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Nightingale
In the spring of 1840, eighteen-year-old Jessica Blair is a scullery maid in a remote manor house, part of the vast holdings of the Duke of Fornay. Two years younger than Queen Victoria, Jessica is the well-educated daughter of a deceased professor. Sole support of her widowed mother and avoiding an unacceptable marriage prospect, Jessica has secretly collected a flock of cast-off hens, and is supplementing her income hoping to improve her future.
Jessica is alarmed when horsemen race headlong through the twilight on the footpath she has inadvertently cut to the henhouse. She stops the charge short of disaster to find the threat is not many horses, but one magnificent, riderless runaway. Ignorant of the dangers in handling an overwrought stallion, Jessica calms the animal. She calls him “Sweetness.”
Backtracking, Jessica finds the missing rider, twenty-eight-year-old Devlin Miracle, the arrogant Twelfth Duke of Fornay, badly injured, and waiting for daylight. But, for this aristocrat, there will be no daylight. His injuries have left him blind.
Struggling against their disparities, Devlin and Jessica resist, but sometimes love will not be ignored.
Sensuality Behind Closed Doors
Jessica is alarmed when horsemen race headlong through the twilight on the footpath she has inadvertently cut to the henhouse. She stops the charge short of disaster to find the threat is not many horses, but one magnificent, riderless runaway. Ignorant of the dangers in handling an overwrought stallion, Jessica calms the animal. She calls him “Sweetness.”
Backtracking, Jessica finds the missing rider, twenty-eight-year-old Devlin Miracle, the arrogant Twelfth Duke of Fornay, badly injured, and waiting for daylight. But, for this aristocrat, there will be no daylight. His injuries have left him blind.
Struggling against their disparities, Devlin and Jessica resist, but sometimes love will not be ignored.
Sensuality Behind Closed Doors
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2013
About the author
Sharon Ervin
23 books20 followersMEMORY is my twelfth published romantic suspense novel. This one was released from The Wild Rose Press on March 8, 2017 in both print and ebook formats.
JACK SPRAT COULD, my thirteenth, is coming August 25, also from The Wild Rose Press.
If you would like review copies of either one, let me know.
Sharon Ervin
ervins@sbcglobal.net
JACK SPRAT COULD, my thirteenth, is coming August 25, also from The Wild Rose Press.
If you would like review copies of either one, let me know.
Sharon Ervin
ervins@sbcglobal.net
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 1, 2018
Nightingale by Sharon Ervin 5/5 stars. Entertaining page turner. In Jane Eyre-esque fashion, Lord Devlin, after being waylaid by rogues, finds himself dependent on the help of Jessica, a "scullery maid to a scullery maid." With the power balance tipped in Jessica's favor, she rises to the role of putting the demanding, temperamental Duke in his place.
Ervin captured my interest from page one by keeping the story well paced with her mix of action, dialogue, and introspection. The quirky Jessica is delightful, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the entire novel. Ervin deftly characterizes the nuances of human nature with the stroke of her pen.
There were a few oddities in the story that the developmental editor might have missed, such as descriptions from the Duke's POV as if he had already regained his sight when he had not. There was also an almost too tidy and coincidental cleaning up of the evil villain that left me disappointed, but overall, the story kept me happily entertained throughout.
As far as level of steaminess, the tension between the H/h is present, but not overt. Again, reminiscent of Jane Eyre as the Duke is both demanding and appreciative of his savior, his "Nightingale," and fights against his attraction even as he admits he needs her.
Ervin captured my interest from page one by keeping the story well paced with her mix of action, dialogue, and introspection. The quirky Jessica is delightful, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the entire novel. Ervin deftly characterizes the nuances of human nature with the stroke of her pen.
There were a few oddities in the story that the developmental editor might have missed, such as descriptions from the Duke's POV as if he had already regained his sight when he had not. There was also an almost too tidy and coincidental cleaning up of the evil villain that left me disappointed, but overall, the story kept me happily entertained throughout.
As far as level of steaminess, the tension between the H/h is present, but not overt. Again, reminiscent of Jane Eyre as the Duke is both demanding and appreciative of his savior, his "Nightingale," and fights against his attraction even as he admits he needs her.
July 13, 2017
Jessica Blair happened to be in the right place at the right time to rescue Devlin, the 12th Duke of Fornay who was ambushed, robbed and left for dead!! He thought she was a child but she was his savior, his nightingale. His mother Lady Anne knew right away Jessica was special in more ways than one. As Devlin starts to recover from his initial blindness he makes a bargain with Jessica. As Devlin, Lady Anne and all the servants get to know Jessica they all fall under her beautiful spell. Devlin continues to refer to her as a child even though she continuously corrects him that she is a woman fully grown. You will love this book, the banter btwn the two and what she does to make sure Devlin and his family stays safe!!
August 21, 2017
I liked this story because of the spunk of the main character. She was a friend to all and was able to manipulate as well as show her caring side to everyone she knew. I found it kind of funny that the two main characters didn't realize they loved each other until many suitors came and went. The conversations she had with the Duke were quite fun to read- one could see both sides of each conversation. I was quite glad that the brother was OK- there was a time I thought he was involved in the plot to kill his brother.
February 28, 2018
Jane Eyre-esque
Very charming story of a young, intelligent imp who subdues a rich, impaired aristocrat. Intellectual sparring and tantalizing banter leaves one turning pages quickly. But who wants to murder the Duke? The Lout? A mystery to be solved!
I started looking for more books by Sharon Ervin before chapter three!
Very charming story of a young, intelligent imp who subdues a rich, impaired aristocrat. Intellectual sparring and tantalizing banter leaves one turning pages quickly. But who wants to murder the Duke? The Lout? A mystery to be solved!
I started looking for more books by Sharon Ervin before chapter three!
December 30, 2021
A very appealing story
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2021
I love this book! It's a refreshing change from the murder mysteries I frequently read. The "verbal volleyball" in which the main characters engage--resulting from misunderstanding, anger, and sometimes even from teasing--is well-written. In addition, who can resist a flashing black stallion and cute kittens? Not I.
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2021
I love this book! It's a refreshing change from the murder mysteries I frequently read. The "verbal volleyball" in which the main characters engage--resulting from misunderstanding, anger, and sometimes even from teasing--is well-written. In addition, who can resist a flashing black stallion and cute kittens? Not I.
July 4, 2017
'Sweetness'
I laughed, cried, swooned & nearly hummed throughout this delightful story. Dastardly felons, magnificent steeds, but most importantly, the most unlikely pair to hope for a happy ending. Well done! Worth every second of my imagination. Very well done!!
I laughed, cried, swooned & nearly hummed throughout this delightful story. Dastardly felons, magnificent steeds, but most importantly, the most unlikely pair to hope for a happy ending. Well done! Worth every second of my imagination. Very well done!!
July 5, 2017
Romance novel
Rather lighthearted story without much depth. Characters likable.but were not developed enough. Potential conflicts easily resolved. Would have enjoyed a little more conflict
Rather lighthearted story without much depth. Characters likable.but were not developed enough. Potential conflicts easily resolved. Would have enjoyed a little more conflict
July 20, 2017
Fast paced, exciting, delightful read for avid readers of historical r
Romance. Interesting and believable characters. Jessica's spunk and fearlessness grabbed my attention from page one, holding till the end. Did think she was too unbelievably forward, outspoken at times
Romance. Interesting and believable characters. Jessica's spunk and fearlessness grabbed my attention from page one, holding till the end. Did think she was too unbelievably forward, outspoken at times
February 28, 2018
Excellent story
Interesting and imaginative story with very likable characters. The chemistry between the main characters was well developed. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys period romances.
Interesting and imaginative story with very likable characters. The chemistry between the main characters was well developed. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys period romances.
March 14, 2018
Recommendation for Nightingale
Historical fiction, a little scandalous, and very entertaining. A fun read to while the day away. I enjoyed the. Ok - one you had to put little thought into.
Historical fiction, a little scandalous, and very entertaining. A fun read to while the day away. I enjoyed the. Ok - one you had to put little thought into.
January 22, 2022
I read this book as one of the 10 books in the "Timeless Passion" complition.
A Cinderella story, in some respects, having a scullery maid become an important person in a Regency age tale.
Yes, a story with drama, intrigue and two characters that just bounce off each other.
Yeah, if I could give more stars for this one, I would!
A Cinderella story, in some respects, having a scullery maid become an important person in a Regency age tale.
Yes, a story with drama, intrigue and two characters that just bounce off each other.
Yeah, if I could give more stars for this one, I would!
July 20, 2017
Great fun!
Great character development. Different plot than many romances. Perhaps too slow moving for some. Thankfully, no lurid sex scenes for commercial appeal!
Great character development. Different plot than many romances. Perhaps too slow moving for some. Thankfully, no lurid sex scenes for commercial appeal!
February 24, 2018
Love bird!
When a lowly submaid helps a wounded duke and endures his wrath she overcomes all of the attempts on her and his lives but succumbs to his heart.
When a lowly submaid helps a wounded duke and endures his wrath she overcomes all of the attempts on her and his lives but succumbs to his heart.
March 4, 2018
Nightingale
This the fantastic story of a duke falling in love with a commoner who saves his life & wins his love. Very suspenseful, unpredictable with a wonderful ending!
This the fantastic story of a duke falling in love with a commoner who saves his life & wins his love. Very suspenseful, unpredictable with a wonderful ending!
July 24, 2018
Nightingale
A battle royal from start to finish, as a good marriage should be. I didn't want to put the book down.
A battle royal from start to finish, as a good marriage should be. I didn't want to put the book down.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews