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Ashton/Rosemoor #2
Unveiled
She didn't want marriage...
A determined spinster, Jane Rosemoor has turned away many a suitor, because she is secretly fearful of the mysterious malady that plagues the married women of her family. But when her life collides with that of the sinfully handsome Earl of Westfield, she is rendered delirious by his kiss—and outraged by his proposal. His young ward requires a woman's influence, and he needs an heir. Aware her heart is already in jeopardy, she turns his cold bargain down flat.
He didn't want love...
Hayden Moreland, the Earl of Westfield, is stunned by Jane's refusal—after all, he's offered to rescue her from spinsterhood and make her a countess. He doesn't want romance—for he has learned that closeness brings tragedy and has vowed never to afflict any woman with the curse of his heart. Yet despite his best efforts, he is falling hopelessly for Jane—which is proving more problematic by the day. Especially after a night of passion seals their fate, demanding they confront their fears if they hope to embrace a love they can no longer deny.
A determined spinster, Jane Rosemoor has turned away many a suitor, because she is secretly fearful of the mysterious malady that plagues the married women of her family. But when her life collides with that of the sinfully handsome Earl of Westfield, she is rendered delirious by his kiss—and outraged by his proposal. His young ward requires a woman's influence, and he needs an heir. Aware her heart is already in jeopardy, she turns his cold bargain down flat.
He didn't want love...
Hayden Moreland, the Earl of Westfield, is stunned by Jane's refusal—after all, he's offered to rescue her from spinsterhood and make her a countess. He doesn't want romance—for he has learned that closeness brings tragedy and has vowed never to afflict any woman with the curse of his heart. Yet despite his best efforts, he is falling hopelessly for Jane—which is proving more problematic by the day. Especially after a night of passion seals their fate, demanding they confront their fears if they hope to embrace a love they can no longer deny.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 3, 2005
21 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Cook
19 books89 followersAs a child, Kristina Cook took her nose out of a book only long enough to take a ballet class (or five) each week. Not much has changed since then, except she’s added motherhood to the mix and now enjoys penning her own novels as much as reading everybody else’s. Before turning her hand to historical romance, Kristina did graduate work at Columbia University and wrote grant proposals for some of New York City's top cultural institutions. After the birth of her second child, she decided to finally write that novel she'd always wanted to write. The rest, as they say, is history. Kristina lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 25, 2009
I really enjoyed this. The heroine is reluctant to marry because depression runs in her family and it is seriously exacerbated by pregnancy. It was just so unexpected and *nice* to see the heroine have a problem that didn't focus around how independent and fiery and unconventional she was. It's not that she's afraid that marriage will rob her of all free will because of the nature of marriage. No, she actually likes the idea of being a wife and mother. It's that she's afraid that she will go absolutely insane after she has a baby and end up killing herself or being catatonic for the rest of her life, like her aunt or grandmother. It was also really nice to see a book that wasn't all sunshine and lollipops, where the idea of having a baby is the final step in the progression of love. Very realistic look at motherhood. Nuanced, even.
I also really appreciated that the hero and heroine weren't overwhelmed by their biology, i.e. there wasn't a point where the hero kissed the heroine and could not control his lust. In fact, there's a scene where they are both willing and wanting to have sex, but he *stops.* Why? Because the consequences are too much for the heroine as a single woman, and she has been very adamant about not marrying him or anyone else. He loved her too much to ruin her and see her turn into a social outcast, and he *listened* to what she said and considered it before acting.
It was just so refreshing! Neither of them were idiots! Being in each other's presence didn't turn them into idiots! They considered the consequences of their actions before plunging forward! That is ten times more powerful and moving than ripping off clothes. He listened to her. And then when they finally do have sex, he waits until she says out loud that she wants to. No punishing kisses, yay!
How sad is it that I find it completely exciting that the hero did something as simple as listening to the heroine and respecting her wishes? I mean, my god. That's so simple. But arrogant cockburn "alpha males" are endemic in romance. Because being a cockburn is masculine? I assure you that the hero is not an asshole, is confident, and is definitely masculine.
Only thing that annoyed me unduly: The hero is rather improbably named Hayden. As a first name, not as a last. I start to have trouble suspending my disbelief when characters are named things that are popular names for the under-five set. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I didn't have occasional memories of yelling, "Hayden/Jayden/Cayden/Aidan, please don't lick your classmates."
I also really appreciated that the hero and heroine weren't overwhelmed by their biology, i.e. there wasn't a point where the hero kissed the heroine and could not control his lust. In fact, there's a scene where they are both willing and wanting to have sex, but he *stops.* Why? Because the consequences are too much for the heroine as a single woman, and she has been very adamant about not marrying him or anyone else. He loved her too much to ruin her and see her turn into a social outcast, and he *listened* to what she said and considered it before acting.
It was just so refreshing! Neither of them were idiots! Being in each other's presence didn't turn them into idiots! They considered the consequences of their actions before plunging forward! That is ten times more powerful and moving than ripping off clothes. He listened to her. And then when they finally do have sex, he waits until she says out loud that she wants to. No punishing kisses, yay!
How sad is it that I find it completely exciting that the hero did something as simple as listening to the heroine and respecting her wishes? I mean, my god. That's so simple. But arrogant cockburn "alpha males" are endemic in romance. Because being a cockburn is masculine? I assure you that the hero is not an asshole, is confident, and is definitely masculine.
Only thing that annoyed me unduly: The hero is rather improbably named Hayden. As a first name, not as a last. I start to have trouble suspending my disbelief when characters are named things that are popular names for the under-five set. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I didn't have occasional memories of yelling, "Hayden/Jayden/Cayden/Aidan, please don't lick your classmates."
September 10, 2016
All the women love Lord Hayden, the Earl of Westfield. Until Lady Jane Rosemoor comes along.
He has always believed he has been cursed...the few women he has loved have died. And the women in her family have been afflicted with mild bouts of depression or "baby blues" along with some bi-polar issues. So neither wants to marry. And they don't share their secrets or fears with others.
After their initial introduction, she overhears a conversation between her cousin's husband and Hayden that puts her in a bad way. Long story short, he is in need of a wife and does not like the idea of being attracted to Jane. She is waspish, beautiful, annoying, kind, prickly, and happy. He has a young ward that needs a woman to love her. So he proposes of course but she says 'no'.
It is not a typical proposition. He reminds her that he is doing her a favor; after all, he has money, looks, and needs an heir. She is a spinster and can use his help. Go figure. Why does she act insulted?
He'll show her. He'll stay away. Until Jane asks for his help when her cousin needs his assistance. Or when Jane pursues the evasive wood lily. Or the time she provokes him and his behavior is inexcusable.
He has always believed he has been cursed...the few women he has loved have died. And the women in her family have been afflicted with mild bouts of depression or "baby blues" along with some bi-polar issues. So neither wants to marry. And they don't share their secrets or fears with others.
After their initial introduction, she overhears a conversation between her cousin's husband and Hayden that puts her in a bad way. Long story short, he is in need of a wife and does not like the idea of being attracted to Jane. She is waspish, beautiful, annoying, kind, prickly, and happy. He has a young ward that needs a woman to love her. So he proposes of course but she says 'no'.
It is not a typical proposition. He reminds her that he is doing her a favor; after all, he has money, looks, and needs an heir. She is a spinster and can use his help. Go figure. Why does she act insulted?
He'll show her. He'll stay away. Until Jane asks for his help when her cousin needs his assistance. Or when Jane pursues the evasive wood lily. Or the time she provokes him and his behavior is inexcusable.
September 6, 2016
Good beginning, then goes downhill...I'm kind of disappointed. :(
March 30, 2020
Jane and Hayden/Westfield-
An enjoyable story with a fun HEA
An enjoyable story with a fun HEA
May 27, 2021
Twisty as a country road
This novel provides many challenges to the MC as they fight their way to and from one another until a lovely HEA.
This novel provides many challenges to the MC as they fight their way to and from one another until a lovely HEA.
July 10, 2008
I liked this book better than the first one. I liked the love/hate relationship they had for a lot of the book. It did seem like a lot of the beginning sounded like P&P from 2005. But that is ok... I like the Darcy types!
April 14, 2009
Loved this! Excellent period type chick book. I loved the description of the dresses, the slightly graphic love scenes, and the stubbornness Jane feels toward Mr. Westfield.
October 6, 2009
I liked the ending, because I hate when the epilogue is only a couple days, or weeks, in the future. At first I thought she had done that, but it was an attempt to be sneaky. :)
September 9, 2013
not as good as there first but still good lots of emotional highs and lows
September 17, 2014
I bartered a paperback with my friend and this was what I got.
This book was really fun for me.
This book was really fun for me.
May 6, 2015
Lovely read. Very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews