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Rogues of Regent Street #1
The Dangerous Gentleman
With her trademark sensuality and dazzling storytelling, Julia London brings us the Rogues of Regent Street, three dashing, aristocratic gentlemen whose scandalous exploits are the talk of the ton. Adrian Spence, Earl of Albright, has earned his notoriety on the dueling field, and in the finest drawing rooms—and boudoirs—of England. This is his story....
It was strictly business as Adrian Spence claimed the woman his brother desired. A hasty wedding, and Lilliana Dashell was his—sweet revenge on the father who disinherited him and the brother who let it happen. Their wedding night is a revelation as passionate, innocent Lilliana ignites fires Adrian tries desperately to deny. By day he is a stranger. By night he is the lover of her dreams, and she a shameless wanton in his arms. But Adrian is determined that no woman will ever possess him. And Lilliana knows that her only hope of taming this very dangerous gentleman is to unlock his deepest mysteries and open his shuttered heart to love....
From the Paperback edition.
It was strictly business as Adrian Spence claimed the woman his brother desired. A hasty wedding, and Lilliana Dashell was his—sweet revenge on the father who disinherited him and the brother who let it happen. Their wedding night is a revelation as passionate, innocent Lilliana ignites fires Adrian tries desperately to deny. By day he is a stranger. By night he is the lover of her dreams, and she a shameless wanton in his arms. But Adrian is determined that no woman will ever possess him. And Lilliana knows that her only hope of taming this very dangerous gentleman is to unlock his deepest mysteries and open his shuttered heart to love....
From the Paperback edition.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2000
144 people are currently reading
1576 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
190 books3,141 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
May 13, 2024
This is actually my all time favorite romance. I have read it more times than I can remember.
The story is simple: Adrian Spence, marries his brother's sweetheart to get revenge on him for conspiring with their father on disowning him. Adrian is a tortured soul: always rebuffed by his father, he recently found himself in the awful position of having to kill his very best friend in a duel. So emotionally, he is as closed as an oyster. Lilliana, his wife, is a simple country girl, neither too beautiful nor experienced. She soon realises that her husband is keeping his distance except when they're in bed together. During the day, he hardly speaks or listens to her at all. This of course, is ripe ground for the evil brother to saw the seeds of discordance between them. And the misunderstandings begin...
For fans of angsty, emotional reads, this is a great story. Yes, half of the misunderstandings could be solved if only they talked openly to each other. But both, especially Adrian, prefer to keep their pride rather than open themselves to possible heartache. I really don't care why the gap between them takes so long to mend; I just love the incredible tension Ms London seems to build. And every time I re-read it thinking that I'll just skip some pages here and there, I end up reading every single page again, feeling the same agony, of whether these two people will find true happiness after all.
The story is simple: Adrian Spence, marries his brother's sweetheart to get revenge on him for conspiring with their father on disowning him. Adrian is a tortured soul: always rebuffed by his father, he recently found himself in the awful position of having to kill his very best friend in a duel. So emotionally, he is as closed as an oyster. Lilliana, his wife, is a simple country girl, neither too beautiful nor experienced. She soon realises that her husband is keeping his distance except when they're in bed together. During the day, he hardly speaks or listens to her at all. This of course, is ripe ground for the evil brother to saw the seeds of discordance between them. And the misunderstandings begin...
For fans of angsty, emotional reads, this is a great story. Yes, half of the misunderstandings could be solved if only they talked openly to each other. But both, especially Adrian, prefer to keep their pride rather than open themselves to possible heartache. I really don't care why the gap between them takes so long to mend; I just love the incredible tension Ms London seems to build. And every time I re-read it thinking that I'll just skip some pages here and there, I end up reading every single page again, feeling the same agony, of whether these two people will find true happiness after all.
May 13, 2021
Julia London es la autora del mes del Reto Rita 5.0 y como no había leído nada de ella, me puse a buscar reseñas de sus libros y me sorprendió mucho que la mayoría tuviera comentarios bastante poco favorables; estuve a punto de pasar de largo el reto de este mes. Peeeero, al final me decidí por éste y parece que fue todo un acierto porque realmente me gustó mucho.
En primer lugar me fascinó el estilo narrativo de la autora y hace que sea casi imposible separarse de la lectura. Solo por eso y a riesgo de que el argumento no sea muy bueno, voy a seguir incursionando en otras de sus novelas.
Por otra parte, la construcción y evolución de los personajes es impecable y muy consecuente con la trama. La desconfianza es lo que prima en este matrimonio que se originó por los motivos menos nobles, y cómo no va a ser así si prácticamente no se conocen. La indolencia de Adrian es de esas que se ganarían el trofeo, pero a pesar de eso y de que nunca se detuvo a pensar en los sentimientos de Lilliana cuando planeó su venganza, realmente quisieras que vaya todo bien entre ellos, sobre todo cuando entra en escena el despreciable villano de la historia que, de manera muy sutil, viene a destruir sus vidas.
Si hay que ponerle alguna pega es que la tozudez y orgullo de ambos alcanza cotas inimaginables y termina exasperando. Hubieran evitado tanto sufrimiento si solo se hubieran abierto un poco más el uno al otro. Pero entonces no tendríamos novela ¿no?
Reto Rita 5.0 (mayo)
En primer lugar me fascinó el estilo narrativo de la autora y hace que sea casi imposible separarse de la lectura. Solo por eso y a riesgo de que el argumento no sea muy bueno, voy a seguir incursionando en otras de sus novelas.
Por otra parte, la construcción y evolución de los personajes es impecable y muy consecuente con la trama. La desconfianza es lo que prima en este matrimonio que se originó por los motivos menos nobles, y cómo no va a ser así si prácticamente no se conocen. La indolencia de Adrian es de esas que se ganarían el trofeo, pero a pesar de eso y de que nunca se detuvo a pensar en los sentimientos de Lilliana cuando planeó su venganza, realmente quisieras que vaya todo bien entre ellos, sobre todo cuando entra en escena el despreciable villano de la historia que, de manera muy sutil, viene a destruir sus vidas.
Si hay que ponerle alguna pega es que la tozudez y orgullo de ambos alcanza cotas inimaginables y termina exasperando. Hubieran evitado tanto sufrimiento si solo se hubieran abierto un poco más el uno al otro. Pero entonces no tendríamos novela ¿no?
Reto Rita 5.0 (mayo)
April 27, 2021
3.5⭐
Oh my, the heroine was so sunny and energetic that I was tired just reading about her hahahaha
Okay, now seriously, this heroine was the extremes, either she was beaming with happiness or she was so mad that she started petty and childish revanges towards the hero that were incredibly funny in the begging but you get to a point where you either solve your problems by talking about them or you will cry yourself to sleep every night. She is 22 years old but most of the time she acted like she was 14.
The hero was complicated, he suffered so much abuse since before he was even born that he learned to keep his emotions all locked up to be able to live. Learning how to feel again after 20 years repressing everything is not easily done.
I didn't like all the jealousy, the poison and mistrust here. Besides that, the story was entertaining.
Oh my, the heroine was so sunny and energetic that I was tired just reading about her hahahaha
Okay, now seriously, this heroine was the extremes, either she was beaming with happiness or she was so mad that she started petty and childish revanges towards the hero that were incredibly funny in the begging but you get to a point where you either solve your problems by talking about them or you will cry yourself to sleep every night. She is 22 years old but most of the time she acted like she was 14.
The hero was complicated, he suffered so much abuse since before he was even born that he learned to keep his emotions all locked up to be able to live. Learning how to feel again after 20 years repressing everything is not easily done.
I didn't like all the jealousy, the poison and mistrust here. Besides that, the story was entertaining.
December 11, 2018
3/5 stars.
In a nutshell I cautiously enjoyed this book. One thing I did enjoy was Julia London's writing style. It's impactful for sure, and I mostly loved the dialogues - my only complaint with her would be for her penchant for melodrama. I don't believe I would have been able to finish this book if it wasn't a buddy-read. I would have definitely stopped when the hero just got too much to handle, so there's that to add to my confusion.
Basically, I can't honestly tell you if I liked this book or not.
I loved some parts, I liked some parts and I absolutely abhorred some parts. It's left up to personal likings, hence I'll just list down what worked for me and what didn't.
We begin the book with Adrian Spence, Earl of Albright (future douche-in-chief) and his three friends, the rogues of Regent Street attending the funeral of their dear friend and fourth rogue, Phillip. Oh and Adrian shot and killed Phillip in a drunken duel. Oh and Adrian is full of angst because his father despises him from birth, tortured his mother and dotes on his dim-witted brother, Benedict.
In short, strap in for some manpain.
Lilliana Dashell has lived her entire life in the country and only dreams of being able to live the way she wants, to enjoy the little things and to soar. She's childlike, naive and almost way too innocent - but it's not hard to believe these characteristics of her. Given her childhood, her parents and the time - she's the only character I liked uptill about 60% of this book. Lilliana has been courted by Adrian's brother Benedict, who is quite smitten with her. So Adrian, in a particularly powerful surge of manpain marries her to exact revenge on his brother.
Charming, I know.
Cut to their forced marraige, and her being a total ray of sunshine and him wallowing in self-loathing and angst. Adrian kept going all bi-polar on us, one moment feeling terrible about hurting his brother, and at the same time thinking that this is what Benedict deserved. At no point does he feel bad about what he's doing to Lilliana.
Lilliana is wonderful, up until one point. She's taken to the house and its staff instantly, and you can see she starts to affect Adrian as well. But he has to fight it off with more self-loathing and melodrama because then this book would be over at 40%. There are some interactions between then at this point that I truly love, and I liked to see individual sides to them. This was one of the times when I enjoyed this book.
Adrian when not over-thinking and doubting every person in his life is a wonderful read. However, I get his mis-trust of people around him. I get that the people who should love and protect him the most in the world have turned on him, so he instantly doubts Lilliana. And he isn't completely wrong in feeling that insecurity. But what makes me cringe is that in the face of sufficient evidence that she isn't betraying him he continues to treat her like crap. He ignores her, constantly thinks of her as a country bumpkin not fit to join his world. Too many times does he say that he regrets marrying her. All of this added to the basic revenge marraige plot made me want to whack Adrian with something solid. Preferrably his own ego.
Lilliana also shows some traits that annoyed me at one point. She blurts out something to Adrian that she doesn't mean, that we know she doesn't mean - but still says it. As a way to hurt him, I understand so I ignore it. But then she goes ahead and does it again not too long after, at which point I realize it's nothing but fodder for more angst and melo-drama which is where the book turned bad for me again. There are a few chapters of the book that I loved so so so much I can't begin to describe it.
My biggest issue with the book, even if I put aside the dramatics, is the fact that the HEA is just thrown at you. All I wanted was an honest, open conversation between Adrian and Lilliana - and a lot of grovelling from his side - but we don't get that. We get none of it, and it didn't sit right with me. We know they love each other, but we need them to talk - to explain and express why they behaved so ridiculously, to lay our their insecurities and address them. That is my one big complaint - if I had gotten that I would surely say that I enjoyed this book. But alas, no.
In a nutshell I cautiously enjoyed this book. One thing I did enjoy was Julia London's writing style. It's impactful for sure, and I mostly loved the dialogues - my only complaint with her would be for her penchant for melodrama. I don't believe I would have been able to finish this book if it wasn't a buddy-read. I would have definitely stopped when the hero just got too much to handle, so there's that to add to my confusion.
Basically, I can't honestly tell you if I liked this book or not.
I loved some parts, I liked some parts and I absolutely abhorred some parts. It's left up to personal likings, hence I'll just list down what worked for me and what didn't.
We begin the book with Adrian Spence, Earl of Albright (future douche-in-chief) and his three friends, the rogues of Regent Street attending the funeral of their dear friend and fourth rogue, Phillip. Oh and Adrian shot and killed Phillip in a drunken duel. Oh and Adrian is full of angst because his father despises him from birth, tortured his mother and dotes on his dim-witted brother, Benedict.
In short, strap in for some manpain.
Lilliana Dashell has lived her entire life in the country and only dreams of being able to live the way she wants, to enjoy the little things and to soar. She's childlike, naive and almost way too innocent - but it's not hard to believe these characteristics of her. Given her childhood, her parents and the time - she's the only character I liked uptill about 60% of this book. Lilliana has been courted by Adrian's brother Benedict, who is quite smitten with her. So Adrian, in a particularly powerful surge of manpain marries her to exact revenge on his brother.
Charming, I know.
Cut to their forced marraige, and her being a total ray of sunshine and him wallowing in self-loathing and angst. Adrian kept going all bi-polar on us, one moment feeling terrible about hurting his brother, and at the same time thinking that this is what Benedict deserved. At no point does he feel bad about what he's doing to Lilliana.
Lilliana is wonderful, up until one point. She's taken to the house and its staff instantly, and you can see she starts to affect Adrian as well. But he has to fight it off with more self-loathing and melodrama because then this book would be over at 40%. There are some interactions between then at this point that I truly love, and I liked to see individual sides to them. This was one of the times when I enjoyed this book.
Adrian when not over-thinking and doubting every person in his life is a wonderful read. However, I get his mis-trust of people around him. I get that the people who should love and protect him the most in the world have turned on him, so he instantly doubts Lilliana. And he isn't completely wrong in feeling that insecurity. But what makes me cringe is that in the face of sufficient evidence that she isn't betraying him he continues to treat her like crap. He ignores her, constantly thinks of her as a country bumpkin not fit to join his world. Too many times does he say that he regrets marrying her. All of this added to the basic revenge marraige plot made me want to whack Adrian with something solid. Preferrably his own ego.
Lilliana also shows some traits that annoyed me at one point. She blurts out something to Adrian that she doesn't mean, that we know she doesn't mean - but still says it. As a way to hurt him, I understand so I ignore it. But then she goes ahead and does it again not too long after, at which point I realize it's nothing but fodder for more angst and melo-drama which is where the book turned bad for me again. There are a few chapters of the book that I loved so so so much I can't begin to describe it.
My biggest issue with the book, even if I put aside the dramatics, is the fact that the HEA is just thrown at you. All I wanted was an honest, open conversation between Adrian and Lilliana - and a lot of grovelling from his side - but we don't get that. We get none of it, and it didn't sit right with me. We know they love each other, but we need them to talk - to explain and express why they behaved so ridiculously, to lay our their insecurities and address them. That is my one big complaint - if I had gotten that I would surely say that I enjoyed this book. But alas, no.
August 4, 2019
Take a plain Jane country lass, add a generous helping of sass and charm and mix with a handsome rogue Lord. Top it off with a smarmy brother, and ogre of a father and some old family secrets and you have a fairly good HF romance.
I generally find Julia London to be a witty writer who usually avoids the emotional overindulgence often found in romance novels of this sort. However, she fell into a few cliched plot traps with this one despite her Plain Jane heroine.
But, I said I wanted a happy ending, and Ms London delivered!! Looking forward to the next installment. What can I say? I do so love a British bad boy from the 19th century!!
I generally find Julia London to be a witty writer who usually avoids the emotional overindulgence often found in romance novels of this sort. However, she fell into a few cliched plot traps with this one despite her Plain Jane heroine.
But, I said I wanted a happy ending, and Ms London delivered!! Looking forward to the next installment. What can I say? I do so love a British bad boy from the 19th century!!
October 5, 2018
In my first reread of this book, it has lost 1 star from my original rating of 5 stars in 2013. Frankly, I could not recall much of the plot, so it felt like I was reading it for the first time.
Wracked with guilt after burying one of his best friends and cousin following a tragic duel gone wrong, Adrian Spence, the Earl of Albright, goes from one intense emotion to another. His poor relationship with his father and younger brother deteriorates further when he finds out that his father has finally disinherited him all unentailed properties and so in a misguided act of revenge, he marries the woman his brother has intended to propose to.
Lilliana Dashell has been in awe of Adrian since she was a young girl, an infatuation which has only grown over the years along with with his rakish reputation and his personal fortune, as she learned of his scandalous exploits through the gossip sheets. His sudden arrival at her home is completely unexpected and after recovering from the shock of his proposal, the sheltered but spirited Lilliana grasped at the chance to escape her stifled genteel country life, to finally get a chance to experience adventure and passion that she has been dreaming of for so long. But her hasty marriage to Adrian is nothing like she expected. The intense physical pleasures in their marital bed is offset by his coolness, his condescending treatment of her and his determination to keep an emotional distance from her. When repressing her natural spirit, as advised by her mother, does little to attract his attention, she finally allows her true self to emerge and now it is poor Adrian who is caught unaware and completely out of his depth. The unremarkable country bumpkin he married has been replaced by a force of nature, who cannot and will not be ignored.
Lilliana was an adorable and strong heroine who came into her own. Once she got over her stunned awe of Adrian and her new-found situation as his lady wife, intimidation and infatuation gave way to anger and indignation and she finally allowed her spirit to break free and to soar. And it will not be contained again.
Adrian is a complex and tortured character. His emotional impairment is a product of his callous treatment by his father throughout his life and his early loss of his beloved mother. His mental mess is further aggravated by the tragic death of his cousin by Adrian's own hand. I think, that's why I'm willing to forgive his dreadful treatment of Lillian to a certain degree. However, even after finally seeing her true worth and admitting their love for one another, he still mistrusted her and pushed her away. That was a bit harder for me to accept and lost the book one star. Julia London's writing was a pleasure to read and there were some lighter moments often provided by the spunky, irrepressible Lilliana which elevated the book for me.
Thank you ladies in my BR group for making this reread more enjoyable.
Wracked with guilt after burying one of his best friends and cousin following a tragic duel gone wrong, Adrian Spence, the Earl of Albright, goes from one intense emotion to another. His poor relationship with his father and younger brother deteriorates further when he finds out that his father has finally disinherited him all unentailed properties and so in a misguided act of revenge, he marries the woman his brother has intended to propose to.
Lilliana Dashell has been in awe of Adrian since she was a young girl, an infatuation which has only grown over the years along with with his rakish reputation and his personal fortune, as she learned of his scandalous exploits through the gossip sheets. His sudden arrival at her home is completely unexpected and after recovering from the shock of his proposal, the sheltered but spirited Lilliana grasped at the chance to escape her stifled genteel country life, to finally get a chance to experience adventure and passion that she has been dreaming of for so long. But her hasty marriage to Adrian is nothing like she expected. The intense physical pleasures in their marital bed is offset by his coolness, his condescending treatment of her and his determination to keep an emotional distance from her. When repressing her natural spirit, as advised by her mother, does little to attract his attention, she finally allows her true self to emerge and now it is poor Adrian who is caught unaware and completely out of his depth. The unremarkable country bumpkin he married has been replaced by a force of nature, who cannot and will not be ignored.
Lilliana was an adorable and strong heroine who came into her own. Once she got over her stunned awe of Adrian and her new-found situation as his lady wife, intimidation and infatuation gave way to anger and indignation and she finally allowed her spirit to break free and to soar. And it will not be contained again.
Adrian is a complex and tortured character. His emotional impairment is a product of his callous treatment by his father throughout his life and his early loss of his beloved mother. His mental mess is further aggravated by the tragic death of his cousin by Adrian's own hand. I think, that's why I'm willing to forgive his dreadful treatment of Lillian to a certain degree. However, even after finally seeing her true worth and admitting their love for one another, he still mistrusted her and pushed her away. That was a bit harder for me to accept and lost the book one star. Julia London's writing was a pleasure to read and there were some lighter moments often provided by the spunky, irrepressible Lilliana which elevated the book for me.
Thank you ladies in my BR group for making this reread more enjoyable.
June 26, 2016
Good lord, there was some high and convoluted drama in this. I mean, damn.
Adrian was an asshole. And he continued to be an asshole (except for about 5 goddamn minutes) until the end of the book.
Also there was this:
"...the heavy sacs of his life’s blood met her body with a fierceness that was, incredibly, not fierce enough."
Sorry, y'all.
Don't read it. Unless you're into heavy sacs and overly angsty asshole heroes.
1.5 stars, but only bc I finished it.
Adrian was an asshole. And he continued to be an asshole (except for about 5 goddamn minutes) until the end of the book.
Also there was this:
"...the heavy sacs of his life’s blood met her body with a fierceness that was, incredibly, not fierce enough."
Sorry, y'all.
Don't read it. Unless you're into heavy sacs and overly angsty asshole heroes.
1.5 stars, but only bc I finished it.
December 22, 2021
3.5, Gracias Alba, te he hecho caso y al final me ha gustado, no me enganchaba, pero acaba siendo una gran historia.
Hacía muchísimo que no leía nada de la autora y se me había olvidado lo bien que escribe.
Ella me ha parecido demasiado dócil, todo comprensión, todo perdón y El puf, me ha costado, que complicado es, que hostia le había soltado mas de una vez, pero crecen y avanzan y me han ganado.
Hay otros tres de la serie y creo que no tardaré en leerlos
Hacía muchísimo que no leía nada de la autora y se me había olvidado lo bien que escribe.
Ella me ha parecido demasiado dócil, todo comprensión, todo perdón y El puf, me ha costado, que complicado es, que hostia le había soltado mas de una vez, pero crecen y avanzan y me han ganado.
Hay otros tres de la serie y creo que no tardaré en leerlos
March 21, 2025
Ah, a reread that lived up to its glory! This book? A masterclass in angst. From the first page to the last, it was a relentless emotional rollercoaster. And I loved every. Single. Minute.
The misunderstandings? Deliciously frustrating. Just when you thought they were about to figure it out, another wrench was thrown into the works. It was a symphony of miscommunication, and it kept me hooked.
Then there's the hero's mysterious parentage. A tangled web of secrets and lies that added another layer of intrigue. And the father? Absolutely detestable. I wanted to throw my book at him.
But that's what made it so good! The raw emotion, the constant tension, the characters you loved and hated with equal passion. It was a wild ride, and I'm so glad I revisited it.
The misunderstandings? Deliciously frustrating. Just when you thought they were about to figure it out, another wrench was thrown into the works. It was a symphony of miscommunication, and it kept me hooked.
Then there's the hero's mysterious parentage. A tangled web of secrets and lies that added another layer of intrigue. And the father? Absolutely detestable. I wanted to throw my book at him.
But that's what made it so good! The raw emotion, the constant tension, the characters you loved and hated with equal passion. It was a wild ride, and I'm so glad I revisited it.
December 4, 2013
4 1/2 stars
Note to self: Write this review ASAP, before Fani comes to beat me into a pulp, LOL.
Note to self: Write this review ASAP, before Fani comes to beat me into a pulp, LOL.
February 25, 2013
I am kind of in an experimenting phase with romance authors. After shying away from romance novel almost all my life I decided what was a harm in reading and am proceeding methodically for the past two years to read as many romance novels as possible. It is not that I read just Romance but the once I am counting for the moment.
So it is with a sad heart I have to say that I had the misfortune to start my jump into romance by reading one of Judith McNaught's books after which every other romance novel I have read paled in comparison. Except for a few notable works like "Ellen O'Connell's Eyes of Silver Eyes of Gold", "Annie's Song" "Kiss and Angel","Tracy Ann Warren's Husband Trap" and "Julie Garwood's Saving Grace" I have met with disappointment on this venture. But still I was satisfied. Yet no book has ever made me felt saddened by the fact that "Judith McNaught" has stopped writing historical novels than this one. There were time I wanted to tear off pages from this book which would have ended up with me damaging a very expensive ebook reader which I had to beg to acquire. Oh!!!the satisfaction I would have had.....Why do people in historical romance have to be this clueless.
I didn't find a single endearing trait in the Hero Adrian Spence, nor the heroine Lilliana. To me both of them where thick and so full of misunderstanding and ego I didn't think they will get a HEA in the end. Come on people tone it down a bit........Don't project your frustration on to others....Why the hell am I frustrated on their behalf? They brought it about they should suffer. But the whole bloodymindedness of the character was just too much even for a passive objective reader like me to stay unfeeling. And the writing why did the author have to repeat her self so often.. Did her publisher say to her that "Sorry mam we will not publish any book that is less than 300 pages in length..If we want people to suffer we want to make them suffer for good". I think they achieved that goal. I know I am being unnecessarily harsh. Give me a pen and paper and ask me to write romance and I fall down flat on my face with in seconds. Sill since I have already read other works and is able to compare the two I guess I am entitled to be a little critical.
I am still persisting on the question as to why the author should bring about so many misunderstandings and inner monologues when all she could have done was tell a simple story as it is. The villans were equally annoying and I really wanted them to get their just desserts but I am disappointed on that behalf also. A frustrating and unsatisfying read which is a sound way to waste some perfectly good free time.
So it is with a sad heart I have to say that I had the misfortune to start my jump into romance by reading one of Judith McNaught's books after which every other romance novel I have read paled in comparison. Except for a few notable works like "Ellen O'Connell's Eyes of Silver Eyes of Gold", "Annie's Song" "Kiss and Angel","Tracy Ann Warren's Husband Trap" and "Julie Garwood's Saving Grace" I have met with disappointment on this venture. But still I was satisfied. Yet no book has ever made me felt saddened by the fact that "Judith McNaught" has stopped writing historical novels than this one. There were time I wanted to tear off pages from this book which would have ended up with me damaging a very expensive ebook reader which I had to beg to acquire. Oh!!!the satisfaction I would have had.....Why do people in historical romance have to be this clueless.
I didn't find a single endearing trait in the Hero Adrian Spence, nor the heroine Lilliana. To me both of them where thick and so full of misunderstanding and ego I didn't think they will get a HEA in the end. Come on people tone it down a bit........Don't project your frustration on to others....Why the hell am I frustrated on their behalf? They brought it about they should suffer. But the whole bloodymindedness of the character was just too much even for a passive objective reader like me to stay unfeeling. And the writing why did the author have to repeat her self so often.. Did her publisher say to her that "Sorry mam we will not publish any book that is less than 300 pages in length..If we want people to suffer we want to make them suffer for good". I think they achieved that goal. I know I am being unnecessarily harsh. Give me a pen and paper and ask me to write romance and I fall down flat on my face with in seconds. Sill since I have already read other works and is able to compare the two I guess I am entitled to be a little critical.
I am still persisting on the question as to why the author should bring about so many misunderstandings and inner monologues when all she could have done was tell a simple story as it is. The villans were equally annoying and I really wanted them to get their just desserts but I am disappointed on that behalf also. A frustrating and unsatisfying read which is a sound way to waste some perfectly good free time.
October 24, 2017
NOT what I was expecting! This was such a great book- and completely surprising. We start off with the typical story line of brooding hero meets naive heroine, but the book gives us much more than that. A little teeny bit of humor, but really it was more of a roller coaster of emotions. I was not expecting the darkness that ebbed through the book. Truly an excellent and brave heroine that developed and grew so beautifully through the book- our hero was so broken, but was saved just in the nick of time. I can’t do the book justice with my weak review, but I did love it and highly suggest it. Not a fluff book- bits of sweetness, but the love took LOTS of work.
October 13, 2024
İlk defa bir Julia London kitabı okuyorum ve sevmek ile sevmemek arasında kaldım.
Yazarın dili kötü demiyorum ancak sürekli döndürdüğü entrikalar o kadar sıkmaya başlıyor ki kitap çabucak bitsin istiyorsun. Beş yüz sayfalık kitapta iki karaktere ait çok az güzel sahne vardı. Yazarın en büyük sıkıntısı ise diyaloglara çok az yer vermesi bu da maalesef dönem kitaplarını çok sıkıcı yapıyor. Zaten dolu dolu aşka boğulmak için herkes regencylere sarılıyorken siz sevgili yazarların bunu yapması reva mı söyleyin bana 😮💨😩
Kitabın başları Adrian'ın yaşadığı bir olay sonucu baya buhranlı geciyor. Çete olarak adlandırdıkları dörtlü bir arkadaş grupları var-mış. Hepsi asil takımından hovarda tipler. Seri de bu kişiler üzerinden devam edecek.
Şimdi kitap; intikam için gerçekleşen bir evlilik ile başlıyor aslında. Lilliana, Adrian'a küçüklükten beri hayranlık duyuyormuş. Fakat Adrian'ın kızı hatırladığı yok🥲 O yüzden kafasında da Adrian'ı baya büyütüyor. Adrian ise sadece erkek kardeşi Benedict'in evlenmek istediği kız olarak biliyor.
Başlarda Adrian, Lilliana'yı baya hor görüyor, aşağılıyor ama "içinden"😃 Dışından ise muhattap olmamak adına sürekli "Tamam, sen bilirsin, istediğini yap, özgürsün" vs vaziyette dolaşıyor🙃
Bu bir süre böyle gidiyor. Fakat Lilliana'nın ilgi istemesi ve Adrian'dan bunu görememesiyle, aralarındaki soğuk ve mesafeli ilişkinin seyri değişiyor. Lilliana kendini fark ettirmek ve Adrian'dan tepki alabilmek için baya çabalıyor.
Şimdi kitabın ilk yarısı anlattığım şekilde geçiyor. Ikinci yarısı ise Adrian'ın erkek kardeşi Benedict'in de olaylara dahil olmasıyla başlıyor. Entrikalar, yanlış anlaşılmalar, dönen dolaplar, ihanetler, aşk, tutku derken sekiz sezonluk bir Aşk-ı Memnu izlediğinizi düşünün... Mutlu olmak haram anam😮💨😒❤️🩹
O Benedict var ya o Benedict... onunla empati yapıp sinsiliğini aklamayacağım👺
Kitabın can alıcı kısmı gündüzleri çiftimiz gayet birbirlerini umursamıyor gibi takılıyor😈 Fakat akşamları ise iki gönül bir olup yatağı ateşe veriyorlar ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Her neyse... gelelim sonuca kitabın okuyucu yoran bir konu ilerleyişi var bence. Beş yüz sayfa yazmak zorunda değildin sevgili Julia London. Çünkü hem karakter hem de konu beş yüz sayfayı kaldırabilecek türde değildi. Zaten dönem kitapları da bu kadar uzatılmamalı bana kalırsa.
Tavsiye eder miyim ederim, devam eder miyim ederim☺️ Sinir oluyorsunuz ama yine de okuyorsunuz entrika böyle bir şey işte arkadaşlar🥹
Yazarın dili kötü demiyorum ancak sürekli döndürdüğü entrikalar o kadar sıkmaya başlıyor ki kitap çabucak bitsin istiyorsun. Beş yüz sayfalık kitapta iki karaktere ait çok az güzel sahne vardı. Yazarın en büyük sıkıntısı ise diyaloglara çok az yer vermesi bu da maalesef dönem kitaplarını çok sıkıcı yapıyor. Zaten dolu dolu aşka boğulmak için herkes regencylere sarılıyorken siz sevgili yazarların bunu yapması reva mı söyleyin bana 😮💨😩
Kitabın başları Adrian'ın yaşadığı bir olay sonucu baya buhranlı geciyor. Çete olarak adlandırdıkları dörtlü bir arkadaş grupları var-mış. Hepsi asil takımından hovarda tipler. Seri de bu kişiler üzerinden devam edecek.
Şimdi kitap; intikam için gerçekleşen bir evlilik ile başlıyor aslında. Lilliana, Adrian'a küçüklükten beri hayranlık duyuyormuş. Fakat Adrian'ın kızı hatırladığı yok🥲 O yüzden kafasında da Adrian'ı baya büyütüyor. Adrian ise sadece erkek kardeşi Benedict'in evlenmek istediği kız olarak biliyor.
Başlarda Adrian, Lilliana'yı baya hor görüyor, aşağılıyor ama "içinden"😃 Dışından ise muhattap olmamak adına sürekli "Tamam, sen bilirsin, istediğini yap, özgürsün" vs vaziyette dolaşıyor🙃
Bu bir süre böyle gidiyor. Fakat Lilliana'nın ilgi istemesi ve Adrian'dan bunu görememesiyle, aralarındaki soğuk ve mesafeli ilişkinin seyri değişiyor. Lilliana kendini fark ettirmek ve Adrian'dan tepki alabilmek için baya çabalıyor.
Şimdi kitabın ilk yarısı anlattığım şekilde geçiyor. Ikinci yarısı ise Adrian'ın erkek kardeşi Benedict'in de olaylara dahil olmasıyla başlıyor. Entrikalar, yanlış anlaşılmalar, dönen dolaplar, ihanetler, aşk, tutku derken sekiz sezonluk bir Aşk-ı Memnu izlediğinizi düşünün... Mutlu olmak haram anam😮💨😒❤️🩹
O Benedict var ya o Benedict... onunla empati yapıp sinsiliğini aklamayacağım👺
Kitabın can alıcı kısmı gündüzleri çiftimiz gayet birbirlerini umursamıyor gibi takılıyor😈 Fakat akşamları ise iki gönül bir olup yatağı ateşe veriyorlar ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Her neyse... gelelim sonuca kitabın okuyucu yoran bir konu ilerleyişi var bence. Beş yüz sayfa yazmak zorunda değildin sevgili Julia London. Çünkü hem karakter hem de konu beş yüz sayfayı kaldırabilecek türde değildi. Zaten dönem kitapları da bu kadar uzatılmamalı bana kalırsa.
Tavsiye eder miyim ederim, devam eder miyim ederim☺️ Sinir oluyorsunuz ama yine de okuyorsunuz entrika böyle bir şey işte arkadaşlar🥹
May 1, 2023
England 1834. This had too much drama. Gave this 2 stars.
Adrian Spence, an earl, wed country girl, Lilliana "Lillie"
Dashell, as revenge against his brother Benedict. Ben 1st
showed interest in Lillie, but they had no commitment to
each other. Once wed, Adrian and Lillie didn't mesh well
together, except in bed. For years the hero seldom showed
his feelings.
Adrian and his sire had too much verbal conflict. Ditto for
brother & brother, husband and wife, & friend & friend(s).
This acrimony detracted from the love story, and left me
w/ a headache.
Adrian Spence, an earl, wed country girl, Lilliana "Lillie"
Dashell, as revenge against his brother Benedict. Ben 1st
showed interest in Lillie, but they had no commitment to
each other. Once wed, Adrian and Lillie didn't mesh well
together, except in bed. For years the hero seldom showed
his feelings.
Adrian and his sire had too much verbal conflict. Ditto for
brother & brother, husband and wife, & friend & friend(s).
This acrimony detracted from the love story, and left me
w/ a headache.
December 10, 2013
4.5 stars
This was my first Julia London book and I really enjoyed it! This was quite heavy on the angst and I love revenge-driven plots. However, I have to warn readers that do not like angsty books with many misunderstandings against reading this book.
Adrian's father has always mistreated him and preferred his brother, Benedict. When he finally disowned him and deprived him of what was rightfully his and his weakling of a brother just stood by and watched doing nothing, Adrian decided to marry the woman his brother was in love with to take his revenge from both his father and brother. Lilliana on the other hand never cared much for Benedict, but she had always been smitten with Adrian, so when he proposed, though surprised, she eagerly accepted, just to find out that her husband thought of her as a country bumpkin and that the only place they could communicate was in bed.
Firstly, I want to mention how happy I am that Adrian found Lilliana unappealing at the beginning. I am sick of all the insta love/attraction books out there. The H/h just can't hold their hands off each other from the first time they meet, even if they don't get along in anything else. Points to the book for that! Lilliana was a great heroine. I liked her vividness and spontaneity and while it took a little time to realise exactly how great she is, I (and Andrian too) finally did.
I can't say much for the book, just that it was full of misunderstandings and tension between the two as Lilliana tried to coax a seemingly indifferent to everything concerning her Adrian into expressing some feeling and Adrian kept thinking that there was something between Lilliana and his brother. It was a real page-turner, I was dying to know what would happen next and how they would work out things between them.
I hated Benedict. He was such an idiot and he was always trying to create problems between the H/h in a too obvious way, but it took Lilliana and Adrian ages to realise. He really was in love with Lilliana and Adrian took her from him, but that doesn't justify such deceitfulness. Adrian on his part accused Lilliana of having an affair with Benedict more times than I can count and after the fifth time I wanted to smack him on the head!
About Phillip's death: His motives for provoking a duel weren't explained after all and I hope they will be in the sequels. In any case I have two things to say: He was a coward for wanting to end his life and he is unforgivable for choosing to do it in a way that would weigh forever on his cousin and best friend's conscience.
From the blurbs of other JL books I've read, I understand that all her books are more or less angsty, so I guess I just found a new favourite writer. All in all, a great book for fans of off-the-scale angsty books!
This was my first Julia London book and I really enjoyed it! This was quite heavy on the angst and I love revenge-driven plots. However, I have to warn readers that do not like angsty books with many misunderstandings against reading this book.
Adrian's father has always mistreated him and preferred his brother, Benedict. When he finally disowned him and deprived him of what was rightfully his and his weakling of a brother just stood by and watched doing nothing, Adrian decided to marry the woman his brother was in love with to take his revenge from both his father and brother. Lilliana on the other hand never cared much for Benedict, but she had always been smitten with Adrian, so when he proposed, though surprised, she eagerly accepted, just to find out that her husband thought of her as a country bumpkin and that the only place they could communicate was in bed.
Firstly, I want to mention how happy I am that Adrian found Lilliana unappealing at the beginning. I am sick of all the insta love/attraction books out there. The H/h just can't hold their hands off each other from the first time they meet, even if they don't get along in anything else. Points to the book for that! Lilliana was a great heroine. I liked her vividness and spontaneity and while it took a little time to realise exactly how great she is, I (and Andrian too) finally did.
I can't say much for the book, just that it was full of misunderstandings and tension between the two as Lilliana tried to coax a seemingly indifferent to everything concerning her Adrian into expressing some feeling and Adrian kept thinking that there was something between Lilliana and his brother. It was a real page-turner, I was dying to know what would happen next and how they would work out things between them.
I hated Benedict. He was such an idiot and he was always trying to create problems between the H/h in a too obvious way, but it took Lilliana and Adrian ages to realise. He really was in love with Lilliana and Adrian took her from him, but that doesn't justify such deceitfulness. Adrian on his part accused Lilliana of having an affair with Benedict more times than I can count and after the fifth time I wanted to smack him on the head!
About Phillip's death: His motives for provoking a duel weren't explained after all and I hope they will be in the sequels. In any case I have two things to say: He was a coward for wanting to end his life and he is unforgivable for choosing to do it in a way that would weigh forever on his cousin and best friend's conscience.
From the blurbs of other JL books I've read, I understand that all her books are more or less angsty, so I guess I just found a new favourite writer. All in all, a great book for fans of off-the-scale angsty books!
March 24, 2008
It's been a while since I've read a Julia London book. So long, in fact, that I forgot which book I read and can only remember that I did and that’s why I put this one in the TBR pile.
It was strictly business as Adrian Spence claimed the woman his brother desired. A hasty wedding, and Lilliana Dashell was his-sweet revenge on the father who disinherited him and the brother who let it happen. Their wedding night is a revelation as passionate, innocent Lilliana ignites fires Adrian tries desperately to deny. By day he is a stranger. By night he is the lover of her dreams, and she a shameless wanton in his arms. But Adrian is determined that no woman will ever possess him. And Lilliana knows that her only hope of taming this very dangerous gentleman is to unlock his deepest mysteries and open his shuttered heart to love...
I really liked how this one started. I like Marriage of Convenience stories, I like Marriage In trouble stories and sometimes I even like Revenge stories. This one seemed to have all three. Besides that I really liked both the hero and the heroine. I even understood them (although revenge like this might backfire and leave someone very unhappy). I found them interesting and wanted to know more about them. The problem was that there are too many misunderstandings, the hero has too much baggage to carry (like being abused by his father since birth), some of which he doesn't even know about (the truth is worse than he thinks).
So it started very well but it got to a point where it was too much! Too many misunderstandings, too much manipulation on the brother's part, too little action of the hero dealing with it... I liked the twists of the story, what we find out about the past but they just suffer for too long.
And in the end nothing really bad happens to the villains. It’s like the main characters suffered throughout the whole story and the villains just loose some money and property. Definitely not enough!
I found it well written and I will read London again but I sincerely hope her other characters wont have to suffer so much to get their happy ending!
Grade: C+
It was strictly business as Adrian Spence claimed the woman his brother desired. A hasty wedding, and Lilliana Dashell was his-sweet revenge on the father who disinherited him and the brother who let it happen. Their wedding night is a revelation as passionate, innocent Lilliana ignites fires Adrian tries desperately to deny. By day he is a stranger. By night he is the lover of her dreams, and she a shameless wanton in his arms. But Adrian is determined that no woman will ever possess him. And Lilliana knows that her only hope of taming this very dangerous gentleman is to unlock his deepest mysteries and open his shuttered heart to love...
I really liked how this one started. I like Marriage of Convenience stories, I like Marriage In trouble stories and sometimes I even like Revenge stories. This one seemed to have all three. Besides that I really liked both the hero and the heroine. I even understood them (although revenge like this might backfire and leave someone very unhappy). I found them interesting and wanted to know more about them. The problem was that there are too many misunderstandings, the hero has too much baggage to carry (like being abused by his father since birth), some of which he doesn't even know about (the truth is worse than he thinks).
So it started very well but it got to a point where it was too much! Too many misunderstandings, too much manipulation on the brother's part, too little action of the hero dealing with it... I liked the twists of the story, what we find out about the past but they just suffer for too long.
And in the end nothing really bad happens to the villains. It’s like the main characters suffered throughout the whole story and the villains just loose some money and property. Definitely not enough!
I found it well written and I will read London again but I sincerely hope her other characters wont have to suffer so much to get their happy ending!
Grade: C+
June 9, 2017
4.5
I fall in love with Julia for the second time.(Devil takes a bride is my 1st love). This book was full package for me. It has everything a book must has to enjoy. It was about to become my most-fav but last quarter made me hesitate.
Our tortured & wicked mind Adrian proposed marriage to Lilliane (in such a charming way) & our innocent dreamy(country bumpkin) accepted it unaware he was just taking revenge on his cruel father & brother. I love the way author portry these two characters. She was such a sunshine, full of energy & positive vibes. She love him fully with her big heart. I specially enjoy the acts she did to ruffle his feather(that were cute & different), to get reaction from him.
Hero was the beast, not the cruel one but the kind 'I m wicked & I know it'. I enjoyed the way he deal with heroine. He consider himself very smart, his all actions were calculted,composed. All the tragedies in his life turned his heart to ice. I enjoyed seeing him jealous,serve him better It took him long to realize the warmth of love is slowly melting it away.
And when the 'tragedy' happen to hero,it was such a emotional phase of their life. Their love making, their scenes it was so intense. I feel their heart as well soul connecting. But to my disappoinment later hero went to his own self. Perhaps it was all these years of hatred & sorrow that made his character. I hate him for that. But than in last of chapters I understand Love doesnt happen to perfect people, it makes you perfect
They both were poll apart, both had flaws but in love they become perfect for eachother.
It was entertaining ride. Definitly going to read other books of this series.
I fall in love with Julia for the second time.(Devil takes a bride is my 1st love). This book was full package for me. It has everything a book must has to enjoy. It was about to become my most-fav but last quarter made me hesitate.
Our tortured & wicked mind Adrian proposed marriage to Lilliane (in such a charming way) & our innocent dreamy(country bumpkin) accepted it unaware he was just taking revenge on his cruel father & brother. I love the way author portry these two characters. She was such a sunshine, full of energy & positive vibes. She love him fully with her big heart. I specially enjoy the acts she did to ruffle his feather(that were cute & different), to get reaction from him.
Hero was the beast, not the cruel one but the kind 'I m wicked & I know it'. I enjoyed the way he deal with heroine. He consider himself very smart, his all actions were calculted,composed. All the tragedies in his life turned his heart to ice. I enjoyed seeing him jealous,serve him better It took him long to realize the warmth of love is slowly melting it away.
And when the 'tragedy' happen to hero,it was such a emotional phase of their life. Their love making, their scenes it was so intense. I feel their heart as well soul connecting. But to my disappoinment later hero went to his own self. Perhaps it was all these years of hatred & sorrow that made his character. I hate him for that. But than in last of chapters I understand Love doesnt happen to perfect people, it makes you perfect
They both were poll apart, both had flaws but in love they become perfect for eachother.
It was entertaining ride. Definitly going to read other books of this series.
June 21, 2011
Durdum durdum en sonunda o güzel yorumlarınızla Tehlikeli İlişkileri bitirdim. Kitap hakkında denilen entirikalar beni çok fazla boğmadı nedense diğer kitaplarda okuduğumuzdan biraz daha fazla engel söz konusuydu ama kitabın akıcılığı okuru kesinlikle bıktırmıyor. Benedic i öldürmek istediğim seferleri bende unuttum =) Böyle bir varlık yok. Uyuz resmen içten içe evliliklerini mahfediyordu az kalsın. Lillie miz çok tatlı daha evinden dışarı çok az çıkmış ama maceperest ruhu taşıyan bir kız =) Kesinlikle asi =) Adrian'ın dikkatını çekmek için yaptıklarında çok gülmüştüm ama adam her yaptığına inatla anlayış gösterdi. Archiee bu adam cehennemlik tam :@ Bir insan öz oğlundan bu kadar mı nefret eder ve küçük çocukluğundan beri yapmadığı kalmamış :@ neyse bu kitap yüzünden 3 saatlik uykuylanım ama bitirdim =) gerçekten MUHTEŞEM bir kitap =)
January 20, 2023
It’s an engrossing book with a ton of ups and downs, I kid you not😅 The antics of Lilliana were funny and her love for Adrian was so heartfelt and pure. Adrian, on the other hand, was hampered by the hatred of his father. It built a wall around him that made it difficult for him to open up to Lillie. I was tired by the end of the book but just persevere because it’s a wonderful love story that should not be missed. 🥰
June 19, 2020
I liked this read. The hero was very indifferent to the heroine and his brother. You don't really see that often. I love that the hr has had enough and it starts acting badly to get a reaction out if him. I laughed at th err creative ideas she comes up with to iterate him. I did get annoyed with their misunderstandings that his brother creates.
July 18, 2017
3.5 stars
November 17, 2025
STORYTELLING AT IT'S BEST!!
I loved The Dangerous Gentleman, by Julia London!! The story contains all the elements I like to read in a Historical Romance and is very believable for the era. Tortured hero, Hilarious heroine, very sad story at times, great romance and hot sex scenes. Maybe a little to much angst is the only fault I could find in the story. Some things between Adrian and Lilliana could have been resolved easily if they had communicated better. I first read this book about 15 yrs ago, so I decided it was time for a re read. I had forgotten a lot of the storyline but as I read it came back to me.
Adrian Spence has killed his beloved cousin Phillip Rothembow in a duel. Adrian never meant this to happen. Poor Adrian doesn't figure out until later that it was Phillip who wanted and caused his the duel and own death. Adrian is the Earl of Albright and future heir too his evil mean and abusive father the Marquis of Keatling. Archie as Adrian calls him hates his son with unreasonable hatred. Lord Keatling had abused Adrian's mother and himself mentally and physically. Benedict is the 2nd son and Lord Keatling gives him all his love and attention. He does everything he can to disown Adrian so he can give everything to Benedict. Benedict is a weak man and does all he can to come between Lilliana and Adrian once they are married. In Revenge Adrian has married Lillian Daschell the women his brother Benedict loved and intended to marry. In a rage after being unfairly and meanly disinherited of all money and property that was not entailed to the title and given to his brother Benedict, Adrian goes after Lilliana an sweeps her off her feet and marries her to get even with his father and brother.
Lillian is at times very funny trying to obtain her husbands affections and does the crazies things that will have you laughing out loud. I like Lillian becasue she is a fighter and she never gives up. She really fights for her man. She searches out the truth about Adrian, his father and his brother Benedict. Her question is why Lord Keatling hates his heir but adorns his 2nd son. They supposedly had the same mother. But before she finds out the truth Benedict has plans of his own to ruin the marriage between his brother Adrian and Lilliana. He take advantage of situations that cause Adrian and Lilliana to distrust each other. He lies to both of them causing strife and rifts in the marriage. Lillian finds out the truth and it is a shock as to what happen to cause Lord Keatling to hate and abuse his wife and son. Believe me it doesn't quit him of the hurt and evil he has done to Adrian and his deceased mother.
Julia London is a master storyteller!! She stays true to the Historical era. I couldn't put the story down and was surprised that it took me so long to re read The Dangerous Gentleman. I re read The Devil's Love by Julia London every year as it is one of my all time favorite Historical Romance
novels. I highly Recommend The Dangerous Gentleman and my favorite The Devil's Love by Julia London!! The Devil's Love is a Stand Alone story and The Dangerous Gentleman is bk1 of The Rogues of Regent Street series.
I loved The Dangerous Gentleman, by Julia London!! The story contains all the elements I like to read in a Historical Romance and is very believable for the era. Tortured hero, Hilarious heroine, very sad story at times, great romance and hot sex scenes. Maybe a little to much angst is the only fault I could find in the story. Some things between Adrian and Lilliana could have been resolved easily if they had communicated better. I first read this book about 15 yrs ago, so I decided it was time for a re read. I had forgotten a lot of the storyline but as I read it came back to me.
Adrian Spence has killed his beloved cousin Phillip Rothembow in a duel. Adrian never meant this to happen. Poor Adrian doesn't figure out until later that it was Phillip who wanted and caused his the duel and own death. Adrian is the Earl of Albright and future heir too his evil mean and abusive father the Marquis of Keatling. Archie as Adrian calls him hates his son with unreasonable hatred. Lord Keatling had abused Adrian's mother and himself mentally and physically. Benedict is the 2nd son and Lord Keatling gives him all his love and attention. He does everything he can to disown Adrian so he can give everything to Benedict. Benedict is a weak man and does all he can to come between Lilliana and Adrian once they are married. In Revenge Adrian has married Lillian Daschell the women his brother Benedict loved and intended to marry. In a rage after being unfairly and meanly disinherited of all money and property that was not entailed to the title and given to his brother Benedict, Adrian goes after Lilliana an sweeps her off her feet and marries her to get even with his father and brother.
Lillian is at times very funny trying to obtain her husbands affections and does the crazies things that will have you laughing out loud. I like Lillian becasue she is a fighter and she never gives up. She really fights for her man. She searches out the truth about Adrian, his father and his brother Benedict. Her question is why Lord Keatling hates his heir but adorns his 2nd son. They supposedly had the same mother. But before she finds out the truth Benedict has plans of his own to ruin the marriage between his brother Adrian and Lilliana. He take advantage of situations that cause Adrian and Lilliana to distrust each other. He lies to both of them causing strife and rifts in the marriage. Lillian finds out the truth and it is a shock as to what happen to cause Lord Keatling to hate and abuse his wife and son. Believe me it doesn't quit him of the hurt and evil he has done to Adrian and his deceased mother.
Julia London is a master storyteller!! She stays true to the Historical era. I couldn't put the story down and was surprised that it took me so long to re read The Dangerous Gentleman. I re read The Devil's Love by Julia London every year as it is one of my all time favorite Historical Romance
novels. I highly Recommend The Dangerous Gentleman and my favorite The Devil's Love by Julia London!! The Devil's Love is a Stand Alone story and The Dangerous Gentleman is bk1 of The Rogues of Regent Street series.
February 18, 2020
Vakti zamanında böyle yorumlar yapıp şimdi yeniden okuyunca tersi düşüncelere sahip olmam ^^
İlk okuduğumdaki fikrimi saklayayım da çok da görünmese de olur.
Kısaca aynı etkiyi vermedi...
İlk okuduğumdaki fikrimi saklayayım da çok da görünmese de olur.
Kısaca aynı etkiyi vermedi...
August 18, 2013
Revenge-driven plot. Everyone is plotting vengeance on everyone.
There is Archie, Hero's father:
Our Hero, Adrian:
Adrian's brother, Benedict:
And our well-meaning but slightly misguided heroine, Lilianna:
If revenge and marriage of convenience wasn't enough, author throws in the mix blinding one of the characters .
If it wasn't for the fact that I was on holiday and didn't have anything else to read, I probably would have DNFed it at 50%.
There were so many situations where lack of communication prolonged the unneccessary drama. And couple of cases where all there was needed was cross-checking the "facts" given to heroine or Hero by the story's villain.
There is Archie, Hero's father:
Our Hero, Adrian:
Adrian's brother, Benedict:
And our well-meaning but slightly misguided heroine, Lilianna:
If revenge and marriage of convenience wasn't enough, author throws in the mix blinding one of the characters .
If it wasn't for the fact that I was on holiday and didn't have anything else to read, I probably would have DNFed it at 50%.
There were so many situations where lack of communication prolonged the unneccessary drama. And couple of cases where all there was needed was cross-checking the "facts" given to heroine or Hero by the story's villain.
November 22, 2021
Adrian Spencer, Lord Albright tras perder en un duelo a su primo Philip regresa a Kealing buscando consuelo junto a su padre y hermano, pero lo que encuentra es que el primero lo ha desheredado en favor de su hermano. En represalia pide en matrimonio la mano de la joven por la que se siente atraído su hermano pequeño, Lilliana Dashel.
La novela comienza bastante fuerte, nuestro protagonista tiene un duelo con su primo y mejor amigo Philip y éste resulta muerto. Adrian se siente culpable y no es para menos, ni siquiera sus mejores amigos Julian Dane y Arthur Christian (los otros dos integrantes del grupo de calaveras) son capaces de darle consuelo. Así que Adrian se desplaza al lugar que siempre ha creído su refugio aunque allí se tenga que encontrar con un padre que lo desprecia y un hermano gobernado por su progenitor por el que ya no siente nada.
En Kealing encuentra rechazo, su padre lo ha desheredado y Adrian decide vengarse convirtiendo a Lilliana Dashel, la mujer de la que está enamorado su hermano Benedict en su esposa.
Adrian es un conde bastante orgulloso, forma parte del grupo de los calaveras junto a Julian, Arthur y Phillip, éste último fallecido y por el que nuestro protagonista se siente que pudo haber evitado la tragedia. Su padre lo rechaza y su hermano se esconde tras la figura paterna y el dolor hace que se comprometa con una mujer que no ama y que considera una palurda. Por todo ello tendremos una historia de amor que se va a cocer a fuego lento, nuestro protagonista no cae rendido nada más ver a la joven... https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
La novela comienza bastante fuerte, nuestro protagonista tiene un duelo con su primo y mejor amigo Philip y éste resulta muerto. Adrian se siente culpable y no es para menos, ni siquiera sus mejores amigos Julian Dane y Arthur Christian (los otros dos integrantes del grupo de calaveras) son capaces de darle consuelo. Así que Adrian se desplaza al lugar que siempre ha creído su refugio aunque allí se tenga que encontrar con un padre que lo desprecia y un hermano gobernado por su progenitor por el que ya no siente nada.
En Kealing encuentra rechazo, su padre lo ha desheredado y Adrian decide vengarse convirtiendo a Lilliana Dashel, la mujer de la que está enamorado su hermano Benedict en su esposa.
Adrian es un conde bastante orgulloso, forma parte del grupo de los calaveras junto a Julian, Arthur y Phillip, éste último fallecido y por el que nuestro protagonista se siente que pudo haber evitado la tragedia. Su padre lo rechaza y su hermano se esconde tras la figura paterna y el dolor hace que se comprometa con una mujer que no ama y que considera una palurda. Por todo ello tendremos una historia de amor que se va a cocer a fuego lento, nuestro protagonista no cae rendido nada más ver a la joven... https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
May 2, 2024
3.5/5
It was nice at times but there was so much conflict that it was a bit too angsty for me personally!
It was nice at times but there was so much conflict that it was a bit too angsty for me personally!
December 8, 2013
Just barely 3 stars, and I still think it's a bit generous.
The plot had some potential. Revenge plots aren't my favorite and well this book pretty much explains why I don't really like them. It screams "MISUNDERSTANDINGS." The angst level broke the godforsaken scale on this one. One minute passion, the next: argument, hate, love, hate, love, hate, love. I can't even explain how ridiculous it all got. It was like watching/reading a really bad soap opera.
Please don't get my started on the characters. I have such a hate-love relationship with these two. I'll say this much: though I didn't like either of the MC's very much, I had more sympathy for the hero. Otherwise both were pretty self-destructive. I liked Lillie at first, but she just seemed petty later in the book, and I honestly don't think she tried hard enough to avoid her husband's brother's affections. I thought her selfish at many points. Not that Adrian was any better. Talk about a tortured hero. He was happy about 45 pages total through this 380 page book. Yah. That tells you something. I didn't like Benedict. No, wait. I HATED him. What was his problem? Just leave them alone! Shoo! Go! Goodbye! I also hated his father, naturally. He was a bastard and a coward through and through.
I gave stars because of the puppies (They were so cute) and because of the writing style. Like I said there was potential, but Ms. London could have laid off the angst a little a lot.
I picked this up after I forgot to finish it, and, well, I'm gonna need something super light and happy to get this out of my mind. I'm really hitting a rough patch with the books I'm reading lately...
December 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. And that surprises me a bit since there were A LOT of misunderstandings and misconceptions, and that's often overdramatized in my opinion. However, this book held my attention the whole way through.
January 24, 2016
Bintang 5
Buku ke 1 seri Rogues of Regent Street
Ini kisah tentang seorang anak (haram?) yg dibenci ayah kandung sendiri karena sang ayah tak dapat menikahi cinta sejatinya. Betapa picik sang ayah.
Alkisah...
Dunwoody, Inggris 1834, tersebutlah Rouges of Regent Street, para berandal yg terdiri dari Adrian Spence, Phillip Rotembow, Arthur Christian, dan Julian Dane, keturunan bangsawan yg menjadi idola kaum muda bangsawan. Mengumpulkan kekayaan besar diberbagai bidang dan hidup menantang bahaya dan tak gentar menghadapi apapun maupun hukum yg berlaku. Penakluk hati para gadis muda dan para ibu yg ingin menjadikan mereka suami putri putri mereka, sedangkan bagi para ayah mereka merupakan bencana karena mereka merebut mas kawin para gadis tersebut di klub judi.
Karena satu kejadian fatal mereka kehilangan 1 anggota mereka, Phillip Rotembow yg memilih mati dengan cara yg tragis ditangan Adrian sepupunya sendiri. Untuk menghindari kejadian yg sama agar tidak teulang lagi, Arthur meminta kesediaan sisa anggota Rouges untuk berjanji tidak ada lagi yg tumbang diantara mereka akibat masalah yg tidak dapat diatasi seperti halnya yg terjadi pada Phillip shabat mereka.
