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The Viscount’s Mistress
Lawrence Sutherland, Royal Navy Captain and the Viscount of Glenrith, has just struck a devil’s bargain. To save his family from financial ruin, he needs the help of his closest childhood friend, Violette. They must work together so he can gain the hand of her wealthy but spoiled heiress cousin and make a mutually beneficial marriage—a sound business arrangement for them both. In return for her help, Lawrence offers Violette the one thing she covets most—freedom. With his help, she can leave England and her cruel family behind.
But there is a vital flaw in this near-perfect plan. Violette Pélet de Castelmarou is secretly in love with Lawrence and has hidden it for years. Yet now she finds herself feeding him lines and coaching him through sticky social situations in order to win over her cousin. But when emotions get involved, hearts become inextricably entangled.
When the time comes, will Lawrence be able to say goodbye to Violette or will he compromise her virtue and make her his forever?
If he cannot have her for his wife, then he’ll make her his mistress…
But there is a vital flaw in this near-perfect plan. Violette Pélet de Castelmarou is secretly in love with Lawrence and has hidden it for years. Yet now she finds herself feeding him lines and coaching him through sticky social situations in order to win over her cousin. But when emotions get involved, hearts become inextricably entangled.
When the time comes, will Lawrence be able to say goodbye to Violette or will he compromise her virtue and make her his forever?
If he cannot have her for his wife, then he’ll make her his mistress…
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2016
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598 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 5, 2017
This book pissed me off from the prologue. I don't know if I've just overdosed on crappy romance novels (which I never touched until I became poor, and they seem to dominate the freebie lists) or this was as bad as it seemed.
Seriously, the two main characters irritated the hell out of me. She's a doormat, he's a self-important jerk and a user. It seems being tall and well dressed compensates for character flaws, and being raised to ignore others' opinions of you doesn't make you less of a wimp in coping with it because living with relatives who hate and abuse you is easier than finding an alternative. There's no shortage of despicable supporting characters. His father is an arse also, using people--including his kids--to gamble away his family's fortune and insisting they continue to bail him out. The rich heiress who's supposed to be their salvation is a spoiled moron who seems solely interested in gossip. Her mother is an abusive cunt. Lawrence's sister and so-called friend are largely placeholders. The grandmother acts as fairy godmother here and there, then is relegated to the attic and forgotten.
The story went on way too long for what it involved--wooing an insipid bitch for her money, simultaneously swearing not to despoil the woman you can't marry as you despoil her repeatedly and finally order her to be your whore, and she helps him woo said bitch, swears she'll run away to America rather than watch him marry someone else, then immediately caves to his wishes. Add in a lame secret about the horrors of war and an unexpected windfall to make everything better, a few weird-arsed editing misses and bad homonym choices, and there you have it. Just because I compulsively read everything I start to the bitter end doesn't mean you have to. Trust me, keep walking past this uninspired mess.
Seriously, the two main characters irritated the hell out of me. She's a doormat, he's a self-important jerk and a user. It seems being tall and well dressed compensates for character flaws, and being raised to ignore others' opinions of you doesn't make you less of a wimp in coping with it because living with relatives who hate and abuse you is easier than finding an alternative. There's no shortage of despicable supporting characters. His father is an arse also, using people--including his kids--to gamble away his family's fortune and insisting they continue to bail him out. The rich heiress who's supposed to be their salvation is a spoiled moron who seems solely interested in gossip. Her mother is an abusive cunt. Lawrence's sister and so-called friend are largely placeholders. The grandmother acts as fairy godmother here and there, then is relegated to the attic and forgotten.
The story went on way too long for what it involved--wooing an insipid bitch for her money, simultaneously swearing not to despoil the woman you can't marry as you despoil her repeatedly and finally order her to be your whore, and she helps him woo said bitch, swears she'll run away to America rather than watch him marry someone else, then immediately caves to his wishes. Add in a lame secret about the horrors of war and an unexpected windfall to make everything better, a few weird-arsed editing misses and bad homonym choices, and there you have it. Just because I compulsively read everything I start to the bitter end doesn't mean you have to. Trust me, keep walking past this uninspired mess.
October 17, 2016
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I hate to do this but I have to be honest. This was a very hard read for me. I had to push myself to finish this. We have two life-long friends that have been separated and become reunited and embark on a crazy journey to find love. I really wanted to love this but I just cannot get over how horrible the Viscount was. He was just a controlling, domineering jerk. I just couldn't find any sympathy for him. He was just horrible to his "Friend." It made me so mad. I think the story was okay but I just could not get over my dislike of the main character.
October 7, 2016
Lawrence Sutherland, Royal Navy Captain and the Viscount of Glenrith, has just struck a devil’s bargain with his father in order to save his family from financial ruin & he needs the help of his closest childhood friend, Violette. They must work together so he can gain the hand of her wealthy but spoiled heiress cousin Mariah and make a mutually beneficial marriage—a sound business arrangement for them both. In return for her help, Lawrence offers Violette the one thing she covets most,freedom. With his help, she can leave England and her cruel family behind.
As with most ill conceived plans there is a vital flaw in this near-perfect plan. Violette Pélet de Castelmarou is secretly in love with Lawrence and has hidden it for years. Yet now she finds herself feeding him lines and coaching him through sticky social situations in order to win over her cousin. Lawrence also is in love with Violette but doesn’t recognise it.
Violette is a strong heroine & has suffered much in her life only to have to live with her viper of an aunt & I felt sorry for the way everyone of her family, apart from her grandmother, treat her worse than a servant. Lawrence is consumed with guilt over Billy Travers but wants to do the best for his sister Elizabeth.
Lawrence & Violette are childhood friends but when they meet again the air sizzles. Their verbal spats are very entertaining & the chemistry between the two is scorching, chess will never be the same again! A very good well written book that was full of emotion, no intrigue just a hero trying to do his best for everyone but himself. I enjoyed the book & liked the main characters even if I wanted to shake Lawrence at times. I hope the author gives Elizabeth her story as she too deserves her HEA
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
As with most ill conceived plans there is a vital flaw in this near-perfect plan. Violette Pélet de Castelmarou is secretly in love with Lawrence and has hidden it for years. Yet now she finds herself feeding him lines and coaching him through sticky social situations in order to win over her cousin. Lawrence also is in love with Violette but doesn’t recognise it.
Violette is a strong heroine & has suffered much in her life only to have to live with her viper of an aunt & I felt sorry for the way everyone of her family, apart from her grandmother, treat her worse than a servant. Lawrence is consumed with guilt over Billy Travers but wants to do the best for his sister Elizabeth.
Lawrence & Violette are childhood friends but when they meet again the air sizzles. Their verbal spats are very entertaining & the chemistry between the two is scorching, chess will never be the same again! A very good well written book that was full of emotion, no intrigue just a hero trying to do his best for everyone but himself. I enjoyed the book & liked the main characters even if I wanted to shake Lawrence at times. I hope the author gives Elizabeth her story as she too deserves her HEA
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
October 12, 2016
What I enjoyed most about this story was how well written the romance between Lawrence and Violette was, and how I could feel the emotional connection between the two, and if that interests you, I would read this book. However, there was not much going on in the plot beyond the romance between the two life long friends. Additionally, the conversation between Lawrence and his father that set up the rational for why the two friends couldn't be together was slightly confusing and seemed to use very convoluted logic to set up the conflict, which I found slightly irking.
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February 22, 2020
Money💰 Isn't Everything
Adult Regency Era Romance💞
This book plot made me angry, but at The same time it is well written and planned out.
Violette💃💋, basically a orphan at the mercy of relatives, and Lawrence🐺🍆🌋, the son of a viscount, were childhood friends and spent a lot of time together. Lawrence🐺🍆🌋🔪 doesn't get along with his father, a Viscount, so he joins the navy and becomes a ship captain⛵ eventually.
Meanwhile, his father is blowing all the 💰money and assets of his inherited estate. When Lawrence🐺🍆🌋🔪 gets back from the war, he finds the estate bankrupt, and his father not caring what he is doing.
His only way out, he assumes, is to marry a lady with a huge dowry. Violette💃💋 has no dowry, but She wants to get away and go to America. Her relatives are cruel to her because she is French.
Lawrence🐺🍆🌋🔪 immediately seeks Violette💃💋 out when he returns from the Navy⛵. He is in love💘 with her, but keeps insisting he must marry for money, and reluctantly begins courting her wealthy cousin.
Lawrence🐺🍆🌋🔪 wants to marry the cousin and retain Violette💃💋 for his mistress because he loves💘 only her. NO WAY DUDE!
Great book but somewhat angsty! From history, these arrangements were fairly common among the noble class.
Adult Regency Era Romance💞
This book plot made me angry, but at The same time it is well written and planned out.
Violette💃💋, basically a orphan at the mercy of relatives, and Lawrence🐺🍆🌋, the son of a viscount, were childhood friends and spent a lot of time together. Lawrence🐺🍆🌋🔪 doesn't get along with his father, a Viscount, so he joins the navy and becomes a ship captain⛵ eventually.
Meanwhile, his father is blowing all the 💰money and assets of his inherited estate. When Lawrence🐺🍆🌋🔪 gets back from the war, he finds the estate bankrupt, and his father not caring what he is doing.
His only way out, he assumes, is to marry a lady with a huge dowry. Violette💃💋 has no dowry, but She wants to get away and go to America. Her relatives are cruel to her because she is French.
Lawrence🐺🍆🌋🔪 immediately seeks Violette💃💋 out when he returns from the Navy⛵. He is in love💘 with her, but keeps insisting he must marry for money, and reluctantly begins courting her wealthy cousin.
Lawrence🐺🍆🌋🔪 wants to marry the cousin and retain Violette💃💋 for his mistress because he loves💘 only her. NO WAY DUDE!
Great book but somewhat angsty! From history, these arrangements were fairly common among the noble class.
October 15, 2017
Readable but there are some serious issues with this book. Mostly I didn't care for the "hero" and I really wanted the heroine to run away and never look back. I liked the fact that they had been friends in childhood and it started off okay. A little bit Cinderella - unwanted orphaned child doing servants work kind of feel and then it went off in a different direction. The hero had some serious issues that he needed to work out and the way the reader finds out is kind of odd. And of course, he struggles with those issues for the entirety of the book and then gets over them in the space of 5 minutes.
My favorite character was the grandmother whom we only really got to meet for 5 seconds. Disappointing. The book just needed something else.
Blah. I don't think I will read anything else by this author but it wasn't my worst read of the year.
My favorite character was the grandmother whom we only really got to meet for 5 seconds. Disappointing. The book just needed something else.
Blah. I don't think I will read anything else by this author but it wasn't my worst read of the year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2016
Lawrence and Violette have been friends since they were kids. When he was a teenager, Lawrence ran away and joined the navy. Shortly thereafter, Violette was basically banished to France. Now they are both back and their feelings are as strong as ever. Unfortunately, Lawrence is being forced to choose a bride, and it’s not Violette.
So, I really didn’t expect to like this book,but once I started reading it, I really couldn’t stop. It’s a loose retelling of Cinderella that I thoroughly enjoyed. My heart cried for both of these characters. They had already went through so much and everything they went through to finally get their happiness will make you want to cry. I highly recommend.
So, I really didn’t expect to like this book,but once I started reading it, I really couldn’t stop. It’s a loose retelling of Cinderella that I thoroughly enjoyed. My heart cried for both of these characters. They had already went through so much and everything they went through to finally get their happiness will make you want to cry. I highly recommend.
August 16, 2017
Lawrence is in a bad situation. His father has said he must turn over his sisters dowry to pay the fathers debts or his father will sell her to the highest bidder. It doesn't Matter who or what the bidder wants her for. Lawrence agrees to marry for money as long as his father signs over his sisters future and the father can no longer get any more money from the estate. He is being put on an allowance. Lawrence turns to his best friend Violette for help in his quest. Though he thinks he is helping his sister he uses Violette shamelessly. This book made me angry by how short sighted Lawrence was and how cruel some people can be.
April 7, 2018
2.5 stars. This one wasn’t for me. The heroine’s behavior didn’t make sense most of the time. The hero was pretty uncaring of heroine when it served his purpose. The editing was not great.
March 21, 2020
I liked this book very much. Very sexy and fun. Will definitely read more by this author.
August 12, 2017
This novel was so gripping in its emotional intensity that I have a hard time believing, Claire DuLac, is a debut author. The connection developed in a youthful friendship between Gillette and Lawrewnce (Viscount of Glenrith) that was sustained through the years by hidden letters written to one another was brilliant. The focus on the importance of the friendship they had and the desire never to lose that had me close to tears the entire story. Violette stole the show for me. She had a great life that went the way of Cinderella. The fact she remained so strong, brought about by what her parents instilled in her and the youthful hope she had in Lawrence, made her into a tough-as-nails determined heroine. The fact that it was Lawrence who was the one that had to rip that foundation from her (through a plan put in place by his louse of a father) was heart wrenching. I felt at one point Lawrence handled things so poorly by his unintentional verbal insults, which finally broke Violette's hard fought spirit, that I felt he didn't deserve her. Luckily throughout the story the internal dialogue of the hero and heroine kept me rooting for them. Lawrence still deserved to grovel more but that is why epilogues are always appreciated (as this one had).
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 21, 2017
A LOT OF TYPING ERRORS BUT A GOOD BOOK ALL THE SAME
May 16, 2017
The Viscount's Mistress is my first book by Claire DuLac. Ms DuLac has delivered a well-written historical romance. The characters are perfect for this story. Lawrence and Violette's story is loaded with drama, suspense and sizzle. I enjoyed reading The Viscount's Mistress and look forward to reading more from Claire DuLac in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
February 28, 2019
I completely agree with Jeanne Johnston's review, couldn't express my feeling better.
There was only .
There were so many misspelled words or words forgotten to be deleted, the book could use a good editor. Maria is the daughter of a baron, she claims to be the daughter of an earl.
My pet peeve is sloppy research:
Violette puts bluebells in her hair for the ball - bluebells bloom in April.
The sunset during the ball is said to be at half past ten - the latest sunset in the lake district is around June 23rd (and is at 10pm).
The admiral mentions time to be close to September - so the ball would take place in August (sunset around 9pm) .
WHAT MONTH IS IT?
There was only .
There were so many misspelled words or words forgotten to be deleted, the book could use a good editor. Maria is the daughter of a baron, she claims to be the daughter of an earl.
My pet peeve is sloppy research:
Violette puts bluebells in her hair for the ball - bluebells bloom in April.
The sunset during the ball is said to be at half past ten - the latest sunset in the lake district is around June 23rd (and is at 10pm).
The admiral mentions time to be close to September - so the ball would take place in August (sunset around 9pm) .
WHAT MONTH IS IT?
September 4, 2019
Disgusting hero and a spineless heroine who really deserve each other
OMG! Where do I begin?????
The hero, must be the most selfish, arrogant, and cruel 'hero' I've read in a long time. The way he handles things, and particularly the cruel way he treats the heroine, is appalling!
The heroine is no better: spineless, low self esteem, and worst of all, a martyr. She allows everyone around her to treat her horribly, including the hero, yet she has no problem sleeping with him again and again. Ugh!!! I can't even.......!
My first and last book by this author.
OMG! Where do I begin?????
The hero, must be the most selfish, arrogant, and cruel 'hero' I've read in a long time. The way he handles things, and particularly the cruel way he treats the heroine, is appalling!
The heroine is no better: spineless, low self esteem, and worst of all, a martyr. She allows everyone around her to treat her horribly, including the hero, yet she has no problem sleeping with him again and again. Ugh!!! I can't even.......!
My first and last book by this author.
April 25, 2018
What I liked most about the book was that it was a well-written romance making me highlight passages after passages just so that I can reread them whenever I felt like.
Lawrence and Violette felt real and I could feel the emotional connection between the two because of the vivid narration by the author.
The vagaries of the time and the vulnerabilities of both Lawrence and Violette will make the reader sympathise with them.
Highly recommended
Lawrence and Violette felt real and I could feel the emotional connection between the two because of the vivid narration by the author.
The vagaries of the time and the vulnerabilities of both Lawrence and Violette will make the reader sympathise with them.
Highly recommended
April 18, 2018
Oh my gosh!!!!
I loved this book! Best I've read lately! What a page turner. So intense. Steamy swoon worthy scenes. Oh my! I would read this one again. Great writing and the most wonderful characters.
I loved this book! Best I've read lately! What a page turner. So intense. Steamy swoon worthy scenes. Oh my! I would read this one again. Great writing and the most wonderful characters.
May 9, 2017
To my surprise, it was really good! First time I read the work of Claire DuLac. It was emotionally intense and fast pace. I will look out for more of her work.
July 29, 2017
Muleheaded hero
Would have given an extra star, but typos were distracting. Hero was super muleheaded too. It was entertaining enough for me to stay up all night reading, though.
Would have given an extra star, but typos were distracting. Hero was super muleheaded too. It was entertaining enough for me to stay up all night reading, though.
August 4, 2017
Good read
I loved this book. It was a wide array rollercoaster of emotions. Stressing belief in yourself. It was a perfect read for a rainy vacation day!!
I loved this book. It was a wide array rollercoaster of emotions. Stressing belief in yourself. It was a perfect read for a rainy vacation day!!
August 5, 2017
Loved this book.
Held my attention start to finish. Loved the characters and relationships. Will save this one to read again. 5 stars for sure.
Held my attention start to finish. Loved the characters and relationships. Will save this one to read again. 5 stars for sure.
August 22, 2017
Review
This is really a great story, was a little worried they wouldn't get together but so glad they did, I really do recommend this book, its a great love story!
This is really a great story, was a little worried they wouldn't get together but so glad they did, I really do recommend this book, its a great love story!
August 30, 2018
This novel is a bit different to other historical romance novels set in Regency times as it doesn’t follow quite the same storyline. Your typical historical romance novel set in Regency times follows along the lines of:
a) Girl is on the shelf and no longer/ never did care about getting married but some guy inadvertently crosses her path and breaks down the walls she’s built around herself and they get married and live happily every after OR
b) Guy needs to marry and heiress with or without love, girl is stubborn about staying single because men control their lives etc etc, guy eventually wins her over and they get married and live happily ever after
This story however is about Violette helping Lawrence win a wealthy bride in order to pay back his fathers debts in order to keep his land and titles. Violette is definitely not wealthy. Although she should have inherited money and possibly lands, due to a mistake that occurred during the French Revolution she’s not considered to be a bastard. Which in English society is not a good thing to be. What I never understood about people is their need to rip down those around them in order to make themselves look better.
In this case, how is ostracising Violette doing any good? Not only was she not conceived when her parents mistake occurred, how could she change her birth after the fact? That kind of judgemental attitude has always irked me even if it was just to do with other people regular social/ sex lives. Why should anyone other than the individuals it concerns know or worry about those details?
Anyway, Lawrence works with Violette to make himself seem like a desirable husband to Mariah (Violette’s wealthy cousin) so that he can fix up his fathers debt and ensure his inheritance is safe. Violette does everything she can to coach Lawrence through flirting with Mariah, organising a ball in her honor and even keeping her previous beau away from her to ensure Mariah’s attention is solely on Lawrence. Throughout this whole time Violette is getting abused by her aunt (mothers brothers wife who is Mariah’s mother from her first marriage) for ruining Mariah’s chances of a successful marriage with Lawrence.
And poor Violette can’t even tell her aunt that she’s HELPING Lawrence win Mariah’s hand in marriage. Because if she tells her that, then she has to explain WHY Lawrence needs to marry Mariah which will probably mean her aunt will try and stop the marriage. And Violette is so loyal to Lawrence she even takes a beating from her aunt that leaves her battered and bruised, to a degree that if that happened in this day and age the aunt would be up for assault and battery charges; she still doesn’t reveal that secret to her aunt.
Funnily enough, towards the end of the book we discover a secret of Mariah’s which explains that niggling feeling I had. The whole way through the book I couldn’t understand why she’d entertain Lawrence’s suit. That is until we learnt that one little tidbit. And then it all fell into place.
And at the same time made EVERYTHING fall into place. Which resulted in Lawrence and Violette finally getting together. Among other things. And I gota say, those “other things” made me happy. I found myself cheering on Lawrence finally throwing his father to the wolves (well, Debters Prison). I am a big believer in supporting those close to you through difficult times, but not protecting them from their consequences. If you don’t experience the consequences how can you truly learn from the mistake or experience? And in Lawrence’s fathers case, he’s never had to face the consequences and therefore never learns.
So it was great to see someone finally stand up to a bully and make them face the music. And to then have a few other nice things fall into place for Lawrence and Violette really gave the story the “cherry on top” feeling. I enjoyed this book quite a bit, especially because it didn’t follow the typical storylines. That doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy the typical stories. It just means sometimes I like to mix it up a bit and don’t want to be able to guess the outcome every time.
https://proudbookreviews.com/2018/07/...
a) Girl is on the shelf and no longer/ never did care about getting married but some guy inadvertently crosses her path and breaks down the walls she’s built around herself and they get married and live happily every after OR
b) Guy needs to marry and heiress with or without love, girl is stubborn about staying single because men control their lives etc etc, guy eventually wins her over and they get married and live happily ever after
This story however is about Violette helping Lawrence win a wealthy bride in order to pay back his fathers debts in order to keep his land and titles. Violette is definitely not wealthy. Although she should have inherited money and possibly lands, due to a mistake that occurred during the French Revolution she’s not considered to be a bastard. Which in English society is not a good thing to be. What I never understood about people is their need to rip down those around them in order to make themselves look better.
In this case, how is ostracising Violette doing any good? Not only was she not conceived when her parents mistake occurred, how could she change her birth after the fact? That kind of judgemental attitude has always irked me even if it was just to do with other people regular social/ sex lives. Why should anyone other than the individuals it concerns know or worry about those details?
Anyway, Lawrence works with Violette to make himself seem like a desirable husband to Mariah (Violette’s wealthy cousin) so that he can fix up his fathers debt and ensure his inheritance is safe. Violette does everything she can to coach Lawrence through flirting with Mariah, organising a ball in her honor and even keeping her previous beau away from her to ensure Mariah’s attention is solely on Lawrence. Throughout this whole time Violette is getting abused by her aunt (mothers brothers wife who is Mariah’s mother from her first marriage) for ruining Mariah’s chances of a successful marriage with Lawrence.
And poor Violette can’t even tell her aunt that she’s HELPING Lawrence win Mariah’s hand in marriage. Because if she tells her that, then she has to explain WHY Lawrence needs to marry Mariah which will probably mean her aunt will try and stop the marriage. And Violette is so loyal to Lawrence she even takes a beating from her aunt that leaves her battered and bruised, to a degree that if that happened in this day and age the aunt would be up for assault and battery charges; she still doesn’t reveal that secret to her aunt.
Funnily enough, towards the end of the book we discover a secret of Mariah’s which explains that niggling feeling I had. The whole way through the book I couldn’t understand why she’d entertain Lawrence’s suit. That is until we learnt that one little tidbit. And then it all fell into place.
And at the same time made EVERYTHING fall into place. Which resulted in Lawrence and Violette finally getting together. Among other things. And I gota say, those “other things” made me happy. I found myself cheering on Lawrence finally throwing his father to the wolves (well, Debters Prison). I am a big believer in supporting those close to you through difficult times, but not protecting them from their consequences. If you don’t experience the consequences how can you truly learn from the mistake or experience? And in Lawrence’s fathers case, he’s never had to face the consequences and therefore never learns.
So it was great to see someone finally stand up to a bully and make them face the music. And to then have a few other nice things fall into place for Lawrence and Violette really gave the story the “cherry on top” feeling. I enjoyed this book quite a bit, especially because it didn’t follow the typical storylines. That doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy the typical stories. It just means sometimes I like to mix it up a bit and don’t want to be able to guess the outcome every time.
https://proudbookreviews.com/2018/07/...
October 7, 2019
Exquisite Story
A story that was so well written it kept me awake for most of the night. I am blown away by the emotions the story evoked. I love it when an author is able to provide very authentic emotions of characters that move the reader and also be part of the journey of the main characters.
The hero and heroine were childhood friends. They meet years later and now see each other as only adults would. Brought about their maturity and life experience. And from there and the foundation of their childhood together they develop their deep love for each other. However, life’s circumstances provided unusual twists and turns in the course of them grabbing life and love and living together happily ever after. And finally a book that does not overly emphasize and extol physical beauty just to build the main characters.
The hero is portrayed as a man with a father who has not shown love and has bullied him and his sister. He also has his trauma from the war. But he came out of it whole and just overall admirable in his strength and character except for his confusion when it came to his personal circumstance. The heroine is an orphan taken in by relatives and treated like cinderella (however this aspect of the heroine does not dominate the plot). She is strong and giving and just overall a good person. The chemistry between hero and heroine went beyond the usual sexual connection (there are some explicit yet well written lovemaking scenes). It was truly a merging of souls. There never was a boring part of the book. There was even an epilogue which I wish went way into the future of the couple.
I got this book from as part of my Kindle unlimited but I purchased it just because I know that this book is something I want to have on hand to read and reread.
A story that was so well written it kept me awake for most of the night. I am blown away by the emotions the story evoked. I love it when an author is able to provide very authentic emotions of characters that move the reader and also be part of the journey of the main characters.
The hero and heroine were childhood friends. They meet years later and now see each other as only adults would. Brought about their maturity and life experience. And from there and the foundation of their childhood together they develop their deep love for each other. However, life’s circumstances provided unusual twists and turns in the course of them grabbing life and love and living together happily ever after. And finally a book that does not overly emphasize and extol physical beauty just to build the main characters.
The hero is portrayed as a man with a father who has not shown love and has bullied him and his sister. He also has his trauma from the war. But he came out of it whole and just overall admirable in his strength and character except for his confusion when it came to his personal circumstance. The heroine is an orphan taken in by relatives and treated like cinderella (however this aspect of the heroine does not dominate the plot). She is strong and giving and just overall a good person. The chemistry between hero and heroine went beyond the usual sexual connection (there are some explicit yet well written lovemaking scenes). It was truly a merging of souls. There never was a boring part of the book. There was even an epilogue which I wish went way into the future of the couple.
I got this book from as part of my Kindle unlimited but I purchased it just because I know that this book is something I want to have on hand to read and reread.
November 14, 2020
Longer story means more immersion into the characters’ world
The childhood interactions of the leading characters, while brief, set up the story for their loyalty and deep affection for each other later in life. The male protagonist is likable, protective to a fault, but he loses his humor somewhere along the way, and it would have improved the story to see him tease more often in spite of the stress he was under.
The female protagonist should get an award for being kind and understanding as well as forgiving. She deserves more happiness to make up for life’s cruelties. Her HEA is well deserved, but I had hoped the scandal of her parents would be resolved.
The evil parent and aunt seem too cruel to be believable, but their awfulness drives the story. The secondary characters, Mariah and Woodward could use a little more time on the page together to add dimension and depth to the arranged marriage scenario.
The first two love scenes are quite steamy and detailed, the other scenes are shorter and less potent. However, there’s a dark pall over the earlier scenes as the lovers’ future together is unlikely, but the hero crosses the line anyway. It would’ve been more tender if the Hero had reassured his childhood best friend that he would always care for her...but he’s too closed off at this point.
The outdoor setting details are lovely and add much to the story. The interior settings are not as well developed, but the reader can imagine sufficient detail to keep the characters grounded. The clothing details are appreciated.
There are scattered typos, but they are not too distracting.
This is a good read for those who enjoy longer stories with a gradual resolution toward the HEA.
The childhood interactions of the leading characters, while brief, set up the story for their loyalty and deep affection for each other later in life. The male protagonist is likable, protective to a fault, but he loses his humor somewhere along the way, and it would have improved the story to see him tease more often in spite of the stress he was under.
The female protagonist should get an award for being kind and understanding as well as forgiving. She deserves more happiness to make up for life’s cruelties. Her HEA is well deserved, but I had hoped the scandal of her parents would be resolved.
The evil parent and aunt seem too cruel to be believable, but their awfulness drives the story. The secondary characters, Mariah and Woodward could use a little more time on the page together to add dimension and depth to the arranged marriage scenario.
The first two love scenes are quite steamy and detailed, the other scenes are shorter and less potent. However, there’s a dark pall over the earlier scenes as the lovers’ future together is unlikely, but the hero crosses the line anyway. It would’ve been more tender if the Hero had reassured his childhood best friend that he would always care for her...but he’s too closed off at this point.
The outdoor setting details are lovely and add much to the story. The interior settings are not as well developed, but the reader can imagine sufficient detail to keep the characters grounded. The clothing details are appreciated.
There are scattered typos, but they are not too distracting.
This is a good read for those who enjoy longer stories with a gradual resolution toward the HEA.
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December 1, 2020This book was the exact opposite of what I was expecting.
It started off well enough with Violette and Lawrence reconnecting after years apart. I liked the fact that they both remembered their "secret spot" and that the author chose said spot for them to meet after a decade.
I love a good back and forth don't get me wrong. But these characters? Were a hot mess.
While Lawrence "agrees" to support Violette, he is more often than not heavy-handed and condescending with her. He knows her wishes, but cannot allow himself to allow her to do anything that would leave her without "his protection". Which of course means, he wants to have his cake (her cousin) and eat it too (her). I promised myself if I had to read one more sentence of him being a right git towards her, or her forgiving him because she "loved him" I would throw my kindle.
*loud sighing* Thankfully, I did not follow through with either of those threats because that is what this book was.
V: I LOVE YOU
L: I LOVE YOU TOO... BE MY MISTRESS
V: I CANNOT *SLAPS HIM* BUT I CANNOT BE WITHOUT YOU
OR
V: I LOVE YOU
L: *treats her like absolute shit*
V: I STILL LOVE YOU
I've read enough books from this genre to know they can be better written than this. Especially when the ending is such a cop out even a blind man saw it coming.
It started off well enough with Violette and Lawrence reconnecting after years apart. I liked the fact that they both remembered their "secret spot" and that the author chose said spot for them to meet after a decade.
I love a good back and forth don't get me wrong. But these characters? Were a hot mess.
While Lawrence "agrees" to support Violette, he is more often than not heavy-handed and condescending with her. He knows her wishes, but cannot allow himself to allow her to do anything that would leave her without "his protection". Which of course means, he wants to have his cake (her cousin) and eat it too (her). I promised myself if I had to read one more sentence of him being a right git towards her, or her forgiving him because she "loved him" I would throw my kindle.
*loud sighing* Thankfully, I did not follow through with either of those threats because that is what this book was.
V: I LOVE YOU
L: I LOVE YOU TOO... BE MY MISTRESS
V: I CANNOT *SLAPS HIM* BUT I CANNOT BE WITHOUT YOU
OR
V: I LOVE YOU
L: *treats her like absolute shit*
V: I STILL LOVE YOU
I've read enough books from this genre to know they can be better written than this. Especially when the ending is such a cop out even a blind man saw it coming.
June 10, 2019
Good story
Lawrence and Violette have been friends since childhood. Now he's back from war and she's been orphaned and is poor as a church mouse. He feels he has to marry a wealthy heiress in order to secure his estate and his sister's choice to marry. This is the tension of the book.
I loved how Lawrence thought. His analogies, metaphors, etc, were all nautical. I got to learn more about ships, navel law during war, and stuff like that. Violette is very knowledgeable in herbs and flowers, and very much likes to be outside, and that was fun to read about, too.
I didn't understand the relationships of everybody. What happened with Violette's parents? Did the Earl spread untrue rumors?
Stand alone HEA.
Contains sex scenes, swear words (mostly the Lord's name in vain), and violence (bullying, shoving, punching).
Lawrence and Violette have been friends since childhood. Now he's back from war and she's been orphaned and is poor as a church mouse. He feels he has to marry a wealthy heiress in order to secure his estate and his sister's choice to marry. This is the tension of the book.
I loved how Lawrence thought. His analogies, metaphors, etc, were all nautical. I got to learn more about ships, navel law during war, and stuff like that. Violette is very knowledgeable in herbs and flowers, and very much likes to be outside, and that was fun to read about, too.
I didn't understand the relationships of everybody. What happened with Violette's parents? Did the Earl spread untrue rumors?
Stand alone HEA.
Contains sex scenes, swear words (mostly the Lord's name in vain), and violence (bullying, shoving, punching).
March 4, 2020
This author was new to me but as the book was gif I dived in.
It took me a hot minute to get involved and I put it down several times before finally plowing through.
The storyline was was like most we have 2 life long friends who admittedly belong together but life and personal circumstances have torn them apart.
I must admit like most here I had a hard time with the characters. Though I usually like strong female heroine this one seems more like a doormat. I even tried visualizing a Cinderella-type scenario but really could not like her much.
As for our hero again I usually can find good in a hero who is rough around the edges but this one just really irritated me.
Overall I can't say I would read this one again but I do appreciate the writes effort and am sorry I could not get into it and love it.
It took me a hot minute to get involved and I put it down several times before finally plowing through.
The storyline was was like most we have 2 life long friends who admittedly belong together but life and personal circumstances have torn them apart.
I must admit like most here I had a hard time with the characters. Though I usually like strong female heroine this one seems more like a doormat. I even tried visualizing a Cinderella-type scenario but really could not like her much.
As for our hero again I usually can find good in a hero who is rough around the edges but this one just really irritated me.
Overall I can't say I would read this one again but I do appreciate the writes effort and am sorry I could not get into it and love it.
September 30, 2017
Will Violette and Lawrence ever find happiness?
I really had to struggle with this one. It was all agony and despair and hopelessness, like the author dug a deep pit, threw the characters in and watched them try to climb out. I couldn't find the emotion until about 90% when things started to come together.
The storyline was fine, but I had mixed feelings about the characters and the way they went about doing things. I guess I disapproved of their actions, and some of them were downright nasty people.
I don't want to discourage anyone else from reading this book, but maybe they should be prepared or forewarned that it is not light reading.
55
I really had to struggle with this one. It was all agony and despair and hopelessness, like the author dug a deep pit, threw the characters in and watched them try to climb out. I couldn't find the emotion until about 90% when things started to come together.
The storyline was fine, but I had mixed feelings about the characters and the way they went about doing things. I guess I disapproved of their actions, and some of them were downright nasty people.
I don't want to discourage anyone else from reading this book, but maybe they should be prepared or forewarned that it is not light reading.
55
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