing if he’d even be interested in such a proposition.
Christina heard of Dane from Mark and I had to question myself how can a brother direct her to someone like Dane? Even though it was always emphasized that the plan and the actions taken afterwards were Christina’s own— adamant about seeing to her siblings’ happiness— even then it seemed Mark was only too happy to let her do it. For some reason, his apparent lack of brotherly concern seemed rather shady to me. I was glad that I didn’t have to deal with him a lot in the story.
Christina had no idea what she’s getting into when she goes to Dane’s home with the proposition. In her inexperience, she thought it’ll all be over quickly. Judging from Dane’s reputation, he’d probably jump her and be done with ‘it’ in a trice. But what she finds when she drops the bomb completely confuses her. Yes, Dane is debauched, as he tries to show her at every turn but it wasn’t as easy or quick at she thought it’d be. Christina couldn’t help but feel like the prey to a predator, stalking her with his eyes… and it excited her like no other! It’s a sensation she’d never known before.
For Dane it was torture. When he was called to deal with this beautiful young thing he also didn’t know what to expect. Then she dumps the most astounding offer on his lap, quite literally, and now he’s the one who is flabbergasted. Though he tries to be as crude in word and action (he makes her strip to have a look at her ‘wares’, then masturbates in front of her) all the while hoping she’d go away, then secretly wishing he could take her right then and there, without any compunction. Christina Turnbow had a body and bearing every man dreams of; it was a wonder she was still not taken by anyone. And she had the looks and coloring of his long deceased wife, Clara. I should’ve been worried over this matter but the author somehow managed not to make it a big issue later in the story.
Though, as mentioned before, Dane wanted to shag her right then and there, he found himself unable to do just that, as if not to sully her with his touch. Quite a weird reason for a rake without any scruples! But when it seemed that Christina wouldn’t listen, even begged him to reconsider (he was trying to dissuade her all this time, again weird for a rake!), Dane throws in his own dice in the bargain. It would not end in a quick humping as Christina was hoping for. If she takes the money, she’d have to cater to his whims for next 7 days, whenever he wished it, whatever he wished for. Take it or leave it.
Christina was already so intrigued by Dane and his odd reluctance contradicting his rather severe reputation as someone so grossly debauched that she couldn’t have said “no” even if there was another option for her. His blatant show of self-pleasure with so little remorse only brought her curiosity to the forefront, highlighting their undeniable attraction. It was as if they were meant to be. However, she didn’t know how she’d far after this experience. Will she be able to come out of it alive and whole?
But it wasn’t until she went to keep her side of the bargain that Christina began to understand just how complex Dane is inside. He’d say things, but won’t necessarily act on them. Then he’d do things when she was least expecting it, totally catching her by surprise! At first, Dane won’t touch her for a while, eating, drinking and chatting away, though Christina was totally prepared to be rid her virginity…. Then, as if sensing her restlessness, he made good on his promise and delivered it. Her first time couldn’t have been more erotic for a totally inexperienced Christina. Dane’s ruthless seduction, as well as coarse talks only served to heighten her curiosity even more. Then there was that part when he asks his Chinese servant, a soul of discretion hence his presence in this secluded home where they were residing, to bind him up. Christina had no idea what was happening until... she just does, as Dane commands that she must whip him. And when she declines, he goes on and on about things to disturb her so that she finally snaps. Christina ends up whipping him, then is full of remorse for hurting him... Somewhere in their oddly erotic dance she begins to grasp that Dane doesn’t only crave it because it’s kinky, he actually believes he deserves the whipping for some unknown past fallacy. And though he’s not cruel in bed, he refuses to show any affection towards her, likewise spurning hers.
Unfortunately, Christina wasn’t wired to give something so intimate up without the bindings of her heart and soon enough she knew this experience is going to ruin her every single way possible. Dane doesn’t back away from anything he wants to do with her body just because she’s newly introduced to the world of pleasure, oh no! He, it seems, is driven by this unknown madness to somehow stake his claim on her body, even if he won’t acknowledge it to anyone. Privately though, Dane knew something is not right in this arrangement. Actually he was aware since the beginning that sex with Christina would be something different than his previous experiences because of the way he reacted to everything about her. To have her so unabashed in his bed, always reacting to his touch just blew Dane’s mind. Then there were times afterwards when she couldn’t help pressing soft kisses on his cheeks. Any show of affection turns Dane cold and he handles it the only way possible, by becoming even colder unless it’s sex that’s their means of communication.
Soon their time together comes to an end and Christina returns to her home an irrevocably changed person. She was sure she’d never see Dane again, until, some weeks later, she attends a ball only to find Lucian Conover attending it. Apparently he had a given name and women of the Ton were still ga-ga over him despite his disinterest. His presence to this particular ball even surprises the hostess, who was once his sister-in-law. But Christina or anyone else for that matter, didn’t know that she’d also left behind an irrevocably changed individual who demanded that his men find out where she is so that he can go and grab her again….. Lucian was obsessed with his new plaything, or so he liked to think of her, if only to tell himself that it’s nothing but lust. And he’s not above manipulation to get her where he wants her the most; in his bed letting him do whatever he wants with her.
In here, we also learn bits and pieces of Lucian’s sordid past which included his wife and his own brother. It ruined the lives of 5 people, 3 of them are now dead. Clara, Peter and the baby she was carrying when she died. Lucian needed to know whose baby was it, a curiosity what was appeased by his ex-SIL, now happily married to another man. It’s been a long time, but the guilt of that incident still lingers and Lucian is still haunted by it every day.
Christina wasn’t happy to see Lucian at all. Not because she didn’t want to but for many other reasons. For one, she was trying to push this experience away since it made her miserable. In one word, she missed him something fierce. And she was sure she’s already a part of his past. Then to see him so suddenly, where everyone noticed his intense interest in her— it was not good news. Gossips will fly soon and her sisters would be the victims. Christina can’t let it happen, not after everything. But Lucian brings the news of new markers of her father’s debt, of which she or any of her siblings were even aware of! This brings in such a devastating picture that there was nothing left to do. Lucian wanted one thing, and one thing only in exchange of the markers he’d already bought. Nothing and no one but Christina will do.
Mark shows some anger (finally!), trying to be big brother but he was as much a captive of Lucian’s manipulation as was Christina. But before you start hating Lucian, you must know that he was trying to be the devil, the deviant. To be true to his reputation. But inside he simply couldn’t come to terms with the fact that Christina can’t be his. He knew she can’t be, she deserved better. She deserved to be loved and he didn’t believe in love. Hell, he didn’t even believe that he deserves to be loved or even return the emotion! But Lucian can, at the least, have her for a while. Christina declines the offer to be his mistress but she can’t turn him away. It was breaking her heart for she wanted Lucian but she knew he wasn’t ready for anything more. So they settle on a few weeks together. Lucian surprises her by taking her to his ancestral seat; a place where he doesn’t venture often. Certainly not with female company!
These couple of weeks proves to be the most intense of their lives, spend as if they were a couple already. Talking, touring the estate... more talking and a lot of sex. Then the time came to say goodbye came again. I can’t say Christina wasn’t disappointed that Lucian didn’t want anything more between them but when she left, she noticed some changes. He even told her some of those painful secrets of his past… but ultimately, how can they be together when one of them doesn’t seem to be ready to leave the past behind and move forward?
After that Christina “vanishes” from London to some unknown place. Lucian never looked for her again, thinking it’s for the best. But it wasn’t until his visit to China, spending months with the Buddhist monks, that Lucian finally wakes up from his hazy nightmares. His mind is finally clear of that miasma of misery. He’s able to grasp at the fact that he’s been in love with Christina since the first moment, yet had done everything to push her away. The heightened intensity of his feelings for Christina pushes Lucian to break into actions. He returns to London, only to find her gone... and no one could give him her whereabouts.
Lucian was hoping it wasn’t too late, and even though things seemed that way, he finds help from the most unexpected of sources. But would he be able to convince her of his feelings and win her back into his life; this time as his wife? Let me just tell you, I ADORED the epilogue. It was be-eau-ti-ful! I won’t tell you why, so you better go and grab the book now! Highly recommended. 4 stars.
PS: Just now noticed that this book seems to be a part of a series. I never read series out of order but honestly, it seemed to be a good standalone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2019
Wow! This story was dark with graphic sex. I must read more by this author.
I loved it! 5☆
I loved it! 5☆
July 31, 2016
Years ago I read and adored Lloyd's 'Wicked Desires', a rather unconventional love story. I tried a few others, but did not find that magic and moved on.
Til now, I stumbled on Lord Dane and was caught up in 2 hours of joy. While another slightly unconventional historical romance, it works though some belief must be suspended. The H is a second son who went dark as a result of a bitch of a first wife, the h is pimped by herself and her older brother to deal with her loser fathers debt. Yes, a bit of same old same old, but the telling of it all isn't the same and love and tears is part of the overall experience.
Til now, I stumbled on Lord Dane and was caught up in 2 hours of joy. While another slightly unconventional historical romance, it works though some belief must be suspended. The H is a second son who went dark as a result of a bitch of a first wife, the h is pimped by herself and her older brother to deal with her loser fathers debt. Yes, a bit of same old same old, but the telling of it all isn't the same and love and tears is part of the overall experience.
December 6, 2021
Wow oh wow, you wouldn't be disappointed
January 1, 2023
4.5 stars
IT HURTS SO GOOD 😭😭😭
IT HURTS SO GOOD 😭😭😭
December 21, 2024
Me lo leí en 1 día! No podía parar, me cautivó la historia, el desarrollo de los personajes sobre todo el de Dane, me gustó mucho su transformación y también conecte mucho con Christine, me agrado conocer su fortaleza y lealtad para con su familia; Fue una lectura muy emocionante.💞🔥😍
Calificación Final: 6 estrellas 🌟
Calificación Final: 6 estrellas 🌟
November 20, 2015
For a erotica this book isn't bad. Lots of sex scenes, it's the only thing they did. I didn't mind there crude language. I just had trouble believing that there was love. I even can understand that Dane was kind of a sex addict and Christina was a trooper throughout, participating in Dane's sex exploits with great enthusiasm.
A brainless read, why not?
A brainless read, why not?
November 1, 2015
A great story of redemption
I really loved this book. If had everything a good romance should have . A strong, brooding hero and a beautiful heroine who saves him with her love. I can not say enough good things about this book. Please read it for yourself!!!
I really loved this book. If had everything a good romance should have . A strong, brooding hero and a beautiful heroine who saves him with her love. I can not say enough good things about this book. Please read it for yourself!!!
October 7, 2017
Well written
This was a surprisingly well written erotic romance with excellently drawn hero and heroine. The back story of the Marquess of Dane and his descent into debauchery was well described and the attraction to Christine beautifully described.
This was a surprisingly well written erotic romance with excellently drawn hero and heroine. The back story of the Marquess of Dane and his descent into debauchery was well described and the attraction to Christine beautifully described.
December 30, 2023
This ended up not being a good fit for me. I was fine with the unlikely setup, but I found the hero unlikable (and I like plenty of other cold-hearted heroes), and their connection was 95% just physical. So the romance aspect fell flat for me, and in the vast majority of their many many sex scenes the hero seems positively determined to be a d!ck, so they fell a bit flat for me as well. It would totally work for a lot of people though, and if that's your thing then this one really isn't bad. lol. It reminded me quite a bit of Victoria Vale's The Villain, though I found that one a bit more compelling.
June 7, 2023
My Musings
I've had this book on my Kindle for a long time. It got lost among the many books I have, but the other day I stumbled across it. So glad I found it. Loved the characters and the plot. It's been a while since I read an erotic historical. Happy reading!
I've had this book on my Kindle for a long time. It got lost among the many books I have, but the other day I stumbled across it. So glad I found it. Loved the characters and the plot. It's been a while since I read an erotic historical. Happy reading!
July 24, 2021
2.5
I needed some sort of grovel.
May 4, 2022
Very nice ending!
November 15, 2023
1.5
I thought it was pretty tame and felt no chemistry between the characters outside the bedroom.
I thought it was pretty tame and felt no chemistry between the characters outside the bedroom.
July 20, 2022
Dane was betrayed by his late wife and deceased brother and became quite a messed up character. He owns a whorehouse and beds as many woman as he can.
Christina on the other hand is a young woman who has to save her family's financial wellbeing. She comes across as quite a strong character.
This only became a 'romance' towards the end of the book and though it is a a rather dark and erotic story, I am happy to say that there is a happy ever after.
Christina on the other hand is a young woman who has to save her family's financial wellbeing. She comes across as quite a strong character.
This only became a 'romance' towards the end of the book and though it is a a rather dark and erotic story, I am happy to say that there is a happy ever after.
July 8, 2022
Usually, books endings dissapoints me but I LOVE this ending so much, I will remember this for a long time ❤️
The scene was really beautiful it made me cry. Finally, their little family is complete. (╥﹏╥)
"Dane moved his finger to Lucy’s fat, red cheek. “Look at me, little girl. Look at your papa.” She broke the suction against the nipple, tensed with a big, unhappy stretch and then squealed until she found the teat again. His thumb caressed against Christina’s breast. “How can you forgive me?” His voice was nearly a whisper. “There is nothing to forgive. She is the light of my world. Let her be yours too.”
The scene was really beautiful it made me cry. Finally, their little family is complete. (╥﹏╥)
"Dane moved his finger to Lucy’s fat, red cheek. “Look at me, little girl. Look at your papa.” She broke the suction against the nipple, tensed with a big, unhappy stretch and then squealed until she found the teat again. His thumb caressed against Christina’s breast. “How can you forgive me?” His voice was nearly a whisper. “There is nothing to forgive. She is the light of my world. Let her be yours too.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2017
Absolutely loved this story. The writing was so vivid and made me feel like I was in the story. The sex was smoking hot. I can't remember a read w so much sex that I didn't want to skip over. Loved!
December 19, 2015
One hot read. Not for under 18's. Interesting story that I devoured.
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