Dari Kematian Temukanlah Arti dari Pengampunan...
Sudah jatuh tertimpa tangga pula. Itulah yg tepatnya terjadi pada Adrian Spence Earl of Albright pasca kehilangan Phillip. Belum usai ditepa rasa bersalah karena Adrian yg menarik pelatuk menempus jantung sepupunya sendiri, kembali kerumah masa kecilnya Kealing Park hanya untuk dicerca habis habisan oleh ayahnya (yg tidak pernah menyayanginya semenjak dirinya dilahirkan). Tidak hanya itu Adrian akhirnya kehilangan hak waris dari sang ayah sedangkan adiknya Benedict hanya terdiam tanpa pembelaan sedikitpun kepada kakaknya. Bagaimana tidak karena Benedictlah yg akhirnya mewarisi kekayaan ayah mereka sebagai ahli waris selanjutnya.
Sakit hati, Adrian mundur mencari pencari perlindungan dan kenyamanan diestatenya sendiri Longbrigde yg diwarisinya dari kakek pihak ibunya. Ditengah perjalanan Adrian menikahi Liliana Dashel putri seorang baron dari Grange yg hanya seorang gadis dusun. Pernikahan ini merupakan balas dendam Adrian terhadap ayah dan adiknya karena Liliana sudah diincar Benedict dan ayahnya yg berkepentingan dengan properti ayah Liliana. Liliana sendiri sangat terkejut dan gembira karena pria yg selama ini dikagumi dan dicintainya sedari kecil, menikahi dan menjanjikan kehidupan dan kebebasan bersama Adrian.
Namun pernikahan mereka tidak seperti yg diharapkan dan dibayangkan oleh Liliana. Memang, segala kebutuhan materi dan semua keinginan Liliana dapat dipenuhi oleh Adrian tapi Adrian tidak pernah memperhatikan Liliana. Adrian mengacuhkan dirinya sejak awal pernikahan mereka. Hanya satu perhatian yg ditujukan Adrian pada Liliana yaitu dimalam hari diranjang pernikahan mereka, Adrian menyerahkan diri sepenuhnya pada Liliana. Tapi Liliana itu tidaklah cukup karena Adrian selalu meninggalkan dirinya setelah menunaikan kewajiban sebagai seorang suami. Disiang harinya Ardrian hanya memperhatikan pembangunan Longbridge.
Awalnya Liliana menerima saja apa yg terjadi. Liliana menyibukkan dirinya dirinya dari kegiatannya melukis hal hal yg disukainya. Sampai pada batas yg tak tertanggungkan Liliana mulai melakukan pemberontakan untuk menarik perhatian Adrian. Mulai dari memotong rambut Liliana yg disukai dan dipuji Adrian, memindahkan buku buku penting urusan bisnis dan juga mencoret coretnya, memakai pakaian laki laki dan menunggangi kuda jantan kesayangan Adrian. Selain itu banyak hal hal yg dilakukan Liliana, menciptakan arena tinju bagi pelayan yg sedang betengkar, merusak topi dan cravat Adrian dan juga mengambil anjing kampung untuk diperlihara dalam rumah (Liliana mendapat info mengenai kenangan Adrian kecil dengan anjngnya). Semua itu dilakukan Liliana untuk menimbulkan kemarahan Ardian. Oya Liliana juga melukis Adrian sedang menunggangi hewan jelek. Tapi Adrian tetap seperti dirinya tanpa emosi ketika menghadapi Liliana. Dan Liliana sempat meyesali pernikahannya.
Kemunculan Benedict di Longbridge menambah lebar jurang yg ada diantara Liliana dan Adrian. Dengan lihai dan tanpa dosa Benedict menanamkan rasa tidak percaya kepada keduanya. Pada Liliana, Benedict menceritakan keburukan keburukan Adrian, mempertanyakan keberadaan Adrian ketika tidak bersama Liliana (seakan akan Adrian mengunjungi wanita simpanannya), dan menyatakan keprihatinan Benedict untuk Liliana.
Menghindari istri dan permasalahan yg dihadapinya di Longbridge, Adrian melarikan dirinya ke London. Bersama sama Arthur dan Julian, Adrian menghilangkan penat dan perasaan bersalahnya terhadap pernikahannya. Adrian berterus terang kepada Arthur dan Julian apa yg terjadi pada dirinya dan kenapa Adriansampai menikah. Mengingat sumpah diantara mereka, sahabatnya memberikan saran saran yg menurut mereka dapat menyelesaikan permasalahan Adrian. Mereka mengajak Adrian besenang senang di London dan tenu saja Adrian menolak dan bertekad kembali pada istrinya untuk beterus teang dan memulau kehidupan pernikahan yg wajar bersama Liliana mengikuti saran Arthur.
Sekembali dari London ternyata umpan yg telah ditebar oleh Benedict menunjukkan hasil. Liliana menjaga jarak dari Adrian. Sikap Benedict yg menunjukkan kemesraan kepada Lilianapun menimbulkan kecemburuan dan prasangka buruk Adrian terhadap hubungan Liliana dan Benedict.
Belum cukup keterpurukan yg dirasakan, Adrian mengalami kejadian yg menghilangkan penglihatannya dan orang orang mengira kalau Adrian hendak bunuh diri. Dan Adrian berulangkali mengusir Liliana kembali kerumah orangtuanya tapi selalu ditolak Liliana. Liliana bertekad tidak akan pernah meninggalkan Adrian. Dan menyakinkan Adrian bahwa Adrian membutuhkannya dan Liliana ingin membuat Adrian merasa hidup dan bebas.
Sekali lagi ayah Adrian berusaha menghancurkan Adrian dengan cara mempertanyakan kemampuan Adrian menjalankan estate Albright dan gelarnya karena kebutaan Adrian. Berusaha merebut Longbridge dan seluruh harta milik Adrian dibawah perwaliannya. Menghadapi tuntutan ayahnya itu dan tekad Liliana akhirnya Adrian berusaha bangkit dari keterpurukannya akibat kebutaan dan juga berusaha memperbaiki hubungannya dengan Liliana.
Kebahagian tampak mulai menyapa Adrian dan Liliana. Berdua mengalami kehidupan bersama saling berdampingan dan bahagia. Adrian mulai terbuka pada Liliana terutama mengenai hubungannya dengan ayah dan adiknya. Bahwa adrian mencurigai dirinya adalah seorang anak haram.
Saat penglihatan Adrian kembali dan Benedict lagi lagi muncul dihadapan Adrian dan Liliana, umpan yg selama ini telah ditebar Benedict kembali menghancurkan kepercayaan yg baru dibangun oleh Adrian dan Liliana satu sama lain. Liliana marah ketika Adrian tidak berterus terang mengenai kesembuhan mata Adrian. Liliana merasa dirinya dimatamatai oleh Adrian karena rasa tidak percaya Adrian pada Liliana. Dan kecemburuan Adrian semakin besar dan menganggap Liliana lebih mencintai Benedict.
Keadaan tesebut semakin diperparah dengan munculnya Arthur dan Julian (padahal sahabat sahabatnya ini datang membawakan pesanan perhiasan yg dibeli Adrian untuk dihadiahkan kepada istri tercinta Liliana). Untunglah kemunculan kedua orang ini membuka mata Adrian. Menurut mereka keberadaan Benedict merupakan racun bagi pernikahan Adrian karena Benedict berusaha membalas dendam terhadap Adrian karena merebut Liliana. Dan akhirnya Adrian mengusir Benedict.
Berusaha menyelamatkan pernikahannya, Liliana yg mengetahui kehamilan dirinya berusaha membuka tabir masa lalu tentang kelahiran Adrian yg diyakini Adrian bahwa dirinya adalah anak haram ibunya. Liliana tidak mempercayai hal tersebut karena melihat kemiripan Adrian dengan kakeknya dari pihak ayah Adrian dari sebuah lukisan yg ada di Kealing Park. Menuju Kealing Park, Liliana menemukan kebenaran yg sangat mengejutkan.
Adrian yg menyadari kepergian Liliana sangat marah (mengira Liliana mengejar Benedict). Menyusul ke Keling Park, Adrian dalam keadaan marah mengusir Liliana kembali kerumah orangtuanya. Tanpa sengaja Adrian akhirnya mengetahui alasan yg sebenarnya kenapa Liliana berada di Kealing Park. Dan Adrian juga mengetahui tentang masa lalu kelahiran dirinya dan adiknya dari mulut bibi kandung (saudara ibunya) yg tidak pernah diketahuinya ada. Betapa menyesalnya Adrian karena tidak mempercayai Liliana dan keputusannya mengusir Liliana.
Dengan amarah Adrian menemui ayahnya untuk mempertanyakan kebenaran yg telah didapat Adrian. Dan memaksa agar sang ayah mengembalikan seluruh hak yg pernah dicabut dari Adrian. Dan ayahnya diharuskan pula menceritakan hal yg sebenarnya kepada adiknya Benedict. Kemudian Adrian kembali ke Longbridge untuk memohon maaf dan cinta Liliana. Meminta Liliana untuk tidak meninggalkannya. Bahwa Adrian membutuhkan pengampunan dari Liliana untuk menyelamatkan hidup Adrian.
Buku ke 1 seri Rogues of Regent Street
Ini kisah tentang seorang anak (haram?) yg dibenci ayah kandung sendiri karena sang ayah tak dapat menikahi cinta sejatinya. Betapa picik sang ayah.
Alkisah...
Dunwoody, Inggris 1834, tersebutlah Rouges of Regent Street, para berandal yg terdiri dari Adrian Spence, Phillip Rotembow, Arthur Christian, dan Julian Dane, keturunan bangsawan yg menjadi idola kaum muda bangsawan. Mengumpulkan kekayaan besar diberbagai bidang dan hidup menantang bahaya dan tak gentar menghadapi apapun maupun hukum yg berlaku. Penakluk hati para gadis muda dan para ibu yg ingin menjadikan mereka suami putri putri mereka, sedangkan bagi para ayah mereka merupakan bencana karena mereka merebut mas kawin para gadis tersebut di klub judi.
Karena satu kejadian fatal mereka kehilangan 1 anggota mereka, Phillip Rotembow yg memilih mati dengan cara yg tragis ditangan Adrian sepupunya sendiri. Untuk menghindari kejadian yg sama agar tidak teulang lagi, Arthur meminta kesediaan sisa anggota Rouges untuk berjanji tidak ada lagi yg tumbang diantara mereka akibat masalah yg tidak dapat diatasi seperti halnya yg terjadi pada Phillip shabat mereka.
Dari Kematian Temukanlah Arti dari Pengampunan...
Sudah jatuh tertimpa tangga pula. Itulah yg tepatnya terjadi pada Adrian Spence Earl of Albright pasca kehilangan Phillip. Belum usai ditepa rasa bersalah karena Adrian yg menarik pelatuk menempus jantung sepupunya sendiri, kembali kerumah masa kecilnya Kealing Park hanya untuk dicerca habis habisan oleh ayahnya (yg tidak pernah menyayanginya semenjak dirinya dilahirkan). Tidak hanya itu Adrian akhirnya kehilangan hak waris dari sang ayah sedangkan adiknya Benedict hanya terdiam tanpa pembelaan sedikitpun kepada kakaknya. Bagaimana tidak karena Benedictlah yg akhirnya mewarisi kekayaan ayah mereka sebagai ahli waris selanjutnya.
Sakit hati, Adrian mundur mencari pencari perlindungan dan kenyamanan diestatenya sendiri Longbrigde yg diwarisinya dari kakek pihak ibunya. Ditengah perjalanan Adrian menikahi Liliana Dashel putri seorang baron dari Grange yg hanya seorang gadis dusun. Pernikahan ini merupakan balas dendam Adrian terhadap ayah dan adiknya karena Liliana sudah diincar Benedict dan ayahnya yg berkepentingan dengan properti ayah Liliana. Liliana sendiri sangat terkejut dan gembira karena pria yg selama ini dikagumi dan dicintainya sedari kecil, menikahi dan menjanjikan kehidupan dan kebebasan bersama Adrian.
Namun pernikahan mereka tidak seperti yg diharapkan dan dibayangkan oleh Liliana. Memang, segala kebutuhan materi dan semua keinginan Liliana dapat dipenuhi oleh Adrian tapi Adrian tidak pernah memperhatikan Liliana. Adrian mengacuhkan dirinya sejak awal pernikahan mereka. Hanya satu perhatian yg ditujukan Adrian pada Liliana yaitu dimalam hari diranjang pernikahan mereka, Adrian menyerahkan diri sepenuhnya pada Liliana. Tapi Liliana itu tidaklah cukup karena Adrian selalu meninggalkan dirinya setelah menunaikan kewajiban sebagai seorang suami. Disiang harinya Ardrian hanya memperhatikan pembangunan Longbridge.
Awalnya Liliana menerima saja apa yg terjadi. Liliana menyibukkan dirinya dirinya dari kegiatannya melukis hal hal yg disukainya. Sampai pada batas yg tak tertanggungkan Liliana mulai melakukan pemberontakan untuk menarik perhatian Adrian. Mulai dari memotong rambut Liliana yg disukai dan dipuji Adrian, memindahkan buku buku penting urusan bisnis dan juga mencoret coretnya, memakai pakaian laki laki dan menunggangi kuda jantan kesayangan Adrian. Selain itu banyak hal hal yg dilakukan Liliana, menciptakan arena tinju bagi pelayan yg sedang betengkar, merusak topi dan cravat Adrian dan juga mengambil anjing kampung untuk diperlihara dalam rumah (Liliana mendapat info mengenai kenangan Adrian kecil dengan anjngnya). Semua itu dilakukan Liliana untuk menimbulkan kemarahan Ardian. Oya Liliana juga melukis Adrian sedang menunggangi hewan jelek. Tapi Adrian tetap seperti dirinya tanpa emosi ketika menghadapi Liliana. Dan Liliana sempat meyesali pernikahannya.
Kemunculan Benedict di Longbridge menambah lebar jurang yg ada diantara Liliana dan Adrian. Dengan lihai dan tanpa dosa Benedict menanamkan rasa tidak percaya kepada keduanya. Pada Liliana, Benedict menceritakan keburukan keburukan Adrian, mempertanyakan keberadaan Adrian ketika tidak bersama Liliana (seakan akan Adrian mengunjungi wanita simpanannya), dan menyatakan keprihatinan Benedict untuk Liliana.
Menghindari istri dan permasalahan yg dihadapinya di Longbridge, Adrian melarikan dirinya ke London. Bersama sama Arthur dan Julian, Adrian menghilangkan penat dan perasaan bersalahnya terhadap pernikahannya. Adrian berterus terang kepada Arthur dan Julian apa yg terjadi pada dirinya dan kenapa Adriansampai menikah. Mengingat sumpah diantara mereka, sahabatnya memberikan saran saran yg menurut mereka dapat menyelesaikan permasalahan Adrian. Mereka mengajak Adrian besenang senang di London dan tenu saja Adrian menolak dan bertekad kembali pada istrinya untuk beterus teang dan memulau kehidupan pernikahan yg wajar bersama Liliana mengikuti saran Arthur.
Sekembali dari London ternyata umpan yg telah ditebar oleh Benedict menunjukkan hasil. Liliana menjaga jarak dari Adrian. Sikap Benedict yg menunjukkan kemesraan kepada Lilianapun menimbulkan kecemburuan dan prasangka buruk Adrian terhadap hubungan Liliana dan Benedict.
Belum cukup keterpurukan yg dirasakan, Adrian mengalami kejadian yg menghilangkan penglihatannya dan orang orang mengira kalau Adrian hendak bunuh diri. Dan Adrian berulangkali mengusir Liliana kembali kerumah orangtuanya tapi selalu ditolak Liliana. Liliana bertekad tidak akan pernah meninggalkan Adrian. Dan menyakinkan Adrian bahwa Adrian membutuhkannya dan Liliana ingin membuat Adrian merasa hidup dan bebas.
Sekali lagi ayah Adrian berusaha menghancurkan Adrian dengan cara mempertanyakan kemampuan Adrian menjalankan estate Albright dan gelarnya karena kebutaan Adrian. Berusaha merebut Longbridge dan seluruh harta milik Adrian dibawah perwaliannya. Menghadapi tuntutan ayahnya itu dan tekad Liliana akhirnya Adrian berusaha bangkit dari keterpurukannya akibat kebutaan dan juga berusaha memperbaiki hubungannya dengan Liliana.
Kebahagian tampak mulai menyapa Adrian dan Liliana. Berdua mengalami kehidupan bersama saling berdampingan dan bahagia. Adrian mulai terbuka pada Liliana terutama mengenai hubungannya dengan ayah dan adiknya. Bahwa adrian mencurigai dirinya adalah seorang anak haram.
Saat penglihatan Adrian kembali dan Benedict lagi lagi muncul dihadapan Adrian dan Liliana, umpan yg selama ini telah ditebar Benedict kembali menghancurkan kepercayaan yg baru dibangun oleh Adrian dan Liliana satu sama lain. Liliana marah ketika Adrian tidak berterus terang mengenai kesembuhan mata Adrian. Liliana merasa dirinya dimatamatai oleh Adrian karena rasa tidak percaya Adrian pada Liliana. Dan kecemburuan Adrian semakin besar dan menganggap Liliana lebih mencintai Benedict.
Keadaan tesebut semakin diperparah dengan munculnya Arthur dan Julian (padahal sahabat sahabatnya ini datang membawakan pesanan perhiasan yg dibeli Adrian untuk dihadiahkan kepada istri tercinta Liliana). Untunglah kemunculan kedua orang ini membuka mata Adrian. Menurut mereka keberadaan Benedict merupakan racun bagi pernikahan Adrian karena Benedict berusaha membalas dendam terhadap Adrian karena merebut Liliana. Dan akhirnya Adrian mengusir Benedict.
Berusaha menyelamatkan pernikahannya, Liliana yg mengetahui kehamilan dirinya berusaha membuka tabir masa lalu tentang kelahiran Adrian yg diyakini Adrian bahwa dirinya adalah anak haram ibunya. Liliana tidak mempercayai hal tersebut karena melihat kemiripan Adrian dengan kakeknya dari pihak ayah Adrian dari sebuah lukisan yg ada di Kealing Park. Menuju Kealing Park, Liliana menemukan kebenaran yg sangat mengejutkan.
Adrian yg menyadari kepergian Liliana sangat marah (mengira Liliana mengejar Benedict). Menyusul ke Keling Park, Adrian dalam keadaan marah mengusir Liliana kembali kerumah orangtuanya. Tanpa sengaja Adrian akhirnya mengetahui alasan yg sebenarnya kenapa Liliana berada di Kealing Park. Dan Adrian juga mengetahui tentang masa lalu kelahiran dirinya dan adiknya dari mulut bibi kandung (saudara ibunya) yg tidak pernah diketahuinya ada. Betapa menyesalnya Adrian karena tidak mempercayai Liliana dan keputusannya mengusir Liliana.
Dengan amarah Adrian menemui ayahnya untuk mempertanyakan kebenaran yg telah didapat Adrian. Dan memaksa agar sang ayah mengembalikan seluruh hak yg pernah dicabut dari Adrian. Dan ayahnya diharuskan pula menceritakan hal yg sebenarnya kepada adiknya Benedict. Kemudian Adrian kembali ke Longbridge untuk memohon maaf dan cinta Liliana. Meminta Liliana untuk tidak meninggalkannya. Bahwa Adrian membutuhkan pengampunan dari Liliana untuk menyelamatkan hidup Adrian.
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