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The Honorables #1.5
Truth Within Dreams
When Henry De Vere wakes up naked in bed with his longtime friend Claudia Baxter, it is his fondest dream and his worst nightmare come true. Could he truly have compromised one of his dearest friends without even the benefit of remembering it? Plagued by somnambulism his whole life, Henry fears his baser nature has asserted itself, and insists on doing the honorable thing to marry Claudia.Claudia’s plan to stage her own ruination and escape marriage to the churlish and elderly Sir Saint had seemed foolproof. She was sure the kindly Henry wouldn’t mind helping her out . . . but somehow she hadn’t counted on him actually proposing.Their illicit encounter awakens feelings long buried for each. Will this preposterous scheme result in a happier ending than either could have hoped for?Sensuality Sensual
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2015
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54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 17, 2015
Now this was just bloody stupid :/
So... what possessed me to read this story?
Basically the fact that it sounded interesting and that it was bound to be short... you know, being a novella and all that.
__________
Unfortunately it ended up not feeling short at all: with the rampant soap opera characteristics in which the novella relies on.
First of all, the characters:
Basically they're two idiots.
Idiotic, moronic, prone to the occasional cheesy comment (1) and not that smart to begin with.
Yes, not everyone will be an Einstein during their lives, but common sense would dictate that the confusion would come to an end if those two had actually you know... talked to one another?! o_O
Hello? They're supposed to be friends. Friends talk!
This is a pet peeve of mine: I can't stand it.
If you're in the possession of healthy vocal chords, one must talk to each other. If your vocal chords don't work, there's sign language: USE IT.
Don't know sign language?
Write.
(1)"He was so handsome it made her teeth ache."
-_- How old are you?????
Illogical behaviour
Besides the one demonstrated by the main characters, there's also the occasional bout of stupidity perpetrated by family members _ Claudia's brother _ who believing
Are you f****g serious?
Claudia who starts all of this nonsense by deciding to take a very risky attitude, placing Henry in a very uncomfortable position ends up sounding as a complete naive (don't forget stupid) throughout the book (except when she's busy getting naked).
The thing is, a naive most likely wouldn't have taken that stance. So the whole thing has no logic whatsoever to hold the plot in place.
Also she shows a shocking lack of comprehension to the results of her act.
Then there's Henry and his somnambulism problem: all because of a unmentionable situation involving a lady's slipper, the guy acts as if he has the plague.
It became ridiculous.
You're probably saying that this is a piece of fiction, therefore logic has no place in it...
Wrong. It better have some thread of logic or I'll DNF its sorry ****!
Also, the so called romance between those two ended up sounding really awkward, forced and less than romantic.
Definitely not what I was hoping for when I started reading this.
Good stories: I am in dire need of one.
So... what possessed me to read this story?
Basically the fact that it sounded interesting and that it was bound to be short... you know, being a novella and all that.
__________
Unfortunately it ended up not feeling short at all: with the rampant soap opera characteristics in which the novella relies on.
First of all, the characters:
Basically they're two idiots.
Idiotic, moronic, prone to the occasional cheesy comment (1) and not that smart to begin with.
Yes, not everyone will be an Einstein during their lives, but common sense would dictate that the confusion would come to an end if those two had actually you know... talked to one another?! o_O
Hello? They're supposed to be friends. Friends talk!
This is a pet peeve of mine: I can't stand it.
If you're in the possession of healthy vocal chords, one must talk to each other. If your vocal chords don't work, there's sign language: USE IT.
Don't know sign language?
Write.
(1)"He was so handsome it made her teeth ache."
-_- How old are you?????
Illogical behaviour
Besides the one demonstrated by the main characters, there's also the occasional bout of stupidity perpetrated by family members _ Claudia's brother _ who believing
Are you f****g serious?
Claudia who starts all of this nonsense by deciding to take a very risky attitude, placing Henry in a very uncomfortable position ends up sounding as a complete naive (don't forget stupid) throughout the book (except when she's busy getting naked).
The thing is, a naive most likely wouldn't have taken that stance. So the whole thing has no logic whatsoever to hold the plot in place.
Also she shows a shocking lack of comprehension to the results of her act.
Then there's Henry and his somnambulism problem: all because of a unmentionable situation involving a lady's slipper, the guy acts as if he has the plague.
It became ridiculous.
You're probably saying that this is a piece of fiction, therefore logic has no place in it...
Wrong. It better have some thread of logic or I'll DNF its sorry ****!
Also, the so called romance between those two ended up sounding really awkward, forced and less than romantic.
Definitely not what I was hoping for when I started reading this.
Good stories: I am in dire need of one.
March 13, 2015
Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns
Vikki's Musings
I won Truth Within Dreams in a Rafflecopter drawing for a book tour for Elizabeth Boyce’s recent release, and I am so glad I did. Thank you Elizabeth Boyce! What a sweet little gem of a story this is. It is always so nice to discover new authors. Don’t you agree? I caught myself giggling out loud from the very beginning, and I kept a smile on my face until the end.
Claudia Baxter has a huge dilemma on her hands. After several failed seasons in London, her aging parents accept an offer of marriage for her to Sir Saint Tuggle, a gentleman old enough to be her father. In a tizzy over what to do to avoid this horrendous marriage. She comes up with “The Plan”.
Miss Baxter sneaks into her childhood friend’s bed and dumps a vial of pig’s blood onto the sheets. Only there is a problem. Either deflowering is much more alarming than she had thought, or she used too much. But her course is set, so she curls up beside Henry and goes to sleep. She is awakened the following morning with the very naked Henry kissing her in a most astonishing way.
Pandemonium breaks out when she is discovered in Henry’s bed. Of course her parents and twin brother are horrified and assume the worst. Henry is horrified as well. How could he have done this to his dear friend? He can’t imagine ever assaulting a young innocent woman. Being an honorable man, he immediately offers marriage, even though he cannot remember doing the deed.
Henry De Vere believes a problem that plagued him in his youth has returned. He suffered from a severe case of sleepwalking throughout his formative years. It was so bad, his friends had to lock him in his room, or he would wake up in odd places, at times putting him in embarrassing situations. The somnambulism must explain how this happened. What he cannot accept is that he has violated her and so violently, not when he has harbored feeling for Claudia for years.
This scene starts the madcap adventures of this delightfully witty tale. I always enjoy humor in a story, and this book is filled with plenty of chuckle out loud moments. Here is an example of one of those moments:
When her brother finds them, he starts yelling at Henry, and Claudia says:
“Stop shouting, Claude. (Yes, her twin brother is named Claude.) You’re giving me a headache.” She scratched the side of her nose and plopped back into the pillows.
“Claude, get out of that bed,” her brother demanded. (Yep, her brother calls her Claude.)
“Go awaaay,” Claudia moaned. “I didn’t sleep well last night.”
Henry dropped his face into his hands. “Not helping, Claudia.”
The rest of the scene is nothing short of hilarious. This is a very light-hearted read and just what I needed after reading the last two books, which were filled with anguish and heart-breaking moments, although excellent books. Truth Within Dreams is a refreshing change, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
There are no deep, dark moments, but it works for this humorous tale. The pacing is excellent, keeping the story moving along at a brisk clip. The dialogue is crisp and witty. I love the back and forth dialogue between Claudia and Henry.
If you are looking for a story that will brighten your day and keep a smile on your face, then you will definitely want to read this sweet little tale. Oh, and by the way, the sensual scenes are hot, hot, hot! I highly recommend you give Truth Within Dreams a read. You will not regret it. Happy reading!
Vikki's Musings
I won Truth Within Dreams in a Rafflecopter drawing for a book tour for Elizabeth Boyce’s recent release, and I am so glad I did. Thank you Elizabeth Boyce! What a sweet little gem of a story this is. It is always so nice to discover new authors. Don’t you agree? I caught myself giggling out loud from the very beginning, and I kept a smile on my face until the end.
Claudia Baxter has a huge dilemma on her hands. After several failed seasons in London, her aging parents accept an offer of marriage for her to Sir Saint Tuggle, a gentleman old enough to be her father. In a tizzy over what to do to avoid this horrendous marriage. She comes up with “The Plan”.
Miss Baxter sneaks into her childhood friend’s bed and dumps a vial of pig’s blood onto the sheets. Only there is a problem. Either deflowering is much more alarming than she had thought, or she used too much. But her course is set, so she curls up beside Henry and goes to sleep. She is awakened the following morning with the very naked Henry kissing her in a most astonishing way.
Pandemonium breaks out when she is discovered in Henry’s bed. Of course her parents and twin brother are horrified and assume the worst. Henry is horrified as well. How could he have done this to his dear friend? He can’t imagine ever assaulting a young innocent woman. Being an honorable man, he immediately offers marriage, even though he cannot remember doing the deed.
Henry De Vere believes a problem that plagued him in his youth has returned. He suffered from a severe case of sleepwalking throughout his formative years. It was so bad, his friends had to lock him in his room, or he would wake up in odd places, at times putting him in embarrassing situations. The somnambulism must explain how this happened. What he cannot accept is that he has violated her and so violently, not when he has harbored feeling for Claudia for years.
This scene starts the madcap adventures of this delightfully witty tale. I always enjoy humor in a story, and this book is filled with plenty of chuckle out loud moments. Here is an example of one of those moments:
When her brother finds them, he starts yelling at Henry, and Claudia says:
“Stop shouting, Claude. (Yes, her twin brother is named Claude.) You’re giving me a headache.” She scratched the side of her nose and plopped back into the pillows.
“Claude, get out of that bed,” her brother demanded. (Yep, her brother calls her Claude.)
“Go awaaay,” Claudia moaned. “I didn’t sleep well last night.”
Henry dropped his face into his hands. “Not helping, Claudia.”
The rest of the scene is nothing short of hilarious. This is a very light-hearted read and just what I needed after reading the last two books, which were filled with anguish and heart-breaking moments, although excellent books. Truth Within Dreams is a refreshing change, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
There are no deep, dark moments, but it works for this humorous tale. The pacing is excellent, keeping the story moving along at a brisk clip. The dialogue is crisp and witty. I love the back and forth dialogue between Claudia and Henry.
If you are looking for a story that will brighten your day and keep a smile on your face, then you will definitely want to read this sweet little tale. Oh, and by the way, the sensual scenes are hot, hot, hot! I highly recommend you give Truth Within Dreams a read. You will not regret it. Happy reading!
December 10, 2014
I am a regular reader of Elizabeth Boyce, so I was thrilled when she offered to let me read this newest novella in her Honorables series. It was a quick read, but it was delightful.
Henry and Claudia are just my kind of characters: quirky, a little flawed, prone to mishap, and entirely lovable. Right from the start their story is comedy of errors, and honestly the events that unfold aren't all that unpredictable for a reader of Regency era romances. Still, I enjoyed Henry and Claudia so much, as well as their supporting cast of characters, that it did not matter that I had a pretty good idea what was coming. I was looking forward to finding out how it was going to happen. Besides, Boyce has such a way with words that I suspect she could write a recipe and I would enjoy reading it.
There are three more Honorables to hear from in this series. I hope that Henry and Claudia reappear in some of the remaining books, because I really did come to adore them.
Henry and Claudia are just my kind of characters: quirky, a little flawed, prone to mishap, and entirely lovable. Right from the start their story is comedy of errors, and honestly the events that unfold aren't all that unpredictable for a reader of Regency era romances. Still, I enjoyed Henry and Claudia so much, as well as their supporting cast of characters, that it did not matter that I had a pretty good idea what was coming. I was looking forward to finding out how it was going to happen. Besides, Boyce has such a way with words that I suspect she could write a recipe and I would enjoy reading it.
There are three more Honorables to hear from in this series. I hope that Henry and Claudia reappear in some of the remaining books, because I really did come to adore them.
August 1, 2015
What an exciting and well written novella. Boyce definitely outdid herself with this one. This story was funny yet emotional, romantic yet oh so very real. Boyce deftly transports her readers back into the past with her seamless narrative and picturesque descriptions. The plot of this tale is absolutely unforgettable, bringing readers a real page-turner.
I formed an emotional connection with the hero of this tale right from the prologue. Getting to know him better was a pleasure. The heroine’s naiveté was priceless. The commotion she caused through it was endearing. She was also completely approachable as a person. Seeing them muddle through their situation, both together and separately, definitely made my day.
This fantastic story is a must read for all lovers of romance, be it historical or not.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I formed an emotional connection with the hero of this tale right from the prologue. Getting to know him better was a pleasure. The heroine’s naiveté was priceless. The commotion she caused through it was endearing. She was also completely approachable as a person. Seeing them muddle through their situation, both together and separately, definitely made my day.
This fantastic story is a must read for all lovers of romance, be it historical or not.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2015
I feel impelled to start this review with my summary. This story could have been added to one of the longer novels within the series.
Although sweet, this novella really did not give a clear view of the main characters nor did it add any value to The Honorable band of brothers other than it was nice to meet Henry De Vere and Claudia Baxter.
The Honorable series is about five younger aristocratic sons who meet during college. The series is about how they make their own fortune in life and the women they encounter. I knew Henry worked for his family owned business from the first book in the series. However, this novella gives no other details about his life other than one main event, although uncommon (the idea/plot) I have read before. His medical background history, and the introduction of Henry's oldest brother, Duncan De Vere. Sadly, all the other guys can't have a story like Brandon and Lorna's from Honor Among Thieves which was a magnificent pagetuning experience, but this story could have contained more details, IMHO.
Elizabeth Boyce is a talented writer, but what I got from this novella was a feeling of a formula for short stories: 1. A short story needs to have a past friendship history. 2. There must be feelings of attraction that were never shared (Maybe that's how the author or the publisher came up with the title). 3. Something has to happen... quickly to bring them together.
Suffice it to say, this novella will meet your needs if you have a few hours to read a short story and you are familiar with the characters within the series. But...don't have high expectations.
3 stars defined: Okay, but not memorable.
Although sweet, this novella really did not give a clear view of the main characters nor did it add any value to The Honorable band of brothers other than it was nice to meet Henry De Vere and Claudia Baxter.
The Honorable series is about five younger aristocratic sons who meet during college. The series is about how they make their own fortune in life and the women they encounter. I knew Henry worked for his family owned business from the first book in the series. However, this novella gives no other details about his life other than one main event, although uncommon (the idea/plot) I have read before. His medical background history, and the introduction of Henry's oldest brother, Duncan De Vere. Sadly, all the other guys can't have a story like Brandon and Lorna's from Honor Among Thieves which was a magnificent pagetuning experience, but this story could have contained more details, IMHO.
Elizabeth Boyce is a talented writer, but what I got from this novella was a feeling of a formula for short stories: 1. A short story needs to have a past friendship history. 2. There must be feelings of attraction that were never shared (Maybe that's how the author or the publisher came up with the title). 3. Something has to happen... quickly to bring them together.
Suffice it to say, this novella will meet your needs if you have a few hours to read a short story and you are familiar with the characters within the series. But...don't have high expectations.
3 stars defined: Okay, but not memorable.
January 3, 2015
In this romantic romp, Elizabeth Boyce weaves a hilarious and entrancing story that kept me hooked from start to finish. Henry and Claudia were both exasperating and adorable, and some of the support cast were as entertaining and engaging as the hero and heroine. Coupled with Honor Among Thieves, this demonstrates the breadth of Boyce's work in romance, from the dark and thrilling to the comic and playful.
June 17, 2015
Love love love LOVE!
I'm only upset I didn't get to spend more time with Henry and Claudine.
EDIT: Claudine? No. Claudia. Another 200 pages and I would've remembered that. (Sorry, Betsy.)
I'm only upset I didn't get to spend more time with Henry and Claudine.
EDIT: Claudine? No. Claudia. Another 200 pages and I would've remembered that. (Sorry, Betsy.)
September 1, 2017
I liked this story so much even though it was so cringe-y--it starts out vulgarly (but sets stakes for the hero), has excruciating misunderstandings and acts of stupidity, and has some dubious aspects related to consent. Yet I still really enjoyed this story and how the author worked with it, and I want to read more of this series. So...really, really good job on the author's part, I guess?
January 11, 2023
2.5
Even with the explanation given it makes basically no sense that the heroine is being married off to an old lech. There are no SERIOUS financial burdens that need to be relieved, no ruination that needs to be covered, no blackmail, no threat of a dying/dead father’s title and estate going to someone outside the immediate family.
Even with the explanation given it makes basically no sense that the heroine is being married off to an old lech. There are no SERIOUS financial burdens that need to be relieved, no ruination that needs to be covered, no blackmail, no threat of a dying/dead father’s title and estate going to someone outside the immediate family.
May 29, 2017
Short but enjoyable
A good afternoon's read. Claudia goes much too far trying to avoid the misnamed Sir Saint and nearly missed out on marriage to the man she has loved since childhood.
A good afternoon's read. Claudia goes much too far trying to avoid the misnamed Sir Saint and nearly missed out on marriage to the man she has loved since childhood.
March 19, 2019
Entertaining plot
Entertaining plot and funny, likable characters, but the writing had too many trite and overused phrases from other books. Although short, it adequately relayed the story.
Entertaining plot and funny, likable characters, but the writing had too many trite and overused phrases from other books. Although short, it adequately relayed the story.
July 8, 2017
Funny and sweet.
January 23, 2018
Liked it even better the second time!
December 8, 2020
Darn it we never found out what the heck Henry did with those shoes!
November 16, 2022
fun, ridiculous premise. Quick novella
January 23, 2015
I am sorry, Ms. Boyce. I love your "Once a Duchess" story but not this one. For me the heroine is a little TSTL. Lots of eyes rolling moments, "duh" moments. The heroine saying no to the first fiancee at the end, why didn't she do that at the first time instead doing her stupid plan. The Hero's fear for his sleewalking problems were not addressed or solved by marrying the h. Or did I miss some pages? I actually already forgot some of the things in the book and I just finished reading it last night.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2014
Fun read! Stayed up past my bedtime to finish. I wish there had been more information about the world presented, à la Honor Among Thieves or Once an Heiress, but I loved the characters and the story. Laugh out loud funny in several places.
December 24, 2014
This book is both fun and sexy. The characters are believable and interesting. The book is a wonderful new addition to the romance genre!
December 23, 2015
entertaining story, nothing of any great substance, but entertaining nonetheless.
August 26, 2016
4.5 stars. A perfectly written story for a novella. The second in a series, but it can be read as a stand alone. Lighthearted and amusing and very well written with some steamy scenes.
March 2, 2015
I laughed, I cried, I cringed, I kvelled.
(Okay, I didn't really cry.)
(Okay, I didn't really cry.)
January 18, 2016
Rediculous but entertaining. Short but complete.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews