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Fair Cyprians of London #2
Forsaking Hope
Felix, Lord Durham’s eldest son, has been in love with the vicar’s wild and wilful daughter, Hope, for as long as he can remember.
When he learns that Hope is to be sent to Germany to become a governess, he arranges a romantic rendezvous.
But Hope fails to appear.
Two years later, Felix’s friends arrange a ‘special birthday gift’ for him: a night with notorious brothel owner Madam Chambon’s most sought-after girls.
When Hope appears in his bed, Felix is horrified to discover that the passionate, ambitious girl of his dreams has been replaced by a world-weary prostitute who treats him like a transaction.
But while love appears to have forsaken Hope, there are chinks in her armour.
Can Felix unravel the mystery surrounding Hope’s terrible transformation in time to prevent an even greater tragedy?
When he learns that Hope is to be sent to Germany to become a governess, he arranges a romantic rendezvous.
But Hope fails to appear.
Two years later, Felix’s friends arrange a ‘special birthday gift’ for him: a night with notorious brothel owner Madam Chambon’s most sought-after girls.
When Hope appears in his bed, Felix is horrified to discover that the passionate, ambitious girl of his dreams has been replaced by a world-weary prostitute who treats him like a transaction.
But while love appears to have forsaken Hope, there are chinks in her armour.
Can Felix unravel the mystery surrounding Hope’s terrible transformation in time to prevent an even greater tragedy?
140 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
650 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Beverley Oakley
123 books211 followersAlso writes under Beverley Eikli.
Beverley Oakley writes Regency, Victorian and Georgian-set romances full of passion and laced with mystery and intrigue.
Born in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, she married the handsome bush pilot she met in Botswana while managing a safari lodge and has spent the rest of her life as a ‘trailing spouse’ doing what she loves most: writing books from sweet to steamy; and from humorous to historical romantic suspense.
Here’s more about her series.
Daughters of Sin
A very steamy, funny, witty and dangerous Regency-set ‘Dynasty’ featuring two nobly-born debutantes and their illegitimate sisters - laced with political intrigue, cheating spouses and, of course, dangerous gentlemen.
1. Her Gilded Prison
2. Dangerous Gentlemen
3. The Mysterious Governess
4. Beyond Rubies
5. Lady Unveiled: The Cuckold’s Conspiracy
(Prequel coming October 2021)
The Scandalous Miss Brightwells
A humorous, sometimes steamy, matchmaking series – with some books sweeter and more sensual and poignant.
1. Rake’s Honour
2. Rogue’s Kiss
3. The Wedding Wager
4. The Accidental Elopement
5. The Honourable Fortune Hunter
6. The Wilful Widow
7. The Courtship Caper
Fair Cyprians of London
A group of women who work in a high class House of Assignation. Ranging from very steamy to sweet, hopeful redemption stories.
1. Saving Grace
2. Forsaking Hope
3. Keeping Faith
4. Wedding Violet
5. Christmas Charity
6. Loving Lily
Hearts in Hiding
Historical romantic suspense, very steamy often showing the darker aspects of Regency society, including the dependence and subjugation of women – and how, against the odds, they find their happy-ever-afters.
1. The Duchess and the Highwayman
2. The Bluestocking and the Rake
3. Duchess of Seduction
4. The Countess and the Cavalier
Scandalous: Three Daring Charades
Three sweet, yet intrigue-filled Regency historicals
Lady Sarah’s Redemption
Lady Olivia’s Butterfly
A Little Deception
You can connect with Beverley on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeverl...,
or through her website at: www.beverleyoakley.com
http://twitter.com/BeverleyOakley
https://www.facebook.com/beverley.eikli
Beverley Oakley writes Regency, Victorian and Georgian-set romances full of passion and laced with mystery and intrigue.
Born in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, she married the handsome bush pilot she met in Botswana while managing a safari lodge and has spent the rest of her life as a ‘trailing spouse’ doing what she loves most: writing books from sweet to steamy; and from humorous to historical romantic suspense.
Here’s more about her series.
Daughters of Sin
A very steamy, funny, witty and dangerous Regency-set ‘Dynasty’ featuring two nobly-born debutantes and their illegitimate sisters - laced with political intrigue, cheating spouses and, of course, dangerous gentlemen.
1. Her Gilded Prison
2. Dangerous Gentlemen
3. The Mysterious Governess
4. Beyond Rubies
5. Lady Unveiled: The Cuckold’s Conspiracy
(Prequel coming October 2021)
The Scandalous Miss Brightwells
A humorous, sometimes steamy, matchmaking series – with some books sweeter and more sensual and poignant.
1. Rake’s Honour
2. Rogue’s Kiss
3. The Wedding Wager
4. The Accidental Elopement
5. The Honourable Fortune Hunter
6. The Wilful Widow
7. The Courtship Caper
Fair Cyprians of London
A group of women who work in a high class House of Assignation. Ranging from very steamy to sweet, hopeful redemption stories.
1. Saving Grace
2. Forsaking Hope
3. Keeping Faith
4. Wedding Violet
5. Christmas Charity
6. Loving Lily
Hearts in Hiding
Historical romantic suspense, very steamy often showing the darker aspects of Regency society, including the dependence and subjugation of women – and how, against the odds, they find their happy-ever-afters.
1. The Duchess and the Highwayman
2. The Bluestocking and the Rake
3. Duchess of Seduction
4. The Countess and the Cavalier
Scandalous: Three Daring Charades
Three sweet, yet intrigue-filled Regency historicals
Lady Sarah’s Redemption
Lady Olivia’s Butterfly
A Little Deception
You can connect with Beverley on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeverl...,
or through her website at: www.beverleyoakley.com
http://twitter.com/BeverleyOakley
https://www.facebook.com/beverley.eikli
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
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April 5, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (4/5/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Honour? Or her heart's desire?
Two years ago, Felix Lord Durham believed that Hope, the vicar's beautiful daughter, had chosen to live in Germany as a governess rather than accept the marriage proposal he'd hinted at.
Why else would she have failed to appear for their final secret assignation? Why else would Felix be given snippets about her new life on the Continent from various sources?
Now the divine "Miss Hope" is in Felix's bed - a surprise gift from his friends designed to lift his spirits and sourced from London's most exclusive brothel, Madame Chambon's.
Despite feeling betrayed, Felix can't bear to lose her again, but Hope Merriweather is bound to her new life by a dark secret. Having sacrificed the man she loves once already, she must choose again: Honour or her heart's desire?
Blurb:
Honour? Or her heart's desire?
Two years ago, Felix Lord Durham believed that Hope, the vicar's beautiful daughter, had chosen to live in Germany as a governess rather than accept the marriage proposal he'd hinted at.
Why else would she have failed to appear for their final secret assignation? Why else would Felix be given snippets about her new life on the Continent from various sources?
Now the divine "Miss Hope" is in Felix's bed - a surprise gift from his friends designed to lift his spirits and sourced from London's most exclusive brothel, Madame Chambon's.
Despite feeling betrayed, Felix can't bear to lose her again, but Hope Merriweather is bound to her new life by a dark secret. Having sacrificed the man she loves once already, she must choose again: Honour or her heart's desire?
December 5, 2018
Very gritty story, a view from the not-so-pretty side of this time period. Hope was a strong woman, trying to protect her sister from what Hope's life had become. Felix took a bit to warm up to as he was concerned mostly about appearances. Missed opportunities and second chances made this a good story, although I found the story ended a little more abrupt than expected.
I received a copy of this story through Candid Book Reviews, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Candid Book Reviews, and this is my unsolicited review.
January 25, 2019
short and steamy read.. not my favorite genre but this writer is a good one.. and i enjoy her stories so i dont mind. this was also very steamy and interesting. i enjoyed it
February 9, 2019
Hope💃💋 In His Eyes
Historical British Adult Romance💕, Circa 1870
Through a sad turn of several events, a young woman named Hope💃💋 is pushed into prostitution. She is trained and installed at the finest bordello in London but it's still a bordello.
All she ever wanted was to marry her neighbor, Felix Durham🐺🍆⛲💔, a wealthy young man. He thinks She ran off to Germany.
She is instead drugged and kidnapped by another wealthy man who rapes her and then turns her over to the madam. Her family thinks she is in Germany working as a governess.
Hope💃💋 is losing hope. Her best bet is to become the mistress of a wealthy man and save her money!
ARC Received from Candid Reviews📚
I also got the book for $.99 from Amazon.
This is a sad book most of the way through. It's a well written tale of what can happen to ruined and naive young women in historical England.
Historical British Adult Romance💕, Circa 1870
Through a sad turn of several events, a young woman named Hope💃💋 is pushed into prostitution. She is trained and installed at the finest bordello in London but it's still a bordello.
All she ever wanted was to marry her neighbor, Felix Durham🐺🍆⛲💔, a wealthy young man. He thinks She ran off to Germany.
She is instead drugged and kidnapped by another wealthy man who rapes her and then turns her over to the madam. Her family thinks she is in Germany working as a governess.
Hope💃💋 is losing hope. Her best bet is to become the mistress of a wealthy man and save her money!
ARC Received from Candid Reviews📚
I also got the book for $.99 from Amazon.
This is a sad book most of the way through. It's a well written tale of what can happen to ruined and naive young women in historical England.
April 2, 2019
3/5 ⭐️
Short sweet story. My first from a POV of a prostitute falling for a noble but I liked it just fine.
Short sweet story. My first from a POV of a prostitute falling for a noble but I liked it just fine.
April 24, 2019
2.5 stars.
Nah, too many implausibilities all piled up on one another. Kinda dark too.
Nah, too many implausibilities all piled up on one another. Kinda dark too.
April 7, 2018
Oh, I like this series! As if being forced to work in a high class brothel was not bad enough for Hope, she's been placed in a very uncomfortable situation by a blackmailer. Unknown to Hope, there has also been some horrendous scheming against her by other characters as well. I started reading a bit late in the evening and had to read late into the night as I did not want to stop. Good balance of dialog and action. I hope there will be a book 3.
December 31, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. It's not for everyone but it is a good read. I enjoyed most of the characters and the plot line. I have not read the other books in this series but I will be looking for the others. I liked Hope. I think she made the best of her circumstances. I liked Felix too. I liked that both of them never fell out of love with each other despite their circumstances and the "truths" they knew. I would recommend this book to others who enjoy this genre.
February 19, 2020
Great ending!
Hope was forced into Madame Chambon brothel she now is going face and unbelievable time designed to cause her pain and humiliation. This is all set into motion by Mr. Hunt. The characters in this book were outstanding and I could not put the book down. I thought Saving Grace was good and this one was better I believe in am in for a treat when I read Faith tale next. This series is a must-read.
Hope was forced into Madame Chambon brothel she now is going face and unbelievable time designed to cause her pain and humiliation. This is all set into motion by Mr. Hunt. The characters in this book were outstanding and I could not put the book down. I thought Saving Grace was good and this one was better I believe in am in for a treat when I read Faith tale next. This series is a must-read.
December 2, 2019
4 1/2 STARS
A young lady is drugged, kidnapped, raped and sold into prostitution against her will. Two years later, she's blackmailed by her kidnapper to make sure his sister marries the only man she's ever loved. An emotional rollercoaster of a young lady's disparity of any hope for a normal life. A short read, but very interesting trope.
A young lady is drugged, kidnapped, raped and sold into prostitution against her will. Two years later, she's blackmailed by her kidnapper to make sure his sister marries the only man she's ever loved. An emotional rollercoaster of a young lady's disparity of any hope for a normal life. A short read, but very interesting trope.
September 9, 2021
A remarkably good story
Although starting the book, as a prostitute being the heroine of the story, I surprisingly got very interested in it. Truly wanting to see a romantic ending. Thoroughly enjoyed the story
Although starting the book, as a prostitute being the heroine of the story, I surprisingly got very interested in it. Truly wanting to see a romantic ending. Thoroughly enjoyed the story
April 19, 2019
Great read
Love 💘💘this series.Can't wait for more.A definite must read.Get your copy today 😀. He got his and it was great, that is all I can say
Love 💘💘this series.Can't wait for more.A definite must read.Get your copy today 😀. He got his and it was great, that is all I can say
May 25, 2019
I loved this story!!! I plan on reading more from this amazing author!!
April 14, 2019
I really liked the premise of the book. Finding your former lover in a brothel isn't super original, but I've enjoyed those romances before. But the plot was tortured and complicated to a point that it didn't have to be. Also super dark and messed up.
I get that she got the idea of these stories from actual interviews of prostitutes. But everything in this story, and I mean EVERYTHING was told in dialogue. Including dialogue where the villains of the story retold their own version of events which isn't necessarily what happened. It was hard to follow and confusing. It would have been a much better story if the story was about the events leading up her becoming a prostitute, instead of the story of events in hindsight.
I honestly thought this was a new writer until I read her author bio. Faith's story seemed interesting but clunky plot and poor writing is not worth it.
I get that she got the idea of these stories from actual interviews of prostitutes. But everything in this story, and I mean EVERYTHING was told in dialogue. Including dialogue where the villains of the story retold their own version of events which isn't necessarily what happened. It was hard to follow and confusing. It would have been a much better story if the story was about the events leading up her becoming a prostitute, instead of the story of events in hindsight.
I honestly thought this was a new writer until I read her author bio. Faith's story seemed interesting but clunky plot and poor writing is not worth it.
April 18, 2019
Romance novels in general really aren't deep tales. They're not meant to make you puzzle things out long after you've read the final page. This story isn't so much deep as it had some serious plot going on. It kept me guessing. I really enjoyed that! I believed from the start love would conquer all. I just didn't know how and I very much wanted to watch it all unfold. There was sex in this romance novel. You might be saying, "Duh!" But that isn't always the case in each romance novel I choose. These instances fit the circumstances and it wasn't as overdone as it could've been. I felt the characters were full of personality and easy to relate to. The story flowed along well with each character acting or speaking as they should. All in all, this was a good book. Well done, Beverly Oakley!
May 11, 2019
It was dragging and boring at first.
Hope's father was an imbecile for not being able to protect her from her stepmother.
I suppose Hope could tell her blackmailer that she can deny to the ton she had a sister. That way she would not give into the blackmail. Or if the threat prevailed, Hope and her sister can deny their relationship; declaring that they're not related and don't know each other.
I wonder whose body and identity that had a striking resemblance with the favourite of all Madame Chambon’s girls and had been tragically fished out of the Thames.
In my point of view, it would be a better ending if Hope's stepmother got what she deserved.
Hope's father was an imbecile for not being able to protect her from her stepmother.
I suppose Hope could tell her blackmailer that she can deny to the ton she had a sister. That way she would not give into the blackmail. Or if the threat prevailed, Hope and her sister can deny their relationship; declaring that they're not related and don't know each other.
I wonder whose body and identity that had a striking resemblance with the favourite of all Madame Chambon’s girls and had been tragically fished out of the Thames.
In my point of view, it would be a better ending if Hope's stepmother got what she deserved.
April 2, 2019
Lost innocence & redemption
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Society has looked down upon those forced into prostitution since biblical timee. So many young women never were offered a choice. This book has shown that fact quite well & with sensitivity. I'm not sure that these lost women find true love in today's or yesterday's time, but the dream of redemption is a sweet one.
Recommended. Be aware that this book contains sexual situations.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Society has looked down upon those forced into prostitution since biblical timee. So many young women never were offered a choice. This book has shown that fact quite well & with sensitivity. I'm not sure that these lost women find true love in today's or yesterday's time, but the dream of redemption is a sweet one.
Recommended. Be aware that this book contains sexual situations.
March 21, 2019
My sister's wedding
The characters are well drawn. But the continual use of the Hope's motivation, of her sister's marriage to a Lord, became tiresome. There was a great detailed description of the dresses Hope wore to various engagements. It was understood why after reading that author is trying to make the dresses and her Pinterest page has examples of such clothes. It was a good read and I can recommend reading the book.
The characters are well drawn. But the continual use of the Hope's motivation, of her sister's marriage to a Lord, became tiresome. There was a great detailed description of the dresses Hope wore to various engagements. It was understood why after reading that author is trying to make the dresses and her Pinterest page has examples of such clothes. It was a good read and I can recommend reading the book.
April 3, 2019
Fabulous!
I am absolutely loving this series! It is well worth the read and I suggest that if you enjoy 2nd chance romances with a bit of a 'kick', then you should definitely read the series.
This particular book is an easy and quick read which kept me glued to the pages. Not only is it interesting but the intrigue is fascinating, the belief in the good in others is wonderful and the 2nd chance ... Well, fabulous!
My review above is unbiased and given voluntarily.
I am absolutely loving this series! It is well worth the read and I suggest that if you enjoy 2nd chance romances with a bit of a 'kick', then you should definitely read the series.
This particular book is an easy and quick read which kept me glued to the pages. Not only is it interesting but the intrigue is fascinating, the belief in the good in others is wonderful and the 2nd chance ... Well, fabulous!
My review above is unbiased and given voluntarily.
April 6, 2019
Felix finally found the woman he loved in spite of the deceit of his fiance and her brother (a deceitful man who kidnapped and raped Hope). Hope's stepmother is despicable and should be punished. however, her stepsister told Felix that Hope was in trouble. The villain finally deserved his end and I wish that Hope's mother would also have had a sticky end that she truly deserved for what she did to Hope.
April 1, 2019
I got this book as a freebie and discovered it was book two in a series. I found and read the first one and then went back to my original selection. Interesting premise. Two young lovers torn apart. A young lady ruined and forced into a life she would never choose. But fate has a way of tipping the scales.
Entertaining book, easy to read, makes you cheer for a HEA!
Entertaining book, easy to read, makes you cheer for a HEA!
April 19, 2019
Hope & Felix's story was truly compelling. She believed she was ruined beyond redemption. He believed her abandoment proof what they fell for one another was a total lie. Together they will fight to uncover the truth & discover if their relationship is worth fighting for. Highly Recommend. Happy Reading.
October 7, 2023
I've been enjoying Ms. Oakley's books for a long time. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the "Fair Cyprians of London" series. Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy love stories that include sex. However, this series has too much of it and not enough of a story. It felt to me like the books were written for the sex and the story was secondary.
April 2, 2019
For a short book this had a delightfully engaging story. Hope was conspired against in a cruel way that took away her future and left her ruined. Felix is the young man she had fallen in love with and now she is meeting him again under the worst conditions.
April 9, 2019
Good story
The story wasn't bad, although I had trouble in the beginning. It felt a little disjointed at first but finally came together close to the end. All in all,I would recommend this book if you enjoy romances.
The story wasn't bad, although I had trouble in the beginning. It felt a little disjointed at first but finally came together close to the end. All in all,I would recommend this book if you enjoy romances.
April 18, 2019
Hope was forced into a life of prostitution by Wilfred Hunt after she failed to please him as a lover. Now, she is being blackmailed into giving up the man she loves, Felix, so Hunt's sister may wed him. Felix doesn't care who or what Hope is, he loves her and is determined to make her his.
May 7, 2019
FORSAKING HOPE : Is the story of a woman, sold into prostitution and freed by the man who had loved her. Pretty much a ‘this happened, then that happened sort of book, however I’m glad that the tale has a happy ever after ending.
June 9, 2019
4 stars
This was a story worth reading...... Sad what some high society men get away with. Felix and Hope surely belonged together from an early age. But jealousy was a sad part of one of their friends who almost destroyed both of their lives.
This was a story worth reading...... Sad what some high society men get away with. Felix and Hope surely belonged together from an early age. But jealousy was a sad part of one of their friends who almost destroyed both of their lives.
August 11, 2019
This was a tricky and slightly unbelievable story about a fallen governess. It's sad and interesting all at once. I would probably read it again knowing what it was about and I read the others in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews