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Бившият годеник
Лейди Ема Бомон е възмутена. Най-неочаквано се оказва, че лорд Алисдеър Чейс, човекът, който я е изоставил току пред брачния олтар, е новият й настойник. Тя решава да се опълчи срещу безскрупулния разбивач на дамски сърца. И вместо да го моли за всяко пени — да си намери съпруг, а по възможност и привлекателен любовник. Но коварните й планове срещат неочакван отпор. А и тя скоро се отказва от тях. Защото лорд Алисдеър е майстор на чувствените изкушения…
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First published January 1, 1999
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393 people want to read
About the author
Jane Feather
170 books631 followersJane Feather (born Jane Robotham) is a popular British–American writer of historical romance novels. In 1984 she wrote five contemporary romances under the pseudonym Claudia Bishop. She is a New York Times-bestselling, award–winning writer, and has more than ten million romance novels in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 1, 2012
When I asked what this story was about….they told me:
Second chance of love. A heroine that leaves her fiancé at the altar because he had an illegitimate child and thei subsequent understanding and marriage later in life.
Hmmm…sounded intriguing.
I started reading and understood that the hero and heroine were very much in love and even sexually active during their engagement.
So what did I have a problem with?
On the wane : To decrease gradually in size, amount, intensity, or degree; decline.
This is the proper definition of that phrase. The hero tells me his sexual relationship with the mother of his child was at the time of his engagement ‘on the wane’.
This means there was cheating.
And I am asking….why was this not addressed?
How could he?
I can.,..maybe…somehow…understand why he did not tell his fiancé about Lucy, but to continue a liaison while having a sexual relationship with the woman you love? Some love.
OFF WITH HIS HEAD!
Also, as a final insult, at the end of the book I was kind of smacked in the face with the hero taking the heroine to meet his son, ex mistress and her husband. And I was having the reader’s eagle view of that whole scene and wondered…what does this solve? How does this stupid, silly, and almost cruel gesture make up for his lies, his infidelity?
I don’t know and I do not frankly care.
All in all aside for the bad execution, and my complete unbelief in the love of this hero, this book had so many loose ends, I could knit a pair of socks with them.
Second chance of love. A heroine that leaves her fiancé at the altar because he had an illegitimate child and thei subsequent understanding and marriage later in life.
Hmmm…sounded intriguing.
I started reading and understood that the hero and heroine were very much in love and even sexually active during their engagement.
So what did I have a problem with?
On the wane : To decrease gradually in size, amount, intensity, or degree; decline.
This is the proper definition of that phrase. The hero tells me his sexual relationship with the mother of his child was at the time of his engagement ‘on the wane’.
This means there was cheating.
And I am asking….why was this not addressed?
How could he?
I can.,..maybe…somehow…understand why he did not tell his fiancé about Lucy, but to continue a liaison while having a sexual relationship with the woman you love? Some love.
OFF WITH HIS HEAD!
Also, as a final insult, at the end of the book I was kind of smacked in the face with the hero taking the heroine to meet his son, ex mistress and her husband. And I was having the reader’s eagle view of that whole scene and wondered…what does this solve? How does this stupid, silly, and almost cruel gesture make up for his lies, his infidelity?
I don’t know and I do not frankly care.
All in all aside for the bad execution, and my complete unbelief in the love of this hero, this book had so many loose ends, I could knit a pair of socks with them.
May 24, 2015
He LOVES his future bride (the Heroine - during the engagement they have sex) but AT THE SAME TIME he fucks OTHER WOMAN and has a SON with her.
WTF.
WTF.
July 3, 2011
I have enjoyed Feather's books in the past, but I was truly disappointed with this one. Who was the real antagonist in this story? For me, it was the main male character in the story. I didn't buy into the heroine being considered unreasonable or irrational when what the main male character did was unforgivable. I basically couldn't stand him. Their problems were not the kind that could be fixed in one page, yet it was conveniently ignored and pushed aside for the sake of the HEA.
