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Spirited Storms #3
Ruined by a Lady
** Previously published in Evading the Duke ***
There is nothing Samuel Storm wants more than to leave London behind him and return to his plantation in Barbados, until he sees a portrait come to life. At least he’s fairly certain the girl across St. Paul's is the same one depicted in the scandalous painting he owns back in the Caribbean. But how can he be sure? And why would a lady pose for such a painting?
Lady Jillian Simpson has made many mistakes in her life, but the worst was falling for an artist who took advantage of her trust. She is fairly certain her father has found and destroyed all of the paintings, all but one, at least until she encounters the dashing Mr. Storm and learns another exists. But after everything she’s experienced, how can she ever trust him with her secret or her heart?
There is nothing Samuel Storm wants more than to leave London behind him and return to his plantation in Barbados, until he sees a portrait come to life. At least he’s fairly certain the girl across St. Paul's is the same one depicted in the scandalous painting he owns back in the Caribbean. But how can he be sure? And why would a lady pose for such a painting?
Lady Jillian Simpson has made many mistakes in her life, but the worst was falling for an artist who took advantage of her trust. She is fairly certain her father has found and destroyed all of the paintings, all but one, at least until she encounters the dashing Mr. Storm and learns another exists. But after everything she’s experienced, how can she ever trust him with her secret or her heart?
- GenresHistorical Romance
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2016
17 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Jane Charles
176 books390 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jane Charles is a prolific writer of over fifty historical and contemporary romance novels. Her love of research and history lends authenticity to her Regency romances, and her experience directing theatre productions helps her craft beautiful, touching stories that tug at the heartstrings. Jane is an upbeat and positive author dedicated to giving her characters happy-ever-afters and leaving the readers satisfied at the end of an emotional journey. She is a lifelong Cubs fan, loves wine tastings, and lives in Central Illinois with her two huskies and husband. She is currently writing her next book while planning her dream trip to Europe.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 20, 2020
Wonderful Read 💖💛💖
February 7, 2020
Ruined By A Lady is book three in the Spirited Storms series by Jane Charles. I absolutely loved this book. It has a great pace to it. I read it in one afternoon. I loved that the heroine Lady Jillian Simpson was actually the villain in His Christmas Match. Her transformation is lovely and believable. Samuel Storms is an intriguing hero. He sees through Jillian’s self-protective layer of pride and disarms her. But a love match with Samuel Storm can never be because of Jillian’s father. “You don’t understand. I am not loveable, and you’ll realize that in time.’ “I don’t believe you.” With that, he leaned close, their lips nearly touching, breaths mingling, and her pulse picked up before he lowered his lips to hers. So gentle and soft as his thumb caressed her cheek, making her heartache all the more for what would never be hers.” Bravo Ms. Charles! I can’t wait to read more in this series.
January 2, 2022
This happened simultaneously with Nate and Isabella’s story.
I’m starting to like their manipulative great Uncle, the Duke of Danby. His machinations produce excellent results.
Like Isabella, Jillian has a lot of insecurities. I believe there’s a story of her being a villain in other couples’ stories but I like how repentant she is. She was young when she grew up and her father honed her to be the person he wants. It’s as if she doesn’t have her own personality and her aloofness and haughty countenance are her armour.
Samuel was drawn to her from the start. Of course there’s physical attraction and lust but he was just drawn to her, specifically her eyes. They conveyed sadness in one very young and he decided to take that away and make her his. I like the Storm brothers because they’re a fierce lot.
What’s funny is how the Duke used their stubbornness to his advantage and it was a win-win situation for all of them.
I’m starting to like their manipulative great Uncle, the Duke of Danby. His machinations produce excellent results.
Like Isabella, Jillian has a lot of insecurities. I believe there’s a story of her being a villain in other couples’ stories but I like how repentant she is. She was young when she grew up and her father honed her to be the person he wants. It’s as if she doesn’t have her own personality and her aloofness and haughty countenance are her armour.
Samuel was drawn to her from the start. Of course there’s physical attraction and lust but he was just drawn to her, specifically her eyes. They conveyed sadness in one very young and he decided to take that away and make her his. I like the Storm brothers because they’re a fierce lot.
What’s funny is how the Duke used their stubbornness to his advantage and it was a win-win situation for all of them.
May 28, 2021
Samuel Storm sees Lady Jillian at a wedding and knows she has to be the model in his painting. What attraction he had for the model in the painting, becomes even stronger when he meets her. But Jillian is controlled by her father who refuses to let him court her. Only Samuel isn't going to give up even if the young lady doesn't think she is worthy. A quick read of a very romantic love story.
February 12, 2020
Jillian
Since the age of sixteen, her father had controlled her life: everything from the gowns she is to wear to the titled men she will be allowed to court. How will she ever have a chance at love with her father controlling at life?
Since the age of sixteen, her father had controlled her life: everything from the gowns she is to wear to the titled men she will be allowed to court. How will she ever have a chance at love with her father controlling at life?
June 28, 2017
I really liked this story, however, there was an inconsistency that prevented me from giving another star.
I thought that the Simpsons didn't like getting associated with the Valentines or they didn't want people to know their relationship? Then how come they attended Bianca Valentine's wedding? And how were they invited? I don't think their close friends with the Duke of Roxburg.
I thought that the Simpsons didn't like getting associated with the Valentines or they didn't want people to know their relationship? Then how come they attended Bianca Valentine's wedding? And how were they invited? I don't think their close friends with the Duke of Roxburg.
November 21, 2016
The last thing Samuel Storm expected to see while attending a friend’s wedding in London is the live version of the goddess from his most prized painting; a painting that has a place of prominence in the bedroom of his home in Barbados. While longing to return to Barbados, he must decide between leaving or remaining and trying to uncover the identity of the lady and if she is the one who posed for the portrait. Surprised to learn the identity Samuel now longs to know the woman who holds such sadness in her eyes and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal despite the hatred flowing from her father and the warnings from his friends.
A naive mistake made in her youth, a mistake her father will not let her forget nor will he forgive her. A mistake that she thought was taken care of with the exception of one remaining canvas and the family who owns it, a family she did a terrible injustice to while trying to please her father, but promises to never reveal its existence. All leads to a lifetime of making up for said naïve mistake is what Lady Jillian Simpson has resigned herself to. That is until a handsome gentleman approaches her at the wedding ball; a ball where Jillian’s world could rip apart.
Follow along as Samuel inserts himself into Jillian’s life in hopes of getting to know her better while Jillian does her best to rebuff all Samuel’s attempts in fear of what her father will do. As Jillian learns there is more to her life than her father’s dictates and starts to live a little.
A beautiful tale by Jane Charles that will have the reader rooting for Samuel, despising Jillian’s former antics while coming to understand why she has done the things she has, and cheering as a beautiful transformation takes place.
A naive mistake made in her youth, a mistake her father will not let her forget nor will he forgive her. A mistake that she thought was taken care of with the exception of one remaining canvas and the family who owns it, a family she did a terrible injustice to while trying to please her father, but promises to never reveal its existence. All leads to a lifetime of making up for said naïve mistake is what Lady Jillian Simpson has resigned herself to. That is until a handsome gentleman approaches her at the wedding ball; a ball where Jillian’s world could rip apart.
Follow along as Samuel inserts himself into Jillian’s life in hopes of getting to know her better while Jillian does her best to rebuff all Samuel’s attempts in fear of what her father will do. As Jillian learns there is more to her life than her father’s dictates and starts to live a little.
A beautiful tale by Jane Charles that will have the reader rooting for Samuel, despising Jillian’s former antics while coming to understand why she has done the things she has, and cheering as a beautiful transformation takes place.
November 21, 2016
If you are looking for a light, quick read in the Regency genre, this is a great novella. This story is part of a series featuring the Duke of Danby working his matchmaking magic in the background. It is also part of the Spirited Storms series, following the adventures of the Storm siblings.
In Jane Charles' Ruined by a Lady, the lady in question is Lady Jillian Simpson, who has been the villain, or at least adversary, in a few of Charles' previous stories. Jillian has failed utterly in her attempts to land a husband and please her father. Her underhanded actions have alienated her from anyone she might have formed a friendship with. She'd like to thwart her father and just marry a nice, decent man instead of having to nab the highest ranking man in the room. However, a terrible mistake from her past has led her to question her judgement where love is concerned. When Samuel Storm starts paying attention to her and happens to mention that she looks just like a woman in a painting in his possession, Jillian panics. Sam is the first man to be interested in her for herself and not just her dowry or connections, but can she trust him with her secrets, and will he still love her when he finds out what she's done in the past?
In Jane Charles' Ruined by a Lady, the lady in question is Lady Jillian Simpson, who has been the villain, or at least adversary, in a few of Charles' previous stories. Jillian has failed utterly in her attempts to land a husband and please her father. Her underhanded actions have alienated her from anyone she might have formed a friendship with. She'd like to thwart her father and just marry a nice, decent man instead of having to nab the highest ranking man in the room. However, a terrible mistake from her past has led her to question her judgement where love is concerned. When Samuel Storm starts paying attention to her and happens to mention that she looks just like a woman in a painting in his possession, Jillian panics. Sam is the first man to be interested in her for herself and not just her dowry or connections, but can she trust him with her secrets, and will he still love her when he finds out what she's done in the past?
November 21, 2016
Originally part of the Duke comes to Town series
Samuel Storm has returned to England with his friend Mark Easton, whilst exiting the Church after Mark’s wedding he sees the model for a scandalous painting he owns. Sam wants to find out more about her, Lady Jillian Simpson has made mistakes (featured in His Christmas Match, Her Muse, His Grace) but there is an attraction between herself & Sam. Another delightful story from the author kept me ready into the early hours. I look forward to the other Storms stories especially Hannah.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC
Samuel Storm has returned to England with his friend Mark Easton, whilst exiting the Church after Mark’s wedding he sees the model for a scandalous painting he owns. Sam wants to find out more about her, Lady Jillian Simpson has made mistakes (featured in His Christmas Match, Her Muse, His Grace) but there is an attraction between herself & Sam. Another delightful story from the author kept me ready into the early hours. I look forward to the other Storms stories especially Hannah.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC
March 29, 2020
Jillian and Samuel -
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews