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House of Trent #2
House of Trent - Der Schurke: Roman (Trent-Trilogie 2)
DER ZWEITE SINNLICHE BAND DER HOUSE-OF-TRENT-TRILOGIE VON USA-TODAY-BESTSELLER-AUTORIN JENNIFER HAYMORE
Lukas Hawkins ist ein berüchtigter Schurke und Frauenheld. Doch für Emma Curtis ist er auch die einzige Chance auf Rettung. Er und Emma sind auf der Suche nach demselben Mann. Einem Verbrecher, der Lukas Mutter entführt und das Vermögen von Emmas Familie gestohlen hat. Also schlägt sie Lukas eine Zusammenarbeit vor, wohl wissend, dass sie seine Avancen wird abwehren müssen. Doch das ist schwerer als gedacht. Denn hinter der Fassade des sorglosen Schwerenöters lauert ein intelligenter, ehrenwerter, rauer Mann. Ein Mann, mit dem man selbst geheimste Begierden teilen kann ...
AUSGEZEICHNET MIT DEM ROMANTIC TIMES AWARD - EIN AUFREGENDER LIEBESROMAN ÜBER DIE DUNKLEN GEHEIMNISSE EINER ENGLISCHEN ADELSFAMILIE
Lukas Hawkins ist ein berüchtigter Schurke und Frauenheld. Doch für Emma Curtis ist er auch die einzige Chance auf Rettung. Er und Emma sind auf der Suche nach demselben Mann. Einem Verbrecher, der Lukas Mutter entführt und das Vermögen von Emmas Familie gestohlen hat. Also schlägt sie Lukas eine Zusammenarbeit vor, wohl wissend, dass sie seine Avancen wird abwehren müssen. Doch das ist schwerer als gedacht. Denn hinter der Fassade des sorglosen Schwerenöters lauert ein intelligenter, ehrenwerter, rauer Mann. Ein Mann, mit dem man selbst geheimste Begierden teilen kann ...
AUSGEZEICHNET MIT DEM ROMANTIC TIMES AWARD - EIN AUFREGENDER LIEBESROMAN ÜBER DIE DUNKLEN GEHEIMNISSE EINER ENGLISCHEN ADELSFAMILIE
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
40 people are currently reading
1417 people want to read
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February 11, 2016
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
The Rogue's Proposal is a very hot, sensual and mysterious tale! I have no idea why I've let this stay hidden on my kindle for so long!
Luke and Em were quite different from the characters I usually follow in a historical romance, and that made The Rogue's Proposal a unique read. Em, a young widow, was willing to do whatever it took to find the man who had murdered her husband and run away with her family's fortune. Luke was after the same man, but for different reasons, and when Em showed up to tell him she would go on this manhunt with him, all he could think about was how delicate and sweet-looking she was. His thoughts went dirty fast, but Em laid down some ground-rules that made me smile. She knew what she wanted, but there was no way she was going to let Luke walk all over her anyway.
On what seemed to be a wild goose chase at first, Em and Luke leave England for Scotland, then have to go back to London in order to find the man they want to bring to justice. Only, at one point, they are forced to stay inside their room at the inn for several days, and the attraction between them becomes impossible to resist. The Rogue's Proposal is different because Em isn't a virgin - she is fairly innocent, but she also has some pretty hot fantasies. Luke has always thought his own debauched fantasies were way too much for one woman to keep in check, and he can't believe Em might be the one woman who could maybe, one day, become his.
Between the romance and the mystery, The Rogue's Proposal is fairly fast-paced, and there are many situations in which Luke and Em are in danger from more than their strong feelings towards each other. They both have a past that has partly shaped who they are today, and especially Luke has been through hell since he was a little boy. Em's strong convictions when it comes to his honour is what finally helps him see that he might not be as bad as he was told when he was a boy.
Written in third person point of view, the narration shares enough with the readers that I got a very good knowledge of Luke and Em, both their good and their bad sides, and it was refreshing to read about characters who were flawed, but not doomed because of those flaws.
Still, it seemed Lord Lukas was more concerned about her reputation than he cared to admit. That thought gave her a tiny, pleasant flicker inside. A warm, strange glow she'd never felt before.
He was a complicated man. He confused her. Unsettled her. He was nothing like she'd expected him to be. But now she realized her expectations hadn't been fair.
Luke urged the horses into a trot, pretending to take it slow for the gray's sake. He'd lied. The gray hadn't been limping. But he'd needed to get off the curricle for a moment. Put some distance between himself and Emma.
The Rogue's Proposal is a very hot, sensual and mysterious tale! I have no idea why I've let this stay hidden on my kindle for so long!
Luke and Em were quite different from the characters I usually follow in a historical romance, and that made The Rogue's Proposal a unique read. Em, a young widow, was willing to do whatever it took to find the man who had murdered her husband and run away with her family's fortune. Luke was after the same man, but for different reasons, and when Em showed up to tell him she would go on this manhunt with him, all he could think about was how delicate and sweet-looking she was. His thoughts went dirty fast, but Em laid down some ground-rules that made me smile. She knew what she wanted, but there was no way she was going to let Luke walk all over her anyway.
On what seemed to be a wild goose chase at first, Em and Luke leave England for Scotland, then have to go back to London in order to find the man they want to bring to justice. Only, at one point, they are forced to stay inside their room at the inn for several days, and the attraction between them becomes impossible to resist. The Rogue's Proposal is different because Em isn't a virgin - she is fairly innocent, but she also has some pretty hot fantasies. Luke has always thought his own debauched fantasies were way too much for one woman to keep in check, and he can't believe Em might be the one woman who could maybe, one day, become his.
Between the romance and the mystery, The Rogue's Proposal is fairly fast-paced, and there are many situations in which Luke and Em are in danger from more than their strong feelings towards each other. They both have a past that has partly shaped who they are today, and especially Luke has been through hell since he was a little boy. Em's strong convictions when it comes to his honour is what finally helps him see that he might not be as bad as he was told when he was a boy.
Written in third person point of view, the narration shares enough with the readers that I got a very good knowledge of Luke and Em, both their good and their bad sides, and it was refreshing to read about characters who were flawed, but not doomed because of those flaws.
Still, it seemed Lord Lukas was more concerned about her reputation than he cared to admit. That thought gave her a tiny, pleasant flicker inside. A warm, strange glow she'd never felt before.
He was a complicated man. He confused her. Unsettled her. He was nothing like she'd expected him to be. But now she realized her expectations hadn't been fair.
Luke urged the horses into a trot, pretending to take it slow for the gray's sake. He'd lied. The gray hadn't been limping. But he'd needed to get off the curricle for a moment. Put some distance between himself and Emma.
March 11, 2018
I won a book! :-) I won this book through GoodReads First Reads, in return for a fair review.
And it is with great joy that I announce that I finished this book!! I did not like it. It was difficult at first for me to put my finger on why exactly I was unhappy with it. The characters seem likeable enough. The writing is decent, and the story has a nice flow to it. The sex scenes are reasonably steamy. So why did it feel so PLODDING?? After mulling this over a bit, I've concluded that this book suffers MIGHTILY from the "tell don't show" problem that seems quite common in romance. We are told he is a good man, we are told he has dark desires, but we are never really SHOWN. Similarly, we are told she is ... well, honestly, I'm not really sure what we are told or shown about the heroine. That she is strong and angelic, I suppose. She has an Angelic Nature. He calls her his angel a lot. Talk about trite nicknames.
Our female protagonist, Mrs Emma Curtis, is a widow, and she believes the man who murdered her good-for-nothing rogue of a husband also bilked her family of all its moneys. Emma is on the hunt for one Mr. Roger Morton, Bad Guy. Enter our male protagonist, Lord Lukas Hawking, younger brother and heir-apparent-for-now to the Duke of Trent, but don't talk about his brother Trent! (he doesn't like to be reminded that he is the younger brother to a Duke. Somehow he thinks he wasn't good enough. Odd, since ... his brother is older, and that's a big DUH of course he's the Duke and you're not ... but hey, let's go with it: he's not good enough) Luke is also looking for Mr Roger Morton, Bad Guy, because it appears that Mr Morton absconded with Luke's mother, the dowager Duchess. Well, I just never!
Emma bravely propositions Luke, pointing out that she's penniless but she knows where Roger Morton might be, and Luke has the funds to hire a carriage, so they are clearly a match made in heaven. At some point Luke must proposition Emma, too, so we can have title, but I'm not sure what it was exactly. Probably the part where he asks, "Do you like to be bound, Mrs Curtis?" and rubs his lips all over her lips, then promises that he won't touch her until she BEGS for it repeatedly, and then he'll be on her like white on rice. Oh, and there's something about wanting to sleep next to her. Or maybe that's another book and I've gotten confused. All these hard-chested Tortured Heroes with their big dicks and disturbing nightmares, they all run together after a while. Emma knows a rogue when she sees one, and she's had it up to HERE with rogues, so she knows she'll never be begging for him. (We, the readers, know better, don't we? wink wink)
Ah, here it is: "I can offer you the heights of pleasure, Mrs Emma Curtis. If, at some point during the term of our agreement, you were to beg ... I promise, I'll not deny you." (Rest assured, dear readers, that he does not deny her.)
They carry on traveling chastely for a while, each sending the other sidelong sexy glances whenever they think the other isn't looking. She has a sexy dream about him and she orgasms in her sleep, and I have to admit, that was refreshing. I was encouraged, this is going to be a good book!
Luke has a bad habit, he likes to leave their hotel rooms to go out and spend the night getting shit-faced, leaving her locked in their room, alone. Emma doesn't like this, and can you blame her???? I seriously started hating him for this.... This, in fact, may be when I stopped enjoying this book - leaving her alone night after night, when she clearly asks him not to do it, is assholery of the first water. It's a mega rejection. Finally she's had enough and she insists that he stay, and the way she gets him to say is ... yes! she BEGS FOR IT! Then there's the obligatory scene where the heroine is stripped naked and STARED AT by the hero. I really hate that.
They eventually come to an understanding. I don't think I give away any plot points if I tell you they end up having sex. It's a romance, you know they're going to get it on, right? Lot of sexytimes, plenty of traveling and hunting down Mr Roger Morton, Bad Guy. Luke slowly, s - l - o - o - o - w - l - y, starts to open up to her, and he confides his deepest darkest secrets from his boyhood, all the shit that has him so messed up today. He's a Tortured Hero. She soothes him with her Angelic Nature, and in between they have more sexytimes. He also goes back to leaving her alone at night so he can get shit-faced. But then (BUT THEN) her betrayal is even worse than his, because she just blurts out ALL his deepdarksecrets to his brother and sister. hello? Em? Luke was pretty clear on that being a SECRET. So, at this point, I hate HER too. And I think this is really where I just stopped giving a shit about this story.
They eventually catch up with Mr Roger Morton, Bad Guy. Some other stuff happens. The end.
Compounding the "tell don't show" issue is the deluge of anachronistic language and attitude. This feels very much like a costume party, a not very well researched costume party, with period dresses and modern characters spouting modern dialogue with modern attitudes.
In the end, I just didn't CARE about the characters. So for the last third, I didn't care how it was resolved, I didn't care if the bad guy got his or if the hero and heroine finally confessed their love - it was a big whatEVER, just finish this book!
And it is with great joy that I announce that I finished this book!! I did not like it. It was difficult at first for me to put my finger on why exactly I was unhappy with it. The characters seem likeable enough. The writing is decent, and the story has a nice flow to it. The sex scenes are reasonably steamy. So why did it feel so PLODDING?? After mulling this over a bit, I've concluded that this book suffers MIGHTILY from the "tell don't show" problem that seems quite common in romance. We are told he is a good man, we are told he has dark desires, but we are never really SHOWN. Similarly, we are told she is ... well, honestly, I'm not really sure what we are told or shown about the heroine. That she is strong and angelic, I suppose. She has an Angelic Nature. He calls her his angel a lot. Talk about trite nicknames.
Our female protagonist, Mrs Emma Curtis, is a widow, and she believes the man who murdered her good-for-nothing rogue of a husband also bilked her family of all its moneys. Emma is on the hunt for one Mr. Roger Morton, Bad Guy. Enter our male protagonist, Lord Lukas Hawking, younger brother and heir-apparent-for-now to the Duke of Trent, but don't talk about his brother Trent! (he doesn't like to be reminded that he is the younger brother to a Duke. Somehow he thinks he wasn't good enough. Odd, since ... his brother is older, and that's a big DUH of course he's the Duke and you're not ... but hey, let's go with it: he's not good enough) Luke is also looking for Mr Roger Morton, Bad Guy, because it appears that Mr Morton absconded with Luke's mother, the dowager Duchess. Well, I just never!
Emma bravely propositions Luke, pointing out that she's penniless but she knows where Roger Morton might be, and Luke has the funds to hire a carriage, so they are clearly a match made in heaven. At some point Luke must proposition Emma, too, so we can have title, but I'm not sure what it was exactly. Probably the part where he asks, "Do you like to be bound, Mrs Curtis?" and rubs his lips all over her lips, then promises that he won't touch her until she BEGS for it repeatedly, and then he'll be on her like white on rice. Oh, and there's something about wanting to sleep next to her. Or maybe that's another book and I've gotten confused. All these hard-chested Tortured Heroes with their big dicks and disturbing nightmares, they all run together after a while. Emma knows a rogue when she sees one, and she's had it up to HERE with rogues, so she knows she'll never be begging for him. (We, the readers, know better, don't we? wink wink)
Ah, here it is: "I can offer you the heights of pleasure, Mrs Emma Curtis. If, at some point during the term of our agreement, you were to beg ... I promise, I'll not deny you." (Rest assured, dear readers, that he does not deny her.)
They carry on traveling chastely for a while, each sending the other sidelong sexy glances whenever they think the other isn't looking. She has a sexy dream about him and she orgasms in her sleep, and I have to admit, that was refreshing. I was encouraged, this is going to be a good book!
Luke has a bad habit, he likes to leave their hotel rooms to go out and spend the night getting shit-faced, leaving her locked in their room, alone. Emma doesn't like this, and can you blame her???? I seriously started hating him for this.... This, in fact, may be when I stopped enjoying this book - leaving her alone night after night, when she clearly asks him not to do it, is assholery of the first water. It's a mega rejection. Finally she's had enough and she insists that he stay, and the way she gets him to say is ... yes! she BEGS FOR IT! Then there's the obligatory scene where the heroine is stripped naked and STARED AT by the hero. I really hate that.
They eventually come to an understanding. I don't think I give away any plot points if I tell you they end up having sex. It's a romance, you know they're going to get it on, right? Lot of sexytimes, plenty of traveling and hunting down Mr Roger Morton, Bad Guy. Luke slowly, s - l - o - o - o - w - l - y, starts to open up to her, and he confides his deepest darkest secrets from his boyhood, all the shit that has him so messed up today. He's a Tortured Hero. She soothes him with her Angelic Nature, and in between they have more sexytimes. He also goes back to leaving her alone at night so he can get shit-faced. But then (BUT THEN) her betrayal is even worse than his, because she just blurts out ALL his deepdarksecrets to his brother and sister. hello? Em? Luke was pretty clear on that being a SECRET. So, at this point, I hate HER too. And I think this is really where I just stopped giving a shit about this story.
They eventually catch up with Mr Roger Morton, Bad Guy. Some other stuff happens. The end.
Compounding the "tell don't show" issue is the deluge of anachronistic language and attitude. This feels very much like a costume party, a not very well researched costume party, with period dresses and modern characters spouting modern dialogue with modern attitudes.
In the end, I just didn't CARE about the characters. So for the last third, I didn't care how it was resolved, I didn't care if the bad guy got his or if the hero and heroine finally confessed their love - it was a big whatEVER, just finish this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2013
He captured her lips with his own in a tender, possessive kiss. "Mine," his kiss said. "Mine. Forever." And she was. His. Forever.
I was able to receive this ARC through Netgalley and Forever publishing. Ever since I first read Season of Seduction I have been addicted to this author's storytelling. The Rogue's Proposal is the second in the series, and I was thrilled to be able to have a chance to read this one, especially after seeing all of the fantastic rating, and having now read it, I can see why so many have enjoyed it so much. The Rogue's proposal took me a bit longer to get read, since with the holiday, I have been busy with family, but I finally was able to finish it. The story begins with our hero Luke and our heroine, Emma meeting in a less than respectable inn both searching for the same man. A heated desire flares between them instantly. Emma is after revenge for a man who murdered her husband and took her fathers money, and she needs it returned to save her family from destitution. Luke is searching for his mother, who has been missing for months, and is following the latest lead. The first moment Luke sees Emma, he wants her with a desperation. Luke desires to teach her passion but believes himself to be the worst sort of man, and doesn't want to hurt her in that way. Emma is aching to be in Luke's arms, and before either one of them realize it, they are both swept away by a blinding passion and some dark secrets that could destroy everything.
I couldn't help but fall in love with The Rogue's Proposal. It definitely was a sensual read that will sweep the reader away into the passionate love story that is guaranteed to captivate you. In the beginning the story the characters are acting out a seduction of sorts with each other. They are working together, searching for the same man, but at the same time there is a powerful connection from their first meeting. The characters were fun and I enjoyed seeing Luke and a more personal side to him. From the first book, I always liked him, and he was probably one of my favorites of the siblings. But seeing him as the main character, my heart went out to him. He has had a tough time in his life, but the way Emma comes strolling into his life, and is able to teach him of love and gentleness- it ended up being a story of intrigue, adventure and a fierce passion that could heat the room. A Sensational romance that kept me on my toes, and a plot to keep you guessing, and a love story that will curl your body. The heat in the story is flaming, and I will warn you there is a bit of a Bondage element in it, but overall a fantastic read!!! This author keeps astounding me with her writing talent!! Bravo! TOP NOTCH ROMANCE!!
I was able to receive this ARC through Netgalley and Forever publishing. Ever since I first read Season of Seduction I have been addicted to this author's storytelling. The Rogue's Proposal is the second in the series, and I was thrilled to be able to have a chance to read this one, especially after seeing all of the fantastic rating, and having now read it, I can see why so many have enjoyed it so much. The Rogue's proposal took me a bit longer to get read, since with the holiday, I have been busy with family, but I finally was able to finish it. The story begins with our hero Luke and our heroine, Emma meeting in a less than respectable inn both searching for the same man. A heated desire flares between them instantly. Emma is after revenge for a man who murdered her husband and took her fathers money, and she needs it returned to save her family from destitution. Luke is searching for his mother, who has been missing for months, and is following the latest lead. The first moment Luke sees Emma, he wants her with a desperation. Luke desires to teach her passion but believes himself to be the worst sort of man, and doesn't want to hurt her in that way. Emma is aching to be in Luke's arms, and before either one of them realize it, they are both swept away by a blinding passion and some dark secrets that could destroy everything.
I couldn't help but fall in love with The Rogue's Proposal. It definitely was a sensual read that will sweep the reader away into the passionate love story that is guaranteed to captivate you. In the beginning the story the characters are acting out a seduction of sorts with each other. They are working together, searching for the same man, but at the same time there is a powerful connection from their first meeting. The characters were fun and I enjoyed seeing Luke and a more personal side to him. From the first book, I always liked him, and he was probably one of my favorites of the siblings. But seeing him as the main character, my heart went out to him. He has had a tough time in his life, but the way Emma comes strolling into his life, and is able to teach him of love and gentleness- it ended up being a story of intrigue, adventure and a fierce passion that could heat the room. A Sensational romance that kept me on my toes, and a plot to keep you guessing, and a love story that will curl your body. The heat in the story is flaming, and I will warn you there is a bit of a Bondage element in it, but overall a fantastic read!!! This author keeps astounding me with her writing talent!! Bravo! TOP NOTCH ROMANCE!!
November 22, 2013
What a wonderful story! Lord Lukas Hawkins is such a broken man who thinks he is evil to the core, but he's not. He's sweet and caring and a gentleman at his core. Oh! And let's not forget that he's just tad on the kinky/domineering side ;) I just wanted to scoop him up and love him. Honestly, Jennifer Haymore couldn't have written a better heroine for him than Emma. I loved her strength and patience and the fact that she wouldn't give up on Luke. She pushed him to see the good in himself, even when he tried very hard not to see it.
This was my first novel by Jennifer Haymore, but won't be my last. I plan on getting the first book in this series as soon as I finish typing this LOL This can definitely be read as a stand alone, though I imagine you'll want to go back and read the first one, just as I do :)
ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley
This was my first novel by Jennifer Haymore, but won't be my last. I plan on getting the first book in this series as soon as I finish typing this LOL This can definitely be read as a stand alone, though I imagine you'll want to go back and read the first one, just as I do :)
ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley
January 9, 2014
“Do you like to be bound, Mrs. Curtis?”
This is Fifty Shades meets the 1800’s. Or rather, what Fifty Shades would have possibly been like back then.
“I am bad, Emma,” he said softly. “Bad, wicked, and depraved.”
Something released in her, and she finally let out the long breath she’d been holding. She grazed evenly into his eyes. “You are not evil, Luke. Everyone has those kinds of desires. They are human.”
...”If you don’t believe my depraved fantasies to be evil, then what about what I will invariably do to you afterward?”
Oh, Lord, it was an enormous risk. But she wanted him badly enough, she was willing to take it. “What if I told you I didn’t want to think about afterward? That I don’t care if you were to walk away? That I am a grown woman who can make her own choices, and I choose you?” She pressed closer to him. “I want to exist in the present, Luke. I want to stop worrying about the future.”
Emma is a likable heroine. She’s smart, determined, and depends on the Duke of Trent’s brother, Luke, to help her find her husband’s murderer. She forms a friendship with Luke and eventually becomes his mistress. Their hunt in finding Robert Morton takes them both on an adventure and creates a passion that nothing can destroy.
Lukas ‘Luke’ Hawkins is the bad boy kinda hero. He’s a notorious rogue and he has certain tastes in the bedroom that are very wicked indeed. He lives in constant torment when he falls asleep and awakens from nightmares. Nightmares that he remembers from his childhood and cannot seem to overcome. His interest in finding Roger Morton is simple. His mother is missing and Mr. Morton is the last person to have been seen with her.
There is just the right amount of kink in the sex scenes. If you love a bad boy, mystery, action, and plenty of sex then this is the book for you.
“I know I am difficult. I am changeable and moody and temperamental. I am not an easy man to live with. You know this---you’ve seen all of my darkness. But you have pushed me toward the light. You make me want to be a better man. Moreover, you make me believe I can be that man.
“I will never stop loving you, Em. Since the first moment I saw you, you have been the only woman for me. That will never change. You bring me peace. You bring me light.... Be mine, Emma. I want you. For the rest of my life, and yours. Be my wife.”
“Yes,” she whispered. There was no hesitation, no second thought, no concern, no insecurity.
...”I love you so much, Luke. I want nothing more in this world than to be your wife.”
Two wounded people--one physically, one emotionally--brought together by fate to work out their healing. I think Ms. Haywood does a splendid job writing this book. The storyline is fast paced and enjoyable. The romance sizzles, there is mystery, and there are tormented dreams. The many twists and unexpected turns will keep you guessing throughout.
***ARC graciously provided by Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
This is Fifty Shades meets the 1800’s. Or rather, what Fifty Shades would have possibly been like back then.
“I am bad, Emma,” he said softly. “Bad, wicked, and depraved.”
Something released in her, and she finally let out the long breath she’d been holding. She grazed evenly into his eyes. “You are not evil, Luke. Everyone has those kinds of desires. They are human.”
...”If you don’t believe my depraved fantasies to be evil, then what about what I will invariably do to you afterward?”
Oh, Lord, it was an enormous risk. But she wanted him badly enough, she was willing to take it. “What if I told you I didn’t want to think about afterward? That I don’t care if you were to walk away? That I am a grown woman who can make her own choices, and I choose you?” She pressed closer to him. “I want to exist in the present, Luke. I want to stop worrying about the future.”
Emma is a likable heroine. She’s smart, determined, and depends on the Duke of Trent’s brother, Luke, to help her find her husband’s murderer. She forms a friendship with Luke and eventually becomes his mistress. Their hunt in finding Robert Morton takes them both on an adventure and creates a passion that nothing can destroy.
Lukas ‘Luke’ Hawkins is the bad boy kinda hero. He’s a notorious rogue and he has certain tastes in the bedroom that are very wicked indeed. He lives in constant torment when he falls asleep and awakens from nightmares. Nightmares that he remembers from his childhood and cannot seem to overcome. His interest in finding Roger Morton is simple. His mother is missing and Mr. Morton is the last person to have been seen with her.
There is just the right amount of kink in the sex scenes. If you love a bad boy, mystery, action, and plenty of sex then this is the book for you.
“I know I am difficult. I am changeable and moody and temperamental. I am not an easy man to live with. You know this---you’ve seen all of my darkness. But you have pushed me toward the light. You make me want to be a better man. Moreover, you make me believe I can be that man.
“I will never stop loving you, Em. Since the first moment I saw you, you have been the only woman for me. That will never change. You bring me peace. You bring me light.... Be mine, Emma. I want you. For the rest of my life, and yours. Be my wife.”
“Yes,” she whispered. There was no hesitation, no second thought, no concern, no insecurity.
...”I love you so much, Luke. I want nothing more in this world than to be your wife.”
Two wounded people--one physically, one emotionally--brought together by fate to work out their healing. I think Ms. Haywood does a splendid job writing this book. The storyline is fast paced and enjoyable. The romance sizzles, there is mystery, and there are tormented dreams. The many twists and unexpected turns will keep you guessing throughout.
***ARC graciously provided by Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
November 14, 2013
I received this as an ARC from Netgalley.com
I had never read anything from Jennifer Haymore before so I was intrigued to read this book. It's the second in a series of three (and no I hadn't read the first) but it can be a stand alone as well. It's a bit fifty shades meets historical romance, though much tamer on the kink.
The book begins with our Rogue, Lord Lukas, propositioning a widow, Emma, for information about his missing mother. Though before he can make a proposition, she proposes one of her own: to travel with Lord Lukas in search of a man she believes killed her husband. He is a link to Lukas' missing mother.
The story follows the two as they travel to Scotland in search of information. Emma declares she will not be intimate in any way with Lukas and Lukas vows not to touch her unless she begs. But of course, in our historical romances, there is a tortured past and an HEA. This book was no exception, though I like the twist with Lukas. He is dark and almost broken, rightly so based on his past. But we also get a glimpse of his goodness which makes him a character I want to like. And so mid-book, I'm really rooting for Emma to get over her initial rules of no contact. Just let him touch you, dang it!
Haymore does a nice job of building tension, making us fall for the characters, and providing an intriguing back story. Her descriptions help create a world I can imagine without bogging me down with too much description. I liked it so much, I bought the first in the series, and liked that one even more.
For those that like a good historical romance with a fulfilling HEA, this is a great choice.
I had never read anything from Jennifer Haymore before so I was intrigued to read this book. It's the second in a series of three (and no I hadn't read the first) but it can be a stand alone as well. It's a bit fifty shades meets historical romance, though much tamer on the kink.
The book begins with our Rogue, Lord Lukas, propositioning a widow, Emma, for information about his missing mother. Though before he can make a proposition, she proposes one of her own: to travel with Lord Lukas in search of a man she believes killed her husband. He is a link to Lukas' missing mother.
The story follows the two as they travel to Scotland in search of information. Emma declares she will not be intimate in any way with Lukas and Lukas vows not to touch her unless she begs. But of course, in our historical romances, there is a tortured past and an HEA. This book was no exception, though I like the twist with Lukas. He is dark and almost broken, rightly so based on his past. But we also get a glimpse of his goodness which makes him a character I want to like. And so mid-book, I'm really rooting for Emma to get over her initial rules of no contact. Just let him touch you, dang it!
Haymore does a nice job of building tension, making us fall for the characters, and providing an intriguing back story. Her descriptions help create a world I can imagine without bogging me down with too much description. I liked it so much, I bought the first in the series, and liked that one even more.
For those that like a good historical romance with a fulfilling HEA, this is a great choice.
January 22, 2020
Quite the unexpected adventure!
And quite the erotic historical romance...like, holy smokes, these pages were practically on fire!
I enjoyed the characters and reading how they evolved, which Luke and Emma both did throughout the course of the book.
I really felt for Luke, as he battled demons he had been fighting for most of his life. He was certainly tortured and tended ti push people away of they got too close, but Emma snuck in there and helped him fight those demons.
Luke, in turn, helped Emma gain some self-confidence. And a whole new definition of "bed sport." That seemed to be the prevalent theme in this book, along with the couple's hunt for revenge.
All in all, I did like reading it, and I met others who I assume have their own stories, such as Luke's brother, The Duke of Trent (his story sounds VERY interesting!), and I'm looking forward to reading more books by Jennifer!
(I borrowed this eBook from my local library)
And quite the erotic historical romance...like, holy smokes, these pages were practically on fire!
I enjoyed the characters and reading how they evolved, which Luke and Emma both did throughout the course of the book.
I really felt for Luke, as he battled demons he had been fighting for most of his life. He was certainly tortured and tended ti push people away of they got too close, but Emma snuck in there and helped him fight those demons.
Luke, in turn, helped Emma gain some self-confidence. And a whole new definition of "bed sport." That seemed to be the prevalent theme in this book, along with the couple's hunt for revenge.
All in all, I did like reading it, and I met others who I assume have their own stories, such as Luke's brother, The Duke of Trent (his story sounds VERY interesting!), and I'm looking forward to reading more books by Jennifer!
(I borrowed this eBook from my local library)
June 17, 2017
Gosto desta autora embora não seja das minhas favoritas. Os livros fogem aos clichés habituais deste tipo de romances mas achei que tinha cenas eróticas a mais.
July 5, 2017
(...)
É um romance erótico, mas esse erótico não tira a "graça" ao livro, pois acaba por nos revelar mais sobre as personagens, especialmente Lukas, apesar de eu achar que se fossem em menor quantidade ninguém perdia nada com isso. A escrita da autora prende o leitor e deixa-o a querer saber como irá conduzir a história, deixando-nos no final a desesperar para saber o que irá acontecer ao próximo membro da família Trent.
Um livro que gostei e uma saga que estou a adorar. Recomendo!
Opinião completa em http://blocodedevaneios.blogspot.pt/2...
É um romance erótico, mas esse erótico não tira a "graça" ao livro, pois acaba por nos revelar mais sobre as personagens, especialmente Lukas, apesar de eu achar que se fossem em menor quantidade ninguém perdia nada com isso. A escrita da autora prende o leitor e deixa-o a querer saber como irá conduzir a história, deixando-nos no final a desesperar para saber o que irá acontecer ao próximo membro da família Trent.
Um livro que gostei e uma saga que estou a adorar. Recomendo!
Opinião completa em http://blocodedevaneios.blogspot.pt/2...
November 19, 2013
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Last spring I reviewed a book called The Devil's Pearl by Jennifer Haymore. It was in essence a short story created by one of the characters in her House of Trent Series. Having not read any books in the series I enjoyed the novella but didn't completely comprehend it. Now, after finishing my second book in the House of Trent Series, I get it. A Rogue's Proposal is not about Lady Esme, the fictional author of said story, but she plays a huge part so far in both of the House of Trent Books. Esme, after all is the youngest child in the family (that we know of) so of course her story may take a while, but for now we get to enjoy learning about the lives and loves of her brothers. A Rogue's Proposal is about Lucas, brother number 3 (number 2 from the legitimate branch.. well... LOL) In a very real way The House of Trent is similar to Gaelen Foley's Knight Miscellany only not as dark or as desperate.. but still a captivating story.
Emma Curtis was born a merchants daughter.. the family has risen far enough in society to mix with the ton. Having made what the family thought was a prosperous marriage, Emma is devastated when her husband turns out to be the worst sort of fortune hunter. Gambling, drinking, whoring and getting involved with shady characters who upon his death, steal the entire family fortune. Leaving Emma broke, destroying her father and ruining any chances her sister might have for making an advantageous marriage. But he left a trail and she has a name, now all she needs is someone to help her track down the man who murdered her husband and destroyed her family. When Lukas Hawkins arrive looking for the same man, Emma decides to risk her luck once again on a Rake, A Rogue and a thoroughly dissolute man.. only to find that sparks are flying from the very onset, leaving poor Emma to wonder if she has any taste in men at all.
Lukas Hawkins, the second son of the troubled House of Trent (liked that description so well I borrowed it from the publisher's blurb) has walked away from his family. From his "perfect" brother who only holds him in contempt, from the memories of a harsh father and from the rest of the family that loves him. He lives a life of debauchery and can hardly be found when needed. But when his mother mysteriously disappears Lukas is heartbroken and vows to do what he can to find her. He makes it his mission.. So when a gorgeous widow shows up one night and offers to help him, Lukas finds himself in an interesting predicament.. who knew all of his gentlemanly manners weren't gone?
This was a wonderful story about two people who have so much to give and have plenty of reasons to be afraid to do so.. and yet somehow they learn how. I loved Luke's story. This man was battered and bruised, abused, keeping the remnants of his life soley to himself and protecting his family as best he could. Never understanding why.. Over time he just accepted that he would never amount to anything and lost parts of himself. Yet even then he was kind and generous to those who needed him. A true lost soul. When Emma finds him and falls for him part of me was thinking.. what are you doing?? But as we learn about what made Lukas into the man he is, we bleed with him.
Watching Emma gain her personal strength was amazing.. but even more so watching her teach Lukas to believe was aweinspiring.. a truly wonderful story of redemption and understanding. Learning how nothing is exactly what it seems and how we can't put our definitions on people's actions. Luke has to learn to accept his family and their love. Of course first he has to accept that they actually do love him.. and it takes daring actions on Emma's part to force him to see the light.
Now that's not to say that this was not one sensual delight!! Enticing and erotic.. yep this book has it all and I loved it!! Can't wait to read Sam's story!! A total 5 star read!! Of course I do have to wonder what their mother is going to think when the finally find her and discover that all of her children have managed to find the love of the ages (something she never could.. or at least we don't think so). Ok, all you lovers of historical romance.. check this book out!! For those of you who just like a good story.. this is for you too!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of A Rogue's Proposal, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on November 19, 2013
Last spring I reviewed a book called The Devil's Pearl by Jennifer Haymore. It was in essence a short story created by one of the characters in her House of Trent Series. Having not read any books in the series I enjoyed the novella but didn't completely comprehend it. Now, after finishing my second book in the House of Trent Series, I get it. A Rogue's Proposal is not about Lady Esme, the fictional author of said story, but she plays a huge part so far in both of the House of Trent Books. Esme, after all is the youngest child in the family (that we know of) so of course her story may take a while, but for now we get to enjoy learning about the lives and loves of her brothers. A Rogue's Proposal is about Lucas, brother number 3 (number 2 from the legitimate branch.. well... LOL) In a very real way The House of Trent is similar to Gaelen Foley's Knight Miscellany only not as dark or as desperate.. but still a captivating story.
Emma Curtis was born a merchants daughter.. the family has risen far enough in society to mix with the ton. Having made what the family thought was a prosperous marriage, Emma is devastated when her husband turns out to be the worst sort of fortune hunter. Gambling, drinking, whoring and getting involved with shady characters who upon his death, steal the entire family fortune. Leaving Emma broke, destroying her father and ruining any chances her sister might have for making an advantageous marriage. But he left a trail and she has a name, now all she needs is someone to help her track down the man who murdered her husband and destroyed her family. When Lukas Hawkins arrive looking for the same man, Emma decides to risk her luck once again on a Rake, A Rogue and a thoroughly dissolute man.. only to find that sparks are flying from the very onset, leaving poor Emma to wonder if she has any taste in men at all.
Lukas Hawkins, the second son of the troubled House of Trent (liked that description so well I borrowed it from the publisher's blurb) has walked away from his family. From his "perfect" brother who only holds him in contempt, from the memories of a harsh father and from the rest of the family that loves him. He lives a life of debauchery and can hardly be found when needed. But when his mother mysteriously disappears Lukas is heartbroken and vows to do what he can to find her. He makes it his mission.. So when a gorgeous widow shows up one night and offers to help him, Lukas finds himself in an interesting predicament.. who knew all of his gentlemanly manners weren't gone?
This was a wonderful story about two people who have so much to give and have plenty of reasons to be afraid to do so.. and yet somehow they learn how. I loved Luke's story. This man was battered and bruised, abused, keeping the remnants of his life soley to himself and protecting his family as best he could. Never understanding why.. Over time he just accepted that he would never amount to anything and lost parts of himself. Yet even then he was kind and generous to those who needed him. A true lost soul. When Emma finds him and falls for him part of me was thinking.. what are you doing?? But as we learn about what made Lukas into the man he is, we bleed with him.
Watching Emma gain her personal strength was amazing.. but even more so watching her teach Lukas to believe was aweinspiring.. a truly wonderful story of redemption and understanding. Learning how nothing is exactly what it seems and how we can't put our definitions on people's actions. Luke has to learn to accept his family and their love. Of course first he has to accept that they actually do love him.. and it takes daring actions on Emma's part to force him to see the light.
Now that's not to say that this was not one sensual delight!! Enticing and erotic.. yep this book has it all and I loved it!! Can't wait to read Sam's story!! A total 5 star read!! Of course I do have to wonder what their mother is going to think when the finally find her and discover that all of her children have managed to find the love of the ages (something she never could.. or at least we don't think so). Ok, all you lovers of historical romance.. check this book out!! For those of you who just like a good story.. this is for you too!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of A Rogue's Proposal, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on November 19, 2013
September 30, 2018
Um romance histórico com um pitada erótica. Mais uma história de amor com peripécias, acção, bandidos, corridas tudo à altura do nosso herói martitizado por uma infância infeliz e a braços com uma viúva determinada.... Uma história que nos envolve e nos permite uma tarde bem passada no sofá!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2015
I was utterly disappointed in the first book in this series. I didn't even finish The Duchess Hunt. I decided to give Jennifer Haymore one last chance with this one, and I sure am glad I did. The characters were leaps and bounds more compelling, and the conflict was more interesting. And holy steaminess, Jennifer Haymore! *fans self* I didn't know she had that in her. Steaminess isn't something I consider when selecting and reviewing HR, but in this case, I feel I need to mention it. Yikes.
If you're a fan of steamy HR, add this to your list. If you're looking for PG-13, this probably isn't for you. If, like me, steam isn't a major factor in your reading decisions, this book's great characters and compelling plot are superb. If you're a stickler for order, you may have to force yourself to slog through The Duchess Hunt first, since there is an overarching series plot, but I didn't finish the first book and didn't feel I was really missing anything.
If you want some book one background so you can skip straight to this one:
If you're a fan of steamy HR, add this to your list. If you're looking for PG-13, this probably isn't for you. If, like me, steam isn't a major factor in your reading decisions, this book's great characters and compelling plot are superb. If you're a stickler for order, you may have to force yourself to slog through The Duchess Hunt first, since there is an overarching series plot, but I didn't finish the first book and didn't feel I was really missing anything.
If you want some book one background so you can skip straight to this one:
December 3, 2013
Emma Curtis is determined to find the man who murdered her husband and stole her father's money, but without funds of her own, it's heavy going until Lord Lucas Hawkins arrives in Bristol, in pursuit of the same scoundrel. Armed with a teensy bit of information, (and a body to die for doesn't hurt) she persuades Luke to work with her.
Although he's a rogue, and has Issues dating back to childhood abuse by the man he believed to be his father, Luke is determined not to take advantage of the luscious Emma. Unless she begs.
We all know she's going to beg, don't we?
I received a free copy of this novel via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The chemistry between these two is hot; there's a hint of bondage and dominance games in the scorching sex scenes, and some sensual descriptions of Regency food and clothing. There's a nice mix of people from his and her families, without it becoming overwhelming. It's the second in a trilogy, but works fine as a stand-alone. I also liked that when people became hurt here, they weren't magically all better by the next page. Very well-crafted, with twists and turns I didn't see coming from a mile away.
Although he's a rogue, and has Issues dating back to childhood abuse by the man he believed to be his father, Luke is determined not to take advantage of the luscious Emma. Unless she begs.
We all know she's going to beg, don't we?
I received a free copy of this novel via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The chemistry between these two is hot; there's a hint of bondage and dominance games in the scorching sex scenes, and some sensual descriptions of Regency food and clothing. There's a nice mix of people from his and her families, without it becoming overwhelming. It's the second in a trilogy, but works fine as a stand-alone. I also liked that when people became hurt here, they weren't magically all better by the next page. Very well-crafted, with twists and turns I didn't see coming from a mile away.
January 3, 2014
ARC received via Hatchette/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the book overall. The two main characters were engaging and well fleshed out. Both had flaws, but were at heart great people who worked to overcome problems from within and without.
I have to admit I'm a tough critic, especially when it comes to historical fiction, whether it's romance or something more scholarly. There are times when the narrator (in Lukas' POV) seems to slip into somewhat modern parlance. An example would be the use of hell in internal monologue. It may very well be period-correct, but it sounded modern to me.
There were a few other oddities as well, which I think might just reflect Lukas' internal conflicts and insecurities. For example, Lukas' worry about his brother judging him for traveling with an unaccompanied woman, when the brother, a duke, married a housemaid.
Other than these small things, the story was well-constructed and the romance was lovely with a good dose of steam. I think fans of well-written historical fiction will enjoy this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Hatchette Group for allowing m to read this ARC.
I liked the book overall. The two main characters were engaging and well fleshed out. Both had flaws, but were at heart great people who worked to overcome problems from within and without.
I have to admit I'm a tough critic, especially when it comes to historical fiction, whether it's romance or something more scholarly. There are times when the narrator (in Lukas' POV) seems to slip into somewhat modern parlance. An example would be the use of hell in internal monologue. It may very well be period-correct, but it sounded modern to me.
There were a few other oddities as well, which I think might just reflect Lukas' internal conflicts and insecurities. For example, Lukas' worry about his brother judging him for traveling with an unaccompanied woman, when the brother, a duke, married a housemaid.
Other than these small things, the story was well-constructed and the romance was lovely with a good dose of steam. I think fans of well-written historical fiction will enjoy this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Hatchette Group for allowing m to read this ARC.
September 17, 2015
This was really intriguing has lots of twist & turns and very unexpected surprises! It was very surprising to find out who Morton was truly. But the way Emma & Luke were toward each other was very interesting. They both caught it for so long only to succumb to each other! In the end its a. Dry good read and I think everyone would enjoy it!
Till next time ~ Sweets Books
Till next time ~ Sweets Books
December 11, 2013
Too Damn Hot!! is what I'll say
November 10, 2017
The Rogue's Proposal was a pretty good read overall. The story did drag on about two-thirds through, with pages of explicit love scenes and the story not really advancing. 3.5/5 stars
November 10, 2020
Actual rating: 3.5/5 but rounded down to 3/5
February 16, 2016
*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I read the first book in this series last year and I really liked its story and the author's writing. And I was very curious to find out if the clue into the Duchess's whereabouts that is discovered in the end would lead them anywhere...
The Rogue's Proposal starts exactly where the previous ends, with Luke's departure to investigate the clue. That clue takes him to Bristol, searching for Roger Morton, the man with whom the Duchess left. Sadly Luke is too late and the man has already disappeared without a trace. But there he is approached by Emma Curtis who claims to have a lead to Morton's whereabouts but she'll only reveal it if he accepts to take her with him. Obviously Luke doesn't waste any time to try to seduce and shock her, by asking her if she likes to be tied down…
Emma has her own reasons for wanting to find Morton, since she's convinced he murdered her husband after robbing all of her father's money. Desperate because her father is very ill and the creditors are closing in, Emma is intent on finding Morton, forcing him to return the stolen money and killing him to avenge her husband's murder.
As Luke makes a point of reminding her constantly, he's not a gentleman and he accepts being accompanied by Emma to Edinburgh. And when at first she rejects his advances, he assures her he'll back down on his seduction, but should she change her mind at any moment, all she has to do is beg...
And with the proximity of the carriage travels, plus the intimacy of sharing a room at the lodges they stop at, it gets more and more difficult for Emma to resist begging...
I loved everything about this book. The protagonists are amazing and have incredible chemistry, besides the fact that they are perfect for each other. Luke, that I already knew from the previous book, and that is the rebel brother of the family, starts with his usual behaviour, turning to sex and booze to deal with his ghosts, but as his relationship with Emma progresses, he starts showing his vulnerabilities and confesses to Emma his most intimate secrets. And how it broke my heart to learn what he went through and the enormity of what he has been carrying around for so many years…
I also loved Emma, courageous and passionate, and that has to deal with the heartbreak of discovering that her husband wasn't as innocent as she thought he was. Who defends Luke with teeth and nails, including from his own family. Who takes his pain as her own and tries to hold on to what they have when he stubbornly insists not to be worthy of happiness. And that falls madly in love with a man that shows her that the answer to the question he asked her on the night they met may not be the one she expected...
The intimate scenes are scorching hot and intense and the way the attraction between them slowly progresses into love was very believable. And it was so good to see how all the Hawkings siblings get together to help when they finally realise what Luke went through.
Even though Luke and Emma's story gets resolved, the mystery of the Duchess's disappearance continues. But the family is able to discover a new clue which I assume will be investigated by Sam, the protagonist of the next book in the series. I can't wait to read it!
I read the first book in this series last year and I really liked its story and the author's writing. And I was very curious to find out if the clue into the Duchess's whereabouts that is discovered in the end would lead them anywhere...
The Rogue's Proposal starts exactly where the previous ends, with Luke's departure to investigate the clue. That clue takes him to Bristol, searching for Roger Morton, the man with whom the Duchess left. Sadly Luke is too late and the man has already disappeared without a trace. But there he is approached by Emma Curtis who claims to have a lead to Morton's whereabouts but she'll only reveal it if he accepts to take her with him. Obviously Luke doesn't waste any time to try to seduce and shock her, by asking her if she likes to be tied down…
Emma has her own reasons for wanting to find Morton, since she's convinced he murdered her husband after robbing all of her father's money. Desperate because her father is very ill and the creditors are closing in, Emma is intent on finding Morton, forcing him to return the stolen money and killing him to avenge her husband's murder.
As Luke makes a point of reminding her constantly, he's not a gentleman and he accepts being accompanied by Emma to Edinburgh. And when at first she rejects his advances, he assures her he'll back down on his seduction, but should she change her mind at any moment, all she has to do is beg...
And with the proximity of the carriage travels, plus the intimacy of sharing a room at the lodges they stop at, it gets more and more difficult for Emma to resist begging...
I loved everything about this book. The protagonists are amazing and have incredible chemistry, besides the fact that they are perfect for each other. Luke, that I already knew from the previous book, and that is the rebel brother of the family, starts with his usual behaviour, turning to sex and booze to deal with his ghosts, but as his relationship with Emma progresses, he starts showing his vulnerabilities and confesses to Emma his most intimate secrets. And how it broke my heart to learn what he went through and the enormity of what he has been carrying around for so many years…
I also loved Emma, courageous and passionate, and that has to deal with the heartbreak of discovering that her husband wasn't as innocent as she thought he was. Who defends Luke with teeth and nails, including from his own family. Who takes his pain as her own and tries to hold on to what they have when he stubbornly insists not to be worthy of happiness. And that falls madly in love with a man that shows her that the answer to the question he asked her on the night they met may not be the one she expected...
The intimate scenes are scorching hot and intense and the way the attraction between them slowly progresses into love was very believable. And it was so good to see how all the Hawkings siblings get together to help when they finally realise what Luke went through.
Even though Luke and Emma's story gets resolved, the mystery of the Duchess's disappearance continues. But the family is able to discover a new clue which I assume will be investigated by Sam, the protagonist of the next book in the series. I can't wait to read it!
November 18, 2013
Remember when I was all in a tizzy over the first book in The House of Trent series by Jennifer Haymore? In the Duchess Hunt, the Duke marries the help! Heads were spinning! What a no-no, and guess what? I loved it, because Jennifer Haymore redefined my outlook on romance with that one book. Now on to House of Trent, Book 2, The Rogue's Proposal another delightful tale from this industrious author.
Those readers who have read the first book know that the Hawkins family is chock full of scandal and oddities, but that's what makes them so damn lovable. Our hero in this tale, Lord Lukas Hawkins is a bit of a conundrum. The second son of the House of Trent, Lukas always goes against the grain. Somewhat of a rake he prides himself in his conquests, and this take them and leave them rogue is about to get a rude awakening when he meets Mrs. Emma Curtis.
Emma has been widowed for over a year now, murdered by fiend Roger Morton, who also has stolen Emma's father's entire fortune, leaving the family on the cusp or ruin. Her only chance at seeking revenge on Morton and retrieving her ailing father's fortune is the illicit the help of Lord Lukas, who's mother went missing with Morton some months before.
When Lukas sees the beautiful widow, he immediately wants her in his bed, but things don't always work out the way Lukas wants, especially where the resourceful Emma is concerned. The two set over running around Great Britain seeking clues to the whereabouts of the villain and in the process find out there is much more than meets the eye with each other. Lukas bears weight of years of abuse that have shaped him into the man he is and when Emma catches glimpses of his darker self, she is determined to right the wrongs done to him in his lifetime.
The Rogue's Proposal is brimming with mystery, deception and awakening. Every character is written to perfection, each with their quirks and redeeming qualities. Luke, as he prefers to be called, takes a journey which includes self absolution for things he felt were his fault when he in fact was the victim. Emma is a strong female heroine who blossoms under the tutelage of Lord Luke and then learns to fight for what she believes in. Along the way we are re-introduced to the Hawkins siblings who will inevitably have their day in the sun because the matriarch is still missing and the mystery of her absence continues to grow.
I truly enjoyed the Rogue's Proposal, by Jennifer Haymore and I think you will as well.
~ KIMBERLY ~
November 19, 2013
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley.
Review to come soon. :)
The Rogue’s Proposal is the second book in the House of Trent series by Jennifer Haymore. This is wicked sensual romance between Lord Lukas Hawkins and Mrs. Emma Curtis, with twist and terns that make this story a fun read.
Lord Lukas Hawkins is a second son that lives in the shadow of his elder brother the Duke of Trent. He is second best in everything and with devastating secrets he truly feels he is not worth the air he breathes. The only thing keeping him going is the struggle to find his mother the Dowager Duchess of Trent. She has gone missing or has been kidnapped and the Hawkins’ are desperately trying to find her. Luke has taken on the responsibility and will stop at nothing to find his mother and perhaps the redemption he seeks for his soul. When he encounters a sultry beauty he may find the answers to the questions he is seeking about his mother and his soul.
Mrs. Emma Curtis has been betrayed and left penniless by the one person who should have protected her, her husband. She is out to find the man that destroyed her husband and family even if that means teaming up with a known rogue to seek the answers she craves. Emma is strong and resilient but when the handsome Lord Lukas Hawkins begins to break down the barriers Emma finds she is seeking answers to questions she didn’t know how to voice.
Wow! What hot sensual intriguing story that Ms. Haymore has written. Emma and Lukas are a powerful duo. They both have a resilient mind and will stop at nothing to find the answers to their questions (no spoilers). Not only are they seeking answers they both hold secrets; especially Luke that are heart breaking The strength they find through one another is heart warming. This story has it all; mystery, sexual tension, comedy, romance secrets, sibling rivalry and so so much more. I enjoyed this book and it was great follow up to the first book in this series The Duchess Hunt and I look forward to the next book.
You can purchase The Rogue’s Proposal and other stories by Jennifer Haymore on Amazon and B&N.
This book will be available on November 19, 2013 but you can pre-order it
Received an ARC copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
http://romancereadergirl.com/2013/11/...
Review to come soon. :)
The Rogue’s Proposal is the second book in the House of Trent series by Jennifer Haymore. This is wicked sensual romance between Lord Lukas Hawkins and Mrs. Emma Curtis, with twist and terns that make this story a fun read.
Lord Lukas Hawkins is a second son that lives in the shadow of his elder brother the Duke of Trent. He is second best in everything and with devastating secrets he truly feels he is not worth the air he breathes. The only thing keeping him going is the struggle to find his mother the Dowager Duchess of Trent. She has gone missing or has been kidnapped and the Hawkins’ are desperately trying to find her. Luke has taken on the responsibility and will stop at nothing to find his mother and perhaps the redemption he seeks for his soul. When he encounters a sultry beauty he may find the answers to the questions he is seeking about his mother and his soul.
Mrs. Emma Curtis has been betrayed and left penniless by the one person who should have protected her, her husband. She is out to find the man that destroyed her husband and family even if that means teaming up with a known rogue to seek the answers she craves. Emma is strong and resilient but when the handsome Lord Lukas Hawkins begins to break down the barriers Emma finds she is seeking answers to questions she didn’t know how to voice.
Wow! What hot sensual intriguing story that Ms. Haymore has written. Emma and Lukas are a powerful duo. They both have a resilient mind and will stop at nothing to find the answers to their questions (no spoilers). Not only are they seeking answers they both hold secrets; especially Luke that are heart breaking The strength they find through one another is heart warming. This story has it all; mystery, sexual tension, comedy, romance secrets, sibling rivalry and so so much more. I enjoyed this book and it was great follow up to the first book in this series The Duchess Hunt and I look forward to the next book.
You can purchase The Rogue’s Proposal and other stories by Jennifer Haymore on Amazon and B&N.
This book will be available on November 19, 2013 but you can pre-order it
Received an ARC copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
http://romancereadergirl.com/2013/11/...
December 7, 2013
*Review copy provided by Grand Central Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Jennifer Haymore has done it yet again. Haymore has wowed me with another unforgettable romance and captivated me with another amazing adventure. When I picked up The Rogue's Proposal and dived into the story I felt like I was continuing the journey I left when I closed the pages of The Duchess Hunt. I felt like I was joining up with old friends and meeting new ones. The House of Trent follows one main storyline, which is the missing Dowager Duchess of Trent.
While this series chips away at the mystery of the missing Dowager Duchess of Trent, each book follows a new romantic tale. The Rogue's Proposal happens to be Lukas Hawkins story. Oh Lukas...Lukas, Lukas, Lukas let me count the ways I love you, if I did that we would be here all day! I have a thing for bad boys with tortured souls. I can't help myself. I love a man I think I can save, but don't we all? Lukas’s tortured soul runs deep but can Emma our leading lady save him? Emma has a sad soul herself, she became a widow at a young age. Emma is a powerful heroine willing to risk her reputation to find the man who killed her husband. Along the way Emma finds more than she bargained for.
Historical Romances are known for being sexual but sticking to specific rules. Female characters are scandalized easily so a majority of the sex is universal from novel to novel...um.. And by that I mean it's... man this is getting a bit awkward. The sex while passionate tends to not breakout of the box is what I am trying to say as I sit here and sweat it out. Haymore pushes the boundaries in The Rogue's Proposal and upped the heat. I was scandalized reading it but I couldn't stop flipping those pages. I enjoy when authors step out of the same old same old.
I recommend this entire series to readers and lovers of historical romance. I am going to have to start snagging all of Haymore's other novels to get me through until the next release in this series. I can’t wait to escape back into the world Haymore has created and spend time with the Trent family again.
Jennifer Haymore has done it yet again. Haymore has wowed me with another unforgettable romance and captivated me with another amazing adventure. When I picked up The Rogue's Proposal and dived into the story I felt like I was continuing the journey I left when I closed the pages of The Duchess Hunt. I felt like I was joining up with old friends and meeting new ones. The House of Trent follows one main storyline, which is the missing Dowager Duchess of Trent.
While this series chips away at the mystery of the missing Dowager Duchess of Trent, each book follows a new romantic tale. The Rogue's Proposal happens to be Lukas Hawkins story. Oh Lukas...Lukas, Lukas, Lukas let me count the ways I love you, if I did that we would be here all day! I have a thing for bad boys with tortured souls. I can't help myself. I love a man I think I can save, but don't we all? Lukas’s tortured soul runs deep but can Emma our leading lady save him? Emma has a sad soul herself, she became a widow at a young age. Emma is a powerful heroine willing to risk her reputation to find the man who killed her husband. Along the way Emma finds more than she bargained for.
Historical Romances are known for being sexual but sticking to specific rules. Female characters are scandalized easily so a majority of the sex is universal from novel to novel...um.. And by that I mean it's... man this is getting a bit awkward. The sex while passionate tends to not breakout of the box is what I am trying to say as I sit here and sweat it out. Haymore pushes the boundaries in The Rogue's Proposal and upped the heat. I was scandalized reading it but I couldn't stop flipping those pages. I enjoy when authors step out of the same old same old.
I recommend this entire series to readers and lovers of historical romance. I am going to have to start snagging all of Haymore's other novels to get me through until the next release in this series. I can’t wait to escape back into the world Haymore has created and spend time with the Trent family again.
October 26, 2014
Still thinking about how to rate this. I really liked it about 60% in and but in the middle almost quit the book because of some stupid legal stuff that the heroine was making assumptions about that made me think, 'the heroine is really stupid. Stupid misunderstandings!' But later in the book the legal thing got resolved, but there was an inordinate delay in her coming around, however, and it just created a "misunderstanding" that created a rift between the couple.
This is the first time I've read anything by this author and I did not read the book that comes before this one in the series and am wondering if my reading experience would have been different had i read it.
I think this book had really STEAMY love scenes, not sure all that this author writes is this steamy however. (it is consistent with the hero).
I may re-rate this book after I read book #1 in this series (which I will read soon, it is on hold at the lib.)
This is the first time I've read anything by this author and I did not read the book that comes before this one in the series and am wondering if my reading experience would have been different had i read it.
I think this book had really STEAMY love scenes, not sure all that this author writes is this steamy however. (it is consistent with the hero).
I may re-rate this book after I read book #1 in this series (which I will read soon, it is on hold at the lib.)
August 6, 2016
I was thrilled to receive a signed copy of The Rogue's Proposal through Goodreads. Thank you so much, Jennifer Haymore! I had not read the first book of the House of Trent Series but this book can be read as a stand alone... although I believe I will be looking for a copy of the first in the series also just because I liked this one so much... and looking forward to the next one.
I loved the characters! It doesn't take long to know that these two were meant for each other but the story is told with many twists and turns that you don't expect. The family history is intriguing and makes the characters "real".
If you're looking for an enjoyable read The Rogue's Proposal is perfect.
I loved the characters! It doesn't take long to know that these two were meant for each other but the story is told with many twists and turns that you don't expect. The family history is intriguing and makes the characters "real".
If you're looking for an enjoyable read The Rogue's Proposal is perfect.
March 13, 2023
**Trigger Warnings Below**
Heroine: Emma Curtis, 23. A widow whose family has been cheated out of their fortune.
Hero: Lukas Hawkins, 28. Nickname: Luke. Half-brother of the Duke of Trent.
Date: unknown
How they meet: Luke has been searching for his mother who is missing and likely was abducted. Emma learns about his search and approaches him in a tavern. She is hoping to find the man his mother was last seen with, believing he killed her husband and stole her family’s fortune.
What happens: Luke makes his physical interest in Emma known right from the start, but she does not react. After discussing the issue, they agree to team up, although Emma makes it clear that there will be no physical relationship between them. Luke is sure he will eventually wear her down.
Trigger Warnings:
Verdict: This is a great second installment to the series. The hero and heroine were likable, yet imperfect, and I liked how the relationship progressed with an emotional connection coming before the physical one. The main characters and vibe of the story were unique and different from the first book, so this author has some range. The hero is a troubled man, something that came up in book 1. I feel like the author struck a good balance with presenting the depth of his issues, but without making the story too dark, depressing, or negative. There are a lot of intimate scenes (with some variety) in the latter part of the book. The hero is an affectionate man, so there is a lot of hand holding, cuddling, etc., too. The mystery of the missing dowager duchess, started in book 1, continues with this book but is still unresolved at the end of this one. I would not recommend this as a standalone for that reason.
Steam-level: very steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
Heroine: Emma Curtis, 23. A widow whose family has been cheated out of their fortune.
Hero: Lukas Hawkins, 28. Nickname: Luke. Half-brother of the Duke of Trent.
Date: unknown
How they meet: Luke has been searching for his mother who is missing and likely was abducted. Emma learns about his search and approaches him in a tavern. She is hoping to find the man his mother was last seen with, believing he killed her husband and stole her family’s fortune.
What happens: Luke makes his physical interest in Emma known right from the start, but she does not react. After discussing the issue, they agree to team up, although Emma makes it clear that there will be no physical relationship between them. Luke is sure he will eventually wear her down.
Trigger Warnings:
Verdict: This is a great second installment to the series. The hero and heroine were likable, yet imperfect, and I liked how the relationship progressed with an emotional connection coming before the physical one. The main characters and vibe of the story were unique and different from the first book, so this author has some range. The hero is a troubled man, something that came up in book 1. I feel like the author struck a good balance with presenting the depth of his issues, but without making the story too dark, depressing, or negative. There are a lot of intimate scenes (with some variety) in the latter part of the book. The hero is an affectionate man, so there is a lot of hand holding, cuddling, etc., too. The mystery of the missing dowager duchess, started in book 1, continues with this book but is still unresolved at the end of this one. I would not recommend this as a standalone for that reason.
Steam-level: very steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
May 25, 2014
So many things have happened to Lord Lukas Hawkins in such a short period of time. First, his mother has mysteriously disappeared. Then, he discovers that he was the product of an adulterous relationship between his mother and a neighbor.
Such revelations are enough to drive any man to drink, but Luke's drinking problems started long before that ... and we wondered why. This is his story.
Luke has always felt the need to prove himself to his older brother, the Duke of Trent, and has always fallen short of his own expectations, leading him into a downward spiral of disappointment and dejection. Now he sees an opportunity to redeem himself and has asked to take on the investigation into their mother's disappearance. He has been following a series of clues that has sent him to Cardiff, then to Bristol, looking for information about Roger Morton, a man who is connected to the Duchess's disappearance.
Emma Curtis is also looking for Roger Morton, who is responsible for her husband's death and her family's loss of fortune and subsequent decline. When she hears that Lord Lukas Hawkins is looking for Morton, she approaches him with an offer: she will help him find Morton, but he must bring her along.
Emma possesses vital information that could lead Lukas to his mother, so he agrees -- even offering his own (quite scandalous) counter-proposal to his beautiful new traveling companion, which Emma refuses, telling Lukas that they would never have "relations" ...
One will notice in Luke's conversation how much value he places on the idea of good: being good enough, being too good for someone like him, etc. Luke projects the image of confidence and indifference, but his insides are being gnawed by fear and insecurity that stems from his childhood and the abuse he suffered from his "father", the former Duke of Trent. Even Emma comments on the irony of their situation: Luke believes Emma is too good for a rogue like him, but it is Emma, in her straitened situation, who is actually not good enough for a duke's heir.
Emma is also dealing with her own insecurity: she married a man who she thought loved and valued her, only to realize (too late) that he was after her money. She had been married three months and it was a disaster from day one. She feels she is responsible for what happened to her family's fortune, and now intends to rectify the situation. She knows that Luke desires her, and it surprises her. She had one experience with a man, observed the proper courtship, and married him. She believed she had chosen her late husband carefully, but later discovers that she had fooled her (and her family). Now, Emma finds it difficult to accept that anyone could want her, want to be with her, and love her.
This is a story of two people seeking redemption, and, in the process of finding it, find something greater: love and acceptance. I admire how Emma handled Luke's alcohol problem. In the beginning, she paid attention to his habit, but didn't push or pry too much. When they reached a certain point in their relationship, Emma drew the line and was able to help Luke manage his addiction. In the beginning, she had used her body as a means of distraction, but, it was actually when she didn't allow Luke into her bed, that awakened Luke from his stupor.
I felt sorry for Luke and what he suffered at the hands of the old Duke. It was very brave of him to bear it silently -- that none of his siblings would know or feel what he was going through. Luke always believed he was evil, that he was bad ... but, in truth, Luke possesses such an amazing heart. Despite all that he had gone through, he still stands up for the weak and defends the defenseless. He tries his best not to hurt the people around him. I think it is a reflection of Luke's character how he comes to visit Bertram at the asylum every month. For most, Bertram would be considered an extraneous variable. He served his purpose in the first book, and should, by all accounts, be forgotten already ... but Luke has not forgotten about Bertram and sees him as someone with value.
Their love story runs alongside the search for Roger Morton and the Duchess of Trent. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, I love how Haymore has expanded this mystery ... Like a pebble dropped in a pond, the ripples of one simple action has spread wider: where is the Dowager Duchess now? Who is she with? And why? I look forward to The Scoundrel's Seduction
, which will be released on May 27.
Such revelations are enough to drive any man to drink, but Luke's drinking problems started long before that ... and we wondered why. This is his story.
Luke has always felt the need to prove himself to his older brother, the Duke of Trent, and has always fallen short of his own expectations, leading him into a downward spiral of disappointment and dejection. Now he sees an opportunity to redeem himself and has asked to take on the investigation into their mother's disappearance. He has been following a series of clues that has sent him to Cardiff, then to Bristol, looking for information about Roger Morton, a man who is connected to the Duchess's disappearance.
Emma Curtis is also looking for Roger Morton, who is responsible for her husband's death and her family's loss of fortune and subsequent decline. When she hears that Lord Lukas Hawkins is looking for Morton, she approaches him with an offer: she will help him find Morton, but he must bring her along.
Emma possesses vital information that could lead Lukas to his mother, so he agrees -- even offering his own (quite scandalous) counter-proposal to his beautiful new traveling companion, which Emma refuses, telling Lukas that they would never have "relations" ...
One will notice in Luke's conversation how much value he places on the idea of good: being good enough, being too good for someone like him, etc. Luke projects the image of confidence and indifference, but his insides are being gnawed by fear and insecurity that stems from his childhood and the abuse he suffered from his "father", the former Duke of Trent. Even Emma comments on the irony of their situation: Luke believes Emma is too good for a rogue like him, but it is Emma, in her straitened situation, who is actually not good enough for a duke's heir.
... "I want you, Emma. I have since that first night. Every single night, my body is an inferno burning just for you. And every night I deny it. Every night I suffer. Will you beg> Will you relieve my suffering?"
Her throat was dry. She squeezed her eyes shut because she couldn't bear to gaze into the blue fire of his. Soon, that fire would consume her. "I ... I don't know."
"Don't do it," he whispered, his breath whispering over her lips. He brushed her lips with his gently as he continued. "I'm not good enough for you. Angels aren't meant for devils."
"I'm no angel," she whispered, "and you're no devil." ...
- Chapter 5
Emma is also dealing with her own insecurity: she married a man who she thought loved and valued her, only to realize (too late) that he was after her money. She had been married three months and it was a disaster from day one. She feels she is responsible for what happened to her family's fortune, and now intends to rectify the situation. She knows that Luke desires her, and it surprises her. She had one experience with a man, observed the proper courtship, and married him. She believed she had chosen her late husband carefully, but later discovers that she had fooled her (and her family). Now, Emma finds it difficult to accept that anyone could want her, want to be with her, and love her.
What a naive, stupid little girl she'd been. So taken with a handsome and dashing Henry Curtis. He had a curricle like this one, but smaller and even more dangerous. Riding in it had made her feel so reckless and wild, so brazen. The first time he'd taken her riding in Hyde park and kissed her behind an elm tree, she'd been so breathless and excited she'd nearly swooned.
She wasn't that girl anymore.
- Chapter 3
This is a story of two people seeking redemption, and, in the process of finding it, find something greater: love and acceptance. I admire how Emma handled Luke's alcohol problem. In the beginning, she paid attention to his habit, but didn't push or pry too much. When they reached a certain point in their relationship, Emma drew the line and was able to help Luke manage his addiction. In the beginning, she had used her body as a means of distraction, but, it was actually when she didn't allow Luke into her bed, that awakened Luke from his stupor.
"Em," he said softly, "the drunken version of me is so much better than the nightmare version."
"The best part of you is the real you. Not the you that has been dulled and subdued by drink."
- Chapter 14
I felt sorry for Luke and what he suffered at the hands of the old Duke. It was very brave of him to bear it silently -- that none of his siblings would know or feel what he was going through. Luke always believed he was evil, that he was bad ... but, in truth, Luke possesses such an amazing heart. Despite all that he had gone through, he still stands up for the weak and defends the defenseless. He tries his best not to hurt the people around him. I think it is a reflection of Luke's character how he comes to visit Bertram at the asylum every month. For most, Bertram would be considered an extraneous variable. He served his purpose in the first book, and should, by all accounts, be forgotten already ... but Luke has not forgotten about Bertram and sees him as someone with value.
Their love story runs alongside the search for Roger Morton and the Duchess of Trent. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, I love how Haymore has expanded this mystery ... Like a pebble dropped in a pond, the ripples of one simple action has spread wider: where is the Dowager Duchess now? Who is she with? And why? I look forward to The Scoundrel's Seduction
, which will be released on May 27.
November 28, 2013
Originally reviewed at http://smexybooks.com/2013/11/review-...
Favorite Quote: “You’re exactly who I thought you were.“
Lord Lukas Hawkins, the rakish second son of the House of Trent, has never found a wager he couldn’t win or a woman he couldn’t seduce—until his search for his missing mother leads him to a mysterious encounter with a beautiful stranger.
Luke’s mother has been missing for months, and while his honorable older brother Simon, Duke of Trent, leads the official investigation from London, Luke sets out on a somewhat seedier path. Sources have told him his mother was last seen with a scoundrel named Roger Morton, but their association isn’t clear. Was she kidnapped or did she go willingly?
While searching for Morton, Luke meets Emma Anderson, a secretive beauty with her own reasons for hunting Morton. At first Luke laughs at the idea of allowing a woman to join him in his search, but soon Emma’s insights into Morton—like the woman herself—prove impossible to resist. (Goodreads)
Some light spoilers if you haven’t read book one-The Duchess Hunt.
The Rogue’s Proposal is the second book in Haymore’s angst driven historical series-The House Of Trent. Focusing on the second son, Lord Lukas Hawkins, we learn the reason behind the demons that drive this man over and over to the edge of despair. Revealed as a temperamental rogue with appetites for all things depraved, Lukas has a deep dark secret that precipatates his actions.
Book one, The Duchess Hunt, revealed that Lukas was not the son of the former Duke of Trent. One of the many affairs that the Duchess of Trent had resulted in Lukas birth. The duke agreed to raise Lukas as his own though we eventully learn that all was not well in that situation. Lukas upbringing shaped him into the man he is today; coloring his relationships with his family and women in general. When he is approached by a woman who offers to help him search for his mother in return for his help apprehending the man who ruined her family, Lukas finds himself at an impasse. He wants Emma desperately in his bed but only on her terms. For the first time ever, he is putting someone before himself.
Emma Anderson is a gentile lady who learns that hard way that her marriage was a complete farce. A beautiful widow who now must have Lukas help in order to gain back her family fortune and restore the shine to their name. She is instantly attracted to Lukas but knows that romance has no place in their dealings. Her mission demands success. She doesn’t want to be a forgotten notch in his bedpost and realistically knows she has no place in the life of a Duke’s brother.
While I enjoyed The Rogue’s Proposal overall, it didn’t appeal to me as much as book one did. I found it more lightweight emotionally then book one and less defined. The plotlines are predictable with little tension or apprehension to offset the monotony. We spend a majority of the book following Lukas and Emma to Scotland, then back to London as they search for the mysterious Roger Morton who has been connected to the Duchess’s kidnapping.
The characters are well developed but I felt like I was missed something in their evolution. Lukas is constantly telling us just how bad he is but we don’t see it. He does nothing even remotely bad, evil, or even sexually deviant throughout the whole book. In fact, he’s very chivalrous to Emma and everyone around him. We are led to believe this is Emma’s influence but I didn’t see anything she did to warrant this supposed miraculous change in Lukas.
Emma is a good person. A saint. In fact, Lukas refers to her as “angel.” We are told she was quite the hoydon as a youngster. I saw faint evidence of this; though towards the end when the pace picks up, it is more evident. She isn’t argumentative or course in speech. She isn’t pushy or a know it all. She’s…perfect. We are told that she gains strength and self esteem but having never seen her before, I have no idea is this is really true. She has some inner misgivings concerning Lukas but slips rather easily into his bed and his sexual games. Not many apprehensive or second thoughts. That I found hard to believe. Even if she was predestined to enjoy, I would have expected a young woman to have some qualms about bondage. Her navite is glaringly apparent here.
The romance is sweet, sexy, and rather uncomplicated. Any misunderstandings cleared up fast. Emma shows us the supposed strength she’s gained in here which goes far in convincing Lukas she loves him regardless of how the world sees him. Steamy love scenes made for more enjoyable reading and I liked that Haymore is a bit more visual in this aspect.
The reveal behind Lukas demons is a sad but age old story. I liked how Emma helped Lukas heal. It’s a poignant storyline in it’s lack of emotion. Lukas deems he was deserving and that brought a few tears to my eyes. I will admit I found it hard to believe no one knew, though. I can’t fathom that no staff or god forbid, his mother didn’t have a clue. Servants knew EVERYTHING back then. I’m wondering if this will be addressed later in the book.
I think my overall problem with this installment is we are told more than we are shown and there is a lack of humor and lighthearted moments. The conflict is staid and everything is laid out matter of fact and in perfect order. As I stated earlier, there is no real sense of adventure in here. No stimulating intrigue or suspense. No standing on the precipice, quivering in anticipation wondering what will happen. We never at any time doubt what will happen.
For me, the story really picks up in the last 25%. More action is introduced as we get a few sparse clues to the Duchess’s kidnapping, which leads me to believe this will not be solved until the last book, and Emma’s situation. Though, in Emma’s situation, we really do not learn any of the ‘whys’ involved which confounded me. It was a rather intriguing storyline but we are left to our own devices in trying to understand the villain’s reasons.
The ending is justified though anti climatic as we knew what would happen from the beginning and nothing much is left to the imagination or chance.
RATING: C
Favorite Quote: “You’re exactly who I thought you were.“
Lord Lukas Hawkins, the rakish second son of the House of Trent, has never found a wager he couldn’t win or a woman he couldn’t seduce—until his search for his missing mother leads him to a mysterious encounter with a beautiful stranger.
Luke’s mother has been missing for months, and while his honorable older brother Simon, Duke of Trent, leads the official investigation from London, Luke sets out on a somewhat seedier path. Sources have told him his mother was last seen with a scoundrel named Roger Morton, but their association isn’t clear. Was she kidnapped or did she go willingly?
While searching for Morton, Luke meets Emma Anderson, a secretive beauty with her own reasons for hunting Morton. At first Luke laughs at the idea of allowing a woman to join him in his search, but soon Emma’s insights into Morton—like the woman herself—prove impossible to resist. (Goodreads)
Some light spoilers if you haven’t read book one-The Duchess Hunt.
The Rogue’s Proposal is the second book in Haymore’s angst driven historical series-The House Of Trent. Focusing on the second son, Lord Lukas Hawkins, we learn the reason behind the demons that drive this man over and over to the edge of despair. Revealed as a temperamental rogue with appetites for all things depraved, Lukas has a deep dark secret that precipatates his actions.
Book one, The Duchess Hunt, revealed that Lukas was not the son of the former Duke of Trent. One of the many affairs that the Duchess of Trent had resulted in Lukas birth. The duke agreed to raise Lukas as his own though we eventully learn that all was not well in that situation. Lukas upbringing shaped him into the man he is today; coloring his relationships with his family and women in general. When he is approached by a woman who offers to help him search for his mother in return for his help apprehending the man who ruined her family, Lukas finds himself at an impasse. He wants Emma desperately in his bed but only on her terms. For the first time ever, he is putting someone before himself.
Emma Anderson is a gentile lady who learns that hard way that her marriage was a complete farce. A beautiful widow who now must have Lukas help in order to gain back her family fortune and restore the shine to their name. She is instantly attracted to Lukas but knows that romance has no place in their dealings. Her mission demands success. She doesn’t want to be a forgotten notch in his bedpost and realistically knows she has no place in the life of a Duke’s brother.
While I enjoyed The Rogue’s Proposal overall, it didn’t appeal to me as much as book one did. I found it more lightweight emotionally then book one and less defined. The plotlines are predictable with little tension or apprehension to offset the monotony. We spend a majority of the book following Lukas and Emma to Scotland, then back to London as they search for the mysterious Roger Morton who has been connected to the Duchess’s kidnapping.
The characters are well developed but I felt like I was missed something in their evolution. Lukas is constantly telling us just how bad he is but we don’t see it. He does nothing even remotely bad, evil, or even sexually deviant throughout the whole book. In fact, he’s very chivalrous to Emma and everyone around him. We are led to believe this is Emma’s influence but I didn’t see anything she did to warrant this supposed miraculous change in Lukas.
Emma is a good person. A saint. In fact, Lukas refers to her as “angel.” We are told she was quite the hoydon as a youngster. I saw faint evidence of this; though towards the end when the pace picks up, it is more evident. She isn’t argumentative or course in speech. She isn’t pushy or a know it all. She’s…perfect. We are told that she gains strength and self esteem but having never seen her before, I have no idea is this is really true. She has some inner misgivings concerning Lukas but slips rather easily into his bed and his sexual games. Not many apprehensive or second thoughts. That I found hard to believe. Even if she was predestined to enjoy, I would have expected a young woman to have some qualms about bondage. Her navite is glaringly apparent here.
The romance is sweet, sexy, and rather uncomplicated. Any misunderstandings cleared up fast. Emma shows us the supposed strength she’s gained in here which goes far in convincing Lukas she loves him regardless of how the world sees him. Steamy love scenes made for more enjoyable reading and I liked that Haymore is a bit more visual in this aspect.
The reveal behind Lukas demons is a sad but age old story. I liked how Emma helped Lukas heal. It’s a poignant storyline in it’s lack of emotion. Lukas deems he was deserving and that brought a few tears to my eyes. I will admit I found it hard to believe no one knew, though. I can’t fathom that no staff or god forbid, his mother didn’t have a clue. Servants knew EVERYTHING back then. I’m wondering if this will be addressed later in the book.
I think my overall problem with this installment is we are told more than we are shown and there is a lack of humor and lighthearted moments. The conflict is staid and everything is laid out matter of fact and in perfect order. As I stated earlier, there is no real sense of adventure in here. No stimulating intrigue or suspense. No standing on the precipice, quivering in anticipation wondering what will happen. We never at any time doubt what will happen.
For me, the story really picks up in the last 25%. More action is introduced as we get a few sparse clues to the Duchess’s kidnapping, which leads me to believe this will not be solved until the last book, and Emma’s situation. Though, in Emma’s situation, we really do not learn any of the ‘whys’ involved which confounded me. It was a rather intriguing storyline but we are left to our own devices in trying to understand the villain’s reasons.
The ending is justified though anti climatic as we knew what would happen from the beginning and nothing much is left to the imagination or chance.
RATING: C
July 27, 2019
Der Anfang war ziemlich vielverspechend und es hat geknistert, ein Hauch Spannung und dann.... war das Ende auch wieder ganz okay. Aber diesmal haperte es stark am Mittelteil. Wie auch schon im ersten Band hatte ich aber wieder das Problem mit der Autorin und zwar dass die Handlung auf der Strecke blieb und eine Liebesszene nach der anderen folgte. Erst gab es Regen und dann hat sie sich den Knöchel verstaucht, weshalb Lukas (der Bruder des Herzogs von Trent von Bd 1) und Emma Curtis (eine Witwe) die Zeit mit Bettakrobatik genützt haben und nicht nach seiner Mutter der Herzoginmutter gesucht haben. Ich hab richtig gehofft, dass sie mal gesund bleibt und auf Schönwetter.
Ich weiß jetzt echt nicht ob ich mir Teil 3 noch gebe. Einzig würd mich ja interessieren was mit der Herzogin passiert ist, wobei man in diesem Band schon einige Hinweise mehr bekommen hat und man sich in dieser Hinsicht schon was vorstellen kann. Mal sehen, auf dem SUB hätte ich es ja noch :/
February 24, 2021
Luke está decidido em encontrar a sua mãe desaparecida há já algum tempo, e a única pista que tem é o nome de Roger Morton.
Emma deseja vingar-se do homem que arruinou a sua vida, e ao saber que Luke o procura decide juntar-se a ele nessa busca.
No entanto a atração entre ambos é palpavel, mas Emma jurou não se deixar levar pelos encantos deste belo libertino.
Amei o livro, já no primeiro livro da série Luke é uma das personagens que mais chama atenção, e aqui ficamos a conhecer e a percebê-lo muito melhor.
A relação deste casal é bastante sensual, eles desejam-se tanto quanto se amam e é incrivel quando percebemos isso.
Contudo a busca pela duquesa, mãe de Luke e Trent, continua. Esperemos que no próximo livro o mistério seja completamente desvendado.
Emma deseja vingar-se do homem que arruinou a sua vida, e ao saber que Luke o procura decide juntar-se a ele nessa busca.
No entanto a atração entre ambos é palpavel, mas Emma jurou não se deixar levar pelos encantos deste belo libertino.
Amei o livro, já no primeiro livro da série Luke é uma das personagens que mais chama atenção, e aqui ficamos a conhecer e a percebê-lo muito melhor.
A relação deste casal é bastante sensual, eles desejam-se tanto quanto se amam e é incrivel quando percebemos isso.
Contudo a busca pela duquesa, mãe de Luke e Trent, continua. Esperemos que no próximo livro o mistério seja completamente desvendado.
May 5, 2019
a minha estreia na autora e apesar de ser o segundo livro desta serie (não li o anterior).
mas... não sei porquê a história não me cativou tanto assim.
dentro do genero acaba por ser um ponto mais do mesmo, ou seja sendo do genero "sensual" se assim se possa catalogar, tem algumas cenas apimentadas mas acabam por "ser demais" e acabei por ler um pouco na diagonal.
salvou um pouco a história o lado "policial/intriga" que deu uma dinamica diferente e conseguiu despertar algum interesse.
apesar disso, o proximo livro da serie, é capaz de manter o mesmo dinamismo e acabei por ficar curiosa.
a ver vamos! :D
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