Appuntamento fatale

The Seducers #3

by Madeline Hunter, Sonia Comizzoli (Translator)

Chiunque abbia una certa importanza in Inghilterra si chiede cosa mai stia combinando Sophia Raughley, erede dell'ultimo duca di Everdon inaspettatamente mancato, durante la sua assenza dal Paese. Adrian Burchard, inviato dal re in persona a cercarla, non si aspetterebbe di trovarla a Parigi dentro un vero e proprio harem. Quasi non riesce a credere che da una donna così stravagante, petulante e capricciosa possa dipendere il futuro dell'Inghilterra. I suoi domestici la ritengono una grande patrona dello stile neoromantico delle arti! Ma i caratteri di Sophia e Adrian, in fondo, sono così simili da respingersi e da essere attratti da una sfrenata passione…

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, British Literature, Fiction

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2003

About the author

Madeline Hunter is a nationally bestselling author of historical romances who lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. Her books have won two RITA awards and seven nominations, and have had three starred reviews in Publishers Weekly. In a parallel existence to the one she enjoys as a novelist, Madeline has a Ph.D. in art history and teaches at an East Coast university.

Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I thought I was going to have to rate a Madeline Hunter book 2 stars, I was flabbergasted. Madeline Hunter is normally a money-in-the bank writer for me, dependably anywhere from 3 to 5 stars. For the first two thirds of this book the heroine was in whiny denial, the plot moved too slowly, unimportant scenes dragged out too long, too many side characters made no impact, and attempted humor missed the mark. Fortunately, the tide turned in the last third and the book picked up in interest and momentum, the heroine matured from the 13-year-old she was acting to her chronological age of 29, and the book landed solidly in the 3 star range, perhaps 3.5.

At the age of 21, Sophia escaped from her cold, domineering Duke of a father to France, and there lives an unfettered bohemian-flavored existence, shopping, partying, and patronizing the arts, specifically attractive young male artists. She would have continued that lifestyle indefinitely if her father hadn’t died and, thanks to rare aberrations in the English peerage laws, she became a duchess in her own right. Adrian is sent by the king to fetch the unwilling new duchess home so that she can marry and her husband can fill the dukedom’s seat in the Lords and deliver 12 votes from rotten boroughs in the Commons to squelch new reform measures surfacing in Parliament.

Let me digress long to enough to say that while I enjoyed the political history lesson, I would have enjoyed a little less of it more.

Adrian is the bastard third son of an English countess and a Turkish diplomat, which means Adrian was not treated well by the earl who didn’t father him. He’s established a place for himself in the political world, and his future depends on delivering Sophia into the hands of powerful men who will use her for their own purposes. Sophia refuses to leave France. The irresistible force meets the unmovable object, and the unmovable object finds herself back in England living her worst nightmare.

Sophia is resentful, fearful, shackled by guilt, and wants nothing more than to run from her responsibilities instead of facing up to them or standing up for herself. Not my favorite type of heroine, but her human weakness does feel authentic. Adrian is delectable but damaged, his estrangement from the earl forcing him to the fringes of the aristocracy even as he is dependent upon the political goodwill of those in it.

Certainly, a “half-breed bastard” would be foolish to love a duchess. She would always believe he was using her for his own gain.

And a duchess so emotionally abused that she equates feelings with pain could never love him the way he needs to be loved. Without real love, would he be just another acquisition?

[Bona Caballero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es romántica histórica con su toque de politiqueo. Gira en torno a la reforma electoral para eliminar los burgos podridos y dar representación a las ciudades norteñas. El partido conservador tiene que reunir todos los votos posibles para frenarlo. Por ello es preciso que la duquesa de Everdon vuelva a Inglaterra y de instrucciones a «sus» parlamentarios.
Sólo que Sophia Raughley (29) vive en París y no soporta la idea de volver. Adrian Burchard (34), aristócrata de tercera fila, tiene el cometido de llevarla a Inglaterra, quiera ella o no quiera, a rastras si es preciso. Y ya os digo yo que querer, no quiere.
Hay hostilidad entre ellos, pero también atracción. Para tener su final feliz, cada protagonista tendrá que convertirse en una persona algo distinta. Solo así pueden darle una oportunidad no al amor, sino a la felicidad con quien amas. Porque el amor solo, a veces, no es suficiente.
Reseña más extensa, en mi blog.

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ignorare un ponte non è lo stesso che bruciarlo: resta lì, a unire due isole, che lo si usi o no.
Questa serie è favolosa.
The Charmer è stato emozionante a ogni pagina.

[Ana María · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sería un 3 y medio.
El asunto para mí es que cuando empiezo a leer una novela que tiene una falla histórica importante, me descorazono bastante y me cuesta meterme en la trama.

Y esta falla es que haya existido en el siglo XIX en Gran Bretaña una duquesa por derecho propio, o sea, heredera del título. Sé que, hasta el día de hoy, las ladies británicas luchan porque le sean otorgados esos derechos. Si estoy equivocada y ha habido casos en la historia en los que haya sucedido, por favor, diganmelo. Así subiría la nota a 4.

Sin duda, es muy importante para el desarrollo de esta historia que haya sido así. Porque Sophia es heredera de un ducado importante y debe tomar decisiones importantes. Pero, y esto sí es real, ella es mujer, por lo tanto nadie espera que tome esas decisiones sino que se case y deje a su esposo encargarse de las cosas.

Ella, en realidad, no quiere saber nada de nada. Su pasado familiar es muy oscuro, lleno de fantasmas que la hicieron huir a París y debe volver obligada por las circunstancias.
Y el que la hace volver, a la fuerza, es Adrian Burchard, que conocemos del primer libro de la serie aunque su papel ahí era mucho más anodino y servil que aquí. Él es el tercer hijo de un conde y también con muchos problemas familiares que lo alejaron bastante del país aunque siempre trabajando para el gobierno. O no.

Y bueno. Lo original es que la historia se mete mucho con los problemas de las luchas por la representación en el parlamento en épocas de la reforma. Resulta que aunque ya existía, además de la cámara de los lores, la cámara de los comunes, estos eran más o menos digitados por los lores. Y ahora la población busca cambios, ser representada más democráticamente. Y en este panorama, Sophia se ve enredada en una serie de presiones para que instruya a sus "comunes", a votar de determinada manera, además de lo del casorio.

Por otra parte, Adrian también es original porque es un protagonista que está por debajo de Sophie tanto económica como socialmente. Y además, ella desconfía porque cree que también es un instrumento de presión de ciertas esferas. Un lío.

Así que a lo largo de la historia se aclararán las culpas del pasado, las presiones políticas, las traiciones, rebeliones, y a ver cómo se resuelve el romance.

Creo que está bien, pero la trama política diluyó un poco el romance.

El título tampoco hace honor al héroe: "El embaucador" o en inglés "The charmer" (El encantador), sinceramente no lo veo a Adrian en ese papel. Mejor sería El protector misterioso o algo así.

[Moonyreaders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una novela de romance histórico que se sitúa en momentos de revueltas en Inglaterra, el romance estuvo bien aunque si es verdad que no soy muy fan de las descripciones tan extensas de los actos de intimidad (y más cuando me interesaba más lo de las revueltas que le hago) sin embargo, admito que aunque extensa en la descripción eran en parte necesarios para entender los sentimientos y dudas de ambos protagonistas.
Hubiese sido interesante saber más de lo que pasa al final pero aún así fue un buen final (valga la redundancia)

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the Seducer series so far! Compelling story, good intrigue, a dashing hero, and a heroine who wasn't just a simpering little virginal country miss. She had backbone and was a good match to Adrian's character. I love that the different characters and couples from the other books in this series make appearances throughout. I'm often disappointed when a series is only connected by a theme, or maybe the mention of a reference from a previous book. I also enjoyed the historical aspects detailing the trials before the passing of the Reform Bill.

The only thing I didn't care for in this book was the seraglio depiction at the beginning. The whole scene appeared inserted into the book for shock value. It hardly gave credence to the fact that the heroine wasn't as worldly as she let on to be. The rest of the story could have worked fine without it. But I digress.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Its a keeper for me on my favorites shelf.

[Foggygirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great read in the series, and Adrian and Sophia have great "on page" chemistry. Although there were numerous times when I found myself becoming extremely irked at the male characters, the hero Adrian included, "managing/kidnapping" Sophia from France and forcibly returning her an almost thirty year old woman to England for her "protection" and at the behest of "king and country". The scene where she is shown into the library and virtually surrounded by men who have already decided who, what and when she is going to marry and she is expected to just accept it, had me thinking yeah F*@K ya all! :)

[Missy Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrian Burchard is such an interesting character once you realize he's there. I applaud MH for keeping this man in the background just enough to keep my interest so getting his book was exciting. He's a great hero: handsome, honor-bound to do what's right despite his desires, and a force to be reckoned with. I absolutely loved his heroine too. She is a strong woman at a time when women were expected to be weak and simpering.
Fabulous story, great romance, and very hot love scenes. Another book that will forever be one of my faves.

[Ilze · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last section of this book, in contrast to the previous one in this series, is perfect and makes this book a keeper for me. I'm not sure about the opening scene, though - when you look at the book as a whole, the "seraglio" scene has no relation to what happens in the rest of the book, or to Sophia's character as it develops in the rest of the book. Almost seems like it was stuck into the book to grab the reader's superficial interest ...

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book felt a little long, and I think that was because the government plot in the background moved too slowly and took up more of the plot than I wanted. This felt worse for me than maybe it was because Sophie's insecurities weren't fleshed out well enough for me until toward the end of the book. Still. Madeline Hunter knows how to write a hero, y'all.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I thought that this book was perfect! The love-hate relationship between Adrian and Sophia was everything I needed it to be. From the very first sentence, the book reeled me in and never let go. The political turmoil of the time was the perfect backdrop to their love story. It and the accompanying mystery kept me on my toes the whole time I was reading. Five out of five stars! It is worth that and more!!

[Wench · Rating 2 out of 5]

1. If you're going to name your book "The Charmer", SOMEONE IN IT SHOULD BE CHARMING.

2. You really expect me to just go along with an entire duchy and a threatening villain being put on hold for two months. With no one overseeing said duchy because the secretary or whatever he is has been fired already. SURE.

3. This really wanted to have a savvy political plot and instead it was boring and nonsensical.

4. You BROACH a topic, you wear a BROOCH.

5. Our Hero is exactly the presumptuous, controlling, manipulating ass Our Heroine spends half the book describing him as.

6. The villain is just ridiculously not effective.

7. SERIOUSLY WHO IS THIS CHARMER I WAS PROMISED THESE PEOPLE ARE ALL TERRIBLE ASSHOLES

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who knew I would actually learn some history in a Regency romance? Hunter deftly weaves in the historical backdrop within the scope of this story. I enjoyed it and the characters. :)

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded down because Toni convinced me of the implausibility of parts of it

Entertaining but not the best of the Seducers series.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story with historical details

[Laine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Never has a lead female character been shown to such irredeemable disadvantage. Men with similar blemishes are often believably made over into heroes but this attempt to transform a very flawed woman doesn't work for some reason. Is it the fault of the author or are there higher standards for women who break social conventions? At any rate Sophia is introduced in a drugged stupor in a debauched faux-seraglio scene in Paris that she is hosting with nudity and sex surrounding her. Instead of being repulsed, the hero is attracted to the unconscious barely covered author of all this licentiousness and scares off her companion who went one step too far by drugging her, intending rape presumably. But Sophia organized this ugly and precarious situation so obviously, she's someone with very poor judgment.

She is dragged back to England (literally hauled into the carriage over the hero's/fixer's shoulder) to her duties as a duchess and sole heir after the father she despises dies. This is a woman who has spent her entire thirty years rebelling, then running. What the truly noble Adrian sees in her is a mystery. He keeps talking about "strength" in a grown woman who has exhibited none and seeing depths in her eyes when she has spent her life in the shallows. Her excesses with men (stopping short of sex), hauling exotic animals around in cages and frivolously spending scads of money she has not earned are repellent. There's a reprise of this Kardashian behavior very late in the book. When a villain accuses her of causing her only brother's death through her own rebelliousness and heedlessness, he's actually partly correct. Out of sheer anger and impetuousness she swam into danger and her brother died while rescuing her. Some women out of guilt would have done their best to honor their beloved brother by learning the heir's duties but Sophia runs away instead to carouse on her hated father's money. Whenever the going gets rough with duchess duties in England, she tries to run back to her empty life in Paris, very tiresome and spoiled. The hero should have disgust for her, not bone-deep attraction. She actually LIED about his mistreating her so a couple of her hangers-on would help her escape to Paris to continue a completely dissolute life. She does nothing redeeming until too late in the book.

Though Duchess Sophia is adamant she will not marry so she won't lose control to a husband and Adrian doesn't propose marriage because he believes the class gulf too wide between them, they have frequent sex without taking the slightest precaution against pregnancy - two supposedly mature adults and him with his own history of bastardy. Do they not know where babies come from or are they hoping a pregnancy will push them past their own objections?

I skimmed to the end, disliking Sophia intensely and wondering why Adrian is enthralled with this useless fribble, risking his life so she won't find out that her father's lack of care for her was a degree deeper than she already knew. If she was as "strong" as Adrian keeps saying, she should have been able to handle the blow. Given that, one might think killing the villain in a duel was more to prevent salacious gossip adding to the storm unleashed once he accepts her proposal of marriage, being a self-described "half breed" political has-been and bastard. That makes it self-serving and less noble. When the female lead is gravely flawed (requiring this kind of "protection"), it taints the hero as well.

[Sadie Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was a reread - but from like a decade ago. (Like the first time I was a romance reader and had stopped.) I went into it with one scene vivid in my mind (there really is a monkey, window escape from a fire, an ocelot...) but real concerns that this wouldn't age well being nearly 20 years old.

Honestly - I think I liked it more this time through and I think part of that is I am older now and understand more of the nuances that are alluded to - specifically around the fact that Adrian is half Turkish in a very white society and is a bastard - but one that is obvious. It talked a lot about his being "exotic" for women to experiment with but also English enough that it was safe. It was really interesting. I also genuinely enjoyed Sophia - who so seemed like she was passive to me last time - I realized much more of her characterization is abject terror and fear of rejection as well as emotional trauma from her absolute monster of a father. This is definitely on the darker side of things - closer to Kerrigan Byrne than say Julia Quinn but definitely not as explicit or intense.

The slow burn in this and the absolute no chill pining of the hero really makes the story though.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (would be higher - but no epilogue makes me sad)
Steam: 🔥
Tropes: no chill hero, forced proximity, bodyguard, opposites attract, found family
For Fans Of: Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas, Kerrigan Byrne style books
Subgenre: historic romance
CW/ TW: mentions of childhood abuse, verbal abuse, emotional trauma, some predatory moments (nothing happens and it is not the hero)

[Yaz Quan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Madeline Hunter can craft a delightful, compelling, and original story. I know because I have read some of her other books. The Charmer, however, is not only not original, it ticks nearly all of the worst stereotypes of the historical romance genre. Firstly, that a hero physically and sexually abusing the heroine and controlling her by threat of same is romantic. Secondly, that a man publicly humiliating and privately threatening a woman is an acceptable form of courtship. Thirdly, that anytime a woman shows any more initiative, independent thought, and intelligence than a turnip, this is "misbehavior" and must be "corrected" by the hero, which may involve physical restraint, public bottom swatting, forced intimacy aka more sexual assault, and/or kidnapping. Fourthly, that any and all of the forgoing will cause uncontrollable sexual arousal in the heroine.

I could not identify a single character trait in the hero that would not land the man in jail if attempted today. In short, he's a near sociopathic arse.

For the heroine, I think she has potential and would recommend she file a restraining order, hie herself to a woman's shelter, and get counseling to figure out why she's attracted to this kind of abuse.

For the author, if this novel in any way reflects your life experience, I am so, so sorry.

[Matilda BGR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book so hard.

Sophia was very difficult to like, so it makes Adrian an even more attractive hero that he sees through her facade and realizes the actual person hiding there. I loved their interactions, I loved the integration of actual historical events and political machinations. I loved that *she* is the one with the title and the power (more or less).

Only big turnoff for me was the really gross mystery which isn't revealed until nearly the end - pretty stomach-churning when you realize what Sophia might have had to endure, which her father evidently would have approved. [It turns out Sophia's cousin who has been trying to marry her in order to take control of her ducal seat - and the reader knows all this - is actually her half brother. Sophia's father had slept with his brother's wife and is the actual father of the villain, and was aware of that fact when he had encouraged the two "cousins" to marry. The villain (her cousin) knows this too, knows that Sophia is his half sister. It's just super gross.]

[Poschina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come potete vedere siamo sempre nell’ambito delle copertine di un certo livello. E siamo sempre nell’ambito di quegli uomini che noi donne vorremmo tanto incontrare. Quelli bellissimi, intelligentissimi, sexy, forti, dispotici ma con moderazione, sempre e costantemente vogliosi di riempirci con la loro ingombrante verga e soprattutto che non si scazzano di aver a fianco una donna perennemente mestruata.

Mi spiego meglio. Adrian terzogenito illegittimo e malcagato dal padre, viene spedito in Francia a recuperare Sophia, figlia fuggitiva del Duca di Everdon recentemente deceduto, e si trova di fronte ad una donna ribelle, ostinata, fragile, traumatizzata dal passato, sola, testarda e incline alla fuga. Qualsiasi uomo di mia conoscenza, di fronte a questa donna onestamente insopportabile, sarebbe fuggito all’urlo di “Vaffanculo, stronza” e invece lui no.

continua su https://laleggivora.wordpress.com/201...

[Marina P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Madelline Hunter‘s writing style which was the reason I picked this book.

The story was well paced and interesting, the hero was dark&brooding and swoonworthy. He was so calm and had his wits about him all the time (so to speak).

But I didn’t like the heroine- yes she was strong and resilient, with regard to what she had to endure in her past. But everything she did, was in a somewhat timid and meek way, despite her objections to being ‘managed by other’ as she put it. Most of the time she did everything in a passive and quiet way- she really got on my nerves.

The hero managed to conceal from her very important bits of her past, which made me furious with him. I don’t like high handed men, who decide everything on their own. This was also the reason I felt that the story finished with loose ends, mor so as there was no epilogue, only an abrupt ending.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something gritty about Madeline Hunter's histroms which I enjoy very much. Adrian is one of her better heroes, and I found it refreshing how she made him uncomfortable with being fetishised because of his mixed race. I rarely come across this and I've read a lotttt of historicals. It wasn't perfect but it was touched upon. I liked the political backdrop too. I always say this, but MH was a very talented writer with very strong heroines. Her love interests can be very hit or miss, but this one was a hit, so - hooray!

[Chayong · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Almost 'really-liked' the book.

The beginning was unique compared to most of Hunter's novels. Very enticing. I love how Adrian Burchard took the Duchess of Everdon in stride. Literally.

It was going swimmingly. Until the last-minute dramatic twist, which I found too much.

I can't believe I've been rereading the other books in this series while missing this one already available in my collection. I'm glad I've finally read it after all these years.

[Elis Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not at all sure how this one got its title, since I didn't think either of the main characters was unusually charming. Both were plenty likeable, but neither possessed the smooth, easy character I'd associate with the titular term.



Adrian Burchard has been dispatched by King William IV and sundry others to collect the new Duchess of Everdon, a duchess in her own right, who has resided in France since her estrangement with her cold SOB of a father. Said SOB-father is now dead, and the new duchess, Sophia Raughley, has thus far failed to return to take up the reins of the duchy.

Things are coming to a head in Parliament with regard to issues such as the universal vote and the power of the nobility in England. Everdon's influence is needed, and the King, Wellington and a cabal of others want to bring the young duchess to heel, specifically under the heel of the toady her father planned to betroth her to before his death.

Adrian finds Sophia in mid-debauch. She's hosted an orgy of sorts, in which her friends attempt rather inaccurately to play the parts of people who might be found in a seraglio. Lots of naked people, plenty of wine and other intoxicants, etc. The duchess herself is completely bosky, passed out in the arms of a handsome young man who is, despite her insensibility, doing his best to roger her. Adrian dispatches players in the scenario and totes the duchess upstairs for a sobering bath. He pays for his attentions when she arfs on his shoes (and bully for her, I say), but he soldiers on.

Even after he recognizes that she's actually afraid to return to England, Adrian is committed to his mission, literally tossing her over his shoulder when she refuses to come with him. He feels nips of conscience and empathy, but he's Wellington's man and be damned with anyone whose life gets trampled as he carries out his master's wishes. And somehow Sophia is too kind-hearted to lay into him the way he deserves for this. I wanted her to blister his conscience for the way he walked all over her.

It occurred to me in this story that Hunter had a keen grasp of the plight of women in this period. I think the men of the day thought single women dangerous, wild creatures to be tamed and controlled. God forbid a woman alone should wield the power of a duchy according to her own conscience. No, she's there to be used, first by a father eager for a male heir in his own likeness, then by a coven of powerful men who need her influence to cling to their power over the unwashed masses, and finally by one man who has enough insight to see her vulnerability, but still doesn't much care what she wants. He uses her as much as any other, to further his own ambitions in the service of his masters. Adrian has been rejected by his ostensible father, and he seeks the approbation and rewards offered by his masters to validate his own worth. He might sympathize, but Sophia's concerns won't get in his way.

Once Sophia is deposited at her father's estate, she's forced to face the crucible of the nobility, which encamps itself on the property to "convey their sympathies," but also to make sure she toes the line. The king and his minions immediately try to push her to marry the man her father had intended for her. He's the image of her father, probably why her da wanted him to father her children.



Fortunately Hunter also writes an intelligent heroine. When the cabal pushes the marriage her father planned for her, Sophia has the wit to claim she's already married. They all know she's lying but it's still a checkmate, at least for now, because they can't prove it. So Wellington suggests that Adrian keep watch over her and if possible seduce her. The assumption being, I guess, that if a woman's lusts are engaged, she becomes docile and submissive to her man. Adrian regains a little respect from me when he doesn't buy into this theory, though he's not averse to the seduction part.

Adrian's conscience takes another pelting when he realizes that he's brought her home to face real danger. As a girl, Sophia befriended a revolutionary; when her father learned of it, he had the man arrested, and beat Sophia until she gave testimony against him. The man was sentenced to transportation, but his sentence recently ended, and lately there've been pamphlets bearing his name and containing threats to her safety if she fails to deliver her political support to the radical cause. The added danger (and there's an element of mystery) makes the story bigger than the romance, which is always a plus for me. While the hero and heroine angst over the usual "loves me loves me not" issues, we learn that Sophia's being watched by someone who struggles with conflicting desires to use her for his own political purposes or simply take revenge.

Riots, fires, and other threats keep the worries about the radical real enough that you aren't forced to obsess over the nuances of the relationship (ZZzzzz!). Add in pushy nobles, haunting memories that hold secrets, and an icky wannabe betrothed, and there's plenty of good conflict to keep the story moving.

The series just keeps getting better.

[Miriamgreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting premise which needed to tie up loose ends. out of the usual plot reruns was a compelling read with quiet alpha hero, unusual primogeniture which allows daughter to become duchess. a scorching searchlight on corrupt political system votes, very much like ours. nice seduction scenes, possible reread

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Por la parte histórica estuvo interesante la historia.
En cuanto Sophia la protagonista he de decir que me desesperó mucho. Por todo quería huir y prejuzgaba en todo a Adrian, de serio me cayó mal.
Lo de Gerald haciéndose pasar por Brutus fue predecible, pero si me sorprendió lo que hubo detrás de todo.

[Fractalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desde el inicio te atrapa la historia por la forma de ser de adrián y sophia y a eso le incluyes el ambiente de esa época de revueltas en inglaterra dándole un toque de emoción e interés por ver cómo la protagonista defiende sus ideales o cederá ante su posición importante en la nobleza.

[Jacqueline Seewald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent Victorian novel by Madeline Hunter. The Duchess is a complex character, a complicated mix of strength and insecurity. Her love interest, Adrian, is a man of character. An exciting, sexy romance worth reading.

[Gigi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this until he carried Sophia like a sack over his shoulders. From then on, he managed and controlled her life because "danger lurked around" and finally he married her.
The villain was stupid and how could they not realize who he was? Even more stupid.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5