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The Shaws #3
Boundless
She’s the unlikely wallflower of the extraordinary Shaw family. A woman who will never marry, but not for the reasons you might think . . .
Attacked on the streets of London, Lady Livia Shaw is relieved when a gentleman comes to her aid—and startled to discover her rescuer is Adrian, the Duke of Preston, a notorious rogue. But their association—and instant attraction—does not end there, much to the Shaws’ distress. For Livia was robbed of a memento—one that is both her most precious possession and a reminder of a shameful secret. It is a secret she knows will cause her to lose Adrian forever, yet he is determined to track down the thief . . .
Adrian never wanted to be anyone’s hero, but now he’s finding the prospect as pleasing as he does Livia’s company, and her beauty. Certainly he wants her in his bed, but what surprises him is how much she comes to mean to him. Which is why the revelation of her scandalous past is nearly his undoing. Arrogantly, he had assumed only he had the power to shock. But it is too late to turn back, and now Adrian may have to risk everything for Livia, even his heart . . .
Attacked on the streets of London, Lady Livia Shaw is relieved when a gentleman comes to her aid—and startled to discover her rescuer is Adrian, the Duke of Preston, a notorious rogue. But their association—and instant attraction—does not end there, much to the Shaws’ distress. For Livia was robbed of a memento—one that is both her most precious possession and a reminder of a shameful secret. It is a secret she knows will cause her to lose Adrian forever, yet he is determined to track down the thief . . .
Adrian never wanted to be anyone’s hero, but now he’s finding the prospect as pleasing as he does Livia’s company, and her beauty. Certainly he wants her in his bed, but what surprises him is how much she comes to mean to him. Which is why the revelation of her scandalous past is nearly his undoing. Arrogantly, he had assumed only he had the power to shock. But it is too late to turn back, and now Adrian may have to risk everything for Livia, even his heart . . .
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2018
24 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Connolly
131 books312 followersI was born in Leicester, England, and lived in our cobbler’s shop with my parents and sister. It was an old house and most definitely haunted, but I didn’t find out until I left that my great uncle had hung himself in the living room! But I think our ghost might have been older than that. It was built on the site of the old Roman cemetery, and the land had been constantly inhabited, being in the centre of town. Then, when the council bought the house from us to build a road, my grandfather retired and my father went and worked for the Post Office. My mother was a sample machinist; that is, she worked with designers on the prototypes (models or samples) of garments. So I was very well dressed! We bought a relatively modern house in the country, and my mother was blissfully happy. It’s all very well living in a large old house, but it’s a dreadful task to keep it clean and warm!
My mother's side of the family are Romany gypsies, although sadly we haven't any of the old trailers that are so astonishingly beautiful. I was taught to read the Tarot cards, and I usually use two packs; the Rider pack for simple readings and the Crowley Thoth pack for the complex stuff.
I've always had an interest in the paranormal and it's been a delight to be able to put some of this into my novels.
My mother's side of the family are Romany gypsies, although sadly we haven't any of the old trailers that are so astonishingly beautiful. I was taught to read the Tarot cards, and I usually use two packs; the Rider pack for simple readings and the Crowley Thoth pack for the complex stuff.
I've always had an interest in the paranormal and it's been a delight to be able to put some of this into my novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 15, 2019
3.5 stars
There were aspects of this story I liked. The late Georgian time period was well researched, and there were interesting tidbits, such as “poisonous” face paint that was the cause of the hero’s first wife’ death and other details sprinkled throughout. This was my first by Connolly, and I would try more. Authors that clearly do their research are ones I want to try more of. The plot was interesting, though sometimes choppy and needing finesse. The characters were the weakest aspect for me. They didn’t always make sense, particularly the the heroine. I found her actions and thoughts confusing and contradictory at times.
Without getting into specifics, I thought this a decent, but not great read. I think it probably better to read as part of the series, as opposed to a stand-alone like I did here.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There were aspects of this story I liked. The late Georgian time period was well researched, and there were interesting tidbits, such as “poisonous” face paint that was the cause of the hero’s first wife’ death and other details sprinkled throughout. This was my first by Connolly, and I would try more. Authors that clearly do their research are ones I want to try more of. The plot was interesting, though sometimes choppy and needing finesse. The characters were the weakest aspect for me. They didn’t always make sense, particularly the the heroine. I found her actions and thoughts confusing and contradictory at times.
Without getting into specifics, I thought this a decent, but not great read. I think it probably better to read as part of the series, as opposed to a stand-alone like I did here.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2021
Georgian? No date specified. But men wore powdered
wigs. I wanted this story to end. Livia complained too
much, IMO, in her own head and otherwise.
Adrian, a duke, rescued Lady Livia, dtr of a marquess
from an attack outside an orphanage. Lost: her purse
+ a special brooch. Reportedly Adrian was the product
of an affair between his duchess mother & a black page.
True?
I liked the H much better than the h. She engaged in
indecisiveness & too much introspection. She had low
self-esteem (S-E). She asked Adrian "Am I enough?"
Why make low S-E a trope? This feels overused in
Romancelandia. Other irritating elements: too much
about the H's 1st wife. And Jeffrey exaggerated the
scope of his military career & he seldom took the hint
to vamoose.
The best element: former thief and now 12 yr old
page to Adrian, Mickey. What a good little man in
the making!
wigs. I wanted this story to end. Livia complained too
much, IMO, in her own head and otherwise.
Adrian, a duke, rescued Lady Livia, dtr of a marquess
from an attack outside an orphanage. Lost: her purse
+ a special brooch. Reportedly Adrian was the product
of an affair between his duchess mother & a black page.
True?
I liked the H much better than the h. She engaged in
indecisiveness & too much introspection. She had low
self-esteem (S-E). She asked Adrian "Am I enough?"
Why make low S-E a trope? This feels overused in
Romancelandia. Other irritating elements: too much
about the H's 1st wife. And Jeffrey exaggerated the
scope of his military career & he seldom took the hint
to vamoose.
The best element: former thief and now 12 yr old
page to Adrian, Mickey. What a good little man in
the making!
December 9, 2018
Boundless Lynne Connolly is book Three in The Shaws Series. This is the story of Adrian, the Duke of Preston and Livia Shaw. I have read the previous book, but feel you can make this a standalone.
Preston turns into Livia hero when he helps her after being taken upon when leaving a orphanage in a bad area. But Livia has secrets that she can't let out. Secure in the thoughts to never marry due to her secretes she doen't plan on having feelings for Preston. But his reputation might not be what everyone thinks. Livia needs Preston help again in finding what she had lost or was taken during the indecent. Preston never caring what people thought of him or what they though he did, finds himself caring about Livia. But they both do a dance around their secrets and feelings.
Really enjoyed their story!
Preston turns into Livia hero when he helps her after being taken upon when leaving a orphanage in a bad area. But Livia has secrets that she can't let out. Secure in the thoughts to never marry due to her secretes she doen't plan on having feelings for Preston. But his reputation might not be what everyone thinks. Livia needs Preston help again in finding what she had lost or was taken during the indecent. Preston never caring what people thought of him or what they though he did, finds himself caring about Livia. But they both do a dance around their secrets and feelings.
Really enjoyed their story!
January 8, 2019
DNF 30.%. Either poorly written or poorly edited and so much did not quite make sense. Plot dragged on.
Thank you Net Galley for the chance to review this ARC, but alas, it is not for me.
Merged review:
DNF 30.%. Either poorly written or poorly edited and so much did not quite make sense. Plot dragged on.
Thank you Net Galley for the chance to review this ARC, but alas, it is not for me.
Merged review:
DNF 30.%. Either poorly written or poorly edited and so much did not quite make sense. Plot dragged on.
November 30, 2018
Series: The Shaws #3
Publication Date: 12/4/18
Two people with deep dark secrets find their HEA in this excellently written third (and final) entry in the Shaws series. With many books, when the secrets are revealed, you wonder why it was a big deal to anyone. That isn’t the case with this book. You can see why both will go to almost any lengths to maintain their secrets. The characters are likable and relatable and the situation will make your heart bleed for each of them. While it is a bit slow paced, it is an excellent read.
Lady Livia Shaw is the last unmarried child in her family – and she intends to keep it that way. She can’t marry because she has a deep, dark secret that she would have to reveal to the man she marries, and she just cannot – will not – do that. She’s a beautiful woman, wealthy in her own right and has had many suitors, but she rebuffs them all.
Adrian, the Duke of Preston is the subject of many rumors and he’s never cared enough to refute any of them even though most of them are untrue. He doesn’t care what others think of him – even though they call him the Blackamoor Duke. He knows the truth and that is good enough for him – after all, he is a Duke and can do what he likes.
Livia was set upon by a group of street urchins just after she left an orphanage in an unsavory part of London. She had actually fled the orphanage – alone. When she is rescued by a tall, handsome man she is very grateful. However, when she realizes who he is and that he has taken her into the home of his mistress – alone – she is ready to leave immediately. Then, as she is leaving, he kisses her – deep and long – right on the street. That sets tongues to wagging!
Livia vows never to interact with the Duke again – not in any way. Adrian is intrigued by Livia and is determined to encounter her again. Livia’s plans are thwarted when she realizes that she’s lost her most precious possession – a small brooch. She doesn’t know if the urchins stole it or if she lost it inside the home of the duke’s mistress. She has no other choice, she must approach him to ask if it is inside the home. When he doesn’t find it at the home of his mistress (actually ex-mistress), he vows he will find and retrieve it for her.
Adrian and Livia have begun a long series of interactions and encounters that bring them closer and closer and make Livia more and more fearful for her secrets. She instinctually trusts Adrian in spite of his reputation, but she cannot share her secret with him. Actually, for someone from a family filled with rogues and is supposed to be totally non-judgmental, I think Livia did a lot of judging of Adrian. She believed rumors much too quickly and easily and didn’t compare them with the man she had actually come to know.
The pace picks up toward the end of the book when the bad guy is identified, secrets are revealed and love is acknowledged. I loved the Shaws and am looking forward to seeing what happens next since this is the last book in the series.
I can happily recommend this book because I think you will enjoy the read.
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: 12/4/18
Two people with deep dark secrets find their HEA in this excellently written third (and final) entry in the Shaws series. With many books, when the secrets are revealed, you wonder why it was a big deal to anyone. That isn’t the case with this book. You can see why both will go to almost any lengths to maintain their secrets. The characters are likable and relatable and the situation will make your heart bleed for each of them. While it is a bit slow paced, it is an excellent read.
Lady Livia Shaw is the last unmarried child in her family – and she intends to keep it that way. She can’t marry because she has a deep, dark secret that she would have to reveal to the man she marries, and she just cannot – will not – do that. She’s a beautiful woman, wealthy in her own right and has had many suitors, but she rebuffs them all.
Adrian, the Duke of Preston is the subject of many rumors and he’s never cared enough to refute any of them even though most of them are untrue. He doesn’t care what others think of him – even though they call him the Blackamoor Duke. He knows the truth and that is good enough for him – after all, he is a Duke and can do what he likes.
Livia was set upon by a group of street urchins just after she left an orphanage in an unsavory part of London. She had actually fled the orphanage – alone. When she is rescued by a tall, handsome man she is very grateful. However, when she realizes who he is and that he has taken her into the home of his mistress – alone – she is ready to leave immediately. Then, as she is leaving, he kisses her – deep and long – right on the street. That sets tongues to wagging!
Livia vows never to interact with the Duke again – not in any way. Adrian is intrigued by Livia and is determined to encounter her again. Livia’s plans are thwarted when she realizes that she’s lost her most precious possession – a small brooch. She doesn’t know if the urchins stole it or if she lost it inside the home of the duke’s mistress. She has no other choice, she must approach him to ask if it is inside the home. When he doesn’t find it at the home of his mistress (actually ex-mistress), he vows he will find and retrieve it for her.
Adrian and Livia have begun a long series of interactions and encounters that bring them closer and closer and make Livia more and more fearful for her secrets. She instinctually trusts Adrian in spite of his reputation, but she cannot share her secret with him. Actually, for someone from a family filled with rogues and is supposed to be totally non-judgmental, I think Livia did a lot of judging of Adrian. She believed rumors much too quickly and easily and didn’t compare them with the man she had actually come to know.
The pace picks up toward the end of the book when the bad guy is identified, secrets are revealed and love is acknowledged. I loved the Shaws and am looking forward to seeing what happens next since this is the last book in the series.
I can happily recommend this book because I think you will enjoy the read.
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."
December 11, 2018
Lady Livia Shaw has secrets, secrets that very few people know and that would destroy her if they were ever revealed, secrets she believes even being a "Shaw" won't save her from. She meets Adrian Stirling, the Duke of Preston when he saves her from being attacked by a gang of street children. He fights them off and takes Livia to his former mistresses house to tend her injury. He then causes a bit of a scandal by kissing her on the street in full daylight. Livia is outraged and happy that she never has to see him again. But later, she learns that her brooch is missing and knows that either it was left at his mistress' house or was taken by the children. She has no choice, she will have to ask Adrian for help.
Adrian is a walking scandal with secrets of his own and he seems to relish his very tarnished reputation and questionable birth. Widowed with no plans to remarry, he usually stays away from "good" society, but something about Livia intrigues him and he ventures out in hopes of seeing her again. He finds Livia at the ball and she tells him that she needs to talk to him. They meet later and she tells him of her lost brooch, he knows she is hiding something and agrees to find her brooch - mostly because it means that he will see her again. Relieved, Livia returns to the ball and is approached by Sir Jeffery, a childhood sweetheart, a man she thought she loved and who loved her, but he broke her heart by marrying someone else and leaving. He is back in England and widowed, he makes his interest clear, but Livia is surprised to discover that she is no longer interested.
Adrian begins his quest for the brooch and gains a protege in the process, Mickey is a street child and may be able to help him find the missing jewerly, he hires the boy to be his page and sees his potential. Mickey informs him that Livia was targeted for the brooch and while he doesn't know the man's name, he would know him by sight.
Adrian ends up finding her brooch and returning it to her, but that is not the end of the story, they will have a lot to overcome, including a forced betrothal, a spurned former lover, shocking secrets, hurtful rumors and a terrifying ordeal before they get their hard won HEA.
I really loved this installment, I have a soft spot for "bad boy" heroes and Adrian certainly fits the bill, Livia was a little harder to warm up to, but she won me over in the end. The book has a little bit of everything, action, secrets, shocking revelations, steamy love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, a truly demented villan and a very sweet epilogue. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to the series and would happily recommend this book! It is the last book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone title with no problems - but be warned, the "Shaws" are addictive and you will want to read previous titles!!
*I am volunarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Adrian is a walking scandal with secrets of his own and he seems to relish his very tarnished reputation and questionable birth. Widowed with no plans to remarry, he usually stays away from "good" society, but something about Livia intrigues him and he ventures out in hopes of seeing her again. He finds Livia at the ball and she tells him that she needs to talk to him. They meet later and she tells him of her lost brooch, he knows she is hiding something and agrees to find her brooch - mostly because it means that he will see her again. Relieved, Livia returns to the ball and is approached by Sir Jeffery, a childhood sweetheart, a man she thought she loved and who loved her, but he broke her heart by marrying someone else and leaving. He is back in England and widowed, he makes his interest clear, but Livia is surprised to discover that she is no longer interested.
Adrian begins his quest for the brooch and gains a protege in the process, Mickey is a street child and may be able to help him find the missing jewerly, he hires the boy to be his page and sees his potential. Mickey informs him that Livia was targeted for the brooch and while he doesn't know the man's name, he would know him by sight.
Adrian ends up finding her brooch and returning it to her, but that is not the end of the story, they will have a lot to overcome, including a forced betrothal, a spurned former lover, shocking secrets, hurtful rumors and a terrifying ordeal before they get their hard won HEA.
I really loved this installment, I have a soft spot for "bad boy" heroes and Adrian certainly fits the bill, Livia was a little harder to warm up to, but she won me over in the end. The book has a little bit of everything, action, secrets, shocking revelations, steamy love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, a truly demented villan and a very sweet epilogue. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to the series and would happily recommend this book! It is the last book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone title with no problems - but be warned, the "Shaws" are addictive and you will want to read previous titles!!
*I am volunarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
November 5, 2018
I loved Dru and Oliver’s story in the previous book of this series but Boundless featuring Dru’s twin, Livia, was even better. The best in the series in my opinion. Like Dru’s story, Boundless is an adrenaline charged read with steamy love scenes and humorous moments. But this book has a few dark and shocking revelations. Exactly what one would expect from the scandalous Shaw family. And I love dark!
Lady Livia Shaw is thankful to be rescued after being attacked on the London streets. Until she comes eye to eye with her rescuer. Adrian Sterling, Duke of Preston was the most scandalous peer in London. And Livia knew quite a bit about scandal, coming from the infamous Shaw family. Still, when Livia discovers that her brooch was lost in the attack, she turns to Adrian to recover it. Not only is the brooch a precious memento, it’s also the last link she had to a secret that had haunted her for years. Adrian was quite taken with Livia and insisted on tracking down the lost memento. Something niggled at him about her attachment to the brooch and the prospect of finding out what she was hiding intrigued him. With each encounter, they became more entranced with one another and began to see each other in a different light. Despite his appalling reputation, Livia saw a vulnerability in Adrian’s eyes. He was cynical to the world but when he smiled at her, she saw warmth, humor, and kindness. He was a man of far more integrity than she’d expected. Adrian was, of course, enamored with Livia’s beauty but there was more about her that affected him. He liked her independent spirit, her ability to fight back. For the first time since his wife died, he considered the prospect of remarrying. He couldn’t fight the desire to kiss her so he gave in to it. And Livia couldn’t help but reciprocate. Repeatedly. As much as they desired each other though, they knew they should walk away. Adrian couldn’t marry anyone. He was tainted. His disreputable behavior and defiled blood would prove scandalous for any woman. Livia felt she wasn’t for anyone. The secret she’d held dormant for so many years would turn any suitor away. She should send him away. Not be having thoughts she shouldn’t have. With each encounter, the attraction grew and soon they were the center of attention in the ton. Adrian wanted Livia and was eager to marry her so she might avoid scandal. But it was more than just saving her reputation. He’d never wanted a wife who would affect him personally but he wanted Livia. And now that he was ready, she wasn’t. They would marry. He just had to persuade her. He also needed to find out what secret was holding her back. And he needed to share his own.
I’ve loved Livia since the last book. She’s so loyal and protective of her family. I came to love her even more in this book. She’d been drowning under a secret for years. Guilt over what had happened weighed heavily on her heart. She felt no man would ever want her and she’d accepted that. But Adrian made her wish for more. She had deliberately put away attraction and desire for 10 years, but she felt it with Adrian. He made her feel pretty and desirable. He was comforting. She trusted him. But could she trust him with the truth?
Adrian broke my heart. So many in society wanted to bring him down but were coldly polite to him because of his rank. He didn’t show that society’s opinion affected him but it had. His anger and sense of injustice at society’s treatment of him drove him to be outrageous. That recklessness only made him stand out more and fueled the gossip. He’d been happy to live alone. Until Livia. She brought lightness to his soul. She gave him a reason to want to be a better man. If only he could get her to trust him with her secret. But was he ready to trust her with his own?
This was such a beautiful story of overcoming tragic pasts and creating a beautiful and hopeful future. I loved the buildup of Adrian and Livia’s relationship. They were attracted instantly and watching them try to resist their feelings was fun but I most loved watching their friendship develop. Once they were able to trust completely and share their burdens, their love grew even deeper. And boy were there some secrets to share! The revelations in the last few chapters really built up my angst and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The stakes got higher toward the end and I was starting to worry how much these two would have to endure before they got their HEA.
While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series. You’ll love reading about this family that skirts scandal on a regular basis. Each book is filled with complicated characters and intriguing plots dealing with power, passion, family, and deeds and consequences. I can’t get enough of this family!
Lady Livia Shaw is thankful to be rescued after being attacked on the London streets. Until she comes eye to eye with her rescuer. Adrian Sterling, Duke of Preston was the most scandalous peer in London. And Livia knew quite a bit about scandal, coming from the infamous Shaw family. Still, when Livia discovers that her brooch was lost in the attack, she turns to Adrian to recover it. Not only is the brooch a precious memento, it’s also the last link she had to a secret that had haunted her for years. Adrian was quite taken with Livia and insisted on tracking down the lost memento. Something niggled at him about her attachment to the brooch and the prospect of finding out what she was hiding intrigued him. With each encounter, they became more entranced with one another and began to see each other in a different light. Despite his appalling reputation, Livia saw a vulnerability in Adrian’s eyes. He was cynical to the world but when he smiled at her, she saw warmth, humor, and kindness. He was a man of far more integrity than she’d expected. Adrian was, of course, enamored with Livia’s beauty but there was more about her that affected him. He liked her independent spirit, her ability to fight back. For the first time since his wife died, he considered the prospect of remarrying. He couldn’t fight the desire to kiss her so he gave in to it. And Livia couldn’t help but reciprocate. Repeatedly. As much as they desired each other though, they knew they should walk away. Adrian couldn’t marry anyone. He was tainted. His disreputable behavior and defiled blood would prove scandalous for any woman. Livia felt she wasn’t for anyone. The secret she’d held dormant for so many years would turn any suitor away. She should send him away. Not be having thoughts she shouldn’t have. With each encounter, the attraction grew and soon they were the center of attention in the ton. Adrian wanted Livia and was eager to marry her so she might avoid scandal. But it was more than just saving her reputation. He’d never wanted a wife who would affect him personally but he wanted Livia. And now that he was ready, she wasn’t. They would marry. He just had to persuade her. He also needed to find out what secret was holding her back. And he needed to share his own.
I’ve loved Livia since the last book. She’s so loyal and protective of her family. I came to love her even more in this book. She’d been drowning under a secret for years. Guilt over what had happened weighed heavily on her heart. She felt no man would ever want her and she’d accepted that. But Adrian made her wish for more. She had deliberately put away attraction and desire for 10 years, but she felt it with Adrian. He made her feel pretty and desirable. He was comforting. She trusted him. But could she trust him with the truth?
Adrian broke my heart. So many in society wanted to bring him down but were coldly polite to him because of his rank. He didn’t show that society’s opinion affected him but it had. His anger and sense of injustice at society’s treatment of him drove him to be outrageous. That recklessness only made him stand out more and fueled the gossip. He’d been happy to live alone. Until Livia. She brought lightness to his soul. She gave him a reason to want to be a better man. If only he could get her to trust him with her secret. But was he ready to trust her with his own?
This was such a beautiful story of overcoming tragic pasts and creating a beautiful and hopeful future. I loved the buildup of Adrian and Livia’s relationship. They were attracted instantly and watching them try to resist their feelings was fun but I most loved watching their friendship develop. Once they were able to trust completely and share their burdens, their love grew even deeper. And boy were there some secrets to share! The revelations in the last few chapters really built up my angst and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The stakes got higher toward the end and I was starting to worry how much these two would have to endure before they got their HEA.
While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series. You’ll love reading about this family that skirts scandal on a regular basis. Each book is filled with complicated characters and intriguing plots dealing with power, passion, family, and deeds and consequences. I can’t get enough of this family!
November 29, 2018
Adrian, the Duke of Preston, had just broken up with his mistress when he sees a woman being attacked by street urchins, and he runs to her rescue. Lady Livia Shaw was not too badly hurt, her purse was stolen, but her most precious possession, a brooch, was taken. Adrian takes Livia to his former paramour’s house; he recognised Livia almost immediately, and he cannot resist adding to the already scandalous situation. To put it mildly, Adrian’s reputation precedes him: his birth was a disgrace, so why pretend? He has devoted his life to living up to his scandalous name. But he is intrigued by Livia’s determination to find her sentimental memento; he senses there’s more to it than she’s letting on. Livia has spent years keeping a low profile; her family, the notorious Shaws have endured their share of unwanted attention for years. Livia is past the first bloom of youth, she knows she will never marry, but could the Duke make her rethink her stance? He certainly is reconsidering that there could be worse things than marrying Livia. But life as a scandalous duke can become tedious, so Adrian will see to recovering Livia’s brooch first and see what happens next.
I was eagerly awaiting BOUNDLESS, because the three previous books were so outstanding, and this fourth instalment of The Shaws surpasses my greatest expectations. The story is, in itself, rather tragic: Livia is in a serious pickle, but I laughed more than I would have thought possible because of the stellar dialogues. The verbal exchanges between Adrian and almost anyone are simply amazing: there is one instance involving Darius (one of Livia’s brothers) which is remarkable. And when it comes to Adrian and Mickey – one of the best secondary characters ever – the banter is at times hilarious, always clever, and fit the characters perfectly. And what stupendous characters they all are! The joy, the elation of being shown and not told: I could see for myself how scandalous and outrageous Adrian was! Livia was even better than I hoped for. And what a romance it was: no misunderstanding, no silliness. For readers who haven’t read the three previous books – after this, you will want to! – Ms. Connolly gives all the pertinent details in a few concise and crystal-clear sentences.
The numerous plot twists were so exciting and totally unexpected, and better yet, some depended entirely on historical reality. Those who read my reviews know how sorely disappointed I have been recently with the endings of some books. A work of pure genius collapsed due to a bungled ending; one plot twist was based on inaccurate facts; a problem with continuity removed all credibility to another. There is none of that here: Lynne Connolly has crafted a story whose foundations are so solid, no argument could possibly make them crumble; where historical accuracy reigns supreme and adds depth, texture, and drama to the plot. A story with a superbly defined – and described! – antagonist who kept me guessing for most of the book, and Adrian’s extraordinary presence: he lives on the page. BOUNDLESS is one of this year’s most outstanding historical romances; it never let me down, it has it all: a fabulous romance, a stunning ending and a glorious epilogue!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was eagerly awaiting BOUNDLESS, because the three previous books were so outstanding, and this fourth instalment of The Shaws surpasses my greatest expectations. The story is, in itself, rather tragic: Livia is in a serious pickle, but I laughed more than I would have thought possible because of the stellar dialogues. The verbal exchanges between Adrian and almost anyone are simply amazing: there is one instance involving Darius (one of Livia’s brothers) which is remarkable. And when it comes to Adrian and Mickey – one of the best secondary characters ever – the banter is at times hilarious, always clever, and fit the characters perfectly. And what stupendous characters they all are! The joy, the elation of being shown and not told: I could see for myself how scandalous and outrageous Adrian was! Livia was even better than I hoped for. And what a romance it was: no misunderstanding, no silliness. For readers who haven’t read the three previous books – after this, you will want to! – Ms. Connolly gives all the pertinent details in a few concise and crystal-clear sentences.
The numerous plot twists were so exciting and totally unexpected, and better yet, some depended entirely on historical reality. Those who read my reviews know how sorely disappointed I have been recently with the endings of some books. A work of pure genius collapsed due to a bungled ending; one plot twist was based on inaccurate facts; a problem with continuity removed all credibility to another. There is none of that here: Lynne Connolly has crafted a story whose foundations are so solid, no argument could possibly make them crumble; where historical accuracy reigns supreme and adds depth, texture, and drama to the plot. A story with a superbly defined – and described! – antagonist who kept me guessing for most of the book, and Adrian’s extraordinary presence: he lives on the page. BOUNDLESS is one of this year’s most outstanding historical romances; it never let me down, it has it all: a fabulous romance, a stunning ending and a glorious epilogue!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 11, 2018
Sometimes when characters have a Deep Dark Secret, the reveal is so underwhelming that I feel annoyed with them for getting so het up about something so trivial. That’s definitely not the case in Boundless; both Livia and Adrian have secrets which could destroy whole families, though Adrian’s was arguably the more shocking, he has less people who could be affected by the truth and therefore less to lose.
From the beginning of the book, we know Livia had a child when she was very you, who was taken from her. It’s obvious to the reader that she never processed this loss and is still grieving it, but it takes her twin sister to point that out and help Livia move on. (Never fear, there’s a happy ending to this part of the story as well).
Adrian, the Duke of Preston, is drawn into helping Livia when he spots her being attacked on the street in broad daylight. With his scandalous reputation, he knows he should stay far away from her, but she intrigues him and when she seeks him out a second time to ask his aid, he can’t resist accepting.
The attraction between Adrian and Livia leads them places it shouldn’t, and they get caught and pushed into a betrothal Livia in particular is very unsure about. This was where Adrian really shone; he demonstrated how much he cared about her in ways she couldn’t misinterpret, reassuring her by actions as well as words, which I really liked.
This is a great romance and the suspense subplots were based on real issues which would have dramatic consequences for the protagonists if their secrets were publicly revealed. Though it’s the third in a series, there’s no need to have read the others to thoroughly enjoy this one. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGallley.
From the beginning of the book, we know Livia had a child when she was very you, who was taken from her. It’s obvious to the reader that she never processed this loss and is still grieving it, but it takes her twin sister to point that out and help Livia move on. (Never fear, there’s a happy ending to this part of the story as well).
Adrian, the Duke of Preston, is drawn into helping Livia when he spots her being attacked on the street in broad daylight. With his scandalous reputation, he knows he should stay far away from her, but she intrigues him and when she seeks him out a second time to ask his aid, he can’t resist accepting.
The attraction between Adrian and Livia leads them places it shouldn’t, and they get caught and pushed into a betrothal Livia in particular is very unsure about. This was where Adrian really shone; he demonstrated how much he cared about her in ways she couldn’t misinterpret, reassuring her by actions as well as words, which I really liked.
This is a great romance and the suspense subplots were based on real issues which would have dramatic consequences for the protagonists if their secrets were publicly revealed. Though it’s the third in a series, there’s no need to have read the others to thoroughly enjoy this one. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGallley.
December 2, 2018
Boundless by Lynne Connolly
The Shaws #3
Secrets, scandals and serious issues abound in this book. Lady Livia Shaw is saved one night by Adrian Sterling, the Duke of Preston and when she realizes she has lost something precious when she was attacked on the streets he offers his assistance in finding the missing object. I don’t want to give away the secrets or tell too much about this book as it all weaves together in a way that kept me interested from beginning to end. I loved the growing relationship between Livia and Adrian and the people they both were. I enjoyed the supportive family Livia was blessed with. At times I felt sad, angry and happy for the couple and also was angry that they had to suffer so much. They seemed to suit one another to a T and so deserved the happiness they achieved together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Shaws #3
Secrets, scandals and serious issues abound in this book. Lady Livia Shaw is saved one night by Adrian Sterling, the Duke of Preston and when she realizes she has lost something precious when she was attacked on the streets he offers his assistance in finding the missing object. I don’t want to give away the secrets or tell too much about this book as it all weaves together in a way that kept me interested from beginning to end. I loved the growing relationship between Livia and Adrian and the people they both were. I enjoyed the supportive family Livia was blessed with. At times I felt sad, angry and happy for the couple and also was angry that they had to suffer so much. They seemed to suit one another to a T and so deserved the happiness they achieved together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
October 22, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netalley) I love the Shaw's and the Emperors this family was the best. They may have a scandalous background but what I enjoyed the most from them was the loyalty they always stuck up for each other or didn't judge. This was Livia's book and her love interest Adam, can I say how much I loved Adam, well I did he became my favorite. Adam was known as the blackamour Duke and as scandalous as they come he even beats the Shaw's and Emperor if you could believe that, so saying that he fit right in with this family. Livia was carrying a secret and due to it she felt she could never get married, but thanks to Adam she could he didn't care about her background and he proved it more than once and he was great..Her young love interest returns from the army and was a horrible person and a liar to boot and you know he is here to cause problems but again Adam is not going to let him...No more details my friends grab a copy and Enjoy!, because you will.
October 22, 2018
Both our hero and heroine are quite scandalous. Adrian Sterling, Duke of Preston, is a widower, considered to be scandalous because of his rakish behavior and unconfirmed (and undenied) rumors about the truth of his birth. Lady Livia Shaw is already rather scandalous simply because of her family's reputation, but she keeps a scandalous secret of her own and because of it has determined that she can never marry. The two meet as Livia is being attacked by a gang of street thieves and Adrian comes to her rescue. He brings her to what is soon to be his mistress' house to recover, then after she makes a comment he disapproves of, he kissers her out in the street where everyone can see them, thus causing more tongue-wagging scandal. Her mother determines that she should make it appear as if she and the duke were courting, then she can give him the cut direct when the family leaves for the country in a few short weeks. However, Livia soon realizes she has lost a precious memento somewhere during the encounter and enlists the duke's help in recovering it. In this process, the two spend a good deal of time together and Adrian begins to consider developing something serious, meanwhile Livia is wholly committed to ending their relationship.
Both Adrian and Livia initially struck me as typical pompous aristocrats. Even Adrian's taking in of a thief to train as a page was handled rather sloppily and in a condescending manner. Once her secret was revealed, I also found the heroine to be rather melodramatic and her reason for determining to remain unmarried to be feeble. Her determination to keep distance between herself and Adrian was downright hurtful to him and I felt like at many times she was really just using him and toying with his feelings, when he was considering being truly vulnerable with her. He mostly treated her with respect and kindness and didn't deserve that. Her insistence on continuing to mention an old flame and toy with the idea of being with him instead of Adrian, despite the fact that said old flame has clearly proven himself to be a terrible person, was just ridiculous and made me lose respect for the heroine. I just found her to be inordinately insipid and it took her entirely too long to see the truth of her childhood love. It seemed like she just created a lot of problems unnecessarily. Thankfully, her twin sister had some sense and helped her see it too. However annoying, this is oftentimes how people behave and treat one another, so it gives this book a realistic air. At least Livia finally did see sense and begin to forgive herself and move on.
Overall, Livia and Adrian finally learned to be honest with one another and grow together to build a solid and believable relationship and ignore scandal and rumors. I found this to be an enjoyable read that held my attention and now I want to go back and read the other installments of the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Both Adrian and Livia initially struck me as typical pompous aristocrats. Even Adrian's taking in of a thief to train as a page was handled rather sloppily and in a condescending manner. Once her secret was revealed, I also found the heroine to be rather melodramatic and her reason for determining to remain unmarried to be feeble. Her determination to keep distance between herself and Adrian was downright hurtful to him and I felt like at many times she was really just using him and toying with his feelings, when he was considering being truly vulnerable with her. He mostly treated her with respect and kindness and didn't deserve that. Her insistence on continuing to mention an old flame and toy with the idea of being with him instead of Adrian, despite the fact that said old flame has clearly proven himself to be a terrible person, was just ridiculous and made me lose respect for the heroine. I just found her to be inordinately insipid and it took her entirely too long to see the truth of her childhood love. It seemed like she just created a lot of problems unnecessarily. Thankfully, her twin sister had some sense and helped her see it too. However annoying, this is oftentimes how people behave and treat one another, so it gives this book a realistic air. At least Livia finally did see sense and begin to forgive herself and move on.
Overall, Livia and Adrian finally learned to be honest with one another and grow together to build a solid and believable relationship and ignore scandal and rumors. I found this to be an enjoyable read that held my attention and now I want to go back and read the other installments of the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2018
I always know that I'm in for a treat when I pick up a book from this author. Even though they are all set within the same family, each one is not only a stand alone, but a unique treat.
As always, I enjoyed the chemistry the author creates between her two main characters, and you can never go wrong when the entire Shaw clan gets together. The characters (even the minor ones), were engaging, well written and deeply complex.
I do think this story was little "busier" than than others what with all the secrets and surprise twists that were included. There were times when it almost felt like the author went a little "overboard" with them (just there were some I feel that could have been used in a different book that I have no doubt she is planning for the future).
However, even with that I found myself unable to put this story down until the very end. I would definitely read more from this author, and I do believe this story will appeal to those who enjoy strong characters that are given seemingly impossible odds.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
As always, I enjoyed the chemistry the author creates between her two main characters, and you can never go wrong when the entire Shaw clan gets together. The characters (even the minor ones), were engaging, well written and deeply complex.
I do think this story was little "busier" than than others what with all the secrets and surprise twists that were included. There were times when it almost felt like the author went a little "overboard" with them (just there were some I feel that could have been used in a different book that I have no doubt she is planning for the future).
However, even with that I found myself unable to put this story down until the very end. I would definitely read more from this author, and I do believe this story will appeal to those who enjoy strong characters that are given seemingly impossible odds.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
December 5, 2018
Step into history and lose yourself in a story that will pull at your emotions. Lady Livia Shaw had secrets that nobody should know. But in a unexpected encounter when she was being attacked by street urchins, none other than Adrian, Duke of Preston comes to her aid. Yes, one of the infamous Shaw's that she knew from the past when he was at a low point. The worst part is she later discovers she has lost her brooch that linked her past that she had never gotten over. What to do? She has to find it! Of course Adrian found Livia very attractive and was set on helping her find her missing piece of jewelry. As they spend time with each other, the attraction is off the charts.
There was so much to this story that I could hardly put it down.
Even though part of a series, this can be read as a standalone. Don't miss this fast paced read with with humor at times as well as dark and shocking revelations that will have you sighing as you turn the last page.
There was so much to this story that I could hardly put it down.
Even though part of a series, this can be read as a standalone. Don't miss this fast paced read with with humor at times as well as dark and shocking revelations that will have you sighing as you turn the last page.
November 26, 2018
I really enjoyed Livia and Adrian's story!
Leaving an orphanage, Livia is robbed of her most treasured memento. Adrian comes to her rescue and promises to help her get it back. With Adrian's notorious reputation, Livia is surprised that he is so willing to help her when even her family has thought that the item lost is better off forgotten. When they end up in a compromising position, they get engaged. But both agree that it will be a temporary one so that the gossip mongers will move on to someone else. But what if the engagement became real?
I loved watching these two together. A more unlikely pair would have been hard to find. But they were more alike than either of them thought and soon found that they couldn't live without the other!
This was a great way to end the Shaws series! I'm excited to see what Connolly has in store for us next!
Leaving an orphanage, Livia is robbed of her most treasured memento. Adrian comes to her rescue and promises to help her get it back. With Adrian's notorious reputation, Livia is surprised that he is so willing to help her when even her family has thought that the item lost is better off forgotten. When they end up in a compromising position, they get engaged. But both agree that it will be a temporary one so that the gossip mongers will move on to someone else. But what if the engagement became real?
I loved watching these two together. A more unlikely pair would have been hard to find. But they were more alike than either of them thought and soon found that they couldn't live without the other!
This was a great way to end the Shaws series! I'm excited to see what Connolly has in store for us next!
October 24, 2018
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway.
I don’t read historical romance much. Sometimes it’s just hard for me to adjust to the different time periods... this one was difficult at first. But I grew to love the main characters and to follow their journey. The fact that Adrian could forgive and accept all the scandalous (she believed this about herself) things in her past that had happened a decade prior was beautiful. But he had his own secret that she accepted as it was not his fault. If you love historical romance this was a great read. It is part of a family series so you could follow a multitude of characters. Great read.
I don’t read historical romance much. Sometimes it’s just hard for me to adjust to the different time periods... this one was difficult at first. But I grew to love the main characters and to follow their journey. The fact that Adrian could forgive and accept all the scandalous (she believed this about herself) things in her past that had happened a decade prior was beautiful. But he had his own secret that she accepted as it was not his fault. If you love historical romance this was a great read. It is part of a family series so you could follow a multitude of characters. Great read.
November 20, 2018
I have not read Ms. Connolly before and found this book to be very interesting. I need to go back and read her other books! The relationship between Adrian and Livia develops slowly but when it comes to fruition, it explodes. Adrian is a great character who does not let the gossips pull him down, he goes with it and even helps where he is needed. Livia and her relationship with her family is what I like to see in historical romances. She is a fantastic character who embraces what she is even though she keeps it close. A fantastic, steamy love story that will have you sighing at the end. Great epilogue.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 7, 2019
The first book I read since September that's how busy this term was so far.
First of all the cover is horrible, I nearly didn't ask for it on Netgalley (thanks for letting me read it for free in exchange for a review) because it looks so cheap.
Next to that this Shaw novel is a quick and lovely read, you don't want to put the book aside at all. It's an unusual love story with lots of background stories which I love because the characters are not one dimensional. You really love the leads because you can feel with them.
Well done! All thumps up
First of all the cover is horrible, I nearly didn't ask for it on Netgalley (thanks for letting me read it for free in exchange for a review) because it looks so cheap.
Next to that this Shaw novel is a quick and lovely read, you don't want to put the book aside at all. It's an unusual love story with lots of background stories which I love because the characters are not one dimensional. You really love the leads because you can feel with them.
Well done! All thumps up
October 23, 2018
So I came in at the end of this series, so I was at a disadvantage. But there were so many twists and scandals it made me want to go back and fill myself in on this wild family's antics! Livia and Adrian had so many secrets to wade through to get to each other it was shocking the both of them weren't social pariahs! Being together really did make both of them better people. It had a perfectly sweet "awwwww" sort of ending! I'll be looking for more Lynne Connolly in the future!
December 6, 2018
Boundless is the return of the Shaw family. This is Livias turn. I was impressed with the book and seriously enjoyed it. Livia has lost something very precious to her and will do anything now to find it. While on her wear she has something stolen that is precious.. enter Adrian. He’s known for scandal and this beauty has drawn him in. He will help her at any cost. Their journey is gonna be full of adventure and when that lost item is found it will be interesting how they survive.
October 29, 2018
Thoroughly Enjoyable
A pretty terrific historical romance. Livia was brave and determined when she needed to be; Adrian was beautifully damaged ... And they were perfect for each other.
Thanks to Kensington Books, Goodreads, and Amazon for the digital ARC of this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
A pretty terrific historical romance. Livia was brave and determined when she needed to be; Adrian was beautifully damaged ... And they were perfect for each other.
Thanks to Kensington Books, Goodreads, and Amazon for the digital ARC of this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
November 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't realize that this was the third book in a series, but the story was easy to get right into. The two main characters, Livia and Adrian, were flawed heroes. They both had secrets but their relationship was honest and tender. I will definitely read the first two installments.
January 7, 2019
This was much cuter than I expected it to be? I also love a good rake falls head over heels trope, so there is that (but! this was adorably done!) so there is that.
July 19, 2020
I won this in a Goodreads give away, thank you to the author and publisher. This was the first book in the series of The Shaws that I've read. I plan on reading the first two in the series.
December 3, 2018
Review written: December 3, 2018
Star Rating: ★★★★½
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
Connolly has outdone herself with this final installment of the powerful Shaw family. I'm already missing them, truth be told. They are easily one of my favorite literary families with amazingly interesting stories that are both realistic for the time period and demonstrative of diversity.
Livia, in this final book, was transformed from one of my least favorite characters into someone I was more than rooting for. I loved everything about her in her own book: her emotional struggles, her fears, her deep distrust, her heartbreak, but also her courage, her joy, her strength, her tenderness, her love, and her loyalty.
Livia's story is deeply timely and a stark reminder of the issues women faced then and still face now. Whether her story came out of recent news or was always planned for her is immaterial. That the book comes out now makes the story incredibly relevant. I was beyond impressed (as usual) with Connolly's deft touch in dealing with difficult (and easy to preach about) topics and how it never comes out as preachy or as if she is deliberately making a point as the author.
Livia's alone-ness, something that bothered me in previous books, is explained via her backstory here and she has such a heartbreaking backstory too. I can't touch too much on it without giving it away entirely though. Suffice to say that it touches on the core of who she is and also touches on who her mother is.
Enter Adrian, Duke of Preston. He is the one to save her when she is mugged in the street and divested of her most treasured possession. Preston has his own issues - and difficult ones too. In may ways, he is as broken as Livia, though he deals with his issues very differently. I found his way of dealing with them made a great deal of sense to me. His thinking on them and how he acts as a result are the same choices I made in similar but certainly not identical situations. He was easy for me to connect with.
Adrian's principal issue also feels very timely and, like Livia's backstory, is dealt with using Connolly's incredibly deft touch. Notorious simply for existing, Adrian is widely known to be the child of his mother and her black page. How he is treated and how people respond to him always includes how they feel and what they think about that. I loved Adrian as much for what he is as for how he treated Livia because Adrian is an incredibly nuanced, three dimensional character.
But this wouldn't be a Shaws book (or an Emperors book), if it didn't have a bit of a mystery - something to solve and overcome. For Livia, it's finding out who stole her most prized possession. It's also the sudden re-entry into her life of a former best friend. For Adrian, it's dealing with his desire for Livia balanced against his lack of desire to deal with Society. How these storylines work out was amazing and I loved how Connolly worked it all.
Bottom line, Connolly delivers an amazing story with amazing characters whose capacity for love is wonderful and heartwrenching and inspiring. It is more than a fitting ending to the Shaws series. It provides the perfect ending even as I desperately want more! Maybe we could have a novella about mother and father Shaw? I'd love to read their story because they are such amazing people!
This review is ©December 2018 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
Star Rating: ★★★★½
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
Connolly has outdone herself with this final installment of the powerful Shaw family. I'm already missing them, truth be told. They are easily one of my favorite literary families with amazingly interesting stories that are both realistic for the time period and demonstrative of diversity.
Livia, in this final book, was transformed from one of my least favorite characters into someone I was more than rooting for. I loved everything about her in her own book: her emotional struggles, her fears, her deep distrust, her heartbreak, but also her courage, her joy, her strength, her tenderness, her love, and her loyalty.
Livia's story is deeply timely and a stark reminder of the issues women faced then and still face now. Whether her story came out of recent news or was always planned for her is immaterial. That the book comes out now makes the story incredibly relevant. I was beyond impressed (as usual) with Connolly's deft touch in dealing with difficult (and easy to preach about) topics and how it never comes out as preachy or as if she is deliberately making a point as the author.
Livia's alone-ness, something that bothered me in previous books, is explained via her backstory here and she has such a heartbreaking backstory too. I can't touch too much on it without giving it away entirely though. Suffice to say that it touches on the core of who she is and also touches on who her mother is.
Enter Adrian, Duke of Preston. He is the one to save her when she is mugged in the street and divested of her most treasured possession. Preston has his own issues - and difficult ones too. In may ways, he is as broken as Livia, though he deals with his issues very differently. I found his way of dealing with them made a great deal of sense to me. His thinking on them and how he acts as a result are the same choices I made in similar but certainly not identical situations. He was easy for me to connect with.
Adrian's principal issue also feels very timely and, like Livia's backstory, is dealt with using Connolly's incredibly deft touch. Notorious simply for existing, Adrian is widely known to be the child of his mother and her black page. How he is treated and how people respond to him always includes how they feel and what they think about that. I loved Adrian as much for what he is as for how he treated Livia because Adrian is an incredibly nuanced, three dimensional character.
But this wouldn't be a Shaws book (or an Emperors book), if it didn't have a bit of a mystery - something to solve and overcome. For Livia, it's finding out who stole her most prized possession. It's also the sudden re-entry into her life of a former best friend. For Adrian, it's dealing with his desire for Livia balanced against his lack of desire to deal with Society. How these storylines work out was amazing and I loved how Connolly worked it all.
Bottom line, Connolly delivers an amazing story with amazing characters whose capacity for love is wonderful and heartwrenching and inspiring. It is more than a fitting ending to the Shaws series. It provides the perfect ending even as I desperately want more! Maybe we could have a novella about mother and father Shaw? I'd love to read their story because they are such amazing people!
This review is ©December 2018 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
January 27, 2019
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, and The Unread:
I’m always sorry to see one of Lynne Connolly’s excellent historical series come to an end, and The Shaws has been particularly enjoyable. Of course, there was bound to come a point when everyone had been paired off, and the only remaining sibling of this bunch has already decided she won’t ever marry long before the start of our story. But then events transpire to make her change her mind.
Lady Livia Shaw cuts short her visit to an orphanage, only to be attacked and robbed by a gang of urchins as she makes her way to where she was scheduled to be collected. Fortunately, the occupant of a passing hackney cab comes to her rescue and takes her back to the house he just left. Unfortunately for Livia’s reputation, her saviour is Adrian, the notorious Duke of Preston, and the house belongs to his most recent, now former, mistress: an actress. Adrian is a widower, and the subject of many scandalous rumours, not least the one that states his father was not the previous duke’s son but instead was his mother’s favourite black page. Following his wife’s death, Adrian has all but vowed not to remarry, other than for the fact that he requires a direct heir if he is to prevent his cousin from inheriting the title and estates on Adrian’s death.
Livia, meanwhile, has secrets of her own, one of which lies behind her visit to the orphanage. Having returned home to a scolding from her mother, she realises that she has lost her treasured locket, also linked to that same secret. Hoping that it fell off while Adrian was attending to her, she asks him to help her find it.
Adrian goes beyond Livia’s initial request to check the house for the locket, returning also to the orphanage, where he acquires an unlikely sidekick and learns that the locket may have been stolen to order. Intrigued as to the importance of a cheap piece of jewellery, Adrian sets out to track down the thief and learn more about Livia in the process.
As the pair spend increasing amounts of time together, they grow closer, until they are eventually caught in a compromising situation, which, as is the way of these things, gets blown out of all proportion. Adrian tries to save Livia’s reputation and the pair agree to a betrothal, secretly planning to allow a prolonged engagement to eventually fizzle out, once Society has moved on to other scandals.
While Livia is keen to stick with this plan, Adrian finds that he can’t envision life without her – even after learning the full extent of her secrets – and eventually feels able to take her back to his ancestral home where he can best reveal the truth of his own background.
This was quite possibly my favourite book of the series. Although there are no great political intrigues, we get to follow Adrian through some less travelled parts of historical London and see some of its seedier sides. I’m still sorry to see this series end, but at least it went out on a high.
I’m always sorry to see one of Lynne Connolly’s excellent historical series come to an end, and The Shaws has been particularly enjoyable. Of course, there was bound to come a point when everyone had been paired off, and the only remaining sibling of this bunch has already decided she won’t ever marry long before the start of our story. But then events transpire to make her change her mind.
Lady Livia Shaw cuts short her visit to an orphanage, only to be attacked and robbed by a gang of urchins as she makes her way to where she was scheduled to be collected. Fortunately, the occupant of a passing hackney cab comes to her rescue and takes her back to the house he just left. Unfortunately for Livia’s reputation, her saviour is Adrian, the notorious Duke of Preston, and the house belongs to his most recent, now former, mistress: an actress. Adrian is a widower, and the subject of many scandalous rumours, not least the one that states his father was not the previous duke’s son but instead was his mother’s favourite black page. Following his wife’s death, Adrian has all but vowed not to remarry, other than for the fact that he requires a direct heir if he is to prevent his cousin from inheriting the title and estates on Adrian’s death.
Livia, meanwhile, has secrets of her own, one of which lies behind her visit to the orphanage. Having returned home to a scolding from her mother, she realises that she has lost her treasured locket, also linked to that same secret. Hoping that it fell off while Adrian was attending to her, she asks him to help her find it.
Adrian goes beyond Livia’s initial request to check the house for the locket, returning also to the orphanage, where he acquires an unlikely sidekick and learns that the locket may have been stolen to order. Intrigued as to the importance of a cheap piece of jewellery, Adrian sets out to track down the thief and learn more about Livia in the process.
As the pair spend increasing amounts of time together, they grow closer, until they are eventually caught in a compromising situation, which, as is the way of these things, gets blown out of all proportion. Adrian tries to save Livia’s reputation and the pair agree to a betrothal, secretly planning to allow a prolonged engagement to eventually fizzle out, once Society has moved on to other scandals.
While Livia is keen to stick with this plan, Adrian finds that he can’t envision life without her – even after learning the full extent of her secrets – and eventually feels able to take her back to his ancestral home where he can best reveal the truth of his own background.
This was quite possibly my favourite book of the series. Although there are no great political intrigues, we get to follow Adrian through some less travelled parts of historical London and see some of its seedier sides. I’m still sorry to see this series end, but at least it went out on a high.
December 1, 2018
I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. Boundless is the final title in the Shaw series and features Livia, the last unmarried daughter. Livia finds herself beset upon by urchins after leaving an orphanage she was visiting early, when Adrian, the Duke of Preston came to her rescue. Reeling from a hit on the head, Livia lets Adrian take her to a nearby residence; they spend some time talking while Livia recovers. Adrian can't resist publicly kissing Livia before she departs. Adrian is rumored to be the product of an affair between the previous Duke of Preston's wife and her black page and is viewed as a walking scandal. His marriage years before to a wild young lady ended when she died before the age of 30.
Livia has secrets of her own that are tied to a beloved broach that she realizes is missing when she arrives home. It is her sole link to her son she gave birth to years before that was placed with a foster family. The only person who knew the location of her son was killed before she could share the location. Livia is haunted by the loss of her son and refuses to marry anyone.
Adrian has been determined to live up to his scandalous reputation, but he finds himself drawn to Livia and decides to help her find her missing broach. The two are in frequent proximity at social events; Adrian finds himself liking Livia more and more and begins to think that he might be ready to settle down with Livia despite her attempts to push other girls at her. The two agree to a temporary betrothal, but Livia fully intends to break it off; Adrian plans to do whatever it takes to make Livia happy. Throw in a mystery of who paid the urchins to steal Livia's broach and the search for her son, and you have a thoroughly engaging Georgian story. Ms. Connolly gave her Emperor/Shaw series a strong finish; I for one will miss the world that these series inhabited.
Livia has secrets of her own that are tied to a beloved broach that she realizes is missing when she arrives home. It is her sole link to her son she gave birth to years before that was placed with a foster family. The only person who knew the location of her son was killed before she could share the location. Livia is haunted by the loss of her son and refuses to marry anyone.
Adrian has been determined to live up to his scandalous reputation, but he finds himself drawn to Livia and decides to help her find her missing broach. The two are in frequent proximity at social events; Adrian finds himself liking Livia more and more and begins to think that he might be ready to settle down with Livia despite her attempts to push other girls at her. The two agree to a temporary betrothal, but Livia fully intends to break it off; Adrian plans to do whatever it takes to make Livia happy. Throw in a mystery of who paid the urchins to steal Livia's broach and the search for her son, and you have a thoroughly engaging Georgian story. Ms. Connolly gave her Emperor/Shaw series a strong finish; I for one will miss the world that these series inhabited.
December 7, 2018
#BOUNDLESS. #NetGalley
By Lynne Connolly
BOUNDLESS is a delightful Georgian romance with a mystery buried in the story. Lady Livia Shaw rushes from a rundown orphanage onto a London street. There she is attacked by a group of ragged children with the finesse of a pack of wolves. They come at her in waves as she tries to her bag.She she doesn’t succeed. Adrian, the Duke of Preston, witnesses what happens and comes to her rescue. He insists on taking her home. But Livia doesn’t want this. She wants no part of any man, for she has sworn to live life as a spinster. But Adrian’s will is stronger, and take her home he does. Once Livia is home,she discovers she has lost a very important momentous, and is extremely distraught. Adrian says he will get it back for her if she will tell him what it is. Livia doesn’t want to because the momentous is part of a shameful event in her life. She eventually describes the item, telling the Duke it was something her mother left her.
The Duke of Preston is confused by Lady Livia’s lack of willingness to tell him about what she has lost, after all it was a gift from her mother. Why keep that a secret? He also doesn’t believe her explanation as to why she was at the orphanage. He believes something is very odd. He knows he’s very attracted to her and wants her in his bed. But he doesn’t understand why he feels so protective towards her. Many questions he has to satisfy as well as his lust!
I was captured by the story line in this book. I too wanted to discover the mystery behind Livia. And I was frustrated by both main characters’ determination to remain single. I knew there would be a happy ending, but how were they going to get together when both were so stubborn? It was a great journey to my quest for the answers I sought! I think you will enjoy the journey as well. Don’t miss BOUNDLESS.
By Lynne Connolly
BOUNDLESS is a delightful Georgian romance with a mystery buried in the story. Lady Livia Shaw rushes from a rundown orphanage onto a London street. There she is attacked by a group of ragged children with the finesse of a pack of wolves. They come at her in waves as she tries to her bag.She she doesn’t succeed. Adrian, the Duke of Preston, witnesses what happens and comes to her rescue. He insists on taking her home. But Livia doesn’t want this. She wants no part of any man, for she has sworn to live life as a spinster. But Adrian’s will is stronger, and take her home he does. Once Livia is home,she discovers she has lost a very important momentous, and is extremely distraught. Adrian says he will get it back for her if she will tell him what it is. Livia doesn’t want to because the momentous is part of a shameful event in her life. She eventually describes the item, telling the Duke it was something her mother left her.
The Duke of Preston is confused by Lady Livia’s lack of willingness to tell him about what she has lost, after all it was a gift from her mother. Why keep that a secret? He also doesn’t believe her explanation as to why she was at the orphanage. He believes something is very odd. He knows he’s very attracted to her and wants her in his bed. But he doesn’t understand why he feels so protective towards her. Many questions he has to satisfy as well as his lust!
I was captured by the story line in this book. I too wanted to discover the mystery behind Livia. And I was frustrated by both main characters’ determination to remain single. I knew there would be a happy ending, but how were they going to get together when both were so stubborn? It was a great journey to my quest for the answers I sought! I think you will enjoy the journey as well. Don’t miss BOUNDLESS.
October 16, 2018
When Lady Livia Shaw loses is attacked, Adrian, the Duke of Preston, comes to the rescue. Although he is known for his scandalous reputation, Livia couldn't give a fig about it. Adrian's agreement to help her locate an item that was stolen in the attack only adds to her good opinion of him. Even so, Livia has secrets, and it would be best to keep Adrian from discovering them.
Adrian wants to know everything there is to know about Livia. In order to stay close to her, he finds himself doing things he never expected. It doesn't take him long to realize his feelings go deeper for Livia than any woman he has ever known, including his late wife. However, Adrian has some secrets of his own. Can he trust Livia with them? Can she trust him with hers? Only time will tell.
Author Lynne Connolly's SHAWS series is new-to-me, but I have read other books by her that I have enjoyed. Book three, BOUNDLESS, is also entertaining. I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars. The Shaws are a tight-knit group and really watch each other's backs. I found them all to be very endearing. The scandals this family has overcome are surmountable, but they never back down or give up a fight. Society is forced to take them as they are! Livia and Adrian both have secrets that could make or break them, but together they can weather any storm. I love how willing each was to make sacrifices for each other. Their love is sure to withstand time. I hope to read more about the Shaw family in the future.
Adrian wants to know everything there is to know about Livia. In order to stay close to her, he finds himself doing things he never expected. It doesn't take him long to realize his feelings go deeper for Livia than any woman he has ever known, including his late wife. However, Adrian has some secrets of his own. Can he trust Livia with them? Can she trust him with hers? Only time will tell.
Author Lynne Connolly's SHAWS series is new-to-me, but I have read other books by her that I have enjoyed. Book three, BOUNDLESS, is also entertaining. I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars. The Shaws are a tight-knit group and really watch each other's backs. I found them all to be very endearing. The scandals this family has overcome are surmountable, but they never back down or give up a fight. Society is forced to take them as they are! Livia and Adrian both have secrets that could make or break them, but together they can weather any storm. I love how willing each was to make sacrifices for each other. Their love is sure to withstand time. I hope to read more about the Shaw family in the future.
December 2, 2018
Aidan, the Duke of Preston, comes to the rescue of Lady Livia Shaw, when she is attacked outside of the orphanage. Acting quickly, he leads her into the house of his former mistress, and soon realises who she is. Similarly, Livia also realises who Aidan is, a duke whose birth has left his name tainted with scandal. On returning home, Livia realises that she has lost her treasured memento and quickly seeks out Aidan to help her find the brooch. In doing so, they soon find themselves drawn to each other and when found in a compromising situation, Aidan acts quickly to become engaged, in order to protect Livia, a woman he is desperate to have.
I must admit that Adrian would have to be the most delightful of characters that I have read of this year. To Livia, he appears vulnerable and shows her such kindness, despite the image that he presents to the ton. It was not difficult to see why she would fall in love with him. Likewise, Livia’s secret threatens to break her, but she shows such tenacity and strength of character, setting her apart from many women of her acquaintance. The storyline is made even more interesting with the secondary character of Mickey and the witty dialogue between characters. This is definitely a book to keep and reread; my personal favourite in this series and one of the best romances of the year. I look forward to more from Lynne Connolly.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I must admit that Adrian would have to be the most delightful of characters that I have read of this year. To Livia, he appears vulnerable and shows her such kindness, despite the image that he presents to the ton. It was not difficult to see why she would fall in love with him. Likewise, Livia’s secret threatens to break her, but she shows such tenacity and strength of character, setting her apart from many women of her acquaintance. The storyline is made even more interesting with the secondary character of Mickey and the witty dialogue between characters. This is definitely a book to keep and reread; my personal favourite in this series and one of the best romances of the year. I look forward to more from Lynne Connolly.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
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