What do you think?
Rate this book
Royal Command #2
Illicit Passion
Librarian Note: Alternate Cover Edition for ASIN: B0157DGA2G.
Showbiz superstar, Lisette, is blackmailed with a threat to expose illicit love, a secret that she, and her father, thought safely hidden forever. Michael initiates an audacious plan to free her from a life of humiliation and pain that puts the whole family in peril. Once again, they hover on the brink of disaster at the hands of the paparazzi.
Meanwhile, their daughter, Harriet, the new owner of the Book of Hours, deciphers coded entries made by Queen Margaret’s great-granddaughter, Lady Harriet Allanach. Will she too follow her namesake’s example and comply with the queen’s command "I direct and beseech my heirs to find love where they may", or walk away from the twin she loves, and shouldn’t love, before it’s too late?
Showbiz superstar, Lisette, is blackmailed with a threat to expose illicit love, a secret that she, and her father, thought safely hidden forever. Michael initiates an audacious plan to free her from a life of humiliation and pain that puts the whole family in peril. Once again, they hover on the brink of disaster at the hands of the paparazzi.
Meanwhile, their daughter, Harriet, the new owner of the Book of Hours, deciphers coded entries made by Queen Margaret’s great-granddaughter, Lady Harriet Allanach. Will she too follow her namesake’s example and comply with the queen’s command "I direct and beseech my heirs to find love where they may", or walk away from the twin she loves, and shouldn’t love, before it’s too late?
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2015
4 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Stuart
24 books104 followersSarah Stuart is the multi-award-winning author of the sizzling Royal Command Family Saga, Christian Richard and Maria trilogy, and DCI Gerald Croft Thrillers.
She is a Readers' Favorite reviewer, and her passions are theatre, music, history, travel. and wildlife. 100% of her royalties are donated to animal charities worldwide.
She is a Readers' Favorite reviewer, and her passions are theatre, music, history, travel. and wildlife. 100% of her royalties are donated to animal charities worldwide.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 25, 2015
I hope the author won't mind my describing this book as a great soap opera, centred around the lives of a glitzy and theatrical family. It reminded me of elements of Dallas and books by Harold Robbins but at the same time remained uniquely different. It is the first book I have ever read where the taboo of incest was at the heart of the story but I thought the author handled it really well, not sensationalising it but simply making it integral to the plot, which is full of suspense.
The characters are vivid and their emotions fully revealed, helping make them seem very real. This is a well written book and though I have become aware it follows on from a previous book by the author, at no time did I feel I was missing anything by not having read the first book.
The characters are vivid and their emotions fully revealed, helping make them seem very real. This is a well written book and though I have become aware it follows on from a previous book by the author, at no time did I feel I was missing anything by not having read the first book.
November 11, 2015
I wasn't aware the this was a second book when I chose it but it didn't matter as this easily stands on its own. The characters are so well drawn they are alive. Although the story is about a difficult topic, it is handled carefully and with a great deal of compassion. A look at this family portrayed gives deep insights into how they ended up where they did and why they will now react in a certain way. I think I felt most sympathy for Lisette as she had to go through so much.
The storyline was vibrant and the description of places took me right to them so I could see each scene in vivid detail. Looking at the lives of the rich and famous, it is easy to forget they might not be as they seem on the outside. In this case, the people are better than their image, or at least the family were, not the bad guy, who is beyond nasty.
I really think I must go get the first book, not because there was anything missing in this one, but because I want more of this story.
The storyline was vibrant and the description of places took me right to them so I could see each scene in vivid detail. Looking at the lives of the rich and famous, it is easy to forget they might not be as they seem on the outside. In this case, the people are better than their image, or at least the family were, not the bad guy, who is beyond nasty.
I really think I must go get the first book, not because there was anything missing in this one, but because I want more of this story.
February 1, 2016
“Illicit Passion” is one of those stories you won’t be able to put down. Once I plunged into the world of show-biz with its twisted secrets, drama, blackmail and passion, I wasn’t able to stop reading this riveting story because I just had to know how it all would end. What I appreciated the most about this unconventional story is the extremely believable, multi-dimensional characters, with a whole spectrum of human emotions that can’t help but resonate with the reader. Another major point that adds to the author’s brilliant writing is how effortlessly she delivered quite a taboo theme of incest, turning the shocking factor into something natural and filled with the most sincere emotions between Lisette and her father Michael. The thriller aspect with the main villain and the blackmail plot was excellently played out and the ending is just too good to ruin – read it and you’ll love it as much as I did! Five stars!
November 16, 2015
I had read and thoroughly enjoyed 'Dangerous Liaisons', the first 'Royal Command' novel, so I was fairly confident that I would enjoy this sequel too. As it happens, I think 'Illicit Passion' is even better!
Time has passed and Michael and Lizzie, who were teenagers at the start of 'Dangerous Liaisons' are now in their fifties. Their children Lisette and James are now in their thirties and the younger children, Harriet and Kit are eighteen and Greta, the youngest, is eleven. One of the most satisfying things about these two books has been observing the characters and their relationships change as the years have passed.
All members of the Marsh family, plus a few new characters, have their moment in the limelight in this book, as the relationships and sub-plots cross back and forth. This makes for a very varied and interesting read, but somehow everything still remains very close-knit, moving the story forward.
I don't want to provide spoilers, but suffice to say the story has a few twists and unexpected developments.
Two characters in particular stood out for me: Harriet, with her storyline, is very well written as her moods and plans veer believably back and forth, chopping and changing her mind, hardly surprising on the journey she undertakes. And James Marsh, a boy in the first book, has really come into his own as the Laird of Kinloch and developed into a strong character.
Will there be a third book? I don't know, but there's still plenty of potential in this family...
Time has passed and Michael and Lizzie, who were teenagers at the start of 'Dangerous Liaisons' are now in their fifties. Their children Lisette and James are now in their thirties and the younger children, Harriet and Kit are eighteen and Greta, the youngest, is eleven. One of the most satisfying things about these two books has been observing the characters and their relationships change as the years have passed.
All members of the Marsh family, plus a few new characters, have their moment in the limelight in this book, as the relationships and sub-plots cross back and forth. This makes for a very varied and interesting read, but somehow everything still remains very close-knit, moving the story forward.
I don't want to provide spoilers, but suffice to say the story has a few twists and unexpected developments.
Two characters in particular stood out for me: Harriet, with her storyline, is very well written as her moods and plans veer believably back and forth, chopping and changing her mind, hardly surprising on the journey she undertakes. And James Marsh, a boy in the first book, has really come into his own as the Laird of Kinloch and developed into a strong character.
Will there be a third book? I don't know, but there's still plenty of potential in this family...
September 22, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed Dangerous Liaisons and didn’t think anything could match it, or in fact how the author could carry the characters and the story forward to another novel.
Sarah Stuart did, and she has done it in such a way it can be read as a standalone. Within the narrative the back drop to the previous story comes through with clarity. It wasn’t repetitive for a reader of her first book, Stuart reminds readers in a subtle way where the story left off and the characters we met Dangerous Liaisons.
The question is, has Illicit Passion lived up to my 5 star review from the prior book? Yes and more. Old characters and new are vivid, real and believable.
Stuart takes a serious topic and weaves it into a well-crafted story. She neither condones incest or glamorises it, what she does do is give the reader a brilliant story line that has mystery and suspense throughout. She treats the emotions of each individual character as if they were her own, love, frustration, anticipation, anger and so much more.
The characters we meet along the way have their own little traits and sense of right and wrong. Dialogue is also believable. I loved and appreciated the little Book of Hours and the author’s research that went into the time period and people in it.
I couldn’t fault the writing or the story. Well done Sarah Stuart.
Sarah Stuart did, and she has done it in such a way it can be read as a standalone. Within the narrative the back drop to the previous story comes through with clarity. It wasn’t repetitive for a reader of her first book, Stuart reminds readers in a subtle way where the story left off and the characters we met Dangerous Liaisons.
The question is, has Illicit Passion lived up to my 5 star review from the prior book? Yes and more. Old characters and new are vivid, real and believable.
Stuart takes a serious topic and weaves it into a well-crafted story. She neither condones incest or glamorises it, what she does do is give the reader a brilliant story line that has mystery and suspense throughout. She treats the emotions of each individual character as if they were her own, love, frustration, anticipation, anger and so much more.
The characters we meet along the way have their own little traits and sense of right and wrong. Dialogue is also believable. I loved and appreciated the little Book of Hours and the author’s research that went into the time period and people in it.
I couldn’t fault the writing or the story. Well done Sarah Stuart.
October 11, 2015
Suspense!
Intense is how I would describe Illicit Passion in one word. It drew me in from the start and I practically held my breath as I read it. Even when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. What would happen next – to Michael, to Lisette, to Harriet? Would Michael and Lizzie’s love hold strong, would Lisette break free of the chains which held her, what would happen to Kit and Harriet, to Greta? Where were Isla and Bob?
Sarah managed to sustain the suspense that captured me from the first and build on it chapter by chapter. The characters were alive and each of them had me hoping that things were going to work out for them. With a theatrical and musical setting, it delves in to a world of passion and love. The Book of Hours is the story within the story, a very unusual and unique concept, an adeptly woven theme which creates the basis of the series.
Although Illicit Passion can easily be read as a stand-alone, I would urge readers not to deprive themselves of the great pleasure of reading them in order. Dangerous Liaisons is a great read but Illicit Passion is amazing!
Intense is how I would describe Illicit Passion in one word. It drew me in from the start and I practically held my breath as I read it. Even when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. What would happen next – to Michael, to Lisette, to Harriet? Would Michael and Lizzie’s love hold strong, would Lisette break free of the chains which held her, what would happen to Kit and Harriet, to Greta? Where were Isla and Bob?
Sarah managed to sustain the suspense that captured me from the first and build on it chapter by chapter. The characters were alive and each of them had me hoping that things were going to work out for them. With a theatrical and musical setting, it delves in to a world of passion and love. The Book of Hours is the story within the story, a very unusual and unique concept, an adeptly woven theme which creates the basis of the series.
Although Illicit Passion can easily be read as a stand-alone, I would urge readers not to deprive themselves of the great pleasure of reading them in order. Dangerous Liaisons is a great read but Illicit Passion is amazing!
October 8, 2015
I couldn’t wait to read this book as the first in the series, Dangerous Liaisons, kept me turning page after page. Illicit Passions didn’t disappoint. The characters are well-rounded, making them very real and I felt as though I had fallen into the scenes. Vivid imagery, lots of action and suspense coupled with a unique storyline kept me gripped from the very first page.
The story follows on from the first book, which sees how a dangerous liaison catches up with the superstar, Michael Marsh, and his family. It also has an added twist which shows just how history can repeat itself. This is a gripping tale of thrilling suspense that will leave you wanting to find out what happens, but dreading what’s going to happen at the same time.
If you like a good glitzy TV drama, you’ll love this book. Sex, lies, scandal and suspense – Illicit Passions has it all! I look forward to more from this accomplished author.
The story follows on from the first book, which sees how a dangerous liaison catches up with the superstar, Michael Marsh, and his family. It also has an added twist which shows just how history can repeat itself. This is a gripping tale of thrilling suspense that will leave you wanting to find out what happens, but dreading what’s going to happen at the same time.
If you like a good glitzy TV drama, you’ll love this book. Sex, lies, scandal and suspense – Illicit Passions has it all! I look forward to more from this accomplished author.
September 26, 2015
I've been waiting for this book since I read Dangerous Liaisons - I couldn't see how a sequel was possible! It is, and it's incredible. I would have enjoyed it if I'd never read the first book - Sarah Stuart dives straight in, introducing BLACKMAIL in the prologue! After that the action never stops, and this time it's Harriet who gets in trouble following the instruction to "find love" in Queen Margaret's Book of Hours and falling for the one man she shouldn't!
It's difficult to say much without giving away the storyline, but there's a lot of dramatic action as well as the steamy sex I expected. Somebody dies, but I'm not telling who :-) Read it and see.
It's difficult to say much without giving away the storyline, but there's a lot of dramatic action as well as the steamy sex I expected. Somebody dies, but I'm not telling who :-) Read it and see.
October 31, 2015
Having read Dangerous Liaisons and been bowled over by Michael and Lizzie’s antics, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Illicit Passions. The answer is more of the same only better. Yes, there is a lot of sex, and it has a controversial storyline, but the author tells the story so well, it all seems acceptable. Basically the story is about a theatrical family and their amazing lives. It reminded me of Jackie Collins, Jacqueline Susann at the their best. It’s a bit of a posh soap opera but it’s so well done, you wouldn’t know it. I must congratulate the author on a super novel. Looking forward to more.
April 23, 2016
Have not yet read the first book in the series, Dangerous Liaisons but did not feel in any way that I was missing elements of the story or the characters. Full of twists and turns I had no idea where the story was leading especially as it involved the questionable paternity of Lisette's daughter, complete with threats and blackmail that followed and plagued her at every turn. Highly intense and dramatic, the writing is raw and visceral. This is a story that engages and doesn't let up from the very first page.
December 12, 2015
"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive."
Illicit Passion, Stuart's second installment of the superstar Marsh family, builds on and improves even the exciting story we were first introduced to in Dangerous Liaisons. The web of deceit so intricately woven in book one grows even deeper, more tangled, and harder to control, for Michael Marsh, in book two.
I think it is fair to say the second iteration of this story is actually superior to the first. Stuart is growing as an Author and this definitely reflects in this book. Dangerous Liaisons was an excellent story, but Illicit Passion is more complex, faster paced and every bit as exciting and titillating as the first book. I will put my hand up and state I enjoyed this book even more than the first and I can't think of a higher compliment to Stuart than that.
This series does handle a very sensitive and somewhat taboo subject, that of consensual incest. Rather than tip-toe around the subject, Stuart tackles it head-on and in both books handles it sensitively and beautifully, in her writing.
Illicit Passion, set around fifteen years after the end of Dangerous Liaisons, sees an aging, yet still beloved superstar, Michael Marsh, reunited with his daughter/lover from fifteen years ago, for a tour of Europe designed to save the daughter Lisette from an evil, dominating, torturer who has ruled her life for many years.
The story is fast-paced, with a wonderful cast of ensemble characters, older than when we last saw them, but some would say no wiser. The backstory linkage to the secret book dating back to the fifteenth century, continues in this book and absolutely lifts this story far and above the run of the mill romance story.
This is a wonderful story, even better than the first. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone with an open enough mind to read it for what it truly is - a story that reinforces the power of love and asserts that love really can conquer all. Five stars all the way for Illicit Passion, by Sarah Stuart.
Illicit Passion, Stuart's second installment of the superstar Marsh family, builds on and improves even the exciting story we were first introduced to in Dangerous Liaisons. The web of deceit so intricately woven in book one grows even deeper, more tangled, and harder to control, for Michael Marsh, in book two.
I think it is fair to say the second iteration of this story is actually superior to the first. Stuart is growing as an Author and this definitely reflects in this book. Dangerous Liaisons was an excellent story, but Illicit Passion is more complex, faster paced and every bit as exciting and titillating as the first book. I will put my hand up and state I enjoyed this book even more than the first and I can't think of a higher compliment to Stuart than that.
This series does handle a very sensitive and somewhat taboo subject, that of consensual incest. Rather than tip-toe around the subject, Stuart tackles it head-on and in both books handles it sensitively and beautifully, in her writing.
Illicit Passion, set around fifteen years after the end of Dangerous Liaisons, sees an aging, yet still beloved superstar, Michael Marsh, reunited with his daughter/lover from fifteen years ago, for a tour of Europe designed to save the daughter Lisette from an evil, dominating, torturer who has ruled her life for many years.
The story is fast-paced, with a wonderful cast of ensemble characters, older than when we last saw them, but some would say no wiser. The backstory linkage to the secret book dating back to the fifteenth century, continues in this book and absolutely lifts this story far and above the run of the mill romance story.
This is a wonderful story, even better than the first. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone with an open enough mind to read it for what it truly is - a story that reinforces the power of love and asserts that love really can conquer all. Five stars all the way for Illicit Passion, by Sarah Stuart.
September 30, 2015
I enjoyed this book for three reasons. One – It is a compelling story; Two – I never knew what the next twist would be and Sarah continuously surprised me; Three- It is well-written with everything from raw unfiltered sex, blackmail and kidnapping to tender hearts
The Book of Hours is a diary passed down through many generations in the female lineage of Queen Margaret of Scotland from the 1400s. The message to each one is the same – to find love where you may and that love is a gift from God, not kings. But, each pair of hands this book passes through finds challenges to decipher code and read the messages hidden within the book.
Superstar, Lisette Marsh, is trapped in a nightmare of sexual, physical and verbal abuse from an evil actor whose career had been destroyed by Lisette’s father in the first book, Dangerous Liaisons. He threatens to expose the illicit affair Lisette had participated in eighteen years ago with her father, Michael Marsh, which had produced a daughter. Michael Marsh is also an international superstar and constantly under the radar of the paparazzi.
Lisette and Michael’s daughter, Harriet, the one who gains possession of the Book of Hours in this story, deals with her own despair when she falls helplessly in love with her supposed twin, Kit. She is torn apart when the truth comes to light that her mother is indeed Lisette and not Lizzie, who is actually her grandmother.
The plot takes many unexpected twists and turns as the family struggles to free Lisette from the bitter and evil Kevin Tyrone as well as avoid the paparazzi and mend the many lives hurt by all.
If you like a thriller with unbridled complicated sexual encounters, you will like this book. The ending took me by surprise as did many of the plot twists along the way. Sarah brings all of the characters to life and even though this book is a sequel to Dangerous Liaisons, it is a standalone as she weaves that story through this one.
The Book of Hours is a diary passed down through many generations in the female lineage of Queen Margaret of Scotland from the 1400s. The message to each one is the same – to find love where you may and that love is a gift from God, not kings. But, each pair of hands this book passes through finds challenges to decipher code and read the messages hidden within the book.
Superstar, Lisette Marsh, is trapped in a nightmare of sexual, physical and verbal abuse from an evil actor whose career had been destroyed by Lisette’s father in the first book, Dangerous Liaisons. He threatens to expose the illicit affair Lisette had participated in eighteen years ago with her father, Michael Marsh, which had produced a daughter. Michael Marsh is also an international superstar and constantly under the radar of the paparazzi.
Lisette and Michael’s daughter, Harriet, the one who gains possession of the Book of Hours in this story, deals with her own despair when she falls helplessly in love with her supposed twin, Kit. She is torn apart when the truth comes to light that her mother is indeed Lisette and not Lizzie, who is actually her grandmother.
The plot takes many unexpected twists and turns as the family struggles to free Lisette from the bitter and evil Kevin Tyrone as well as avoid the paparazzi and mend the many lives hurt by all.
If you like a thriller with unbridled complicated sexual encounters, you will like this book. The ending took me by surprise as did many of the plot twists along the way. Sarah brings all of the characters to life and even though this book is a sequel to Dangerous Liaisons, it is a standalone as she weaves that story through this one.
November 25, 2015
Passion, blackmail, exploitation and isolation drive this well crafted tale of love and passion. Illicit Passion is an intense look inside family passions and rivalry. With the dysfunction around an incestuous affair long in the past still driving the family dynamics, Michael and Lizzy fight to rescue their eldest daughter from the sadistic man who is blackmailing her.
The ramifications of incest and adultery resurface in the younger generation when Kit and Harriet who have lived as twins, but are really second cousins fall in love with each other.
Add to the mix, a spoiled youngest daughter, a voice from the past, and a father who is a famous singer and the drama compounds. The whole story is set against the glitz and glamour of wealth and stardom, yet it explores the ugly underbelly of sexual exploitation and abuse.
Stuart has handled her subject well. Her characters are fully complex humans, who try to do the best they can with what they have to work with. The mystery twists and turns through the story and keeps the reader guessing as to whether the evil Tyrone will control the family or will they break free from his malicious influence?
I highly recommend it Illicit Passion
The ramifications of incest and adultery resurface in the younger generation when Kit and Harriet who have lived as twins, but are really second cousins fall in love with each other.
Add to the mix, a spoiled youngest daughter, a voice from the past, and a father who is a famous singer and the drama compounds. The whole story is set against the glitz and glamour of wealth and stardom, yet it explores the ugly underbelly of sexual exploitation and abuse.
Stuart has handled her subject well. Her characters are fully complex humans, who try to do the best they can with what they have to work with. The mystery twists and turns through the story and keeps the reader guessing as to whether the evil Tyrone will control the family or will they break free from his malicious influence?
I highly recommend it Illicit Passion
October 26, 2015
I enjoyed this book for so many reasons. It was filled with drama, one juicy twist after another. It had mystery and action, the plot thickening at every twist and turn. The author tackles a controversial topic -- incest -- but she handled it so well, and I admired her guts for the way she wrote the story. She didn't condone incest, but she managed the topic in a way that felt real and believable. Also, I had no idea I was reading the second book of a series until I saw the first book online. But it didn't matter because the story worked as a standalone, and held my interest throughout. The author's writing style is flawless. She did an unbelievable job at characterization in this novel. I was able to understand the characters as though I were each of them, feelings their feelings and thinking their thoughts. Major kudos to the author for this! This is a must read, filled with so much drama and intrigue that I dare you to try and put it down!!! And now....I'm dying to get my hands on the first installment of the series!! 5 glittering stars for this book! I highly recommend this edgy read.
December 26, 2015
4.5 rounded to 5.
A unique story and a very unusual blend of genres, contemporary drama, celebrity soap opera, romance, a hint of YA, a touch of history and in the last third a thriller. Wow there was a lot going on.
I'd especially recommend this book to people who enjoy following celebrity gossip and glitzy soap dramas who are interested in having a peek behind the scenes of the rich and famous but be aware some of the relationships are outside of conventionally acceptable range. Although a sequel this books works perfectly well as a stand alone.
A famous celebrity "couple" have hidden a secret from their past. A disgruntled failed actor discovers the truth and sees the opportunity for blackmail. When the couple fight back it puts the rest of the family in danger and they have to keep one step ahead of the paparazzi who are closing in on the possible scandal.
Interesting characters and locations with twists and turns that at times had my eyes popping out of my head as I turned the pages (well clicked the kindle!).
A unique story and a very unusual blend of genres, contemporary drama, celebrity soap opera, romance, a hint of YA, a touch of history and in the last third a thriller. Wow there was a lot going on.
I'd especially recommend this book to people who enjoy following celebrity gossip and glitzy soap dramas who are interested in having a peek behind the scenes of the rich and famous but be aware some of the relationships are outside of conventionally acceptable range. Although a sequel this books works perfectly well as a stand alone.
A famous celebrity "couple" have hidden a secret from their past. A disgruntled failed actor discovers the truth and sees the opportunity for blackmail. When the couple fight back it puts the rest of the family in danger and they have to keep one step ahead of the paparazzi who are closing in on the possible scandal.
Interesting characters and locations with twists and turns that at times had my eyes popping out of my head as I turned the pages (well clicked the kindle!).
September 30, 2015
I read many types of books beyond my normal interests not so much for the story line but to see how the writer strings their words together. I very seldom read romances as most of them bore me. When a friend asked me if I was interested in reading a romantic book that was not the norm, and being in between books, I said why not and purchased ILLICIT PASSION feeling I would read a few pages and then forget about it. I was completely wrong. The novel captured my attention. Although the novel is set around incest the story line is unigue - especailly a book in code from the past that is handed down from mother to daughter. The novel reads like a modern T.V. show with every twist imaginable - sex, lies, deceits. ruthlessness, and rock and roll. A good read - entertaining but with a great plot that makes one read to the end.
September 21, 2015
Having read and loved Dangerous Liaisons I was waiting for the sequel with bated breath. Would Michael and Lizzie's indescretions come back to haunt them? Showbiz superstar Michael Marsh, who shocked readers with his scandalous betrayal of his beloved wife, Lizzie, is back in Illicit Passion. Two decades on from his, and Lizzie’s, “Dangerous Liaisons” he discovers that Kevin Tyrone, with whom he crossed swords years before, has a hold over their eldest daughter, Lisette. Once again, it’s down to Lizzie, Margaret and James to hold the family together and help him fight a battle against impossible odds, complicated by Harriet, the current owner of Margaret Tudor’s Book of Hours.
Complex and enthralling: everlasting love and hate. Your sins will find you out!
Complex and enthralling: everlasting love and hate. Your sins will find you out!
July 17, 2019
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I admit to being a little lost at the start of the book, as the tangled web of this dysfunctional family was tricky to figure out. As this is the second in the series, I would recommend reading the books in order. Once I did work it all out, I settled down to enjoy a really good story with plenty of twists and turns and a few surprises. I was not sure which character to identify with as there were so many of them! The characters were portrayed as very human, full of worries and fears and occasionally I became irritated with them. It takes the reader behind the scenes in a family whose fame and success means they are constantly on show and cannot relax even in their own homes. That was food for thought. Loved the book and would recommend it.
I admit to being a little lost at the start of the book, as the tangled web of this dysfunctional family was tricky to figure out. As this is the second in the series, I would recommend reading the books in order. Once I did work it all out, I settled down to enjoy a really good story with plenty of twists and turns and a few surprises. I was not sure which character to identify with as there were so many of them! The characters were portrayed as very human, full of worries and fears and occasionally I became irritated with them. It takes the reader behind the scenes in a family whose fame and success means they are constantly on show and cannot relax even in their own homes. That was food for thought. Loved the book and would recommend it.
April 14, 2016
LOVE, FAMILY TRYSTS, MARRIAGE, BLACKMAIL & DEATH -- THIS BOOK HAS IT ALL
Lizzie's son, Kit (from her affair with her boss, Clement) and Lisette's daughter, Harriett (from her affair with her father) have been raised as twins. Problems for the family, however, once again raise its head when Harriet is gifted the 'Book of Hours' on her fourteenth birthday, and Lisette is blackmailed, sexually abused and raped.
Although, many people shy away from reading or talking about interrelationships in families, Ms. Stuart expertly explains to the reader why the family erred and leaves them wanting the family to succeed and overcome their problems. I will definitely read the next book in the series
Lizzie's son, Kit (from her affair with her boss, Clement) and Lisette's daughter, Harriett (from her affair with her father) have been raised as twins. Problems for the family, however, once again raise its head when Harriet is gifted the 'Book of Hours' on her fourteenth birthday, and Lisette is blackmailed, sexually abused and raped.
Although, many people shy away from reading or talking about interrelationships in families, Ms. Stuart expertly explains to the reader why the family erred and leaves them wanting the family to succeed and overcome their problems. I will definitely read the next book in the series
August 27, 2016
I won't delve into the story by restating what has already been written. I will simply state my opinion on the work which I read in two days. It's complicated, the cast of characters constantly evolving as a drama of significant proportion is forced upon a family who are living the life, and are, at the same time embroiled in relationships that breach convention. Sarah Stuart manages beautifully to keep it all rolling along, bringing order through her ability to keep the drama interesting right to the very end. The writing is very good, the pace excellent, the drama spot on and the characters suitable complex and interesting enough to keep the reader engaged
October 16, 2015
The book starts off with a great dramatic blackmail scene that relates the parentage of an illicit child, then moves forward a few years and then jumps even further. The narrative that follows focuses on sibling rivalvry and the deciphering of a text, several hundred years old, and parallels of events in the distant past and the present.
I applaud the author for tackling a serious and taboo issue, such as incest, and for her gift to write great drama. I personally didn't get the links to the past and the old English sequences threw me out of the moment as it were. The rest was still compelling and addictive enough, though.
A series to watch.
I applaud the author for tackling a serious and taboo issue, such as incest, and for her gift to write great drama. I personally didn't get the links to the past and the old English sequences threw me out of the moment as it were. The rest was still compelling and addictive enough, though.
A series to watch.
September 23, 2015
I have read Dangerous Liaisons and I was looking forward to the sequel and Sarah didn’t disappoint. Not only did she make a smooth transition but you can actually read the books as standalone and you almost wouldn’t know there are two books.
We meet again Michael, Lizzie and the rest of the group from the first book. Sarah’s characters still jump off the page and she did such a great job complicating their already complicated lives.
The plot is interesting and the writing exquisite. Highly recommended.
We meet again Michael, Lizzie and the rest of the group from the first book. Sarah’s characters still jump off the page and she did such a great job complicating their already complicated lives.
The plot is interesting and the writing exquisite. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2015
kept me reading far too late into the night. The characters were were well drawn, so much so that my dislike of the father is still quite vivid this morning. Obviously the author caught my attention. There are more than enough twists in this to keep you reading. Make sure your device is fully charged before you start
May 2, 2016
Hot, sexy, mystery, suspence - a wonderful mix of all of these!
I enjoyed every moment of of this book, and I actually didn't realise it was the second in a series - so that was a good thing - as I've not yet read the first book (but now I will have to)
Well written, great characters and keeps you turning pages until the very end! Everything you need in a great read!
I enjoyed every moment of of this book, and I actually didn't realise it was the second in a series - so that was a good thing - as I've not yet read the first book (but now I will have to)
Well written, great characters and keeps you turning pages until the very end! Everything you need in a great read!
September 17, 2015
I have a pinned tweet at the moment with a banner that reads "The price of temptation must be paid, but who will pay it?" The question in body of the tweet is: "Will it be paid in Dollars, Disgrace, or Death?"
Illicit Passion was a sequel that had to be written: it almost wrote itself. Without using spoilers for anyone who has not yet read Dangerous Liaisons, the first book in the Royal Command series, all I shall add is the way Michael, Lizzie and Lisette dealt with their "troubles" was bound to have repercussions.
Illicit Passion was a sequel that had to be written: it almost wrote itself. Without using spoilers for anyone who has not yet read Dangerous Liaisons, the first book in the Royal Command series, all I shall add is the way Michael, Lizzie and Lisette dealt with their "troubles" was bound to have repercussions.
October 13, 2015
Another great read from Sarah Stuart. I wasn’t sure how she would improve on the first one but she managed to exceed all my expectations. Illicit Passions is a very entertaining book set in a surreal celebrity world. It is a true drama filled with complex emotions, sex, lies, betrayal and much more compelling you to read on. I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 9, 2016
Double Wow!
This author has turned out the wildest plot I've ever read. A world famous family, descended from royal blood, in the most twisted affairs of the heart. Sarah Stuart makes it all work.
Adding suspense and horror to this book is a sadist that wishes to totally control one of the main characters. I don't want to issue any spoilers to this twisty-turny plot, but suffice it to say there is never a dull moment.
Have fun with this book.
This author has turned out the wildest plot I've ever read. A world famous family, descended from royal blood, in the most twisted affairs of the heart. Sarah Stuart makes it all work.
Adding suspense and horror to this book is a sadist that wishes to totally control one of the main characters. I don't want to issue any spoilers to this twisty-turny plot, but suffice it to say there is never a dull moment.
Have fun with this book.
November 29, 2015
Mature Themes
Harriet is in love. She adores Kit. He’s handsome, talented, and… forbidden. It’s Love with Chains.
Sarah Stuart takes on a topic usually spoken of in hushed tones. The story is fast paced, with lots of action and steam. Illicit Passion takes the reader into a different world, in which all that glitters isn’t gold.
Harriet is in love. She adores Kit. He’s handsome, talented, and… forbidden. It’s Love with Chains.
Sarah Stuart takes on a topic usually spoken of in hushed tones. The story is fast paced, with lots of action and steam. Illicit Passion takes the reader into a different world, in which all that glitters isn’t gold.
June 24, 2016
Illicit Passion is an edgy, complex, character driven story. Family secrets, past sins, and intrigue fill the pages of this book. I enjoyed the twisting plot, the way the characters become real, and the way the secrets were brought to light. It's a fantastic story, and I will be reading more of Sarah Stuart's work.
Read
July 9, 2016Illicit Passion takes the reader into the secret lives of stage royalty. Stuart masterfully shows incest at its most warped. The novel is sinfully hot, but does show the consequences of incest in the character, Harriet--my favorite.
If you're looking for a hot read that's low on morality, I suggest Illicit Passion by Sarah Stuart.
If you're looking for a hot read that's low on morality, I suggest Illicit Passion by Sarah Stuart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews