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The Survivors #4
Unmask Me If You Can
This masked lord... Lord Jasper, younger son of a marquess, suffered horrible burns fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. He wears a mask to hide his face from the stares and screams and finds comfort in the shadows. Jasper is an exceptional bounty hunter, so when a woman summons him to her deathbed and asks him to find her runaway daughter before she passes away, he doesn't refuse. Jasper is close to his quarry when he's knifed by an assailant. Imagine his surprise when he regains consciousness in the arms of the woman he seeks. Except she's not at all what he expected.Is not the only one with scars.On a remote cliff on the sea, Olivia Carlisle calls her five-year-old son in from an approaching storm. But the little boy is more interested in the man he's found on the trail to their hidden cottage. Olivia fears men and wants nothing more than to leave the injured man where she found him. But his knife wound is severe, and with the approaching storm, she knows leaving him will condemn him to death. As Jasper begins to heal, Olivia acknowledges her attraction to him, even though such emotions terrify her almost as much as returning to London. Jasper must convince her that her only chance at safety is to challenge the man who pursues her. They must travel into the lion's den—he to face his vulnerability and she to face her worst fears.
466 pages, Paperback
First published November 6, 2018
257 people are currently reading
1045 people want to read
About the author
Shana Galen
98 books1,547 followersShana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
March 14, 2021
4.5 stars. Trust and consent were huge in this book and sooooo satisfying.
There was one plot point that probably needed some explanation on the the how Otherwise it was a really good read. There was quiet time for the h&h to get to know each other, moments where they both get to prove their mettle and just really worthy leads.
This is one of those books that shows how very sexy consent is...
There was one plot point that probably needed some explanation on the the how Otherwise it was a really good read. There was quiet time for the h&h to get to know each other, moments where they both get to prove their mettle and just really worthy leads.
This is one of those books that shows how very sexy consent is...
October 30, 2018
Series: The Survivors #4
Publication Date: 11/6/18
FINALLY! Jasper’s story! Jasper was interesting and intriguing from the moment I met him in Third Son’s a Charm. I knew he needed a really special heroine and he certainly got her in Olivia. This book is excellently and intelligently written, well-plotted, and it has a lovely romance. The book title is also perfect – and often, that isn’t the case.
Jasper Grantham is the youngest son of the Marquess of Strathern. He had joined the military, as was expected of younger sons, and he was recruited into what was basically a suicide squad. They took on the missions nobody else could or would and they didn’t expect to survive the war. They started with thirty men and only a handful did actually survive. (Read Third Son’s A Charm for more of the history). Jasper survived but was very badly scarred. He now wears a mask to keep from terrifying the women and children who see him and think him a monster. He’s also filled with guilt because he could not save his friend as he was trying to do when he was injured. Each man in his military unit had a special skill and Jasper’s skill was finding things. It was just something he was born doing. Jasper is the most honorable, patient, considerate, kind and caring hero I’ve read in a while.
Olivia Carlisle, daughter of Viscount Richard Carlisle, has been in hiding for five years. She is the kind of heroine I love to read about. So many ‘strong and brave’ heroines are just shrewish and TSTL, but not Olivia. She has managed to survive and provide a home for her and her son. Can you imagine the strength and intelligence it would take for a very young woman, raised in the lap of luxury with everything done for her, to manage to survive on her own and to care for her son with almost no money at all? She learned to cook, clean, sew, grow a garden, care for a horse – you name it. Olivia’s one problem is that she is absolutely terrified of men and with good reason.
Jasper was hired by Viscount Carlisle to find his missing daughter because her mother was dying and she wanted to see Olivia before she died. Jasper had traced Olivia to the small village of Penbury on the coast. As he was ascending the steep trail to her remote cottage, he was stabbed and left for dead. It didn’t seem like a random attack, but who could it have been?
Olivia’s young son, Richard, comes running up to her shouting “Mama! Mama!” and when Olivia tried to get him inside before the storm started, he said, “But Mama, I found something.” He then held up a man’s boot. Olivia couldn’t imagine where that would have come from – and then Richard told her there had also been a man lying beside the boot. After he convinced her, she went with Richard and saw Jasper. Surely he was dead because there was so very much blood. She managed to summon the courage to get close enough to feel the vein in his neck and found a faint heartbeat. She knew he’d die if she left him here – but she couldn’t – she just couldn’t have him near her. She almost left him, but in the end, her humanity won out and she managed to drag him to her cottage and tend his wounds.
So starts a sweet, poignant love story. I loved watching them fall in love. I loved how understanding and patient Jasper was with Olivia’s fears and how quickly he took to Richard. I do have to say, though, that Jasper’s patience began to wear a little thin during the love scenes. I understand Olivia’s issues totally, but when Jasper keeps asking permission, time after time after time during the same scene to do something she’s already given permission for – well – instead of enjoying the read, I was thinking “Good Grief – just get on with it!” You'll notice that I gave the book 5-stars, so obviously, this didn't bother me overly much.
You know, early on, who the villain is. There is certainly no effort to make it a secret. He is a villain who acts like a villain and everybody knows it. He makes absolutely no pretense at being other than he is. To me, the even worse villain is the one who enables him. The one who hides behind a curtain of love and care. The main villain got his punishment, probably all that would have been available to dish out during that time, but I wished for more. To this blood-thirsty reviewer, I would have loved it if Jasper and his friends had had the villain kidnapped and shipped off to some Pasha in the East somewhere so that he would become a sex slave. Let the punishment fit the crime! I also wouldn’t have minded if his enabler had gone with him, but – well – I can see why that couldn’t happen.
I really loved the book! Jasper got his perfect mate! Way to go!
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 11/6/18
FINALLY! Jasper’s story! Jasper was interesting and intriguing from the moment I met him in Third Son’s a Charm. I knew he needed a really special heroine and he certainly got her in Olivia. This book is excellently and intelligently written, well-plotted, and it has a lovely romance. The book title is also perfect – and often, that isn’t the case.
Jasper Grantham is the youngest son of the Marquess of Strathern. He had joined the military, as was expected of younger sons, and he was recruited into what was basically a suicide squad. They took on the missions nobody else could or would and they didn’t expect to survive the war. They started with thirty men and only a handful did actually survive. (Read Third Son’s A Charm for more of the history). Jasper survived but was very badly scarred. He now wears a mask to keep from terrifying the women and children who see him and think him a monster. He’s also filled with guilt because he could not save his friend as he was trying to do when he was injured. Each man in his military unit had a special skill and Jasper’s skill was finding things. It was just something he was born doing. Jasper is the most honorable, patient, considerate, kind and caring hero I’ve read in a while.
Olivia Carlisle, daughter of Viscount Richard Carlisle, has been in hiding for five years. She is the kind of heroine I love to read about. So many ‘strong and brave’ heroines are just shrewish and TSTL, but not Olivia. She has managed to survive and provide a home for her and her son. Can you imagine the strength and intelligence it would take for a very young woman, raised in the lap of luxury with everything done for her, to manage to survive on her own and to care for her son with almost no money at all? She learned to cook, clean, sew, grow a garden, care for a horse – you name it. Olivia’s one problem is that she is absolutely terrified of men and with good reason.
Jasper was hired by Viscount Carlisle to find his missing daughter because her mother was dying and she wanted to see Olivia before she died. Jasper had traced Olivia to the small village of Penbury on the coast. As he was ascending the steep trail to her remote cottage, he was stabbed and left for dead. It didn’t seem like a random attack, but who could it have been?
Olivia’s young son, Richard, comes running up to her shouting “Mama! Mama!” and when Olivia tried to get him inside before the storm started, he said, “But Mama, I found something.” He then held up a man’s boot. Olivia couldn’t imagine where that would have come from – and then Richard told her there had also been a man lying beside the boot. After he convinced her, she went with Richard and saw Jasper. Surely he was dead because there was so very much blood. She managed to summon the courage to get close enough to feel the vein in his neck and found a faint heartbeat. She knew he’d die if she left him here – but she couldn’t – she just couldn’t have him near her. She almost left him, but in the end, her humanity won out and she managed to drag him to her cottage and tend his wounds.
So starts a sweet, poignant love story. I loved watching them fall in love. I loved how understanding and patient Jasper was with Olivia’s fears and how quickly he took to Richard. I do have to say, though, that Jasper’s patience began to wear a little thin during the love scenes. I understand Olivia’s issues totally, but when Jasper keeps asking permission, time after time after time during the same scene to do something she’s already given permission for – well – instead of enjoying the read, I was thinking “Good Grief – just get on with it!” You'll notice that I gave the book 5-stars, so obviously, this didn't bother me overly much.
You know, early on, who the villain is. There is certainly no effort to make it a secret. He is a villain who acts like a villain and everybody knows it. He makes absolutely no pretense at being other than he is. To me, the even worse villain is the one who enables him. The one who hides behind a curtain of love and care. The main villain got his punishment, probably all that would have been available to dish out during that time, but I wished for more. To this blood-thirsty reviewer, I would have loved it if Jasper and his friends had had the villain kidnapped and shipped off to some Pasha in the East somewhere so that he would become a sex slave. Let the punishment fit the crime! I also wouldn’t have minded if his enabler had gone with him, but – well – I can see why that couldn’t happen.
I really loved the book! Jasper got his perfect mate! Way to go!
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
November 7, 2018
UGH. THIS BOOK WAS SO. FUCKING. GOOD
5+++++ TRILLION STARS FUCK I FUCKIN LOVE YOU SHANA GALEN MARRY ME
God, I feel so fucking GOOD AFTER READING THIS BOOK I HAVE SO MANY FEELINGS I AM AN IMPASSIONED MOTHERFUCKER
mostly
but also
SHANA GALEN ARE YOU READING THIS??? CAN YOU HEAR ME?? I FUCKING LOVE YOU YOU ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS AND I REALLY WANT TO JUST OWN ALL OF YOUR BOOKS
K I SHOULD PROBABLY START MY REVIEW: So, I will not give it away, the blurb does a well enough job. I have been waiting for Jasper's book since he was first introduced in the first of the series and SHANA FUCKN GALEN more than SERVED BECAUSE THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE. SORRY NEIL AND EWEN I LOVE YOU BOTH IN YOUR OWN WAYS BUT JASPER IS. THE. MAN.
I STAN JASPER. FUCK YEAH JASPER
Anywhoooo, so there are three main characters, the hero: Jasper the motherfuckin MAN, who is a war veteran (part of the Survivors) with war wounds that have left him very insecure and sad, but nonetheless, an amazing man with an amazing career.
Enter Olivia: I FUCKING LOVE YOU BITCH YOU ARE LIKE THE GREATEST HEROINE. UGH
GOD HER STORY JUST MADE ME
Richard! was so so sweet and adorable and his interactions with Jasper were so sweetAGFDFIWHEOFIWEOUGFBWRE
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH GUYS I NEED IT IN MY LIFE. JASPER WAS THE MOST PATIENT, UNDERSTANDING AND STRONGEST HERO EVER.
tHIS Book is so sooo important y'all, especially in this time and day. beautiful. phenomenal. just wow
THIS BOOK WAS PERFECT EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS SERIES I LOVE THIS SERIES EVERY BOOK IN IT IS UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT PLEASE READ THIS AND SUPPORT THIS AUTHOR
SHANA GALEN IS A MOTHERFUCKIN KWEEN
i really don't wanna spoil anything else so I wont
BUT THAT SNEAK PEAK INTO DRAVEN'S BOOK??
Read this series, and DONT FORGET THE FIRST LIL NOVELITA
The Kissing of the Shrew
TO BE PREPARED FOR THE NEXT BOOK. WHICH BETTER COME OUT SOON
JUST READ THIS PEOPLE DO IT PLEASE UGH I LITERALLY MY CHEST IS ABOUT TO BURST WITH MY FEELINGS
Edit 10-11-2018
UHSEDUFHWOEUFUAWE I NEEEEDD THIS BOOOOOOKKKK
UGH FUCK ALSO THAT WOMAN ON THE COVER IS BEAUTIFUL
5+++++ TRILLION STARS FUCK I FUCKIN LOVE YOU SHANA GALEN MARRY ME
God, I feel so fucking GOOD AFTER READING THIS BOOK I HAVE SO MANY FEELINGS I AM AN IMPASSIONED MOTHERFUCKER
mostly
but also
SHANA GALEN ARE YOU READING THIS??? CAN YOU HEAR ME?? I FUCKING LOVE YOU YOU ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS AND I REALLY WANT TO JUST OWN ALL OF YOUR BOOKS
K I SHOULD PROBABLY START MY REVIEW: So, I will not give it away, the blurb does a well enough job. I have been waiting for Jasper's book since he was first introduced in the first of the series and SHANA FUCKN GALEN more than SERVED BECAUSE THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE. SORRY NEIL AND EWEN I LOVE YOU BOTH IN YOUR OWN WAYS BUT JASPER IS. THE. MAN.
I STAN JASPER. FUCK YEAH JASPER
Anywhoooo, so there are three main characters, the hero: Jasper the motherfuckin MAN, who is a war veteran (part of the Survivors) with war wounds that have left him very insecure and sad, but nonetheless, an amazing man with an amazing career.
Enter Olivia: I FUCKING LOVE YOU BITCH YOU ARE LIKE THE GREATEST HEROINE. UGH
GOD HER STORY JUST MADE ME
Richard! was so so sweet and adorable and his interactions with Jasper were so sweetAGFDFIWHEOFIWEOUGFBWRE
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH GUYS I NEED IT IN MY LIFE. JASPER WAS THE MOST PATIENT, UNDERSTANDING AND STRONGEST HERO EVER.
tHIS Book is so sooo important y'all, especially in this time and day. beautiful. phenomenal. just wow
THIS BOOK WAS PERFECT EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS SERIES I LOVE THIS SERIES EVERY BOOK IN IT IS UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT PLEASE READ THIS AND SUPPORT THIS AUTHOR
SHANA GALEN IS A MOTHERFUCKIN KWEEN
i really don't wanna spoil anything else so I wont
BUT THAT SNEAK PEAK INTO DRAVEN'S BOOK??
Read this series, and DONT FORGET THE FIRST LIL NOVELITA
The Kissing of the Shrew
TO BE PREPARED FOR THE NEXT BOOK. WHICH BETTER COME OUT SOON
JUST READ THIS PEOPLE DO IT PLEASE UGH I LITERALLY MY CHEST IS ABOUT TO BURST WITH MY FEELINGS
Edit 10-11-2018
UHSEDUFHWOEUFUAWE I NEEEEDD THIS BOOOOOOKKKK
UGH FUCK ALSO THAT WOMAN ON THE COVER IS BEAUTIFUL
July 15, 2020
This is my first book by this author and I even started a series right in the middle. I really enjoyed this book and I like the author and her writing style, I'll be reading more from her. I had not problem dropping into the middle of the series, this book stands alone well.
This was a great beauty and the beast type story with a H who has his face scarred by a fire. He wears a mask to cover his scar and feels very self conscious about it. The h ran away 5 years ago after her parents insisted she marry a horrible duke and the H is hired to find her. After being stabbed on the road to her cottage, she takes him in and cares for him. And you can guess the rest.
I did enjoy the first half of this book more than the second half. The time they spend stranded in her cottage while the H heals and they get to know each other was great reading. Once they move on from there the story lost some of its appeal for me. But it's still a very good story. The H is a sweetheart, and the h is once tough cookie who stands up for herself. I really liked her. I plan on looking for the others in the series and going back and reading them as well. I'm always glad to find a new-to-me author who I can love.
Safety and Trigger warning:
This was a great beauty and the beast type story with a H who has his face scarred by a fire. He wears a mask to cover his scar and feels very self conscious about it. The h ran away 5 years ago after her parents insisted she marry a horrible duke and the H is hired to find her. After being stabbed on the road to her cottage, she takes him in and cares for him. And you can guess the rest.
I did enjoy the first half of this book more than the second half. The time they spend stranded in her cottage while the H heals and they get to know each other was great reading. Once they move on from there the story lost some of its appeal for me. But it's still a very good story. The H is a sweetheart, and the h is once tough cookie who stands up for herself. I really liked her. I plan on looking for the others in the series and going back and reading them as well. I'm always glad to find a new-to-me author who I can love.
Safety and Trigger warning:
November 5, 2018
Lord Jasper Grantham, the son of the Marquess of Strathern is a member of the Survivors Club known as the Bounty Hunter. Jasper was badly maimed during the war, he wears a mask to hide his external scars, but lives in the shadows to hide his internal ones. Jasper has a knack for finding things and currently his mission is to find Viscount Carlisle's runaway daughter and bring her home. This should be a straightforward mission, he will find her, bring her home to her family and then slink back into the shadows.
Olivia Carlisle ran away years ago rather than be forced to marry the man that raped her. She and her young son Richard have been living in seclusion, which is exactly what Olivia wants. But when Richard finds an unconscious man on the path to their cottage, Olivia can't leave him to die. She nurses him back to health and isn't really surprised to learn he has been sent to find her. She is skittish around men and forces herself to be brave while tending Jasper. But Jasper is unlike any man she has ever met and she is shocked to realize she desires him. Slowly they grow close, each sharing more with the other than they have ever shared. Jasper is patient and kind with both Olivia and her son Richard (who is absolutely delightful in this book). He learns the reason she ran away and vows to protect her.
Olivia is dismayed to learn her mother is dying, but it isn't until she discovers that Jasper's attack may not have been a random event, that she agrees to return to London. Jasper swears he will keep them safe and will do whatever he can to ensure that the Duke of Withernsea can't harm her or Richard. Slowly, Olivia begins to trust Jasper and finds that she craves his touch, which shocks her, she thought that Withernsea had ruined any possibility of her ever wanting intimacy.
They return to London and Olivia is welcomed home with open arms, her father swears he will find a way to break the betrothal with Withernsea and will keep him away from her. Her father sends Jasper away and then keeps them apart, each believing the other has forsaken them. But when Jasper finds a way to see her, they learn the truth, Olivia has been betrayed. But things will get worse before they get better and Jasper will have to come out of the shadows if he wants to keep Olivia in his life.
This was an amazing story, Jasper and Olivia are wonderful characters who are both dealing with painful and traumatic pasts, but rather than being a dark, depressing read, this book truly showcases the healing power of love. The book is well written, fast paced and will hold you in thrall from the first page until the final word. There are secrets, lies, betrayal, some shocking twists, a very evil villain, steamy love scenes and several laugh out loud moments thanks to Richard. I loved this book and highly recommend it, while it is the fourth book in the Survivors series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone title with no problem.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*
Olivia Carlisle ran away years ago rather than be forced to marry the man that raped her. She and her young son Richard have been living in seclusion, which is exactly what Olivia wants. But when Richard finds an unconscious man on the path to their cottage, Olivia can't leave him to die. She nurses him back to health and isn't really surprised to learn he has been sent to find her. She is skittish around men and forces herself to be brave while tending Jasper. But Jasper is unlike any man she has ever met and she is shocked to realize she desires him. Slowly they grow close, each sharing more with the other than they have ever shared. Jasper is patient and kind with both Olivia and her son Richard (who is absolutely delightful in this book). He learns the reason she ran away and vows to protect her.
Olivia is dismayed to learn her mother is dying, but it isn't until she discovers that Jasper's attack may not have been a random event, that she agrees to return to London. Jasper swears he will keep them safe and will do whatever he can to ensure that the Duke of Withernsea can't harm her or Richard. Slowly, Olivia begins to trust Jasper and finds that she craves his touch, which shocks her, she thought that Withernsea had ruined any possibility of her ever wanting intimacy.
They return to London and Olivia is welcomed home with open arms, her father swears he will find a way to break the betrothal with Withernsea and will keep him away from her. Her father sends Jasper away and then keeps them apart, each believing the other has forsaken them. But when Jasper finds a way to see her, they learn the truth, Olivia has been betrayed. But things will get worse before they get better and Jasper will have to come out of the shadows if he wants to keep Olivia in his life.
This was an amazing story, Jasper and Olivia are wonderful characters who are both dealing with painful and traumatic pasts, but rather than being a dark, depressing read, this book truly showcases the healing power of love. The book is well written, fast paced and will hold you in thrall from the first page until the final word. There are secrets, lies, betrayal, some shocking twists, a very evil villain, steamy love scenes and several laugh out loud moments thanks to Richard. I loved this book and highly recommend it, while it is the fourth book in the Survivors series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone title with no problem.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*
July 20, 2022
2020 rating: 4.5 stars!
2020 review
compared to the books before this, unmask me if you can is an absolute joy to read! i love a good slow romance building relationship. jasper was so gentle with olivia and i loved how he asked for permission when he does anything. definitely one of shana's better books. richard is lovely and i think he served as a bridge to form a bond between olivia and jasper.
it felt a little draggy at the back and quite a lot of telling which i skimmed.
2022 rating: 4 stars
2022 review
The first half of the book was more enjoyable than the second mainly I liked how they bonded without the eyes of the ton on them. It really built a strong foundation to their relationship. Jasper was right for Olivia as he was very patient and caring towards her and her fear. His kindness towards her and Richard was heartwarming.
In return, I liked how Olivia tried to overcome her weakness and help Jasper overcome his face scar issues as well. It was nice to see both of them helping one another.
The second half of the book was less entertaining, as they did not spend as much time together as I wanted them to.
Though the epilogue did not show if they did have any children or if Olivia made up with her father/stayed away from him, it was a wonderful book.
2020 review
compared to the books before this, unmask me if you can is an absolute joy to read! i love a good slow romance building relationship. jasper was so gentle with olivia and i loved how he asked for permission when he does anything. definitely one of shana's better books. richard is lovely and i think he served as a bridge to form a bond between olivia and jasper.
it felt a little draggy at the back and quite a lot of telling which i skimmed.
2022 rating: 4 stars
2022 review
The first half of the book was more enjoyable than the second mainly I liked how they bonded without the eyes of the ton on them. It really built a strong foundation to their relationship. Jasper was right for Olivia as he was very patient and caring towards her and her fear. His kindness towards her and Richard was heartwarming.
In return, I liked how Olivia tried to overcome her weakness and help Jasper overcome his face scar issues as well. It was nice to see both of them helping one another.
The second half of the book was less entertaining, as they did not spend as much time together as I wanted them to.
Though the epilogue did not show if they did have any children or if Olivia made up with her father/stayed away from him, it was a wonderful book.
September 5, 2022
these two were so sweet and the kid was adorable too..
June 1, 2019
I have listened to and enjoyed the previous books, and now it was time for the one they called the bounty hunter. I liked what I had heard of Jasper, the the poor guy was always hiding behind a mask since he had been in a fire during the war.
Here he has to find a missing woman, and so he does. But she does not want to be find. She was running away from an intended marriage and she had a 5 year old son so it was easy figuring out why she had run from her cruel fiance.
She is weary. He is wounded after someone stabbed him. They get to know each other. He gets to know her son, and being the kind of man he is he wants to protect them. I really liked Jasper. And Olivia too. She had worked hard making a life for themselves.
They will go to London too and there we get some suspense. Her fiance is quite the ahole.
It was also a lead up to the next book in one scene and that sounds interesting too hint hint.
Romance, a bit of drama and a happily ever after. All good things
Narration
I do like Victoria Ashton and she is such a good fit for historical romance. She does everyone so well and you just fall into the story so easily.
Here he has to find a missing woman, and so he does. But she does not want to be find. She was running away from an intended marriage and she had a 5 year old son so it was easy figuring out why she had run from her cruel fiance.
She is weary. He is wounded after someone stabbed him. They get to know each other. He gets to know her son, and being the kind of man he is he wants to protect them. I really liked Jasper. And Olivia too. She had worked hard making a life for themselves.
They will go to London too and there we get some suspense. Her fiance is quite the ahole.
It was also a lead up to the next book in one scene and that sounds interesting too hint hint.
Romance, a bit of drama and a happily ever after. All good things
Narration
I do like Victoria Ashton and she is such a good fit for historical romance. She does everyone so well and you just fall into the story so easily.
November 6, 2018
Unmask Me If You Can is my favorite book in Shana Galen’s Survivor series. It’s an emotional story filled with fabulously written characters, great dialogue, romance and intrigue.
Jasper Grantham was a member of Draven’s dozen, an elite group of men who fought in the Peninsular War. Draven’s troop was given the most dangerous assignments. Jasper was badly burned when he ran back into a burning building to save a member of his troop. He wears a mask to cover the burns. Olivia Carlisle was betrothed to the powerful, violent Duke of Withernsea. Olivia disappeared from her home and society before they were married. Lord Carlisle has hired Jasper to find Olivia because her mother is dying.
Olivia’s son finds an injured Jasper on the path leading to their remote cottage. The couple forms a tenuous bond during a three- day rainstorm. They are attracted to each other but each has a lot of issues to overcome. Shana Galen made an excellent plot choice when she compared Jasper’s visible wounds versus Olivia’s emotional wounds throughout the novel. This decision drew me into the characters and their story and made for an excellent read.
The romance between Jasper and Olivia is fabulously written. Loved that Jasper understood that he could be loved for himself; a loyal, brave loving man. He realizes that his scars don’t define him. They are invisible to those who love him. Olivia learns to trust Jasper and is able to overcome her own fears. Loved the honest dialogue between the couple. Olivia is a survivor but, she falls back into the complacent daughter role when she returns home until Withersea shows his true colors. The last few chapters are suspenseful and kept me guessing. Loved the intrigue threaded throughout the novel and the unmasking of the villains in the story.
Unmask Me If You Can has all the feels—great characters, sizzling romance and suspenseful plot.
And the teaser about Draven was perfectly executed—I can’t wait for the next book in Shana Galen’s Survivor Series!
Jasper Grantham was a member of Draven’s dozen, an elite group of men who fought in the Peninsular War. Draven’s troop was given the most dangerous assignments. Jasper was badly burned when he ran back into a burning building to save a member of his troop. He wears a mask to cover the burns. Olivia Carlisle was betrothed to the powerful, violent Duke of Withernsea. Olivia disappeared from her home and society before they were married. Lord Carlisle has hired Jasper to find Olivia because her mother is dying.
Olivia’s son finds an injured Jasper on the path leading to their remote cottage. The couple forms a tenuous bond during a three- day rainstorm. They are attracted to each other but each has a lot of issues to overcome. Shana Galen made an excellent plot choice when she compared Jasper’s visible wounds versus Olivia’s emotional wounds throughout the novel. This decision drew me into the characters and their story and made for an excellent read.
The romance between Jasper and Olivia is fabulously written. Loved that Jasper understood that he could be loved for himself; a loyal, brave loving man. He realizes that his scars don’t define him. They are invisible to those who love him. Olivia learns to trust Jasper and is able to overcome her own fears. Loved the honest dialogue between the couple. Olivia is a survivor but, she falls back into the complacent daughter role when she returns home until Withersea shows his true colors. The last few chapters are suspenseful and kept me guessing. Loved the intrigue threaded throughout the novel and the unmasking of the villains in the story.
Unmask Me If You Can has all the feels—great characters, sizzling romance and suspenseful plot.
And the teaser about Draven was perfectly executed—I can’t wait for the next book in Shana Galen’s Survivor Series!
November 5, 2018
This is a forth telling in The Survivor series and we finally get Jasper's story. As I read his story I realized that it helped that I've read the previous books in this series. I could understand the story and its origins better.
In contrast to the third book, this story's heroine was someone I liked immensely and cared for her plight. She was strong and caring, a perfect match for the hero who was her equal.
Their story was touching and compelling. My second favorite in this series, for sure.
Melanie for b2b
Gift ARC provided by the author
In contrast to the third book, this story's heroine was someone I liked immensely and cared for her plight. She was strong and caring, a perfect match for the hero who was her equal.
Their story was touching and compelling. My second favorite in this series, for sure.
Melanie for b2b
Gift ARC provided by the author
February 7, 2021
I loved this one! Do yourself a favor and grab it! Just make sure you have some reading time blocked out because you won't be able to put it down once you've started. I've read all the books in the series thus far and this one is now my favorite. I'm a sucked for a good tortured/scarred hero and Ms. Galen sure knows how to write one. Jasper has been skulking around the shadows of previous books and it was great to see him step into the light and have his story told this time. I already can't wait for Draven's story and those of the rest of the Survivors. I'm sad there are only twelve of them.
Although Lord Jasper Grantham is the son of a marquess, he takes work as a bounty hunter and has a reputation for his skills at finding people, objects, information, what have you. Wounded and badly burned in the Napoleonic Wars, he wears a mask to cover his badly scarred face and avoid the horrified gasps and stares of those who are frightened by the sight of him.
Whilst searching for the daughter of a viscount in a small village in the south of England, Jasper is attacked, stabbed and left unconscious to die. He is discovered by Richard, a young boy, who brings his mother, Olivia, to help. Olivia, who is deathly afraid of men, sets out to defend her cottage and ensure her son's safety. She would rather the man just be dead so she can go about her business and forget him, but his weak pulse is undeniably still present and she finds herself unable to leave him to die. When he regains consciousness, Jasper recognizes Olivia as Miss Carlisle, the woman he was seeking in the first place, one he knew in society before the war. Olivia nurses him back to health and slowly begins to trust him not to harm her.
It becomes apparent that Olivia is no longer safe in her cottage and she's grown tired of hiding anyway so she agrees to journey with Jasper to her parents in London. Along the way the two acknowledge that they care for one another, but neither is exactly suitable for marriage and they know they must part once Olivia is settled with her parents. Faced with the influences and machinations of others, Olivia and Jasper must decide what is worth fighting for and begin to overcome their fears and heal together if they are to ever have a future and overcome the manipulations of those who are determined to keep them apart.
Jasper was fabulous and everything you could want in a tortured hero: vulnerable and haunted, but patient, gentle and kind. Olivia was a very independent woman, but without that nagging, annoying air the typical "independent, strong woman" is written with, therefore you just like her and root for her without being annoyed by her. You can really feel her emotions and Jasper's and their growth as a couple and as individuals made this a superb read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Although Lord Jasper Grantham is the son of a marquess, he takes work as a bounty hunter and has a reputation for his skills at finding people, objects, information, what have you. Wounded and badly burned in the Napoleonic Wars, he wears a mask to cover his badly scarred face and avoid the horrified gasps and stares of those who are frightened by the sight of him.
Whilst searching for the daughter of a viscount in a small village in the south of England, Jasper is attacked, stabbed and left unconscious to die. He is discovered by Richard, a young boy, who brings his mother, Olivia, to help. Olivia, who is deathly afraid of men, sets out to defend her cottage and ensure her son's safety. She would rather the man just be dead so she can go about her business and forget him, but his weak pulse is undeniably still present and she finds herself unable to leave him to die. When he regains consciousness, Jasper recognizes Olivia as Miss Carlisle, the woman he was seeking in the first place, one he knew in society before the war. Olivia nurses him back to health and slowly begins to trust him not to harm her.
It becomes apparent that Olivia is no longer safe in her cottage and she's grown tired of hiding anyway so she agrees to journey with Jasper to her parents in London. Along the way the two acknowledge that they care for one another, but neither is exactly suitable for marriage and they know they must part once Olivia is settled with her parents. Faced with the influences and machinations of others, Olivia and Jasper must decide what is worth fighting for and begin to overcome their fears and heal together if they are to ever have a future and overcome the manipulations of those who are determined to keep them apart.
Jasper was fabulous and everything you could want in a tortured hero: vulnerable and haunted, but patient, gentle and kind. Olivia was a very independent woman, but without that nagging, annoying air the typical "independent, strong woman" is written with, therefore you just like her and root for her without being annoyed by her. You can really feel her emotions and Jasper's and their growth as a couple and as individuals made this a superb read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
November 6, 2018
Jasper Grantham was one of a group of soldiers that we would call special-ops. He survived the war with France and feels guilty for living when others died. His face is badly scarred, and he hides it by wearing a scarf so not to frighten others. He earns his money as a bounty hunter, finding missing people. His current job is to find Miss Carlisle. The Duke of Withernsea wants her found, but Jasper refuses to work for him for reasons you’ll discover. Her father, Viscount Carlisle, has hired him as his wife is very ill and wishes to see her daughter, Olivia, before she dies. Jasper finds her location but is attacked and stabbed on his way to her remote cottage.
Olivia is fearful when her son, Richard (5), comes running in with a boot and tells her he found a man. Jasper was unconscious when they arrived. Olivia doesn’t want him in her cabin but can’t leave him to die. With help from their horse, they managed to drag him to their cabin. As he wakens, he realizes he’s burning with fever, can barely speak but he knows her. He knows if he lives, he’ll protect her and her son. Richard wants Jasper to be his father but settles for being friends. She realizes Richard needs more than being hidden away and she misses her parents. They plan to return to London.
Returning to London, Olivia discovers her father’s betrayal and other things. Jasper gets the information he needs to help her, and Richard. Of course, it’s a lot more complicated than what I’ve written but I won’t ruin this wonderful story. This is my favorite book of the series, so far. The characters are wonderful, but Richard might steal some scenes. I highly recommend it.
Olivia is fearful when her son, Richard (5), comes running in with a boot and tells her he found a man. Jasper was unconscious when they arrived. Olivia doesn’t want him in her cabin but can’t leave him to die. With help from their horse, they managed to drag him to their cabin. As he wakens, he realizes he’s burning with fever, can barely speak but he knows her. He knows if he lives, he’ll protect her and her son. Richard wants Jasper to be his father but settles for being friends. She realizes Richard needs more than being hidden away and she misses her parents. They plan to return to London.
Returning to London, Olivia discovers her father’s betrayal and other things. Jasper gets the information he needs to help her, and Richard. Of course, it’s a lot more complicated than what I’ve written but I won’t ruin this wonderful story. This is my favorite book of the series, so far. The characters are wonderful, but Richard might steal some scenes. I highly recommend it.
November 5, 2018
Another Survivor finds his HEA! This time with a little forced proximity meets road trip romance meets single parent as the backdrop!
Jasper has been intriguing to me since he first showed up in Third Sons a Charm and now we get not only his story but that of a woman who bravely faces her past for herself, her son, and other women!
Having a seriously scarred hero would be a challenge for most authors but Shana Galen handled the descriptions of Jasper’s physical scars with a frank deliberateness that played beautifully against the exploration of the emotional scars of Olivia, while using the frank curiosity of Richard to dig at some deeper issues as well (plus I’m a sucker for a precocious child!) Unmask Me If You Can also as all the trademarks of a perfect Shana Galen Book; fun banter and snappy dialogue with some serious steam and a touch of danger added in....and that Draven moment, whoa boy is his story going to be good stuff!!!
Jasper has been intriguing to me since he first showed up in Third Sons a Charm and now we get not only his story but that of a woman who bravely faces her past for herself, her son, and other women!
Having a seriously scarred hero would be a challenge for most authors but Shana Galen handled the descriptions of Jasper’s physical scars with a frank deliberateness that played beautifully against the exploration of the emotional scars of Olivia, while using the frank curiosity of Richard to dig at some deeper issues as well (plus I’m a sucker for a precocious child!) Unmask Me If You Can also as all the trademarks of a perfect Shana Galen Book; fun banter and snappy dialogue with some serious steam and a touch of danger added in....and that Draven moment, whoa boy is his story going to be good stuff!!!
June 7, 2022
Consent is sexy and so is Jasper.
I think I pretty much started this series to get to this book (I love a wounded hero, and nursing-back-to-health trope is basically catnip to me) and it did not disappoint.
Jasper is the sort of hero I wish for any heroine who has survived abuse at the hands of another man. He correctly guessed right away what had happened to Olivia and didn’t doubt her for a second. He was extremely intuitive and knew when to back off even before Olivia did. He understood her reactions and just rolled with it when she seemed to run hot-and-cold (it wasn’t explicitly said, but I imagine his own trauma made him more understanding about how memories can pop up when everything had been going fine). Whenever they were intimate, he made sure she was with him every step of the way and that she knew she was in charge of what did and didn't happen. Verbal consent can be a tricky thing (in the real world as well as books) because too much of it can come across as either lacking in confidence or awkward and out of place. But Jasper! Jasper wove it in to his sexy talk and made it hotttt.
I think I pretty much started this series to get to this book (I love a wounded hero, and nursing-back-to-health trope is basically catnip to me) and it did not disappoint.
Jasper is the sort of hero I wish for any heroine who has survived abuse at the hands of another man. He correctly guessed right away what had happened to Olivia and didn’t doubt her for a second. He was extremely intuitive and knew when to back off even before Olivia did. He understood her reactions and just rolled with it when she seemed to run hot-and-cold (it wasn’t explicitly said, but I imagine his own trauma made him more understanding about how memories can pop up when everything had been going fine). Whenever they were intimate, he made sure she was with him every step of the way and that she knew she was in charge of what did and didn't happen. Verbal consent can be a tricky thing (in the real world as well as books) because too much of it can come across as either lacking in confidence or awkward and out of place. But Jasper! Jasper wove it in to his sexy talk and made it hotttt.
November 2, 2018
~ 4.5 stars ~
At one point in her life, Olivia didn’t have more worries than wear pretty gowns and attend the most fashionable balls. Now? Now she has more pressing, more important things to worry about, mainly her full of life and curious five year old son Richard. Jasper may have looked scary with that mask covering half his face but his considerate and honorable behavior was enough to bring down the walls Olivia had erected around her heart.
I have to say that Jasper was not exactly how I imagined him, he was way better! I loved the way he patiently let Olivia trust him with her body and hers and her child’s life. He knew the ordeals she had gone through and so he painstakingly let her take the lead when it came to the intimate moments. That’s basically what I love the most about Jasper. Even though he was reluctant to let her love him at first, once he understood her needs he was more than willing to accommodate her, and not just because of his desire for her, but because he understood her and wanted to give her what she needed. If that’s not love then I may be reading the wrong books. He truly was the perfect lover for Olivia.
Olivia, although not the smartest of women in my opinion, was resourceful and level-headed. Perhaps at times she didn’t make the right decisions and trusted the wrong people but she always considered all of her options. It made me really upset how the scheming of others affected Jasper, Olivia, and of course little Richard. That poor child had been so happy for the first five years of his life and all of a sudden his life turned upside down. The villains deserved so much worse than what they got but at least they got some kind of punishment.
To top it all off, we get a little glimpse at the life of Lieutenant-Colonel Benedict Draven! Just as the men he leads, he may appear as a brooding man but if my hunch is correct, just like the other men in his troop, that is just a façade to keep all the feelings from pouring out. In all honesty, I cannot have enough of these men and I cannot wait to read the rest of their stories.
*I requested and received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher*
At one point in her life, Olivia didn’t have more worries than wear pretty gowns and attend the most fashionable balls. Now? Now she has more pressing, more important things to worry about, mainly her full of life and curious five year old son Richard. Jasper may have looked scary with that mask covering half his face but his considerate and honorable behavior was enough to bring down the walls Olivia had erected around her heart.
I have to say that Jasper was not exactly how I imagined him, he was way better! I loved the way he patiently let Olivia trust him with her body and hers and her child’s life. He knew the ordeals she had gone through and so he painstakingly let her take the lead when it came to the intimate moments. That’s basically what I love the most about Jasper. Even though he was reluctant to let her love him at first, once he understood her needs he was more than willing to accommodate her, and not just because of his desire for her, but because he understood her and wanted to give her what she needed. If that’s not love then I may be reading the wrong books. He truly was the perfect lover for Olivia.
Olivia, although not the smartest of women in my opinion, was resourceful and level-headed. Perhaps at times she didn’t make the right decisions and trusted the wrong people but she always considered all of her options. It made me really upset how the scheming of others affected Jasper, Olivia, and of course little Richard. That poor child had been so happy for the first five years of his life and all of a sudden his life turned upside down. The villains deserved so much worse than what they got but at least they got some kind of punishment.
To top it all off, we get a little glimpse at the life of Lieutenant-Colonel Benedict Draven! Just as the men he leads, he may appear as a brooding man but if my hunch is correct, just like the other men in his troop, that is just a façade to keep all the feelings from pouring out. In all honesty, I cannot have enough of these men and I cannot wait to read the rest of their stories.
*I requested and received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher*
October 13, 2018
Olivia Carlisle had run away from her home in London five years ago. She had thought she and her five year-old son Richard were relatively safe on the southern coast of England, until Richard found an injured man on the shore. Jasper Grantham had been looking for Olivia because her deathly ill mother wanted to see her daughter one more time. Jasper is not sure what to think: was he stabbed by Olivia’s enemy or was it coincidence?
Finally, Jasper’s story! I had been waiting so long for this book, and Jasper does not disappoint! He is caring, protective, loyal, but still doubts that a woman could love his scarred face. Olivia, fearful of all men, sees the goodness in him, and for the first time in ages, begins to see hope that some happiness might at last trickle her way. Olivia is very resourceful, has managed very well on her own, and she will fight even if she is scared, but I felt she misunderstood the impact of her decision to go back to London, and I wondered why she still trusted people who had not seem to have her best interests at heart even before she fled.
UNMASK ME IF YOU CAN is a beautiful romance, with some action – albeit more subdued than I expected. The steamy episodes are lovely, however I thought they happened at awkward moments, when I personally would not have had a single thought of sexual nature; I guess it’s a matter of perspective. This is not part of my rating, but I struggled with the Duke of Withernsea’s name: I kept reading Wintersea! Anyway, all the characters are carefully crafted, and although I had a pretty good idea of what would happen when Olivia reached London, we saw a bit of Jasper’s “working environment”, a better understanding of his way of doing things, and I think a glimpse of what to expect in future instalments: a mystery woman, and a handsome blond man …
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Finally, Jasper’s story! I had been waiting so long for this book, and Jasper does not disappoint! He is caring, protective, loyal, but still doubts that a woman could love his scarred face. Olivia, fearful of all men, sees the goodness in him, and for the first time in ages, begins to see hope that some happiness might at last trickle her way. Olivia is very resourceful, has managed very well on her own, and she will fight even if she is scared, but I felt she misunderstood the impact of her decision to go back to London, and I wondered why she still trusted people who had not seem to have her best interests at heart even before she fled.
UNMASK ME IF YOU CAN is a beautiful romance, with some action – albeit more subdued than I expected. The steamy episodes are lovely, however I thought they happened at awkward moments, when I personally would not have had a single thought of sexual nature; I guess it’s a matter of perspective. This is not part of my rating, but I struggled with the Duke of Withernsea’s name: I kept reading Wintersea! Anyway, all the characters are carefully crafted, and although I had a pretty good idea of what would happen when Olivia reached London, we saw a bit of Jasper’s “working environment”, a better understanding of his way of doing things, and I think a glimpse of what to expect in future instalments: a mystery woman, and a handsome blond man …
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 12, 2019
This was a second half book for me, so I liked it but didn't love it. The heroine is a rape survivor, so I loved that the love scenes were just as much about consent as they were about the hero and heroine consummating their attraction. I loved when the action moved to London, and we got the heroine dealing with her parents and some interesting secondary characters walk on to page.
However, the historical aspects of this story were very, very light (I'd easily classify this as a "light historical" except for the super serious conflict) and if you squint between the lines some things just don't hold up. Oh, like how a gently bred young woman manages to survive on her own, pregnant, eventually with an infant, with no help whatsoever (not even friends!). Yes, she has a small nest egg of funds, but...cooking? cleaning? gardening? Really? How she made it on her own when she was raised to have servants take care of all the realities of living is something that is never explained and I couldn't let go of.
Light historical with serious underpinnings. Not my thing, but London half was intriguing and liked quite a few of the characters. YMMV.
However, the historical aspects of this story were very, very light (I'd easily classify this as a "light historical" except for the super serious conflict) and if you squint between the lines some things just don't hold up. Oh, like how a gently bred young woman manages to survive on her own, pregnant, eventually with an infant, with no help whatsoever (not even friends!). Yes, she has a small nest egg of funds, but...cooking? cleaning? gardening? Really? How she made it on her own when she was raised to have servants take care of all the realities of living is something that is never explained and I couldn't let go of.
Light historical with serious underpinnings. Not my thing, but London half was intriguing and liked quite a few of the characters. YMMV.
September 15, 2018
This was the book I was waiting for and it doesn't disappoint! Jasper is the noble unsung hero whose scars only enhance his appeal and Olivia is the brave heroine that sees beyond them. A wonderful love story, filled with honor, patience, and bravery. I love this couple and all they surmount to get to their HEA. Little Richard is a dear and you'd have to be very hardened not to get teary-eyed when he tries to persuade Jasper to be his father!
November 5, 2018
I knew the first time Jasper appeared in Third Son's a Charm that his story would not disappoint. Jasper and Olivia are two people that have something horrible in their pasts that they need to overcome. Their passion and understanding of each other is rare and perfect. It was amazing how easily they seemed to click and light a spark between them. The whole time they were together in that cottage was like a fairytale. When they got to London it was another creature. Certain peoples lies and plans were at work to keep them apart. I was holding my breath at so many points with kidnappings, schemes, and the prince regent. I may have cheered at the end.
Olivia is one of my favorite heroines. She is extremely strong to spend all that time on the run and to go back to London to take on the man that mad her run. I loved seeing her learn to trust again and become braver and stronger. She had no problems standing up to anyone and didn't think twice about doing what she needed to do. She was like a new woman in that ballroom when she said no and realized she loved Jasper.
Jasper is also a favorite hero on mine. He knew he right away he would not take her back and that he would protect her no matter what. He pulled at my heart every time he was alone with Richard. When he took off his mask and learned that it was not as bad as he thought I wanted to cheer. He realized that he was a hero and deserved to be loved and to stop hiding.
I did not expect the part with the friend being married or what happened there. Hope he also gets a happy ending.
This story could be triggering to some as the topics of fires and rape play a big part in it. There is nothing graphic and they are handled tastefully and perfectly in my opinion. Both topics are in the past.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review.
Olivia is one of my favorite heroines. She is extremely strong to spend all that time on the run and to go back to London to take on the man that mad her run. I loved seeing her learn to trust again and become braver and stronger. She had no problems standing up to anyone and didn't think twice about doing what she needed to do. She was like a new woman in that ballroom when she said no and realized she loved Jasper.
Jasper is also a favorite hero on mine. He knew he right away he would not take her back and that he would protect her no matter what. He pulled at my heart every time he was alone with Richard. When he took off his mask and learned that it was not as bad as he thought I wanted to cheer. He realized that he was a hero and deserved to be loved and to stop hiding.
I did not expect the part with the friend being married or what happened there. Hope he also gets a happy ending.
This story could be triggering to some as the topics of fires and rape play a big part in it. There is nothing graphic and they are handled tastefully and perfectly in my opinion. Both topics are in the past.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review.
February 11, 2022
CW for rape.
This is a slightly odd mixture of heavy and fluff - the relationship between Olivia and Jasper is sweet and gooey and very heavy on the enthusiastic consent, which is important because Olivia was raped by her fiance and is still struggling with the trauma. I loved watching her learn that her voice matters, despite what society and her father say, but it can definitely be a bit much to handle at times, because when it's dark, it's dark.
This is a slightly odd mixture of heavy and fluff - the relationship between Olivia and Jasper is sweet and gooey and very heavy on the enthusiastic consent, which is important because Olivia was raped by her fiance and is still struggling with the trauma. I loved watching her learn that her voice matters, despite what society and her father say, but it can definitely be a bit much to handle at times, because when it's dark, it's dark.
December 17, 2018
I loved this book! I expected to like it, but I was not prepared for the depth of this story or how it would touch my heart. This is a historical story that is appropriate for it's Regency setting while also seeming particularly relevant for contemporary times. I adored the element of female characters standing up for and supporting each other. I also loved the main characters, Jasper and Olivia.
I think one of the things that made this book unique was that it was set at first outside of London and away from the town, which was refreshing and a natural way for Jasper and Olivia to develop a relationship. The story did eventually move to London, providing some familiar Regency elements such as balls and dukes and special marriage licenses.
This was a book that allowed me to sink in and lose myself in the story. The dialogue was natural and the story was so intriguing and easy to read. Although this is the fourth book in the series it can easily be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book!
I think one of the things that made this book unique was that it was set at first outside of London and away from the town, which was refreshing and a natural way for Jasper and Olivia to develop a relationship. The story did eventually move to London, providing some familiar Regency elements such as balls and dukes and special marriage licenses.
This was a book that allowed me to sink in and lose myself in the story. The dialogue was natural and the story was so intriguing and easy to read. Although this is the fourth book in the series it can easily be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book!
January 5, 2022
.
I listened to the audio version of this book, available through my local public library.
This was a touching and inspirational story.
There were many issues to be addressed, not least of was the trust issues, inadequacy, and self-worth.
It had a lovely H.E.A.
.
I listened to the audio version of this book, available through my local public library.
This was a touching and inspirational story.
There were many issues to be addressed, not least of was the trust issues, inadequacy, and self-worth.
It had a lovely H.E.A.
.
April 8, 2020
Très bien, avec un sujet pas évident (on évitera si on veut une lecture bisounours).
J'aurais aimé une fin un peu plus longue, pour savoir comment s'installe dans la vie ce couple.
J'aurais aimé une fin un peu plus longue, pour savoir comment s'installe dans la vie ce couple.
January 12, 2024
This one was very good. Great hero, strong heroine, kid who acted his age without being too precious.
Trigger warnings for SA
Trigger warnings for SA
July 2, 2019
Finally!!! Finally a book in this series that I actually liked! There are a few issues I had with it but overall it was good!
March 26, 2019
I really love this series and I hope that Shana Galen continues to write the survivors stories. This was such a good book. It made me laugh and cry and everything thing in between.
January 30, 2022
Jasper and Olivia 💕💕💕
TW: Rape.
TW: Rape.
September 26, 2023
I didn't read the other books in the series before this one. This did well as a stand alone.
I really enjoyed this book and it was a refreshing take on a historic romance. I loved Jasper, he really did the most and was so kind. He had the perfect balance of broody and kindness. He was never a jerk to Olivia. They worked really well together and resolved all their conflicts quickly. Without revealing too much of the plot, I will just say that I simply loved this book and had a great time reading it.
I really enjoyed this book and it was a refreshing take on a historic romance. I loved Jasper, he really did the most and was so kind. He had the perfect balance of broody and kindness. He was never a jerk to Olivia. They worked really well together and resolved all their conflicts quickly. Without revealing too much of the plot, I will just say that I simply loved this book and had a great time reading it.
December 6, 2019
4.6/5 stars, full review to come! Never in my life have I rated a “trashy” romance novel is highly. This book is on a whole other level. CONSENT 👏🏻 IS 👏🏻 SEXY 👏🏻
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment: 5/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews