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Sinful Suitors #4
The Pleasures of Passion
When Niall Lindsey, the Earl of Margrave, is forced to flee after killing a man in a duel, he expects his secret love, Brilliana Trevor, to go with him, or at the very least wait for him. To his shock, she does neither and sends him off with no promise for the future. Seven years and one pardon later, Niall returns to England disillusioned and cynical. And being blackmailed by the government into working with his former love to help catch a counterfeiter connected to her father doesn’t improve his mood any. But as his role as Brilliana’s fake fiancé brings his long-buried feelings to the surface once again, he wonders who is more dangerous—the counterfeiter or the woman rapidly stealing his heart.
Forced to marry another man after Niall was exiled, the now widowed Brilliana wants nothing to do with the reckless rogue who she believes abandoned her to a dreary, loveless life. So having to rely on him to save her father is the last thing she wants, much less trusts him with....But as their scheme strips away the lies and secrets of their shared past, can she let go of the old hurt and put her pride aside? Or will the pleasures of their renewed passion finally enable them both to rediscover love?
Forced to marry another man after Niall was exiled, the now widowed Brilliana wants nothing to do with the reckless rogue who she believes abandoned her to a dreary, loveless life. So having to rely on him to save her father is the last thing she wants, much less trusts him with....But as their scheme strips away the lies and secrets of their shared past, can she let go of the old hurt and put her pride aside? Or will the pleasures of their renewed passion finally enable them both to rediscover love?
387 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 20, 2017
241 people are currently reading
1797 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Jeffries
86 books4,795 followersSabrina Jeffries is the NYT bestselling author of over 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze of dreams and madness is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 11 million books published in print and electronically in 25 different languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.
She always dreams big.
She always dreams big.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
March 10, 2018
I can’t say I read this closely or that I liked any of the characters. I didn’t think the romance was great, and that the subplot fairly silly. Oh well. Given all that I should have hated this book. I read it at a fast clip and wasn’t wondering why I am wasting my time with this. I guess I just like SJs writing. I have the background to go on to my ARC for the next book, which I am happy about.
September 2, 2017
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars.
The Pleasures of Passion is the fourth book in Sabrina Jeffries’ Sinful Suitors series, and it brings to a close the plotline that has run through all the books so far, that of Niall Lindsey, the Earl of Margrave who, seven years before this book opens, killed a man in a duel and was forced to flee the country as a result. Because parts of Niall’s story were revealed in the other books – most notably book two, The Study of Seduction – there will be spoilers in this review.
Before the fateful duel took place, Niall had met and fallen in love with seventeen-year-old Brilliana Payne, but because she was not yet out in society they kept their relationship a secret. Niall planned to ask for her hand as soon as he could court her openly, but because of the duel, he instead asks her to leave with him that very day as he cannot afford to linger in England. Brilliana – or Bree, as Niall nicknames her – is distraught and confused as well as concerned for her mother’s failing health and in the end tells him she can’t go with him – but they part with a sort of vague agreement that she will join him as soon as it’s possible for her to do so.
When, just a few months later, Niall learns that Bree has married someone else, the suspicions planted by his father before he left – that she didn’t want to accompany him because she would then be unable to enjoy her position as a viscountess and move about in society – took root, and over the years of his exile he became accustomed to thinking of her as having wanted him for his rank and fortune rather than himself.
For her part, Bree hears the rumours that quickly begin to circulate after Niall’s flight – that he and his opponent had duelled over another woman – and believes he had been merely toying with her affections. Nonetheless, she can’t stop loving him, and rejects other offers for her hand, until her father promises her to Reynold Trevor as payment for the large gambling debt he owes the man’s father.
Seven years later, Bree is a widow with a young son, and Niall has secured a pardon thanks to the intervention of a high-ranking Home Office official, Lord Fulkham, the spymaster for whom Niall had worked on numerous occasions while living abroad. We witnessed the first, awkward meeting between the former lovers in the previous book, The Danger of Desire, and at the opening of this one, they are still wary of each other and labouring under the misapprehensions fostered by Niall’s late father and society gossip.
Even though Niall and Bree are linked by ties of family and friendship, they are determined to keep away from each other and not to fall under the other’s spell once more – a plan which is destined to be unworkable when they are asked by Lord Fulkham to help him to track down a counterfeiter. Bree wonders what that can possibly have to do with her, when Fulkham explains that his main suspect is her father, and that he needs her and Niall to pretend to be betrothed in order for Niall to get close to Oswald Payne and ferret out the truth. Not sure she will be able to withstand being so close to Niall without falling for him all over again, Bree refuses, but when Fulkham explains that counterfeiting is tantamount to treason and thus punishable by death, she relents. She has no great love for her father, but doesn’t want to see him hang, and, deciding they might as well get started at once, she and Niall announce their engagement that very evening.
The book utilises some tropes I’m fond of – the fake relationship and the second-chance romance – but sadly, both fall flat because there’s little chemistry between the protagonists and for at least the first half of the story, we’re in Big Mis territory – a plot device I really dislike. Niall and Bree think the worst of each other based on no more than seven-year-old assumptions and make hardly any attempt to look beyond them, even though they are still desperately yearning for each other. Ms. Jeffries does begin to unravel the web of lies surrounding them by around the half-way point, and I’ll give her credit for that; but by then my interest in them as a couple had waned and I couldn’t bring myself to care very much whether they got together or not. Bree was hung up on the fact that Niall wouldn’t tell her the real reason he fought the duel and continued to mistrust him because of it; and trying to explain that away by having Bree suffering from abandonment anxiety – her mother left her (died) her husband left her (committed suicide) and her father didn’t care for her much (that’s true) – didn’t wash.
Niall is a fairly colourless chap, really, when all’s said and done. He believed what his father insinuated about Bree being a fortune hunter in the absence of other information, and her marriage so soon after his departure only seemed to confirm it. He’s determined not to fall in love with her again, but he can’t help it, especially once he uncovers the truth about her marriage and his father’s deception. He desperately wants to tell Bree the truth about the duel, but gave his word never to tell anyone so as to protect Clarissa; and I found Edwin’s request that Niall continue to conceal the truth from Bree strange – and ultimately, it’s just another way of prolonging that particular plotpoint.
The mystery plot is weak, and the identity of the villain is obvious from the moment he steps on to the page; and while there is nothing especially wrong with either Niall or Bree, they are bland and their romance is uneventful and unmemorable. Because they’re so obviously already in love there’s no romantic tension or looking forward to the first kiss – and more – and the fact that Bree succumbs so easily doesn’t say much for her resolve not to let Niall into her life again.
I’ve enjoyed other books in this series, most notably The Study of Seduction, which remains one of my favourite novels by of Ms. Jeffries. Unfortunately, The Pleasures of Passion lacks both pleasure and passion and I can’t recommend it to anyone other than die-hard fans of the author’s or those following the series who simply must read every book for the sake of completeness.
The Pleasures of Passion is the fourth book in Sabrina Jeffries’ Sinful Suitors series, and it brings to a close the plotline that has run through all the books so far, that of Niall Lindsey, the Earl of Margrave who, seven years before this book opens, killed a man in a duel and was forced to flee the country as a result. Because parts of Niall’s story were revealed in the other books – most notably book two, The Study of Seduction – there will be spoilers in this review.
Before the fateful duel took place, Niall had met and fallen in love with seventeen-year-old Brilliana Payne, but because she was not yet out in society they kept their relationship a secret. Niall planned to ask for her hand as soon as he could court her openly, but because of the duel, he instead asks her to leave with him that very day as he cannot afford to linger in England. Brilliana – or Bree, as Niall nicknames her – is distraught and confused as well as concerned for her mother’s failing health and in the end tells him she can’t go with him – but they part with a sort of vague agreement that she will join him as soon as it’s possible for her to do so.
When, just a few months later, Niall learns that Bree has married someone else, the suspicions planted by his father before he left – that she didn’t want to accompany him because she would then be unable to enjoy her position as a viscountess and move about in society – took root, and over the years of his exile he became accustomed to thinking of her as having wanted him for his rank and fortune rather than himself.
For her part, Bree hears the rumours that quickly begin to circulate after Niall’s flight – that he and his opponent had duelled over another woman – and believes he had been merely toying with her affections. Nonetheless, she can’t stop loving him, and rejects other offers for her hand, until her father promises her to Reynold Trevor as payment for the large gambling debt he owes the man’s father.
Seven years later, Bree is a widow with a young son, and Niall has secured a pardon thanks to the intervention of a high-ranking Home Office official, Lord Fulkham, the spymaster for whom Niall had worked on numerous occasions while living abroad. We witnessed the first, awkward meeting between the former lovers in the previous book, The Danger of Desire, and at the opening of this one, they are still wary of each other and labouring under the misapprehensions fostered by Niall’s late father and society gossip.
Even though Niall and Bree are linked by ties of family and friendship, they are determined to keep away from each other and not to fall under the other’s spell once more – a plan which is destined to be unworkable when they are asked by Lord Fulkham to help him to track down a counterfeiter. Bree wonders what that can possibly have to do with her, when Fulkham explains that his main suspect is her father, and that he needs her and Niall to pretend to be betrothed in order for Niall to get close to Oswald Payne and ferret out the truth. Not sure she will be able to withstand being so close to Niall without falling for him all over again, Bree refuses, but when Fulkham explains that counterfeiting is tantamount to treason and thus punishable by death, she relents. She has no great love for her father, but doesn’t want to see him hang, and, deciding they might as well get started at once, she and Niall announce their engagement that very evening.
The book utilises some tropes I’m fond of – the fake relationship and the second-chance romance – but sadly, both fall flat because there’s little chemistry between the protagonists and for at least the first half of the story, we’re in Big Mis territory – a plot device I really dislike. Niall and Bree think the worst of each other based on no more than seven-year-old assumptions and make hardly any attempt to look beyond them, even though they are still desperately yearning for each other. Ms. Jeffries does begin to unravel the web of lies surrounding them by around the half-way point, and I’ll give her credit for that; but by then my interest in them as a couple had waned and I couldn’t bring myself to care very much whether they got together or not. Bree was hung up on the fact that Niall wouldn’t tell her the real reason he fought the duel and continued to mistrust him because of it; and trying to explain that away by having Bree suffering from abandonment anxiety – her mother left her (died) her husband left her (committed suicide) and her father didn’t care for her much (that’s true) – didn’t wash.
Niall is a fairly colourless chap, really, when all’s said and done. He believed what his father insinuated about Bree being a fortune hunter in the absence of other information, and her marriage so soon after his departure only seemed to confirm it. He’s determined not to fall in love with her again, but he can’t help it, especially once he uncovers the truth about her marriage and his father’s deception. He desperately wants to tell Bree the truth about the duel, but gave his word never to tell anyone so as to protect Clarissa; and I found Edwin’s request that Niall continue to conceal the truth from Bree strange – and ultimately, it’s just another way of prolonging that particular plotpoint.
The mystery plot is weak, and the identity of the villain is obvious from the moment he steps on to the page; and while there is nothing especially wrong with either Niall or Bree, they are bland and their romance is uneventful and unmemorable. Because they’re so obviously already in love there’s no romantic tension or looking forward to the first kiss – and more – and the fact that Bree succumbs so easily doesn’t say much for her resolve not to let Niall into her life again.
I’ve enjoyed other books in this series, most notably The Study of Seduction, which remains one of my favourite novels by of Ms. Jeffries. Unfortunately, The Pleasures of Passion lacks both pleasure and passion and I can’t recommend it to anyone other than die-hard fans of the author’s or those following the series who simply must read every book for the sake of completeness.
May 15, 2020
This book was very... busy. I do like that the 'stupid misunderstanding’ portion of events was cleared up relatively quickly with a simple conversation because I spent most of the lead up deeply dreading that that manufactured tangle would be dragged out past its sell buy date.
Also quite frankly in this ‘angry because of the past’ game he didn’t have a foot to stand on. You’re asking a 17 year old to flee the country with no ring on her finger and a vague promise to marry at a later date, after refusing to go public with your relationship or tell your parents about her, or meet her folks?
She was darn right to not go, even though those weren't her reasons. I don’t care how in love you are that’s a terribly stupid thing for a female to agree to do in that era.
To be honest it would still be stupid now.
I don’t get why he couldn’t understand that. Those were the facts on paper and they did not look good for a dependant female.
Endearing enough characters, though I feel like the romance aspect suffered and that we didn’t really get to know them past the surface gloss due to the fast paced nature of the case there were solving. The whole, couple togetherness aspect suffered.
We were also told they were in love from the beginning, we never got to participate in the process, which is my favorite part. The writing was engaging, the plot made sense, I was entertained. I would give it a four for quality, but I would have greatly preferred to feel more.
I was more interested in the forged notes, more curious about who did the art for it, wondering if Wedgwood got back to her and assorted sundry concerns than giving a crap about the main couple. And that can't be right.
That there is why I dislike second chance romance, all the good, cute, "he's going to be there tonight!", anticipatory stuff is gone.
Also quite frankly in this ‘angry because of the past’ game he didn’t have a foot to stand on. You’re asking a 17 year old to flee the country with no ring on her finger and a vague promise to marry at a later date, after refusing to go public with your relationship or tell your parents about her, or meet her folks?
She was darn right to not go, even though those weren't her reasons. I don’t care how in love you are that’s a terribly stupid thing for a female to agree to do in that era.
To be honest it would still be stupid now.
I don’t get why he couldn’t understand that. Those were the facts on paper and they did not look good for a dependant female.
Endearing enough characters, though I feel like the romance aspect suffered and that we didn’t really get to know them past the surface gloss due to the fast paced nature of the case there were solving. The whole, couple togetherness aspect suffered.
We were also told they were in love from the beginning, we never got to participate in the process, which is my favorite part. The writing was engaging, the plot made sense, I was entertained. I would give it a four for quality, but I would have greatly preferred to feel more.
I was more interested in the forged notes, more curious about who did the art for it, wondering if Wedgwood got back to her and assorted sundry concerns than giving a crap about the main couple. And that can't be right.
That there is why I dislike second chance romance, all the good, cute, "he's going to be there tonight!", anticipatory stuff is gone.
June 20, 2017
This book was an absolute pleasure! It’s been a while since I’ve read a Sabrina Jeffries book and after reading this one I wondered why I had let it go so long.
Niall has ardently courted Brilliana behind their families’ as well as society’s back. They are both in love and waiting for the day Bree makes her coming out so they will no longer have to hide their relationship. When Niall kills a man in a duel he is sent away. Before he leaves, he begs Brilliana to come away with him. Due to several warranted concerns, she remains behind with the understanding that she will contact him when she is free from her responsibilities. Niall never hears from her again. Seven years later he has been pardoned and has returned to London, his family and society. But not to Brilliana.
This story had lots of plot devices that kept these two apart and considering the era, they were completely acceptable. It starts off fast and never slows down as they each work out their issues. Of course there were times that I just wanted to shake them for not speaking up regarding the reasons their plans had not worked out when they were younger.
Brilliana is a heroine who has had her heart broken throughout life and in the process learned how to protect it. She is strong and independent and determined to make the best life possible for her and her son. Niall was hurt deeply by Bree’s apparent abandonment. However, it doesn’t take him long to realize that he still wants her and he sets out to use their situation in an attempt to win her back.
This is a fast paced read with lots of great banter and plenty of steam. Definitely a read I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical romances.
ARC provided for an honest review
Dual POV
Safe
No triggers
Niall has ardently courted Brilliana behind their families’ as well as society’s back. They are both in love and waiting for the day Bree makes her coming out so they will no longer have to hide their relationship. When Niall kills a man in a duel he is sent away. Before he leaves, he begs Brilliana to come away with him. Due to several warranted concerns, she remains behind with the understanding that she will contact him when she is free from her responsibilities. Niall never hears from her again. Seven years later he has been pardoned and has returned to London, his family and society. But not to Brilliana.
This story had lots of plot devices that kept these two apart and considering the era, they were completely acceptable. It starts off fast and never slows down as they each work out their issues. Of course there were times that I just wanted to shake them for not speaking up regarding the reasons their plans had not worked out when they were younger.
Brilliana is a heroine who has had her heart broken throughout life and in the process learned how to protect it. She is strong and independent and determined to make the best life possible for her and her son. Niall was hurt deeply by Bree’s apparent abandonment. However, it doesn’t take him long to realize that he still wants her and he sets out to use their situation in an attempt to win her back.
This is a fast paced read with lots of great banter and plenty of steam. Definitely a read I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical romances.
ARC provided for an honest review
Dual POV
Safe
No triggers
March 14, 2025
Niall Lindsey, future Earl of Margrave, flees after killing a man. When he asks his secret girlfriend to go with him, she declines citing her ailing mother. Seven years later, Niall's BACK and agrees to partner up with the now-widowed Brilliana "Bree" Trevor to investigate her father. Eventually they untangle all the various misunderstandings that are preventing them from re-engaging in FEELINGS.
Oh, and they bone in a park for the first time, so that's something.
1. I came to a realization as I read The Pleasures of Passion, and it this: it's hard to root for people who don't extend their alleged lovers a modicum of grace and understanding. And I truly do understand that Romance Novels use the misunderstanding plot point to serious effect in a variety of places, but when the scaffolding underpinning that misunderstanding is made of balsa wood and pixie dust (i.e., it's the most collapsible pile of splinters you've ever seen in your life)—it makes those involved feel like assholes when they guard and weaponize those misunderstandings.
Like: because of one comment made by his dad as he fled the country, Niall internalizes the fact that he thinks Bree was only attached to him because of his title, and so threw herself at the next guy who proposed. This gets interwoven with his concern that she may have actually loved the guy. And it's frustrating, because either (1) he didn't actually know her that well when they were younger and therefore their attraction was in no way love, or (2) he's choosing to be an asshole because of hurt feelings and is therefore not emotionally mature enough to get married and be a suitable partner in the present time!
And the reverse is true for Bree, too, since she believes him to have only "dabbled" with her based on....one comment made by Niall's father when she attempts to get in touch with him.
The fact that both characters allow ONE COMMENT made by a tertiary character to their immediate relationship just makes the entire relationship feel like wet pasta: overcooked, mushy, and prone to giving me stomachaches.
2. And I don't like second chance romances, so what was I even doing here.
3. Fulkham is just a giant LOL of a spymaster, for real. The majority of the secondary characters in this were pretty terrible, and the underlying plot (about Bree's father being a criminal) was LAUGHABLY underdeveloped. It was the watery-ass sauce on the mushy-ass pasta.
4. Yeah, just no.
Oh, and they bone in a park for the first time, so that's something.
1. I came to a realization as I read The Pleasures of Passion, and it this: it's hard to root for people who don't extend their alleged lovers a modicum of grace and understanding. And I truly do understand that Romance Novels use the misunderstanding plot point to serious effect in a variety of places, but when the scaffolding underpinning that misunderstanding is made of balsa wood and pixie dust (i.e., it's the most collapsible pile of splinters you've ever seen in your life)—it makes those involved feel like assholes when they guard and weaponize those misunderstandings.
Like: because of one comment made by his dad as he fled the country, Niall internalizes the fact that he thinks Bree was only attached to him because of his title, and so threw herself at the next guy who proposed. This gets interwoven with his concern that she may have actually loved the guy. And it's frustrating, because either (1) he didn't actually know her that well when they were younger and therefore their attraction was in no way love, or (2) he's choosing to be an asshole because of hurt feelings and is therefore not emotionally mature enough to get married and be a suitable partner in the present time!
And the reverse is true for Bree, too, since she believes him to have only "dabbled" with her based on....one comment made by Niall's father when she attempts to get in touch with him.
The fact that both characters allow ONE COMMENT made by a tertiary character to their immediate relationship just makes the entire relationship feel like wet pasta: overcooked, mushy, and prone to giving me stomachaches.
2. And I don't like second chance romances, so what was I even doing here.
3. Fulkham is just a giant LOL of a spymaster, for real. The majority of the secondary characters in this were pretty terrible, and the underlying plot (about Bree's father being a criminal) was LAUGHABLY underdeveloped. It was the watery-ass sauce on the mushy-ass pasta.
4. Yeah, just no.
June 25, 2017
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
The Pleasures of Passion continues this delightful series: The Sinful Suitors. In this fourth installment, we have a tale of two people that fell in love when they were young and innocent but certain circumstances, broke them apart. Our hero in a effort to see justice for his sister, had to leave the continent and our heroine had a very sick mother and couldn't leave her. Certain misunderstanding happened and both Niall and Bree believed the worst about each other due to lies and secrets that wasn't their own doing. Now Niall has returned with a full pardon, and Bree has been a widow for a year with a young son. Niall has been working as a spy for England, doing various jobs. Now he has one last job, but it will mean working with the woman he has never stopped loving and one he could never have. There is a criminal working with counterfeit money, and they believe Bree's father is involved. So Bree and Niall are reluctant to work together, especially with the rising tension that builds between them.
I had a wonderful time reading this book, and I was quickly caught up in the plot and the romance. I have a soft spot for second chance romances, and this one was just right for me. Their bantering was quick witted and it was interesting to see these two work through these issues and in such fun and delightful ways as well. We also see the outer influences that drove them apart and see them learning to slowly trust each other. At first they don't think too highly of each other, and having to work through the lies they were told about each other, isn't easy and really have to work through it emotionally and end up learning to trust in each other, which trust isn't easy to rebuild once its lost.
I was quite intrigued to see how this book turned out, and the slow building romance was enchanting. I was hooked on this couple. Both Niall and Bree were fascinating character, and I just wanted more of these two. These just click right when they are together, and even when they are at odds, there is an underlying connection between them. And even though the villain wasn't as unpredictable as I would have liked, the way the story played out was unpredictable and the development of events were delightful and seeing the way Bree and Niall come together and work together to find the real criminal.
Sabrina Jeffries hasn't lost her touch at all, and this book proved it. This story proved to be just as well written as her earlier books that I first fell in love with. This story had everything you desire in a romance....a solid mystery to solve, a sizzling chemistry, endearing characters, a well balanced plot and some twists to keep you on your toes....SIMPLY WONDERFUL!!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="20278"]
The Pleasures of Passion continues this delightful series: The Sinful Suitors. In this fourth installment, we have a tale of two people that fell in love when they were young and innocent but certain circumstances, broke them apart. Our hero in a effort to see justice for his sister, had to leave the continent and our heroine had a very sick mother and couldn't leave her. Certain misunderstanding happened and both Niall and Bree believed the worst about each other due to lies and secrets that wasn't their own doing. Now Niall has returned with a full pardon, and Bree has been a widow for a year with a young son. Niall has been working as a spy for England, doing various jobs. Now he has one last job, but it will mean working with the woman he has never stopped loving and one he could never have. There is a criminal working with counterfeit money, and they believe Bree's father is involved. So Bree and Niall are reluctant to work together, especially with the rising tension that builds between them.
I had a wonderful time reading this book, and I was quickly caught up in the plot and the romance. I have a soft spot for second chance romances, and this one was just right for me. Their bantering was quick witted and it was interesting to see these two work through these issues and in such fun and delightful ways as well. We also see the outer influences that drove them apart and see them learning to slowly trust each other. At first they don't think too highly of each other, and having to work through the lies they were told about each other, isn't easy and really have to work through it emotionally and end up learning to trust in each other, which trust isn't easy to rebuild once its lost.
I was quite intrigued to see how this book turned out, and the slow building romance was enchanting. I was hooked on this couple. Both Niall and Bree were fascinating character, and I just wanted more of these two. These just click right when they are together, and even when they are at odds, there is an underlying connection between them. And even though the villain wasn't as unpredictable as I would have liked, the way the story played out was unpredictable and the development of events were delightful and seeing the way Bree and Niall come together and work together to find the real criminal.
Sabrina Jeffries hasn't lost her touch at all, and this book proved it. This story proved to be just as well written as her earlier books that I first fell in love with. This story had everything you desire in a romance....a solid mystery to solve, a sizzling chemistry, endearing characters, a well balanced plot and some twists to keep you on your toes....SIMPLY WONDERFUL!!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="20278"]
June 21, 2017
Also posted
HERE
.
4.5ish stars
A note: this book has one of THE most embarrassing titles ever, with a Bold and the Beautiful cover. Don’t judge it for that!
For those who are wondering about the heroine’s name: HERE is the origin of “Brilliana”. I liked the choice because it was historically accurate AND unusual. Character names in historical romance can become repetitive, but then authors usually make the mistake of going for anachronistic choices.
I really liked this book. It uses my favourite trope: the reunion romance. It also resolved a storyline that was hinted at in the last instalment in the series.
When I review so many books I do lose track of characters. Between the last entry in the series and this one I’ve read God only knows how many books, but at least forty in the historical romance genre alone. I do wish I’d gone back and reread the scenes between Niall and Brilliana before starting this one – you don’t need to, but it adds something.
There are so many secrets and lies between hero and heroine in The Pleasures of Passion. Niall had to flee England after fighting a duel, but Brilliana wasn’t free to run away with him in that moment. Both of them being young at the time, they were easy to manipulate into thinking each had betrayed the other.
This resulted in years of separation, and Brilliana being forced into marriage to another man, a man who died in terrible circumstances a few years later.
Now, this is the sort of angst I like, especially so when it’s done by a skilled author, as Sabrina Jeffries is. I love more than any other trope an angsty reunion, and I think the drama was drawn out for just long enough.
I always worry when the terms “spy” and “fake engagement” turn up in this genre. I’m not a fan of either, and yet in this book they both worked perfectly for me. The counterfeiting storyline gave the two of them opportunities to sort through the disaster of their failed relationship, and to get over their anger.
I was also happy with Brilliana’s little son, who read as a real child, not a Romance Novel Kid.
I don’t really have any complaints. Pretty much everything in this one worked for me, and it was one of my better reads by this author. And yay for a fair-haired hero!
I will say, though: having a character called “uncle Toby” was a little distracting for me. Uncle Tobys is a breakfast cereal brand!
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
4.5ish stars
A note: this book has one of THE most embarrassing titles ever, with a Bold and the Beautiful cover. Don’t judge it for that!
For those who are wondering about the heroine’s name: HERE is the origin of “Brilliana”. I liked the choice because it was historically accurate AND unusual. Character names in historical romance can become repetitive, but then authors usually make the mistake of going for anachronistic choices.
I really liked this book. It uses my favourite trope: the reunion romance. It also resolved a storyline that was hinted at in the last instalment in the series.
When I review so many books I do lose track of characters. Between the last entry in the series and this one I’ve read God only knows how many books, but at least forty in the historical romance genre alone. I do wish I’d gone back and reread the scenes between Niall and Brilliana before starting this one – you don’t need to, but it adds something.
There are so many secrets and lies between hero and heroine in The Pleasures of Passion. Niall had to flee England after fighting a duel, but Brilliana wasn’t free to run away with him in that moment. Both of them being young at the time, they were easy to manipulate into thinking each had betrayed the other.
This resulted in years of separation, and Brilliana being forced into marriage to another man, a man who died in terrible circumstances a few years later.
Now, this is the sort of angst I like, especially so when it’s done by a skilled author, as Sabrina Jeffries is. I love more than any other trope an angsty reunion, and I think the drama was drawn out for just long enough.
I always worry when the terms “spy” and “fake engagement” turn up in this genre. I’m not a fan of either, and yet in this book they both worked perfectly for me. The counterfeiting storyline gave the two of them opportunities to sort through the disaster of their failed relationship, and to get over their anger.
I was also happy with Brilliana’s little son, who read as a real child, not a Romance Novel Kid.
I don’t really have any complaints. Pretty much everything in this one worked for me, and it was one of my better reads by this author. And yay for a fair-haired hero!
I will say, though: having a character called “uncle Toby” was a little distracting for me. Uncle Tobys is a breakfast cereal brand!
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
May 25, 2017
I always enjoy books by Sabrina Jeffries. Sooo good! Copy rec'd for review consideration
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I loved this book from the very first page. It was set up completely different from her normal work, leading in with a couple that already knew each other. I just knew this was going to be a hot read right from the get-go. And I was not wrong.
Sabrina Jeffries has a wonderful way of capturing the readers attention. While you know this is a regency romance style book, she has the ability to write in such a way that you almost feel as if it were in today’s setting. Witty conversations, lusty encounters, and loads of steam.
This book was exciting passionate and never a dull moment. The author knows exactly how to craft a story that is never dull, never boring, and always unique. Her characters are spot on and a perfect balance of excitement, sexy, and loaded with passion.
Her books are always a great way to spend the weekend.
full review http://amidlifewife.com/the-pleasures...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I loved this book from the very first page. It was set up completely different from her normal work, leading in with a couple that already knew each other. I just knew this was going to be a hot read right from the get-go. And I was not wrong.
Sabrina Jeffries has a wonderful way of capturing the readers attention. While you know this is a regency romance style book, she has the ability to write in such a way that you almost feel as if it were in today’s setting. Witty conversations, lusty encounters, and loads of steam.
This book was exciting passionate and never a dull moment. The author knows exactly how to craft a story that is never dull, never boring, and always unique. Her characters are spot on and a perfect balance of excitement, sexy, and loaded with passion.
Her books are always a great way to spend the weekend.
full review http://amidlifewife.com/the-pleasures...
May 18, 2017
This book has two of my least favorite tropes going on: 1. A second chance romance and 2. Problems easily resolved by the H/h just talking to each other instead of being stubborn.
I despise second chance romances but thought that Sabrina Jeffries could probably make me care. She didn't. The characters have already known each other and had their first kiss, so that takes away two things to look forward to in the book. And since they were already in love we get to read the same thoughts over and over, lots of "if only".
I get that in real life couples often face problems because they're just too stubborn to talk to each other. That doesn't mean I want to read an entire book about it. It causes the H/h to just keep having the same exact thoughts over and over again, often within pages of just having thought it.
The above issues make for a tedious and drawn out read.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I despise second chance romances but thought that Sabrina Jeffries could probably make me care. She didn't. The characters have already known each other and had their first kiss, so that takes away two things to look forward to in the book. And since they were already in love we get to read the same thoughts over and over, lots of "if only".
I get that in real life couples often face problems because they're just too stubborn to talk to each other. That doesn't mean I want to read an entire book about it. It causes the H/h to just keep having the same exact thoughts over and over again, often within pages of just having thought it.
The above issues make for a tedious and drawn out read.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2017
4 "Misunderstandings & Second Chances" Stars for the Story and Narration.
Just what could cause two young people in love to lead completely separate lives for years: misunderstandings. Double misconceptions with the aid of an Earl turn love into hate for an Earl's heir and his intended. But when a forced reunion is orchestrated by a spymaster, will true love find a way to reign supreme?
Niall Lindsey, the heir to Earldom and Brilliana Trevor are in love and intend on marrying. Then the unthinkable happens and Niall is involved in a duel and kills a man. Brilliana is told the duel was over a woman and her heart is broken. How could she have misread Niall so wrongly? Moreover, as Brilliana has a sick mother and an unreliable father who has gambled away much of the family's wealth, she feels she has no choice but to stay where she is to take care of her mother.
Niall, on the other hand, can't believe that his one true love refused to follow him out of England when the duel and death lead to a necessary exile. How could she be so cold and heartless? Perhaps its true that all she sought was the comforts of being a Countess, and now that he must flee the country and the same comforts and privileges surely will no longer await abroad, she finds herself no longer "in love" with him.
Fast-forward seven years later. Brilliana is now a widow with a young son and Niall has finally been vindicated with the aid of a spymaster for whom he worked for while away. Niall is finally back in England but that same spymaster who he owes much too has asked for his help in nabbing a counterfeiter (an offense akin to treason and punishable by death). Even worse that same spymaster threatens Brilliana with the apprehension of her father for this crime in order to secure her cooperation. With no choice, both Brilliana and Niall reluctantly agree to work together to find the answers sought and nab the true mastermind behind the counterfeit ring. Being reunited again will the misconceptions continue or will true love find a way to break through all the disillusionment?
Justine Eyre is an experienced narrator who has narrated many romances. I have listened to a fair number of her paranormal/UF romances as well as a few historical romances. Ms. Eyre definitely has a distinctive, somewhat nasally voice, and also has an interesting pronunciation of certain words which she tends to elongate. Therefore I urge you to sound sample the narration before buying to ensure that it's to your liking.
From a voice differentiation perspective, Ms. Eyre did a good job of deepening her voice sufficiently to create genuine sounding male voices. She also does a good job of differentiating between even among characters of the same gender based on personality traits. For example, she made her voice sound older for Brilliana's father. I also think Ms. Eyre does a good job of communicating emotion.
It is a trope often used, but I found myself for the most part engaged and cheering on this couple to find their HEA in the end. Perhaps the most intriguing part of the story overall though was the suspense plot that was thrown in to keep the listener guessing as to the real culprit (and Brilliana's father's true role) in the counterfeit scheme that Niall and Brilliana are forced to work together to solve. All in all this wasn't my favorite book by Sabrina Jeffries but it worked to pass the time and it kept me engaged until the end.
Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Just what could cause two young people in love to lead completely separate lives for years: misunderstandings. Double misconceptions with the aid of an Earl turn love into hate for an Earl's heir and his intended. But when a forced reunion is orchestrated by a spymaster, will true love find a way to reign supreme?
Niall Lindsey, the heir to Earldom and Brilliana Trevor are in love and intend on marrying. Then the unthinkable happens and Niall is involved in a duel and kills a man. Brilliana is told the duel was over a woman and her heart is broken. How could she have misread Niall so wrongly? Moreover, as Brilliana has a sick mother and an unreliable father who has gambled away much of the family's wealth, she feels she has no choice but to stay where she is to take care of her mother.
Niall, on the other hand, can't believe that his one true love refused to follow him out of England when the duel and death lead to a necessary exile. How could she be so cold and heartless? Perhaps its true that all she sought was the comforts of being a Countess, and now that he must flee the country and the same comforts and privileges surely will no longer await abroad, she finds herself no longer "in love" with him.
Fast-forward seven years later. Brilliana is now a widow with a young son and Niall has finally been vindicated with the aid of a spymaster for whom he worked for while away. Niall is finally back in England but that same spymaster who he owes much too has asked for his help in nabbing a counterfeiter (an offense akin to treason and punishable by death). Even worse that same spymaster threatens Brilliana with the apprehension of her father for this crime in order to secure her cooperation. With no choice, both Brilliana and Niall reluctantly agree to work together to find the answers sought and nab the true mastermind behind the counterfeit ring. Being reunited again will the misconceptions continue or will true love find a way to break through all the disillusionment?
Justine Eyre is an experienced narrator who has narrated many romances. I have listened to a fair number of her paranormal/UF romances as well as a few historical romances. Ms. Eyre definitely has a distinctive, somewhat nasally voice, and also has an interesting pronunciation of certain words which she tends to elongate. Therefore I urge you to sound sample the narration before buying to ensure that it's to your liking.
From a voice differentiation perspective, Ms. Eyre did a good job of deepening her voice sufficiently to create genuine sounding male voices. She also does a good job of differentiating between even among characters of the same gender based on personality traits. For example, she made her voice sound older for Brilliana's father. I also think Ms. Eyre does a good job of communicating emotion.
It is a trope often used, but I found myself for the most part engaged and cheering on this couple to find their HEA in the end. Perhaps the most intriguing part of the story overall though was the suspense plot that was thrown in to keep the listener guessing as to the real culprit (and Brilliana's father's true role) in the counterfeit scheme that Niall and Brilliana are forced to work together to solve. All in all this wasn't my favorite book by Sabrina Jeffries but it worked to pass the time and it kept me engaged until the end.
Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
July 9, 2017Another DNF historical. Read more than halfway, since the book had gotten good reviews other places. But just couldn't keep going. The estrangement between our two protagonists, who fell in love at 17 and 23 seven years earlier, is due to a BIG misunderstanding, rather than any character-based conflict. When the two are forced back together (through a silly counterfeit/spy plot), all they do is throw recriminations at one another. And then suddenly mid-book they're getting it on against a tree in a public park. And then immediately yelling at one another again once the pants are buttoned up and the petticoats lowered. Especially not fond of the "no, no, we shouldn't" on the part of the heroine, immediately followed by her succumbing to the hero's kissing, which he does constantly to shut her up, and to "prove" that she still is attracted to him. Yuck.
January 2, 2022
2.5
Not bad but the misunderstandings that separated the H/h and made them distrust each other was cliche and it drove me nuts! Other than that, it was okay, however, I can't imagine reading this book (or listening to the audiobook) again except maybe to read that first sex scene
Not bad but the misunderstandings that separated the H/h and made them distrust each other was cliche and it drove me nuts! Other than that, it was okay, however, I can't imagine reading this book (or listening to the audiobook) again except maybe to read that first sex scene
June 18, 2017
Book Review For: The Pleasures of Passion' by Sabrina Jeffries The Pleasures of Passion by Sabrina Jeffries My rating: 5 of 5 stars 'The Pleasures of Passion' by Sabrina Jeffries is book Four in the "Sinful Suitors" series. This is the story of Niall Lindsey, the Earl of Margrave and Brilliana Trevor. I have read the other books in this series but feel this can be a standalone book. Niall and Brilliana have been sneaking around meeting each other...they are young and in love. But Niall hasn't worked up the nerve to tell his father that he is in love with Brillian whose father is of a lower Title and has a gambling issue...so he hasn't yet asked her father for her hand. When she gets a note from Niall to meet him she quickly goes to the meeting. There he tells her that he killed a man in a dual and has to leave immediately. Niall ask that Brilliana comes with him and they can marry in Spain. But Brilliana doesn't want to leave her sick mother nor is she sure he will actually marry her because he isn't trusting her enough to tell her why he dueled. So at first she tells him no but then goes on to say that she will plan on getting things in order and meet him later once he settles. They are to communicate through his father. Now several years later there are angry feelings between the two because the other thinks that the other person let them down. But they are forced to work together so that they both can what each thinks they want. I have enjoyed this series and this book just added to the entertainment of this series. "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...... https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR... http://booklikes.com/bloghttps://roma...... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo... View all my reviews
June 15, 2017
The Pleasures of Passion is the fourth book in the Sinful Suitors series by Sabrina Jeffries. Although part of a series it can easily be read as a stand alone book, although if you read the other books first, you will have a better appreciation of this book and it's characters.
Brilliana Payne and Niall Lindsay were desperately in love. They would meet secretly in the park where they would share passionate kisses. They were just waiting for the right time to let people know they were together. Then the unthinkable happened, Niall ended up fighting a duel and killed his opponent. In order to not be arrested and hung for committing murder Niall had to leave the country, flee to Spain. He asked Brilliana to go with him, but he wouldn't tell her why he had duelled. Sadly for our couple, Brilliana's mother was bedridden, and her father spent more time gambling the family's money away, than helping look after his wife. There was no way that Brilliana could follow her heart and run away with Niall, especially when he wouldn't trust her enough to tell her why he was in a duel in the first place. He made her promise to keep in touch with him via his father who would pass on any letters. The hope was that at some point they could somehow finally be together. Little did Niall know that his father couldn't be trusted. The man managed to make both feel betrayed by the other, and their relationship ended in heartbreak for them both.
That was their past, it's now the present and Niall is back in England after a powerful friend helped him get a pardon for his crime. While abroad he worked for that man, spying for England, and now he is back in England he has another job to do for him. He has to try to infiltrate a counterfeit operation. The problem is, Brilliana's father is the chief suspect. Niall is told that because of his past dalliance with Brilliana that if she agrees, they will have to pretend to be engaged, allowing Niall to spend more time with her father, hoping to find out if he indeed is involved in counterfeit money making or laundering.
Thrown together again it doesn't take long for old feelings to resurface between our couple. Unfortunately there is still a lot of anger and hurt between them too. They have a second chance at love, but will either admit they want it, or will they be too scared to have their hearts broken again? Can they have learn to trust each other enough to be honest about how they feel?
What I loved about this book is that there was never a dull moment. There was the thrill of finding out who was counterfeiting money, and trying to capture them, and huzzah, I had no idea who was involved altogether until right at the end. There was the passion between Niall and Brilliana, and wow, the author certainly knows how to write a build up to a climatic scene between the two! Somebody pass me a fan!! There was also the constant battle they struggled with, knowing they still loved each other, but not wanting to give into it because they can't trust each other. Just waiting to see how they each react when they find out what Niall's father did to keep them apart kept me on tenterhooks. This book had everything I love in a book and I absolutely recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Brilliana Payne and Niall Lindsay were desperately in love. They would meet secretly in the park where they would share passionate kisses. They were just waiting for the right time to let people know they were together. Then the unthinkable happened, Niall ended up fighting a duel and killed his opponent. In order to not be arrested and hung for committing murder Niall had to leave the country, flee to Spain. He asked Brilliana to go with him, but he wouldn't tell her why he had duelled. Sadly for our couple, Brilliana's mother was bedridden, and her father spent more time gambling the family's money away, than helping look after his wife. There was no way that Brilliana could follow her heart and run away with Niall, especially when he wouldn't trust her enough to tell her why he was in a duel in the first place. He made her promise to keep in touch with him via his father who would pass on any letters. The hope was that at some point they could somehow finally be together. Little did Niall know that his father couldn't be trusted. The man managed to make both feel betrayed by the other, and their relationship ended in heartbreak for them both.
That was their past, it's now the present and Niall is back in England after a powerful friend helped him get a pardon for his crime. While abroad he worked for that man, spying for England, and now he is back in England he has another job to do for him. He has to try to infiltrate a counterfeit operation. The problem is, Brilliana's father is the chief suspect. Niall is told that because of his past dalliance with Brilliana that if she agrees, they will have to pretend to be engaged, allowing Niall to spend more time with her father, hoping to find out if he indeed is involved in counterfeit money making or laundering.
Thrown together again it doesn't take long for old feelings to resurface between our couple. Unfortunately there is still a lot of anger and hurt between them too. They have a second chance at love, but will either admit they want it, or will they be too scared to have their hearts broken again? Can they have learn to trust each other enough to be honest about how they feel?
What I loved about this book is that there was never a dull moment. There was the thrill of finding out who was counterfeiting money, and trying to capture them, and huzzah, I had no idea who was involved altogether until right at the end. There was the passion between Niall and Brilliana, and wow, the author certainly knows how to write a build up to a climatic scene between the two! Somebody pass me a fan!! There was also the constant battle they struggled with, knowing they still loved each other, but not wanting to give into it because they can't trust each other. Just waiting to see how they each react when they find out what Niall's father did to keep them apart kept me on tenterhooks. This book had everything I love in a book and I absolutely recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
June 17, 2017
This is the sixth story in The Sinful Suitors Series, four full length novels and two novellas. I have read them all and recommend them highly.
This story if about Niall Lindsey The Earl of Margrave and Brilliana Trevor. Young and in love they thought nothing could come between them. Then Niall is forced to fight a duel to protect his sister and is exiled to the Continent. Briliana is devastated but she cannot go with him because if she left there would be no one to take care of her ill mother.
Seven years later Niall is back in England given a full pardon and is determined to avoid Brilliana. She is now a widow with a young son. He doesn't understand why she married another man just a few months after he left England. She betrayed their love and he cannot forgive her.
Brilliana was broken hearted when Niall left London, but she was only 17 years old. When pressured to marry another man to rescue her Mother and Father from Debtor's prison she relents and marries. But she has never stopped loving Niall and her marriage was a mistake from the beginning. The only good that came out of her marriage was her son Silas. Now Niall is back in England and she is desperate to avoid him. She cannot go through that kind of heartache again.
This is a tale of young love, betrayal and redemption. Niall and Brilliana have secrets that have to come out if they have any chance of a happy ending. Niall is ready but Brilliana is not so sure. She cannot trust her judgement anymore when it comes to men and what her heart feels. Add in a family mystery that includes illegal activities.
This book will surprise and delight. Sabrina is a truly talented romance author who writes wonderful characters and surprising plots that are of the highest standards in Historical Romance. Her stories are wonderfully original. Witty dialogue, laugh out loud moments make her books must reads. I have been reading her stories since her first book was published "A Dangerous Love" which made me a lifelong fan. I will buy, read and keep her books, including her all of the Deborah Martin novels.
This story if about Niall Lindsey The Earl of Margrave and Brilliana Trevor. Young and in love they thought nothing could come between them. Then Niall is forced to fight a duel to protect his sister and is exiled to the Continent. Briliana is devastated but she cannot go with him because if she left there would be no one to take care of her ill mother.
Seven years later Niall is back in England given a full pardon and is determined to avoid Brilliana. She is now a widow with a young son. He doesn't understand why she married another man just a few months after he left England. She betrayed their love and he cannot forgive her.
Brilliana was broken hearted when Niall left London, but she was only 17 years old. When pressured to marry another man to rescue her Mother and Father from Debtor's prison she relents and marries. But she has never stopped loving Niall and her marriage was a mistake from the beginning. The only good that came out of her marriage was her son Silas. Now Niall is back in England and she is desperate to avoid him. She cannot go through that kind of heartache again.
This is a tale of young love, betrayal and redemption. Niall and Brilliana have secrets that have to come out if they have any chance of a happy ending. Niall is ready but Brilliana is not so sure. She cannot trust her judgement anymore when it comes to men and what her heart feels. Add in a family mystery that includes illegal activities.
This book will surprise and delight. Sabrina is a truly talented romance author who writes wonderful characters and surprising plots that are of the highest standards in Historical Romance. Her stories are wonderfully original. Witty dialogue, laugh out loud moments make her books must reads. I have been reading her stories since her first book was published "A Dangerous Love" which made me a lifelong fan. I will buy, read and keep her books, including her all of the Deborah Martin novels.
June 22, 2017
Oh boy.
First, let me say that I HATE the cover, and it's not the bad photoshop but the guy's hairstyle that kills my drive. It's a mullet for bloody sake!
A 19th century hero with a mullet? 😵
Let me just...
Nope. Help! 😦
Jokes aside, the 1-star rating is because of the book's content, not the cover (only).
This is one of the rare HR novels that made me more interested in its subplot than the main romance, and that is never a good sign. I hate the second chance plots, but decided to give it a try since I liked the first book in the series.
The hero aka Niall Lindsey is not only a huge asshole but also sexually aggressive, jealous, petty, shallow, arrogant... the list goes on. Brilliana is the typical heroine without a backbone who gets horny the moment Niall looks at her.
If you are not already put off by the insta-lust and shallow characters, let me tell you that the plot is even more terrible. It relied on miscommunication and misunderstandings which only dragged the plot on instead of providing enjoyment.
First, let me say that I HATE the cover, and it's not the bad photoshop but the guy's hairstyle that kills my drive. It's a mullet for bloody sake!
A 19th century hero with a mullet? 😵
Let me just...
Nope. Help! 😦
Jokes aside, the 1-star rating is because of the book's content, not the cover (only).
This is one of the rare HR novels that made me more interested in its subplot than the main romance, and that is never a good sign. I hate the second chance plots, but decided to give it a try since I liked the first book in the series.
The hero aka Niall Lindsey is not only a huge asshole but also sexually aggressive, jealous, petty, shallow, arrogant... the list goes on. Brilliana is the typical heroine without a backbone who gets horny the moment Niall looks at her.
If you are not already put off by the insta-lust and shallow characters, let me tell you that the plot is even more terrible. It relied on miscommunication and misunderstandings which only dragged the plot on instead of providing enjoyment.
June 19, 2017
4.25 stars - My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2017/06...
There’s nothing I love more than a well-written reunion romance, and with The Pleasures of Passion Sabrina Jeffries has delivered an excellent one. Niall and Brilliana’s story is lively, engaging, passionate, and so addictive that I read it in one sitting.
At seventeen and twenty-three respectively, Brilliana and Niall were hopeful, naïve, and in love. But when Niall was forced to flee England after a duel, Brilliana refused to run away with him. It’s easy to see why the two of them were first torn apart: they were young, unprepared for what happened, and easily manipulated by those they trusted. Seven years later, Niall has been pardoned and is allowed to return to England while Brilliana is a widow determined to build a good life for her son. Sparks flew between them when they met again for the first time in the previous Sinful Suitors book, The Danger of Desire, but with so much hurt and misunderstanding between them, both are content to merely avoid one another. Fate has different plans for them. Both of them are forced to work together to try and learn if Brilliana’s father is involved in a counterfeiting scheme, and close quarters mean old feelings are sure to surface. Normally I’m not a fan of big misunderstandings or secrets, but surprisingly it didn’t bother me in The Pleasures of Passion . Even though I wanted Niall and Brilliana to open up right away, it was logical why they had trouble trusting one another and why they kept their secrets close to their hearts.
As individuals, Brilliana and Niall are likeable characters; they’re smart, loyal, have good hearts, and they care deeply for their loved ones. As a couple, their chemistry is fantastic. It’s clear that – old wounds aside – the two of them have never stopped loving each other. Because of this, there’s emotion running through every scene, making the pages fairly crackle with energy. I couldn’t put The Pleasures of Passion down because I wanted to see them find the happily ever after that was so long overdue for them. Add in a web of lies and deception the two of them must untangle in order to crack a counterfeiting case, and it’s easy to see why there’s never a dull moment in this book. I absolutely adored Niall and Brilliana’s story and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Jeffries has in store for the intriguing spymaster Baron Fulkham in the next Sinful Suitors book!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
There’s nothing I love more than a well-written reunion romance, and with The Pleasures of Passion Sabrina Jeffries has delivered an excellent one. Niall and Brilliana’s story is lively, engaging, passionate, and so addictive that I read it in one sitting.
At seventeen and twenty-three respectively, Brilliana and Niall were hopeful, naïve, and in love. But when Niall was forced to flee England after a duel, Brilliana refused to run away with him. It’s easy to see why the two of them were first torn apart: they were young, unprepared for what happened, and easily manipulated by those they trusted. Seven years later, Niall has been pardoned and is allowed to return to England while Brilliana is a widow determined to build a good life for her son. Sparks flew between them when they met again for the first time in the previous Sinful Suitors book, The Danger of Desire, but with so much hurt and misunderstanding between them, both are content to merely avoid one another. Fate has different plans for them. Both of them are forced to work together to try and learn if Brilliana’s father is involved in a counterfeiting scheme, and close quarters mean old feelings are sure to surface. Normally I’m not a fan of big misunderstandings or secrets, but surprisingly it didn’t bother me in The Pleasures of Passion . Even though I wanted Niall and Brilliana to open up right away, it was logical why they had trouble trusting one another and why they kept their secrets close to their hearts.
As individuals, Brilliana and Niall are likeable characters; they’re smart, loyal, have good hearts, and they care deeply for their loved ones. As a couple, their chemistry is fantastic. It’s clear that – old wounds aside – the two of them have never stopped loving each other. Because of this, there’s emotion running through every scene, making the pages fairly crackle with energy. I couldn’t put The Pleasures of Passion down because I wanted to see them find the happily ever after that was so long overdue for them. Add in a web of lies and deception the two of them must untangle in order to crack a counterfeiting case, and it’s easy to see why there’s never a dull moment in this book. I absolutely adored Niall and Brilliana’s story and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Jeffries has in store for the intriguing spymaster Baron Fulkham in the next Sinful Suitors book!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 20, 2017
There is a lot going on in the first 50 pages so you better pay attention. This is a lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope that works because Ms. Jeffries is really adept at this kind of plotting. She does quite a bit of info dumping in the guise of dialog, which does make it more palatable. There is a mystery going on as to whom is the counterfeiter with some red herrings thrown in the path of our solving. As with most misunderstandings in HR we do wish that the Hero and Heroine would just confess their secrets to each other and get on with it, although, there are good reasons to stay quiet. This gets a bit exciting when the villain is uncovered.
Sabrina Jeffries has once again crafted a lusciously sensuous and intriguing addition to a very entertaining series. This is a standalone book so no problems if you are new to the series. I have enjoyed all the books in this series and recommend them to all Historical Romance readers.
Ireceived this book free for rview from the publisher.
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Sabrina Jeffries has once again crafted a lusciously sensuous and intriguing addition to a very entertaining series. This is a standalone book so no problems if you are new to the series. I have enjoyed all the books in this series and recommend them to all Historical Romance readers.
Ireceived this book free for rview from the publisher.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
September 15, 2018
I've received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review in Portuguese: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.co.uk/20...-
sabrina.html
First time reading a Sabrina Jeffries’ book – and it was a good start, but it could have been better.
The entire book revolves around two connected plots: the main couple’s history and a counterfeit scheme.
Niall and Brilliana had met seven years before our story, and had had a secret relationship of love declarations and sweet gestures (nothing else). When Niall is forced to flee England and asks Bree to run away with him, she refuses because of her sick mother. Niall feels betrayed when Bree doesn’t send any news, and he only knows through his father that she married Mr. Trevor a few months after his departure. Bree knows he ran away because he killed a man in a duel, but she doesn’t know why, which made her vulnerable to speculation when confronted with a different idea about Niall’s true character.
All of these misunderstandings make them hate the reasons that kept them apart and of course, hate what each of them thinks the other had done wrong. Trust needs to be rebuilt, at the same time as they must find out if Bree’s father is creating and distributing counterfeit bank notes. With a fake engagement, doubts and suspiciousness, the book ends up losing something by repeating several times the same ideas of why the trust was lost and how it’s so difficult to regain it – but for us readers, it’s not necessary to keep pushing the same button so much.
It seemed like there were some plot holes: what really happened to Bree’s mother? Did she end up living with Bree and her husband or did she stay with her husband until her death? What was her condition? How long was she sick, did she pass away shortly after Niall’s departure or was it years later? Bree wrote to Niall – why didn’t he write to her? He knew where to find her and England knew exactly where he was so that’s no excuse. These questions, among others, were left unanswered.
The most interesting part for me was the counterfeit scheme and how, even though they were forced to pretend to be engaged to discover the criminal (who I identified from the very moment he first showed up), every character just worked like a well-oiled clock. Without question, the best characters were (the eccentric) Aunt Agatha and the mysterious Lord Fulkham.
It was a pleasant book, a quick read, read at ease, which kept me interested the entire time.
Review in Portuguese: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.co.uk/20...-
sabrina.html
First time reading a Sabrina Jeffries’ book – and it was a good start, but it could have been better.
The entire book revolves around two connected plots: the main couple’s history and a counterfeit scheme.
Niall and Brilliana had met seven years before our story, and had had a secret relationship of love declarations and sweet gestures (nothing else). When Niall is forced to flee England and asks Bree to run away with him, she refuses because of her sick mother. Niall feels betrayed when Bree doesn’t send any news, and he only knows through his father that she married Mr. Trevor a few months after his departure. Bree knows he ran away because he killed a man in a duel, but she doesn’t know why, which made her vulnerable to speculation when confronted with a different idea about Niall’s true character.
All of these misunderstandings make them hate the reasons that kept them apart and of course, hate what each of them thinks the other had done wrong. Trust needs to be rebuilt, at the same time as they must find out if Bree’s father is creating and distributing counterfeit bank notes. With a fake engagement, doubts and suspiciousness, the book ends up losing something by repeating several times the same ideas of why the trust was lost and how it’s so difficult to regain it – but for us readers, it’s not necessary to keep pushing the same button so much.
It seemed like there were some plot holes: what really happened to Bree’s mother? Did she end up living with Bree and her husband or did she stay with her husband until her death? What was her condition? How long was she sick, did she pass away shortly after Niall’s departure or was it years later? Bree wrote to Niall – why didn’t he write to her? He knew where to find her and England knew exactly where he was so that’s no excuse. These questions, among others, were left unanswered.
The most interesting part for me was the counterfeit scheme and how, even though they were forced to pretend to be engaged to discover the criminal (who I identified from the very moment he first showed up), every character just worked like a well-oiled clock. Without question, the best characters were (the eccentric) Aunt Agatha and the mysterious Lord Fulkham.
It was a pleasant book, a quick read, read at ease, which kept me interested the entire time.
May 20, 2017
4 "Lady in the Streets but a Freak in the Sheets" stars for THE PLEASURES OF PASSION
It's 1823 and earl Niall Lindsay has just killed a man in a duel. It doesn't matter that he had good reason, only that he has to flee to Spain, and that his love, Brilliana Payne, won't go with him.
Seven years later, Niall has been pardoned and makes his quiet return to England. He's totally ambivalent to learn that his Bree is now the widow Trevor with a child. Yep, he doesn't care one bit about that. And certainly he doesn't mind working with her to find a counterfeit artist that a local spy master is manipulating them both to participate in. Now, that they have to pretend to be engaged, much to both of their frustration. Things were left so up in the air between the two of them, but when they learn the truth about what happened all those years ago, can they finally work towards a future together?
Despite my loathing of bodice-ripping covers, I'm a huge fan of Ms. Jeffries' fabulous Sinful Suitors series! THE PLEASURES OF PASSION was fun and sexy and a little adventurous, with Bree and Niall playing an undercover engaged couple to get to the truth behind counterfeit money. Bree can't trust her feelings for Niall; he crushed her all those years ago and the consequences made her a young widow with a fatherless child. Likewise, Niall feels betrayed by Bree after he left, and he's unable to believe that his father was the mastermind behind keeping them apart. The chemistry between the two of them was palpable, and when they finally did the deed, it was delicious! If you're looking for a lighthearted erotic historical romance, look no further than Ms. Jeffries Sinful Suitors series!
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; no condom use; no BDSM/kink; discussions of past sexual assault; mild violence, discussions of past murder. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
It's 1823 and earl Niall Lindsay has just killed a man in a duel. It doesn't matter that he had good reason, only that he has to flee to Spain, and that his love, Brilliana Payne, won't go with him.
Seven years later, Niall has been pardoned and makes his quiet return to England. He's totally ambivalent to learn that his Bree is now the widow Trevor with a child. Yep, he doesn't care one bit about that. And certainly he doesn't mind working with her to find a counterfeit artist that a local spy master is manipulating them both to participate in. Now, that they have to pretend to be engaged, much to both of their frustration. Things were left so up in the air between the two of them, but when they learn the truth about what happened all those years ago, can they finally work towards a future together?
Despite my loathing of bodice-ripping covers, I'm a huge fan of Ms. Jeffries' fabulous Sinful Suitors series! THE PLEASURES OF PASSION was fun and sexy and a little adventurous, with Bree and Niall playing an undercover engaged couple to get to the truth behind counterfeit money. Bree can't trust her feelings for Niall; he crushed her all those years ago and the consequences made her a young widow with a fatherless child. Likewise, Niall feels betrayed by Bree after he left, and he's unable to believe that his father was the mastermind behind keeping them apart. The chemistry between the two of them was palpable, and when they finally did the deed, it was delicious! If you're looking for a lighthearted erotic historical romance, look no further than Ms. Jeffries Sinful Suitors series!
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; no condom use; no BDSM/kink; discussions of past sexual assault; mild violence, discussions of past murder. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
June 21, 2017
I've read and enjoyed a holiday novella from this series, so I was really looking forward to a full length book to see if I would enjoy it as much and hopefully have another historical series/author to get into. THE PLEASURES OF PASSION was everything I was hoping it would be. It was fun and sexy, and I literally read it in almost one sitting.Niall and Brilliana were young and in love. Hoping to marry and live happily ever after as only two young dreamers could. Until they had to face a sad reality. Niall's sister was raped and he killed her rapist in a duel. To protect her honor and not allow rumors of what really happened, he takes on the blame as murderer and flees the country. Hoping to take Bree with him. But her family situation is also dire and she refuses to go. Now seven years later, he's been allowed back and is once again facing the woman he loved all those years ago. Now a widow and a mother.
I loved how romantic this story was! The main characters were endearing and their feelings should've been talked about more openly, but I understood why there was some miscommunication in their relationship. I fault mostly him for his blind belief in a certain someone. But, even though I usually dislike miscommunication, this wasn't the main problem of their relationship in my opinion and so it didn't bother me enough.
There's a little intrigue to keep things interesting as Niall and Bree work together to either uncover her father's role in a counterfeit operation, or proof his innocence and hopefully save his life.
This is definitely a light historical romance type of read and it's exactly what I was looking for. The writing flowed seamlessly, the dialogue was witty and I just wanted these two to finally get their second chance. I'll be on the lookout for more from this author for sure.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
June 19, 2017
The Pleasures of Passion surprised me. I didn’t expect to end up liking the story for its heroine, Brilliana Trevor. Bree was introduced in The Danger of Desire, book three of the Sinful Suitors series as a widow and mother trying to pick up the pieces of her life after her husband died unexpectedly. She didn’t come across as especially sympathetic considering that she admits to her sister-in-law that she never loved her husband. I felt Bree was a weak character and wasn’t very excited to read a whole story about her reuniting with the man she’s always carried a torch for. Fortunately Sabrina Jeffries does a good job within the first few pages of Bree’s story to show just how strong a person she could be.
Miss Brilliana Payne was only seventeen years old when she fell in love. While visiting Bath so her invalid mother could take the waters, Bree met Niall Lindsey at one of the few social gatherings she was allowed to attend. Niall was everything that Brilliana had hoped for in a suitor; kind, attentive and he made her feel that her middle-class upbringing was not a problem for him as the heir to an earldom. The one flaw in Niall’s perfection was his reluctance to introduce her to his family or to meet with her father to ask for her hand. When she receives an urgent message from Niall, Bree is certain that he will finally declare himself and they can begin planning for a future together. Sadly, Niall’s reasons for a quick meeting are because he was involved in a duel and has to flee the country to protect himself. Bree’s heart is torn in two when Niall pleads for her to go with him; however she cannot leave her sick mother alone with her feckless father. Unable to choose between her family and her future, Bree tells Niall that she won’t leave England with him now but hopes they can be reunited soon.
Months after Niall’s departure, Bree’s life takes an unexpected turn. Her father’s gambles and loses big to another gentleman who suggests that he’ll forgive the debt if Brilliana marries his son, Reynold Trevor. With no word from Niall and hoping to protect her mother from ruin, Bree has no choice but to accept the marriage.
Please read the full review at Romantic Historical Reviews
Miss Brilliana Payne was only seventeen years old when she fell in love. While visiting Bath so her invalid mother could take the waters, Bree met Niall Lindsey at one of the few social gatherings she was allowed to attend. Niall was everything that Brilliana had hoped for in a suitor; kind, attentive and he made her feel that her middle-class upbringing was not a problem for him as the heir to an earldom. The one flaw in Niall’s perfection was his reluctance to introduce her to his family or to meet with her father to ask for her hand. When she receives an urgent message from Niall, Bree is certain that he will finally declare himself and they can begin planning for a future together. Sadly, Niall’s reasons for a quick meeting are because he was involved in a duel and has to flee the country to protect himself. Bree’s heart is torn in two when Niall pleads for her to go with him; however she cannot leave her sick mother alone with her feckless father. Unable to choose between her family and her future, Bree tells Niall that she won’t leave England with him now but hopes they can be reunited soon.
Months after Niall’s departure, Bree’s life takes an unexpected turn. Her father’s gambles and loses big to another gentleman who suggests that he’ll forgive the debt if Brilliana marries his son, Reynold Trevor. With no word from Niall and hoping to protect her mother from ruin, Bree has no choice but to accept the marriage.
Please read the full review at Romantic Historical Reviews
November 22, 2025
The Pleasures of Passion
2 Stars
Neither the romance nor the minor suspense plot are particularly engaging. The angst and recriminations between the H/h remind me of why I dislike second chance romances.
It took me ages to finish the book and it would have been a DNF if not for a challenge.
2 Stars
Neither the romance nor the minor suspense plot are particularly engaging. The angst and recriminations between the H/h remind me of why I dislike second chance romances.
It took me ages to finish the book and it would have been a DNF if not for a challenge.
June 1, 2017
4.5*
I love the second chance at love troupe and Sabrina Jeffries did a fabulous job with this book. Tragedy, secrets and mistrust kept them apart for seven years, now a possible criminal act has brought them together. Niall Lindsey, the Earl of Margrave left Brilliana "Bree" Trevor behind after a duel went bad. He wanted her to leave with him but she could not leave her sick mother behind. After lies and a forced marriage Bree had to move on with no hope of Niall returning. Blackmailed by the government to act as a betrothed couple to find a counterfeiter that could be Bree's father. Being forced together they have to deal with the past and present and their ever growing feelings that seem not to have ended with their years of separation. Doubts and mistruths of the past may keep them from trusting each other enough to see a possible future. I loved Niall's he was so sexy and Bree was witty and strong willed and feisty that they made a great believable couple. This is a great series and should be read in order.
If you have not read Sabrina Jeffries and you love historical romance then you can not go wrong with her books.
I love the second chance at love troupe and Sabrina Jeffries did a fabulous job with this book. Tragedy, secrets and mistrust kept them apart for seven years, now a possible criminal act has brought them together. Niall Lindsey, the Earl of Margrave left Brilliana "Bree" Trevor behind after a duel went bad. He wanted her to leave with him but she could not leave her sick mother behind. After lies and a forced marriage Bree had to move on with no hope of Niall returning. Blackmailed by the government to act as a betrothed couple to find a counterfeiter that could be Bree's father. Being forced together they have to deal with the past and present and their ever growing feelings that seem not to have ended with their years of separation. Doubts and mistruths of the past may keep them from trusting each other enough to see a possible future. I loved Niall's he was so sexy and Bree was witty and strong willed and feisty that they made a great believable couple. This is a great series and should be read in order.
If you have not read Sabrina Jeffries and you love historical romance then you can not go wrong with her books.
November 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I think this series has been pretty consistent for me with four stars all the way, and this one wasn't any different. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it. I liked that this book was different than some of the other historical romances I read where the MMC had killed someone and had to flee. This is a second chance romance with fake engagement, and I really liked that aspect. I liked that they were trying to solve something together too. This had a great plot that I enjoyed a lot. I do recommend this series if you like Sabrina Jeffries or just want an easy to listen to historical romance.
June 21, 2017
If you love Regency romance and you're not already reading Sabrina Jeffries, I can't imagine why not. Author of over 50 best-selling novels, Ms. Jeffries knows exactly what her audience want and she delivers it in spades. No historical inaccuracies here; she knows her time period inside out.
This is the fourth book in The Sinful Suitors series, and I have to confess I haven't read the previous three, but it absolutely wasn't necessary. This book stands perfectly on its own.
Seven years ago, Niall Lindsey, heir to the then Earl of Margrave, was forced to flee England after killing another man in a duel. To save his sister's honour, he couldn't tell anyone why, not even Brilliana, the woman he loved. With a wastrel father and a mother on her deathbed, Brilliana could not bring herself to trust Niall's promise that he would marry her as soon as it could be arranged, and chose not to go with him. That fateful choice set the course for both their futures, and Niall can't bring himself to forgive and forget once he finally returns to England and finds Brilliana, now widowed, more temptingly beautiful than ever.
I have to admit that Niall's refusal to accept Brilliana's motives for not wanting to go with him were valid absolutely INFURIATED me. She was seventeen and he had a bad reputation, and had just confessed to killing a man in a duel, but wouldn't tell her why. Frankly, it would have been naive of her in the extreme to blithely accept his promises and run away with him. Eventually, he comes to see the situation from her point of view, but not until after learning that his father lied to her and hers forced her into an unwanted marriage.
I was also not very impressed with Niall's interactions with Silas, Brilliana's son. Niall was constantly thinking about HIS future children with Brilliana and I have to say that I felt Silas would come off a very poor second best when a younger sibling came along.
While Niall had some childish moments - his jealousy over the love he thought Brilliana felt for her dead husband was extremely juvenile - Brilliana herself was absolutely wonderful. She took absolutely none of Niall's nonsense. She was the one who spent the last seven years struggling to survive, while as far as she is concerned he spent the time living the high life in Spain and Portugal. While it is apparent that he did rather more than that, acting as a spy for England, he had an easy life compared to hers, which made his behaviour all the harder to swallow.
I love second-chance romances and I loved Brilliana, but Niall's entitled attitude and refusal to believe anything that didn't quite fit his version of events throughout most of the book had me gritting my teeth. Beautifully written, I still can't quite bring myself to give it five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
This is the fourth book in The Sinful Suitors series, and I have to confess I haven't read the previous three, but it absolutely wasn't necessary. This book stands perfectly on its own.
Seven years ago, Niall Lindsey, heir to the then Earl of Margrave, was forced to flee England after killing another man in a duel. To save his sister's honour, he couldn't tell anyone why, not even Brilliana, the woman he loved. With a wastrel father and a mother on her deathbed, Brilliana could not bring herself to trust Niall's promise that he would marry her as soon as it could be arranged, and chose not to go with him. That fateful choice set the course for both their futures, and Niall can't bring himself to forgive and forget once he finally returns to England and finds Brilliana, now widowed, more temptingly beautiful than ever.
I have to admit that Niall's refusal to accept Brilliana's motives for not wanting to go with him were valid absolutely INFURIATED me. She was seventeen and he had a bad reputation, and had just confessed to killing a man in a duel, but wouldn't tell her why. Frankly, it would have been naive of her in the extreme to blithely accept his promises and run away with him. Eventually, he comes to see the situation from her point of view, but not until after learning that his father lied to her and hers forced her into an unwanted marriage.
I was also not very impressed with Niall's interactions with Silas, Brilliana's son. Niall was constantly thinking about HIS future children with Brilliana and I have to say that I felt Silas would come off a very poor second best when a younger sibling came along.
While Niall had some childish moments - his jealousy over the love he thought Brilliana felt for her dead husband was extremely juvenile - Brilliana herself was absolutely wonderful. She took absolutely none of Niall's nonsense. She was the one who spent the last seven years struggling to survive, while as far as she is concerned he spent the time living the high life in Spain and Portugal. While it is apparent that he did rather more than that, acting as a spy for England, he had an easy life compared to hers, which made his behaviour all the harder to swallow.
I love second-chance romances and I loved Brilliana, but Niall's entitled attitude and refusal to believe anything that didn't quite fit his version of events throughout most of the book had me gritting my teeth. Beautifully written, I still can't quite bring myself to give it five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
August 2, 2018
Series: Sinful Suitors #4
Publication Date: June 20, 2017
Sabrina Jeffries writes wonderfully witty dialogue and unforgettable characters. I have long awaited this book because I did so want to see Nial get his happy ending. He had sacrificed so much for his family, specifically his sister, so he definitely deserves to find love and happiness.
This book is certainly more sedate than the previous three. I’m not saying that as a bad thing, it is just that the bad guy and the crime, etc. is less intense. As in, there isn’t anybody trying to kidnap, rape and/or murder the heroine. It is a story about second chances and the damage that keeping secrets can do.
BTW – I’ll add that if you haven’t read the first three books in the series you really should. First is because they are really, really good and second is because you’ll appreciate this story so much more from the background you learn in the other books.
When he was young, Nial fought a duel and killed a man. Because they wanted to keep the reason for the duel a secret, they couldn’t let it come to a trial. Nial would surely have been exonerated had there been a trial. In order to avoid the trial, Nial had to escape to the continent. He begged his love, Brilliana (I hate that name) to go with him, but she couldn’t because of her deathly ill mother. He also couldn’t tell her the real reason he had fought the duel. Many things happened through the time Nial was exiled, but the worst of it was that Brilliana married someone else. Each of them have reason to believe that the other betrayed them and each of them have secrets they feel they can’t share.
This story deals with Nial and Brilliana being forced to work together to solve a counterfeiting crime in order to save her father and them getting to know and love each other again. Love comes quicker than trust and they must each determine whether they can trust the other or not.
"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: June 20, 2017
Sabrina Jeffries writes wonderfully witty dialogue and unforgettable characters. I have long awaited this book because I did so want to see Nial get his happy ending. He had sacrificed so much for his family, specifically his sister, so he definitely deserves to find love and happiness.
This book is certainly more sedate than the previous three. I’m not saying that as a bad thing, it is just that the bad guy and the crime, etc. is less intense. As in, there isn’t anybody trying to kidnap, rape and/or murder the heroine. It is a story about second chances and the damage that keeping secrets can do.
BTW – I’ll add that if you haven’t read the first three books in the series you really should. First is because they are really, really good and second is because you’ll appreciate this story so much more from the background you learn in the other books.
When he was young, Nial fought a duel and killed a man. Because they wanted to keep the reason for the duel a secret, they couldn’t let it come to a trial. Nial would surely have been exonerated had there been a trial. In order to avoid the trial, Nial had to escape to the continent. He begged his love, Brilliana (I hate that name) to go with him, but she couldn’t because of her deathly ill mother. He also couldn’t tell her the real reason he had fought the duel. Many things happened through the time Nial was exiled, but the worst of it was that Brilliana married someone else. Each of them have reason to believe that the other betrayed them and each of them have secrets they feel they can’t share.
This story deals with Nial and Brilliana being forced to work together to solve a counterfeiting crime in order to save her father and them getting to know and love each other again. Love comes quicker than trust and they must each determine whether they can trust the other or not.
"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
June 20, 2017
The Pleasures of Passion is a tale of misunderstanding, secrets and second chances. When Niall Lindsey, Earl of Margrave, and Brilliana Trevor were young they fell in love secretly. Suddenly Niall is in huge trouble after killing a man in a duel and he has to leave the country. He wants Brilliana to go with him, but family concerns and insecurity cause her to refuse. As time goes by with no word from Niall, Brilliana eventually marries and has a son.
The real story begins, of course, when Niall returns to England after seven years (he is obligated to do some work in exchange for a pardon). Brilliana's husband has died so things are all set for them to reunite, right? Not so fast. Brilliana thinks he has deserted her and Niall is hurt that she married so soon. Both of their fathers have had a hand in damaging their relationship. There is a counterfeiting scheme afoot that may be directly connected to Brilliana's family. Niall and Brilliana are forced to concoct a fake engagement to solve the mystery, causing old feelings to revive.
Sabrina Jeffries writes engaging stories and this is no exception. These two lovers were confronted with complications aplenty. The solution to the counterfeiting mystery was not revealed until nearly the end. Niall and Brilliana were so confused about their emotions and were locked into strong misconceptions about each other, but we never doubted that their young love was solid. All of this lead to a very satisfying ending. A solid, well-written Regency.
Review provided after being given the privilege of reading an Advanced Reader Copy.
The real story begins, of course, when Niall returns to England after seven years (he is obligated to do some work in exchange for a pardon). Brilliana's husband has died so things are all set for them to reunite, right? Not so fast. Brilliana thinks he has deserted her and Niall is hurt that she married so soon. Both of their fathers have had a hand in damaging their relationship. There is a counterfeiting scheme afoot that may be directly connected to Brilliana's family. Niall and Brilliana are forced to concoct a fake engagement to solve the mystery, causing old feelings to revive.
Sabrina Jeffries writes engaging stories and this is no exception. These two lovers were confronted with complications aplenty. The solution to the counterfeiting mystery was not revealed until nearly the end. Niall and Brilliana were so confused about their emotions and were locked into strong misconceptions about each other, but we never doubted that their young love was solid. All of this lead to a very satisfying ending. A solid, well-written Regency.
Review provided after being given the privilege of reading an Advanced Reader Copy.
November 19, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. I tend to really enjoy Ms. Jeffries books, for historical romance, she is on my list of who to go to. And, while I did enjoy the book, it was not my favorite, and honestly I had to make myself sit down and actually read it, I kept going back to other books, so it did not grab my interest as it normally does, not that it was a bad book, no just not my fav. So we have previously met Niall, who was Clarissa's brother, and Warren's cousin, I hope you read the other books in series, because you will be lost, you need to know the premise. Niall had to leave the country after a duel, in his sister's honor, leaving his love "Bree" behind, he could not tell her why he fought, or that could ruin his sisters reputation. So he asks Bree, to run away with him, because he loves her and does not want to leave her behind, but he had never introduced her to his family, nor mentioned her, since he is of rank, and she is not. Bree, loves Niall and was torn, but her mother was truly ill and she could not just leave her behind without making sure she was ok. Unfortunately, lies were told by people that they trusted, and they suffered misunderstandings thinking the worst of each other. They were apart seven years, and due to a family members marriage, bump into one another. The rest of the story, I can not tell you, it was the discombobulated story, that was to capture our interest, and to get them to work with each other, now did the truth come out, did they get their HEA? well my friends you have to read.
July 11, 2017
3.50 / 3 Stars
Book starts off with 17 y/o Brilliana aka "Bree" (Before her come out) and Niall. Although he's had his roguish tendencies he finds what he wants in Bree. However, a duel that Niall is involved in causes the opponents death and he has to flee England before he's arrested. He asks Bree to come with him, but she can't. This whole storyline actually plays out at the beginning of this series. We know he duels and has to leave...but this story brings that plot full circle with his pardon and return. Niall ends up working for England by being an informant and Bree's life moves on as well. When they meet 7 years later, an investigation regarding her father and a counterfeiting scheme pulls them in.
I don't mind second chance romances, but I have to say the investigation was more interesting than the couple. (I would have liked more action within said investigation.) I can't put my finger on it, there was just something lacking. I understand secrecy was important because it could ruin a person, or the entire family....and yet I wish the H/h would have communicated more regarding the issues that pulled them apart. That is the thing about second chance relationships....it's a tricky balance. Sometime it works and sometimes it's just "okay".
Book starts off with 17 y/o Brilliana aka "Bree" (Before her come out) and Niall. Although he's had his roguish tendencies he finds what he wants in Bree. However, a duel that Niall is involved in causes the opponents death and he has to flee England before he's arrested. He asks Bree to come with him, but she can't. This whole storyline actually plays out at the beginning of this series. We know he duels and has to leave...but this story brings that plot full circle with his pardon and return. Niall ends up working for England by being an informant and Bree's life moves on as well. When they meet 7 years later, an investigation regarding her father and a counterfeiting scheme pulls them in.
I don't mind second chance romances, but I have to say the investigation was more interesting than the couple. (I would have liked more action within said investigation.) I can't put my finger on it, there was just something lacking. I understand secrecy was important because it could ruin a person, or the entire family....and yet I wish the H/h would have communicated more regarding the issues that pulled them apart. That is the thing about second chance relationships....it's a tricky balance. Sometime it works and sometimes it's just "okay".
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