Seduce Me with Sapphires

The London Jewels Trilogy #2

by Jane Feather

Three childhood friends dare to defy the rules of London—and love—in this glittering series from New York Times bestselling author Jane Feather...

A FLAWED CUT...
The Honorable Miss Fenella Grantley has a secret: she’s been taking drama classes and longs to be an actress. Ladies of her standing don’t appear on stage, but Fenella has never been one for society’s rules. She’s quite excited to take on the challenge of reading the leading role in a new play—until she meets the playwright. Toeing the line between infuriating and irresistible, his first impression leaves a lot to be desired...

OR A RARE FIND?
Edward Tremayne, illegitimate son of the Earl of Pendleton, scorned the ton years ago, making his own way in the world, and pursuing his literary gifts on the side. The only thing he misses from his old world is Fenella. Since seeing her at a ball when she was a young debutante, he’s never forgotten her. Now that fate has reunited them, Edward’s determined to make her his leading lady—in every way. But the only thing they see eye to eye on is their intense passion for each other. And it just may take a massive misunderstanding for their love to get on the same precious page...

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Adult, Audiobook

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Jane Feather (born Jane Robotham) is a popular British–American writer of historical romance novels. In 1984 she wrote five contemporary romances under the pseudonym Claudia Bishop. She is a New York Times-bestselling, award–winning writer, and has more than ten million romance novels in print.

Reviews

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seduce Me with Sapphires
The London Jewels Trilogy Series #2
Jane Feather
http://www.janefeatherauthor.com
Release date 01/28/2020
Publisher Kensington Zebra

Blurb :

A FLAWED CUT . . .
The Honorable Miss Fenella Grantley has a secret: she’s been taking drama classes and longs to be an actress. Ladies of her standing don’t appear on stage, but Fenella has never been one for society’s rules. She’s quite excited to take on the challenge of reading the leading role in a new play—until she meets the playwright. Toeing the line between infuriating and irresistible, his first impression leaves a lot to be desired . . .
 
OR A RARE FIND?
Edward Tremayne, illegitimate son of the Earl of Pendleton, scorned the ton years ago, making his own way in the world, and pursuing his literary gifts on the side. The only thing he misses from his old world is Fenella. Since seeing her at a ball when she was a young debutante, he’s never forgotten her. Now that fate has reunited them, Edward’s determined to make her his leading lady—in every way. But the only thing they see eye to eye on is their intense passion for each other. And it just may take a massive misunderstanding for their love to get on the same precious page . . .

My review :

When two personalities collide, will attraction be enough to flout the rules ....

I wanted to read this story because the blurb intrigued me.
If I had not known it was a historical romance, I found the narrative very modern.
In fact, it could have been set today with some adjustments of course.
As no date was specified, it is by checking the previous book in this series that I learned it was set around 1903.
As I have no knowledge of this time period, I felt a bit lost, I learned a little about society’s conventions during the regency and Victorian eras, but here I was at loss by the freedom given to Fenella. It is probably me as I do not know about rules during this portion of time.
So okay, she spend great time wandering alone in the city or at a man’s home, but having sex with him after two encounters, and without thinking of protection, it was more stupid than free to me. Especially when it is addressed he is a result from the other side of the blanket. So very careless of her and him.

After outside this, it was a tale of two characters clashing will. Those are two persons with a temper, they can be very easily angered if the right points are touched.
Edward appears to suffer from some Mood disorders, is it a creator’s syndrome?
I hope not as the many I know a little are all adorable peoples.
Yet, despite his easily infuriated self, he knows his flaws and when things go down, he refuses to let them fester and tries to settle them.
It is what I loved the most about him, he is quite an upsetting man, but for all his mistakes and defaults, he is also a thoughtful fellow, he apologizes when he realizes he was wrong.
Fenella is some way like him, she dislikes to be said what to do, why she is reading to throw society’s rules to the window to enjoy herself.
At time, I found her lacking when she refused to listen to Edward, she is upset but him too, why I thought her reaction rather childish.

While for a moment I was flying over the pages, not really connecting with their story then the last part of the book caught me, why I slowed my reading to see how they might mend the bridge they created by their actions and words.
Why my 3.75 stars rounded to 4.

So if you like angsty tale with readily flustered protagonists who address their issues with foods, discussions and love making, it is a story for you.

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington through Netgalley.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.


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[Krys · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying that I will most likely be in the minority here with my thoughts on this story. And the things that annoyed me, other people may enjoy or at least be able to overlook.

What is it lately with novels where the main characters are so ridiculously prickly that they have to fight about everything all of the time? What happened to stories that were romantic with just an occasional misunderstanding or argument to move the story along?

Edward and Fenella had nothing between them but sex. That was it. The author wanted you to believe that they "challenged" one another, but in reality, their relationship was toxic. And honestly, for a gently bred young woman, even if she did have more radical leanings, she was awful quick to jump into bed with a man she barely knew.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, let me back up a bit. Edward has written a play. A play that he is obviously both proud of, and protective of. And apparently, he's been stalking Fenella long enough that he can't see anyone else being the Rose of his play. Of course, the author doesn't call it stalking, merely that he's always outside of her house, or catching glimpses of her here and there. Either way its creepy. Well, as luck would have it, our Fenella has been taking acting classes with the hopes of being on the stage one day (an occupation that certainly would bring scandal to her family, but I'll get to that later). Edward gets Cedric's acting group to perform his play. And starts yelling at them that they are doing things wrong. Of course, Fenella's Rose is ALL WRONG.

She goes to his lodgings. Lodgings that his female landlady owns, and yet allows a young, unchaperoned and unmarried lady to go to his rooms alone. Soon, Fenella is lying to her parents, bringing her best friend into her duplicity all so she can spend the night with a man she barely knows, and honestly? It didn't appear she liked him much either.

In fact, throughout the entire book, they do nothing but haze sex and argue. And of course, Edward can't simply let her walk away. Oh no. He must be heard NOW. Things must be settled NOW. He disregards her feelings, he patronizes her at every turn, and what's worse is she puts up with it! Even when she tries to snap back at him, he turns it around so he gets his way in all things. It was ridiculous. At some point I expected them to realize that they were being unfair to each other, and frankly, to grow up. And yet, instead of talking like rational adults, they argued, they went against each other. Fenella does something she thinks will make Edward happy, he yells at her on a very public street and accuses her of doing said thing for her own personal gain. And then wonders why she refuses to speak with him.

In my opinion, there was nothing to sell this story or this relationship. If all of her relationships are this vexing, I'm not sure if I would read more from this author.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a wealthy baron's daughter Miss Fenella Grantley is expected to make a good match and take her place in London high society. But Fenella is no fan of society's stringency and has secretly been attending drama classes and quietly aspiring to be an actress. When she meets the enigmatic playwright of a new play for which she's reading the lead character, he doesn't exactly make a great first impression and she's not at all sure she likes him.

As the illegitimate son of the Earl of Pendleton, Edward Tremayne hasn't had an easy time of it. He scorns society and supports himself as a research assistant, writing his plays in his free time. But he's never forgotten Fenella since he saw her at a ball four years ago and now he's determined she must portray the lead role in his play, that she is the only one who could do it justice. Soon he's determined to make her his full stop, but they can't seem to get along for more than five minutes at a stretch and their irresistible mutual attraction is the only thing they can agree on.

First off, I liked this book much better than its predecessor, however, it was not without issues. It was extremely modern and apart from a few details, could almost be a contemporary romance. I really didn't connect with either of the main characters and found all the freedom Fenella had to be fairly unbelievable. You chance mild spoilers from her on as I get my thoughts out. Around halfway, Fenella was clearly worried she'd be seen in public with Edward by someone she knew and almost ashamed of him, yet she had plans to act on stage. This struck me as hypocritical and I was pretty much done with her then. Fenella gets angry at Edward for being truthful and telling her things she knows but refuses to face and then she expects an apology from him for it. Edward wasn't much better; he took her to a brothel for goodness sake and took a while to talk about real feelings, while just assuming she would know. That said, I can understand his hesitancy given that Fenella was still reluctant to be seen with him socially even after she admitted her feelings for him. Even when Edward makes an effort for her, she's confused by what he's doing and constantly questioning his feelings. He had no experience with being loved and I think he was just doing his best to muddle it out. Fenella's suitor, Lord George, is teased up as problematic because he's a friend and she doesn't want to hurt him, but really he's just a jerk who goes away fairly easily when I'd expected more from him and a golden opportunity for Fenella to express her feelings that was just dropped instead.

Mainly I think my issue here is that nothing really happens. Fenella and Edward have a volatile and fairly dysfunctional relationship based on sex and eat and drink a lot, then Fenella leaves him to eat and drink some more with her friends. I kept expecting more or a showdown discussion of their real feelings and it just felt a bit anticlimactic to me. This was a unique trope and I liked that and enjoyed the read overall. The writing was good and I will read this author again.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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[Tracy Emro · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Honorable Miss Fenella Grantley, only child of Baron Grantley, has a secret, one she has shared with no one, not even her dearest friends Petra & Diana. Fenella secretly longs to tread the boards and has been taking acting lessons, but she knows it is not a realistic aspiration for a woman of her social standing, but nonetheless, she is taking lessons and enjoying herself. She is actually at a class and is given a new part to read. She begins and is berated by Edward Tremayne – the illegitimate son of the Earl of Pendleton and apparently the author of the play she is reading for. Fenella knows Edward by sight, but was never formally introduced. She gets upset with his critique and gives him a piece of her mind before leaving.

Edward can’t believe Fenella didn’t immediately understand the character – in his mind she is the lead character – Rose. Edward has always lived on the fringes and has always admired Fenella, when he began writing his play, titled Sapphire, he always pictured Rose looking like Fenella. He rushes after her and to patch the riff between them. He is lucky that Fenella is a reasonable person and gives him a chance to explain himself. She listens to him and agrees to meet the next day – she is not sure how she feels about him, but doesn’t deny the attraction she feels. When she arrives home, her friends Petra & Diana are waiting for her and she tells them of her acting classes and meeting Edward. She also mentions the problem of a suitor Lord George, the son of a duke, who has lately began to act as if they are engaged, she blames herself for not making her feelings clear and is at a loss as how to set him straight without hurting him or ruining herself.

The next day Rose goes to see Edward at his lodgings, he tries to explain his vison for the play and Rose in particular, things do not go well and they once again quarrel, but this time Edward kisses her, a kiss she eagerly returns. He asks her to come back the next day and even though she is confused about how she feels, she agrees. That evening she attends her mother’s dinner party and meets Edward’s half-siblings, they are vile people, but Fenella indulges her curiosity and learns quite a bit about Edward. When she visits him the next day, they again quarrel, make up and he suggests they spend the day together, she agrees and after a good meal and interesting conversation, they return to his rooms and one thing leads to another and she spends the night and leaves even more confused than before - where is this relationship going and more important - where does she want it to go??

This was a very strange book – the first 80% is basically, Fenella and Edward eating, arguing and having sex. Repeatedly, some other things happen, but for the most part – that is the book – I kept waiting for something to happen, but it didn’t. It wasn’t a bad book, but it was somewhat boring, despite being steamy. I felt confused by Fenella, she doesn’t want to ruin herself by breaking with George, but she is going to Edward’s alone and having sex (I assume from her inner dialogue that she was a virgin) but apparently she isn’t concern about being labeled loose/fast??? I also found them both a bit spoiled and used to having things their own way – she was definitely more flexible and reasonable, Edward seemed to have a lot of “What did I say?” moments, which I actually found amusing because they were the typical male “I really don’t understand why you are upset” reaction to her anger. The end of the book did tie up most of the loose ends and cemented their relationship, but I honestly didn’t feel the love. So bottom-line, I didn’t love the book, I didn’t hate it either, and while I would not read it again, I did like it better than the first book in the series. This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

[Travelmaven · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why on earth would a supposedly strong, independent woman want to be with someone who belittles her and snipes at her? Nothing redeeming about male lead. She liked the sex, not the man.

[Caitlyn Lynch · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the early years of the 20th century, the suffragette movement was in full swing in London, and Fenella, the heroine of this story, is at least tangentially involved, though she isn’t actually depicted going on marches or to meetings. She is, however, exceptionally independent, something facilitated both by her wealth and birth (daughter of a viscount) and by her extremely casual parents who don’t worry when she comes in at three in the morning after a night out with friends. Fenella dreams of being an actress and has been secretly taking drama classes, and the story begins when a playwright comes to her class of amateur dramatists and asks them to read his play.

Edward Tremayne hasn’t chosen this group at random, though, and he very specifically wants Fenella to read Rose, the main character from his play. It very quickly comes out that he’s been what I can only call stalking and obsessing over her, somehow conflating her with the character as ‘the only person who can play Rose’ which frankly is extremely creepy and disturbing, especially since Rose is morally ambiguous at best. Edward honestly appears morally bankrupt, and being illegitimate and cast off by his family is no excuse for his behaviour. It’s no use the author trying to make him appear heroic by saying of course he thinks women deserve the vote, when the very next thing he does is patronize and berate Fenella entirely unjustly. Actions speak much louder than words, and every action he took showed he didn’t think her to be his equal.

Fenella’s behaviour made no sense. Edward was horrible to her at their first meeting, at their second he confessed to literally stalking her, and at their third she slept with him. From then on she was lying to her family and using her friends to give her cover stories when she needed them. And for what? For a man with a hair-trigger temper who continually gaslit her and told her it was her fault he lost his temper? Walking away was the smartest thing she did, but unfortunately I knew it wouldn’t last.This was one of those rare romances where I just didn’t want the protagonists to end up together because I thought they were genuinely terrible for each other. One star for a romance which was anything but romantic.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.

Note: I forgot how much I hated the first book in this series (https://www.caitlynlynch.com/single-p...). That’ll teach me to one-click on NetGalley titles just because the cover is pretty.

[Diana Aden · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had been several years since I'd read a Jane Feather book and I remember I liked her as an author, so when I won an ARC in a drawing for Seduce Me With Sapphires I looked forward to this read. I do not know if it is my reading tastes that have changed or Ms. Feather's style has changed, but I had a very difficult time getting into the story and the characters in the work. It wasn't until about halfway through the book that I finally decided to finish it. Ms. Feather does provide good descriptions of people, places, clothing, events and so forth to the point where I could visualize each, but I could not feel a connection between or with the two main characters, Fenella and Edward. They both tended to fly off the handle with one another and makeup with some very passionate encounters. It wasn't until the very end when Fenella said, "We're like pieces of a jigsaw; we fit together, except sometimes when we seem to be in different puzzles" that pretty much explains what I felt when reading this book. This is not the type of review I usually write for an author but I cannot but express my feelings. I am glad though that some people did enjoy the work.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Seduce Me with Sapphires by Jane Feather is book Two in The London Jewels Trilogy. This is the story of Edward Tremayne and Fenella Grantley. I have read the previous book but feel this can be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Edward is the illegitimate son of the Earl of Pendleton which has left he beneath the towns eye. SO Edward had to make it on his own which also included writing plays. Fenella wants to be a actress but of course her upbringing doesn't allow for that, but she still works to do so. Edward and Fennella have sparks between them and he does want her to be an actress for one of his play. But of course things are very complicated.

[Shelby · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 11%.

An empty and boring book set in the regency era to draw in readers but not bothering to actually follow through on really anything regency in tone or character.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series and the second book I’ve read by this author. Or tried to read. Fenella is a young debutante taking acting lessons, and Edward is the illegitimate son of an Earl and also a playwright. I believe the story is set around 1900 yet Fenella leaves her parent’s house alone unchaperoned whenever she wishes, takes secret acting lessons, buys a theater, stays out all night having sex with Edward all the time, and finally acts in public. Her father just laughs, “oh well, that’s Fenella!” Edward is an angry jerk but that’s O.K., she loves him for it. They have a very dysfunctional relationship. Constant arguments with his orders expected to be obeyed. I didn’t find any of this interesting or romantic. I almost forgot to mention the stalking. Edward followed her around town skulking into alleys not to be seen for four years! If it was set in 2020 I would expect them to be the featured couple on an episode of Buried in the Backyard.I received an ARC of this title from the publisher for an honest review.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy suffragette-era romance when ladies were wrenching their lives into their own hands-- although admittedly the heroine doesn't have to wrench too hard. Her mother wants her to be conventional but her father knows she's going to do what she wants anyway and would must as soon not have to fight her over it. So when she falls into a relationship with a playwright who also happens to be the acknowledged bastard son of an earl, once it comes out, papa isn't particularly bothered, though the heroine does take care to be discreet. The acting thing-- the hero wants her for the heroine of his first play-- doesn't seem to bother anyone important either. The heroine has scandalous, sexy adventures with the hero, and quarrels with him often, but they learn to negotiate their tempestuous relationship. I liked it. Good read.

[Sobia A Khan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story is so bad I just couldn't finish it. Maybe I'll get to it later. But it seems like all the main characters to is fight and then son't really even make up. I think there's more to a novel than that.

[Cathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this.
The setting was new to me, but I found I like my historical romance in a different era. The characters have an instant physical attraction but also clash in words and thoughts. This felt really modern.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.

[Marek Zákopčan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Featherová je osobitou autorkou; jej historické romance sa totiž vymykajú z bežného rámca. Osobne síce dávam prednosť epickejším príbehom s nádychom napätia, no Jane sa v poslednom čase presunula pri písaní do raných rokov 20. storočia, pričom toto obdobie nie je v danom žánri práve častým javom. Preto som so záujmom siahol aj po jej najnovšej trilógii Londýnske klenoty. Kým v prvej časti s názvom Diamantové pokušenie sme mali dočinenia s reálnymi drahými kameňmi, Zafírové zvádzanie sa pohybuje skôr v symbolickej rovine. Z prostredia obchodu sa tentoraz presúvame na dosky, ktoré znamenajú svet. Práve tam sa po rokoch znova stretávajú dve silné osobnosti, ktoré si azda popri napĺňaní svojich umeleckých ambícií nájdu čas aj na lásku...

"Fenella odtrhla zrak od jeho prenikavých, skúmavých očí a zahľadela sa do ohňa v kozube. Naozaj je na to pripravená? Pripravená čítať Zafír? Stať sa Rose? Ak nenaplní Edwardove očakávania, všetkému bude koniec. Ale čo by sa vlastne skončilo? Začínajúce priateľstvo? Ľúbostný románik? Či nádejný vzťah... s vyhliadkami do budúcnosti? Aké riziko podstupuje v tejto útulnej izbe osvetlenej blčiacimi plameňmi v kozube, s Edwardom, pôsobiacim tak sústredene, no zároveň uvoľnene? Je na to riziko pripravená? Mohol by medzi nimi vzniknúť hlboký, intímny vzťah aj bez Rose?" (str. 90)

Ide síce o historickú romancu, no ako som spomenul, nejde o celkom tradičné poňatie neskúsenej hrdinky a vnútornými démonmi poznačeného hrdinu. Protagonisti knihy - Fenella Grantleyová a Edward Tremayne - by pokojne obstáli aj v kontexte dnešnej doby. Ich názory, spôsob vyjadrovania i vzájomné vzťahy podliehajú modernejšiemu nádychu, čo je vzhľadom na obdobie deja pochopiteľné. Aj preto je Fenella omnoho odvážnejšia ako iné ústredné postavy daného žánru, neviazane sa púšťa do napĺňania svojich cieľov, nenecháva sa zväzovať zastaranými konvenciami a ani vo veciach lásky a vášne nie je úplne ostýchavá. Emancipácia jej však nijako nebráni uznať kvality príťažlivého a nadaného muža. V tomto Jane Featherovú uznávam, pretože hoci občas príbeh zvádza k presadzovaniu ženských práv, robí to nenútene a na zdôraznenie postavenia žien v danej spoločnosti, nie v snahe znevažovať iné hodnoty či osoby. Poďme sa ale pozrieť bližšie na obsah knihy.

Úctyhodná slečna Fenella ukrýva tajomstvo - navštevuje hodiny herectva a túži stáť na divadelných doskách. Pre príslušníčku vyššej vrstvy je to, samozrejme, čosi nemysliteľné, no ona nemá v povahe podriaďovať sa pravidlám, ktoré sú skôr na obtiaž než na úžitok. Keď dostane šancu hrať hlavnú úlohu v hre s názvom Zafír, je nadšená. Až do momentu, keď zistí, kto je jej autorom, a začne sa zmietať medzi vzrušením a pochybnosťami. Edward je síce iba nemanželským synom šľachtica, ale rozhodol sa hrať s kartami, ktoré mu osud nadelil. Pred rokmi síce odložil svoj literárny talent bokom, no teraz nastal čas oprášiť ho. Keď pritom znova natrafí na Fenellu, ktorú spoznal ešte ako mladú debutantku, vie, že je na správnej ceste. Vzájomná chémia a túžba sa mieša so snahou vytvoriť umelecky hodnotné predstavenie, no na obzore sú ďalšie prekážky. Či už v podobe vhodnejšieho manžela pre Fenellu alebo jej predsavzatia nenechať sa nikým ovplyvňovať. Odlišné osobnosti a nevyriešené konflikty z minulosti sú dostatočným základom pre neustále iskrenie aj emóciami nabité situácie.

"Sprvu ju trochu zarazilo, ako sa zabávajú herci živiaci sa vystupovaním na javisku, ale ostýchavosť ju rýchlo prešla. V spoločnosti Neda a jeho priateľov sa z nej stávala celkom iná osoba, alebo sa tak aspoň cítila. Mohla byť konečne prirodzená, zabudnúť na obmedzujúce pravidlá a na zlomyseľné klebety okolia. Smiala sa, až jej tiekli slzy, vypila oveľa viac vína, než by mala, a vychutnávala si pohľad na skutočného Edwarda - muža, ktorý sa smeje, s veľkým nadšením vymýšľa dôvtipné hádanky a ktorý nevidí nič zlé na tom, že sa s ňou napriek obecenstvu bez zábran bozkáva." (str. 212)

Zafírové zvádzanie plynie pokojným tempom, kladie dôraz skôr na vzťahovú zložku než na akciu, takže knihu odporúčam romanticky založeným dušiam, ktoré nepotrebujú v romanci zažívať dobrodružstvo, ale dávajú prednosť postupnému zbližovaniu hrdinov. Vzťah Fenelly a Edwarda sám osebe nie je ničím výnimočný, románu dodáva grády predovšetkým umelecké prostredie. Náhľad do divadelníctva začiatkom minulého storočia je pútavé a drží príbeh nad vodou. Kniha pracuje s mottom, že najvzácnejším drahokamom je láska, a autorka potvrdzuje, že práve tá je hnacím motorom jej tvorby.

[Norah Gibbons · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Seduce Me With Sapphires is the second book in Jane Feather’s London Jewels Trilogy. It can be read as a stand-alone. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by Jane Feather and this one is an old school romance with a hero who’s just a little bit dark. Edward Tremayne is the natural son of an Earl who was raised within the Earl’s family but then disowned when he wasn’t interested in spending the rest of his life in servitude to the Earldom. Fenella Grantly wants something different than marriage to a peer and running his household. She is interested in woman’s suffrage and is secretly studying acting. When Edward brings a play he has written to her acting teacher, he asks her to read the lead role, and although she finds him overbearing, with a chip on his shoulder, there is a spark there, and she agrees to play the part. Edwards's pride and her desire for independence lead to conflicts between them and their road to HEA is not a smooth one. Medium Steam. Publishing Date January 28, 2020. #NetGalley #SeduceMeWithSapphires #JaneFeather #OldSchoolRomanceNovel #HistoricalRomance #bookstagram #bookstagramer #KensingtonBooks #ZebraRomanceNovels

[Lori D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read almost everything that this amazing author has read and loved them all. The premise of this story had the heroine, Fenella, venturing out on her own to secretly take acting lessons and that brings her in contact with the playwright, Edward Tremayne. She soon realizes she remembers seeing him several times at dances and he was the one standing against the wall glaring. Edward had never forgotten Fenella either.
The journey begins of two strong willed people who clash constantly but are attracted in spite of it or maybe because of it. Edward wanted her to be the main roll in his play. but they definately set out on the wrong foot. But he is determined to have her in more ways than one..
Well drawn characters, strong emotions, a mystery, sizzling romance and a lot of twist and turns with humor thrown in, bring this tale full circle and have you guessing if these two will ever work it out!
Simply a must read!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I am not really sure how to rate this book. On one hand, I loved the bohemian take on Victorian life. On the other hand, I thought the hero was quite rude for the majority of the book. I understand that maybe that was just his temperament, but I did not like it. I did like the heroine. I thought she was portrayed well and knew what she wanted and her parents were very accommodating, which actually was a little bit of a surprise to me. On the whole, the story was good (not as good as the last story which I loved) just not what I was expecting.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not get into this book. When I am into a book, I normally finish it in 24 hours. I ave been trying to read this book all week and just can’t do it. I don’t care about these characters, and they don’t seem to care that much about each other, either. I’m not a stickler for historical accuracy (it’s fiction, whatever), but there are some huge whoppers in here, and I can’t get wrapped up enjoy in the story to overlook them. This is a no from me.

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Diane Rapport · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Fenella Grantley is bored with her life as a member of London Society. She sneaks away each week to take an acting class, finding it exciting and interesting. There she meets an author, Edward Tremayne, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Pendleton. He left Society years earlier, and doesn’t think very highly of the system. He does, however see Fenella as a potential candidate for the lead role in Sapphire - the new play he’s written. He must get to know her better to see if his instincts are correct.

I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. There was no real connection between the two, other than the fact that they fight quite a lot. Then they hop into bed a lot. He bosses her around. She tells him to stop, they eat dinner, have more sex, then he takes her home. Occasionally her friends check in to see how she’s doing.

The glimpse of a London that is not all high society was interesting. This book wasn’t horrible, but perhaps my view of Jane Feathers earlier books has tainted my view of these. I’m quite sure better reviews than mine will be written. I’m also sure I will finish off the series and soon read the third book. Maybe it will all make sense then!

[Yvonne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Usually Jane Feather doesn't foist too many modern sensibilities in her historical romance but for this one she did. Even by standards of just 30 or 40 years ago this couple moved a little too fast. I know that social strictures in the early 1900's were not as pronounced in the Regency & Victorian eras but they were not quite as loose as portrayed here. Also, her parents didn't seem to be too aghast that the heroine wants to be an actress. Maybe if she had an unconventional upbringing in some way but her parents seem the usual conservative parents for that time period.
As if all this wasn't enough I just couldn't really care about the hero or heroine. They both seemed to make snap judgements & seemed just a little to mercurial. I don't mind broody heroes but there is a difference in being a little bit of grumpy gus and an outright asshole. There also didn't seem to be really that much chemistry between the 2 main characters. There was a lot of sex but it almost seemed clinical and detached.
I tried to like this book but I just couldn't.

[HeatherP · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've enjoyed binging on historical romance books lately. I"ve found some really good authors lately that I have not tried yet, but not everyone has a been a winner for me. I think this one is an example of a "it's not you it's me" case. I did not connect with either main character. I also did not get invested in the relationship they were suppose to have. This one also felt to modern/contemporary for me to like it as a historical romance book. I might have been able to overlook all of that if the plot was more than what it was. I just got bored, and felt nothing really every happened besides them having sex. How was I supposed to fall in love with their love if it was all sex?? I will try this author again but this one was a miss for me.


ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book overall, though I did have a few things that I looked at a bit cross-eyed. Both characters are well-born, but not typical of their contemporaries. Their relationship is very volatile, as both have tempers.

Fenella is the daughter of a baron, but one who doesn't enjoy Society life, which she finds dreadfully dull. She is a modern woman who is interested in world events, politics, and women's suffrage. She has a suitor who takes the progress of their relationship for granted. She also has a secret. She wants to be an actress and has been taking acting lessons in pursuit of that goal. She is excited when the acting coach brings a new play to class, and she reads the leading role. Things go downhill quickly when the play's writer verbally attacks her interpretation of the character, and Fenella fires back with her own opinion, then walks out.

Edward is the illegitimate son of an earl. After the age of seven, he was raised with his legitimate siblings, who never let him forget that he was an outsider. He received an excellent education but became persona non grata with his family when he preferred to make his own way in the world. Edward is happy with his job as a research assistant for an English professor, which gives him time for his writing. The lead in his play is based on the girl who fascinated him when he was younger - Fenella. The woman she is now is equally fascinating but also incredibly frustrating.

The sparks flew between Fenella and Edward from the moment they met. Fenella is independent and outspoken and has no problem telling Edward precisely what she thinks. Edward is focused on his goal and protective of his work. I will say that I didn't like Edward much at the beginning. He is so volatile, flipping from angry to nice to angry again at the drop of a hat. I would begin to think that he'd finally settled down when something would set him off again. I understood why Fenella wasn't sure whether she liked the man, even though she was attracted to him. She was interested enough in the play to give him a second chance, but she was also wary. That wariness, however, wasn't enough to stop the attraction she also felt.

I was surprised by the speed with which Fenella and Edward became intimate. Those sparks burst into flame within a few days, and from there on out, they could barely keep their hands off each other. The ease with which Fenella was able to be alone with Edward was surprising. No one seemed to care that she went off alone, came home in the wee hours, if at all, or changed plans with no notice. There were a few instances where I saw some logic in her actions. I liked that she was determined to keep their personal relationship separate from their professional one, as she worried that he was only interested in keeping her in her role as Rose.

There were several times when I thought Edward strayed too close to abusive behavior. His frequent bursts of temper were disturbing, especially when he didn't seem to know what set him off. He had some times of being controlling, though Fenella did fairly well of pulling out of those when she wanted to. The more I got to know Edward, the more I realized that some of it was that he didn't know any better because of the way he was raised. There were other times when he was charming and thoughtful, which gave me hope for their future.

There was one point near the end when that future became questionable. When Fenella impulsively does something she thinks will help Edward, she doesn't think it all the way through. Edward blows up, saying some unspeakably cruel things, rather than considering the spirit of the offer. I ached for them both, as Fenella believes that everything is over between them, and Edward wants to find a way to mend fences. The dinner scene before the ball was painful for all, but especially for Fenella, stuck between Edward and George. The ball scene was fun. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing George get what was coming to him. Edward and Fenella had a productive discussion before going on to face down his nasty half-siblings. I loved the epilogue and seeing how the play was received. I loved Edward's big moment at the end. Fenella described their relationship perfectly when she said, "We're like pieces of a jigsaw; we fit together, except sometimes when we seem to be in different puzzles."

I liked Fenella's friends, Diana and Petra. I will need to go back and read Diana's story. I liked her and what I saw of her husband. There was a sneak-peek into Petra's book at the end of this one, and I am intrigued to read hers, too.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seduce Me with Sapphires is the second in this series, though it could be read as a stand alone. I found it rather odd. I really could not connect with either of the main characters.

Fenella Grantley has been suffering from ennui, bored with her life, which she admits to herself is ungrateful because as the daughter of a baron, she lives a very privileged life. She has a suitor, George, who believes that she will be his wife, but she only thinks of him as a friend, knowing they would not work, as he does not really listen to her or appreciate her opinions. One thing this book does do, is demonstrate how privileged the upper class was, when the author describes the life of the servants in comparison to that of Fenella and her friends. Fenella had enjoyed acting in plays when she was younger, so has joined a drama class. She is fortunate again, that her parents give her freedom to come and go as she pleases, trusting her to have good sense. The drama class is presented with the opportunity to perform a new play, by Edward Tremayne, the illegitimate son of an Earl and an actress. His father had removed him from his mother at the age of 7, educated him, but he was still treated as second class by his half siblings, receiving no love from his father. Instead of taking on the role offered by his father as groundskeeper, he works as a research assistant to a professor at King's College and wrote this play, Sapphire, with Fenella as his inspiration for the main character, Rose, although they had only passing acquaintance. The two of them are like fire and water. They quickly begin an affair, too quick in my opinion, and I find it hard to believe that after how he was treated growing up, that Edward would risk having a child out of wedlock and that Fenella would take that risk either. And like Fenella, I found parts of the book boring.

I read an ARC provided by NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Danielle Bush · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from netgalley.

It took me like a full week to read this book, when i usually finish one in a day.I finally had to sit down and power through so I could finish it and move on to something else.
I thought right from the beginning that it kind of seemed unbelievable. Fenella is from the upper classes, but feeling.. i guess depressed/ melancholy. So she has started taking acting lessons. One day when she arrives to class its to be told that they will be putting on a play written by Edward Tremayne. Edward decides that Fenella should read the part of Rose who is the main character..
Almost immediately they start to argue, Fenella storms off and Edward chases after. They go back to his house and talk about the play then kiss.. She goes back the next day and they have sex.
It was like there wasn't any real emotional connection between the characters. They met, had lots of sex, ate a lot of food. argued A LOT.... Also it did feel very modern, that might have been written that way because its taking place when women are trying to get the right to vote.. But it felt kind of unrealistic.. Fenella just wandered around with no problems, her parents had almost no issues with Fenella going out with a man late at night. and not coming home till even later..
It wasn't a bad book, I just didn't connect to it.. I haven't read the first book in this series, but I have read some of Jane Feathers older books that I really enjoyed.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FLAWED CUT . . .
The Honorable Miss Fenella Grantley has a secret: she’s been taking drama classes and longs to be an actress. Ladies of her standing don’t appear on stage, but Fenella has never been one for society’s rules. She’s quite excited to take on the challenge of reading the leading role in a new play—until she meets the playwright. Toeing the line between infuriating and irresistible, his first impression leaves a lot to be desired . . .

OR A RARE FIND?
Edward Tremayne, illegitimate son of the Earl of Pendleton, scorned the ton years ago, making his own way in the world, and pursuing his literary gifts on the side. The only thing he misses from his old world is Fenella. Since seeing her at a ball when she was a young debutante, he’s never forgotten her. Now that fate has reunited them, Edward’s determined to make her his leading lady—in every way. But the only thing they see eye to eye on is their intense passion for each other. And it just may take a massive misunderstanding for their love to get on the same precious page . . .
This is the second book in the series and although connected they can be read as standalone titles. I enjoyed this read more than the first book. although they are rated similarly.
Strong characters and plot are what they have in common.
This book gets 4.85 of 5.0 stars
I received a complimentary ARC to read which in no way influenced my opinion of this book.

[Arriesta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Feather’s second historical romance novel to the London Jewels trilogy has arrived! Seduce Me with Sapphires takes Miss Fenella Grantley, the childhood friend of Diana Sommerville from Tempt Me with Diamonds into the world of London theatre.

Fenella is secretly taking acting lessons and when the new playwright, Edward Tremayne, puts her into the lead role of his debut play, not only do artistic temperaments flair but so does desire….
While I enjoyed Fenella’s character and her desire to escape the mold that her parents, her future intended and society expect of her, I was not too pleased with Edwards character and nasty attitude. Edward Tremayne, the illegitimate son of The Earl of Pendleton has a chip on his shoulder that I found really frustrating. Edward tends to lash out at everyone he perceives is looking down on him or pitying him, that along with his creative, artistic temperament is a formula for disaster whenever someone doesn’t understand the vision, he wishes to portray in his theatre play. I found it hard to like him to honest.

I would rate this novel in the middle of the pack for Jane Feather novels. I really enjoyed Tempt Me With Diamonds with the whole, girl in love with brothers best friend theme. I’m hoping Ravish Me With Rubies featuring Petra will provide a nice conclusion to the London Jewels series. I love the women empowerment and suffrage movement themes which appears to look like the case for the Ravish Me With Rubies novel.

I received an ARC copy from Kensington Books in order to review with all opinions being my own.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Honorable Miss Fenella Grantley has a secret: she’s been taking drama classes and longs to be an actress. Ladies of her standing don’t appear on stage, but Fenella has never been one for society’s rules. She’s quite excited to take on the challenge of reading the leading role in a new play—until she meets the playwright. Toeing the line between infuriating and irresistible, his first impression leaves a lot to be desired . . .
Edward Tremayne, illegitimate son of the Earl of Pendleton, scorned the ton years ago, making his own way in the world, and pursuing his literary gifts on the side. The only thing he misses from his old world is Fenella. Since seeing her at a ball when she was a young debutante, he’s never forgotten her. Now that fate has reunited them, Edward’s determined to make her his leading lady—in every way. But the only thing they see eye to eye on is their intense passion for each other. And it just may take a massive misunderstanding for their love to get on the same precious page.
This was a great story by a great author. I’ve read a number of her books and they don’t disappoint. I really liked both main characters as well as the plot. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

[Marina P · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this historical romance, it felt too contemporary from the beginning.

The main characters were intimate too quickly for my taste. Both of them did not know, where this intimacy would take them - so both were thinking to have a one—night-stand or a short fling? Did a young woman of high society, who was never married before and still lived with her parents, really have the sexual freedom described in this book? I don’t think so and this made the story off-putting.

Furthermore, I did not like the hero at all. He was very rude, inconsiderate of the heroine’s feelings and opinions, pushy and overbearing. There was a scene in the story, where he hurled insults at the heroine and afterwards could for the life of him not remember what he said to her. In my opinion, someone like this will always act first and think later, meaning that he is unlikely to change (nearly impossible even, considering that he is supposedly over 30 y old…) so I kept asking myself: what the hell does she see in him?

Which leads me to my next grievance: Is the heroine some find of a masochist to still want/love the jerky hero? The whole romantic part of this book got unbelievable for me, so: no, I did not enjoy this book.

[Eliška Kolorédyová · Rating 3 out of 5]

Druhá kniha trilógie sa venuje ďalšej z troch priateliek - Fenelle. Fenella potajomky navštevuje hodiny herectva, čo sa k slušnej dáme z vyššej spoločnosti až tak nehodí. Okrem toho sa tiež aktívne angažuje v aktivitách boja za práva žien. Jedného dňa dostane na hodinách herectva ponuku zahrať si v divadelnej hre hlavnú postavu diela Zafír - Rose. Nácvikov sa zúčastňuje aj autor hry - Edward, ktorý sa správa nevypočitateľne a arogantne. Fenella stratí záujem o stvárnenie postavy Rose. Ale Edward si tam inú herečku nevie predstaviť. Nájdu nakoniec spoločnú reč?
Kniha bola fajn, určite lepšia ako prvá časť tejto série, dej bol zaujímavejší...i keď naozaj mi prekážal Edward a jeho správanie, niekoľkokrát urazil všetko a všetkých...hrdosť by mi zrejme nedvolila s ním už nikdy anilen prehovoriť. Občas som nemohla uveriť, čo z neho zas vyliezlo a dúfala som, že sa zmení, už len kvôli tomu, že Fenella mi bola naozaj sympatická.
Všetky tri priateľky sú úžasné a stvárňujú ideál priateľstva...pomáhajú si, radia si, vždy si nájdu čas jedna na druhú.
Kniha a aj príbeh splnili, čo som očakávala, kniha je romantickou oddychovkou, dá sa pri nej vypnúť, no dve hviezdičky dávam dole, z tohto žánru som čítala aj podstatne lepšie.

[Deborah Cleaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first thought on meeting the hero in this book was a strong desire to slap him for being presumptuous and even sexually assaultive. That desire never went away despite becoming convinced that the heroine found him to be her romantic hero and responded avidly to his sexual interest. Sadly, the heroine falls for an abusive man in his seductive phase, where verbal meanness is repeatedly apologized for long after the fact. Even though the heroine finds his emotional affect seriously wanting and painful, she is attracted to him sexually, even when he scolds her for making soft sounds during sex. Although the hero becomes violently physically assaultive towards the end, it is presented as acceptable because he hits an undesirable suitor. This is not my kind of hero or heroine. Still the author writes well, admits the foibles of her hero, focuses on a growing relationship. What is most pleasing is that the author never confuses a plenitude of good sexual contact as being the basis for declaiming love. Instead she shows two faulty characters working to change themselves and to create a relationship based on shared interests, needs, and goals.