July 23, 2015
Quite possibly the worst book ever. Does not qualify as a romance, more of an unpleasant insight into the rubbish that regency women had to contend with. This book may be true to life, but not reading matter that I can enjoy and finish with a smile on my face and later re-read dozens of times, which is the whole point of a romance novel, at least for me. I can't wait to forget all about this book. The heroine was admirably strong and knew what she wanted, but disappointingly dwindled into a doormat. And I had such high hopes of her!There was no conversation to resolve matters at the end. Not quite sure how that visit to the mistress and child was supposed to help. The hero considers that his relationship with the mistress/mother of his child was too special and intimate to share with the heroine,(what was the author thinking?); however he is in love with the heroine at the same time? Is it really possible to be totally in love with a woman and love and care for her so much, but at the same time have "an intimate and special relationship" with someone else and have a baby with her? Not in my book.
Recommendation: Do not waste your time or money on this nonsense.
Recommendation: Do not waste your time or money on this nonsense.
November 29, 2018
Historical hypocrisy aside (acceptable behavior for H v h) this was just pretty awful. (Maybe it’s just me and my triggers, but I really didn’t like this book.)
The hero didn’t really grovel at all or, more importantly, explain his actions and the underlying issues he has that made him like this. It was only in the last 5% of the book that he let her in to a vital aspect of her life, the one that caused their break up to begin with. The heroine was simultaneously too shrewish and too accepting of his actions. An angry doormat, if you will.
Dinjolina was right, he totally cheated on her and never admitted or repented. I guess that’s acceptable for this genre...? Oh and btw, you know she’s not a virgin when they get back together, (they had sex before the wedding) and his relationship with the ow, was “on the wane” but still in effect. So presumably he was fucking them both at the same time. Truly disgusting.
I think the physical infidelity was almost as bad as his comparmentalization of the women in his life and his subsequent refusal to let in heroine in on something so “intimate” as his child. This is the woman he supposedly LOVED. WHO HE’S KNOWN SINCE CHILDHOOD. If not her, then who. Oh yeah, the other woman he impregnated.
All these together, made it hard to believe that he loved her. Lusted, yes. But not love. And certainly not respect. This book kind of put me off historicals for the near future.
The hero didn’t really grovel at all or, more importantly, explain his actions and the underlying issues he has that made him like this. It was only in the last 5% of the book that he let her in to a vital aspect of her life, the one that caused their break up to begin with. The heroine was simultaneously too shrewish and too accepting of his actions. An angry doormat, if you will.
Dinjolina was right, he totally cheated on her and never admitted or repented. I guess that’s acceptable for this genre...? Oh and btw, you know she’s not a virgin when they get back together, (they had sex before the wedding) and his relationship with the ow, was “on the wane” but still in effect. So presumably he was fucking them both at the same time. Truly disgusting.
I think the physical infidelity was almost as bad as his comparmentalization of the women in his life and his subsequent refusal to let in heroine in on something so “intimate” as his child. This is the woman he supposedly LOVED. WHO HE’S KNOWN SINCE CHILDHOOD. If not her, then who. Oh yeah, the other woman he impregnated.
All these together, made it hard to believe that he loved her. Lusted, yes. But not love. And certainly not respect. This book kind of put me off historicals for the near future.
February 1, 2025
3/5⭐️
Inicié la lectura de ésta novela el martes 28 de febrero a las 4 de la mañana. Y la recordaré porque a las 7 de la mañana tenía que hacerme análisis de sangre y me pedían despertarme tres horas antes porque así lo requerían tres de los análisis. Y para soportar estar despierta y en ayunas qué mejor que leyendo.
Es lo primero que leo de ésta autora y sin duda, lo seguiré haciendo. En honor al mes de febrero, lo escogí y, sin bien es cierto que la sinopsis no parece gran cosa, la trama en su interior me gustó bastante porque aquí nuestra protagonista ya no es virgen y hay un choque de amor-odio cargado de mucha pasión.
Boda en San Valentín se publicó en 1999 y está ambientada en Grantley Manor, Inglaterra, Diciembre de 1810 con bastantes escenas de cama.
Lady Emma Beaumont queda consternada cuando su antiguo amor, Lord Alasdair Chase, se convierte en el administrador de su fortuna. Ella le jura que tendrá un marido y un amante para el día de San Valentín, y él decide que no permitirá que ningún hombre más que él la ronde. Es una historia con un choque de personajes de carácteres fuertes que conduce al conflicto y la pasión en este romance histórico “de los de antes”.
Emma y Alasdair se conocen desde la infancia. Él siempre se había mantenido distante. Ya de niño, a veces se encerraba en sí mismo y se negaba a hablar con nadie, ni siquiera con Ned. De adultos, se enamoran el uno del otro y se comprometen. Ella descubre que él le ha ocultado una parte muy importante de su vida, que tiene vedados numerosos rincones de su corazón, que le ha ocultado secretos muy importantes como un hijo con una cantante de ópera. Por ello, Emma rompe el compromiso porque ella, es una mujer que necesita la claridad, la transparencia, la sinceridad, no soporta los secretos. No puede aceptar la idea de que alguien la engañara.
Dos años después, muere el hermano de Emma, Ned, a manos del enemigo en la guerra napoleónica. Había sido un espía de Wellington y, sin darse cuenta, enredó a Emma y Alasdair en una intriga que amenaza sus vidas. Ned ha dejado a Alasdair como encargado de su patrimonio, del que Emma es la única beneficiaria. En el transcurso del nuevo encuentro de ésta pareja, llegamos a ver que ninguno de los dos está libre de culpa y que ninguno de los dos cederá ante el otro.
Me gustó la intriga política con una breve escena de tortura, donde aparecen los hombres de la Guardia Montada que son interrogadores tan experimentados y desapasionados como los malos de la historia. Un interesante caso de burlador burlado.
¿Podrá Emma vivir con un hombre que oculta tantos secretos? Alguien para quien esconder información es algo natural. Un hombre que no admitepreguntas, que responde con despiadados sarcasmos a todo aquello que a su juicio reveste la más mínima intención de entrometimiento. ¿Soportaría vivir con alguien que tenía una vida privada que no compartía con nadie? Él decía que la amaba, y ella lo creía. Pero ¿la amaba lo suficiente para abrirse a ella? ¿Lograría Alasdair abrirse a alguien algún día?
Recomendado para este mes o para pasar el rato.
Inicié la lectura de ésta novela el martes 28 de febrero a las 4 de la mañana. Y la recordaré porque a las 7 de la mañana tenía que hacerme análisis de sangre y me pedían despertarme tres horas antes porque así lo requerían tres de los análisis. Y para soportar estar despierta y en ayunas qué mejor que leyendo.
Es lo primero que leo de ésta autora y sin duda, lo seguiré haciendo. En honor al mes de febrero, lo escogí y, sin bien es cierto que la sinopsis no parece gran cosa, la trama en su interior me gustó bastante porque aquí nuestra protagonista ya no es virgen y hay un choque de amor-odio cargado de mucha pasión.
Boda en San Valentín se publicó en 1999 y está ambientada en Grantley Manor, Inglaterra, Diciembre de 1810 con bastantes escenas de cama.
Lady Emma Beaumont queda consternada cuando su antiguo amor, Lord Alasdair Chase, se convierte en el administrador de su fortuna. Ella le jura que tendrá un marido y un amante para el día de San Valentín, y él decide que no permitirá que ningún hombre más que él la ronde. Es una historia con un choque de personajes de carácteres fuertes que conduce al conflicto y la pasión en este romance histórico “de los de antes”.
Emma y Alasdair se conocen desde la infancia. Él siempre se había mantenido distante. Ya de niño, a veces se encerraba en sí mismo y se negaba a hablar con nadie, ni siquiera con Ned. De adultos, se enamoran el uno del otro y se comprometen. Ella descubre que él le ha ocultado una parte muy importante de su vida, que tiene vedados numerosos rincones de su corazón, que le ha ocultado secretos muy importantes como un hijo con una cantante de ópera. Por ello, Emma rompe el compromiso porque ella, es una mujer que necesita la claridad, la transparencia, la sinceridad, no soporta los secretos. No puede aceptar la idea de que alguien la engañara.
Dos años después, muere el hermano de Emma, Ned, a manos del enemigo en la guerra napoleónica. Había sido un espía de Wellington y, sin darse cuenta, enredó a Emma y Alasdair en una intriga que amenaza sus vidas. Ned ha dejado a Alasdair como encargado de su patrimonio, del que Emma es la única beneficiaria. En el transcurso del nuevo encuentro de ésta pareja, llegamos a ver que ninguno de los dos está libre de culpa y que ninguno de los dos cederá ante el otro.
Me gustó la intriga política con una breve escena de tortura, donde aparecen los hombres de la Guardia Montada que son interrogadores tan experimentados y desapasionados como los malos de la historia. Un interesante caso de burlador burlado.
¿Podrá Emma vivir con un hombre que oculta tantos secretos? Alguien para quien esconder información es algo natural. Un hombre que no admitepreguntas, que responde con despiadados sarcasmos a todo aquello que a su juicio reveste la más mínima intención de entrometimiento. ¿Soportaría vivir con alguien que tenía una vida privada que no compartía con nadie? Él decía que la amaba, y ella lo creía. Pero ¿la amaba lo suficiente para abrirse a ella? ¿Lograría Alasdair abrirse a alguien algún día?
Recomendado para este mes o para pasar el rato.
June 5, 2011
I just read this novel. The first Jane Feather novel I read, but I don't think I like it. I have to try few other titles before I decide if I like her style or not.
As for the novel, it did not explore a lot of things it should have. There was very little things mentioned about their past. I felt I was thrust in the middle of the story. Slowly when it did become clear, I didn't like Alasdair. I felt he was too cold regarding his son. There were a lot of sides to him, but I felt it was not portrayed properly throughout the book. Emma was a good character, just not interesting enough. I only found their music and the way she connects to it endearing. Other than that everything about her was a little off course. I didn't really feel the book lived up to my expectations.
As for the novel, it did not explore a lot of things it should have. There was very little things mentioned about their past. I felt I was thrust in the middle of the story. Slowly when it did become clear, I didn't like Alasdair. I felt he was too cold regarding his son. There were a lot of sides to him, but I felt it was not portrayed properly throughout the book. Emma was a good character, just not interesting enough. I only found their music and the way she connects to it endearing. Other than that everything about her was a little off course. I didn't really feel the book lived up to my expectations.
June 28, 2024
Lady Emma Beaumont is dismayed when her former flame, Lord Alasdair Chase, becomes the trustee of her fortune. She swears to him that she’ll have a husband and a lover by Valentine’s Day, and he determines that it will be him. A clash of strong-willed characters leads to conflict and passion in this classic historical romance.
February 18, 2012
This was a very nice Valentine read. It is a story of a relationship that clashes and bangs like a thunderstorm in all it's fury. Emma and Alasdair has known each other since childhood, and she has loved him forever. As adults, they fall in love with each other, and they become engaged. She finds out he has kept a very significant part of his life from her: the fact that he has a child. I was quite prepared to take Emma's side in the matter and completely fault Alasdair. That is [spoilers removed].
Two years later, the story picks up with Emma's brother's death at the hands of the enemy in the Napoleonic war. He had been a spy for Wellington and inadvertently embroiled both Emma and Alasdair in a desperate intrigue that threatened their lives. Ned has left Alasdair as the trustee of his estate for which Emma is the sole beneficiary. In the course of the tumultuous pair's meeting again, we come to see that neither side is without fault, and neither side will cede to the other.
What I enjoyed the fact that the author gets us to see the point of view of each of the main characters in a way that we become sympathetic to both. At no time did I ever really believe that they wouldn't find their way to each other, but I was concerned that one would have to completely sacrifice for the other. There seemed to be no way to get past the ultimate blocks in their relationship, that of truly open sharing on his part, and trust on hers. There were some very intense sexual encounters between them and it was clear that the physical aspect of their relationship was magnificent. Their encounter at the masked ball was a bit shocking, especially given the historical context. *waves fan at self*
The secondary characters were interesting, especially Emma's companion Marie. Her chatter, and almost empty-headed insistence that men where superior cast just enough balance to Emma's emancipated views to be quite amusing. The villain, while a bit stereotypical, was not one dimensional.
Though the hidden child trope suggested infidelity, but I really don't think this is quite right. This issue was concealment of the fact, which gave the heroine the feeling of betrayal. As we all know, it is our feelings that end up being the deciding factor in matters of the heart, a mistake the hero paid dearly for. A good read, not quite a four, but close enough.
Two years later, the story picks up with Emma's brother's death at the hands of the enemy in the Napoleonic war. He had been a spy for Wellington and inadvertently embroiled both Emma and Alasdair in a desperate intrigue that threatened their lives. Ned has left Alasdair as the trustee of his estate for which Emma is the sole beneficiary. In the course of the tumultuous pair's meeting again, we come to see that neither side is without fault, and neither side will cede to the other.
What I enjoyed the fact that the author gets us to see the point of view of each of the main characters in a way that we become sympathetic to both. At no time did I ever really believe that they wouldn't find their way to each other, but I was concerned that one would have to completely sacrifice for the other. There seemed to be no way to get past the ultimate blocks in their relationship, that of truly open sharing on his part, and trust on hers. There were some very intense sexual encounters between them and it was clear that the physical aspect of their relationship was magnificent. Their encounter at the masked ball was a bit shocking, especially given the historical context. *waves fan at self*
The secondary characters were interesting, especially Emma's companion Marie. Her chatter, and almost empty-headed insistence that men where superior cast just enough balance to Emma's emancipated views to be quite amusing. The villain, while a bit stereotypical, was not one dimensional.
Though the hidden child trope suggested infidelity, but I really don't think this is quite right. This issue was concealment of the fact, which gave the heroine the feeling of betrayal. As we all know, it is our feelings that end up being the deciding factor in matters of the heart, a mistake the hero paid dearly for. A good read, not quite a four, but close enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2019
Me ha gustado la forma en que se desenvuelve la historia.
Aunque todo me parecía muy obvio jeje
Aunque todo me parecía muy obvio jeje
February 9, 2022
Nope. Blurb intriguing…story was just a no for me.
H with OW and baby …no thanks
H with OW and baby …no thanks
January 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. The author was able to walk the fine line between a strong domineering hero and still make the hero likeable and human. Alistair, the hero, was a rake , but he genuinely loved the heroine and wanted the best for her. To often author's whom use the misunderstanding trope for a plot fail dismally , yet Ms. feather was able to pull it off beautifully. The big misunderstandings did not center around the heroine and hero not asking questions, it centered around weather or not the hero could trust someone enough to open up. The heroine wanted a relationship without secrets and Alistair was simply afraid to open up and become hurt.
The book held my interest throughout and I loved the hero and heroine.
Synopsis- The book opens with the French chasing the Heroine's brother, Ned and his comrade. Ned takes a bullet and asks his comrade to post two letters. One to the home office and one to his sister Emma (the heroine). As you can probably guess the letters get mixed up and the sister gets the one slated for the home office. Alistair and Emma used to be betrothed and grew up together. When the book starts off both Emma and Alistair both have strong passions and love towards each other, but have avoided each other for years. When they were betrothed, Emma found out a secret about Alistair the night before their wedding and when Alistair refused to open up about it, she broke off the betrothal and left for Italy.
When Ned died his will stated that Alistair was in control of all of Emma's money and she must apply to him for every expense. Ned realized they both were meant to be together and hoped that this would rekindle their romance. As one could guess, Emma is not happy about this and sparks fly. In the meantime, Emma , angry about the will situation, bets Alistair she will be married and have a lover by valentines day (hence the title of the book) . Alistair denies to himself that he still loves her and encourages others to court her. When a French émigré takes interest in her, Alistair realizes that he still loves Emma and wants her for himself. The letter mixup puts them in close quarters and there is an HEA. The villain was perfect because Ms. Valentine developed his character simply. She didn't over describe him or make him do all kinds of horrible things. In this case less was definitely more (I don't want to give to much away).
I loved this book for several reason's even though it had the spy angle which I avoid :) I despise over used spy plots that are so common today . Yet Ms. Feather has done one perfectly! Usually the spy plots end up turning the book into something that is silly and unbelievable. Authors just throw it in the book to make a plot and never develop it fully. These types of books center around the hero and heroine thrown together for the spy piece so they some how automatically fall in love. The true relationship is never explored. It's like reading a Stephanie Plum novel that is disguised as a romance. These type of books turn a romance into a YA that are mind numbing. Ms. Feather narrowed down the spy angel to single thing, (the letter), and had the relationship between the hero and heroine and their feelings towards each other, (anger, trust issues, love etc) take center stage in the plot. This is what made the spy plot work. When I read this story , which focused on real adult failings and emotions , I felt like I was reading an adult geared romance. Many romance authors today , treat readers as though we are unable to read challenging stories. Though this is not Ray Bradbury or Chaucer, I like to read a romance that treats me as though I have a semblance of intelligence and she did that with this book.
Off my rant:)
Heat level- somewhat spicy - a few sex scenes, but not very descriptive.
Violence- not much-fisticuff level.
The book held my interest throughout and I loved the hero and heroine.
Synopsis- The book opens with the French chasing the Heroine's brother, Ned and his comrade. Ned takes a bullet and asks his comrade to post two letters. One to the home office and one to his sister Emma (the heroine). As you can probably guess the letters get mixed up and the sister gets the one slated for the home office. Alistair and Emma used to be betrothed and grew up together. When the book starts off both Emma and Alistair both have strong passions and love towards each other, but have avoided each other for years. When they were betrothed, Emma found out a secret about Alistair the night before their wedding and when Alistair refused to open up about it, she broke off the betrothal and left for Italy.
When Ned died his will stated that Alistair was in control of all of Emma's money and she must apply to him for every expense. Ned realized they both were meant to be together and hoped that this would rekindle their romance. As one could guess, Emma is not happy about this and sparks fly. In the meantime, Emma , angry about the will situation, bets Alistair she will be married and have a lover by valentines day (hence the title of the book) . Alistair denies to himself that he still loves her and encourages others to court her. When a French émigré takes interest in her, Alistair realizes that he still loves Emma and wants her for himself. The letter mixup puts them in close quarters and there is an HEA. The villain was perfect because Ms. Valentine developed his character simply. She didn't over describe him or make him do all kinds of horrible things. In this case less was definitely more (I don't want to give to much away).
I loved this book for several reason's even though it had the spy angle which I avoid :) I despise over used spy plots that are so common today . Yet Ms. Feather has done one perfectly! Usually the spy plots end up turning the book into something that is silly and unbelievable. Authors just throw it in the book to make a plot and never develop it fully. These types of books center around the hero and heroine thrown together for the spy piece so they some how automatically fall in love. The true relationship is never explored. It's like reading a Stephanie Plum novel that is disguised as a romance. These type of books turn a romance into a YA that are mind numbing. Ms. Feather narrowed down the spy angel to single thing, (the letter), and had the relationship between the hero and heroine and their feelings towards each other, (anger, trust issues, love etc) take center stage in the plot. This is what made the spy plot work. When I read this story , which focused on real adult failings and emotions , I felt like I was reading an adult geared romance. Many romance authors today , treat readers as though we are unable to read challenging stories. Though this is not Ray Bradbury or Chaucer, I like to read a romance that treats me as though I have a semblance of intelligence and she did that with this book.
Off my rant:)
Heat level- somewhat spicy - a few sex scenes, but not very descriptive.
Violence- not much-fisticuff level.
July 27, 2025
*2.5 stars rounded up
For some reason, the most commonly used words were: sardonic (smirk/quirk/turn of his mouth), wicked (glimmer/glint in his eye), and insouciant (??).
This was a buddy read with the lovely Nyah, and neither of us expected this book (that we got a year ago and only now read) to be a masterpiece. Therefore, I'm not disappointed that this book didn't change my life. It was entertaining and honestly so ridiculous at times that I laughed until I cried. Speaking of Alasdair—and this is just a personal issue—what is that name, with that spelling? Maybe I'm just a hater, but I was caught off guard. Moving on and going all the way back the most commonly used words, the author used those words to describe the characters so much that it took me out of the book, and certain scenes made me uncomfortable reading them because of the odd way things were described, and I don't really feel like elaborating.
Overall, this book was not a bad read but also was objectively not the best. That's why I'm settling on 2.5 stars. It was entertaining, and I loved reading it with my friend. However, the overall quality of the writing, plot, and romance drop that rating down from 3 stars. If you're looking for a fun time, you may enjoy this, but if you're looking for healthy romance and beautiful prose, maybe look somewhere else.
For some reason, the most commonly used words were: sardonic (smirk/quirk/turn of his mouth), wicked (glimmer/glint in his eye), and insouciant (??).
This was a buddy read with the lovely Nyah, and neither of us expected this book (that we got a year ago and only now read) to be a masterpiece. Therefore, I'm not disappointed that this book didn't change my life. It was entertaining and honestly so ridiculous at times that I laughed until I cried. Speaking of Alasdair—and this is just a personal issue—what is that name, with that spelling? Maybe I'm just a hater, but I was caught off guard. Moving on and going all the way back the most commonly used words, the author used those words to describe the characters so much that it took me out of the book, and certain scenes made me uncomfortable reading them because of the odd way things were described, and I don't really feel like elaborating.
Overall, this book was not a bad read but also was objectively not the best. That's why I'm settling on 2.5 stars. It was entertaining, and I loved reading it with my friend. However, the overall quality of the writing, plot, and romance drop that rating down from 3 stars. If you're looking for a fun time, you may enjoy this, but if you're looking for healthy romance and beautiful prose, maybe look somewhere else.
August 13, 2021
Avendo già letto alcuni libri di quest'autrice ero già preparata al suo stile intenso e passionale. I due protagonisti sono attratti come vere e proprie calamite per tutto il romanzo nonostante l'iniziale odio.
Sono fortunata che questo romanzo non appartenga ad alcuna saga ma sicuramente per l'ambientazione sembra richiamare un altro romanzo che ho letto il mese scorso. Anche in questo caso si parla di un caso di spionaggio siamo nel periodo in cui Napoleone regna in Francia (siamo nel 1810) questa volta interamente a Londra anche se il prologo comincia alcuni mesi prima in Portogallo.
Ho preferito di più questo romanzo perché la trama è molto più intrigante anche se priva di colpi di scena infatti il lettore è immediatamente a conoscenza di chi siano i "cattivi".
Sicuramente le vicende storiche hanno poco spazio in questo romanzo infatti tutta la storia ruota su come rientrare in possesso di questo documento scambiato per errore con un messaggio personale. Il lettore scopre cosa contiene ma senza alcuna spiegazione su quale sia stato il risultato di tale azione, inoltre si lascia all'immaginazione del lettore su cosa sia accaduto ai traditori.
I due protagonisti pur provando una forte attrazione sono molto diversi: Emma è convinta che due persone se si amano devono sapere tutto l'uno dell'altra (come la presenza di un figlio illegittimo) al contrario Alasdair ha sempre reputato questo un dettaglio trascurabile e che Emma non aveva nulla a che vedere con suo figlio per cui scopre la verità il giorno prima delle nozze e per tale motivo lo abbandona all'altare.
Dopo tre anni si ritrovano di nuovo insieme a combattere con il passato.
Anche la presenza di personaggi secondari sembra rendere questo romanzo ancora più godibile rispetto a quello letto precedentemente. Inoltre essendo ambientato a Londra si ha la possibilità di immergersi nelle feste e nei balli dell'epoca (descrizioni curate e dettagliate). Una lettura leggera senza tante pretese.
Sono fortunata che questo romanzo non appartenga ad alcuna saga ma sicuramente per l'ambientazione sembra richiamare un altro romanzo che ho letto il mese scorso. Anche in questo caso si parla di un caso di spionaggio siamo nel periodo in cui Napoleone regna in Francia (siamo nel 1810) questa volta interamente a Londra anche se il prologo comincia alcuni mesi prima in Portogallo.
Ho preferito di più questo romanzo perché la trama è molto più intrigante anche se priva di colpi di scena infatti il lettore è immediatamente a conoscenza di chi siano i "cattivi".
Sicuramente le vicende storiche hanno poco spazio in questo romanzo infatti tutta la storia ruota su come rientrare in possesso di questo documento scambiato per errore con un messaggio personale. Il lettore scopre cosa contiene ma senza alcuna spiegazione su quale sia stato il risultato di tale azione, inoltre si lascia all'immaginazione del lettore su cosa sia accaduto ai traditori.
I due protagonisti pur provando una forte attrazione sono molto diversi: Emma è convinta che due persone se si amano devono sapere tutto l'uno dell'altra (come la presenza di un figlio illegittimo) al contrario Alasdair ha sempre reputato questo un dettaglio trascurabile e che Emma non aveva nulla a che vedere con suo figlio per cui scopre la verità il giorno prima delle nozze e per tale motivo lo abbandona all'altare.
Dopo tre anni si ritrovano di nuovo insieme a combattere con il passato.
Anche la presenza di personaggi secondari sembra rendere questo romanzo ancora più godibile rispetto a quello letto precedentemente. Inoltre essendo ambientato a Londra si ha la possibilità di immergersi nelle feste e nei balli dell'epoca (descrizioni curate e dettagliate). Una lettura leggera senza tante pretese.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
I found the main characters very annoying.
Emma's brother, who is involved in political intrigue, is killed. To Emma's horror, he has named her former fiancé as trustee over his massive estate until she marries. Consequently, she threatens to marry the first man who asks her by Valentine's day and also take a lover if her husband-to-be doesn't fit the bill.
Alastair keeps secrets from Emma; really important secrets like fathering a son with an opera singer when he was nineteen. Emma broke their engagement because of his secrecy.
I liked the political intrigue (warning-brief scene of torture) but the tumultuous love-hate relationship between Emma and Alastair was tedious.
Emma's brother, who is involved in political intrigue, is killed. To Emma's horror, he has named her former fiancé as trustee over his massive estate until she marries. Consequently, she threatens to marry the first man who asks her by Valentine's day and also take a lover if her husband-to-be doesn't fit the bill.
Alastair keeps secrets from Emma; really important secrets like fathering a son with an opera singer when he was nineteen. Emma broke their engagement because of his secrecy.
I liked the political intrigue (warning-brief scene of torture) but the tumultuous love-hate relationship between Emma and Alastair was tedious.
March 26, 2018
Didn't like it as much as I did when I first read it in high school. However, I didn't hate it either. There's just so much misunderstanding in this book that could easily be talked out if both the main characters weren't so stubborn and prideful. They play a lot of "games". I do like the music aspect that binds them though.
September 9, 2020
TW: Violence against women.
This book was okay. I think the political intrigue bits about it could have been alot better honestly. In terms of a hate to love political intrigue novel, I think there are better ones this, and ones that don't have the unnecessary violence towards women from the romantic lead. (THAT BEING SAID I UNDERSTAND IT IS A PRODUCT OF IT'S TIME BUT STILL...)
This book was okay. I think the political intrigue bits about it could have been alot better honestly. In terms of a hate to love political intrigue novel, I think there are better ones this, and ones that don't have the unnecessary violence towards women from the romantic lead. (THAT BEING SAID I UNDERSTAND IT IS A PRODUCT OF IT'S TIME BUT STILL...)
January 24, 2021
Fun romp through the ton with the two main characters.
Lots of drama, steamy scenes and back and forth fighting.
Lots of drama, steamy scenes and back and forth fighting.
October 3, 2021
A match made in hell?
Or true love? That’s Emma
and Alasdair’s tale.
Or true love? That’s Emma
and Alasdair’s tale.
May 3, 2022
Not a remorseful Hero.
June 25, 2023
rereads
May 10, 2012
I'm not sure what to think about this book. I liked the storyline.
Emma and Alasdair had a very big disagreement 3 years ago, which was a bit stupid and if they had a talk and actually listened to one another maybe they would have figured a way to forgive each other. But they were very young then maybe...? And now 3 years later they have to face each other again and maybe the old flames will start to burn again.
The dialogue between the two of them was funny to read, but it didn't make me laugh. They were always fighting for everything and it was a little annoying.
The book is not one of my favorites, I wanted to finish it just to be done with it. The end wasn't anything special.
It's good if you want to kill some time, but not as good if you want to just sit down and read a good book.
Emma and Alasdair had a very big disagreement 3 years ago, which was a bit stupid and if they had a talk and actually listened to one another maybe they would have figured a way to forgive each other. But they were very young then maybe...? And now 3 years later they have to face each other again and maybe the old flames will start to burn again.
The dialogue between the two of them was funny to read, but it didn't make me laugh. They were always fighting for everything and it was a little annoying.
The book is not one of my favorites, I wanted to finish it just to be done with it. The end wasn't anything special.
It's good if you want to kill some time, but not as good if you want to just sit down and read a good book.
April 26, 2013
It's actually 3.5 stars for me. There were moments that I thought the main male character lacked the compassion he should have shown the female lead given she had ample reason not to go through with a planned previous event.
June 18, 2010
I loved the camraderie between Emma and Alasdair. Who doesn't love a hero who pushes the heroine's buttons?
June 3, 2010
3.5 stars. I liked this book! The sexual tension between the hero and the heroine was great! I loved their realistic story of mistrust because of an affair.
January 20, 2012
Fantastic!! It's everything that i would want in a novel..colorful characters,spies,mystery,excellent plot,and of coarse hot sex! This ones a keeper and a must read!
Read
February 17, 2013too suspenseful
April 2, 2016
Emma & Alsdair
April 20, 2016
I really liked this one.
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