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The Notorious St. Claires #4
Temná vášeň
Darius Wynter, vévoda z Carlyne, nemá právě nejlepší pověst. Ve společnosti je považován za zhýralce a karbaníka a o smrti jeho první ženy kolují ošklivé klepy. Lady Arabellu St. Claire však navzdory svému arogantnímu vystupování neodolatelně přitahuje. Ač je Arabella ve věcech lásky zcela nevinná, svéhlavost a zvědavost ji přivedou do kompromitující situace, z níž se manželství s vévodou jeví jako jediné východisko. Třebaže záhy okusí rozličné slasti manželského lože, stále je tu však Dariusova temná minulost. Hrozí novopečené manželce nebezpečí, nebo se ukáže, že se v nechvalně proslulém vévodovi všichni mýlili?
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
57 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Carole Mortimer
1,296 books907 followersI have written almost 250 romance novels in contemporary and Regency.
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 15, 2022
Nice story about love at first sight, having to wait because other people got in the way. 3.5 stars
May 21, 2013
Trope-alicious baby! Though it is a historical romance, so that is always to be expected.
-constant misunderstandings from the beginning? Check!
-Heroine acting like a hussy and (apparently) completely out of character because the hero is so dreamy? Check! Wait, uncheck, let's try this one again.
-Heroine acting like a hussy and (apparently) completely out of character because the hero is so jerky that a sheltered virgin just wants to ball his brains out after he undresses her in her BROTHER's study? Check!
-Rake isn't a rake because he's really just pretending for the sake of his country? Check! Though it kind of cracks me up that I've read enough stories with the secret spy cliche that this has become a trope.
-Everything is a tragic misunderstanding and they've actually loved each other forever? Check! though, dude, 18 months is not "years". Which I'm very thankful for because she's 19 and he's 31 or something so if he'd loved her for years it would be so lecherously creepy. I know, I know, different times, different values. BUT STILL.
-In one week the sheltered (and maybe kind of bitchy) heroine manages to capture the heart of the hardened (usually former criminal) and inexperienced man her husband has hired to be a butler purely for reasons for protection? Check! Oh my god. When did this become a trope? What has my life become? *flails*
just kidding.
I'd give this author another go, but it just seemed like she wasn't quite sure what she wanted to do with this story. It was entertaining, I'll give it that, but there's only so many times a heroine can misunderstand the character of her husband/lover and villify him before I start thinking "Dude, if you think he's that much a douchebag why the fuck did you marry him? Why the fuck did you fuck him?"
-constant misunderstandings from the beginning? Check!
-Heroine acting like a hussy and (apparently) completely out of character because the hero is so dreamy? Check! Wait, uncheck, let's try this one again.
-Heroine acting like a hussy and (apparently) completely out of character because the hero is so jerky that a sheltered virgin just wants to ball his brains out after he undresses her in her BROTHER's study? Check!
-Rake isn't a rake because he's really just pretending for the sake of his country? Check! Though it kind of cracks me up that I've read enough stories with the secret spy cliche that this has become a trope.
-Everything is a tragic misunderstanding and they've actually loved each other forever? Check! though, dude, 18 months is not "years". Which I'm very thankful for because she's 19 and he's 31 or something so if he'd loved her for years it would be so lecherously creepy. I know, I know, different times, different values. BUT STILL.
-In one week the sheltered (and maybe kind of bitchy) heroine manages to capture the heart of the hardened (usually former criminal) and inexperienced man her husband has hired to be a butler purely for reasons for protection? Check! Oh my god. When did this become a trope? What has my life become? *flails*
just kidding.
I'd give this author another go, but it just seemed like she wasn't quite sure what she wanted to do with this story. It was entertaining, I'll give it that, but there's only so many times a heroine can misunderstand the character of her husband/lover and villify him before I start thinking "Dude, if you think he's that much a douchebag why the fuck did you marry him? Why the fuck did you fuck him?"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 6, 2013This book was not for me and I did not enjoy it. Everyone has books they are good matches with and those that aren't and this one isn't the book for me.
The whole set up of the book is one I just happen to strongly dislike. The hero acts like a jerk (and of course in his inner monologue it is all justified and for the heroines "good") and the heroine seems to stand up to him. Then all his has to do is give her a come hither look or touch her and she is ready to have sex with him and put it all behind her. Then the hero gets what he wants and acts like a jerk and we repeat this cycle throughout the book. The very end of the book was not enough to save it for me. I didn't like the characters and couldn't connect with them. The hero was very controlling and the heroine was supposed to be strong-willed and smart yet did not come off that way for me at all- especially when she was giving up standing up to her husband because he made her lusty. I also found the constant bickering to be off putting rather than what I expect was supposed to be endearing.
I think this book will appeal to people who like these kind of dynamics it just doesn't appeal to me.
The whole set up of the book is one I just happen to strongly dislike. The hero acts like a jerk (and of course in his inner monologue it is all justified and for the heroines "good") and the heroine seems to stand up to him. Then all his has to do is give her a come hither look or touch her and she is ready to have sex with him and put it all behind her. Then the hero gets what he wants and acts like a jerk and we repeat this cycle throughout the book. The very end of the book was not enough to save it for me. I didn't like the characters and couldn't connect with them. The hero was very controlling and the heroine was supposed to be strong-willed and smart yet did not come off that way for me at all- especially when she was giving up standing up to her husband because he made her lusty. I also found the constant bickering to be off putting rather than what I expect was supposed to be endearing.
I think this book will appeal to people who like these kind of dynamics it just doesn't appeal to me.
February 22, 2021
Sfida alle convenzioni è una dilogia in cui la conclusione del primo libro collega l’inserimento del secondo. Le due storie d’amore sono indipendenti ma hanno in comune, per l’appunto, la Sfida alle convenzioni della società dell’epoca storica in cui vengono ambientate.
Il libro Indomabile ha come protagonisti la restia duchessa Juliet Boyd e Lord Sebastian St. Claire, un’abile scapestrato donnaiolo.
Juliet è vedova da più di un anno e mezzo, il periodo del lutto è terminato e potrebbe tornare in società per trovare un nuovo marito. Le voci che circolano sul suo conto, e sulla modalità della morte del marito, le impediscono di apparire ai balli o unirsi alle altre dame nei salotti londinesi, perché si sente giudicata senza sapere cosa si celava dietro al matrimonio con un uomo così importate e ben rispettato.
Le attenzioni di Sebastian la infastidiscono poiché mal interpreta le sua intenzioni, ma è un richiamo delle sirene sentirsi trattata con delicatezza fra le braccia di un uomo.
I St. Claire sono famosi per la tempra del gestire e dominare le emozioni, Sebastian non è da meno, eppure Juliet lo priva di tale capacità sovvertendo il suo mondo e portandolo a raggiungere, con determinazione, l’obiettivo di avere fra le sue braccia la Vedova nera.
L’interazione fra Juliet e Sebastian è come assistere a una quadriglia: a ogni avvicinamento, segue un’interferenza di un altra persona oppure un passo falso che viene frainteso.
La cosa che ho apprezzato in questo primo episodio è che è stata inserito l’evento storico della battaglia di Waterloo, e dell’esilio di Napoleone, per creare un intrigo internazionale che ha supportato l’avvicinamento di Sebastian a Juliet, tralasciando tantissimo le descrizioni delle campagne inglesi e dei salotti. Probabilmente l’autrice ha dato per scontato che ormai tutte le lettrici, ma anche i lettori appassionati del genere, conoscano i paesaggi e residenze inglesi a menadito e ha preferito allietare la lettura con altri elementi-eventi dell’epoca. Fra l’altro ben documentati.
L’onore dei St. Claire vede la bisbetica Lady Arabella St. Claire che innocentemente spinge Darius, Duca di Carlyne, a chiederla in moglie.
La sfrontatezza, l’orgoglio e ribelle provocazione che Arabella dimostra nei confronti di Darius fanno sorridere, come affascina il suo divertirsi nello stuzzicare la giovane moglie.
Arabella è stata cresciuta dai tre fratelli e il suo carattere non è accondiscendente come le altre dame che conosce. Da sempre infatuata di Darius, non si lascia sfuggire l’occasione di diventarne moglie per poi scoprire, fin dal primo giorno di nozze, che l’uomo è diverso da come l’aveva conosciuto.
Lui si nasconde dietro alla pigrizia, codardia e abbandono verso i piaceri. In realtà è un un lord che cerca di contrastare e reagire agli attacchi di qualcuno di minaccioso.
La parte di spionaggio, in questo secondo libro viene maggiormente elaborata e sviluppata creando una nota di suspense che appassiona parallelamente alla storia d’amore.
Nel complesso la scrittura di Carole Mortimer risulta piacevole e si nota la conoscenza dell’epoca storica trattata. L’unica nota la pongo verso i ripetuti concetti riferiti alle situazioni, o caratterizzazioni dei protagonisti, che spesso mi sono apparse ridondanti e inutili.
Questa lettura è stata molto gradevole e ho trovato interessante gli intrecci che l’autrice è riuscita a creare dando un movimento narrativo mai scontato. Ultimamente mi annoio con una facilità disarmante mentre leggo libri rosa e questa dilogia è riuscita a interessarmi perché, nonostante l’amore sia il tema principale, ha descritto bene l’epoca e l’elemento dello spionaggio mi ha permesso di indagare a mia volta mentre leggevo. Le personalità delle due protagoniste sono delicate e forti allo stesso tempo, mentre l’onore di Sebastian e Darius hanno confermato che alle volte l’apparenza inganna. Basta solo guardare oltre le apparenze e sfidare le convenzioni.
Il libro Indomabile ha come protagonisti la restia duchessa Juliet Boyd e Lord Sebastian St. Claire, un’abile scapestrato donnaiolo.
Juliet è vedova da più di un anno e mezzo, il periodo del lutto è terminato e potrebbe tornare in società per trovare un nuovo marito. Le voci che circolano sul suo conto, e sulla modalità della morte del marito, le impediscono di apparire ai balli o unirsi alle altre dame nei salotti londinesi, perché si sente giudicata senza sapere cosa si celava dietro al matrimonio con un uomo così importate e ben rispettato.
Le attenzioni di Sebastian la infastidiscono poiché mal interpreta le sua intenzioni, ma è un richiamo delle sirene sentirsi trattata con delicatezza fra le braccia di un uomo.
I St. Claire sono famosi per la tempra del gestire e dominare le emozioni, Sebastian non è da meno, eppure Juliet lo priva di tale capacità sovvertendo il suo mondo e portandolo a raggiungere, con determinazione, l’obiettivo di avere fra le sue braccia la Vedova nera.
L’interazione fra Juliet e Sebastian è come assistere a una quadriglia: a ogni avvicinamento, segue un’interferenza di un altra persona oppure un passo falso che viene frainteso.
La cosa che ho apprezzato in questo primo episodio è che è stata inserito l’evento storico della battaglia di Waterloo, e dell’esilio di Napoleone, per creare un intrigo internazionale che ha supportato l’avvicinamento di Sebastian a Juliet, tralasciando tantissimo le descrizioni delle campagne inglesi e dei salotti. Probabilmente l’autrice ha dato per scontato che ormai tutte le lettrici, ma anche i lettori appassionati del genere, conoscano i paesaggi e residenze inglesi a menadito e ha preferito allietare la lettura con altri elementi-eventi dell’epoca. Fra l’altro ben documentati.
L’onore dei St. Claire vede la bisbetica Lady Arabella St. Claire che innocentemente spinge Darius, Duca di Carlyne, a chiederla in moglie.
La sfrontatezza, l’orgoglio e ribelle provocazione che Arabella dimostra nei confronti di Darius fanno sorridere, come affascina il suo divertirsi nello stuzzicare la giovane moglie.
Arabella è stata cresciuta dai tre fratelli e il suo carattere non è accondiscendente come le altre dame che conosce. Da sempre infatuata di Darius, non si lascia sfuggire l’occasione di diventarne moglie per poi scoprire, fin dal primo giorno di nozze, che l’uomo è diverso da come l’aveva conosciuto.
Lui si nasconde dietro alla pigrizia, codardia e abbandono verso i piaceri. In realtà è un un lord che cerca di contrastare e reagire agli attacchi di qualcuno di minaccioso.
La parte di spionaggio, in questo secondo libro viene maggiormente elaborata e sviluppata creando una nota di suspense che appassiona parallelamente alla storia d’amore.
Nel complesso la scrittura di Carole Mortimer risulta piacevole e si nota la conoscenza dell’epoca storica trattata. L’unica nota la pongo verso i ripetuti concetti riferiti alle situazioni, o caratterizzazioni dei protagonisti, che spesso mi sono apparse ridondanti e inutili.
Questa lettura è stata molto gradevole e ho trovato interessante gli intrecci che l’autrice è riuscita a creare dando un movimento narrativo mai scontato. Ultimamente mi annoio con una facilità disarmante mentre leggo libri rosa e questa dilogia è riuscita a interessarmi perché, nonostante l’amore sia il tema principale, ha descritto bene l’epoca e l’elemento dello spionaggio mi ha permesso di indagare a mia volta mentre leggevo. Le personalità delle due protagoniste sono delicate e forti allo stesso tempo, mentre l’onore di Sebastian e Darius hanno confermato che alle volte l’apparenza inganna. Basta solo guardare oltre le apparenze e sfidare le convenzioni.
November 3, 2016
I guess this is 4th book in a series. Arabella is young sister of 4 older brothers. She and Darius Wynter, Duke of Carlyne, are caught in a compromising situation and he offers marriage and she accepts. They secretly have loved each other for years. He works for government secretly and is thought by society to be a rake but really has reformed his ways. This was pretty good and kept my interest - rating 4
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2012
It was a little text book not a bad read not really good depth in the characters one that if you want a sweet little romance with characters that both should be sent to a therapist this is the book for you
June 28, 2011
Cheesy with a thick slice of cheese on top.
July 15, 2024
„W atmosferze skandalu” to już ostatni tom z serii ‘Słynna rodzina St. Claire, który tym razem skupia się na niepoprawnej siostrze. Po przyłapaniu na dość krępującej sytuacji, Książę Darius oświadcza się Arabelli St. Claire. Para ciągle się kłóci, podpuszcza, jako że oboje mają mocne charaktery. Natomiast w tle czai się niebezpieczeństwo, ponieważ od lat Darius Wynter prowadzi tajne operacje szpiegowskie i teraz jego żona może znaleźć się na celowniku.
Całkiem przyjemna, przekomarzanie się bohaterów i masa kłótni, a potem godzenia się. Nie przebija jednak tomu trzeciego czyli „Skompromitowanej damy”.
https://www.youtube.com/@angelic_on_p...
Całkiem przyjemna, przekomarzanie się bohaterów i masa kłótni, a potem godzenia się. Nie przebija jednak tomu trzeciego czyli „Skompromitowanej damy”.
https://www.youtube.com/@angelic_on_p...
December 9, 2024
Both main characters were so constantly mean and ready to believe the worst of each other.
And Mortimer uses way too many in-narrative exclamation points on single sentence paragraphs!
^^ like that
Both characters so covertly in love with each other, yet so brutal to each other? Nah man. I could have hacked it, nay even enjoyed it, if they had been remotely playful about any of it. But there was no edge of playfulness to their sparring — just spite and venom. This book was a chore. I only skimmed to the end to see if their honeymoon guest Grayson, who was embarrassingly subjected to their frequent, shameless fights, would eventually scream “grow up you twats” but he didn’t, so yeah.
And Mortimer uses way too many in-narrative exclamation points on single sentence paragraphs!
^^ like that
Both characters so covertly in love with each other, yet so brutal to each other? Nah man. I could have hacked it, nay even enjoyed it, if they had been remotely playful about any of it. But there was no edge of playfulness to their sparring — just spite and venom. This book was a chore. I only skimmed to the end to see if their honeymoon guest Grayson, who was embarrassingly subjected to their frequent, shameless fights, would eventually scream “grow up you twats” but he didn’t, so yeah.
June 2, 2020
Passion!
Arabella is a very passionate young woman. Smart beyond her years. Darius is passionate, very alpha, and tries to juggle work and a new wife. Ms. Mortimer has written an amazing story......yes filled with passion, intrigue, and mystery. Happy ever after? Absolutely. No cliffhanger or cheating, and enjoy the steamy intimacy scenes 🥰
Arabella is a very passionate young woman. Smart beyond her years. Darius is passionate, very alpha, and tries to juggle work and a new wife. Ms. Mortimer has written an amazing story......yes filled with passion, intrigue, and mystery. Happy ever after? Absolutely. No cliffhanger or cheating, and enjoy the steamy intimacy scenes 🥰
May 29, 2021
Dear me, this book is bad. I shall sum it up with the following: 'it had been fifteen years since he had first made love to an actual woman.' As opposed to what? A sheep? A blow up doll? The curtains? Mortimer has written some great (if often overblown) category romances. This is not one of them.
July 27, 2021
Dear me, this book is bad. I shall sum it up with the following: 'it had been fifteen years since he had first made love to an actual woman.' As opposed to what? A sheep? A blow up doll? The curtains? Mortimer has written some great (if often overblown) category romances. This is not one of them.
June 17, 2018
This was a very entertaining read. I enjoyed the banter between Arabella and Darius. Arabella is used to getting her own way, Darius has an arrogant side to him and they are well matched. There are a number of secrets and a villain to add interest to the story.
September 15, 2018
A little twist in the story made it even better.
Great book :)
Great book :)
November 13, 2018
bellissimo incipt e bella storia, ma... basta! ogni volta che si ritrovano soli succede qualcosa. che ansia. da scaraventarlo fuori dalla finestra proprio. consigliato a lettori pazienti.
September 2, 2025
Excellent.
A great read, tying up some loose ends from earlier novels in the series,
A bit of mystery, angst and drama. Some funny bits and romance.
There is another book giving Grayson his HEA.
A great read, tying up some loose ends from earlier novels in the series,
A bit of mystery, angst and drama. Some funny bits and romance.
There is another book giving Grayson his HEA.
April 10, 2013
This is a nice little historical romance that for me had a little too much of a Harlequin Presents feel to it, which since Mortimer also writes Presents, is not surprising. Older man, naive but spirited young woman who is introduced to sex by her new husband... I don't like stories where the heroine loses every argument, even when--or maybe especially when they are lost because the hero seduces the heroine out of her righteous anger. I can't understand why that would make her anger go away. But I also honestly don't get the appeal of the nasty, arrogant 'alpha' hero. A bad boy, yes, but not the a-hole jerk type. And, yes, Mortimer did explain that he really didn't Want to be such an a-hole... but he still was, and I didn't like the heroine's reaction to the way he was acting. She would argue with him, but she always turned into ... dishwater. But that's just my opinion. For what it's worth.
It's a good story except for my personal quibbles, which probably won't bother most, or many other readers. I read every word of it. It's just--those Presents-style stories leave me...feeling off...
It's a good story except for my personal quibbles, which probably won't bother most, or many other readers. I read every word of it. It's just--those Presents-style stories leave me...feeling off...
November 27, 2018
Forse il migliore della serie!
Siamo giunti all'ultimo volume della serie dedicata ai fratelli St. Claire ed è il turno dell'unica sorella, Arabella! ;D Negli altri libri avevo notato una certa chimica (ed anche un certo astio XD) tra la nostra lady e l'affascinante Darius Wynter, Duca di Carlyne e qui tutti i nodi (e i trascorsi) vengono al pettine. Darius ha un passato di scandali, l'ultimo riguardante l'improvvisa morte della neosposa, ed un presente dedicato al servizio della patria come spia. Non è il momento ideale per esplorare i sentimenti che prova per Arabella ma cupido non aspetta nessuno e i due si ritroveranno in un baleno uniti in un matrimonio riparatore che inevitabilmente porterà la ragazza a scoprire l'uomo che si nasconde dietro i pettegolezzi e Darius ad amare non solo la bellezza ma anche il coraggio di una donna disposta a tutto per rimanergli accanto! Non manca qualche scena stile isteria tipica di famiglia ma certo Arabella è più riflessiva ed equilibrata dei fratelli e tra agguati, rivelazioni, litigi e appassionate riconciliazioni arriverà al suo lieto fine! ;D
Siamo giunti all'ultimo volume della serie dedicata ai fratelli St. Claire ed è il turno dell'unica sorella, Arabella! ;D Negli altri libri avevo notato una certa chimica (ed anche un certo astio XD) tra la nostra lady e l'affascinante Darius Wynter, Duca di Carlyne e qui tutti i nodi (e i trascorsi) vengono al pettine. Darius ha un passato di scandali, l'ultimo riguardante l'improvvisa morte della neosposa, ed un presente dedicato al servizio della patria come spia. Non è il momento ideale per esplorare i sentimenti che prova per Arabella ma cupido non aspetta nessuno e i due si ritroveranno in un baleno uniti in un matrimonio riparatore che inevitabilmente porterà la ragazza a scoprire l'uomo che si nasconde dietro i pettegolezzi e Darius ad amare non solo la bellezza ma anche il coraggio di una donna disposta a tutto per rimanergli accanto! Non manca qualche scena stile isteria tipica di famiglia ma certo Arabella è più riflessiva ed equilibrata dei fratelli e tra agguati, rivelazioni, litigi e appassionate riconciliazioni arriverà al suo lieto fine! ;D
May 31, 2011
After how-much time, I finally read it... What an achievement. Not.
Anyway, lady Arabella is the fourth St. Claire and an only daughter. She doesn't listen to anyone who orders. Darius Wynter is a duke and rake under threat of a french spy and his brother. When he marries Arabella he has to order her to protect her. Fortunately Darius is the only one that can make her do something.....
Anyway, lady Arabella is the fourth St. Claire and an only daughter. She doesn't listen to anyone who orders. Darius Wynter is a duke and rake under threat of a french spy and his brother. When he marries Arabella he has to order her to protect her. Fortunately Darius is the only one that can make her do something.....
January 24, 2014
A bit short for a historical but decent. Carole Mortimer is an author whose books I'll definitely pick-up. This is the 1st Historical of her's that I've read. The banter between the Hero - Darius and the Heroine - Arabella leading upto their wedding was well written with a good dose of humour. But post marriage it seemed to peter out.
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May 13, 2010#4 of 4 in The Notorious St. Claires series
I loved the final book! I highly suggest this series to my friends. It is going on my keeper shelf to be re-read many times over.
I loved the final book! I highly suggest this series to my friends. It is going on my keeper shelf to be re-read many times over.
December 1, 2010
I thought this novel was well written. I liked the relationship between Arabella and Darius. There was a bit of mystery thrown in and that really kept my attention! Great book!
January 11, 2012
This book was just alot of going round in circles and then alot of cheese at the end. Also again the title barely reflects the book.
August 1, 2015
Enjoyed reading this book
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews