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The Whipping Society #1
Mr. Ridley
HE'S ALL BONES AND SHE'S ALL SUNSHINE. Meet Mr. Ridley. BOOK 1 of 3, one man and one woman bent on one twisted passion of making the other writhe. LONDON, ENGLAND - 1830 Criminals fear the iron fist of justice he delivers. Scotland Yard will do anything to get their hands on his mind. Whilst women? They crawl in the hope of becoming his. But only one woman is about to hold his career and his body and his mind hostage. Jemdanee (Kumar) Lillian Watkins is a botanical savant from India who ends up getting arrested for a crime she didn't commit. Only one man believes Mr. Ridley. Drawn to him and the rope he knots in her presence, she quickly realizes this overly regimented dark hero hides nothing but his passion. Themes include wit, humor, BDSM, mystery, history and romance. Lots of it! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLEASE Unlike most historical romances where the hero & heroine's attraction and love for each other stops at a mere one book, this full length book is the beginning of many (Full length book episodes!) following the highly charged, erotic saga of a couple through the rise and fall and storms of their relationship. Every book is tied up in own way. BOOK 1, Mr. Ridley (Available now!) BOOK 2, The Devil is French (Pre-Order Now, Available 4/28/17) BOOK 3, Reborn (Available 6/28/2017, with Pre-Order Available when second book hits).
239 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2017
10 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Delilah Marvelle
38 books524 followersI spent my youth studying various languages, reading voraciously, and playing the pianoforte. I confess that here ends the extent of my gentle breeding. I was a naughty child who was forever torturing her parents with countless adventures that they did not deem respectable. Confined to my room on many occasions due to these misadventures, I soon discovered the quill and its amazing power. I scribed endless stories that almost invariably surrounded the topic of love, for I felt an inane need to be rescued from a family that did not understand my lust for life. In my mind, King Arthur became my true love and I waited for the day when he would come riding upon his steed and invite me to sit at his round table, not as his queen, but as his knight. To my distress, King Arthur was never to be found anywhere except for in the tip of my quill. And so I led an imaginary life for many, many years. When I finally came of age, my family was further horrified to discover that I had fallen in love with an American. An American King Arthur who became my knight, my husband, my all. I have been blessed beyond reason and am grateful for each day I have with him. What is equally amazing is that I now have the opportunity to share my passion for stories with the public. The reason why I write romance is because it allows me to touch upon the subject of love on a much deeper, more intimate level. Many of the stories I write, many of the stories I will continue to write, will always evolve around love. And yes, gentle readers, it will also evolve around sex as I have no intention of becoming my parents and restraining my characters from what it is they truly desire to do. I challenge you, my readers, to let loose of those corsets that have been strung too tightly due to convention and enjoy 1830 to its fullest."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 27, 2018
4.5 stars
This was so wonderfully fresh, non-cookie cutter that I reveled in it. How has this author escaped me before??? Like I said in an update, the hero is left of center and the almost gothic tone with bdsm threads bubbling under the surface (I fully expect them to see daylight in the next book in the series), is not going to be for everyone. If you usually like books I do, abandon your friends and family to go out, buy this book, and cocoon yourself for some uninterrupted reading time.
*I want to note, because of the over-saturation, and in my personal opinion, not well done bdsm themed books, this is not like the typical ones you all are tired of. This is a first in the series with the hero and heroine's relationship just developing, so first off, sanely and emotionally maturely, we don't get active (well, one scene could sort of kind of fall into this) scenes of bdsm play. However, because the hero is aware of his personal proclivities and the heroine is, at turns consciously and unconsciously responding to these proclivities, it is bubbling under the surface.
I wish I could write a coherent review of this story but it kind of took me off guard and all I have are quotes (I highlighted the hell out of this and whittling them down so I didn't get in trouble for posting the whole book was agony, I tell you!) and excited emotional disjointed thoughts. I think it was this friend's review, Jaci ,that alerted me to this book (if I'm wrong, please let me know if you are the one who told me about this book so I can smother you in you're my new bestfriend praise and credit). Read her review for a coherent take.
Ropes, ravens, murder, and poison is only the beginning.
His presence whispered of a dominating man with very high standards of sophistication edged with unnerving patience and…darkness.
Mr. Ridley. A backstory that is Dexter-ish, we get a sketched and shaded in relay of his past but even more wonderfully, we get a fully in depth emotional written character from the author. He's intriguing, nuanced, complex, sweet, hot, smart, darkly witty, and the list goes on; I could read about this man all day.
“It was not your analogy to use. It was my analogy. An analogy I used with respect. Do you have any idea how many white British men have referred to me and my people as being animals?”
His features flickered. “Kumar. Cease. That wasn’t what I was—”
“Be mindful of how you speak to me.”
His voice softened. “I will. I’m sorry.”
It was something. “Be mindful.”
“I will."
Jemdanee. For as strong a character Mr. Ridley is, she more than matches him (I would say surpasses him at the end even). She's young (18 to his 32) but her childhood and living and life situations have given her the strength and maturity older than her years. Instead of just telling us this, the author did a magnificent job of crafting Jemdanee's character and personality to reflect this, thus creating a believable and chemistry sparking relationship between her and Mr. Ridley.
Gothic tone:
She swallowed and turned toward him in the darkness, his undefined features in the shadows close behind her. “Your house makes too many sounds at night.”
“It’s the books,” he whispered. “Some are as old as the Crusades and they’re all telling stories. They try to crawl out of the pages and drag you in with warped words. The ones in the attic are by far the worst. They’re piled high enough to enable you to stand on them and reach the rafters where all the old ropes from the building hang."
The murder, tone, and atmosphere gave this more of a dark and bleak feel but with Halloween coming up, I thought it provided a darkly enticing welcome. Also with Gothic feels, sometimes the drama gets a bit Drama and the dark mystery gets a bit Dark Mystery but it was all in darkly spooky drama fun for me.
Chemistry sparking:
Skimming her bare shoulders and the exposed upper rounds of her breasts sitting above the corset, he paused. Their eyes locked and her heart seemed to rush to her head and every toe. His steady gaze bore into her with the heat of sandstone. It was the only acknowledgement she needed as a woman. She almost, almost smiled but thought that would be over-flirting. “It must have fallen.”
His eyes grew flat and unreadable. “Along with whatever respect you have for yourself. Wit over tit, Watkins. Pull it up.”
"Wit over tit" Y'ALL.
“Few will ever point out their own flaws, but I will be the first to admit I carry the greatest one of all. I deny myself nothing and regret everything.”
Ridley quirked a brow. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Control.”
She feigned surprise. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is None.”
Bubbling:
She swallowed and sank back down onto the mattress, her body burning as she released his hands. “I have desires and feelings much like any woman. Yet you refuse to acknowledge it. Why?”
He set his shaven chin against her throat. “I am acknowledging it by not permitting you to have control. Don’t throw yourself at things you have no understanding of. There is more to me than even I understand. Leave it be.”
*******
“Learn to kneel.” His voice grew gruff and ominous. “It’s Mr. Ridley given I do not belong to you. Just as you are and will always be Kumar, because you do not belong to me. We belong to ourselves and not to each other.”
;)
"Whilst we may never see each other again, I wish to offer you this parting advice: You need to be your own person, Kumar. You need to belong to yourself first before you can belong to anyone else, especially someone like me. Do you understand?”
******
She jerked toward him, refusing to let him command her. “What did you mean by one day?”
“As in not now.” He flicked her forehead. “Cease letting your body dictate what you want. At your age, even a finger resting in your mouth seems exciting.” His tone hinted he was mildly amused. “You were riled by it, weren’t you?” He tsked. “Call on me in five years. In the meantime, do you need a towel for those moist thighs? Because I’d hate for you to slide off the bed and hit the floor.”
The restraint and coinciding slow burn weaved into this story, was/is EVERYTHING.
Jemdanee eyed it and him. He thought a woman choked by rope was…beautiful? His finger traced it, his voice fading. “I only point her out to those I trust.” Which hinted it meant something to him.
The build up to Mr. Ridley showing this hint of truth and vulnerability and cracking the door open to Jemdanee, should be material for a writing, building romantic genre relationships class.
I feel like I should take a moment to very briefly and roughly sketch out the story premise.
Jemdanee is in England, having traveled with a guardian, gets arrested due to wrong place, wrong time and racism. Mr. Ridley who investigates murders takes on her case. The chemistry and relationship building I've been going on about. Murder investigation, drug overdose, pasts, and futures interwoven throughout. There are secondary characters that add to the story and our main couple's characters and could probably have novellas of their own. The ending is cliff-hangerish in the sense Jemdanee and Mr. Ridley's story is clearly not over but not an abrupt cut-off, this felt like a complete book/story.
Back to the quotes that I hope make you want to read this:
Deranged as she was, it made her want to reach out a hand and push aside the ferns. Those soulful eyes reflected a granite-like strength that were as charming as they were feral. Very few people knew that crocodiles had soft bellies. And this crocodile had the softest belly of them all. Kali save her from falling in love with him for she knew he was too dark to ever love her in any normal way. It was there in his eyes which taunted. His heart was slumbering in the deep cave of his chest, yes, but it had not seen much light for it to grow into anything normal.
I know the age difference will be off-putting for some and in contemporaries this usually bothers me, but the author's crafting of the characters shows, tells, and gives reason to their attraction.
Something primitive within her emerged as her pulse roared and she grew…wet. There was no shame in it because she had made herself wet. He hadn’t forced her to be wet. Something within her body and mind wanted to prove to him that she was ready to know real passion. The sort women rarely got to touch without labeling themselves as whores.
Oh yes, there is seemingly innocuous but nuanced points and discussion on sexism, racism, imperialism, consent, and power dynamics.
She tilted her head. “Shall we agree to meet in Calcutta in five years?”
He dragged in more smoke. “Are you insinuating you would wait five years?”
Was that an offer? Or was he teasing? She couldn’t tell. She sat up and propped her shoulder toward him, trying to exude the sort of grand sophistication he required. “If I am promised something worth waiting for, why would I not?”
He said nothing, merely drew in more smoke. Turning a page, he kept reading.
Like I said, this is not the end of their story and after this, I'm dying to continue reading about their relationship, especially since Jemdanee will probably be of an age Mr. Ridley deems ready to embark on something with him.
For she at her mere eighteen had a taught a man at two and thirty that without self-respect, no life was worth living. She was right. But that didn’t mean he had to stay wrong.
Like I said, Mr. Ridley captured my attention first and is an incredibly alluring character (for all his mystery and dark, we also get tears from him) but Jemdanee ultimately emerged as the stronger one (her personal strength and self-respect will touch many women). I rarely come across such intriguing characters that feel different, while still encapsulating some tropes, and are amazingly chalk full of depth and emotional.
Like I said, read this so I have more people to talk about this couple!
This was so wonderfully fresh, non-cookie cutter that I reveled in it. How has this author escaped me before??? Like I said in an update, the hero is left of center and the almost gothic tone with bdsm threads bubbling under the surface (I fully expect them to see daylight in the next book in the series), is not going to be for everyone. If you usually like books I do, abandon your friends and family to go out, buy this book, and cocoon yourself for some uninterrupted reading time.
*I want to note, because of the over-saturation, and in my personal opinion, not well done bdsm themed books, this is not like the typical ones you all are tired of. This is a first in the series with the hero and heroine's relationship just developing, so first off, sanely and emotionally maturely, we don't get active (well, one scene could sort of kind of fall into this) scenes of bdsm play. However, because the hero is aware of his personal proclivities and the heroine is, at turns consciously and unconsciously responding to these proclivities, it is bubbling under the surface.
I wish I could write a coherent review of this story but it kind of took me off guard and all I have are quotes (I highlighted the hell out of this and whittling them down so I didn't get in trouble for posting the whole book was agony, I tell you!) and excited emotional disjointed thoughts. I think it was this friend's review, Jaci ,that alerted me to this book (if I'm wrong, please let me know if you are the one who told me about this book so I can smother you in you're my new bestfriend praise and credit). Read her review for a coherent take.
Ropes, ravens, murder, and poison is only the beginning.
His presence whispered of a dominating man with very high standards of sophistication edged with unnerving patience and…darkness.
Mr. Ridley. A backstory that is Dexter-ish, we get a sketched and shaded in relay of his past but even more wonderfully, we get a fully in depth emotional written character from the author. He's intriguing, nuanced, complex, sweet, hot, smart, darkly witty, and the list goes on; I could read about this man all day.
“It was not your analogy to use. It was my analogy. An analogy I used with respect. Do you have any idea how many white British men have referred to me and my people as being animals?”
His features flickered. “Kumar. Cease. That wasn’t what I was—”
“Be mindful of how you speak to me.”
His voice softened. “I will. I’m sorry.”
It was something. “Be mindful.”
“I will."
Jemdanee. For as strong a character Mr. Ridley is, she more than matches him (I would say surpasses him at the end even). She's young (18 to his 32) but her childhood and living and life situations have given her the strength and maturity older than her years. Instead of just telling us this, the author did a magnificent job of crafting Jemdanee's character and personality to reflect this, thus creating a believable and chemistry sparking relationship between her and Mr. Ridley.
Gothic tone:
She swallowed and turned toward him in the darkness, his undefined features in the shadows close behind her. “Your house makes too many sounds at night.”
“It’s the books,” he whispered. “Some are as old as the Crusades and they’re all telling stories. They try to crawl out of the pages and drag you in with warped words. The ones in the attic are by far the worst. They’re piled high enough to enable you to stand on them and reach the rafters where all the old ropes from the building hang."
The murder, tone, and atmosphere gave this more of a dark and bleak feel but with Halloween coming up, I thought it provided a darkly enticing welcome. Also with Gothic feels, sometimes the drama gets a bit Drama and the dark mystery gets a bit Dark Mystery but it was all in darkly spooky drama fun for me.
Chemistry sparking:
Skimming her bare shoulders and the exposed upper rounds of her breasts sitting above the corset, he paused. Their eyes locked and her heart seemed to rush to her head and every toe. His steady gaze bore into her with the heat of sandstone. It was the only acknowledgement she needed as a woman. She almost, almost smiled but thought that would be over-flirting. “It must have fallen.”
His eyes grew flat and unreadable. “Along with whatever respect you have for yourself. Wit over tit, Watkins. Pull it up.”
"Wit over tit" Y'ALL.
“Few will ever point out their own flaws, but I will be the first to admit I carry the greatest one of all. I deny myself nothing and regret everything.”
Ridley quirked a brow. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Control.”
She feigned surprise. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is None.”
Bubbling:
She swallowed and sank back down onto the mattress, her body burning as she released his hands. “I have desires and feelings much like any woman. Yet you refuse to acknowledge it. Why?”
He set his shaven chin against her throat. “I am acknowledging it by not permitting you to have control. Don’t throw yourself at things you have no understanding of. There is more to me than even I understand. Leave it be.”
*******
“Learn to kneel.” His voice grew gruff and ominous. “It’s Mr. Ridley given I do not belong to you. Just as you are and will always be Kumar, because you do not belong to me. We belong to ourselves and not to each other.”
;)
"Whilst we may never see each other again, I wish to offer you this parting advice: You need to be your own person, Kumar. You need to belong to yourself first before you can belong to anyone else, especially someone like me. Do you understand?”
******
She jerked toward him, refusing to let him command her. “What did you mean by one day?”
“As in not now.” He flicked her forehead. “Cease letting your body dictate what you want. At your age, even a finger resting in your mouth seems exciting.” His tone hinted he was mildly amused. “You were riled by it, weren’t you?” He tsked. “Call on me in five years. In the meantime, do you need a towel for those moist thighs? Because I’d hate for you to slide off the bed and hit the floor.”
The restraint and coinciding slow burn weaved into this story, was/is EVERYTHING.
Jemdanee eyed it and him. He thought a woman choked by rope was…beautiful? His finger traced it, his voice fading. “I only point her out to those I trust.” Which hinted it meant something to him.
The build up to Mr. Ridley showing this hint of truth and vulnerability and cracking the door open to Jemdanee, should be material for a writing, building romantic genre relationships class.
I feel like I should take a moment to very briefly and roughly sketch out the story premise.
Jemdanee is in England, having traveled with a guardian, gets arrested due to wrong place, wrong time and racism. Mr. Ridley who investigates murders takes on her case. The chemistry and relationship building I've been going on about. Murder investigation, drug overdose, pasts, and futures interwoven throughout. There are secondary characters that add to the story and our main couple's characters and could probably have novellas of their own. The ending is cliff-hangerish in the sense Jemdanee and Mr. Ridley's story is clearly not over but not an abrupt cut-off, this felt like a complete book/story.
Back to the quotes that I hope make you want to read this:
Deranged as she was, it made her want to reach out a hand and push aside the ferns. Those soulful eyes reflected a granite-like strength that were as charming as they were feral. Very few people knew that crocodiles had soft bellies. And this crocodile had the softest belly of them all. Kali save her from falling in love with him for she knew he was too dark to ever love her in any normal way. It was there in his eyes which taunted. His heart was slumbering in the deep cave of his chest, yes, but it had not seen much light for it to grow into anything normal.
I know the age difference will be off-putting for some and in contemporaries this usually bothers me, but the author's crafting of the characters shows, tells, and gives reason to their attraction.
Something primitive within her emerged as her pulse roared and she grew…wet. There was no shame in it because she had made herself wet. He hadn’t forced her to be wet. Something within her body and mind wanted to prove to him that she was ready to know real passion. The sort women rarely got to touch without labeling themselves as whores.
Oh yes, there is seemingly innocuous but nuanced points and discussion on sexism, racism, imperialism, consent, and power dynamics.
She tilted her head. “Shall we agree to meet in Calcutta in five years?”
He dragged in more smoke. “Are you insinuating you would wait five years?”
Was that an offer? Or was he teasing? She couldn’t tell. She sat up and propped her shoulder toward him, trying to exude the sort of grand sophistication he required. “If I am promised something worth waiting for, why would I not?”
He said nothing, merely drew in more smoke. Turning a page, he kept reading.
Like I said, this is not the end of their story and after this, I'm dying to continue reading about their relationship, especially since Jemdanee will probably be of an age Mr. Ridley deems ready to embark on something with him.
For she at her mere eighteen had a taught a man at two and thirty that without self-respect, no life was worth living. She was right. But that didn’t mean he had to stay wrong.
Like I said, Mr. Ridley captured my attention first and is an incredibly alluring character (for all his mystery and dark, we also get tears from him) but Jemdanee ultimately emerged as the stronger one (her personal strength and self-respect will touch many women). I rarely come across such intriguing characters that feel different, while still encapsulating some tropes, and are amazingly chalk full of depth and emotional.
Like I said, read this so I have more people to talk about this couple!
December 23, 2018
3.75 really fucking weird stars.
Here's a great review of this book, which got me to read this dark Gothic Sherlock-y kinda BDSMy but with no sex novel.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It's weird. Really fucking weird. The writing doesn't drag it down, it was actually quite clean and oddly upbeat. Even funny. There's a few stylistic choices I'd have preferred to go without. Things like: "allllllll"
Or saying 18 is the new 30.
Still the story is engaging. The characters are great, and this isn't quite a 4 for me because of too much waffling about the age of the heroine, and actually sometimes her acting her age. Which isn't her fault. It just is. And I'm not 18.
The end was an oddly satisfying though unfinished culmination of the hero's lack of self-worth and the heroine's connection to him, but her sense of worth for them both.
And some of that was just beautifully done. Given that, and the self-publication, I'll round up.
Here's a great review of this book, which got me to read this dark Gothic Sherlock-y kinda BDSMy but with no sex novel.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It's weird. Really fucking weird. The writing doesn't drag it down, it was actually quite clean and oddly upbeat. Even funny. There's a few stylistic choices I'd have preferred to go without. Things like: "allllllll"
Or saying 18 is the new 30.
Still the story is engaging. The characters are great, and this isn't quite a 4 for me because of too much waffling about the age of the heroine, and actually sometimes her acting her age. Which isn't her fault. It just is. And I'm not 18.
The end was an oddly satisfying though unfinished culmination of the hero's lack of self-worth and the heroine's connection to him, but her sense of worth for them both.
And some of that was just beautifully done. Given that, and the self-publication, I'll round up.
Want to Read
February 19, 2017My dearest Readers,
I am about to do something crazy and it is my hope that you embrace my madness. After struggling with two characters and a world that was far too big to fit into one book (I was hitting almost 1,000 pages...!!!), I decided one book simply wasn't going to be enough because these two refused to let me give them up.
Unlike most historical romances where the hero & heroine's love for each other stops at a mere one book, this first full length book is the beginning of many (Think of full length Book episodes!) following the highly charged romantic saga of a couple through the rise and fall and storms of their relationship. Every book is tied up and will be released in timely 2 month increments. How many books will there be? That has yet to be decided, but as of now, I'm looking at 3 but it could be as many as 10.
Themes in all of the books include Dark humor, BDSM, and taking real aspects of history (over 100 hours of research for each book) and bringing it all to life. Because this isn't something historical romance authors are supposed to do, please come to this book knowing it *is* a historical romance but that it *doesn't* end with one book. This is no different than watching a Netflix binge of what I hope will turn into your favorite show. I promise each book will be resolved in its own arc, while leading us into the next one.
With endless love,
Delilah Marvelle
I am about to do something crazy and it is my hope that you embrace my madness. After struggling with two characters and a world that was far too big to fit into one book (I was hitting almost 1,000 pages...!!!), I decided one book simply wasn't going to be enough because these two refused to let me give them up.
Unlike most historical romances where the hero & heroine's love for each other stops at a mere one book, this first full length book is the beginning of many (Think of full length Book episodes!) following the highly charged romantic saga of a couple through the rise and fall and storms of their relationship. Every book is tied up and will be released in timely 2 month increments. How many books will there be? That has yet to be decided, but as of now, I'm looking at 3 but it could be as many as 10.
Themes in all of the books include Dark humor, BDSM, and taking real aspects of history (over 100 hours of research for each book) and bringing it all to life. Because this isn't something historical romance authors are supposed to do, please come to this book knowing it *is* a historical romance but that it *doesn't* end with one book. This is no different than watching a Netflix binge of what I hope will turn into your favorite show. I promise each book will be resolved in its own arc, while leading us into the next one.
With endless love,
Delilah Marvelle
May 21, 2017
I love Delilah Marvelle’s books. She’s always willing to push the boundaries of conventional romance, as she does in her new,
The Whipping Society Saga
. As mentioned in the cover blurb and Ms. Marvelle’s note, the story unfolds over three books. Usually, I prefer books to be complete in themselves with a definite ‘Happy Ever After’ but, once I started reading Mr. Ridley, the story was so compelling and the characters so intriguing that I just can’t wait to read the next instalment!
Ridley’s life has been steeped in darkness ever since the night of his father’s gruesome murder 20 years earlier, shadowed memories of which still haunt him. Working as a private inspector with Scotland Yard, he comes face to face with violent crime and its aftermath which only serves to intensify that darkness in his soul. Gaining some justice for those victims who no longer have a voice is what drives him to work tirelessly, reliant on a potentially lethal cocktail of drugs to keep him going. He is gruff, serious, controlled, never smiles and has little time for women until a certain Jemdanee Lillian Watkins enters his dark world, accused of a murder he knows her to be innocent of.
Ms. Marvelle has created a fascinating and tormented hero in Ridley. As the story unfolds, some of the many layers surrounding this complex man are peeled away and it’s easy to understand how Ridley could have become so damaged – so flawed and suicidal at times. However, I’m sure there are many more secrets to be revealed in the later books, making this saga so very addictive.
The illegitimate daughter of an Indian mother and a British father, Jemdanee was eight when her mother disappeared, forcing her to survive alone on the streets of Calcutta. When she’s spotted by Dr Peter Watkins, he takes her in and becomes her guardian. His financial help enabled her to study and become an expert in medicinal biology. On a trip to London, she is separated from Peter and finds herself arrested on a charge of murder. Only one man believes in her innocence – the unnerving Mr. Ridley, who needs her botanical expertise to solve the crime.
I love Jemdanee because, despite her painful past, she has chosen to embrace life with a smile and to bring happiness to those around her. Although her actions sometimes reflect her youth, her mind is sharp and her life experiences in Calcutta have given her a maturity beyond her years.
I enjoyed watching the relationship developing between Ridley and Jemdanee. At first, Jemdanee only sees the morbidly serious, sarcastic side of Ridley, but soon realises that he is noble, generous and kind; willing to risk his life to protect others. She also sees what a lonely existence he leads and I love how she offers him true, unconditional friendship. Ridley has never met anyone like Jemdanee, so full of smiles and compassion. She is the only woman who has been able to compete with him on an intellectual level, something he definitely needs. He is attracted to her but doesn’t want to be, fearing what might happen if he ever lets himself fully embrace his true nature, but Jemdanee refuses to let him hide from the attraction between them.
The verbal thrust and parry between them provides some delightfully humorous moments like these:
“Let us be clear in this, little Kumar, lest the money I am giving you and the elaborate prison escape I conducted was not enough to translate your situation. You need me more than your plants will ever need the sun. Don’t disrespect that.”
“So says the man who needs me to solve this crime. Given what I did in that carriage with a mere dappling, I believe my talents are far, far greater than anyone you have ever met. I am a botanical savant and if I were conceited –and fortunately, I am not –I would demand you bow.”
♥♥♥
“I suggest a hookah. It makes less of a mess.”
He stretched, cracking his neck. “Oh, yes. I can imagine myself on the streets of London now. Bumping into passing citizens while asking them to excuse the size of my hookah.”
A bubble of a laugh escaped her. Her eyes brightened as her lips curled.
His chest tightened at the glorious beauty of that sound.
♥♥♥
She leaned far back.
Ridley jerked her back toward himself. “Ey. I need you to hold still.”
“Your stamen.”
“My what?”
She scrunched her nose, realizing she had used a botanical term for his lower half. “Your reproductive organ. You keep wagging it in my face.”
He rolled his eyes. “Pardon the wagging, but every man has one. Or did your plants never tell you that?”
I admire Jemdanee for standing up to Ridley particularly in the scene where she lectures him on the dangers of chewing coca leaves and resorts to a rather painful method of forcing him to spit them out.
There is great chemistry and sexual tension between these two and Ms. Marvelle creates one of the most erotic scenes I have read, without either of them touching or even being in the same room!
I like Dr Peter Watkins, Jemdanee’s guardian, because he isn’t afraid to tell Ridley some home truths towards the end of the book and I think his words have a profound effect on Ridley and the decision he ultimately makes.
…he now knew what his path was. There was no changing it.
She had set it.
The real Ridley was coming for her.
Ms. Marvelle’s books are so well researched and I always discover things I never knew such as the existence of Scotland Yard at the time. I like the way in which Ms. Marvelle incorporates real historical people into the story – Vidocq, the man regarded as the father of modern criminology, and Mrs Theresa ‘Elizabeth’ Berkley, a dominatrix who owned a high-class flagellation brothel, on whom Ridley’s former wife, Elizabeth, is based.
MY VERDICT: I can definitely recommend this first book in what promises to be an addictive saga.
The Whipping Society Saga (click on the link below for more details):
https://www.goodreads.com/series/1692...
** I received a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review**
This review was first posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
Ridley’s life has been steeped in darkness ever since the night of his father’s gruesome murder 20 years earlier, shadowed memories of which still haunt him. Working as a private inspector with Scotland Yard, he comes face to face with violent crime and its aftermath which only serves to intensify that darkness in his soul. Gaining some justice for those victims who no longer have a voice is what drives him to work tirelessly, reliant on a potentially lethal cocktail of drugs to keep him going. He is gruff, serious, controlled, never smiles and has little time for women until a certain Jemdanee Lillian Watkins enters his dark world, accused of a murder he knows her to be innocent of.
Ms. Marvelle has created a fascinating and tormented hero in Ridley. As the story unfolds, some of the many layers surrounding this complex man are peeled away and it’s easy to understand how Ridley could have become so damaged – so flawed and suicidal at times. However, I’m sure there are many more secrets to be revealed in the later books, making this saga so very addictive.
The illegitimate daughter of an Indian mother and a British father, Jemdanee was eight when her mother disappeared, forcing her to survive alone on the streets of Calcutta. When she’s spotted by Dr Peter Watkins, he takes her in and becomes her guardian. His financial help enabled her to study and become an expert in medicinal biology. On a trip to London, she is separated from Peter and finds herself arrested on a charge of murder. Only one man believes in her innocence – the unnerving Mr. Ridley, who needs her botanical expertise to solve the crime.
I love Jemdanee because, despite her painful past, she has chosen to embrace life with a smile and to bring happiness to those around her. Although her actions sometimes reflect her youth, her mind is sharp and her life experiences in Calcutta have given her a maturity beyond her years.
I enjoyed watching the relationship developing between Ridley and Jemdanee. At first, Jemdanee only sees the morbidly serious, sarcastic side of Ridley, but soon realises that he is noble, generous and kind; willing to risk his life to protect others. She also sees what a lonely existence he leads and I love how she offers him true, unconditional friendship. Ridley has never met anyone like Jemdanee, so full of smiles and compassion. She is the only woman who has been able to compete with him on an intellectual level, something he definitely needs. He is attracted to her but doesn’t want to be, fearing what might happen if he ever lets himself fully embrace his true nature, but Jemdanee refuses to let him hide from the attraction between them.
The verbal thrust and parry between them provides some delightfully humorous moments like these:
“Let us be clear in this, little Kumar, lest the money I am giving you and the elaborate prison escape I conducted was not enough to translate your situation. You need me more than your plants will ever need the sun. Don’t disrespect that.”
“So says the man who needs me to solve this crime. Given what I did in that carriage with a mere dappling, I believe my talents are far, far greater than anyone you have ever met. I am a botanical savant and if I were conceited –and fortunately, I am not –I would demand you bow.”
♥♥♥
“I suggest a hookah. It makes less of a mess.”
He stretched, cracking his neck. “Oh, yes. I can imagine myself on the streets of London now. Bumping into passing citizens while asking them to excuse the size of my hookah.”
A bubble of a laugh escaped her. Her eyes brightened as her lips curled.
His chest tightened at the glorious beauty of that sound.
♥♥♥
She leaned far back.
Ridley jerked her back toward himself. “Ey. I need you to hold still.”
“Your stamen.”
“My what?”
She scrunched her nose, realizing she had used a botanical term for his lower half. “Your reproductive organ. You keep wagging it in my face.”
He rolled his eyes. “Pardon the wagging, but every man has one. Or did your plants never tell you that?”
I admire Jemdanee for standing up to Ridley particularly in the scene where she lectures him on the dangers of chewing coca leaves and resorts to a rather painful method of forcing him to spit them out.
There is great chemistry and sexual tension between these two and Ms. Marvelle creates one of the most erotic scenes I have read, without either of them touching or even being in the same room!
I like Dr Peter Watkins, Jemdanee’s guardian, because he isn’t afraid to tell Ridley some home truths towards the end of the book and I think his words have a profound effect on Ridley and the decision he ultimately makes.
…he now knew what his path was. There was no changing it.
She had set it.
The real Ridley was coming for her.
Ms. Marvelle’s books are so well researched and I always discover things I never knew such as the existence of Scotland Yard at the time. I like the way in which Ms. Marvelle incorporates real historical people into the story – Vidocq, the man regarded as the father of modern criminology, and Mrs Theresa ‘Elizabeth’ Berkley, a dominatrix who owned a high-class flagellation brothel, on whom Ridley’s former wife, Elizabeth, is based.
MY VERDICT: I can definitely recommend this first book in what promises to be an addictive saga.
The Whipping Society Saga (click on the link below for more details):
https://www.goodreads.com/series/1692...
** I received a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review**
This review was first posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
June 15, 2017
So Deliciously Different, So Darkly Devine
Mmmmmmmister Ridley.
I have been a big fan of Delilah Marvelle for quite some time. Her smexy romance historicals never fail to entertain all my senses with intelligent, witty, and enlightened dialog, searing passions, and characters of strength and vulnerability. Goddess, I loved this beginning story of Jemdanee and Ridley, with all his dark quirks and her inherent kindness and hope...I fell down that rabbit hole with my whole reading heart! Well done, dear author. Well done.
So well done that I overlooked one minor irritation, a pet reading peeve of mine that usually drops a rating on priciple But the sharp, dark, intimate dialog and believable connection between our H/h was just so much perfection, I had to rate it 5*!
Mmmmmmmister Ridley.
I have been a big fan of Delilah Marvelle for quite some time. Her smexy romance historicals never fail to entertain all my senses with intelligent, witty, and enlightened dialog, searing passions, and characters of strength and vulnerability. Goddess, I loved this beginning story of Jemdanee and Ridley, with all his dark quirks and her inherent kindness and hope...I fell down that rabbit hole with my whole reading heart! Well done, dear author. Well done.
So well done that I overlooked one minor irritation, a pet reading peeve of mine that usually drops a rating on priciple But the sharp, dark, intimate dialog and believable connection between our H/h was just so much perfection, I had to rate it 5*!
March 1, 2017
Before I start a review of this book I have to let you know that some the subject matter in this book is not for the faint hearted. I have read every book that Dellilah has written. I think it is safe to say that I consider myself her #1 Fan. That does not mean I cannot be critical of her writing. I will always be honest, I think this helps the author and the book I am reviewing. That being said this book was exceptional on many levels. Delilah writes at such a level that shows she respects her readers intelligence. The subtle nuances in her descriptions, dialogue and characters sometimes make me go back and read a line or paragraph again to make sure I understood. Now onto the story!!!
Evan Oswald Ridley is a complicated character that has so many layers that it will take more than one book to understand him and his motivations. He is a hero who thinks he is in league with the devil. He sees nothing good in the world and has taken on the responsibility of fighting evil and protecting the innocent. He has a moral code that allows him to do anything he thinks will help solve a case or save a life. That includes killing if he has to.
Jemdanee is 18 year old half cast girl who grew up on the streets of India. Her mother was Indian and her father a British Officer. She is pragmatic about life and how to survive in a world that consists of all the ills that befall the poor and homeless in her country. She is an expert in the secrets of the natural world, meaning plants, medicines and poisons. She is also a dreamer who sees nothing but good in Ridley, who has gotten her out of a London jail where she is accused of killing British citizens by poison.
Ridley helps Jemdanee out of jail so she can help him identify the poison that has killed two members of High Society. He has never met anyone like her. She is young, beautiful and full of life. All he sees in the world he grew up in is death and destruction. He doesn't want to like her and especially does not want to desire her. She is unlike anyone he has ever met and she is getting through his defenses to the heart of why he is who he is. He just wants her help in solving the murders than he will send her back where she came from with enough money to last a lifetime.
This book is unlike a typical Historical Romance.....it will be a continuing story that will evolve over a number of books. I am a dedicated Historical Romance reader who reads nothing but Historical Romance because I have to have HAE's. I do not read Contemporary or any kind of Paranormal romance. If you read this book be aware that it will not have a HAE. There are very few authors that I will read in this kind of format. Delilah happens to be one of them. Her writing is enthralling, her characters are exceptional and you will be captivated by the journey she takes you and them on. I give this book 6 stars and recommend this book to anyone who loves a book that touches your heart and exercises your brain.
Received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
Evan Oswald Ridley is a complicated character that has so many layers that it will take more than one book to understand him and his motivations. He is a hero who thinks he is in league with the devil. He sees nothing good in the world and has taken on the responsibility of fighting evil and protecting the innocent. He has a moral code that allows him to do anything he thinks will help solve a case or save a life. That includes killing if he has to.
Jemdanee is 18 year old half cast girl who grew up on the streets of India. Her mother was Indian and her father a British Officer. She is pragmatic about life and how to survive in a world that consists of all the ills that befall the poor and homeless in her country. She is an expert in the secrets of the natural world, meaning plants, medicines and poisons. She is also a dreamer who sees nothing but good in Ridley, who has gotten her out of a London jail where she is accused of killing British citizens by poison.
Ridley helps Jemdanee out of jail so she can help him identify the poison that has killed two members of High Society. He has never met anyone like her. She is young, beautiful and full of life. All he sees in the world he grew up in is death and destruction. He doesn't want to like her and especially does not want to desire her. She is unlike anyone he has ever met and she is getting through his defenses to the heart of why he is who he is. He just wants her help in solving the murders than he will send her back where she came from with enough money to last a lifetime.
This book is unlike a typical Historical Romance.....it will be a continuing story that will evolve over a number of books. I am a dedicated Historical Romance reader who reads nothing but Historical Romance because I have to have HAE's. I do not read Contemporary or any kind of Paranormal romance. If you read this book be aware that it will not have a HAE. There are very few authors that I will read in this kind of format. Delilah happens to be one of them. Her writing is enthralling, her characters are exceptional and you will be captivated by the journey she takes you and them on. I give this book 6 stars and recommend this book to anyone who loves a book that touches your heart and exercises your brain.
Received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
March 2, 2017
*I want to Thank Mrs.Marvelle for a free book in exchange for my HONEST Opinion.
It's been a while since I read a 5 star book. This one is it for me. I HATE cliffhangers/series but this book/books are going to be worth it, I can feel it. I love Delilah Marvelle writting style. This book is a Historical Romance but it also so much more. I dying for the next book. I can't wait to see what Jemdanee "Kumar" will do or how she will make him crawl. I started this book this afternoon and read straight though to 3am....So worth it.
It's been a while since I read a 5 star book. This one is it for me. I HATE cliffhangers/series but this book/books are going to be worth it, I can feel it. I love Delilah Marvelle writting style. This book is a Historical Romance but it also so much more. I dying for the next book. I can't wait to see what Jemdanee "Kumar" will do or how she will make him crawl. I started this book this afternoon and read straight though to 3am....So worth it.
March 24, 2017
When Jemdanee makes the trip from India to London, on her guardians request, to maybe, just maybe, be able to continue her education, she didn´t expect to find herself in the middle of havoc.
But as a foreigner she´s very easy to blame.
As luck will have it Mr Ridley can help. But will Jemdanee be able to accept his help?
And how will this end?
First in a trilogy, historical romance/suspense and fluff in a great combo.
Can´t wait to see more from this couple!
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
But as a foreigner she´s very easy to blame.
As luck will have it Mr Ridley can help. But will Jemdanee be able to accept his help?
And how will this end?
First in a trilogy, historical romance/suspense and fluff in a great combo.
Can´t wait to see more from this couple!
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2017
4.5 stars. "Mr. Ridley" is the story of Jemdanee, a young woman who knows what she wants. Originally from India, she finds herself in danger and arrested in England and teams up with our titular character, Mr. Ridley. Neither one is prepared for the other and what they'll bring into each other lives. Filled with rich characters, romance, and deep, dark secrets, this is a thoroughly exciting opening to a new trilogy! There is so much to love about this book!
The characters really make this book. Jemdanee is a great character. She is smart, witty, and resourceful. Even with all of Ridley's darkness, she never seems to lose her cheer or her quick retorts. I was also very interested in her biology expertise. Especially for the time - she is very much ahead of her time. Her work was so fascinating! Ridley is a complete puzzle. As the story unfolds, we find that he keeps a lot hidden. His father was brutally murdered when Ridley was young. This changes his whole trajectory and acts as a massive shadow that Ridley can never quite seem to get out from under. I loved the way that we find out about everything both of these characters have been through. As their relationship together blooms, we see how they got to where they are. The author has a gift for giving you just enough detail to keep you reading for a few pages before dropping another hint that keeps you reading a bit more to try to figure these characters out.
The chemistry between Jemdanee and Ridley is amazing! Although Jemdanee seems drawn to or at least intrigued by Ridley in the very beginning, the chemistry soon unfolds into something really special. The romance in this book is so good and ridiculously hot! The anticipation builds throughout the book and the action feels realistic!
I love a good historical romance but I like when there is real historical detail in the book as well! This book definitely has that. I especially liked the glimpse of Scotland Yard that you get in this book. The author does a really good job of world building and showing us what the characters' world is like! There is a lot of really rich detail and the research that must have gone into this book is clear.
Now the only problem that I have with this trilogy is the decision of whether to read the second book right away when the third book won't be out for awhile yet or to wait until the third book comes out so that I can finish Ridley and Jemdanee's story in one fell swoop. Decisions, decisions!
The characters really make this book. Jemdanee is a great character. She is smart, witty, and resourceful. Even with all of Ridley's darkness, she never seems to lose her cheer or her quick retorts. I was also very interested in her biology expertise. Especially for the time - she is very much ahead of her time. Her work was so fascinating! Ridley is a complete puzzle. As the story unfolds, we find that he keeps a lot hidden. His father was brutally murdered when Ridley was young. This changes his whole trajectory and acts as a massive shadow that Ridley can never quite seem to get out from under. I loved the way that we find out about everything both of these characters have been through. As their relationship together blooms, we see how they got to where they are. The author has a gift for giving you just enough detail to keep you reading for a few pages before dropping another hint that keeps you reading a bit more to try to figure these characters out.
The chemistry between Jemdanee and Ridley is amazing! Although Jemdanee seems drawn to or at least intrigued by Ridley in the very beginning, the chemistry soon unfolds into something really special. The romance in this book is so good and ridiculously hot! The anticipation builds throughout the book and the action feels realistic!
I love a good historical romance but I like when there is real historical detail in the book as well! This book definitely has that. I especially liked the glimpse of Scotland Yard that you get in this book. The author does a really good job of world building and showing us what the characters' world is like! There is a lot of really rich detail and the research that must have gone into this book is clear.
Now the only problem that I have with this trilogy is the decision of whether to read the second book right away when the third book won't be out for awhile yet or to wait until the third book comes out so that I can finish Ridley and Jemdanee's story in one fell swoop. Decisions, decisions!
January 29, 2019
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
March 5, 2017
Arresting quotes in Mr. Ridley by Delilah Marvelle
Don’t lecture me. I’ve seen too much of life and I am what I am because I am.
Few will ever point out their own flaws, but I will be the first to admit I carry the greatest one of all. I deny myself nothing and regret everything.”
In real life, sometimes the chance of amounting to anything in a world that offers nothing is contingent on believing in something.
There is only one god and one master of this universe we need to fear and his rightful name is death.
For one didn’t crawl into the minds of criminals and leave unaffected. Their grime continued to smear itself into his brain like mold spreading over aged cheese looking for blood.
She was all she had and all she would ever have in a world that tried to take everything.
No woman can believe she is loved without feeling it.
******
It’s my pleasure to learn something from a book. Author Delilah Marvelle spent over 100 hours of research to write this book. If you’d love to hear about her research and some of the backstory of how she approached the story and in her own voice, listen to her video where she discusses the book and characters. It is riveting, much like the book.
I appreciated the glossary of terms at the beginning of the read. Some are Hindi words, some French and a few in English, providing names of torture mechanisms. Marvelle also includes some information about the two historically real characters, Eugene François Vidocq and Mrs. Theresa ‘Elizabeth’ Berkley.
Mr. Ridley has a very dark side of him, which he cowers from by chewing coca leaves with another ingredient. He’s able to push his past aside, to focus on the here and now. His mission in life? To rescue those who are falsely maligned and accused of crimes, getting great satisfaction in putting them back together, as it were. He enjoys inflicting pain on the perpetrator and (his dark secret) pain to those he would love. He’d feel bad about that, that is, if he had a heart. Which he definitely knows left him long ago. He is also incredibly crass and vulgar. That being said, as the story develops I could see chinks in his armor, and while speaking very roughly, he would do something else to soften my heart and my judgement of his character.
Jemdanee. a Hindu who lives in India, but comes to England to expose her botanical skill, looks for the light of a situation and the good of people. Her soul loves nothing more than the beauty of nature, even though her past is seeped in misery. Now, a girl of nineteen, she is beyond her physical age many times over. Her past in India, prepared her for the events in this story and her relationship with Mr. Ridley. Where Mr. Ridley is dark in nature, hers is the opposite, a seeming balance to Mr. Ridley's darkness.
Jemdanee is rather funny in her approach to life, very talkative and really polite. Her education in phytology and Hindi religious upbringing is not only intriguing to me, but plays a great role in the entertaining aspect of the read. There is such a cute scene where Jemdanee finds herself in rather close proximity to the lower half of Mr. Ridley. It is when he wishes to remove her chains (she’d been falsely accused and jailed).
Excerpt:
”Hold still.” Gritting his teeth, he turned the key in the padlock bolting her confined wrists together.
With a clank, it unhinged.
Setting the lock aside onto the desk with a clack, he quickly rose and, standing before her, slid her hands out of the iron, unraveling the long chain. “Lean forward.”
She did so and...paused. Her face now hovered near the flap of his trousers that had been uncovered by his open great coat. The textile fabric was form-fitted against a dormant but sill very sizable indentation of that male fertilizing organ consisting of a different sort of pollen.
...She leaned far back.
Ridley jerked her back toward himself. “Ey. I need you to hold still.”
“Your stamen.”
“My what?”
She scrunched her nose, realizing she had used a botanical term for his lower half. “Your reproductive organ. You keep wagging it in my face.”
He rolled his eyes. “Pardon the wagging, but every man has one. Or did you plants never tell you that?”
*****
This type of repartee is delightful which continues through the story. For all her youth, Jemdanee very accurately takes Mr. Ridley’s number, but falls in love with him with all his complicated and morose look at life.
I’m sure you will enjoy the richly flawed characters, and the desperate conditions each of the protagonists must endure to grow beyond who they are. This series will be a memorable one, I'm sure!
Don’t lecture me. I’ve seen too much of life and I am what I am because I am.
Few will ever point out their own flaws, but I will be the first to admit I carry the greatest one of all. I deny myself nothing and regret everything.”
In real life, sometimes the chance of amounting to anything in a world that offers nothing is contingent on believing in something.
There is only one god and one master of this universe we need to fear and his rightful name is death.
For one didn’t crawl into the minds of criminals and leave unaffected. Their grime continued to smear itself into his brain like mold spreading over aged cheese looking for blood.
She was all she had and all she would ever have in a world that tried to take everything.
No woman can believe she is loved without feeling it.
******
It’s my pleasure to learn something from a book. Author Delilah Marvelle spent over 100 hours of research to write this book. If you’d love to hear about her research and some of the backstory of how she approached the story and in her own voice, listen to her video where she discusses the book and characters. It is riveting, much like the book.
I appreciated the glossary of terms at the beginning of the read. Some are Hindi words, some French and a few in English, providing names of torture mechanisms. Marvelle also includes some information about the two historically real characters, Eugene François Vidocq and Mrs. Theresa ‘Elizabeth’ Berkley.
Mr. Ridley has a very dark side of him, which he cowers from by chewing coca leaves with another ingredient. He’s able to push his past aside, to focus on the here and now. His mission in life? To rescue those who are falsely maligned and accused of crimes, getting great satisfaction in putting them back together, as it were. He enjoys inflicting pain on the perpetrator and (his dark secret) pain to those he would love. He’d feel bad about that, that is, if he had a heart. Which he definitely knows left him long ago. He is also incredibly crass and vulgar. That being said, as the story develops I could see chinks in his armor, and while speaking very roughly, he would do something else to soften my heart and my judgement of his character.
Jemdanee. a Hindu who lives in India, but comes to England to expose her botanical skill, looks for the light of a situation and the good of people. Her soul loves nothing more than the beauty of nature, even though her past is seeped in misery. Now, a girl of nineteen, she is beyond her physical age many times over. Her past in India, prepared her for the events in this story and her relationship with Mr. Ridley. Where Mr. Ridley is dark in nature, hers is the opposite, a seeming balance to Mr. Ridley's darkness.
Jemdanee is rather funny in her approach to life, very talkative and really polite. Her education in phytology and Hindi religious upbringing is not only intriguing to me, but plays a great role in the entertaining aspect of the read. There is such a cute scene where Jemdanee finds herself in rather close proximity to the lower half of Mr. Ridley. It is when he wishes to remove her chains (she’d been falsely accused and jailed).
Excerpt:
”Hold still.” Gritting his teeth, he turned the key in the padlock bolting her confined wrists together.
With a clank, it unhinged.
Setting the lock aside onto the desk with a clack, he quickly rose and, standing before her, slid her hands out of the iron, unraveling the long chain. “Lean forward.”
She did so and...paused. Her face now hovered near the flap of his trousers that had been uncovered by his open great coat. The textile fabric was form-fitted against a dormant but sill very sizable indentation of that male fertilizing organ consisting of a different sort of pollen.
...She leaned far back.
Ridley jerked her back toward himself. “Ey. I need you to hold still.”
“Your stamen.”
“My what?”
She scrunched her nose, realizing she had used a botanical term for his lower half. “Your reproductive organ. You keep wagging it in my face.”
He rolled his eyes. “Pardon the wagging, but every man has one. Or did you plants never tell you that?”
*****
This type of repartee is delightful which continues through the story. For all her youth, Jemdanee very accurately takes Mr. Ridley’s number, but falls in love with him with all his complicated and morose look at life.
I’m sure you will enjoy the richly flawed characters, and the desperate conditions each of the protagonists must endure to grow beyond who they are. This series will be a memorable one, I'm sure!
March 9, 2017
Wow! I don't know when I've read a story with such a dark, damaged hero. Mr Ridley lives in the darkness investigating the worst of the worst, solving crimes that Scotland Yard can't or don't care enough to solve. Working in that kind of environment encourages the demons in him. He feels those demons with coca leaves and limestone to get the jolt he needs to keep going.
Into this darkness comes 18 year old Jemdanee Kumar straight from India. Walking down the street, she is separated from her guardian and tossed into prison - which is where Ridley finds her. While he has let his past drag him farther into darkness, she has been able to rise about her past pain and live in the light. No matter how much he tries to fight it, there is a connection between them that she will not let go.
This is the first of 3 books about this couple. This one focusing on Mr Ridley. It does not have a Happily Ever After but it does have a sliver of hope for a happy ending eventually. Delilah Marvelle has outdone herself with this first book in the series. If you are looking for a sweet, happy story, this isn't the book for you. Mr Ridley is brilliant but he can be cruel and he has secrets that are yet to be totally revealed. To paraphrase the famous quote, Mr Ridley is "a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma" and only Jemdanee holds the key.
Into this darkness comes 18 year old Jemdanee Kumar straight from India. Walking down the street, she is separated from her guardian and tossed into prison - which is where Ridley finds her. While he has let his past drag him farther into darkness, she has been able to rise about her past pain and live in the light. No matter how much he tries to fight it, there is a connection between them that she will not let go.
This is the first of 3 books about this couple. This one focusing on Mr Ridley. It does not have a Happily Ever After but it does have a sliver of hope for a happy ending eventually. Delilah Marvelle has outdone herself with this first book in the series. If you are looking for a sweet, happy story, this isn't the book for you. Mr Ridley is brilliant but he can be cruel and he has secrets that are yet to be totally revealed. To paraphrase the famous quote, Mr Ridley is "a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma" and only Jemdanee holds the key.
January 5, 2020
Mr. Ridley is a unique title that is perfect for those that like darkness in their romance. The sexual tension and chemistry between Ridley and Jemdanee is amazing and just continues to build throughout the story. I enjoyed that Jemdanee is not your typical historical romance heroine but is instead half Indian and had a hard scramble childhood prior to her British doctor benefactor taking her into his home. Ridley reminds me in some ways of a dark version of Sherlock Holmes if he had been featured in a romance. Jemdanee's ability to see the bright side of life despite her past is the perfect foil and balance to Ridley's darkness and outlook on life; the two balance each other perfectly. I'm excited for the next 2 books featuring this couple (especially the next title which will feature India as the setting) and appreciate the author's decision to expand the story for this couple beyond the traditional 300-350 pages by writing three stories to create the feel of a saga like historical romance titles used to be years ago. This decision will provide a wonderful chance to see both characters grow and to have their relationship mature in a way seldom seen in historical titles anymore. This is a serial, but didn't end on a cliff hanger like so many titles do these days.
February 26, 2017
I'm delighted that Delilah Marvelle has started a new historical romance series! She hinted about the whipping society in her School of Gallantry series and it's finally here!
With all of Delilah's novels, there's always twists. Our heroine is a bright, beautiful Indian lady arrested in London for a crime she didn't commit. Our hero is the only one who has the power to save her but of course it is really she who is saving him. The story is layered with historical information so you feel like you have stepped back in time.
This book is a little different from the traditional historical romance novel in the sense that the couple's story is not wrapped up at the end of this book. There will be a total of three books with the plan to publish them every two months. I can't wait to read their happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I honestly love the book!
With all of Delilah's novels, there's always twists. Our heroine is a bright, beautiful Indian lady arrested in London for a crime she didn't commit. Our hero is the only one who has the power to save her but of course it is really she who is saving him. The story is layered with historical information so you feel like you have stepped back in time.
This book is a little different from the traditional historical romance novel in the sense that the couple's story is not wrapped up at the end of this book. There will be a total of three books with the plan to publish them every two months. I can't wait to read their happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I honestly love the book!
December 22, 2018
Mr. Ridley is the first book in The Whipping Society Saga. It’s a provocative romance story that begins in this first book but extends to books two & three. Hence, the Saga.
The author, Delilah Marvelle, has left a message on Goodreads that gives us readers an explanation about her series. She writes, “My dearest readers, I am about to do something crazy and it is my hope that you embrace my madness.
Unlike most historical romances where the Hero & Heroine’s love story fits into one book, this first book in The Whipping Society series is the beginning of three full length books, following the saga of a couple through the rise and fall and storms of their relationship.
This is a much bigger love story. It’s still a historical romance, simply done on a three book scale. Each book brings them closer to the people they must become to embrace what awaits them: true love.”
Prologue: London, England - 1810
Chapter One: London, England - July 1830
Evan Oswald Ridley’s life has been steeped in darkness since the night of his father’s gruesome murder, twenty years earlier. He works as a private investigator with Scotland Yard which puts him up close and on the scene of violent crimes. He has a unique sense of justice. Ridley is a tormented Hero. Dark. Suicidal at times. No wonder the author needs more than one book to unravel this fascinating man :)
Jemdanee Lillian Watkins is the illegitimate daughter of an Indian mother and a British father. She was eight when her mother disappeared forcing her to live on the streets of Calcutta. After a month, Jemdanee is found and taken in by Dr Peter Watkins, and he becomes her guardian. Peter helps Jemdanee become an expert in medicinal biology. She has the intricate understandings the secrets of plants, medicines, and poisons. They are on a trip together to London from India when they are arrested and therefore fall into the path of Ridley. Jemdanee is a bit of a dreamer and sees nothing but good in thirty-two year old Ridley. She is a mature, smart girl of eighteen that faces life with a smile.
I enjoyed their verbal thrusts and parries. I felt their attraction to each other. Their chemistry was sensual and foreboding.
I liked the two page glossary of terms explaining the the Hindi and French words used throughout the book.
Also, research about historical figures on which characters are based is also insightful reading. A man considered to be the father of modern criminology is Vidocq. He is regarded as being the first private detective in history. After leading a life of crime, he converted his acquired skills as a delinquent to assist police in capturing men like himself. And, Mrs Berkley, who died in 1836 (yet her year of birth and age are unknown) was a British dominatrix who owned a high-class flagellation brothel. She earned a fortune from designing contraptions for those who derived pleasure from pain.
I highly recommend this book. I will be reading the remaining books in The Whipping Society Saga that continue Ridley and Jemdanee’s love story.
The author, Delilah Marvelle, has left a message on Goodreads that gives us readers an explanation about her series. She writes, “My dearest readers, I am about to do something crazy and it is my hope that you embrace my madness.
Unlike most historical romances where the Hero & Heroine’s love story fits into one book, this first book in The Whipping Society series is the beginning of three full length books, following the saga of a couple through the rise and fall and storms of their relationship.
This is a much bigger love story. It’s still a historical romance, simply done on a three book scale. Each book brings them closer to the people they must become to embrace what awaits them: true love.”
Prologue: London, England - 1810
Chapter One: London, England - July 1830
Evan Oswald Ridley’s life has been steeped in darkness since the night of his father’s gruesome murder, twenty years earlier. He works as a private investigator with Scotland Yard which puts him up close and on the scene of violent crimes. He has a unique sense of justice. Ridley is a tormented Hero. Dark. Suicidal at times. No wonder the author needs more than one book to unravel this fascinating man :)
Jemdanee Lillian Watkins is the illegitimate daughter of an Indian mother and a British father. She was eight when her mother disappeared forcing her to live on the streets of Calcutta. After a month, Jemdanee is found and taken in by Dr Peter Watkins, and he becomes her guardian. Peter helps Jemdanee become an expert in medicinal biology. She has the intricate understandings the secrets of plants, medicines, and poisons. They are on a trip together to London from India when they are arrested and therefore fall into the path of Ridley. Jemdanee is a bit of a dreamer and sees nothing but good in thirty-two year old Ridley. She is a mature, smart girl of eighteen that faces life with a smile.
I enjoyed their verbal thrusts and parries. I felt their attraction to each other. Their chemistry was sensual and foreboding.
I liked the two page glossary of terms explaining the the Hindi and French words used throughout the book.
Also, research about historical figures on which characters are based is also insightful reading. A man considered to be the father of modern criminology is Vidocq. He is regarded as being the first private detective in history. After leading a life of crime, he converted his acquired skills as a delinquent to assist police in capturing men like himself. And, Mrs Berkley, who died in 1836 (yet her year of birth and age are unknown) was a British dominatrix who owned a high-class flagellation brothel. She earned a fortune from designing contraptions for those who derived pleasure from pain.
I highly recommend this book. I will be reading the remaining books in The Whipping Society Saga that continue Ridley and Jemdanee’s love story.
July 23, 2020
Mr. Ridley is an arse. And I will prove it to you with a simple quote, almost at the end of the book:
"She would get that.
Whether she married another or not.
Whether she loved another or not.
They were bound and he would rip down every wall to ensure she knew it. Like she had first wanted.
Regardless of what that letter said, he wasn’t letting her go."
For someone who kept preaching to her that she was too young and needed to be free, he surely changes his mind quickly the moment she (wisely) decides to finally leave him.
But no, because he has thirty-two books on India and he is thirty-two, he decides it must be a SIGN and "protecting her and seizing her for his own was his right. His. Right." I kid you not.
So no. While Jemdanee was absolutely charming and delightfully smart (I really loved her), the agressive, pretentious and overdramatic arsehole named Ridley did kinda kill the vibe for me.
"She would get that.
Whether she married another or not.
Whether she loved another or not.
They were bound and he would rip down every wall to ensure she knew it. Like she had first wanted.
Regardless of what that letter said, he wasn’t letting her go."
For someone who kept preaching to her that she was too young and needed to be free, he surely changes his mind quickly the moment she (wisely) decides to finally leave him.
But no, because he has thirty-two books on India and he is thirty-two, he decides it must be a SIGN and "protecting her and seizing her for his own was his right. His. Right." I kid you not.
So no. While Jemdanee was absolutely charming and delightfully smart (I really loved her), the agressive, pretentious and overdramatic arsehole named Ridley did kinda kill the vibe for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2018
It's Odd
It tries very hard to have depth, but the lack of actual physical contact is boring after 200 pages. Masturbating in different rooms has a very 1980's Elvira movie feel to it.
It also makes little sense. The guy is trying to kill himself, but then wakes up and thinks himself in love, as if he had some epiphany brought on by a botched suicide, but it isn't true. He knew before he took the drugs. His character is incongruent. He is selfish, but not selfish, self sacrificing and at the same time he wants everything his own way.
She is cowed by him and begging for scraps that he jealously guards. Its quite degrading. He takes perverse pleasure in it, because he makes her suffer his constant withdrawal of affection throughout the entire book, which is like a carrot on a stick for her. She leaves only after the man is half dead. WTF. It makes no sense.
It tries very hard to have depth, but the lack of actual physical contact is boring after 200 pages. Masturbating in different rooms has a very 1980's Elvira movie feel to it.
It also makes little sense. The guy is trying to kill himself, but then wakes up and thinks himself in love, as if he had some epiphany brought on by a botched suicide, but it isn't true. He knew before he took the drugs. His character is incongruent. He is selfish, but not selfish, self sacrificing and at the same time he wants everything his own way.
She is cowed by him and begging for scraps that he jealously guards. Its quite degrading. He takes perverse pleasure in it, because he makes her suffer his constant withdrawal of affection throughout the entire book, which is like a carrot on a stick for her. She leaves only after the man is half dead. WTF. It makes no sense.
March 21, 2017
Upon arrival in London, Jemdanee is arrested and thrown into prison. Days later she is rescued by the mysterious Mr. Ridley. He wants her help in solving a case. He takes her back to his place to clean up and rest before visiting the crime scene. Of course, living in the same place, they can't help but interact.
Ridley is a tortured soul, so even though he is very attracted to Jemdanee, he is not going to inflict his personality on someone so young. Jemdanee can't understand this, and feels like it has to do with her heritage, being Indian. They go on to solve the case, but Ridley's tortured soul gets in the way of thier relationship. Jemdanee ends up going back to India. Can Ridley get his act together to win Jemdanee's love?
I really liked this story. Even though Marvelle has written the story in a 3 part book series, you still have a full story to enjoy, we just have to wait a little while for their HEA! I can't wait for the next installment in Ridley and Jemdanee's story, The Devil is French, which comes out in April.
Ridley is a tortured soul, so even though he is very attracted to Jemdanee, he is not going to inflict his personality on someone so young. Jemdanee can't understand this, and feels like it has to do with her heritage, being Indian. They go on to solve the case, but Ridley's tortured soul gets in the way of thier relationship. Jemdanee ends up going back to India. Can Ridley get his act together to win Jemdanee's love?
I really liked this story. Even though Marvelle has written the story in a 3 part book series, you still have a full story to enjoy, we just have to wait a little while for their HEA! I can't wait for the next installment in Ridley and Jemdanee's story, The Devil is French, which comes out in April.
June 17, 2017
As expected, Delilah does not disappoint when it comes to story and character development. This story lets readers get to know Jemdanee and Ridley as a set up for follow up stories. Both characters are full of flaws, sweet moments and annoying tendencies but that's what makes them so human! I loved the set up in this book and can't wait to see where these characters go!
April 3, 2021
Brilliant beyond words
What an amazing tit for tat in story telling perfection. I stayed up way too many nights. I found no lulls to justify a stopping point. This style of writing with dialogue that is deep and touching with inspiration is my favorite. I’m so thankful the book was recommended by the author, I only wish I had read back then in 2017!
What an amazing tit for tat in story telling perfection. I stayed up way too many nights. I found no lulls to justify a stopping point. This style of writing with dialogue that is deep and touching with inspiration is my favorite. I’m so thankful the book was recommended by the author, I only wish I had read back then in 2017!
February 19, 2021
Clearly our author is very well read and her writing style reflects it. And I liked that it was out-of-the-box story and characters. However I think I needed more warming up from the heroine. Read it and let me know what you think!
Want to Read
August 4, 20198/3/19 - free on Kindle
March 20, 2017
Review coming soon
March 19, 2017
This is part 1 to a part 3 series . As each book the Delightful Delilia releases it gets better and better . She always outdone herself . No exceptions to this one . But be warned this book is not for the squeamish or faint of heart . There are some parts that show the below the surface of human nature . This is a true love story even though the cultures and the prejudices are there . Hero is Mr Ridley. Heroine is Jasmadeen . This story takes place in London during 1830. Dr Peter who brought Jasmadeen to England told her he will meet her at a hotel ... Jasmadeen didn't know how to get there do she goes into the police station to ask for directions. The police man takes one look at her and throws her in Jail . That is where she meet Mr Ridley, who is looking to get her charges dropped. The thing about Mr Ridley is that Scotland Yard wants him , when he decides on a case he doesn't leave a stone unturned.
Mr Ridley has an idea why Jasmadeen is in jail . He needs her expertise on plants , Mr Ridley gives her a timeline, Jasmadeen tells him that impossible.
Mr Ridley gets her out of jail .... but she needs to dress like a guy . That is the only way they will stop from others detecting her .
Underneath Mr Ridley normal face that he shows the world in England , there is a face that likes Ropes , ties, and tape . ...
The good doctor is hiding something that he resents Mr Ridley from showing London . There is something that Mr Ridley did that scared Jasmadeen from leaving her love of Mr Ridley. Grab it and see ... the story will hook you right in . Also book 2 is up for Preorder... grab them both
Mr Ridley has an idea why Jasmadeen is in jail . He needs her expertise on plants , Mr Ridley gives her a timeline, Jasmadeen tells him that impossible.
Mr Ridley gets her out of jail .... but she needs to dress like a guy . That is the only way they will stop from others detecting her .
Underneath Mr Ridley normal face that he shows the world in England , there is a face that likes Ropes , ties, and tape . ...
The good doctor is hiding something that he resents Mr Ridley from showing London . There is something that Mr Ridley did that scared Jasmadeen from leaving her love of Mr Ridley. Grab it and see ... the story will hook you right in . Also book 2 is up for Preorder... grab them both
March 16, 2017
Excellent start to a new series. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved Mr. Ridley, such and interesting character and an all-around entertaining read. I loved it and am looking forward to more in the series.
March 5, 2017
This is part 1 to a part 3 series . As each book the Delightful Delilia releases it gets better and better . She always outdone herself . No exceptions to this one . But be warned this book is not for the squeamish or faint of heart . There are some parts that show the below the surface of human nature . This is a true love story even though the cultures and the prejudices are there . Hero is Mr Ridley. Heroine is Jasmadeen . This story takes place in London during 1830. Dr Peter who brought Jasmadeen to England told her he will meet her at a hotel ... Jasmadeen didn't know how to get there do she goes into the police station to ask for directions. The police man takes one look at her and throws her in Jail . That is where she meet Mr Ridley, who is looking to get her charges dropped. The thing about Mr Ridley is that Scotland Yard wants him , when he decides on a case he doesn't leave a stone unturned.
Mr Ridley has an idea why Jasmadeen is in jail . He needs her expertise on plants , Mr Ridley gives her a timeline, Jasmadeen tells him that impossible.
Mr Ridley gets her out of jail .... but she needs to dress like a guy . That is the only way they will stop from others detecting her .
Underneath Mr Ridley normal face that he shows the world in England , there is a face that likes Ropes , ties, and tape . ...
The good doctor is hiding something that he resents Mr Ridley from showing London . There is something that Mr Ridley did that scared Jasmadeen from leaving her love of Mr Ridley. Grab it and see ... the story will hook you right in . Also book 2 is up for Preorder... grab them both
Mr Ridley has an idea why Jasmadeen is in jail . He needs her expertise on plants , Mr Ridley gives her a timeline, Jasmadeen tells him that impossible.
Mr Ridley gets her out of jail .... but she needs to dress like a guy . That is the only way they will stop from others detecting her .
Underneath Mr Ridley normal face that he shows the world in England , there is a face that likes Ropes , ties, and tape . ...
The good doctor is hiding something that he resents Mr Ridley from showing London . There is something that Mr Ridley did that scared Jasmadeen from leaving her love of Mr Ridley. Grab it and see ... the story will hook you right in . Also book 2 is up for Preorder... grab them both
March 16, 2017
Intriguing
A little slow to start but once it got going i really got into it. Note i can't wait for the next one because i want to know how hard she makes him beg!!!
A little slow to start but once it got going i really got into it. Note i can't wait for the next one because i want to know how hard she makes him beg!!!
March 6, 2017
Kind of reminded me of Sherlock but with more romance. Highly enjoyed and really looking forward to future books.
February 28, 2017
Here is wonderfully different historical from Ms Marvelle. Mr Ridley is an unusual young man, he's dark and seem to be in complete control his emotions, his immediate task is to secretly release a young Indian lady being charged for a crime she didn't commit. Through out the story we learn more about Ridley and the walls built around his heart, and Jemdanee who becomes more determined to break through those walls and save him.
The story doesn't end here it's only the beginning, but it's certainly got me hooked. So I'm desperately awaiting for book 2. This is going to be a great series!
The story doesn't end here it's only the beginning, but it's certainly got me hooked. So I'm desperately awaiting for book 2. This is going to be a great series!
February 25, 2017
Oh my gosh, I can't tell you how awesome this story is. Yes, it is very dark and morbid but it is oh so romantic. I just love the way Jemdanee is able to unlock every one of those "taalas" (locks) on Ridley's heart. I actually felt a little bit sorry for him but she just bulldozes her way through with her positivity and open heart. I'm not going to let loose any spoilers on this review so just pre-order or one-click this fantastic historical darkly romantic story now! I just can't wait for book 2 to come out.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the author for voluntary review consideration.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the author for voluntary review consideration.
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