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All Around the Ton
Welcome to London's high society, where dukes and earls are worth their weight in gold and pearls. But prim and proper behavior isn't always so easy when hearts are involved. From the ballrooms to the gaming hells, these five Regency couples are turning the ton on its ear with their scandals and secrets.
Once an Heiress: Well-known rogue Ethan Helling is over his ears in gambling debts and must marry a fortune. Enter Lily Bachman with the largest dowry the haute ton has seen in years and zero interest in marriage. But when the seducer becomes the seduced, Lily and Ethan are forced into a hasty union. Now, to gain her fortune, Ethan must find a way to make his unwilling bride happy.
Once Upon a Scandal: Caught in a scandal of her father's making, Jane is an outcast in the society that once prized her refinement. Can Lord Benjamin Marworth, whose reputation as a rake conceals his role as a spy for the Crown, save both England and Jane by faking her death and reincarnating her as a French cousin who can ferret out the stolen war secrets he needs? It's a proposition steeped in scandal if they're caught--but love just might be worth the risk.
Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift: The winter holidays used to be Miss Merry Damonson's favorite time of year. Until her almost-fiancé Edward Everton abandoned her two days before Christmas. Now he's returned to their country village, but is it too late to reignite old flames? A holiday ball might just offer these unlucky lovers a second chance.
The Glass Orchid: Determined to take charge of her own fate, orphan Adel Beaumont pursues the only means to an independent life available to her: become a courtesan to wealthy and powerful men. Twenty-one-year-old Rhys Camden is his father's answer to increasing the family's social standing to match their newfound wealth. When Adel and Rhys's lives entwine, they vow to defy society and family and risk everything to be together. But they soon learn how dangerous that defiance can be.
How to Wed an Earl: To inherit the family coffers, Lucas, Earl of Ravenstone, must claim a fiancée who will no doubt be thrilled at the prospect of finally being able to use his name and become his countess. But Penelope Maitland has already been using Lucas's name--to fend off her stepfamily's creditors. Lucas finds that in order to keep his fortune, he will have to lose his heart to a woman who is tired of waiting for him.
Sensuality Level: Sensual
Once an Heiress: Well-known rogue Ethan Helling is over his ears in gambling debts and must marry a fortune. Enter Lily Bachman with the largest dowry the haute ton has seen in years and zero interest in marriage. But when the seducer becomes the seduced, Lily and Ethan are forced into a hasty union. Now, to gain her fortune, Ethan must find a way to make his unwilling bride happy.
Once Upon a Scandal: Caught in a scandal of her father's making, Jane is an outcast in the society that once prized her refinement. Can Lord Benjamin Marworth, whose reputation as a rake conceals his role as a spy for the Crown, save both England and Jane by faking her death and reincarnating her as a French cousin who can ferret out the stolen war secrets he needs? It's a proposition steeped in scandal if they're caught--but love just might be worth the risk.
Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift: The winter holidays used to be Miss Merry Damonson's favorite time of year. Until her almost-fiancé Edward Everton abandoned her two days before Christmas. Now he's returned to their country village, but is it too late to reignite old flames? A holiday ball might just offer these unlucky lovers a second chance.
The Glass Orchid: Determined to take charge of her own fate, orphan Adel Beaumont pursues the only means to an independent life available to her: become a courtesan to wealthy and powerful men. Twenty-one-year-old Rhys Camden is his father's answer to increasing the family's social standing to match their newfound wealth. When Adel and Rhys's lives entwine, they vow to defy society and family and risk everything to be together. But they soon learn how dangerous that defiance can be.
How to Wed an Earl: To inherit the family coffers, Lucas, Earl of Ravenstone, must claim a fiancée who will no doubt be thrilled at the prospect of finally being able to use his name and become his countess. But Penelope Maitland has already been using Lucas's name--to fend off her stepfamily's creditors. Lucas finds that in order to keep his fortune, he will have to lose his heart to a woman who is tired of waiting for him.
Sensuality Level: Sensual
100 pages, ebook
Published March 28, 2016
128 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 5, 2018
Give enjoyable stoties
Give very different stories but all enjoyable. It took me a while to read this book because I didnt realize it was over a thousand pages, but because each story is set contained you can read it at your leisure. I just finished the last story and found it enjoyable. It's about waiting twenty years for your love to claim you as his bride and what happens afterwatds.
Give very different stories but all enjoyable. It took me a while to read this book because I didnt realize it was over a thousand pages, but because each story is set contained you can read it at your leisure. I just finished the last story and found it enjoyable. It's about waiting twenty years for your love to claim you as his bride and what happens afterwatds.
June 6, 2017
????
How does one rate a collection of stories by different authors? At least one I would give four stars, but another rates barely two. I ended up with three since it's only a choice of one through five with no fractions. It doesn't feel quite right or quite fair, but it's the best I can do under the circumstances.
How does one rate a collection of stories by different authors? At least one I would give four stars, but another rates barely two. I ended up with three since it's only a choice of one through five with no fractions. It doesn't feel quite right or quite fair, but it's the best I can do under the circumstances.
August 27, 2017
Expectations
The misadventures carried on by the ton are full of overblown pride which mask the fear of being vulnerable! So humorous and humbling who the realization of love ❤️ changes those for the better 😊
The misadventures carried on by the ton are full of overblown pride which mask the fear of being vulnerable! So humorous and humbling who the realization of love ❤️ changes those for the better 😊
May 6, 2019
5 wonderful stories of love
Each of the stories reached out and grabbed my attention to the point that I could not put them down. Interesting storylines with love and uncertainty that keeps you turning pages until the last paragraph.
Each of the stories reached out and grabbed my attention to the point that I could not put them down. Interesting storylines with love and uncertainty that keeps you turning pages until the last paragraph.
June 30, 2017
Timeless fun in a romantic era
Great, likable, earthy, classy characters who learn to enjoy life. Loved the early animal welfare tidbits & animal characters too.
Great, likable, earthy, classy characters who learn to enjoy life. Loved the early animal welfare tidbits & animal characters too.
March 8, 2019
Very good stories to read.
Heroine and the heros. The stories are very romantic and the relationship between the two are a good ending.
😢
Heroine and the heros. The stories are very romantic and the relationship between the two are a good ending.
😢
April 6, 2019
Fun stories!
I enjoyed each of these books, and I found some more authors I want to follow.
I recommend these unreservedly.
I enjoyed each of these books, and I found some more authors I want to follow.
I recommend these unreservedly.
September 29, 2020
Tried two stories, anachronistic language, overdone tropes and unlikeable characters. Very disappointing and I couldn't go on.
June 26, 2023
June 2023
Mixed feelings about this collection, the first two were quite good and the last one was interesting but none were quite gripping page turners
Mixed feelings about this collection, the first two were quite good and the last one was interesting but none were quite gripping page turners
August 11, 2021
Lily and Ethan: Lily is so hard headed and stubborn. She has a persecution complex because of her large dowry and her physical stature. She feels all the men are just after her for her money, and she's right about that, most of them are. But she doesn't give love half a chance when she finds the right man. Though he isn't without his faults and excess baggage. It's a constant battle of trust between them that makes the going rough. I enjoyed it very much although I wanted to tell the twit off. These stories are all good reading and a great way to relax and let your mind be with them in their adventures.
September 6, 2016
How to Wed an Earl story was best in this compilation
Once upon an heiress... I could only through 2 chapters. The first chapter was about a a lady who wanted a special man. With chapter 2, I became bored with the "poor me" attitude of the young male aristocrat. He disgusted me thoroughly...lazy beggar. It was a mistake to begin this group of stories with this story. I almost skipped the rest of the stories but I am glad I didn't as How to Wed an Earl was excellent.
Once Upon a Scandal...This storyline didn't capture my interest but what I did read was well done. But others may enjoy it.
Kerry's Wonderful Christmas...This was a quick light read. I did not like Merry's jumping to conclusions but maybe it was the author's device to prolong the story. The cover is completely wrong for the story.
The Glass Orchid... Again, the storyline didn't interest me.
How to Wed an Earl...The storyline flowed smoothly. The conversations and thoughts of the characters felt genuine to the Regency period. I liked this story a lot! The heated tension between the Earl and Penelope caused me turn the pages quickly. I wished this was a 500 page novel...I so like the situations the two find themselves in. It was a very complete story.
Once upon an heiress... I could only through 2 chapters. The first chapter was about a a lady who wanted a special man. With chapter 2, I became bored with the "poor me" attitude of the young male aristocrat. He disgusted me thoroughly...lazy beggar. It was a mistake to begin this group of stories with this story. I almost skipped the rest of the stories but I am glad I didn't as How to Wed an Earl was excellent.
Once Upon a Scandal...This storyline didn't capture my interest but what I did read was well done. But others may enjoy it.
Kerry's Wonderful Christmas...This was a quick light read. I did not like Merry's jumping to conclusions but maybe it was the author's device to prolong the story. The cover is completely wrong for the story.
The Glass Orchid... Again, the storyline didn't interest me.
How to Wed an Earl...The storyline flowed smoothly. The conversations and thoughts of the characters felt genuine to the Regency period. I liked this story a lot! The heated tension between the Earl and Penelope caused me turn the pages quickly. I wished this was a 500 page novel...I so like the situations the two find themselves in. It was a very complete story.
September 3, 2016
Once a heiress: I really enjoyed this love story with a strong, intelligent heroine who falls for a rogue who hides a heart of gold. 5 stars
Once Upon a Scandal: 2 people who have to act like someone they are not and fall in love. This story failed to really grab me for some reason. The hero and heroine were OK but I did not really feel for them, maybe because you never quite knew their real personalities with all the role playing taking place. 3.5 stars
Merry's wonderful Christmas Gift: very short, sweet story. 3 stars
The Glass Orchid: was just an OK read, not much about regency and very predictable ending. 3 stars
How to wed an earl: heroine that has faced many hardship but bounces back with good humor. Hero is more taciturn and driven by duty. It was an enjoyable read although overly drawn out while the hero denied even to himself that he had the ability to fall in love. 4 stars
Once Upon a Scandal: 2 people who have to act like someone they are not and fall in love. This story failed to really grab me for some reason. The hero and heroine were OK but I did not really feel for them, maybe because you never quite knew their real personalities with all the role playing taking place. 3.5 stars
Merry's wonderful Christmas Gift: very short, sweet story. 3 stars
The Glass Orchid: was just an OK read, not much about regency and very predictable ending. 3 stars
How to wed an earl: heroine that has faced many hardship but bounces back with good humor. Hero is more taciturn and driven by duty. It was an enjoyable read although overly drawn out while the hero denied even to himself that he had the ability to fall in love. 4 stars
October 31, 2017
My Christmas read - even though I didn't quite manage over Christmas. But, let me tell you, it certainly had all the sweetness you need for the season.
As always with collections, I wasn't interested in every single one of these stories. When finishing the books, my interest had changed, other stories were better than those I wanted to read in the first place.
This collection contains four full-length novels and one novella. Not all of them are stand-alones, but part of series. However, I didn't feel like I was missing much and overwhelmed by names and characters.
Most surprising was "Once Upon a Scandal". I think I liked it best. It went a totally different direction from what I expected and introduced me to a whole new genre.
As always with collections, I wasn't interested in every single one of these stories. When finishing the books, my interest had changed, other stories were better than those I wanted to read in the first place.
This collection contains four full-length novels and one novella. Not all of them are stand-alones, but part of series. However, I didn't feel like I was missing much and overwhelmed by names and characters.
Most surprising was "Once Upon a Scandal". I think I liked it best. It went a totally different direction from what I expected and introduced me to a whole new genre.
April 24, 2016
Fun, heartwarming love story with lovely characters. I enjoyed this story very much. It was well written and believable. A good read for recency lovers
A good read for recency lovers . Fun characters with a believable story. I enjoyed this story very much. Enjoy!
A good read for recency lovers . Fun characters with a believable story. I enjoyed this story very much. Enjoy!
June 4, 2016
Great read
Enjoyable. Entertaining. Humorous. Everything a book,/stories be. Why do I have to write so many words kindle fire to communicate "Read this enjoyable book?"
Enjoyable. Entertaining. Humorous. Everything a book,/stories be. Why do I have to write so many words kindle fire to communicate "Read this enjoyable book?"
December 19, 2017
First novel is intriguing, the other 4 kind of boring.
April 23, 2017
Once an Heiress-4 stars-Ethan is a reprobate, but with honour, making him a complicated being. He starts going after Lily due her large dowry, like all the other men in the ton, but he treats her like no other.
After a scandalous kiss forces them to marry, the real problems begin. She tries to keep their marriage business, but doesn't really want it to be. He carries guilt for his past mistakes, and feels unworthy, but tries his best to look after his wife.
As the trust and trials continue, they eventually come to realize how they feel, and that they need each other.
Don't know why Lily didn't hear about Ethan's boat of his grandfather's, and buy it back, like he bought her house. Oh well, great story otherwise.
Once Upon A Scandal-4 stars-clever Benjamin transforms the disenfranchised Jane and turns her into Lilliane, a French cousin of Jane's, so she can help hm figure out who's a traitor to England, and working for France.
Jane learns her lessons well, with Lady Sophia's help, and fools everyone in the ton. As they work together and fall in love, things come to a head and the traitor is discovered.
The part I don't like is Benjamin's confession of initially using Jane to find out if her dead father was the traitor, for which she blames him and leaves London. That doesn't seem like enough to destroy things between them, but it does for awhile.
All good in them end, I love the sightings of them all over Europe.
How to Marry an Earl-4 stars-Lucas has to marry Penelope, whom he's been engaged to since he was 9 and she was, an agreement of both their terrible fathers. If he doesn't, he'll lose all he owns.
Penelope thought he'd come for her and has waisted for 20 years, realizing he likely wouldn't come and she'd been used by her father. She's used him to extend her credit, due to her father's debts, but now it all comes to a head.
They meet, and she won't hold him to his obligation, so he focusses on looking after everyone she's been trying to help, he family and her poor animals.
She realizes she loved him, but it takes him a lot longer to figure it out due to his fear of being like his father, who killed himself due to the pain of losing his wife.
Great book, lots of good characters, good length.
After a scandalous kiss forces them to marry, the real problems begin. She tries to keep their marriage business, but doesn't really want it to be. He carries guilt for his past mistakes, and feels unworthy, but tries his best to look after his wife.
As the trust and trials continue, they eventually come to realize how they feel, and that they need each other.
Don't know why Lily didn't hear about Ethan's boat of his grandfather's, and buy it back, like he bought her house. Oh well, great story otherwise.
Once Upon A Scandal-4 stars-clever Benjamin transforms the disenfranchised Jane and turns her into Lilliane, a French cousin of Jane's, so she can help hm figure out who's a traitor to England, and working for France.
Jane learns her lessons well, with Lady Sophia's help, and fools everyone in the ton. As they work together and fall in love, things come to a head and the traitor is discovered.
The part I don't like is Benjamin's confession of initially using Jane to find out if her dead father was the traitor, for which she blames him and leaves London. That doesn't seem like enough to destroy things between them, but it does for awhile.
All good in them end, I love the sightings of them all over Europe.
How to Marry an Earl-4 stars-Lucas has to marry Penelope, whom he's been engaged to since he was 9 and she was, an agreement of both their terrible fathers. If he doesn't, he'll lose all he owns.
Penelope thought he'd come for her and has waisted for 20 years, realizing he likely wouldn't come and she'd been used by her father. She's used him to extend her credit, due to her father's debts, but now it all comes to a head.
They meet, and she won't hold him to his obligation, so he focusses on looking after everyone she's been trying to help, he family and her poor animals.
She realizes she loved him, but it takes him a lot longer to figure it out due to his fear of being like his father, who killed himself due to the pain of losing his wife.
Great book, lots of good characters, good length.
April 12, 2017
As this book contains multiple stories, I will review each under it's own name.
Stories are as follows: Once Upon a Heiress by Elizabeth Boyce, Once Upon a Scandal by Julie LeMense, Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift by Caroline Carey. The Glass Orchid by Emma Barron, and How to Wed an Earl by Ivory Lei.
Stories are as follows: Once Upon a Heiress by Elizabeth Boyce, Once Upon a Scandal by Julie LeMense, Merry's Wonderful Christmas Gift by Caroline Carey. The Glass Orchid by Emma Barron, and How to Wed an Earl by Ivory Lei.
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October 1, 2018Excellent stories
Great opportunity to meet new authors. Especially liked Elizabeth Boyce and how her characters struggled to overcome both their pasts and the rumors the surround them.
Great opportunity to meet new authors. Especially liked Elizabeth Boyce and how her characters struggled to overcome both their pasts and the rumors the surround them.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews