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Spare Heirs #1
Divoký dedič
Lady Roselyn Greyová sa už nevie dočkať vysnívaného sobáša s dokonalým džentlmenom Trevorom Moorom, lordom Aytonom. Všetky jej plány sa však zrútia v jedinom okamihu, keď sa jej nastávajúci stane obeťou strašnej nehody.
Ethan Moore, druhorodený syn a profesionálny boxer, je členom zvláštneho pánskeho klubu s názvom Spolok náhradných dedičov, a hoci Roselyn od detstva miluje, so svojím osudom je zmierený. Po nečakanom bratovom skone však zdedí šľachtický titul a proti svojej vôli sa ocitne v centre záujmu vyššej spoločnosti.
Roselyn ho podozrieva, že by mohol byť zapletený do Trevorovej smrti, a tak Ethanovi neostáva nič iné, iba s pomocou svojich druhov zo Spolku vypátrať bratovho skutočného vraha a zároveň získať srdce dámy, o ktorej sníva celé roky.
Ethan Moore, druhorodený syn a profesionálny boxer, je členom zvláštneho pánskeho klubu s názvom Spolok náhradných dedičov, a hoci Roselyn od detstva miluje, so svojím osudom je zmierený. Po nečakanom bratovom skone však zdedí šľachtický titul a proti svojej vôli sa ocitne v centre záujmu vyššej spoločnosti.
Roselyn ho podozrieva, že by mohol byť zapletený do Trevorovej smrti, a tak Ethanovi neostáva nič iné, iba s pomocou svojich druhov zo Spolku vypátrať bratovho skutočného vraha a zároveň získať srdce dámy, o ktorej sníva celé roky.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2016
145 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Michels
6 books226 followersDo you want to know more about Elizabeth Michels? She loves to hear from her readers! Connect with her on social media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/e.michels.novels
Elizabeth Michels is the award-winning author of the Tricks of the Ton series and the Spare Heirs series. This Regency Romance author grew up on a Christmas tree farm in rural South Carolina. After tip-toeing her way through school with her focus on ballet steps and her nose in a book, she met a boy and followed him a thousand miles away to Kansas City, Missouri where she lived for many years. Together, they spent their summers with his family in England, soaking up culture and history. Elizabeth attended Park University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Interior Design.
Elizabeth now spends her days creating plots and concocting characters in a lake-side town in North Carolina. When she is not typing as fast as human movement will allow, she is caring for her husband and little boy. Elizabeth Michels is a lover of happily-ever-afters. Whether in her writing life or in her home life, she spends her days with one word on her lips: love. She invites you to read her stories, get lost and enjoy. www.elizabethmichels.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/e.michels.novels
Elizabeth Michels is the award-winning author of the Tricks of the Ton series and the Spare Heirs series. This Regency Romance author grew up on a Christmas tree farm in rural South Carolina. After tip-toeing her way through school with her focus on ballet steps and her nose in a book, she met a boy and followed him a thousand miles away to Kansas City, Missouri where she lived for many years. Together, they spent their summers with his family in England, soaking up culture and history. Elizabeth attended Park University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Interior Design.
Elizabeth now spends her days creating plots and concocting characters in a lake-side town in North Carolina. When she is not typing as fast as human movement will allow, she is caring for her husband and little boy. Elizabeth Michels is a lover of happily-ever-afters. Whether in her writing life or in her home life, she spends her days with one word on her lips: love. She invites you to read her stories, get lost and enjoy. www.elizabethmichels.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
June 24, 2016
3.5 Stars
I really liked the premise of this story. A second son comes home after years away, to fall for his brother’s intended. Ethan is everything Trevor is not. He thumbs his nose at propriety and makes his money in the boxing ring. He knows the Roselyn he remembers from childhood would never be happy with his stuffy older brother. But no one has the chance to find out, because Trevor is murdered before the betrothal can even be announced.
In some ways, the book delivers — particularly with the hero. It’s hard not to root for Ethan. He is sexy and wears all black. He’s a boxer who has made his own way after being kicked out of his family. He is smart and sardonic, and he is totally clueless about society. But perhaps what I like best is that the things he loves about Roselyn are those things which show her true character. He loves her independence… her spark. And he is wonderfully steadfast in his feelings.
But this book isn’t a total win for me. The heroine spends more than half the book believing that Ethan killed Trevor. Think about that for a second. More than half the book. At the 54% mark, I was ready to put it down –not because anything in particular happened there– but because I felt like it was dragging on to the point of ridiculousness. Obviously, not much can happen in the romance department when the woman thinks the hero is a murderer. And in the meantime, there is all this sniping and distrust. I’m ok with enemies to lovers, but I felt like this thread forced an antipathy that wasn’t even really there.
As for Roselyn… eh. Her character didn’t have the same cohesiveness Ethan’s did. On one hand, she is proper and worried about dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s of her future –and on the other she is throwing mud and doing the deed in public. I know she is supposed to be conflicted, but her voice wasn’t as clear as Ethan’s was, and I was ambivalent about her.
Then there is the Trevor mystery. I figured out who the villain was right away, but the why was a pretty good reveal. I felt this this part of the story picked up more in the second half, just like the romance did, leave the book feeling imbalanced. The pacing was very uneven –and the book could have benefited from the Great Misunderstanding being uncovered much earlier in the story.
I’m glad I stuck around for the second half. I was glad to see the romance really get underway. Ethan really had to work for his HEA, but I was happy for him when he finally got it.
Rating: B-
*ARC provided by publisher
I really liked the premise of this story. A second son comes home after years away, to fall for his brother’s intended. Ethan is everything Trevor is not. He thumbs his nose at propriety and makes his money in the boxing ring. He knows the Roselyn he remembers from childhood would never be happy with his stuffy older brother. But no one has the chance to find out, because Trevor is murdered before the betrothal can even be announced.
In some ways, the book delivers — particularly with the hero. It’s hard not to root for Ethan. He is sexy and wears all black. He’s a boxer who has made his own way after being kicked out of his family. He is smart and sardonic, and he is totally clueless about society. But perhaps what I like best is that the things he loves about Roselyn are those things which show her true character. He loves her independence… her spark. And he is wonderfully steadfast in his feelings.
But this book isn’t a total win for me. The heroine spends more than half the book believing that Ethan killed Trevor. Think about that for a second. More than half the book. At the 54% mark, I was ready to put it down –not because anything in particular happened there– but because I felt like it was dragging on to the point of ridiculousness. Obviously, not much can happen in the romance department when the woman thinks the hero is a murderer. And in the meantime, there is all this sniping and distrust. I’m ok with enemies to lovers, but I felt like this thread forced an antipathy that wasn’t even really there.
As for Roselyn… eh. Her character didn’t have the same cohesiveness Ethan’s did. On one hand, she is proper and worried about dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s of her future –and on the other she is throwing mud and doing the deed in public. I know she is supposed to be conflicted, but her voice wasn’t as clear as Ethan’s was, and I was ambivalent about her.
Then there is the Trevor mystery. I figured out who the villain was right away, but the why was a pretty good reveal. I felt this this part of the story picked up more in the second half, just like the romance did, leave the book feeling imbalanced. The pacing was very uneven –and the book could have benefited from the Great Misunderstanding being uncovered much earlier in the story.
I’m glad I stuck around for the second half. I was glad to see the romance really get underway. Ethan really had to work for his HEA, but I was happy for him when he finally got it.
Rating: B-
*ARC provided by publisher
March 3, 2016
This is a Victorian Era romance that revolves around the Whitby jet mining/trade. For those unfamiliar with jet, it became popular when Queen Victoria wore the jet jewelry to mourning the passing of Albert. This story has made me want my very own jet jewelry from Whitby! The jet in the Whitby mines is said to date back to the Jurassic period and is over 182 Million years old. I think it would be a great conversation piece so it's going on my Christmas list! (P.S. Thanks to Wikipedia on the jet education)
I'm going to start with our hero, Ethan Moore, because I liked his character the best. Ethan is the spare heir and a bit of a scoundrel. Having been somewhat disowned, he has been traveling France and Spain, and earning his keep as a pugilist. For some reason I saw him as a young historical version Brad Pitt - his role in Snatch kept coming to mind even though the only thing they have in common is the boxing. Anyway, so I liked Ethan, even though he was impulsive and didn't think before taking action. He tried, and you can't fault him for that. I loved his sardonic humor and liked how he brought out the fun side of the heroine, Roselyn Grey.
Roselyn has turned into a planner and list-maker to an extreme degree. She is under the impression that an orderly and respectable life will prevent her from being thought mad like her father and brother. However whenever she is around our hero, her plans go out the window and she finds herself flinging mud (literally) and planning espionage activities. I have to say that I did not like Roselyn for the majority of the book. I found her obtuse and annoying. She jumped to a lot of conclusions based on surface facts and assumptions without even trying to look deeper. So her character brought the story down for me a bit, though it was still an enjoyable diversion.
There are a number of good secondary characters that were introduced and I imagine will be the fodder for future books in the series. I quite liked Victoria and Lord Hardaway, and hope their book is next. I imagine Evangeline and Lord Crosby will get a story as well. However I was most intrigued by Lily and Lord Thornwood, the Mad Duke. Their story, Must Love Dukes, is in the Tricks of the Ton series. I wish I had read it first, but I didn't know it was out there. I hope to go back and read it soon.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 3 stars / 2 flames.
I'm going to start with our hero, Ethan Moore, because I liked his character the best. Ethan is the spare heir and a bit of a scoundrel. Having been somewhat disowned, he has been traveling France and Spain, and earning his keep as a pugilist. For some reason I saw him as a young historical version Brad Pitt - his role in Snatch kept coming to mind even though the only thing they have in common is the boxing. Anyway, so I liked Ethan, even though he was impulsive and didn't think before taking action. He tried, and you can't fault him for that. I loved his sardonic humor and liked how he brought out the fun side of the heroine, Roselyn Grey.
Roselyn has turned into a planner and list-maker to an extreme degree. She is under the impression that an orderly and respectable life will prevent her from being thought mad like her father and brother. However whenever she is around our hero, her plans go out the window and she finds herself flinging mud (literally) and planning espionage activities. I have to say that I did not like Roselyn for the majority of the book. I found her obtuse and annoying. She jumped to a lot of conclusions based on surface facts and assumptions without even trying to look deeper. So her character brought the story down for me a bit, though it was still an enjoyable diversion.
There are a number of good secondary characters that were introduced and I imagine will be the fodder for future books in the series. I quite liked Victoria and Lord Hardaway, and hope their book is next. I imagine Evangeline and Lord Crosby will get a story as well. However I was most intrigued by Lily and Lord Thornwood, the Mad Duke. Their story, Must Love Dukes, is in the Tricks of the Ton series. I wish I had read it first, but I didn't know it was out there. I hope to go back and read it soon.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 3 stars / 2 flames.
February 8, 2016
It hurts me to write this but Roselyn is unbearable. I love Elizabeth Michaels but this book just fell flat for me. Her writing it beautiful, her secondary characters are amazing and her plot twist was genius. But Roselyn is such an obnoxious, whiny git that I'm stopping here. I know I should push through but I can't. I hate her. However, I can't recommend Elizabeth's other books highly enough. I would even love this book if Roselyn wasn't such a mess. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series tho! I am an Elizabeth Michaels fan always, this just wasn't for me.
I received this book from NeGalley for an honest review
I received this book from NeGalley for an honest review
March 3, 2016
The Infamous Heir by Elizabeth Michels is a delight from start to finish. Lady Roselyn Grey is set to take on the ton and marry her oh so perfect gentleman, but a certain second son by the name of Ethan Moore, puts a wrinkle in those plans. Tragedy strikes and the world goes amok and everything that Roselyn thought she wanted now could fall to pieces. Neither Roselyn nor Ethan can deny the obvious pull they have towards one another, but so much hangs in the balance.
This is the first book I have ever read by the talented Elizabeth Michels and it certainly won't be the last. The premise of this series of spare heirs intrigues me and I wait for more to come!
This is the first book I have ever read by the talented Elizabeth Michels and it certainly won't be the last. The premise of this series of spare heirs intrigues me and I wait for more to come!
March 16, 2017
This was my first Elizabeth Michels book, and I must say I was disappointed.
Ethan starts out as the sexy, bad boy, second son, and ends up being an idiot who rushes into things, putting the heroine in danger, without much thought.
The heroine is a freaking dummy. Sure, the mud fight was fun, but after that she became a snobby harpy who spent the first part of the book snubbing her intended's brother and then believing he was a murderer. Then, as with other hare-brained Regency heroines, she thinks she invulnerable to harm and can just gad about spying in dangerous places just because the hero does. What is it with women without commonsense. He's a grown man, he has muscles on muscles, he's a trained fighter--You? You're more interested in matching hats to dresses and could be picked off with a single snap of your neck, but go ahead and rush to dangerous warehouses ALONE because you THINK YOU'RE BETTER THAN THE MAN and you can somehow keep yourself safe from men who kill for a living.
Damn, these kinds of heroines drive me freaking insane!
The sex in this book was boring. They have sex in an alcove during a ball, and it had more falling pots than sensuality. Also, the next day, they meet in the park and, rather than sexy emotions and body tingling, they act as if they're discussing fluff on his sleeve. There's no sexual tension between the H/h, and the two sex scenes seem forced.
The mystery wasn't a mystery, the suspenseful parts were predictable rather than thrilling, and the whole thing with Santino was pointless. It diluted the plot and added a character that actually added nothing to the plot--except more filler that distracted from the poor romance.
The secondary characters lacked any depth, and the "friends" Roselyn had at the beginning of the book completely disappeared by the end. Where did they go? What purpose did they serve other than to take up space?
This book would have worked better as a novella with H/h, the villain, and two secondary characters MAX. Instead, it was a drawn out snoozefest that lacked tension, focus, and emotion.
Ethan starts out as the sexy, bad boy, second son, and ends up being an idiot who rushes into things, putting the heroine in danger, without much thought.
The heroine is a freaking dummy. Sure, the mud fight was fun, but after that she became a snobby harpy who spent the first part of the book snubbing her intended's brother and then believing he was a murderer. Then, as with other hare-brained Regency heroines, she thinks she invulnerable to harm and can just gad about spying in dangerous places just because the hero does. What is it with women without commonsense. He's a grown man, he has muscles on muscles, he's a trained fighter--You? You're more interested in matching hats to dresses and could be picked off with a single snap of your neck, but go ahead and rush to dangerous warehouses ALONE because you THINK YOU'RE BETTER THAN THE MAN and you can somehow keep yourself safe from men who kill for a living.
Damn, these kinds of heroines drive me freaking insane!
The sex in this book was boring. They have sex in an alcove during a ball, and it had more falling pots than sensuality. Also, the next day, they meet in the park and, rather than sexy emotions and body tingling, they act as if they're discussing fluff on his sleeve. There's no sexual tension between the H/h, and the two sex scenes seem forced.
The mystery wasn't a mystery, the suspenseful parts were predictable rather than thrilling, and the whole thing with Santino was pointless. It diluted the plot and added a character that actually added nothing to the plot--except more filler that distracted from the poor romance.
The secondary characters lacked any depth, and the "friends" Roselyn had at the beginning of the book completely disappeared by the end. Where did they go? What purpose did they serve other than to take up space?
This book would have worked better as a novella with H/h, the villain, and two secondary characters MAX. Instead, it was a drawn out snoozefest that lacked tension, focus, and emotion.
December 9, 2015
I loved Ethan he caused havoc with my body, Lord that man was sexy, “I want to smash your reputation to a point beyond repair right now.” Her gaze lifted from his lips to his eyes— dark eyes that reflected the dangers of being alone with him." When it comes to visitors Ethan is very enthusiastic especially if it might be his woman, “it's a lady caller, my lord,” the butler replied in a hushed tone. Ethan was on his feet and pushing the older man from his path before his glass had clanked to a rest on the table. He moved toward the door. A lady. Please let it be Roselyn." I love how Ethan acts when his woman tells him something, she tells him to jump the boy can't move fast enough, "he ripped the shirt off over his head and lifted her from the floor, tossing her onto their bed. “Who am I to deny my princess what she wishes?” I really loved this book.
March 1, 2016
England 1817
Ethan Moore is a good boxer and uses this talent to pay for his daily needs. His older brother, Trevor, Lord Ayton strives to be perfect just like his father was. Ethan left home at age 19 after hitting his father. He had been at odds with him. There had also been a scandal involving their mother which resulted in her abandoning them. Their sister, Katie, lives in her own cottage on the estate. A blunt young woman, she chooses to live life her own way. The family has made its money in the jet mining business. But now, Ethan has returned to town.
Lady Roselyn Grey is the daughter of the Dowager Duchess of Thornwood Manor. Their property borders on the property of the Moore family called Ormesby Place. Roselyn and the Moore siblings have been friends since childhood.
Roselyn and her mother are invited to Ormesby Place for a few days. It is assumed that Trevor will be asking for Roselyn’s hand. As she arrives, she meets Ethan after not having seen him for some time. Their banter leaves both of them laughing. But Roselyn is rather taken aback when Trevor does propose to her in an off-putting, cold manner which leaves Roselyn puzzled as to whether or not their’s would be a good marriage. Since she and Ethan have been friends since childhood, she approaches him and asks for his advice about the marriage.
But when Roselyn, Trevor, and Ethan are out walking the next day, Trevor is stabbed and falls into a mine shaft. Roselyn did not see what happened, but turned around and saw Ethan with a knife in his hand. Although he claims that someone else killed Trevor and ran, Roselyn is not convinced that Ethan killed his own brother. Ethan knows that his brother was murdered and realizes that he must have been mixed up in something shady. Thus, he approaches his friends at the Spare Heirs’ Society for their help in finding Trevor’s murderer. Oh but, Roselyn is also determined to find who killed Trevor which mean they spend lots of time together and an attraction sparks.
Will they be able to solve this mystery? What will become of their own attraction?
A nice romance laced with humor plus some dangerous moments as well. Great writing by the author.
Copy provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ethan Moore is a good boxer and uses this talent to pay for his daily needs. His older brother, Trevor, Lord Ayton strives to be perfect just like his father was. Ethan left home at age 19 after hitting his father. He had been at odds with him. There had also been a scandal involving their mother which resulted in her abandoning them. Their sister, Katie, lives in her own cottage on the estate. A blunt young woman, she chooses to live life her own way. The family has made its money in the jet mining business. But now, Ethan has returned to town.
Lady Roselyn Grey is the daughter of the Dowager Duchess of Thornwood Manor. Their property borders on the property of the Moore family called Ormesby Place. Roselyn and the Moore siblings have been friends since childhood.
Roselyn and her mother are invited to Ormesby Place for a few days. It is assumed that Trevor will be asking for Roselyn’s hand. As she arrives, she meets Ethan after not having seen him for some time. Their banter leaves both of them laughing. But Roselyn is rather taken aback when Trevor does propose to her in an off-putting, cold manner which leaves Roselyn puzzled as to whether or not their’s would be a good marriage. Since she and Ethan have been friends since childhood, she approaches him and asks for his advice about the marriage.
But when Roselyn, Trevor, and Ethan are out walking the next day, Trevor is stabbed and falls into a mine shaft. Roselyn did not see what happened, but turned around and saw Ethan with a knife in his hand. Although he claims that someone else killed Trevor and ran, Roselyn is not convinced that Ethan killed his own brother. Ethan knows that his brother was murdered and realizes that he must have been mixed up in something shady. Thus, he approaches his friends at the Spare Heirs’ Society for their help in finding Trevor’s murderer. Oh but, Roselyn is also determined to find who killed Trevor which mean they spend lots of time together and an attraction sparks.
Will they be able to solve this mystery? What will become of their own attraction?
A nice romance laced with humor plus some dangerous moments as well. Great writing by the author.
Copy provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2016
DNF. I like Elizabeth Michels' writing, but I just couldn't get over my dislike for Lady Roselyn. She's rude and superficial and Ethan is not much better. I'm sorry, but I do prefer to like the MCs in a romance novel ...
For more romance reviews, check out my website:https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
For more romance reviews, check out my website:https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
March 1, 2016
I've been a fan of Elizabeth Michels since I picked up her debut series last year on a total whim and fell completely in love with her fun writing style. So it's no surprise to see I was beyond excited from the moment I heard she had a new series in the works, and even more so when I found out it wasn't about the Lords and Dukes anymore. The concept behind the Spare Heirs series is one I love to read and sadly don't see enough of. And add in to that that this features the sister of one of the heroes from the original series I loved? And that's the recipe for a winner! Well, even though I enjoyed this book as it still has some of the things I fell in love with about the author's writing, in others it lost some steam.
Lady Roselyn Grey is adventurous and fun but has tried to suppress her very nature in order to act the way society expects of her. She finds herself in a difficult situation when she feels an undeniable attraction for the brother of the man she's supposed to marry. And even in a worst situation when her intended dies and she is left again to navigate London society and her first season.
Ethan Moore is just the kind of hero I was expecting to see in this novel. He's lived the last few years of his life surviving on his fists, for defense and for money. He wanted nothing to do with his family or the family business ever since his mom left them and he didn't have the best relationship with them. Except after his brother's death, he is now titled and representing the family. All things he didn't want. But things he may use to his advantage in getting the affections of a woman that he sees as so much better than him.
There is a mystery to uncover in this story and both Ethan and Roselyn are so much fun while they try and spy to look into things. Even though the bad guy was clear from the start, it was still an entertaining element and the interactions between our main characters that this posed were a lot of fun. You could definitely see the spark of friendship these two had as little kids playing together while this was all happening. So for me, it deepened their connection nicely.
I guess I can't quite put my finger on what fell flat. This book has great characters, plenty of fun antics, and great chemistry. Maybe Ethan needed to take Roselyn off the pedestal a bit and act more human with her. Nevertheless, I am intrigued by the concept of the Spare Heirs Society and I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca
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February 23, 2016
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Elizabeth Michels new series The Spare Heirs share about those individuals that are born for just one reason. To be the spare.
The Spare Heirs are just that.. second sons. Ones that may be loved, may be respected or may be tossed aside and disowned. Either way they all have one thing in common.. they aren't needed.
Lady Roselyn Grey has plans. She is going to marry the stoddy, boring boy next door (who is also a titled gentleman) live a life of tedium and decorum and be oh so proper. She needs this. But the return of the bad boy second son throws all her plans into turmoil. Roselyn has fun with him, she enjoys being with him, she remembers all of the fun they had as children and she's starting to doubt. But when her almost fiance dies everything once again shifts and Roselyn's world is all topsy turvy and her emotions? Total turmoil.
Ethan Moore was banished from the family and made his way as a prizefighter, a successful one. Only he's missing his family and stops in just to see how they are doing. What he sees is his brother getting the girl. Trying to step back is hard but he does try but when his brother dies on a simple walk around their land and Ethan is accused, at least in the eyes of Roselyn, his world falls apart. Suddenly the title is his, the responsibility is his and the girl? Well he'll have to fight for her.
This book had a very nice rhythm to it but at times the push/pull attraction between Roselyn and Ethan is sometimes hard to bear. Roselyn for all her desire to be the good girl, acts like something of a strumpet. She ignores boundaries and is often found in places no good girl would even consider. It's not that this is an unlikable trait in and of itself but for this character? Yeah, sometimes it rubs.
Now Ethan is a confused man. He loves his family but feels deserted (and rightly so). He tries to do what's best but he knows that Roselyn belongs with him not his brother. But when he comes into the title? It's a mess and Ethan has to rise to the occasion.
All in all, it's a good book. Fun with some interesting historical facts thrown in. It's always nice when a book adds something new about history. Well, new to me. And Ms. Michels' inclusion of the Jett industry was new usually we deal with coal or tin mining..
I look forward to reading more in this series.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Infamous Heir, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on March 1, 2016
Elizabeth Michels new series The Spare Heirs share about those individuals that are born for just one reason. To be the spare.
The Spare Heirs are just that.. second sons. Ones that may be loved, may be respected or may be tossed aside and disowned. Either way they all have one thing in common.. they aren't needed.
Lady Roselyn Grey has plans. She is going to marry the stoddy, boring boy next door (who is also a titled gentleman) live a life of tedium and decorum and be oh so proper. She needs this. But the return of the bad boy second son throws all her plans into turmoil. Roselyn has fun with him, she enjoys being with him, she remembers all of the fun they had as children and she's starting to doubt. But when her almost fiance dies everything once again shifts and Roselyn's world is all topsy turvy and her emotions? Total turmoil.
Ethan Moore was banished from the family and made his way as a prizefighter, a successful one. Only he's missing his family and stops in just to see how they are doing. What he sees is his brother getting the girl. Trying to step back is hard but he does try but when his brother dies on a simple walk around their land and Ethan is accused, at least in the eyes of Roselyn, his world falls apart. Suddenly the title is his, the responsibility is his and the girl? Well he'll have to fight for her.
This book had a very nice rhythm to it but at times the push/pull attraction between Roselyn and Ethan is sometimes hard to bear. Roselyn for all her desire to be the good girl, acts like something of a strumpet. She ignores boundaries and is often found in places no good girl would even consider. It's not that this is an unlikable trait in and of itself but for this character? Yeah, sometimes it rubs.
Now Ethan is a confused man. He loves his family but feels deserted (and rightly so). He tries to do what's best but he knows that Roselyn belongs with him not his brother. But when he comes into the title? It's a mess and Ethan has to rise to the occasion.
All in all, it's a good book. Fun with some interesting historical facts thrown in. It's always nice when a book adds something new about history. Well, new to me. And Ms. Michels' inclusion of the Jett industry was new usually we deal with coal or tin mining..
I look forward to reading more in this series.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Infamous Heir, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on March 1, 2016
March 1, 2016
Humour, mystery and finding true love.
Lady Roselyn Grey is conflicted. We discover more about this as we go along. She is conflicted by who she really is and the life she feels she should plan for. Indeed the ease of being engaged prior to a London season meets all her criteria. She is unsure because she is the sister of the reputed 'mad' Duke of Thornwood. An engagement prior to her season would be so much easier. All that is thrown into chaos when her fiancé and Trevor Moore, Lord Ayton, and heir to Ormesby Place, is killed in an accident.
When Trevor hands Roselyn his list of requirements for the marriage, any sane woman would have run for the hills. Roselyn doesn't seem to quite understand what she is getting into, apart from marrying the heir to the lands adjoining her family's.
Ethan Moore has been earning a living as a prize fighter. He is the black sheep of the family and the childhood playmate of the now very ladylike, Roselyn. There are some perfectly unladylike moments which are very funny and at odds with the exterior Roselyn is trying to maintain.
Ethan has returned to the family estates reluctantly. He and his perfect brother Trevor are like chalk and cheese. This does not mean he wants to murder his own brother. Unfortunately that is just what the only witness to the 'accident', Roselyn, thinks has happened!
The family jet mines loom as a place of tragedy and inquiry. I found the discussion about the mines and the author's notes quite fascinating. I love jet but had no idea about the dangers involved in the mining of it during those times.
The mystery and investigation of Trevor's death is taken over by Ethan's Heirs Club friends. Mind you Roselyn wants to investigate things as well. She needs to be sure. Ethan may have caused Trevor's death.
A mysterious enemy is at hand however, linked to Trevor's death, the mine, and Ethan's family history.
And of course there is love denied, love forsaken and love claimed.
A NetGalley ARC
Lady Roselyn Grey is conflicted. We discover more about this as we go along. She is conflicted by who she really is and the life she feels she should plan for. Indeed the ease of being engaged prior to a London season meets all her criteria. She is unsure because she is the sister of the reputed 'mad' Duke of Thornwood. An engagement prior to her season would be so much easier. All that is thrown into chaos when her fiancé and Trevor Moore, Lord Ayton, and heir to Ormesby Place, is killed in an accident.
When Trevor hands Roselyn his list of requirements for the marriage, any sane woman would have run for the hills. Roselyn doesn't seem to quite understand what she is getting into, apart from marrying the heir to the lands adjoining her family's.
Ethan Moore has been earning a living as a prize fighter. He is the black sheep of the family and the childhood playmate of the now very ladylike, Roselyn. There are some perfectly unladylike moments which are very funny and at odds with the exterior Roselyn is trying to maintain.
Ethan has returned to the family estates reluctantly. He and his perfect brother Trevor are like chalk and cheese. This does not mean he wants to murder his own brother. Unfortunately that is just what the only witness to the 'accident', Roselyn, thinks has happened!
The family jet mines loom as a place of tragedy and inquiry. I found the discussion about the mines and the author's notes quite fascinating. I love jet but had no idea about the dangers involved in the mining of it during those times.
The mystery and investigation of Trevor's death is taken over by Ethan's Heirs Club friends. Mind you Roselyn wants to investigate things as well. She needs to be sure. Ethan may have caused Trevor's death.
A mysterious enemy is at hand however, linked to Trevor's death, the mine, and Ethan's family history.
And of course there is love denied, love forsaken and love claimed.
A NetGalley ARC
February 19, 2016
2 Stars, 2 Flames
A young lady, Roselyn, who is just coming out to society is trying to escape her family’s reputation of being mad. She just wants to have a normal life married to a respectable man who will help her keep her wild side hidden. A disowned son, Ethan, has come back home from searching for his mother and his brush with a crime lord. He reunites with Roselyn after spending years apart believes she is the one for him; but fate has other plans for them.
Let me first say that historical romances are not my favorite genre, in fact I normally steer away from it. The synopsis for the book grabbed my attention and I was excited to read out of my comfort zone. The cover was not to shabby either. I was sadly wrong about it. And it wasn’t even the fact the time in which the book took place; which is normally what bugs me. It had more to do with the characters and the way they handled situations.
Without giving too much away Roselyn could not make up her mind and she was all over the place. Ethan claimed to be this amazing fighter but he kept running away or pushing away the facts that were right in front of his face. A lot of the scenes were dragged out and it was hard not to skip through passages.
What I did like about the book was the supporting characters and the Spare Heirs club. It was fun to see what could have been going on in the past, during society parties and the like. I also liked the descriptions of the scenes and the fashion was pretty spot on. In the end it was something that could not hold my attention.
I was gifted a copy of this novel from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review. The opinions and ratings of this review is solely my own and I was in no way compensated.
A young lady, Roselyn, who is just coming out to society is trying to escape her family’s reputation of being mad. She just wants to have a normal life married to a respectable man who will help her keep her wild side hidden. A disowned son, Ethan, has come back home from searching for his mother and his brush with a crime lord. He reunites with Roselyn after spending years apart believes she is the one for him; but fate has other plans for them.
Let me first say that historical romances are not my favorite genre, in fact I normally steer away from it. The synopsis for the book grabbed my attention and I was excited to read out of my comfort zone. The cover was not to shabby either. I was sadly wrong about it. And it wasn’t even the fact the time in which the book took place; which is normally what bugs me. It had more to do with the characters and the way they handled situations.
Without giving too much away Roselyn could not make up her mind and she was all over the place. Ethan claimed to be this amazing fighter but he kept running away or pushing away the facts that were right in front of his face. A lot of the scenes were dragged out and it was hard not to skip through passages.
What I did like about the book was the supporting characters and the Spare Heirs club. It was fun to see what could have been going on in the past, during society parties and the like. I also liked the descriptions of the scenes and the fashion was pretty spot on. In the end it was something that could not hold my attention.
I was gifted a copy of this novel from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review. The opinions and ratings of this review is solely my own and I was in no way compensated.
Want to read
March 22, 2016Sounds interesting.
Sarah MacLean in the Washington Post:
Sarah MacLean in the Washington Post:
At first glance, Elizabeth Michels’s The Infamous Heir (Sourcebooks Casablanc) seems like a textbook historical romance. When Lady Roselyn Grey arrives at the country estate of the man she intends to wed, she is greeted by (and immediately drawn to) his scandalous, prizefighting younger brother, Ethan Moore. Readers know this setup well. Roselyn and Ethan are unmistakably perfect for each other, even if they don’t see it themselves. But Michels quickly turns the story on its head. When her betrothed is murdered, Roselyn has every reason to believe that Ethan is the killer, and their love story is thrown into chaos. Historical romance devotees will enjoy Michels’s adoring use of some of the classic tropes of the genre — the spare heir, the wrong brother as hero, the heroine in men’s clothing — but what makes the book so enjoyable is the way Michels makes the familiar fresh. The book is at once a well-crafted mystery and a simmering romance. Ethan and Roselyn’s love is a slow build — asking questions about desire, trust and courage that linger long after the two find their deeply rewarding happily ever after.
May 11, 2016
As much as it pains me to give a bad review to an author I have read before and enjoyed - I am going to do it anyway.
I did not enjoy this book - not even a little bit. I hated Roselyn, I found her to be immature, unbelievable and TSTL. And Ethan didn't fare much better in my opinion. These two were like stupid squared and they deserve each other.
The story itself had potential - but it just fell flat for me. There were too many improbable scenarios and contrived scenes for my personal tastes.
I have read this author in the past and enjoyed those books, so I know Ms. Michels has talent and can write a good story. Unfortunately, I didn't care for this book and I wouldn't recommend it to my friends. I will however read the next book and hope that this was just an unfortunate anomaly.
I did not enjoy this book - not even a little bit. I hated Roselyn, I found her to be immature, unbelievable and TSTL. And Ethan didn't fare much better in my opinion. These two were like stupid squared and they deserve each other.
The story itself had potential - but it just fell flat for me. There were too many improbable scenarios and contrived scenes for my personal tastes.
I have read this author in the past and enjoyed those books, so I know Ms. Michels has talent and can write a good story. Unfortunately, I didn't care for this book and I wouldn't recommend it to my friends. I will however read the next book and hope that this was just an unfortunate anomaly.
March 21, 2016
I truly wanted to love this book, as I really liked the premise. I loved the beginning with the literal mudslinging. However, about halfway through the story, it just sort of fizzled out for me. I really liked Ethan, but at times our intrepid heroine was too stupid to live. "Spying's not hard. And look at my lovely spying ensemble!" (No, that is not a direct quote; just my interpretation of her actions.) I did like the writing enough to give Ms. Michels's other books a read. Which is good, considering I have them.
January 25, 2016
It was slow at first, there was nothing really happening. It wasn't until I thought the book was almost over that it really just began. I was annoyed when the heroine thought that the hero murdered his own brother, and than I kept getting annoyed when she wouldn't put two and two together or listen to reason.
I did enjoy reading it, although it was too slow for me.
I did enjoy reading it, although it was too slow for me.
March 23, 2016
A great historical romance to warm your heart. I loved the characters in this book. Ethan and Roselyn were perfect for each other. I liked the "Spare Heir" society idea. It was refreshing to read about the second son finding love and acceptance. I definitely want to continue with the series.
Read
May 18, 2016me no like calculating women. Not my cup of tea. no rating because I didn't read it. The reviews gave me enough information.
February 5, 2017
4.5 stars. This book was entertaining and I had a really hard time putting it down. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with Ash in the next book and whether or not Ethan and Roselyn make an appearance (they better... it would suck if Evangeline and friends lost Roselyn!). I thought the murder mystery was also fun, but predictable, so I can't say it was the best book I've ever read. Still, it got me laughing out loud at certain times and cringing a bit in others (in a good way of course). This was definitely a book I think I may revisit.
Want to read
November 7, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/7/2019)! 🎁
January 10, 2016
**advance reader copy received via NetGalley**
“Their connection turned from needy to raving mad, and for the first time in her life she didn’t care if anyone who might see her thought her mad.” – The Infamous Heir
I really enjoyed this historical romance read. I always appreciate a good historical romance with plausible themes, enriched characters, and depth of detail. Elizabeth Michels delivers on all fronts with the first book in her Spare Heirs series, going so far as to include some historical facts on jet mining at the end of the book. The hero in this tale is an unlikely brawler of a second son, the “spare.” The heroine is a headstrong girl who has forced herself into a goal-oriented, proper, and collected young woman. When the two unlikely characters come together, the reactions are more than entertaining. I enjoyed the speed of the action in the book and read it through in one night. The story was a welcome reprieve and just what I needed to recharge my love of reading historical romance.
“I’m a poor excuse for a gentleman, but even I know that isn’t the way of things.” “Damn the way of things. It’s never worked out well for me or any other lady of my acquaintance.” – The Infamous Heir
Hovering on the cusp of attaining the ideal future through marriage, Lady Roselyn Grey is distracted just before the announcement by the arrival of her future fiance’s brother and her childhood playmate. Being around Ethan Moore again is making her question everything she had planned so carefully, and as she hovers on indecision disaster of the worst kind strikes. Ethan is disowned second son surviving as a pugilist. He only returned home to check in on his family and try to avoid some former acquaintances with less-than-health intentions toward his person. Roselyn is everything he remembers, and of course his older brother is claiming her for himself…but is the lure merely that he cannot have her, or is it something more? When Ethan unexpectedly takes on the role of Lord Ayton, he finds that being the heir is not all it is cracked up to be. Will they survive long enough for justice and love, or will all the powers working against them prevail?
Check out my full review here: https://romancereviewsbyruckie.wordpr...
“Their connection turned from needy to raving mad, and for the first time in her life she didn’t care if anyone who might see her thought her mad.” – The Infamous Heir
I really enjoyed this historical romance read. I always appreciate a good historical romance with plausible themes, enriched characters, and depth of detail. Elizabeth Michels delivers on all fronts with the first book in her Spare Heirs series, going so far as to include some historical facts on jet mining at the end of the book. The hero in this tale is an unlikely brawler of a second son, the “spare.” The heroine is a headstrong girl who has forced herself into a goal-oriented, proper, and collected young woman. When the two unlikely characters come together, the reactions are more than entertaining. I enjoyed the speed of the action in the book and read it through in one night. The story was a welcome reprieve and just what I needed to recharge my love of reading historical romance.
“I’m a poor excuse for a gentleman, but even I know that isn’t the way of things.” “Damn the way of things. It’s never worked out well for me or any other lady of my acquaintance.” – The Infamous Heir
Hovering on the cusp of attaining the ideal future through marriage, Lady Roselyn Grey is distracted just before the announcement by the arrival of her future fiance’s brother and her childhood playmate. Being around Ethan Moore again is making her question everything she had planned so carefully, and as she hovers on indecision disaster of the worst kind strikes. Ethan is disowned second son surviving as a pugilist. He only returned home to check in on his family and try to avoid some former acquaintances with less-than-health intentions toward his person. Roselyn is everything he remembers, and of course his older brother is claiming her for himself…but is the lure merely that he cannot have her, or is it something more? When Ethan unexpectedly takes on the role of Lord Ayton, he finds that being the heir is not all it is cracked up to be. Will they survive long enough for justice and love, or will all the powers working against them prevail?
Check out my full review here: https://romancereviewsbyruckie.wordpr...
January 17, 2016
This is the first book in a new historical romance series about spare heirs - second sons of the gentry. Ethan Moore was disowned by his father when he was nineteen and has since made his living as a prize-fighter on the Continent. He has come home now after accidentally killing a man in a fight. He is being chased by the man's brother and his henchmen who want revenge. He comes home to find that things are changing for his family.
Ethan's brother Trevor is soon to be engaged to Lady Roselyn Grey. Roselyn has set a course for her life that includes marrying a gentleman and escaping the reputation of madness that haunts her family. She has trained herself to be the perfect society wife and hidden her own wild nature. But the return of her childhood friend Ethan is threatening to destroy her plans.
When Trevor is killed while on a walk with Ethan and Roselyn, Ethan inherits his title and his problems. Roselyn is certain that Ethan was responsible for Trevor's death and Ethan is determined to find out who really killed Trevor.
I enjoyed this historical romance which had a feisty heroine and a socially inept but handsome hero. It had enough of a mystery to provide elements of danger. Although I knew who the villain had to be pretty early in the story. The key for me was the relationship between Ethan and Roselyn. They both had a lot of growing to do and both had to decided what they really wanted for their future.
I'm looking forward to more books in this series because a number of other side characters seemed primed for relationships of their own and I want to see how they work out.
Ethan's brother Trevor is soon to be engaged to Lady Roselyn Grey. Roselyn has set a course for her life that includes marrying a gentleman and escaping the reputation of madness that haunts her family. She has trained herself to be the perfect society wife and hidden her own wild nature. But the return of her childhood friend Ethan is threatening to destroy her plans.
When Trevor is killed while on a walk with Ethan and Roselyn, Ethan inherits his title and his problems. Roselyn is certain that Ethan was responsible for Trevor's death and Ethan is determined to find out who really killed Trevor.
I enjoyed this historical romance which had a feisty heroine and a socially inept but handsome hero. It had enough of a mystery to provide elements of danger. Although I knew who the villain had to be pretty early in the story. The key for me was the relationship between Ethan and Roselyn. They both had a lot of growing to do and both had to decided what they really wanted for their future.
I'm looking forward to more books in this series because a number of other side characters seemed primed for relationships of their own and I want to see how they work out.
September 1, 2016
A harrowing tale of romance, lost love, murder, theft, and destruction.
I am not normally a lover of historical romances but this book was a great story that helped to change my mind just a bit more when is comes to the amazing historical novels that can be written.
Lady Roselyn Grey has her life all planned out. She will be engaged before her debut season actually starts. She refuses to be part of the stories that surround her "mad" family so she does everything she can in order to be considered "normal", but in the process of becoming what is considered normal she looses who she truly is. That is until she gets into a mud fight with an old friend.
Ethan Moore left home 8 years ago when he was banished by his father. After all he was just the spare son so his life was inconsequential unless his brother dies. But it just so happens that he needs to flee where he has been living in Spain and go back home to where he is not wanted. But when he runs into his old friend Roselyn he never thought he would start to think about her romantically and he never would have thought that she was engaged, to his stuffy brother.
But when their lives all take a turn for the worse, or the better depending on your perspective, I'm willing to bet they never thought that it would have the domino affect that it did.
I loved this historical romance and I absolutely adore Ms. Michels writing style. Even if you are not an avid historical romance lover this book is still an amazing read. This is one book that may convert every romance reader into a historical romance lover.
~ A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.
I am not normally a lover of historical romances but this book was a great story that helped to change my mind just a bit more when is comes to the amazing historical novels that can be written.
Lady Roselyn Grey has her life all planned out. She will be engaged before her debut season actually starts. She refuses to be part of the stories that surround her "mad" family so she does everything she can in order to be considered "normal", but in the process of becoming what is considered normal she looses who she truly is. That is until she gets into a mud fight with an old friend.
Ethan Moore left home 8 years ago when he was banished by his father. After all he was just the spare son so his life was inconsequential unless his brother dies. But it just so happens that he needs to flee where he has been living in Spain and go back home to where he is not wanted. But when he runs into his old friend Roselyn he never thought he would start to think about her romantically and he never would have thought that she was engaged, to his stuffy brother.
But when their lives all take a turn for the worse, or the better depending on your perspective, I'm willing to bet they never thought that it would have the domino affect that it did.
I loved this historical romance and I absolutely adore Ms. Michels writing style. Even if you are not an avid historical romance lover this book is still an amazing read. This is one book that may convert every romance reader into a historical romance lover.
~ A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.
November 4, 2019
'The Infamous Heir' by Elizabeth Michels is book one in the "Spare Heirs" series.
This is the story of Lady Roselyn Grey and Ethan Moore.
Roselyn debut has come around and on top of that she knows of a marriage proposal is coming from Trevor, Lord Ayton. So everything seems to be going as planned...then she arrives at Lord Ayton house for a house party and just getting out of the carriage she meets Ethan again. They once were best friends as children and played together. Now Roselyn is trying to get past her 'hoyden' days and past her families history. Her brother has just married and isn't known as being crazy as he once was. So Roselyn thinks this marriage to Trevor will seal her future with the 'Town'. But her feelings for Ethan are hard to get past and he makes her act like she used to do.
Ethan is taken aback to seeing Roselyn as the last time he saw her is when she was younger and more carefree. Now she is a grown women trying to be something she not and set to marry his brother.
Ethan has always been the black sheep of the family and things don't seem to be changing for him. Ethan father and brother always disappointed in him and he can never be what they want.
Can Roselyn go forward in marring Trevor even with his distant attitude? Will she even have too...as something seem to be going on with Trevor.
Can Ethan find out who was after Trevor? Can he convince Roselyn that he is the husband she needs?
This is the story of Lady Roselyn Grey and Ethan Moore.
Roselyn debut has come around and on top of that she knows of a marriage proposal is coming from Trevor, Lord Ayton. So everything seems to be going as planned...then she arrives at Lord Ayton house for a house party and just getting out of the carriage she meets Ethan again. They once were best friends as children and played together. Now Roselyn is trying to get past her 'hoyden' days and past her families history. Her brother has just married and isn't known as being crazy as he once was. So Roselyn thinks this marriage to Trevor will seal her future with the 'Town'. But her feelings for Ethan are hard to get past and he makes her act like she used to do.
Ethan is taken aback to seeing Roselyn as the last time he saw her is when she was younger and more carefree. Now she is a grown women trying to be something she not and set to marry his brother.
Ethan has always been the black sheep of the family and things don't seem to be changing for him. Ethan father and brother always disappointed in him and he can never be what they want.
Can Roselyn go forward in marring Trevor even with his distant attitude? Will she even have too...as something seem to be going on with Trevor.
Can Ethan find out who was after Trevor? Can he convince Roselyn that he is the husband she needs?
March 23, 2016
This is a mystery along with romance. The villain is revealed fairly early and I would have liked a bit more mystery about him. Roselyn is under a huge misunderstanding about the events of a crucial day that nearly destroys her relationship with Ethan but then that is resolved almost too quickly. For days and perhaps weeks she is in a rage with Ethan then suddenly all is well between them. They are the target of murderous intent by the villain’s henchmen and it seems that the bad guys keep getting away no matter how much they are beaten.
I personally did not find this book to my liking. That does not mean that the writing was poor, only that it didn’t meet my expectations. Ethan was a boxer and this profession pushes some of my dislike buttons so perhaps it is for this reason I did not especially like him and Roselyn was so hither and yon with her feelings I could not get behind her either.
I received this book free for review from the publisher.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
I personally did not find this book to my liking. That does not mean that the writing was poor, only that it didn’t meet my expectations. Ethan was a boxer and this profession pushes some of my dislike buttons so perhaps it is for this reason I did not especially like him and Roselyn was so hither and yon with her feelings I could not get behind her either.
I received this book free for review from the publisher.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
July 12, 2017
Mám rada, keď sú príbehy o láske okorenené aj dobrou detektívnou zápletkou. Dodáva jej to trochu tajomna a napätia. A toto sa vcelku fajn podarilo aj autorke tejto knihy.
Hneď na úvod, musím spomenúť hlavného hrdinu. Ethan je úžasný hrdina. Každá žena by ho rada mala po svojom boku. Je silný, je odvážny, je nebojácny, tiež je trochu nebezpečný a tajomný, no hlavne, je schopný pre svoju vyvolenú preskákať hory, preplávať moria, zabiť draka. No nemilujte ho ;-)
Naopak, s hrdinkou je to trochu zložitejšie (samozrejme, veď ide o ženu, musí byť zložitejšia/komplikovanejšia). V tomto prípade Roselyn za našim hrdinom trochu zaostáva. Áno, vie byť spontánna a robiť nečakané veci, často nehodné mladej dámy (ako bolo napríklad ohadzovanie sa blatom na verejnosti, alebo sliedenie po nociach v nebezpečných zákutiach Londýna), ale je tiež ženou danej doby. Doby, v ktorej bolo dôležité sa dobre vydať, splodiť deti a šlus. O nič iné sa nestarať. A k tomu sa ona až priveľmi približovala. Zvyšok recenzie je tu: http://kokinakniznica.blogspot.sk/201...
Hneď na úvod, musím spomenúť hlavného hrdinu. Ethan je úžasný hrdina. Každá žena by ho rada mala po svojom boku. Je silný, je odvážny, je nebojácny, tiež je trochu nebezpečný a tajomný, no hlavne, je schopný pre svoju vyvolenú preskákať hory, preplávať moria, zabiť draka. No nemilujte ho ;-)
Naopak, s hrdinkou je to trochu zložitejšie (samozrejme, veď ide o ženu, musí byť zložitejšia/komplikovanejšia). V tomto prípade Roselyn za našim hrdinom trochu zaostáva. Áno, vie byť spontánna a robiť nečakané veci, často nehodné mladej dámy (ako bolo napríklad ohadzovanie sa blatom na verejnosti, alebo sliedenie po nociach v nebezpečných zákutiach Londýna), ale je tiež ženou danej doby. Doby, v ktorej bolo dôležité sa dobre vydať, splodiť deti a šlus. O nič iné sa nestarať. A k tomu sa ona až priveľmi približovala. Zvyšok recenzie je tu: http://kokinakniznica.blogspot.sk/201...
February 21, 2016
Elizabeth Michaels has written a witty, charming, adventure filled, and laugh out loud, novel. Roselyn and Ethan are quite the love match for each other. I felt as if I was another character in the book. Give it a read and see if you feel the same;-)
August 20, 2016
I enjoyed reading.
August 9, 2017
Oh, I wanted to like this book more. A heroine with independent spirit, but who doesn’t feel out of step with the historic time period. Internal conflicts that could lead to emotional development and growth. And a murder mystery overlaid on the story. But these aspects were not enough to save this book.
Problem number one – a hero who is too stupid to live. Ethan, a second son, had fled to Europe mysteriously years before. He returns just as his brother Travis, the heir, is finalizing his engagement to Roselyn, Ethan’s childhood nemesis and best friend. Travis is promptly murdered.
{spoilerish comments ahead} We’re introduced to the murderer right away. And most readers will immediately figure out that this person is the murderer. But not Ethan even though everything about this guy shouts “Hey I murdered your brother.” And Ethan proceeds to make stupid decision after stupid decision, putting himself and Roselyn in unnecessary danger.
And Roselyn is quite irritating at first. She finds Ethan with a knife in his hand right after Travis falls to his death. She then launches a personal campaign to prove he’s a murderer, but doesn’t bring it up to him when she’s kissing or dancing with him. When he explains to her what happened, she immediately accepts his story. If she’s so easily swayed, why not just ask earlier.
Her character became more interesting as book progressed. She’s fighting her own internal desire for a planned and structured life, an internal struggle that could have been developed more. Instead we see her dealing with the consequences of Ethan’s stupid decision making.
Even the ending just felt off. The murderer is revealed, Ethan and Roselyn admit their love for each other. Perfect time for an ending yet the book goes on for another chapter plus an epilogue. The additional chapter adds nothing but an excessively long love scene and the epilogue adds little to the story. Yikes.
Problem number one – a hero who is too stupid to live. Ethan, a second son, had fled to Europe mysteriously years before. He returns just as his brother Travis, the heir, is finalizing his engagement to Roselyn, Ethan’s childhood nemesis and best friend. Travis is promptly murdered.
{spoilerish comments ahead} We’re introduced to the murderer right away. And most readers will immediately figure out that this person is the murderer. But not Ethan even though everything about this guy shouts “Hey I murdered your brother.” And Ethan proceeds to make stupid decision after stupid decision, putting himself and Roselyn in unnecessary danger.
And Roselyn is quite irritating at first. She finds Ethan with a knife in his hand right after Travis falls to his death. She then launches a personal campaign to prove he’s a murderer, but doesn’t bring it up to him when she’s kissing or dancing with him. When he explains to her what happened, she immediately accepts his story. If she’s so easily swayed, why not just ask earlier.
Her character became more interesting as book progressed. She’s fighting her own internal desire for a planned and structured life, an internal struggle that could have been developed more. Instead we see her dealing with the consequences of Ethan’s stupid decision making.
Even the ending just felt off. The murderer is revealed, Ethan and Roselyn admit their love for each other. Perfect time for an ending yet the book goes on for another chapter plus an epilogue. The additional chapter adds nothing but an excessively long love scene and the epilogue adds little to the story. Yikes.
July 14, 2017
This is the first book in Spare Heirs series
Roselyn is tired of being called the daughter of the "Mad Duke of Thornwood", and to ensure that her marriage will not be based on feelings (that could cause the madness to appear, or so she believes), she had decided on a logical match with Trevor Moore, the Lord Ayton. Everything is going smoothly and Trevor is going to propose to her soon, until Trevor's brother, Ethan, comes back to London after a scandal that he caused in France. As a prizefighter, Ethan only cares about winning and not the title or anything that his brother has, except for Roselyn
But then, his brother Trevor is dead because he's close in finding a secret that he shouldn't find, and Ethan vowed that he would find his brother's murderer, the secret his brother had found, and to get Roselyn back
I give this book 2.5 stars, not because it's not enjoyable or that the mystery is not good enough, because it is. I have problem with Roselyn in general, and maybe this is just my preferences, but having her trying to marry the older brother while loving the younger brother is not right to me. She had the chance to tell Trevor the truth and choose Ethan since the beginning, but she didn't. Then she get into an illusion about Ethan causing Trevor's death and she decided that Ethan is not for her (though not for long). It frustrates me that she didn't have a mind of her own, always so easily swayed. Even by the end of the book I couldn't understand her mind at all, and I've stopped caring about her in the middle of the book and just treated her as a main character in her own self-made drama
The plus point would be the inside story about Victoria and Brice, the story that I've been waiting for it to be released (I hope soon, because I want to know what happens to them!). They make my day better
Roselyn is tired of being called the daughter of the "Mad Duke of Thornwood", and to ensure that her marriage will not be based on feelings (that could cause the madness to appear, or so she believes), she had decided on a logical match with Trevor Moore, the Lord Ayton. Everything is going smoothly and Trevor is going to propose to her soon, until Trevor's brother, Ethan, comes back to London after a scandal that he caused in France. As a prizefighter, Ethan only cares about winning and not the title or anything that his brother has, except for Roselyn
But then, his brother Trevor is dead because he's close in finding a secret that he shouldn't find, and Ethan vowed that he would find his brother's murderer, the secret his brother had found, and to get Roselyn back
I give this book 2.5 stars, not because it's not enjoyable or that the mystery is not good enough, because it is. I have problem with Roselyn in general, and maybe this is just my preferences, but having her trying to marry the older brother while loving the younger brother is not right to me. She had the chance to tell Trevor the truth and choose Ethan since the beginning, but she didn't. Then she get into an illusion about Ethan causing Trevor's death and she decided that Ethan is not for her (though not for long). It frustrates me that she didn't have a mind of her own, always so easily swayed. Even by the end of the book I couldn't understand her mind at all, and I've stopped caring about her in the middle of the book and just treated her as a main character in her own self-made drama
The plus point would be the inside story about Victoria and Brice, the story that I've been waiting for it to be released (I hope soon, because I want to know what happens to them!). They make my day better
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