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Craven House #2
La amante encanta a su marquès
El nieto de un marqués poco convencional e hijo de una mujer desgraciadamente famosa, Elijah Watson, Marqués de Ridgefeld, ha pasado la mayor parte de su vida fuera de Londres. Su crianza atípica le ha dejado un profundo deseo de echar raíces y de llevar la vida de una familia tradicional, y está determinado a vivir más allá de todo reproche. Cuando conoce a la señorita Samantha Pengarden, cree que ha encontrado la mujer con la cual desea casarse –excepto que ella le tiene reservadas otras ideas mucho más sensuales.
Conocida en la alta sociedad como la hija rebelde e ilegítima de la no muy respetable madama de la londinense Craven House, Samantha nunca antes había tenido que enfrentar al mundo sin su tímida gemela –hasta ahora. El casamiento de su hermana y el regreso del canalla de su padre la dejan sola y sin rumbo. Cuando Elijah accede a acompañarla a los sitios de la peor calaña de la ciudad, piensa que por fin ha encontrado un hombre con un gusto por el escándalo y el conocimiento de los asuntos de la carne.
Pero nunca contó con que Elijah fuera tan honorable. Cuando el nombre de Samantha aparece como la amante del Marqués de Ridgefeld en una lista en el libro de apuesta del club de caballeros White, su reputación está en ruinas –y solo Elijah puede salvarla. ¿Podrán dos almas completamente opuestas unirse en un amor que es seguro durará por siempre?
Conocida en la alta sociedad como la hija rebelde e ilegítima de la no muy respetable madama de la londinense Craven House, Samantha nunca antes había tenido que enfrentar al mundo sin su tímida gemela –hasta ahora. El casamiento de su hermana y el regreso del canalla de su padre la dejan sola y sin rumbo. Cuando Elijah accede a acompañarla a los sitios de la peor calaña de la ciudad, piensa que por fin ha encontrado un hombre con un gusto por el escándalo y el conocimiento de los asuntos de la carne.
Pero nunca contó con que Elijah fuera tan honorable. Cuando el nombre de Samantha aparece como la amante del Marqués de Ridgefeld en una lista en el libro de apuesta del club de caballeros White, su reputación está en ruinas –y solo Elijah puede salvarla. ¿Podrán dos almas completamente opuestas unirse en un amor que es seguro durará por siempre?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2019
307 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Christina McKnight
63 books827 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Christina McKnight writes emotional and intricate Regency Romance with strong women and maverick heroes.
Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books...don't forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.
Sign up for Christina's newsletter and receive a free book: eepurl.com/VP1rP
Follow her on Twitter: @CMcKnightWriter
Keep up to date on her releases: christinamcknight.com
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Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books...don't forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.
Sign up for Christina's newsletter and receive a free book: eepurl.com/VP1rP
Follow her on Twitter: @CMcKnightWriter
Keep up to date on her releases: christinamcknight.com
Like Christina's FB Author page: ChristinaMcKnightWriter
Join her private FB group for all her latest project updates and teasers! facebook.com/groups/634786203293673/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 14, 2017
The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis by
Christina McKnight is an enchanting Regency Romance. Book 2 in the "Craven House" series, it can be read as a stand alone. See, The Thief Steals Her Earl". However, I feel to better understand the family issues, you may wish to read Book 1, as well.
Well written with well-developed and engaging and likeable characters. The storyline is utterly fascinating, entertaining as well as interesting and easy to read.
Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, is the son of a notorious woman. He has spent most of his life outside of London, traveling with his beloved grandfather. He has had an unconventional upbringing, which has left him longing for a traditional family life, and putting down roots.
Miss Samantha Pengarden,is the illegitimate daughter of London’s disreputable Craven House Madame, she is rebellious, reckless and filled with inner turmoil. Her shy twin sister is getting married in a few days, which has thrown her into turmoil, feeling adrift and lonely. Then her blackguard of a father, appears at her sister's wedding throwing her further into turmoil. How dare he show up after all these years! Her and Elijah meets and is instantly attracted to each other. In Samantra, Elijah sees the woman he wishes to marry.
What follows is heart-wretching as well as heartwarming. They strike up a friendship. When Elijah finds Samantha's name on White’s betting book, as his mistress, he is infuriated. He pulls the page out and is determined to protect her reputation.
As these two young friends come to terms with their past, their disappointments, their mothers, they begin to form a bond. Sam heals Elijah's fractured turmoil as does he to Sam. These characters are longing for family, love, roots and a HEA.
Ms. McKnight never fails to delight my reading experience with her charm, warmth, her charactizations and her detail for emotionally charged stories.
Once again, Ms. McKnight captured my heart and held my attention throughout her fantastic story. What a fantastic reading experience! I enjoyed watching, Sam and Elijah's relationship mature and develop into a growing respectful, cherished and forever love. Powerful and compelling!
Easy to read and to love. Ms. McKnight has become a favorite Regency Romance author of mine. A must read for fans of complicated characters and Regency Romance. I can hardly wait to read more from this deliciously wicked "Craven House" series. Well worth reading!! Well done, Christina McKnight!!
Coming soon-
The Madame Catches Her Duke (Book Three - coming soon!)
The Gambler Wages Her Baron (Book Four - coming soon!)
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
Christina McKnight is an enchanting Regency Romance. Book 2 in the "Craven House" series, it can be read as a stand alone. See, The Thief Steals Her Earl". However, I feel to better understand the family issues, you may wish to read Book 1, as well.
Well written with well-developed and engaging and likeable characters. The storyline is utterly fascinating, entertaining as well as interesting and easy to read.
Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, is the son of a notorious woman. He has spent most of his life outside of London, traveling with his beloved grandfather. He has had an unconventional upbringing, which has left him longing for a traditional family life, and putting down roots.
Miss Samantha Pengarden,is the illegitimate daughter of London’s disreputable Craven House Madame, she is rebellious, reckless and filled with inner turmoil. Her shy twin sister is getting married in a few days, which has thrown her into turmoil, feeling adrift and lonely. Then her blackguard of a father, appears at her sister's wedding throwing her further into turmoil. How dare he show up after all these years! Her and Elijah meets and is instantly attracted to each other. In Samantra, Elijah sees the woman he wishes to marry.
What follows is heart-wretching as well as heartwarming. They strike up a friendship. When Elijah finds Samantha's name on White’s betting book, as his mistress, he is infuriated. He pulls the page out and is determined to protect her reputation.
As these two young friends come to terms with their past, their disappointments, their mothers, they begin to form a bond. Sam heals Elijah's fractured turmoil as does he to Sam. These characters are longing for family, love, roots and a HEA.
Ms. McKnight never fails to delight my reading experience with her charm, warmth, her charactizations and her detail for emotionally charged stories.
Once again, Ms. McKnight captured my heart and held my attention throughout her fantastic story. What a fantastic reading experience! I enjoyed watching, Sam and Elijah's relationship mature and develop into a growing respectful, cherished and forever love. Powerful and compelling!
Easy to read and to love. Ms. McKnight has become a favorite Regency Romance author of mine. A must read for fans of complicated characters and Regency Romance. I can hardly wait to read more from this deliciously wicked "Craven House" series. Well worth reading!! Well done, Christina McKnight!!
Coming soon-
The Madame Catches Her Duke (Book Three - coming soon!)
The Gambler Wages Her Baron (Book Four - coming soon!)
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
February 14, 2017
The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis is the second book in the Craven House series by Christina McKnight. I haven't read the first in the series but I am sure that although the reader could gain more insight into the Pengarden family from reading it, it isn't necessary to have done so to thoroughly understand and enjoy this book.
Samantha Pengarden is a sassy female from a most unconventional family. She and her twin were brought up and lived in a Whore House with their mother who was the house's Madame. The twins father walked out on their mother to marry amongst his station and had nothing to do with them at all. It didn't take long for them to be recognised by the 'ton' as illegitimate. Samantha could face it all, and with a rebellious streak too as long as she had her twin with her. But in this book that sister is about to marry, and poor Samantha doesn't know how she will cope without her.
In a state of upset, and having been flustered by all the goings on in preparation for the wedding, Samantha goes for a walk. She walks further than she realises and when she notices the weather taking a turn for the worse she is annoyed that she won't get back to the house before she ends up a bedraggled soaked mess. Fortunately on her quick retreat towards home, a carriage approaches, and she is rescued from the worst of the weather by Elija Watson, the Marquis of Ridgefield. They had never met before, but from first sight there was an instant attraction between them.
Eli wasn't a friend of the family exactly, but after losing his grandfather, he was seeing to it that all the vast wonderful collections the man had come by in his years of adventure, would go to the London Museum. The two men he needed to make arrangements with were hard to catch together, but they would be at the wedding, so he was invited along for that reason. He's still mourning the loss of his grandfather and the final realisation that his mother wasn't being kept from him against her will, that she had left for America and was happy to stay there. It was in a very emotional state that he met Samantha. They were kindred spirits even if they didn't realise it at the time.
The story goes on to tell of a relationship forming between the two, one built supposedly on fun, and to benefit them both because they wanted to be a distraction to each other from their own personal woes. Samantha also wanted the benefit of making sure other men didn't approach her, trying to woo her and Eli was the perfect way to stop that happening. She didn't know why men seemed so keen on her lately, surely it wasn't just because her twin was marrying well, and by doing so brought respectability to the family?
Will Eli and Samantha realise that what they have together is something more than just a convenient distraction. Will their pasts prevent them from truly opening their hearts to each other? They both have a lot of emotional baggage that could definitely come between them if they let it.
I really enjoyed this story, not least because of Samantha being such a strong character. She rarely let things get her down but when they did, it happened in a big way with soul deep sobs coming from her. The author made you feel her pain and you just wanted to reach into the pages to comfort her. Thankfully Eli was there to do that, and it was so lovely to see how they could bring comfort to each other even before things got saucy between them. I also enjoyed the sub plots of the twins' father turning up at the wedding, and the uproar that brought. Also Eli had his own emotional drama to deal with when seeing his mother in America. All in all it was a very emotional book, but it had plenty of light hearted moments too, not to mention passionate moments between Eli and Sam, so it never gets suffocatingly deep.
I look forward to reading more of this series, including going back and reading the first one.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers' Copy of this book.
Samantha Pengarden is a sassy female from a most unconventional family. She and her twin were brought up and lived in a Whore House with their mother who was the house's Madame. The twins father walked out on their mother to marry amongst his station and had nothing to do with them at all. It didn't take long for them to be recognised by the 'ton' as illegitimate. Samantha could face it all, and with a rebellious streak too as long as she had her twin with her. But in this book that sister is about to marry, and poor Samantha doesn't know how she will cope without her.
In a state of upset, and having been flustered by all the goings on in preparation for the wedding, Samantha goes for a walk. She walks further than she realises and when she notices the weather taking a turn for the worse she is annoyed that she won't get back to the house before she ends up a bedraggled soaked mess. Fortunately on her quick retreat towards home, a carriage approaches, and she is rescued from the worst of the weather by Elija Watson, the Marquis of Ridgefield. They had never met before, but from first sight there was an instant attraction between them.
Eli wasn't a friend of the family exactly, but after losing his grandfather, he was seeing to it that all the vast wonderful collections the man had come by in his years of adventure, would go to the London Museum. The two men he needed to make arrangements with were hard to catch together, but they would be at the wedding, so he was invited along for that reason. He's still mourning the loss of his grandfather and the final realisation that his mother wasn't being kept from him against her will, that she had left for America and was happy to stay there. It was in a very emotional state that he met Samantha. They were kindred spirits even if they didn't realise it at the time.
The story goes on to tell of a relationship forming between the two, one built supposedly on fun, and to benefit them both because they wanted to be a distraction to each other from their own personal woes. Samantha also wanted the benefit of making sure other men didn't approach her, trying to woo her and Eli was the perfect way to stop that happening. She didn't know why men seemed so keen on her lately, surely it wasn't just because her twin was marrying well, and by doing so brought respectability to the family?
Will Eli and Samantha realise that what they have together is something more than just a convenient distraction. Will their pasts prevent them from truly opening their hearts to each other? They both have a lot of emotional baggage that could definitely come between them if they let it.
I really enjoyed this story, not least because of Samantha being such a strong character. She rarely let things get her down but when they did, it happened in a big way with soul deep sobs coming from her. The author made you feel her pain and you just wanted to reach into the pages to comfort her. Thankfully Eli was there to do that, and it was so lovely to see how they could bring comfort to each other even before things got saucy between them. I also enjoyed the sub plots of the twins' father turning up at the wedding, and the uproar that brought. Also Eli had his own emotional drama to deal with when seeing his mother in America. All in all it was a very emotional book, but it had plenty of light hearted moments too, not to mention passionate moments between Eli and Sam, so it never gets suffocatingly deep.
I look forward to reading more of this series, including going back and reading the first one.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers' Copy of this book.
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September 23, 2018💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (9/23/18)!💝
Blurb:
COURTSHIP WAS NEVER SO SCANDALOUS
The grandson of an unconventional marquis and son of a notorious woman, Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, has spent most of his life outside of London. His atypical upbringing has left him longing for roots and a traditional family life, and he’s determined to live his life above reproach. When he meets Miss Samantha Pengarden, he believes he’s found the woman he wants to marry—except she has other far more sensual ideas for him.
Known throughout the ton as the illegitimate rebellious daughter of London’s disreputable Craven House Madame, Samantha has never had to face the world without her shy twin by her side—until now. Her sister’s marriage and the return of her blackguard father leaves her alone and adrift. When Elijah agrees to escort her to the town’s most infamous establishments, she thinks she’s finally found a man with a taste for scandal and a knowledge of matters of the flesh.
But she never counted on Elijah being so honorable. When Samantha is listed as the mistress of the Marquis of Ridgefeld in White’s betting book, her reputation is in ruins—and only Elijah can save her. Can two total opposites come together for a love certain to last a lifetime?
Blurb:
COURTSHIP WAS NEVER SO SCANDALOUS
The grandson of an unconventional marquis and son of a notorious woman, Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, has spent most of his life outside of London. His atypical upbringing has left him longing for roots and a traditional family life, and he’s determined to live his life above reproach. When he meets Miss Samantha Pengarden, he believes he’s found the woman he wants to marry—except she has other far more sensual ideas for him.
Known throughout the ton as the illegitimate rebellious daughter of London’s disreputable Craven House Madame, Samantha has never had to face the world without her shy twin by her side—until now. Her sister’s marriage and the return of her blackguard father leaves her alone and adrift. When Elijah agrees to escort her to the town’s most infamous establishments, she thinks she’s finally found a man with a taste for scandal and a knowledge of matters of the flesh.
But she never counted on Elijah being so honorable. When Samantha is listed as the mistress of the Marquis of Ridgefeld in White’s betting book, her reputation is in ruins—and only Elijah can save her. Can two total opposites come together for a love certain to last a lifetime?
February 18, 2017
The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis begins with the breaking of Elijah's heart as he loses his beloved grandfather and is thrust untimely into becoming the eighth Marquis. Far from England, the distress he feels is magnified when he finds that the mother he'd always wondered about wants nothing to do with him.
From that moment on, I felt very protective of Elijah; when Samantha made a plan to seek to deliberately hurt him, I found myself wanting to absolutely scratch her eyes out! But then, isn't that the ultimate goal of a romance writer... to make you fall utterly and irrevocably in love with the hero of the book?
Christina McKnight certainly managed that with Elijah. I wanted to be in Samantha's place, wanted to be there to help him sort his grandfather's treasures and plan his next exciting adventure. Samantha was a great match for him, though, fiercely independent and yet deeply desirous of someone she could trust to share her burdens. When Elijah proves that he can be that person by sharing secrets he has never told another living soul, Samantha's final surrender and lowering of her guard was as inevitable as it was beautiful.
Christina McKnight, you've done it again. I am an ARDENT fan of your works.
Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
From that moment on, I felt very protective of Elijah; when Samantha made a plan to seek to deliberately hurt him, I found myself wanting to absolutely scratch her eyes out! But then, isn't that the ultimate goal of a romance writer... to make you fall utterly and irrevocably in love with the hero of the book?
Christina McKnight certainly managed that with Elijah. I wanted to be in Samantha's place, wanted to be there to help him sort his grandfather's treasures and plan his next exciting adventure. Samantha was a great match for him, though, fiercely independent and yet deeply desirous of someone she could trust to share her burdens. When Elijah proves that he can be that person by sharing secrets he has never told another living soul, Samantha's final surrender and lowering of her guard was as inevitable as it was beautiful.
Christina McKnight, you've done it again. I am an ARDENT fan of your works.
Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
July 24, 2024
I hardly remember this one, except that I liked the beginning and found the hero to be a bit different. Then it all unraveled. There were some great plot threads but then the hero became a bit of a naive doormat, the heroine acted like a loose woman, and the great plot threads went nowhere. It was a bit of a letdown and I barely finished it. I won't be continuing the series.
February 13, 2017
Miss Samantha Pengarden grew up with her twin sister always by her side and three other siblings she shared a mother (one who was a well-known courtesan) with. Oh, she knew who her father is, after all, she has his last name. But knowing that despite his profession of love her left her, her twin sister, and their mother to struggle to survive in order to please his family. Now she’s on the verge of losing the other half of herself – her twin. What she doesn’t know is she’s about to find more than sisterly companionship. Someone who may understand her even better than her twin.
Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefield, was raised in an unconventional way – by a loving grandfather who thought nothing of taking his young grandson on travels throughout the world. It’s those travels, one in particular, that cost Elijah the only person who ever loved him; leaving him alone and blaming himself. An opportunity to step away from the memories, at least for a few days, presents itself Elijah takes the chance in hopes of using this opportunity to donate his grandfather’s collection of antiques to the British Museum. What Elijah didn’t count on is finding happiness for the first time since losing his grandfather.
A stormy walk, a meeting between strangers, a certain book, and heated encounters flood Sam and Elijah and they soon find themselves revealing more to each other than they have to another living soul.
An unexpected guest arrives that throws Sam for a loop and leaving her feeling betrayed by those she holds dear. This soon has Elijah wondering if he’s only a diversion from her pain and nothing more. When Elijah leaves before her sister’s wedding, and without leaving a word for her, Sam is broken and determines all men are like her father and vows to protect her heart.
Weeks later Elijah arrives in London to hand over the antique collection but he has one other mission on his mind – see out Samantha and determine if she truly cares or if he was just that: a diversion. When Sam realizes Elijah is in London and seeking her out she plans her revenge for all the pain he caused.
When Sam’s outlandish requests, which Elijah goes along with to prove his love, culminates in a final showdown will Elijah run as he did before or stand his ground and fight for the woman he loves? A heart to heart with her twin sheds light on some of Elijah’s actions and the fact that she loves him Sam realizes all she has to lose. Can she catch him before he slips away forever?
I loved this beautiful tale from the talented Christina McKnight. This story is not just about two people but family and Ms. McKnight writes in a way that does NOT take away from the hero and heroine but gives insight and depth to their characters.
The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis (which can be read as a stand-alone) is the second book in the Craven House series. I can’t wait to see which sibling finds love and adventure next!
Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefield, was raised in an unconventional way – by a loving grandfather who thought nothing of taking his young grandson on travels throughout the world. It’s those travels, one in particular, that cost Elijah the only person who ever loved him; leaving him alone and blaming himself. An opportunity to step away from the memories, at least for a few days, presents itself Elijah takes the chance in hopes of using this opportunity to donate his grandfather’s collection of antiques to the British Museum. What Elijah didn’t count on is finding happiness for the first time since losing his grandfather.
A stormy walk, a meeting between strangers, a certain book, and heated encounters flood Sam and Elijah and they soon find themselves revealing more to each other than they have to another living soul.
An unexpected guest arrives that throws Sam for a loop and leaving her feeling betrayed by those she holds dear. This soon has Elijah wondering if he’s only a diversion from her pain and nothing more. When Elijah leaves before her sister’s wedding, and without leaving a word for her, Sam is broken and determines all men are like her father and vows to protect her heart.
Weeks later Elijah arrives in London to hand over the antique collection but he has one other mission on his mind – see out Samantha and determine if she truly cares or if he was just that: a diversion. When Sam realizes Elijah is in London and seeking her out she plans her revenge for all the pain he caused.
When Sam’s outlandish requests, which Elijah goes along with to prove his love, culminates in a final showdown will Elijah run as he did before or stand his ground and fight for the woman he loves? A heart to heart with her twin sheds light on some of Elijah’s actions and the fact that she loves him Sam realizes all she has to lose. Can she catch him before he slips away forever?
I loved this beautiful tale from the talented Christina McKnight. This story is not just about two people but family and Ms. McKnight writes in a way that does NOT take away from the hero and heroine but gives insight and depth to their characters.
The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis (which can be read as a stand-alone) is the second book in the Craven House series. I can’t wait to see which sibling finds love and adventure next!
October 1, 2018
THE MISTRESS ENCHANTS : Too bone dry and sexless. Ho hum.
February 13, 2017
The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis is an entertaining historical romance with a unconventional cast of characters. Sam is my favorite kind of heroine, strong-willed, unconventional, and always looking for mischievous adventures. Eli has his hands full trying to win over Sam. Full of action, the book just gets better with every flip of the pages and ends with a charming HEA. I cannot wait for the next in the series. My voluntary review is based upon a review copy.
February 10, 2017
Elija Watson the Marquis of Ridgefield is still mourning his beloved grandfather. The man was the only family he had, and Elijah travelled the world with him. Now all the mementos they collected over the years will be donated to a museum.
Miss Samantha Pengarden escaped the madness that her sister's wedding is causing, to walk in the countryside. Unfortunately she didn't keep an eye on the weather.
Our heroine comes from a scandalous family but is now being accepted because of their new connections. For such a well travelled man, our hero is surprisingly shy and uncertain of himself.
This latest addition to the series is lots of fun, and a few tears. With our heroine and hero trying to fill the gaps in their hearts caused by abandonment. I now have to go and read the first in the series. A saucy and enjoyable read. I loved it.
Miss Samantha Pengarden escaped the madness that her sister's wedding is causing, to walk in the countryside. Unfortunately she didn't keep an eye on the weather.
Our heroine comes from a scandalous family but is now being accepted because of their new connections. For such a well travelled man, our hero is surprisingly shy and uncertain of himself.
This latest addition to the series is lots of fun, and a few tears. With our heroine and hero trying to fill the gaps in their hearts caused by abandonment. I now have to go and read the first in the series. A saucy and enjoyable read. I loved it.
February 1, 2017
Samantha Pengarden is at Hollybrooke Manor, the country home of Lord Cummings to celebrate the upcoming wedding of her twin sister Judith to Lord Cartwright.
Consequences
Consequences
Was all her eldest sister Marce said when Sam was doing something she ought. But the consequences of her walk to escape the wedding plans caused her to meet the devilishly handsome Elijah Watson the Eighth Marquis of Ridgefield. Who is headed to the Manor to discuss housing his Grandfather's collection of antiquities at the British Museum. He needs to talk to Lord Cartwright and Lord Cummings but since Lord Cartwright is the one marrying Judith he has been invited to stay for the wedding. Thus throwing him and Sam together in more ways then one. Sam's curiosity has gotten her into trouble again as she has found a book forbidden to young miss' when she is caught by Eli. Their attraction grows and everything is going fine until Sam and Jude's father shows up throwing everything into turmoil.
I loved Sam and Eli's story. I love all of Ms. McKnight characters. She has a way of writing strong females who are feisty, beautiful and in Sam's case curious who are able to find that one male who complements them and makes them whole without taking away from their character.
This book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend that you read the first one in the series to fully understand the relationship between the twins.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Consequences
Consequences
Was all her eldest sister Marce said when Sam was doing something she ought. But the consequences of her walk to escape the wedding plans caused her to meet the devilishly handsome Elijah Watson the Eighth Marquis of Ridgefield. Who is headed to the Manor to discuss housing his Grandfather's collection of antiquities at the British Museum. He needs to talk to Lord Cartwright and Lord Cummings but since Lord Cartwright is the one marrying Judith he has been invited to stay for the wedding. Thus throwing him and Sam together in more ways then one. Sam's curiosity has gotten her into trouble again as she has found a book forbidden to young miss' when she is caught by Eli. Their attraction grows and everything is going fine until Sam and Jude's father shows up throwing everything into turmoil.
I loved Sam and Eli's story. I love all of Ms. McKnight characters. She has a way of writing strong females who are feisty, beautiful and in Sam's case curious who are able to find that one male who complements them and makes them whole without taking away from their character.
This book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend that you read the first one in the series to fully understand the relationship between the twins.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
July 15, 2017
I did not like the heroine. She was childish and thought only of herself. The hero was okay but seemed a little uptight.
February 28, 2017
Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, was in mourning for the recent death of his grandfather, the man he knew as his father.
After traveling to various countries with his grandfather, Eli sees himself face to face with the woman who put him in the world but never wanted to know about him. And sadly, he discovers, that from there, he would remain alone.
Months later, determined to honor his grandfather and his dedication to spread culture, Eli would donate much of his grandfather's collection to the museum, and for this he would rely on the help of the man who has always been the marquis's advisor, Lord Cartwright .
Cart would marry to Jude Pengarden, in Derbyshire, and Eli was invited.
Shortly before his chariot arrives at Lord Cummings's estate, he offers a ride to a lady who walks alone in the rain.
Samantha Pengarden had arrived a few days earlier, with her other siblings, for the marriage of her twin sister, Jude.
She met Elijah and soon they perceived to have a connection, not a romantic one, but almost like a complicity.
In the following days, they are always seen together.
This happened especially at Sam's request, as she wanted to avoid certain guests of the ceremony, as her father, the man who never wanted to know about his twin daughters, just impregnated their mother and went away to marry another.
Hurt at being caught in a trap, Sam relied on Eli's friendship.
For Eli, the friendship could not have come at a better time.
Feeling utterly alone, Eli saw in Sam the daring he needed to have in his life. And from there, he has gathered new friends, like Cartwright and Garrett, Sam and Jude's brother.
When they return to London, the friendship and companionship continues, but from then on, feelings begin to blend.
Sam's audacious way is interpreted, by others, as not of a decent woman, and Elijah feels betrayed.
Without realizing it, both of them had put a deep impression on each other, and now it would be difficult for them to live apart.
But for the ultimate happy ending to come, they would need to learn the meaning of the word forgiveness...
This book has a much deeper plot than the previous one, though Samantha is considered to be the most coquettish and unorthodox sister. But she proved to be exactly what Elijah needed in life.
On the other hand, the way Elijah was raised by his grandfather allowed him to be a more self-assured, empathic person.
The union of the two causes an explosion of feelings. New and contradictory. And so they were the perfect match...
5 stars
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review
After traveling to various countries with his grandfather, Eli sees himself face to face with the woman who put him in the world but never wanted to know about him. And sadly, he discovers, that from there, he would remain alone.
Months later, determined to honor his grandfather and his dedication to spread culture, Eli would donate much of his grandfather's collection to the museum, and for this he would rely on the help of the man who has always been the marquis's advisor, Lord Cartwright .
Cart would marry to Jude Pengarden, in Derbyshire, and Eli was invited.
Shortly before his chariot arrives at Lord Cummings's estate, he offers a ride to a lady who walks alone in the rain.
Samantha Pengarden had arrived a few days earlier, with her other siblings, for the marriage of her twin sister, Jude.
She met Elijah and soon they perceived to have a connection, not a romantic one, but almost like a complicity.
In the following days, they are always seen together.
This happened especially at Sam's request, as she wanted to avoid certain guests of the ceremony, as her father, the man who never wanted to know about his twin daughters, just impregnated their mother and went away to marry another.
Hurt at being caught in a trap, Sam relied on Eli's friendship.
For Eli, the friendship could not have come at a better time.
Feeling utterly alone, Eli saw in Sam the daring he needed to have in his life. And from there, he has gathered new friends, like Cartwright and Garrett, Sam and Jude's brother.
When they return to London, the friendship and companionship continues, but from then on, feelings begin to blend.
Sam's audacious way is interpreted, by others, as not of a decent woman, and Elijah feels betrayed.
Without realizing it, both of them had put a deep impression on each other, and now it would be difficult for them to live apart.
But for the ultimate happy ending to come, they would need to learn the meaning of the word forgiveness...
This book has a much deeper plot than the previous one, though Samantha is considered to be the most coquettish and unorthodox sister. But she proved to be exactly what Elijah needed in life.
On the other hand, the way Elijah was raised by his grandfather allowed him to be a more self-assured, empathic person.
The union of the two causes an explosion of feelings. New and contradictory. And so they were the perfect match...
5 stars
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review
October 22, 2018
This is the second book in the Craven House series. I hadn't realised this wasn't the first book until after I started listening on audio book, but it's a story that stands on its own and I didn't feel I'd missed out on anything.
The story starts when Elijah Watson, Meets Samantha Pengarden on the side of the road in a storm. He rescues her and returns her to Hollybrook House where her identical twin sister is getting married. As Sam is the only person he knows, they spend their time together and I really enjoyed seeing them get to know and understand each other, particularly as they share the same vulnerabilities. Of course things don't run smoothly and when the story moves to London I found myself losing patience with Sam. In the first part of the story she was cheeky, funny and a bit naughty but naive with it. In the second half she seemed just immature and irritating. Elijah is just lovely as the hero! He was so kind and sensitive, lonely and vulnerable.... just lovely... although why he put up with the Sam in the second part of the book I have no idea. Fortunately we do get an explanation of her behaviour just as I was starting to get fed up of her!
Stevie Zimmerman narrates this book beautifully. The pace is perfect, expression is spot on, and most importantly, all of the different characters have different voices. At one point the story is in a ballroom and at every stage I had no problem knowing which character was speaking. I really enjoyed her portrayal of all the different characters... the annoying characters have annoying voices!! It really brings the whole story to life!
I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts when Elijah Watson, Meets Samantha Pengarden on the side of the road in a storm. He rescues her and returns her to Hollybrook House where her identical twin sister is getting married. As Sam is the only person he knows, they spend their time together and I really enjoyed seeing them get to know and understand each other, particularly as they share the same vulnerabilities. Of course things don't run smoothly and when the story moves to London I found myself losing patience with Sam. In the first part of the story she was cheeky, funny and a bit naughty but naive with it. In the second half she seemed just immature and irritating. Elijah is just lovely as the hero! He was so kind and sensitive, lonely and vulnerable.... just lovely... although why he put up with the Sam in the second part of the book I have no idea. Fortunately we do get an explanation of her behaviour just as I was starting to get fed up of her!
Stevie Zimmerman narrates this book beautifully. The pace is perfect, expression is spot on, and most importantly, all of the different characters have different voices. At one point the story is in a ballroom and at every stage I had no problem knowing which character was speaking. I really enjoyed her portrayal of all the different characters... the annoying characters have annoying voices!! It really brings the whole story to life!
I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2017
This is the story of Elijah Watson, the Marquis of Ridgefeld and Samantha Pengarden, the more outgoing and reckless twin of Jude, who we met in The Thief and Her Earl.
Now that her twin was getting married, she feels alone, as they nearly always did things together, and now out of the blue, their estranged father reappears at the wedding causing mayhem.
Elijah, still grieving the death of his grandfather, has some of his collection, that he had gathered on their travels, that he wishes to donate to the museum in London, because he knows that the two gentlemen he needs to speak to about the arrangements will be at the wedding, and he can't seem to gain an audience with them, he receives an invitation from them for that purpose.
When Elijah and Sam meet, there is an instant attraction, and he sees Sam as someone he could marry. Whereas, she sees him as someone to have fun with. When he sees Sam's name in White's betting book, as his mistress, he's enraged and is determined to protect her reputation.
I loved the first book in the Craven House Series and this one is just as good, we meet up with a few familiar characters, which in my opinion is a plus, I just love all the interaction familiar characters have with each other.
This is another page turner and I can't wait to read more from the series.
I voluntarily received an advanced readers copy from the author.
Now that her twin was getting married, she feels alone, as they nearly always did things together, and now out of the blue, their estranged father reappears at the wedding causing mayhem.
Elijah, still grieving the death of his grandfather, has some of his collection, that he had gathered on their travels, that he wishes to donate to the museum in London, because he knows that the two gentlemen he needs to speak to about the arrangements will be at the wedding, and he can't seem to gain an audience with them, he receives an invitation from them for that purpose.
When Elijah and Sam meet, there is an instant attraction, and he sees Sam as someone he could marry. Whereas, she sees him as someone to have fun with. When he sees Sam's name in White's betting book, as his mistress, he's enraged and is determined to protect her reputation.
I loved the first book in the Craven House Series and this one is just as good, we meet up with a few familiar characters, which in my opinion is a plus, I just love all the interaction familiar characters have with each other.
This is another page turner and I can't wait to read more from the series.
I voluntarily received an advanced readers copy from the author.
February 17, 2017
*I received a copy via NetGalley
I knew Samantha's story was going to be an adventure and I was right. The pain of their pasts brings them together to help and understand each other in many ways. I really liked that it picked up with her sister's wedding and continued a bit of the story. I loved that they were opposites on some things, but not on others because it was like it made them think and understand each other. Their chemistry was amazing and the sparks definitely were flying. The ending was perfect and I liked how it was working out with her father.
Samantha is not shy and can come close to be scandalous in her behavior, but that's why I love her. She was in a limbo over her sister getting married and then her father showing up and it was heartbreaking because not everyone saw it. I loved her personality.
Elijah is a bit quieter and more careful, but just as adventurous if not more. He was in his own limbo over his grandfather and mother and no one knew the whole story. I loved how he was a bit out of place in the city after all of his travels, but still fit in at the same time.
I can't wait to see what else Christina has in store for this series. I hope to see more on Samantha's father and Elijah's mother.
I knew Samantha's story was going to be an adventure and I was right. The pain of their pasts brings them together to help and understand each other in many ways. I really liked that it picked up with her sister's wedding and continued a bit of the story. I loved that they were opposites on some things, but not on others because it was like it made them think and understand each other. Their chemistry was amazing and the sparks definitely were flying. The ending was perfect and I liked how it was working out with her father.
Samantha is not shy and can come close to be scandalous in her behavior, but that's why I love her. She was in a limbo over her sister getting married and then her father showing up and it was heartbreaking because not everyone saw it. I loved her personality.
Elijah is a bit quieter and more careful, but just as adventurous if not more. He was in his own limbo over his grandfather and mother and no one knew the whole story. I loved how he was a bit out of place in the city after all of his travels, but still fit in at the same time.
I can't wait to see what else Christina has in store for this series. I hope to see more on Samantha's father and Elijah's mother.
June 20, 2017
The second book in the Cravenhouse Series is about learning to deal with loss. Though the losses are different, they brings Elijah Watson, the eighth Marques of Ridgefield and Miss Samantha Pengarden together. Sam is dealing with the future separation from her twin who is fixing to marry. Elijah has lost his foundation, his grandfather and discovered his mother is nothing he hoped to find. Christina McKnight brings another entrigiuing story about getting passed a loss and love and the path to find it.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
November 29, 2018
Historical English romance with an illegitimate daughter of two titled high society people that finds a legitimate marriage with another titled noble.
So not a lot to identify with, as I am neither English, nor aristocracies, or even an illegitimate child.... but I do understand trying to fit into society and making the best of a new marriage when you don't know your in-laws. So it was still a fun read about the straight edge Lord Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld and the more relaxed Miss Samantha Pengarden,
HEA guaranteed with this stand alone story.
392 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
So not a lot to identify with, as I am neither English, nor aristocracies, or even an illegitimate child.... but I do understand trying to fit into society and making the best of a new marriage when you don't know your in-laws. So it was still a fun read about the straight edge Lord Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld and the more relaxed Miss Samantha Pengarden,
HEA guaranteed with this stand alone story.
392 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
January 4, 2020
It is not difficult to be swept up in the tension between two opposing personalities: a strong-willed and social heroine meeting the reserved and quiet hero, the extrovert and the introvert. Although, I ended it with a wish for a bit more of drama and hijinks. There were no angsty tugs of my emotions for the protagonists.
However, I was impressed in coming out with a lesson (or reminder?) from this tale: that *timely* honesty of one's emotions can save one from a lot of trouble and heartache.
However, I was impressed in coming out with a lesson (or reminder?) from this tale: that *timely* honesty of one's emotions can save one from a lot of trouble and heartache.
February 17, 2017
This is book two of the series and starts off on a sad note for our Hero. Our Lady also has her ups and downs at the start. I found all the traveling aspects very entertaining as well. As the couple had all sorts of escapades. But after going through many emotions we find a happy ever after. Good reading!
September 28, 2018
Sweet
The Craven House set is very sweet - very little angst and no smutty stuff. Elijah Watson becomes Earl of Ridgeway when his adventurous grandfather dies. Eli returns to England, set to grieve forever. But he encounters a spirited miss who ends up changing his life forever.
The Craven House set is very sweet - very little angst and no smutty stuff. Elijah Watson becomes Earl of Ridgeway when his adventurous grandfather dies. Eli returns to England, set to grieve forever. But he encounters a spirited miss who ends up changing his life forever.
September 29, 2018
Sweet, predictable romance
This was the second time reading this particular book.
I enjoy the author's attention to detail.
This book is a "clean" romance, unlike some lazy writers who fill their pages with drawn out sexual encounters, this amazing author actually uses the pages to advance the romance.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This was the second time reading this particular book.
I enjoy the author's attention to detail.
This book is a "clean" romance, unlike some lazy writers who fill their pages with drawn out sexual encounters, this amazing author actually uses the pages to advance the romance.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 17, 2018
Enjoy!
This is a well written story about a smitten Marquis who is willing to try just about anything to get the love of his life and a young lady who plays him beautifully but because of both of their backgrounds there are many ups and downs.
I loved the characters and I loved the story - what more is there to say but that I am very happy to recommend this book. Enjoy!
This is a well written story about a smitten Marquis who is willing to try just about anything to get the love of his life and a young lady who plays him beautifully but because of both of their backgrounds there are many ups and downs.
I loved the characters and I loved the story - what more is there to say but that I am very happy to recommend this book. Enjoy!
October 10, 2018
Interesting
I enjoyed the story. The characters were lively. I found the repetition of the grandfather very annoying. I therefore skipped paragraphs because of the repetition. It was a good read but not my favorite.
I enjoyed the story. The characters were lively. I found the repetition of the grandfather very annoying. I therefore skipped paragraphs because of the repetition. It was a good read but not my favorite.
February 21, 2017
I loved this book. It was my first Christina McKnight book and now I will be preordering all of her books. I love the plot and I am not going to give spoilers.
March 13, 2017
Well that was so much fun to read. Just like all of Christine's books,
this book is so well done. It is such an expertly written book,
making it truly a delight to read. I have not read book one,
but I so plan to read it.
This book was so fun. In it you meet up with Theo, Cart and Jude
again from two of her other books but Theo is just heading off to
school and Cart and Jude are just getting married and that is where
we meet Jude's sister Sam walking to get to her sister’s wedding.
And where Eli finds her in the rain and rescues her. I loved Eli in
this book he has been through so much and thanks to his
grandfather has turned out an astounding man. I will warn you it
starts on a sad note. So have tissues handy if you get emotional like
me. And then I got ticked off on behalf of Eli. No one should be
treated that way. But oh how I love how Sam seems to pull him out
of his funk. And then there is how she gets him to do some of the
most scandalous things, at least for their time anyway. Now I know
they both think they are helping each other with distractions from
their problems, but they are blind to what is in their hearts.
Hopefully they will figure it out. Before he has to depart.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope
you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this
book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like
it when you do; they value your opinions too.
this book is so well done. It is such an expertly written book,
making it truly a delight to read. I have not read book one,
but I so plan to read it.
This book was so fun. In it you meet up with Theo, Cart and Jude
again from two of her other books but Theo is just heading off to
school and Cart and Jude are just getting married and that is where
we meet Jude's sister Sam walking to get to her sister’s wedding.
And where Eli finds her in the rain and rescues her. I loved Eli in
this book he has been through so much and thanks to his
grandfather has turned out an astounding man. I will warn you it
starts on a sad note. So have tissues handy if you get emotional like
me. And then I got ticked off on behalf of Eli. No one should be
treated that way. But oh how I love how Sam seems to pull him out
of his funk. And then there is how she gets him to do some of the
most scandalous things, at least for their time anyway. Now I know
they both think they are helping each other with distractions from
their problems, but they are blind to what is in their hearts.
Hopefully they will figure it out. Before he has to depart.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope
you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this
book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like
it when you do; they value your opinions too.
June 21, 2017
Absolutely wonderful
I really enjoyed both books I read and will look for more of her books. I am excited.. great read...
I really enjoyed both books I read and will look for more of her books. I am excited.. great read...
September 24, 2018
Boring
This book was boring. Nothing much ever happens. I read almost to the end but gave up. Wish I had not wasted my time.
This book was boring. Nothing much ever happens. I read almost to the end but gave up. Wish I had not wasted my time.
September 25, 2018
Nice read
Enjoyed the book. The characters were not without faults but like most humans possessed redeeming qualities that can allow love to grow and blossom.
Enjoyed the book. The characters were not without faults but like most humans possessed redeeming qualities that can allow love to grow and blossom.
September 29, 2018
Thrilling!
Wonderfully created characters, plot, and scenes. A fun time of reading and enjoying each episode that transpires from one event to the next.
Wonderfully created characters, plot, and scenes. A fun time of reading and enjoying each episode that transpires from one event to the next.
October 18, 2018
It was ok. No real complaints but it didn't make me want to read more of this series. Pretty straightforward love story. Somewhat lacking in drama/conflict. Sam can be annoying. I don't typically read for the steamy bits but this was PG-13 if that.
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