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Shadows and Silk #1
Three Lessons in Seduction
Paris, September 1824
Lord Nicholas Asquith needs his wife. Too bad he broke her heart ten years ago.
Can he resist a second chance at the love he lost?
When Mariana catches the eye of the man at the center of an assassination plot, Nick puts aside their painful past and enlists her to obtain information by any means necessary, even if it means seducing the enemy agent.
Even if the thought makes his blood boil.
Only by keeping his distance from Mariana these last ten years was he able to pretend indifference to her. With every moment spent with her, he feels his tightly held control slipping . . .
Can she trust the spy who broke her heart?
Mariana spent the last decade forgetting Nick. Now she has the chance to best him at his own game, an opportunity she can’t resist, even as her view of him begins to shift. Increasingly, she wants nothing more than to seduce her own husband . . .
It’s only a matter of time before mad passion ignites, a passion never convincingly extinguished. A passion that insists on surrendering to the yearning of the flesh and, quite possibly, of the heart.
Lord Nicholas Asquith needs his wife. Too bad he broke her heart ten years ago.
Can he resist a second chance at the love he lost?
When Mariana catches the eye of the man at the center of an assassination plot, Nick puts aside their painful past and enlists her to obtain information by any means necessary, even if it means seducing the enemy agent.
Even if the thought makes his blood boil.
Only by keeping his distance from Mariana these last ten years was he able to pretend indifference to her. With every moment spent with her, he feels his tightly held control slipping . . .
Can she trust the spy who broke her heart?
Mariana spent the last decade forgetting Nick. Now she has the chance to best him at his own game, an opportunity she can’t resist, even as her view of him begins to shift. Increasingly, she wants nothing more than to seduce her own husband . . .
It’s only a matter of time before mad passion ignites, a passion never convincingly extinguished. A passion that insists on surrendering to the yearning of the flesh and, quite possibly, of the heart.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2017
687 people are currently reading
784 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Darling
46 books1,423 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sofie Darling’s passion for historical romance began in middle school the moment she cracked open Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. An instant and enduring love affair was born.
Sofie spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every romance she could get her hands on. Once she realized she simply must write the books she loved, she finished her English degree and set pencil to paper. (Ticonderoga #2 is her quill of choice.)
When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, Sofie enjoys a nice weekend hike, a visit to a crumbling medieval castle whenever she gets the chance, and a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.
You can keep up with her latest and future releases by joining her newsletter here:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Sofie spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every romance she could get her hands on. Once she realized she simply must write the books she loved, she finished her English degree and set pencil to paper. (Ticonderoga #2 is her quill of choice.)
When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, Sofie enjoys a nice weekend hike, a visit to a crumbling medieval castle whenever she gets the chance, and a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.
You can keep up with her latest and future releases by joining her newsletter here:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
August 1, 2021
With those parting words, he was out of the door. And out of her life for all she knew.
There is no reason to involve you.
No seven words better encapsulated the story of their marriage.
5+ stars!!
So far, 2020 has been a year of some really amazing reads and this novel by Sofie Darling has absolutely made that list! I've owned this novel on my kindle for a while, and it's been calling my name recently so I decided to finally pick it up. And guys, I am beating myself up for waiting so long as this book was exquisitely written and full of passionate, relentless characters.
"Life as your spy is infinitely more interesting than life as your wife."
In the beginning of the novel, our heroine Mariana, Lady Nicholas Asquith, has traveled to Paris in search of her estranged husband. She received a note hinting at his untimely death, and although their marriage was broken ten years ago when he was seen in a compromising position with another woman, she feels compelled to discover the truth about his whereabouts.
The familiar encroaching darkness of his parents' doomed union crept toward the edges of his consciousness. For years, he'd allowed that past free rein over his future, but not today. Today, he pushed it away and turned toward the truth, unavoidable and clear: he was in love with his wife.
It was that simple. It was that complex.
For the past ten years, Nick has chosen to serve his country over his family and his wife. He has used the danger that his profession courts as an excuse to keep his wife at arm's length and keep their relationship as far from the love match that it began as in order to prevent a marriage like his parents--one full of vitriol and toxicity. But when he encounters Mariana in Paris on his latest undercover mission to prevent an assassination, he finds himself pulling her into his world of lies and deceit, unable to let go a second time.
Kisses had the power to reveal truths about two people that extended far beyond trivialities like compatibility and incompatibility. This kiss revealed a single unshakeable truth: she was the only woman for him. Nick had met his match. He would strive for the rest of his life to be worthy of her. And he knew he never would be.
The history of Nick and Mariana was so heavy with guilt, misunderstandings, lies, and half-truths. Nick carried so much baggage and wrong assumptions from the dumpster fire that was his parents' marriage, and he allowed their failure and contempt for each other to influence his happiness with Mariana. He uses his profession as a guise to sabotage his marriage when ultimately he is afraid of his love for this woman who holds nothing back and expects the same in return.
All rivers led back to her. She was his inevitable destination, no matter how he tried to influence fate otherwise.
This story was a tale of hurt, misunderstandings and ultimately redemption and second chances. The push and pull between Mariana and Nick was all-consuming and unrelenting; their chemistry palpable and unforgiving. In addition, the writing in this novel was so melodic and flawless; I continually found myself entranced with a passage and reread it over and over. I do wish the ending had a bit more danger to it (I do love a high-stakes dramatic ending), but other than that I would say this novel executed its goal completely as it weaved a tale unyielding enough to pull you in, and yet understated enough to allow you to immerse yourself in the story completely. I absolutely recommend this one and will definitely be continuing on in this series!
My Nick, gorgeous, secretive and in possession of a heart of gold...
May 2, 2022
Close to being great
I was already planning my five star review when bam the heroine was almost an idiot. I dont want to give it away but she almost ruined the book for me. Plus this book evoked so many emotions from me I must admit I almost threw the kindle at one point, and it made me tear up too. Such a lot of wasted years! Ten of them apart because the hero thought she was safer Without him. Idiot. But I do love this author. Both of her books have great heroes and they are safe. So far!! Will read rest of series for sure.
I was already planning my five star review when bam the heroine was almost an idiot. I dont want to give it away but she almost ruined the book for me. Plus this book evoked so many emotions from me I must admit I almost threw the kindle at one point, and it made me tear up too. Such a lot of wasted years! Ten of them apart because the hero thought she was safer Without him. Idiot. But I do love this author. Both of her books have great heroes and they are safe. So far!! Will read rest of series for sure.
October 2, 2022
2.5 stars. This would have been better without such a long separation. I think if the author is going to write a 10 year separation for a married couple, she should have a *really* good reason for the separation. The hero’s reasoning here was pretty lame imo, and therefore it pissed me off to no end that he left his wife the way that he did. In addition, I think he needed to beg her on his bruised and broken knees to take him back after how he behaved. His grovel needed to be so epic that there was no doubt that he regretted his past decisions.
One bright spot is that he stayed celibate throughout those 10 years - but the heroine didn’t know this!!! He told her that he had an affair when he left her, and she believed what he said. She also stayed celibate and tbh, I hated it. I wanted her to go and find a lover during those 10 years when she thought her husband was seeing plenty of OW. She even slept with him the first time thinking that he had been with two prostitutes a few nights before. It’s so infuriating to read this kind of storyline - the supposedly strong heroine is literally cut off at the knees with her own betraying body syndrome when she’s around her husband.
I think this is a decent story overall, but I couldn’t get over my anger towards the hero, so I didn’t really enjoy the story. And then there was no epilogue, they reunited and it’s over. I’m sure this couple makes appearances in the next books, but reading about them in future books just isn’t the same as a real epilogue. Such a bummer.
Safe; hero and heroine married 11 years earlier, he left her 10 years ago. He was her one and only, no info about his life before the heroine, both celibate during the 10 year separation, some mild OW drama because heroine thinks he’s with many OW and is jealous and feels betrayed, OM drama from a man who the hero essentially tells the heroine to seduce in order to learn his secrets. No scenes with OM/OW, no cheating.
One bright spot is that he stayed celibate throughout those 10 years - but the heroine didn’t know this!!! He told her that he had an affair when he left her, and she believed what he said. She also stayed celibate and tbh, I hated it. I wanted her to go and find a lover during those 10 years when she thought her husband was seeing plenty of OW. She even slept with him the first time thinking that he had been with two prostitutes a few nights before. It’s so infuriating to read this kind of storyline - the supposedly strong heroine is literally cut off at the knees with her own betraying body syndrome when she’s around her husband.
I think this is a decent story overall, but I couldn’t get over my anger towards the hero, so I didn’t really enjoy the story. And then there was no epilogue, they reunited and it’s over. I’m sure this couple makes appearances in the next books, but reading about them in future books just isn’t the same as a real epilogue. Such a bummer.
Safe; hero and heroine married 11 years earlier, he left her 10 years ago. He was her one and only, no info about his life before the heroine, both celibate during the 10 year separation, some mild OW drama because heroine thinks he’s with many OW and is jealous and feels betrayed, OM drama from a man who the hero essentially tells the heroine to seduce in order to learn his secrets. No scenes with OM/OW, no cheating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2018
Mariana has come to Paris to bring her husband's body back to England to give him a proper burial. The only problem? Nicholas is very much alive, triggering passion she purged ten years ago, and drawing her into his web of spies. There's a plot to overthrow the Parisian government and after an attempt is made on his life, he must go into hiding. With Mariana's arrival brings an interesting proposition: have her seduce the enemy agent to get information he needs. She needs tutoring in the act of seduction and he's the right man for the job. But things become hazy for Nicholas the more time he spends with Mariana. Can he reclaim her as his own or will she trample his heart like she did all those years ago?
This was such an incredible historical romance, one that totally seduced me. The backdrop of Paris reminded me of why I love that city. The chemistry between Mariana and Nicholas lit my e-reader on fire while the spy sub-plot fed my adventurous heart. A perfect blend of heartwarming romance with suspense, Three Lessons in Seductions is a must-read!
My Rating: 5+ stars
This was such an incredible historical romance, one that totally seduced me. The backdrop of Paris reminded me of why I love that city. The chemistry between Mariana and Nicholas lit my e-reader on fire while the spy sub-plot fed my adventurous heart. A perfect blend of heartwarming romance with suspense, Three Lessons in Seductions is a must-read!
My Rating: 5+ stars
May 4, 2018
Series: A Shadows and Silk Novel #1
Publication Date: 9/27/17
WOW! I can hardly believe this is the author’s first novel. I’ve seen many novels by very experienced writers who haven’t done nearly as well as Ms. Darling has with her first. It is excellently written and the characters are fully developed, likable, and they make you want to get to know them better. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
The book is set in 1824 Paris, so what is not to love. The wars are over, but there is still a chance that civil war could happen because France’s king is at death’s door. Should the monarch expire and his successor is assassinated, chaos could reign supreme in France and then spread to the rest of the continent and even destabilize England. While the main story is set in 1824 Paris, there are flashbacks to England and the initial meeting, marriage and separation of Nick and Mariana. While I’m not a big fan of flashbacks, these were well done and didn’t bother me.
Lady Mariana Montfort Asquith has lived separately from her husband for over ten years. He lives in Paris and only comes home to see his children three or four times a year and Mariana has little, if any, contact with him in all that time. She’s spent those ten years hardening her heart and trying not to love him because he betrayed her and ripped her heart from her chest. Now, she has a letter saying that he is either missing or deceased in Paris as part of his service to the Crown. Service to the Crown? He haphazardly worked for some minor government agency there didn’t he? Whatever it is, she has to know, so she’ll go to Paris and either find him alive or bring his body home to be buried.
Lord Nicholas Asquith was raised by parents that were at war with each other. Their battles, at home and in public, were legendary. They had married for love, but Nick’s father was a philanderer. Nick had always felt that he was to blame for all of the governesses who came and quickly left, but later he learned why that was so. That made Nick very distrustful of love because it would blow up on you and cause you no end of pain. No, Nick would have a society marriage where there were no emotions involved. Then, he met Lady Mariana Montfort and he was lost – he loved her more and more each day and then when the twins were born his heart swelled with even more love. Then, panic set in – he knew that it was only a matter of time before the love would blow up and his work for the Home Office put his family in danger. So – what could he do to keep them safe? Yep – I didn’t like his answer either.
When Mariana arrives in Paris, Nick wonders what is going on, but he knows that he MUST keep her at arm’s length because he can’t control himself around her. He’s created a popinjay persona that he always uses around her because he knows she hates it and will stay away from him. Then, he realizes that someone is using Mariana to get to him. He needs to know who that is and to flush them out because they are most likely the person who is plotting an assassination to destabilize France. Nick can’t get Mariana to leave, so he has no choice other than to involve her in foiling the plot and unmasking the master-mind. That way, he can keep an eye on her and keep her safe. As they work together, they each discover that the love isn’t gone – but – they still have to guard themselves because they know they can’t have a life together.
I had a very hard time getting to like Nick – well – maybe that isn’t accurate. I liked him right away – but I didn’t, in the least, like what he did. He chose – very deliberately – to leave the wife and children he loved – and he deliberately hurt her very, very deeply in doing so. We come to know his reasons for that, but like most of those kinds of reasons, they are pretty flimsy and could have been resolved with some good conversations and loving support.
What didn’t I like about the book? Well – I absolutely, completely and totally hated that the villain in the story got absolutely no punishment. None. Nada. Zip. This person hurt his own family deeply – especially his two nieces and their husbands, he plotted an assassination, he used an injured man unmercifully and he was going to destabilize a country and maybe even a continent. Yes – he does all of that and he gets no punishment. No – and that dissatisfaction caused me to reduce the star-ratings for the book.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 9/27/17
WOW! I can hardly believe this is the author’s first novel. I’ve seen many novels by very experienced writers who haven’t done nearly as well as Ms. Darling has with her first. It is excellently written and the characters are fully developed, likable, and they make you want to get to know them better. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
The book is set in 1824 Paris, so what is not to love. The wars are over, but there is still a chance that civil war could happen because France’s king is at death’s door. Should the monarch expire and his successor is assassinated, chaos could reign supreme in France and then spread to the rest of the continent and even destabilize England. While the main story is set in 1824 Paris, there are flashbacks to England and the initial meeting, marriage and separation of Nick and Mariana. While I’m not a big fan of flashbacks, these were well done and didn’t bother me.
Lady Mariana Montfort Asquith has lived separately from her husband for over ten years. He lives in Paris and only comes home to see his children three or four times a year and Mariana has little, if any, contact with him in all that time. She’s spent those ten years hardening her heart and trying not to love him because he betrayed her and ripped her heart from her chest. Now, she has a letter saying that he is either missing or deceased in Paris as part of his service to the Crown. Service to the Crown? He haphazardly worked for some minor government agency there didn’t he? Whatever it is, she has to know, so she’ll go to Paris and either find him alive or bring his body home to be buried.
Lord Nicholas Asquith was raised by parents that were at war with each other. Their battles, at home and in public, were legendary. They had married for love, but Nick’s father was a philanderer. Nick had always felt that he was to blame for all of the governesses who came and quickly left, but later he learned why that was so. That made Nick very distrustful of love because it would blow up on you and cause you no end of pain. No, Nick would have a society marriage where there were no emotions involved. Then, he met Lady Mariana Montfort and he was lost – he loved her more and more each day and then when the twins were born his heart swelled with even more love. Then, panic set in – he knew that it was only a matter of time before the love would blow up and his work for the Home Office put his family in danger. So – what could he do to keep them safe? Yep – I didn’t like his answer either.
When Mariana arrives in Paris, Nick wonders what is going on, but he knows that he MUST keep her at arm’s length because he can’t control himself around her. He’s created a popinjay persona that he always uses around her because he knows she hates it and will stay away from him. Then, he realizes that someone is using Mariana to get to him. He needs to know who that is and to flush them out because they are most likely the person who is plotting an assassination to destabilize France. Nick can’t get Mariana to leave, so he has no choice other than to involve her in foiling the plot and unmasking the master-mind. That way, he can keep an eye on her and keep her safe. As they work together, they each discover that the love isn’t gone – but – they still have to guard themselves because they know they can’t have a life together.
I had a very hard time getting to like Nick – well – maybe that isn’t accurate. I liked him right away – but I didn’t, in the least, like what he did. He chose – very deliberately – to leave the wife and children he loved – and he deliberately hurt her very, very deeply in doing so. We come to know his reasons for that, but like most of those kinds of reasons, they are pretty flimsy and could have been resolved with some good conversations and loving support.
What didn’t I like about the book? Well – I absolutely, completely and totally hated that the villain in the story got absolutely no punishment. None. Nada. Zip. This person hurt his own family deeply – especially his two nieces and their husbands, he plotted an assassination, he used an injured man unmercifully and he was going to destabilize a country and maybe even a continent. Yes – he does all of that and he gets no punishment. No – and that dissatisfaction caused me to reduce the star-ratings for the book.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
June 23, 2021
Absolutely Adored This Story
Not to bury the led, but this was my first and won't be my last.
This book checked box after box of trope favorites!
Second Chance
Sexual Tension all over the page
Mystery and twists
Protective Hero
Strong, intelligent heroine
Things I loved:
ALL.OF.IT.
Things to consider:
Quotes from Dictionary of Vulgar Language is KUDOS from me
A friend recommended this story and so glad I clicked. I turned the pages, got upset when worj had to be dine. The characters engaging, depth and relatable. Storytelling immersive to pull you into the pages. I cannot wait to dive into book 2 of the series!
Not to bury the led, but this was my first and won't be my last.
This book checked box after box of trope favorites!
Second Chance
Sexual Tension all over the page
Mystery and twists
Protective Hero
Strong, intelligent heroine
Things I loved:
ALL.OF.IT.
Things to consider:
Quotes from Dictionary of Vulgar Language is KUDOS from me
A friend recommended this story and so glad I clicked. I turned the pages, got upset when worj had to be dine. The characters engaging, depth and relatable. Storytelling immersive to pull you into the pages. I cannot wait to dive into book 2 of the series!
August 22, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 (this just had a number of tropes that are my least favorite)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞 (I really disliked how she hated him until almost the end of the book, including thinking about revenge sex in the last quarter)
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not much
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together:
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: No
Format: listened to an audiobook through the library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I have wanted to try Sofie Darling for a long time!
Mains: Nick and Lady Mariana Asquith – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Darling’s Shadows and Silk series
Basic plot:
Mariana needs to know the status of her husband so she can move on – she hasn’t seen him in ten years and he’s presumed dead.
Give this a try if you want:
- historical romance (Regency? I didn’t catch the year)
- France setting
- second chance
- spy work
- hero returned from the dead vibes (she hasn’t seen him in 10 years)
- you like your second chance with flashbacks sprinkled throughout the story to catch you up on their history
- celibate mains
- medium steam – 3 full scenes and some kisses and partials
Ages:
- heroine is around 28, hero is 32
First line:
Married.
My thoughts:
This one didn’t work for me. And a huge part of that is that this has a number of things that are bottom of the barrel tropes for me.
It’s second chance. The couple hasn’t seen each other in 10 years. It has spies. It’s filled with animosity from the heroine towards the hero.
Yes, yes, I should have read the synopsis and avoided but I am trying to read series in order if I can, it was available at my library, and I almost always go in blind so I’ll never stop. I know this is on me….but I do always hope I will come out loving a book even though it has some of my least favorite things in it.
I just didn’t feel the love in this one at all. Mariana hates Nick. And I can see why. But she hates him the whole book. She’s thinking about fucking another man at like...80% of the story. There was no tension for me. They fucked (and I did like her steamy scenes with how they were written so I’m really hoping I like another by Darling more) but there wasn’t an emotional connection for me. No butterflies.
And the spy scenes just weren’t to my liking. I prefer character focused stories anyway, but I swear Mariana was the dumbest spy and nothing about that plot grabbed me.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating from me: 3 stars
Favorite book: This by default
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 (this just had a number of tropes that are my least favorite)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞 (I really disliked how she hated him until almost the end of the book, including thinking about revenge sex in the last quarter)
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not much
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together:
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: No
Format: listened to an audiobook through the library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I have wanted to try Sofie Darling for a long time!
Mains: Nick and Lady Mariana Asquith – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Darling’s Shadows and Silk series
Basic plot:
Mariana needs to know the status of her husband so she can move on – she hasn’t seen him in ten years and he’s presumed dead.
Give this a try if you want:
- historical romance (Regency? I didn’t catch the year)
- France setting
- second chance
- spy work
- hero returned from the dead vibes (she hasn’t seen him in 10 years)
- you like your second chance with flashbacks sprinkled throughout the story to catch you up on their history
- celibate mains
- medium steam – 3 full scenes and some kisses and partials
Ages:
- heroine is around 28, hero is 32
First line:
Married.
My thoughts:
This one didn’t work for me. And a huge part of that is that this has a number of things that are bottom of the barrel tropes for me.
It’s second chance. The couple hasn’t seen each other in 10 years. It has spies. It’s filled with animosity from the heroine towards the hero.
Yes, yes, I should have read the synopsis and avoided but I am trying to read series in order if I can, it was available at my library, and I almost always go in blind so I’ll never stop. I know this is on me….but I do always hope I will come out loving a book even though it has some of my least favorite things in it.
I just didn’t feel the love in this one at all. Mariana hates Nick. And I can see why. But she hates him the whole book. She’s thinking about fucking another man at like...80% of the story. There was no tension for me. They fucked (and I did like her steamy scenes with how they were written so I’m really hoping I like another by Darling more) but there wasn’t an emotional connection for me. No butterflies.
And the spy scenes just weren’t to my liking. I prefer character focused stories anyway, but I swear Mariana was the dumbest spy and nothing about that plot grabbed me.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first
Average rating from me: 3 stars
Favorite book: This by default
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
September 29, 2017
Lady Mariana received a letter from the Foreign Office that her husband of 10 years, Lord Nicholas Asquith (Nick) was either missing or dead. She left Lavinia, her 10 years old daughter in the care of her sister Olivia and Geoffrey, her 10 years old son at boarding school, and took a passage to Paris. She wanted closure with her estranged husband. If he's alive, then she'll leave Paris and if he's dead, she wanted to bury his body back home.
From the blurb, we knew that Nick was alive and well. But, he's on a mission for his country and he needed the help from his wife. Mariana would have to seduce a man in order to get information out of him. And only she could do it because that said man had eyes on her. So, here we have Nick educating his wife in the art of seduction hence the title. But, those times with her brought out the passion he thought he had buried deep.
Nice right? And now to what I dislike about this.
The said man Mariana was supposed to seduce did show interest in her but, SD decided to drop that plot and now, the man couldn't ran far enough from Mariana like she have the plague. But, Mariana being Mariana took that as a challenge as well a way to get her revenge towards Nick. In my opinion, it was awkward and made Mariana look like a fool.
The assassination plot was silly at best. After all the training and spying, it was resolved just like that. Maybe it was me because I skipped most part about that plot. I knew it was important as it was the main reason Nick left home and also the mechanism that brought him and Mariana together again but, I iterate my opinion it being silly.
I'm looking forward for Olivia's story. From what I understood about her and her husband, it was the best thing in this book.
From the blurb, we knew that Nick was alive and well. But, he's on a mission for his country and he needed the help from his wife. Mariana would have to seduce a man in order to get information out of him. And only she could do it because that said man had eyes on her. So, here we have Nick educating his wife in the art of seduction hence the title. But, those times with her brought out the passion he thought he had buried deep.
Nice right? And now to what I dislike about this.
The said man Mariana was supposed to seduce did show interest in her but, SD decided to drop that plot and now, the man couldn't ran far enough from Mariana like she have the plague. But, Mariana being Mariana took that as a challenge as well a way to get her revenge towards Nick. In my opinion, it was awkward and made Mariana look like a fool.
The assassination plot was silly at best. After all the training and spying, it was resolved just like that. Maybe it was me because I skipped most part about that plot. I knew it was important as it was the main reason Nick left home and also the mechanism that brought him and Mariana together again but, I iterate my opinion it being silly.
I'm looking forward for Olivia's story. From what I understood about her and her husband, it was the best thing in this book.
November 26, 2024
⭐⭐
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Tall heroine.
The heroine was a little “older” (30)
Both main characters were celibate during separation.
Second chance romance.
Some tiny bits in the beginning of the story were a little interesting.
➖ What I disliked:
Annoying heroine.
(Gets herself into many situations where she did not have the experience or anything to be able to handle those situations… Also seems very naive for a woman of her age (30) even for the time period the plot/story takes place… and some other annoying things.)
Annoying and rather unlikable hero.
(Treats the heroine badly in many ways …. and was selfish and thoughtless but also rather immature.)
The story dragged and was too long.
Verbose.
Too long separation for the couple and with No good or logical reason.
The reason the hero stayed away and did what he did to the heroine and their marriage is ridiculous but also illogical.
(Why marry her if he is just going to stay away and she and their family/children is just a impediment and hindrance for him as a spy?
And why not hint at tidbits of what his career/profession is about before the marriage? Or even during their marriage?
And after all those years of secrecy suddenly he could tell her all about his work as a spy? Makes no sense at all.
Why lie about the affair? And having other affairs and women? Why hurt her like that? Why humiliate her like that?
There are so many other ways he could have kept his espionage/spy career/profession and Not have acted like that.
The hero never really groveled enough for what he did… and how he treated the heroine.
There was lots of lust but the romance was very unconvincing and lacking… and the chemistry was also lacking/unconvincing … there was passion but it was flat/forced.
There was too much time spent on the mystery/intrigue and the drama/angst… but not enough on the romance or chemistry/passion.
The way the main characters first met and fell in love was way too rushed and insta…
And too much of the relationship and attraction between the main characters was based on the physical and there was way too little emotional development…. And they never really had or took the time to get to know each other… before getting married and also after getting married.
Anachronistic.
Disjointed.
The character description/visual appearance of the heroine is a tiny bit on the vague side…. But also somewhat contradicting.
(There is some information/ description about the heroine…..like her height and her eye color/hair color and some information about her body type/shape but it is a little bit sparse and somehow also a little bit contradictory… she is described as having a lithe and willowy body shape…..but also in other descriptions there are hints at another body-type/body shape with words like lush and ripe etc. so it is confusing/ contradictory.)
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of the hero.
(In all the books I have read by this author so far ...More or less all heroes are rather similar in looks/ appearance …. Tall or very tall, muscular, handsome or very handsome… what little dissimilarity/differences there are is that they have different eye colors and hair colors not much more.)
October 5, 2021
A steamy spy story. Entertaining and a nice audio narrator for this lesson after lesson in spying that really was more like a lesson in how to love again. A memorable second chance romance.
June 17, 2020
It was hard for me to read this book. The plot outline did intrigue me to read the book. I was very excited about it. After getting through 46% of the book, questioned where the excitement of the spy realm. What happened to the chase and conspiracies? There was a lot of talk about other stories that really had no relation to the couple, Nick and Sophie. I thought sure Nick was going to seduce Sophia in her room, just a little, but that was a disappointing no. Then, I thought the married couple would discuss the twins. No there as well. The book did not hold my attention.
Maybe, if the book would have opened up with Nick in the middle of the spy realm, actually spying on someone from his point of view. Throw in some action, that may have helped. Also, if Sophia had a little tryst with the young Frenchman, I would have liked that. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Maybe, if the book would have opened up with Nick in the middle of the spy realm, actually spying on someone from his point of view. Throw in some action, that may have helped. Also, if Sophia had a little tryst with the young Frenchman, I would have liked that. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
October 18, 2022
I received a copy of this from Booksprout and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book one of the Silk and Shadows series, reissued. I did not read the first edition, so I do not know if there were any significant changes from the first one or not, other than a new cover.
Lady Marianna arrives in Paris after receiving an unsigned notice from the Foreign office stating that her estranged husband, Nick was dead. She finds out that he is still alive and is drawn into a world of intrigue. Nick has been living apart from Marianna for the past decade, after she threw him out over an affair with an opera singer, shortly after their marriage and the birth of their twin children. They have had minimal contact over the years. What Marianna did not know was that the affair was a ruse, and he had been spying and running a spy ring for Britain.
In the meantime Nick had gone undercover after an attempt on his life as he is investigating an assassination plan on the heir to the Bourbon throne. Marianna is drawn into his intrigue because she catches the eye of one of the suspects in the assassination plan, but Nick realizes the man is a dupe and wants to use Marianna to seek more information and draw out the persons truly in control.
Of course this causes Marianna and Nick to reflect on their past, and there is some writing back and forth between past and present. Nick and Marianna met and were quite attracted to each other, but Nick was leery of love and marriage because of his own family history. But they were very attracted to each other and Nick knew he was very attached to Marianna and his marriage and growing family, enough that he was fearful when his growing career with the Foreign Office becomes a direct threat to his wife. When the gossip rags report his apparent affair with an opera singer and Marianna confronts him with is, he uses that as the opportunity to sever their relationship, to protect her and allow him to focus on his career as a spy.
Nick becomes aware that he is still very attracted to Marianna and starts to want what he lost 10 years prior. But as Marianna finds out more about the past and Nicks life as a spy, she finds that she cannot reconcile all the lies, and trust him, and is not certain if she wants to try to resurrect the past.
I found this to be an interesting second chance romance story with a lot of angsty give and take between Nick and Marianna over their estrangement and reconciling the past and present. I see that there is a lot of introduction and ground work laid with the secondary characters for future stories. However, I did not find it believable that he would completely obliterate his relationship in the past to protect her, to bring her right into the fold as a completely inexperienced naif to spying and putting her in danger again. Also, considering who the apparent "villain", the puppeteer behind the assassination, the explanation and denouement of the issue seems too neat, and benign, as is the family's acceptance of Nick and Marianna's recommitment to their marriage, especially the children, considering it did not sound like Nick was very much a part of their lives if he was traveling on the continent and to the US so much.
This was OK, and I would like to see where some touched on story lines go - namely Percy and Olivia.
3.25 stars out of 5
This is book one of the Silk and Shadows series, reissued. I did not read the first edition, so I do not know if there were any significant changes from the first one or not, other than a new cover.
Lady Marianna arrives in Paris after receiving an unsigned notice from the Foreign office stating that her estranged husband, Nick was dead. She finds out that he is still alive and is drawn into a world of intrigue. Nick has been living apart from Marianna for the past decade, after she threw him out over an affair with an opera singer, shortly after their marriage and the birth of their twin children. They have had minimal contact over the years. What Marianna did not know was that the affair was a ruse, and he had been spying and running a spy ring for Britain.
In the meantime Nick had gone undercover after an attempt on his life as he is investigating an assassination plan on the heir to the Bourbon throne. Marianna is drawn into his intrigue because she catches the eye of one of the suspects in the assassination plan, but Nick realizes the man is a dupe and wants to use Marianna to seek more information and draw out the persons truly in control.
Of course this causes Marianna and Nick to reflect on their past, and there is some writing back and forth between past and present. Nick and Marianna met and were quite attracted to each other, but Nick was leery of love and marriage because of his own family history. But they were very attracted to each other and Nick knew he was very attached to Marianna and his marriage and growing family, enough that he was fearful when his growing career with the Foreign Office becomes a direct threat to his wife. When the gossip rags report his apparent affair with an opera singer and Marianna confronts him with is, he uses that as the opportunity to sever their relationship, to protect her and allow him to focus on his career as a spy.
Nick becomes aware that he is still very attracted to Marianna and starts to want what he lost 10 years prior. But as Marianna finds out more about the past and Nicks life as a spy, she finds that she cannot reconcile all the lies, and trust him, and is not certain if she wants to try to resurrect the past.
I found this to be an interesting second chance romance story with a lot of angsty give and take between Nick and Marianna over their estrangement and reconciling the past and present. I see that there is a lot of introduction and ground work laid with the secondary characters for future stories. However, I did not find it believable that he would completely obliterate his relationship in the past to protect her, to bring her right into the fold as a completely inexperienced naif to spying and putting her in danger again. Also, considering who the apparent "villain", the puppeteer behind the assassination, the explanation and denouement of the issue seems too neat, and benign, as is the family's acceptance of Nick and Marianna's recommitment to their marriage, especially the children, considering it did not sound like Nick was very much a part of their lives if he was traveling on the continent and to the US so much.
This was OK, and I would like to see where some touched on story lines go - namely Percy and Olivia.
3.25 stars out of 5
January 5, 2018
This book had a great premise and the first chapter drew me in although there's way too much flowery language in this story. The author chose to use so many unusual descriptors that it detracted from the beginning of the book. I almost stopped reading, but decided to keep on and see what happened.
I thought Lord Nicholas Asquith was well developed and I felt his anguish when he couldn't tell his wife so many things about his life as a spy that had happened in the last 10 years. I thought Marianna's character was a little far-fetched at times. Some of the things she did was so out of character for a gently-bred lady. However, the plot of trying to foil an assassination of the French heir to the throne was compelling, but I did have a problem with how one of the character's story line finished up. It seemed too convenient for someone who wields great power to suddenly give it up when he's found out. The reasons given for him to stop seemed flimsy at best.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I thought Lord Nicholas Asquith was well developed and I felt his anguish when he couldn't tell his wife so many things about his life as a spy that had happened in the last 10 years. I thought Marianna's character was a little far-fetched at times. Some of the things she did was so out of character for a gently-bred lady. However, the plot of trying to foil an assassination of the French heir to the throne was compelling, but I did have a problem with how one of the character's story line finished up. It seemed too convenient for someone who wields great power to suddenly give it up when he's found out. The reasons given for him to stop seemed flimsy at best.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 12, 2017
Can ten years ever be bridged between a husband and wife? Can feelings be put aside for the good of a country? Lord Nicholas Asquith is in Paris trying to obtain information needed with the aid of his wife Mariana. The problem is he has stayed away from her for ten years, trying to keep her safe. Thrown back together in this complex tale of mystery and suspense, Nick has to stop an assassination plot and really needs Mariana's help. Can two souls come back together after so long? The spark is definately still there between them but each is trying to resist. This is story of intrigue and second chances that will have you turning the pages quickly until the end. For a first book for this author, there is a lot of promise for books to come and I personally cannot wait!
June 26, 2018
Wow! Just, Wow! The author completely seduced me. Brilliantly written book. I hated putting it down each night. The seduction scenes are....(Sigh . . .Waving fan)
Ten years of separation created a chasm wider than the English channel between Lady Mariana Asquith and her Lord. All they have in common are their twins. Until Nick needs Mariana's help in foiling an assassination plot. I love Nick and Mariana. The author has left room for another story which I can't wait to read.
Ten years of separation created a chasm wider than the English channel between Lady Mariana Asquith and her Lord. All they have in common are their twins. Until Nick needs Mariana's help in foiling an assassination plot. I love Nick and Mariana. The author has left room for another story which I can't wait to read.
May 21, 2018
Spies, lies and secrets.
I found this book to be strangely compelling. It is a complicated story of a marriage gone wrong, misunderstandings, espionage, secrets and lies but most of all love over all.
This isn't a frivolous historical romance that you can pick up and read for a few hours and then forget it. My only gripe is that the ending was too abrupt. It took me totally by surprise.
Still an excellent read!
I found this book to be strangely compelling. It is a complicated story of a marriage gone wrong, misunderstandings, espionage, secrets and lies but most of all love over all.
This isn't a frivolous historical romance that you can pick up and read for a few hours and then forget it. My only gripe is that the ending was too abrupt. It took me totally by surprise.
Still an excellent read!
May 28, 2018
I loved this book. it was unexpected and sweet. the people felt real. the lust and love between them palpable. I'm supposed to be doing revision for my exams but instead I was reading. what was ment to be a short break turned into many long ones.
June 12, 2018
Another "I'll let you think the worst of me, but it's for your own protection" plot.
At least
At least
January 30, 2022
Intriguing historical romance
Danger, intrigue, espionage, mystery, romance and heat combine in this scintillating historical romance by Sophie Darling, the first in the Shadows and Silk series.
Mariana And Nick have been estranged for 10 years. When Marianna receives a cryptic note from the Foreign Office saying that Nick is missing and possibly dead, she quickly travels to Paris to try to uncover the truth. Unbeknownst to Mariana, Nick is a spy for England and has been since they met. Is he alive? Are there more mysteries to Nick? Will Mariana become involved in the intrigue? Will Nick and Mariana rekindle their relationship and if so can it last? The chemistry between the two is scorching and the author has done a wonderful job of writing a tension filled story, both in terms of danger and in terms of heat. She spins a plot and settings that drew me in and I couldn’t wait to solve all of the mysteries. If you like a hot romance combined with an engaging mystery this is a perfect read.
Danger, intrigue, espionage, mystery, romance and heat combine in this scintillating historical romance by Sophie Darling, the first in the Shadows and Silk series.
Mariana And Nick have been estranged for 10 years. When Marianna receives a cryptic note from the Foreign Office saying that Nick is missing and possibly dead, she quickly travels to Paris to try to uncover the truth. Unbeknownst to Mariana, Nick is a spy for England and has been since they met. Is he alive? Are there more mysteries to Nick? Will Mariana become involved in the intrigue? Will Nick and Mariana rekindle their relationship and if so can it last? The chemistry between the two is scorching and the author has done a wonderful job of writing a tension filled story, both in terms of danger and in terms of heat. She spins a plot and settings that drew me in and I couldn’t wait to solve all of the mysteries. If you like a hot romance combined with an engaging mystery this is a perfect read.
June 30, 2021
After reading and enjoying the second book in the Shadows and Silk series by Sofie Darling, I got a chance to read the first book--Three Lessons in Seduction. In this book, it is 1824 in Paris. Although they are married and have two children, Nick and Mariana Asquith have lived apart for ten years. Mariana travels to Paris when she receives a letter stating that Nick is missing and presumed dead. In reality she discovers that he is very much alive and is actually a spy for the Foreign Office. He asks Marina to stay in Paris, get to know the handsome Comte de Villefranche, and collect information. He can use her help as he is investigating an assassination plot. This book has twists and turns and hot love scenes. Once I got into the book, I really enjoyed the second half. That's when things really started to happen for me and kept me turning the pages to see what happened next.
January 3, 2025
This is a new author for me. I always research any new authors and when I researched Sofie someone said hardly any sex and not overly graphic so I didn't bother. Her covers are so beautiful and they always catch my eye so was disappointed to hear that. I thought I would just go ahead and check with the steamy FB group I'm in and see what they said about her. There has to be heavy steam for any book to pass approval. Well I was told not only did she have super steamy sex scenes but she was a great author. So here I am. My first book by her. :) Plus I love that she is KU.
I really enjoyed reading Mariana and Nick's story. I loved the great depth she got in this story. I loved the intrigue. I liked how Nick involved her in his espionage. Just a fun and great read. Sex was really good too :)
I really enjoyed reading Mariana and Nick's story. I loved the great depth she got in this story. I loved the intrigue. I liked how Nick involved her in his espionage. Just a fun and great read. Sex was really good too :)
June 17, 2020
This was my first Sofie Darling's book, and won't be my last. I think this was her debut novel. Bravo! This Historical Romance is gorgeous! This is a beautiful second chance at love. Nick and Mariana's story is beautifully written, complex, fun, sexy, and captivating. They are both strong characters. They share a sizzling chemistry. The storyline is intriguing, filled with mystery, secrets, and twists and turns. I loved to follow them on this adventurous and enticing journey. Mary Sarah did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listen to more books written by this author. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 12, 2018
Title: Three Lessons in Seduction
Author
: Sofie Darling
Genre: Historical Romance
Blurb: Lord Nicholas Asquith needs his wife. Too bad he broke her heart ten years ago.
Can he resist a second chance at the love he lost?
When Mariana catches the eye of the man at the center of an assassination plot, Nick puts aside their painful past and enlists her to obtain information by any means necessary, even if it means seducing the enemy agent.
Even if the thought makes his blood boil.
Only by keeping his distance from Mariana these last ten years was he able to pretend indifference to her. With every moment spent with her, he feels his tightly held control slipping . . .
Can she trust the spy who broke her heart?
Mariana spent the last decade forgetting Nick. Now she has the chance to best him at his own game, an opportunity she can’t resist, even as her view of him begins to shift. Increasingly, she wants nothing more than to seduce her own husband . . .
It’s only a matter of time before mad passion ignites, a passion never convincingly extinguished. A passion that insists on surrendering to the yearning of the flesh and, quite possibly, of the heart.
Excerpt: “Do you not understand how difficult it is to find a lady’s maid who speaks English in Paris? She is as rare as a Woolly Mammoth in London.”
“A Woolly Mammoth in London?” he asked with a confounded laugh.
“Given my involvement with The Progressive School for Young Ladies and the Education of Their Minds, I spend a good deal of time perusing London’s museums.”
Nick cocked his head. “I would have thought finding you in a stuffy museum would be as rare as finding a Woolly Mammoth in London.”
“I enjoy it.” She sounded defensive. Drat. “And I happen to know that the Museum of Natural History in Paris has its very own Woolly Mammoth.”
In fact, she was disappointed to have missed it on this trip. But Nick needn’t know that. She’d revealed too much about her life already.
“That’s,” he began, a reflective note in his voice, “new.”
“Actually, they acquired it more than one hundred years ago.”
“I wasn’t speaking of the mammoth.”
Mariana’s traitorous insides went light at his words and at the implication within them. The moment could grow soft, and a sense of ease could steal in, if she allowed it. It was an ease she’d felt the first time they’d locked eyes at a dinner party at Uncle Bertie’s country estate—so very long ago. She’d felt they were two halves of the same whole and had been waiting all their lives to be joined together.
She gave herself a mental shake. Such memories were a trap.
Over the last decade, she’d done quite well forgetting what she liked about her husband. She wouldn’t allow softness to shake her resolve.
This was Nick. He was as soft as a razorblade.
Review: I am going to give this book 4.5 stars. The developing relationship between: Nick and Mariana are the main plot line. I loved how the author showed the slolw progress of the two rebuilding of trust and love. It is sometimes hard not to want to hit Nick over the head as he is fighting each and every step that is taken to make their relationship work.
The one thing that I think should have been added or changed in the book is the whole spy issue. There is no information provided as to why Nick became a spy and when.The fact that Mariana three lessons in seduction is not really needed as the spy from the other side is not really seduceable. It would have been nice if that was explained a little better and why she is such a large piece of the puzzle.
Mariana is an incredible strong character, and this surprises her husband. Her mind has been opened by the school that she started with another woman. A school for women to learn more then the basics. I also enjoyed watching Nick struggle with everything and how much he loves her. The spy lessons that are being provided by Nick are easier for her then Nick expected. He proposed the challenge to get her to go back home. To Nicks amazement she took the challenge by the horns.
The historical period is portrayed perfectly. The reader gets to see and experience what it was like to live back in Victorian age. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance and history.
Reward and RaffleCopter: Sofie Darling will be awarding $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...
Author Bio and dLibnks: Sofie spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every book she could get her hands on. Once she realized that she was no longer satisfied with simply reading the books she loved, that she must write them, too, she decided to finish her degree and embark on a writing career. Mr. Darling and the boys gave her their wholehearted blessing.
When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, she runs a marathon in a different state every year, visits crumbling medieval castles whenever she gets a chance, and enjoys a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.
WEBSITE:
www.sofiedarling.com
BUY LINK:
https://www.amazon.com/Three-Lessons-...
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sofiedarling...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sofie_darling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiedarlin...
Author
: Sofie Darling
Genre: Historical Romance
Blurb: Lord Nicholas Asquith needs his wife. Too bad he broke her heart ten years ago.
Can he resist a second chance at the love he lost?
When Mariana catches the eye of the man at the center of an assassination plot, Nick puts aside their painful past and enlists her to obtain information by any means necessary, even if it means seducing the enemy agent.
Even if the thought makes his blood boil.
Only by keeping his distance from Mariana these last ten years was he able to pretend indifference to her. With every moment spent with her, he feels his tightly held control slipping . . .
Can she trust the spy who broke her heart?
Mariana spent the last decade forgetting Nick. Now she has the chance to best him at his own game, an opportunity she can’t resist, even as her view of him begins to shift. Increasingly, she wants nothing more than to seduce her own husband . . .
It’s only a matter of time before mad passion ignites, a passion never convincingly extinguished. A passion that insists on surrendering to the yearning of the flesh and, quite possibly, of the heart.
Excerpt: “Do you not understand how difficult it is to find a lady’s maid who speaks English in Paris? She is as rare as a Woolly Mammoth in London.”
“A Woolly Mammoth in London?” he asked with a confounded laugh.
“Given my involvement with The Progressive School for Young Ladies and the Education of Their Minds, I spend a good deal of time perusing London’s museums.”
Nick cocked his head. “I would have thought finding you in a stuffy museum would be as rare as finding a Woolly Mammoth in London.”
“I enjoy it.” She sounded defensive. Drat. “And I happen to know that the Museum of Natural History in Paris has its very own Woolly Mammoth.”
In fact, she was disappointed to have missed it on this trip. But Nick needn’t know that. She’d revealed too much about her life already.
“That’s,” he began, a reflective note in his voice, “new.”
“Actually, they acquired it more than one hundred years ago.”
“I wasn’t speaking of the mammoth.”
Mariana’s traitorous insides went light at his words and at the implication within them. The moment could grow soft, and a sense of ease could steal in, if she allowed it. It was an ease she’d felt the first time they’d locked eyes at a dinner party at Uncle Bertie’s country estate—so very long ago. She’d felt they were two halves of the same whole and had been waiting all their lives to be joined together.
She gave herself a mental shake. Such memories were a trap.
Over the last decade, she’d done quite well forgetting what she liked about her husband. She wouldn’t allow softness to shake her resolve.
This was Nick. He was as soft as a razorblade.
Review: I am going to give this book 4.5 stars. The developing relationship between: Nick and Mariana are the main plot line. I loved how the author showed the slolw progress of the two rebuilding of trust and love. It is sometimes hard not to want to hit Nick over the head as he is fighting each and every step that is taken to make their relationship work.
The one thing that I think should have been added or changed in the book is the whole spy issue. There is no information provided as to why Nick became a spy and when.The fact that Mariana three lessons in seduction is not really needed as the spy from the other side is not really seduceable. It would have been nice if that was explained a little better and why she is such a large piece of the puzzle.
Mariana is an incredible strong character, and this surprises her husband. Her mind has been opened by the school that she started with another woman. A school for women to learn more then the basics. I also enjoyed watching Nick struggle with everything and how much he loves her. The spy lessons that are being provided by Nick are easier for her then Nick expected. He proposed the challenge to get her to go back home. To Nicks amazement she took the challenge by the horns.
The historical period is portrayed perfectly. The reader gets to see and experience what it was like to live back in Victorian age. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance and history.
Reward and RaffleCopter: Sofie Darling will be awarding $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...
Author Bio and dLibnks: Sofie spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every book she could get her hands on. Once she realized that she was no longer satisfied with simply reading the books she loved, that she must write them, too, she decided to finish her degree and embark on a writing career. Mr. Darling and the boys gave her their wholehearted blessing.
When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, she runs a marathon in a different state every year, visits crumbling medieval castles whenever she gets a chance, and enjoys a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.
WEBSITE:
www.sofiedarling.com
BUY LINK:
https://www.amazon.com/Three-Lessons-...
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sofiedarling...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sofie_darling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiedarlin...
October 24, 2022
A story of intrigue and seduction. Mariana has been on her own for ten years with her twins while her husband is a spy. He ruined their marriage by pretending an affair in order to keep his family safe. When she gets a letter stating Nick might be dead she heads to Paris and finds him. She sets out to show him she is a strong woman and gets involved in his spying. She learns a few lessons in seducing her husband. Though they are passionate there are many obstacles in there way. There is always hope but trust must be earned.
October 27, 2022
This story has it all…… a delightful second chance romance with lots of passion and sizzle. Add to that, lots of suspense and espionage, all set in a Paris back drop. Mariana comes to Paris to bring her husband Nick’s body back home to England, but he is very much alive! She soon is caught up in the middle of a plot to catch an assassin. He teaches her how to be a spy, but she teaches him so much more!
August 9, 2023
Loved the glamorous setting in Paris, the spy intrigue was an exciting plot twist. The h was interesting smart and elegant. The H was a little bland and a dip. 10 years is too long to be separated for dumb reasons. H surrounded by prostitutes who do his spy bidding and he is celibate all that time uhh eye roll. risque cool when the prostitutes almost lure the h into a kinky ménage, other kinky exhibitionist stuff in exotic paris locales. Too bad the h did not get to make the H squirm putting on a show with the young comte.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2022
A second chance at love found again in this gorgeous page turning regency romance. I loved the sub plot but the real story was Nick and Mariana finding each other again. Passionate and steamy scenes, but trust most of all bring these two home.
March 24, 2018
Where does Three Lessons in Seduction rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the voice actor as she took me on a historical adventure that our author weaves. And I can see this being on my list of books to listen to again.
Who was your favorite character and why?
I would have to say that Mariana became my favorite character. She has a strong spirit that won't accept what she's been told. She's willing to pull up her boot straps and become a part of her husband's world. A man she's not very happy with.
Which character – as performed by Mary Sarah – was your favorite?
I can't say I had a favorite. She did a great job with accents and getting me immersed into what was going on. Since some of the story takes part in Paris, she gives us French accents for some characters. I felt that she could have read the whole story in French and I would have thoroughly enjoyed - even though I would have no idea what she was saying. She was part of the driving force that had me enjoying the story that Ms. Darling has written.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I can't say that there was any scene or moment that particularly moved me. Every scene was needed to lead us through this romance and the bits of suspense our two main characters create. But then I could always go back and listen to the book again and see if I could find that moment - I certainly wouldn't mind.
Any additional comments?
Ms. Darling and Ms. Sarah are a perfect couple. Our author writes about a woman trying to turn the tables on her husband and our voice actor turns the tables on the listener. It's a case where I think the reader gets more out of the story by listening than by reading. Ms. Sarah gives voice to the characters that a reader may not be able to do justice. It's a story that left me looking forward to reading and listening to both these ladies work.
Ms. Darling reminds me what I like about historical romances and also what I miss. She transports me back to a time where I would feel out of place but it doesn't stop me from appreciating what her female character went through in her story and looking forward to more. I like strong women and those that are willing to not let a man define them. The only thing that confused me was about the children that are a part of the main character's lives.
Ms. Sarah is more than a narrator. A narrator tells us a story but a voice actor gives the reader a more interesting experience. We get to hear what a character may actually sound like. We can feel as if we are a part of the story. And they take on accents that just add to the adventure that the author is taking us on.
I voluntarily reviewed an Audiobook copy of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the voice actor as she took me on a historical adventure that our author weaves. And I can see this being on my list of books to listen to again.
Who was your favorite character and why?
I would have to say that Mariana became my favorite character. She has a strong spirit that won't accept what she's been told. She's willing to pull up her boot straps and become a part of her husband's world. A man she's not very happy with.
Which character – as performed by Mary Sarah – was your favorite?
I can't say I had a favorite. She did a great job with accents and getting me immersed into what was going on. Since some of the story takes part in Paris, she gives us French accents for some characters. I felt that she could have read the whole story in French and I would have thoroughly enjoyed - even though I would have no idea what she was saying. She was part of the driving force that had me enjoying the story that Ms. Darling has written.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I can't say that there was any scene or moment that particularly moved me. Every scene was needed to lead us through this romance and the bits of suspense our two main characters create. But then I could always go back and listen to the book again and see if I could find that moment - I certainly wouldn't mind.
Any additional comments?
Ms. Darling and Ms. Sarah are a perfect couple. Our author writes about a woman trying to turn the tables on her husband and our voice actor turns the tables on the listener. It's a case where I think the reader gets more out of the story by listening than by reading. Ms. Sarah gives voice to the characters that a reader may not be able to do justice. It's a story that left me looking forward to reading and listening to both these ladies work.
Ms. Darling reminds me what I like about historical romances and also what I miss. She transports me back to a time where I would feel out of place but it doesn't stop me from appreciating what her female character went through in her story and looking forward to more. I like strong women and those that are willing to not let a man define them. The only thing that confused me was about the children that are a part of the main character's lives.
Ms. Sarah is more than a narrator. A narrator tells us a story but a voice actor gives the reader a more interesting experience. We get to hear what a character may actually sound like. We can feel as if we are a part of the story. And they take on accents that just add to the adventure that the author is taking us on.
I voluntarily reviewed an Audiobook copy of this book.
September 24, 2024
Buongiorno amiche lettrici!
Oggi desidero parlarvi del primo volume di una nuova serie che mi ha davvero divertita, per una trama tutt’altro che scontata, accattivante e complessa, per i personaggi singolari e agli antipodi, per i numerosi siparietti spicy, che non lasciano nulla all’immaginazione, ma soprattutto per i continui cambi di passo e per la sottile vena ironica, che ha il merito di alleggerire i momenti in cui la protagonista, tende a scivolare in eccessive elucubrazioni mentali. Ma a Mariana possiamo perdonare tutto, perché è imprevedibile, istintiva e un po’ folle. Una giovane donna che ha tutte le ragioni per dubitare, interrogarsi e tentennare, messa di fronte alla complicazione, al mistero e all'imperturbabilità dell'uomo che ha sposato e che ora, dopo essere rimasti separati per una decina d’anni, scopre di non conoscere affatto! Un mix di ingredienti che contribuiscono a rendere la trama scoppiettante e in sintonia con l’epoca in cui è ambientata. Merito soprattutto dell’autrice che per raccontarla, ha utilizzato un lessico appropriato e le apprezzabili finezze espressive, abilmente tradotte da Isabella Nanni che ci ha permesso di leggere anche questa storia.
“Male*zione. Perché era qui? Era qui per lui. L’orrendo pensiero si fece gradualmente strada nella sua mente. In fondo, sapeva che questo giorno sarebbe arrivato: il giorno in cui lei sarebbe entrata nel suo mondo oscuro.”
Un romanzo che fa breccia nel tempo, per trasportare il lettore negli anni in cui l’Europa era politicamente instabile, per gli strascichi e le ferite ancora aperte, lasciate dalla Rivoluzione Francese. La storia inizia nel 1824, quando Lady Mariana Asquith riceve una missiva il cui contenuto non può essere ignorato! Si tratta del triste annuncio della scomparsa e della probabile morte del consorte, il carismatico e indecifrabile Lord Nicholas Asquith. Mariana, nonostante non siano in buoni rapporti, decide comunque di seguire l’istinto e precipitarsi a Parigi, per accertarsi di persona della sua effettiva dipartita o al contrario, scoprire se è ancora in vita. E Nick da parte sua non ha dubbi! Sa per certo che la moglie si metterà sulle sue tracce, così come è consapevole che il loro incontro accenderà quella miccia mai spenta, che darà l’avvio a una cascata di guai! Sarà veramente così, oppure esagera? Ma l’affascinante, fantomatico e sensualissimo Nick, è un farabutto come sembra, oppure c’è dell’altro? Cosa nasconde l’uomo tenebroso, dal fisico statuario, dagli occhi imperturbabili e grigi come il metallo?
“Nick era un uomo che piegava le circostanze e le persone al suo capriccio e alla sua volontà. Lei si rifiutava di essere piegata ulteriormente. Un’altra piega e si sarebbe sicuramente spezzata.”
Lord Nicholas Asquith è nato in una famiglia nobile, ma essendo un figlio minore e senza una vocazione per la vita religiosa, è stato costretto a trovare un’occupazione per potersi mantenere. Dotato di prestanza fisica, fascino, scaltrezza e di un’intelligenza acuta e brillante, ha deciso fin da giovanissimo, di accettare la proposta arrivata dal Ministero degli Esteri, per diventare una spia e mettere la sua intera esistenza al servizio dell’Inghilterra. Non è un semplice lavoro, ma una vera e propria missione di vita, alla quale nel tempo, tra segreti, viaggi, omissioni e misteri, Nick ha finito con il sacrificare gli affetti, i figli e il suo matrimonio. In realtà sul piatto della bilancia, esistono ferite del passato che ancora pesano e che influenzano il presente, tanto da compromettere l'intesa sentimentale tra Nick e Mariana. Anche la professione di Nick, continua a gettare nel caos e a mettere scompiglio nelle rispettive vite, specialmente quando la stessa Mariana viene assoldata per carpire le informazioni, che si riveleranno utili per sventare un attentato. Forse, la fine del matrimonio tra Nick e Mariana non è soltanto dovuta alla professione di Nick, almeno non direttamente! La verità potrebbe essere un’altra ed è tutta da scoprire, perché ogni nodo sarà svelato soltanto nel finale, quando un medaglione diventa la testimonianza di un amore sincero ma mai del tutto palesato. Nel frattempo dovrete tenere presente che esistono licenze che le spie possono esercitare, e non si tratta della licenza di uccidere, anche se il cuore può andare in frantumi, sia quello di chi subisce, ma anche quello di chi colpisce. Ma cosa sarà successo tra loro, di così grave da allontanarli, se all’inizio sembrava un puro incanto?
«Una ragazza come me?» «Voi.» «Uno la potrebbe sposare?» «Io.» «Attento» sussurrò lei nello spazio tra le loro labbra. Era l’unico spazio che contava nell’universo. «Potrei prendervi in parola.» «Potrei sperare che lo facciate.»
Due personaggi affascinanti e pieni di complessità. Nick e Mariana si incontrano quando lui ha ventidue anni e lei appena diciassette, ma si legheranno per tutta la vita. Inutile dirvi che ho amato i salti temporali che permettono al lettore di andare indietro nel tempo a quei primi momenti in cui si conoscono e al successivo memorabile incontro, un anno dopo. Che dirvi? Mi sono innamorata della sfacciataggine di Nick, di questo uomo calcolatore, spietato, un vero stratega, pragmatico, ombroso, sexy e arrogante, maestro nella dissimulazione e del trasformismo, che non ha paura di niente e di nessuno, ma che nasconde un segreto doloroso. Un uomo d’acciaio che però trema di fronte a lei, l'unica donna che lo fa vacillare, gli fa perdere la concentrazione e gli fa battere il cuore. Ho adorato anche Mariana, caotica, folle, selvaggia, imprevedibile, divertente, frizzante, genuina e pura, che appare perennemente in bilico tra il desiderio e la ragione, quello di lasciarsi andare, per poi ravvedersi e sfidare lui, l’uomo che odia e al tempo stesso ama. La mente le suggerisce di scappare, mentre il cuore le impone di restare. Non è un personaggio che può essere circoscritto con una semplice definizione, perché è tutto al contrario di tutto e non lascia indifferenti, soprattutto quando si improvvisa una spia, ma con pessime doti, nonostante le 3 lezioni di Nick che hanno sempre un epilogo bruciante.
"Aveva bisogno di un nuovo ruolo. La Gentildonna Vacua Che Vive Per Fare Acquisti non funzionava. Forse avrebbe funzionato l’adulazione. Di solito funzionava con i giovanotti. La Gentildonna Che Lusinga Spavaldamente Giovani Uomini poteva essere il suo nuovo ruolo. Valeva la pena di provare."
Un romanzo pieno di sorprese, passione, litigi, incontri e separazioni, di situazioni rocambolesche ed espedienti piccanti che rendono la lettura godibile e appassionante! La storia d’amore appare la traccia principale, ma esistono delle sotto tracce che rendono la trama maggiormente sfaccettata e con i giusti intrecci. I protagonisti sono ben assortiti e ottimamente delineati, completamente agli antipodi e quindi complementari. Sono perennemente in lotta tra loro, ma soprattutto impegnati a non cedere di fronte all’inevitabile e a quell'attrazione potente e ingestibile che sentono. In realtà sono entrambi vittime dei sentimenti che intimamente e nonostante tutto provano, ma che nessuno dei due è pronto ad ammettere, neppure con se stesso. Un racconto che offre anche un interessante spaccato su quel sommerso che alimenta le ideologie dell’epoca, i fondamenti della frangia cospiratoria della Parigi post rivoluzione, mentre i venti di rinnovamento soffiano, tanto che ne è una testimonianza la “Scuola Progressista per Signorine e l’Educazione delle Loro Menti”, nella quale esercita Mariana, senza contare le curiose espressioni in lingua volgare inglese, che aprono ogni capitolo e che ho trovato interessanti.
«La verità è che non sono mai stato coraggioso o audace come te. Non ero disposto a sfidare le terre selvagge del cuore.»
Un romanzo tutto da leggere e che consiglio a chi ama i Regency e non solo. Un viaggio tra le pagine per scoprire la forza dell’amore e le verità taciute, perché puoi essere la spia più spietata e audace del mondo, più scaltra e pragmatica, ma non sarai mai nessuno se non hai il coraggio di amare. E questo alla fine, Nick l'ha capito! Buona lettura e alla prossima!
Recensione a cura di Cristina Pisano
Oggi desidero parlarvi del primo volume di una nuova serie che mi ha davvero divertita, per una trama tutt’altro che scontata, accattivante e complessa, per i personaggi singolari e agli antipodi, per i numerosi siparietti spicy, che non lasciano nulla all’immaginazione, ma soprattutto per i continui cambi di passo e per la sottile vena ironica, che ha il merito di alleggerire i momenti in cui la protagonista, tende a scivolare in eccessive elucubrazioni mentali. Ma a Mariana possiamo perdonare tutto, perché è imprevedibile, istintiva e un po’ folle. Una giovane donna che ha tutte le ragioni per dubitare, interrogarsi e tentennare, messa di fronte alla complicazione, al mistero e all'imperturbabilità dell'uomo che ha sposato e che ora, dopo essere rimasti separati per una decina d’anni, scopre di non conoscere affatto! Un mix di ingredienti che contribuiscono a rendere la trama scoppiettante e in sintonia con l’epoca in cui è ambientata. Merito soprattutto dell’autrice che per raccontarla, ha utilizzato un lessico appropriato e le apprezzabili finezze espressive, abilmente tradotte da Isabella Nanni che ci ha permesso di leggere anche questa storia.
“Male*zione. Perché era qui? Era qui per lui. L’orrendo pensiero si fece gradualmente strada nella sua mente. In fondo, sapeva che questo giorno sarebbe arrivato: il giorno in cui lei sarebbe entrata nel suo mondo oscuro.”
Un romanzo che fa breccia nel tempo, per trasportare il lettore negli anni in cui l’Europa era politicamente instabile, per gli strascichi e le ferite ancora aperte, lasciate dalla Rivoluzione Francese. La storia inizia nel 1824, quando Lady Mariana Asquith riceve una missiva il cui contenuto non può essere ignorato! Si tratta del triste annuncio della scomparsa e della probabile morte del consorte, il carismatico e indecifrabile Lord Nicholas Asquith. Mariana, nonostante non siano in buoni rapporti, decide comunque di seguire l’istinto e precipitarsi a Parigi, per accertarsi di persona della sua effettiva dipartita o al contrario, scoprire se è ancora in vita. E Nick da parte sua non ha dubbi! Sa per certo che la moglie si metterà sulle sue tracce, così come è consapevole che il loro incontro accenderà quella miccia mai spenta, che darà l’avvio a una cascata di guai! Sarà veramente così, oppure esagera? Ma l’affascinante, fantomatico e sensualissimo Nick, è un farabutto come sembra, oppure c’è dell’altro? Cosa nasconde l’uomo tenebroso, dal fisico statuario, dagli occhi imperturbabili e grigi come il metallo?
“Nick era un uomo che piegava le circostanze e le persone al suo capriccio e alla sua volontà. Lei si rifiutava di essere piegata ulteriormente. Un’altra piega e si sarebbe sicuramente spezzata.”
Lord Nicholas Asquith è nato in una famiglia nobile, ma essendo un figlio minore e senza una vocazione per la vita religiosa, è stato costretto a trovare un’occupazione per potersi mantenere. Dotato di prestanza fisica, fascino, scaltrezza e di un’intelligenza acuta e brillante, ha deciso fin da giovanissimo, di accettare la proposta arrivata dal Ministero degli Esteri, per diventare una spia e mettere la sua intera esistenza al servizio dell’Inghilterra. Non è un semplice lavoro, ma una vera e propria missione di vita, alla quale nel tempo, tra segreti, viaggi, omissioni e misteri, Nick ha finito con il sacrificare gli affetti, i figli e il suo matrimonio. In realtà sul piatto della bilancia, esistono ferite del passato che ancora pesano e che influenzano il presente, tanto da compromettere l'intesa sentimentale tra Nick e Mariana. Anche la professione di Nick, continua a gettare nel caos e a mettere scompiglio nelle rispettive vite, specialmente quando la stessa Mariana viene assoldata per carpire le informazioni, che si riveleranno utili per sventare un attentato. Forse, la fine del matrimonio tra Nick e Mariana non è soltanto dovuta alla professione di Nick, almeno non direttamente! La verità potrebbe essere un’altra ed è tutta da scoprire, perché ogni nodo sarà svelato soltanto nel finale, quando un medaglione diventa la testimonianza di un amore sincero ma mai del tutto palesato. Nel frattempo dovrete tenere presente che esistono licenze che le spie possono esercitare, e non si tratta della licenza di uccidere, anche se il cuore può andare in frantumi, sia quello di chi subisce, ma anche quello di chi colpisce. Ma cosa sarà successo tra loro, di così grave da allontanarli, se all’inizio sembrava un puro incanto?
«Una ragazza come me?» «Voi.» «Uno la potrebbe sposare?» «Io.» «Attento» sussurrò lei nello spazio tra le loro labbra. Era l’unico spazio che contava nell’universo. «Potrei prendervi in parola.» «Potrei sperare che lo facciate.»
Due personaggi affascinanti e pieni di complessità. Nick e Mariana si incontrano quando lui ha ventidue anni e lei appena diciassette, ma si legheranno per tutta la vita. Inutile dirvi che ho amato i salti temporali che permettono al lettore di andare indietro nel tempo a quei primi momenti in cui si conoscono e al successivo memorabile incontro, un anno dopo. Che dirvi? Mi sono innamorata della sfacciataggine di Nick, di questo uomo calcolatore, spietato, un vero stratega, pragmatico, ombroso, sexy e arrogante, maestro nella dissimulazione e del trasformismo, che non ha paura di niente e di nessuno, ma che nasconde un segreto doloroso. Un uomo d’acciaio che però trema di fronte a lei, l'unica donna che lo fa vacillare, gli fa perdere la concentrazione e gli fa battere il cuore. Ho adorato anche Mariana, caotica, folle, selvaggia, imprevedibile, divertente, frizzante, genuina e pura, che appare perennemente in bilico tra il desiderio e la ragione, quello di lasciarsi andare, per poi ravvedersi e sfidare lui, l’uomo che odia e al tempo stesso ama. La mente le suggerisce di scappare, mentre il cuore le impone di restare. Non è un personaggio che può essere circoscritto con una semplice definizione, perché è tutto al contrario di tutto e non lascia indifferenti, soprattutto quando si improvvisa una spia, ma con pessime doti, nonostante le 3 lezioni di Nick che hanno sempre un epilogo bruciante.
"Aveva bisogno di un nuovo ruolo. La Gentildonna Vacua Che Vive Per Fare Acquisti non funzionava. Forse avrebbe funzionato l’adulazione. Di solito funzionava con i giovanotti. La Gentildonna Che Lusinga Spavaldamente Giovani Uomini poteva essere il suo nuovo ruolo. Valeva la pena di provare."
Un romanzo pieno di sorprese, passione, litigi, incontri e separazioni, di situazioni rocambolesche ed espedienti piccanti che rendono la lettura godibile e appassionante! La storia d’amore appare la traccia principale, ma esistono delle sotto tracce che rendono la trama maggiormente sfaccettata e con i giusti intrecci. I protagonisti sono ben assortiti e ottimamente delineati, completamente agli antipodi e quindi complementari. Sono perennemente in lotta tra loro, ma soprattutto impegnati a non cedere di fronte all’inevitabile e a quell'attrazione potente e ingestibile che sentono. In realtà sono entrambi vittime dei sentimenti che intimamente e nonostante tutto provano, ma che nessuno dei due è pronto ad ammettere, neppure con se stesso. Un racconto che offre anche un interessante spaccato su quel sommerso che alimenta le ideologie dell’epoca, i fondamenti della frangia cospiratoria della Parigi post rivoluzione, mentre i venti di rinnovamento soffiano, tanto che ne è una testimonianza la “Scuola Progressista per Signorine e l’Educazione delle Loro Menti”, nella quale esercita Mariana, senza contare le curiose espressioni in lingua volgare inglese, che aprono ogni capitolo e che ho trovato interessanti.
«La verità è che non sono mai stato coraggioso o audace come te. Non ero disposto a sfidare le terre selvagge del cuore.»
Un romanzo tutto da leggere e che consiglio a chi ama i Regency e non solo. Un viaggio tra le pagine per scoprire la forza dell’amore e le verità taciute, perché puoi essere la spia più spietata e audace del mondo, più scaltra e pragmatica, ma non sarai mai nessuno se non hai il coraggio di amare. E questo alla fine, Nick l'ha capito! Buona lettura e alla prossima!
Recensione a cura di Cristina Pisano
April 24, 2024
4.5 Stars - This is a re-read for me & the book is a captivating historical romance that weaves a tale of love, espionage, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of Paris, the story follows Lady Mariana Asquith, a society wife who embarks on a quest to find her presumed-dead husband, Nick, only to discover him very much alive and entangled in a web of secrets. Mariana is a compelling character whose strength and determination shine as she navigates the treacherous waters of love and espionage. Her husband, Nick, is a complex figure, torn between duty and desire, making for a deliciously conflicted hero.
Darling’s writing is both elegant and evocative, transporting readers to a time where the stakes of passion and politics are high. Each lesson in seduction reveals deeper layers of intrigue, as Mariana and Nick must learn to trust each other in a world where nothing is as it seems. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, making their romantic journey all the more satisfying. This is a delightful read that offers suspense and sensuality in equal measure - the author has crafted a story that is not only entertaining but also a poignant exploration of the sacrifices made in the name of love and loyalty.
Darling’s writing is both elegant and evocative, transporting readers to a time where the stakes of passion and politics are high. Each lesson in seduction reveals deeper layers of intrigue, as Mariana and Nick must learn to trust each other in a world where nothing is as it seems. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, making their romantic journey all the more satisfying. This is a delightful read that offers suspense and sensuality in equal measure - the author has crafted a story that is not only entertaining but also a poignant exploration of the sacrifices made in the name of love and loyalty.
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