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Agents of the Home Office #0.5
Desires of Lady Elise
One scandal. Two broken hearts. A decade apart.
Lady Elise knows all too well the risks of falling in love. Her heart was broken by a rake. Instead of hunting for a husband, she helps other ladies escape the nefarious plans of unscrupulous gentlemen.
After a scandal costs Lord Thornston Elise’s hand and heart, he has lived on the fringes of the beau monde. But when his best friend, the Duke of Fairmont, requests his assistance, Thornston is torn. Helping Fairmont means facing the woman who holds his heart and soul.
Succumbing to temptation, Thornston re-enters Society to find Elise still unwed. But as he seeks to reignite her desire for him and earn back her trust, he becomes entwined in one of her investigations. But when events take a dangerous turn, he might lose the woman he loves before he can win her back.
Lady Elise knows all too well the risks of falling in love. Her heart was broken by a rake. Instead of hunting for a husband, she helps other ladies escape the nefarious plans of unscrupulous gentlemen.
After a scandal costs Lord Thornston Elise’s hand and heart, he has lived on the fringes of the beau monde. But when his best friend, the Duke of Fairmont, requests his assistance, Thornston is torn. Helping Fairmont means facing the woman who holds his heart and soul.
Succumbing to temptation, Thornston re-enters Society to find Elise still unwed. But as he seeks to reignite her desire for him and earn back her trust, he becomes entwined in one of her investigations. But when events take a dangerous turn, he might lose the woman he loves before he can win her back.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2019
183 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Ann Smith
53 books170 followersRachel Ann Smith writes steamy historical romances with a twist. Her debut series, Agents of the Home Office, features female protagonists that defy convention.
When Rachel isn’t writing, she loves to read and spend time with the family. She is frequently found with her Kindle by the pool during the summer, on the sidelines of the soccer field in the spring and fall or curled up on the couch during the winter months.
She currently lives in Colorado with her extremely understanding husband and their two very supportive children.
Visit Rachel's website for updates on cover reveals and new releases - www.rachelannsmith.com
When Rachel isn’t writing, she loves to read and spend time with the family. She is frequently found with her Kindle by the pool during the summer, on the sidelines of the soccer field in the spring and fall or curled up on the couch during the winter months.
She currently lives in Colorado with her extremely understanding husband and their two very supportive children.
Visit Rachel's website for updates on cover reveals and new releases - www.rachelannsmith.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 26, 2019
Series: Agents of the Home Office #1
Publication Date: 7/18/19
Number of Pages: 98
** Maybe 3.5 Stars **
This debut novella is a fast-paced, fun read and I can see her developing into a go-to author.
Harold Greenfield, Earl of Thornston had a history with Lady Elise Brownstone, sister to the Duke of Fairmont. Ten years ago, when she was six and ten and he was twenty, they were in love – but then he disappeared from ton life amid a scandal.
Elise has spent those ten years pining for Harold and wondering why he hasn’t made a reappearance now that her father has died. She has also spent her time investigating and rescuing debutants from unscrupulous suitors.
Harold is back and is anxious to see how Elise is doing – he has never stopped loving her. When she is in danger, he rides to her rescue like the true knight in shining armor he is.
I was happy to see these two get their second chance at a HEA. They were both steadfast in their love for each other and Elise never believed all of the gossip about Harold.
I’ll keep an eye on this author for future reads. There are a few things that bothered me and/or made it a bit hard to read, but I’ll look forward to seeing how she progresses. What are those things?
• The CONSTANT use of ‘Lord’ – At some point, it should just change from “Lord Whatever’ to just ‘Whatever’. That constant use just made things seem a bit stilted. I don’t think I’ve ever read another historical romance where I saw ‘Lord’ used as often. ** Same goes for ‘Lady’.
• Class distinction was a huge, huge, huge thing in this book and I don’t believe it really would have been an issue – at least not as described in this novella. From everything I have read and learned over the years, the people in that upper echelon of society weren’t hung up on it as we are today. There would have been no issues with an Earl marrying a Duke’s daughter. There MIGHT have been an issue with a Duke’s daughter marrying the untitled third son of an Earl, but not in marrying an Earl. I liken it to our billionaires of today – One might have 40 billion dollars and another only 20 billion, but a marriage between the two would be perfectly acceptable.
• There was a scene that just totally turned me off. Was it a ‘natural’ reaction – maybe, but in the context of a romance novel, I didn’t want to see it. When Harold breaks up with his mistress, she tries to tempt him back and his body responds – he has to fight himself to keep from taking her up on her offer. Didn’t want to see that, think that, or read that. Just sayin’ – one person’s opinion.
• There were some things that I thought could be better explained or more fully expounded upon. What I’m saying is that it could have been just a tad longer and better explained what exactly her father did to Harold, how he threatened him, etc. as well as a fuller explanation of Harold’s involvement with the Agents of the Home Office. It said what he did – but I would just have liked a tad more information.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 7/18/19
Number of Pages: 98
** Maybe 3.5 Stars **
This debut novella is a fast-paced, fun read and I can see her developing into a go-to author.
Harold Greenfield, Earl of Thornston had a history with Lady Elise Brownstone, sister to the Duke of Fairmont. Ten years ago, when she was six and ten and he was twenty, they were in love – but then he disappeared from ton life amid a scandal.
Elise has spent those ten years pining for Harold and wondering why he hasn’t made a reappearance now that her father has died. She has also spent her time investigating and rescuing debutants from unscrupulous suitors.
Harold is back and is anxious to see how Elise is doing – he has never stopped loving her. When she is in danger, he rides to her rescue like the true knight in shining armor he is.
I was happy to see these two get their second chance at a HEA. They were both steadfast in their love for each other and Elise never believed all of the gossip about Harold.
I’ll keep an eye on this author for future reads. There are a few things that bothered me and/or made it a bit hard to read, but I’ll look forward to seeing how she progresses. What are those things?
• The CONSTANT use of ‘Lord’ – At some point, it should just change from “Lord Whatever’ to just ‘Whatever’. That constant use just made things seem a bit stilted. I don’t think I’ve ever read another historical romance where I saw ‘Lord’ used as often. ** Same goes for ‘Lady’.
• Class distinction was a huge, huge, huge thing in this book and I don’t believe it really would have been an issue – at least not as described in this novella. From everything I have read and learned over the years, the people in that upper echelon of society weren’t hung up on it as we are today. There would have been no issues with an Earl marrying a Duke’s daughter. There MIGHT have been an issue with a Duke’s daughter marrying the untitled third son of an Earl, but not in marrying an Earl. I liken it to our billionaires of today – One might have 40 billion dollars and another only 20 billion, but a marriage between the two would be perfectly acceptable.
• There was a scene that just totally turned me off. Was it a ‘natural’ reaction – maybe, but in the context of a romance novel, I didn’t want to see it. When Harold breaks up with his mistress, she tries to tempt him back and his body responds – he has to fight himself to keep from taking her up on her offer. Didn’t want to see that, think that, or read that. Just sayin’ – one person’s opinion.
• There were some things that I thought could be better explained or more fully expounded upon. What I’m saying is that it could have been just a tad longer and better explained what exactly her father did to Harold, how he threatened him, etc. as well as a fuller explanation of Harold’s involvement with the Agents of the Home Office. It said what he did – but I would just have liked a tad more information.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 11, 2019
I was introduced to this book as part of my personal tribute to #IndieAugust, and my commitment to read and review ten indie authors. I haven't read historical books in a WHILE (high school/college years), but I was immediately swept back into the world of Wuthering Heights or Pride & Prejudice, with a sexy little twist that I love in present day romance.
The author adeptly whisks between old world dialogue and current world narration. The result is a fast-paced piece with delicious sexual tension between the hero and heroine. From the start, we understand Harold laments the one that got away, and is determined to work his way back into her life. A spinster at the ripe old age of 26, Elise has staved off marriage, preferring to lose herself in a life of saving wealthy damsels about to be in distress from the wrong sort of union. But when Harold reappears in her life, Elise tries desperately to hide her reignited feelings. She's further tortured to realize that she doesn't have those feelings for a man who's been her constant companion for years. And sadly, he realizes it to, and opts to slip away and let the chips fall where they may.
Without divulging too many spoilers, I'll leave readers with this:
1. I must know who Lady L is.
2. I'm gonna need a few of you to hold down Lord Tallow while I kick the crap out of him. (If you prefer we take turns holding and kicking, I'm game.)
3. AGAIN, I feel their connection like a Bronte novel. So very MFEO! Determined man, strong woman, and sexual tension. Can we say YESSSAAAAAHHHH!!!
xoxo,
Lexxi
The author adeptly whisks between old world dialogue and current world narration. The result is a fast-paced piece with delicious sexual tension between the hero and heroine. From the start, we understand Harold laments the one that got away, and is determined to work his way back into her life. A spinster at the ripe old age of 26, Elise has staved off marriage, preferring to lose herself in a life of saving wealthy damsels about to be in distress from the wrong sort of union. But when Harold reappears in her life, Elise tries desperately to hide her reignited feelings. She's further tortured to realize that she doesn't have those feelings for a man who's been her constant companion for years. And sadly, he realizes it to, and opts to slip away and let the chips fall where they may.
Without divulging too many spoilers, I'll leave readers with this:
1. I must know who Lady L is.
2. I'm gonna need a few of you to hold down Lord Tallow while I kick the crap out of him. (If you prefer we take turns holding and kicking, I'm game.)
3. AGAIN, I feel their connection like a Bronte novel. So very MFEO! Determined man, strong woman, and sexual tension. Can we say YESSSAAAAAHHHH!!!
xoxo,
Lexxi
June 29, 2019
This book suffered from the novella syndrome: too much packed in with not enough pages to devote to all the parts (the many side characters, motivations behind character actions, and set-up for the series). That said, the writing was strong and clear, it was fun to read, and I think the author shows promise. Looking forward to seeing what she can do with a full novel.
August 8, 2022
4,25 stars - English Ebook
A bolt young Lady is saving rich young girls from not honnorable men. She has friends and foes and along the way she finds Love.
A nice regency novella. Recommend it.
A bolt young Lady is saving rich young girls from not honnorable men. She has friends and foes and along the way she finds Love.
A nice regency novella. Recommend it.
July 2, 2019
This was a fun novella and a great start to what promises to be an interesting series. The characters were interesting and true to their motivations, and the writing is excellent. There's a lot packed into a short novella package, but I didn't lose interest. I look forward to reading more from this author!
July 7, 2019
Very engaging main character. I loved the suspense and was on the edge of my seat waiting to see each development. It’s a very satisfying read!
July 20, 2019
This is a lovely quick read, at only 98 pages you can literally read this in one Desires of lady Elise the debut Rachel Ann and from this I can really see a promising future within the historical romance genre and I am sure we are going to be hearing about her for many years to come.
After having her heart broken by a scoundrel years before, she is determined no to suffer again, but instead of going out husband hunting as is what society claim she should be doing, she instead goes out of her way to help ladies escape the clutches of notorious rakehells. But as she helps and rescues other ladies she is still bruised from her own encounter and worst still she still loves the scoundrel who ran off on her all those years ago.
Harold left years before amid scandal, he knows he broke Elise’s heart but he had no choice but to leave, since then he has always been on the outside of the ton looking it. It is only because Elise’s brother has asked Harold for assistance in a certain investigation of his own that makes Harold return to society, only to come face to face with the woman who has been on his mind all these years.
Its not the most taxing story to read, it has a sweetness to it that I found endearing, but there is a bit of intrigue that surrounds Harold and why he left.
My only reservations with this is that there is a lot packed into such a short story, which is what a lot of authors tend to do with novella’s, my personal view is that this would have been better made into a full sized novel, that way the author could have really gone to town and really invested into each characters back story, for example with Harold, I would have loved to know far more about him and his work with the home office and more about his past that led him to b the man that he has become and why he has the reputation that he has. There is nothing better then really delving into the mind of the characters that you are following.
Apart from that and the constant use or ‘my lord/my lady’ which did get a little tiring, this is an impressive debut, it is fast paced, fun and engaging novella. I look forward to seeing what comes next from Rachel Ann, the writing is strong and fluid, there is a real fun feel to it that keeps you reading. Judging by this I have no doubt that she is an author to watch out for in the future, and maybe the next book will be a full length novel which will show her splendid writing off.
After having her heart broken by a scoundrel years before, she is determined no to suffer again, but instead of going out husband hunting as is what society claim she should be doing, she instead goes out of her way to help ladies escape the clutches of notorious rakehells. But as she helps and rescues other ladies she is still bruised from her own encounter and worst still she still loves the scoundrel who ran off on her all those years ago.
Harold left years before amid scandal, he knows he broke Elise’s heart but he had no choice but to leave, since then he has always been on the outside of the ton looking it. It is only because Elise’s brother has asked Harold for assistance in a certain investigation of his own that makes Harold return to society, only to come face to face with the woman who has been on his mind all these years.
Its not the most taxing story to read, it has a sweetness to it that I found endearing, but there is a bit of intrigue that surrounds Harold and why he left.
My only reservations with this is that there is a lot packed into such a short story, which is what a lot of authors tend to do with novella’s, my personal view is that this would have been better made into a full sized novel, that way the author could have really gone to town and really invested into each characters back story, for example with Harold, I would have loved to know far more about him and his work with the home office and more about his past that led him to b the man that he has become and why he has the reputation that he has. There is nothing better then really delving into the mind of the characters that you are following.
Apart from that and the constant use or ‘my lord/my lady’ which did get a little tiring, this is an impressive debut, it is fast paced, fun and engaging novella. I look forward to seeing what comes next from Rachel Ann, the writing is strong and fluid, there is a real fun feel to it that keeps you reading. Judging by this I have no doubt that she is an author to watch out for in the future, and maybe the next book will be a full length novel which will show her splendid writing off.
August 5, 2019
Desires of Lady Elise is author Rachel Ann Smith’s debut novel. I always love to read debut novels, it’s great to see a new author starting out and to see what they have to offer. Ms. Smith starts us out with a Novella in “Desires of Lady Elise” and then has a connected series coming out this fall called “Agents of the Home Office”.
Harold and Elise were in love ten years ago, she was sixteen and he was twenty. Elise’s father the Duke of Fairmont along with a scandal at a ball tore these two lovers apart, and they have not seen each other since. When Elise’s brother the current Duke of Fairmont asks his friend Harold to return to the ton to help him find a wife, Harold reluctantly agrees. With Harold now attending ton events with Elise’s brother, it’s inevitable that their paths will cross again.
I really liked Elise and Harold from the start. It seems that neither really got over the other and that they still cared for each other. They were a sweet couple and the epilogue was absolutely perfect for them! Besides the obvious romance, Ms. Smith wove some drama and intrigue into the story that kept readers on their toes! There were also a lot of interesting secondary characters in this story and I would love to have gotten to know them better and see more of their backstories. I’m hoping that we will catch glimpses of them in her new series or possibly get their separate stories in the future.
Overall a very enjoyable read! I enjoyed Ms. Smith’s writing style, her characters were interesting and the storyline intriguing. I believe she’s an author to watch in the future and will definitely be reading her new series. I honestly wish this book was a full novel. The storyline and characters along with secondary characters had my attention and I definitely would have liked to have read more. This was a great start to what looks like a very promising series!
Harold and Elise were in love ten years ago, she was sixteen and he was twenty. Elise’s father the Duke of Fairmont along with a scandal at a ball tore these two lovers apart, and they have not seen each other since. When Elise’s brother the current Duke of Fairmont asks his friend Harold to return to the ton to help him find a wife, Harold reluctantly agrees. With Harold now attending ton events with Elise’s brother, it’s inevitable that their paths will cross again.
I really liked Elise and Harold from the start. It seems that neither really got over the other and that they still cared for each other. They were a sweet couple and the epilogue was absolutely perfect for them! Besides the obvious romance, Ms. Smith wove some drama and intrigue into the story that kept readers on their toes! There were also a lot of interesting secondary characters in this story and I would love to have gotten to know them better and see more of their backstories. I’m hoping that we will catch glimpses of them in her new series or possibly get their separate stories in the future.
Overall a very enjoyable read! I enjoyed Ms. Smith’s writing style, her characters were interesting and the storyline intriguing. I believe she’s an author to watch in the future and will definitely be reading her new series. I honestly wish this book was a full novel. The storyline and characters along with secondary characters had my attention and I definitely would have liked to have read more. This was a great start to what looks like a very promising series!
July 3, 2019
Two Lords don't know what they want on the way to matrimony. One just resists and the other is just a pompous ass. It takes a dangerous turn for them to realize what's right in front of their faces. Maybe a little rushed to the finish, but a very nice novella I really enjoyed reading.
A free copy from the author for an honest review.
A free copy from the author for an honest review.
July 7, 2019
This was a great read! This normally isn't my genre but I really enjoyed it. The characters were rich and the story was creative. I have read some romance novels in the past which were predictable but this one was fresh and had a great ending. I look forward to reading more from this author.
October 28, 2019
Have you ever foiled the abduction of another woman?
Good read. Lady Elise and friends try to bring down group of elites and scum cronies who are bent on stealing young ladies of the elite, compromising them so have to be married off or ruined their good names. Lots scoundrels out there wanting money. One such scourge kidnaps her so another can marry her and her wealth.
Good read. Lady Elise and friends try to bring down group of elites and scum cronies who are bent on stealing young ladies of the elite, compromising them so have to be married off or ruined their good names. Lots scoundrels out there wanting money. One such scourge kidnaps her so another can marry her and her wealth.
July 18, 2019
A fun, quick read. Promising introduction.
Full review at maidamalby.com.
Full review at maidamalby.com.
September 29, 2019
💙💙💙💙
A fast paced read, lovely characters and a great story overall. Looking forward to more books by the author.
Recommended to any romance lovers.
A fast paced read, lovely characters and a great story overall. Looking forward to more books by the author.
Recommended to any romance lovers.
October 20, 2020
Nice and easy read. Elise is reunited with her old flame after a scandal from years earlier. The hero still loves her and after her father dies and her brother becomes Duke he comes back to town to help her brother find a Duchess.
Feelings have not changed for either of them really and truths are found out. There is a villain here who she crosses paths with and he tries to kidnap her. Harold is now an Earl and this time he will not run away from trouble. It is a fun romp with a couple you will like. A little happiness for the Duke too and he doesn't even need Harold's help after all.
Feelings have not changed for either of them really and truths are found out. There is a villain here who she crosses paths with and he tries to kidnap her. Harold is now an Earl and this time he will not run away from trouble. It is a fun romp with a couple you will like. A little happiness for the Duke too and he doesn't even need Harold's help after all.
August 9, 2020
Cute
Due to her father's machinations Lady Elise was not married and was considered to old for anything other than affair. The love of her life had been refused her hand and had become a bit of a outcasts.
Lady Elise had taken the role of protection of the girls who were being wooed only for their dowry. This leads to a reunion.
Due to her father's machinations Lady Elise was not married and was considered to old for anything other than affair. The love of her life had been refused her hand and had become a bit of a outcasts.
Lady Elise had taken the role of protection of the girls who were being wooed only for their dowry. This leads to a reunion.
December 17, 2021
Lady Elise is the firecracker feminist that was hard to be found in the regency era. Harold is an idiot but he did redeem himself. I only wish that it had been a full length novel. I live for the details and the smut, there just wasn’t quite enough.
Want to read
July 12, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/12/2020)! 🎁
August 27, 2020
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. Really enjoyed following Lady Elise and the loves and scandals of the time period. Can't wait to read others in the series. Definitely recommend.
February 4, 2021
This was a pretty good book. I was interested and wanted to know what was going to happen. But I didn't feel a connection with the characters. I also felt like it was rushed. There was lots going on with the main characters and the side characters and I feel like the book would have been so much better if we could have taken time an explore more of what was going on. Over all an okay book.
October 16, 2019
If you are a regular visitor to my blog you will notice that historical romance is a favourite of mine but it is very rare that I read a novella in that genre. So I was eager to read Desires of Lady Elise and see how I found it. It is hard to create an in depth story when writing a novella however I thought Rachel Ann Smith did a great job of building a back story for Elise and Thornston. It really helped to bring their characters to life along with helping to give the story a little more depth. I loved Elise’s character let’s just say that she isn’t your average lady! Elise helps other ladies avoid ruin at the hands of unscrupulous men, which I thought was an interesting twist. However let’s just say that there is danger lurking round the corner! Thornston’s character was also a good one, he had a more mysterious edge and I guess because it is a novella I didn’t feel as if I had quite seen all of the sides to his personality. However what was shown made you root for this couple even though years earlier he broke Elise’s heart. His arrival causes that past chemistry to resurface and build up once more, showing both a sweet and sizzling side!
The pacing of the story is pretty quick and because of this it didn’t take me long to read. There is quite a lot packed into this novella and because of this I didn’t find my attention wandering. With this in mind I would happily catch up with these characters again especially as the book introduces some entertaining minor characters. I’m looking forward to reading Rachel Ann Smith’s books in the future!
Desires of Lady Elise has a good mix of danger, romance and intrigue to keep things interesting!
The pacing of the story is pretty quick and because of this it didn’t take me long to read. There is quite a lot packed into this novella and because of this I didn’t find my attention wandering. With this in mind I would happily catch up with these characters again especially as the book introduces some entertaining minor characters. I’m looking forward to reading Rachel Ann Smith’s books in the future!
Desires of Lady Elise has a good mix of danger, romance and intrigue to keep things interesting!
January 1, 2020
This book was intriguing. I cannot say that it was a great read, as I had a few issues, but I had a hard time putting it down.
After 10 years of living as a social outcast, outside of the ton, Harold is asked by his friend, the Duke of Fairmont to assist him in finding a wife suitable of his station. At first, Harold is reluctant, but when he realises he may be able to see & perhaps spend time with Fairmont's sister, Elise, whom he had fallen in love with 10 years prior, he jumps in with both feet.
Elise is upset that her body still recognises Harold even after a decade. Yet, her heart & mind still yearn for the love that they had back then. Will her new activities interfere with their second chance? Or will her brother and her station in life still be a stumbling block?
I liked the elements of danger & suspense in the book. I look forward to reading more of the author's work - I definitely want to know who Lady L is!
After 10 years of living as a social outcast, outside of the ton, Harold is asked by his friend, the Duke of Fairmont to assist him in finding a wife suitable of his station. At first, Harold is reluctant, but when he realises he may be able to see & perhaps spend time with Fairmont's sister, Elise, whom he had fallen in love with 10 years prior, he jumps in with both feet.
Elise is upset that her body still recognises Harold even after a decade. Yet, her heart & mind still yearn for the love that they had back then. Will her new activities interfere with their second chance? Or will her brother and her station in life still be a stumbling block?
I liked the elements of danger & suspense in the book. I look forward to reading more of the author's work - I definitely want to know who Lady L is!
January 31, 2020
Desires of Lady Elise is one of those love stories that you have a difficult time putting down! Rachel Ann Smith has outdone herself with this Regency novella, with its heart warming cast of characters that has so many emotions that swirl through you as you read about Harold and Elise become very endearing as the story progresses.
Elise doesn't trust men because of having her heart broken when she was sixteen. Now years later Harold comes back into her life and has her heart yearning for his love. Harold never stopped loving Elise will do anything to prove his love for her. With villains lurking in the background out to get revenge, suspense, drama, sizzling passion and twist and turns that make for one sigh worthy romance. Rachel Ann Smith has outdone herself with this novella. I can not wait to read the rest of the series!
Elise doesn't trust men because of having her heart broken when she was sixteen. Now years later Harold comes back into her life and has her heart yearning for his love. Harold never stopped loving Elise will do anything to prove his love for her. With villains lurking in the background out to get revenge, suspense, drama, sizzling passion and twist and turns that make for one sigh worthy romance. Rachel Ann Smith has outdone herself with this novella. I can not wait to read the rest of the series!
August 12, 2019
This was a great, quick read. I got through it in about 24 hrs, and I really enjoyed it. The writing and the setting created by the writer were very reminiscent of Jane Austen, but with a healthy dose of steaminess and action. The book references what sound like some intriguing activities from other books, and my interest is thoroughly piqued now. Can't wait to try some more books by the author and figure out who this mysterious Lady L is!
September 10, 2019
Second chance
Elise had her heart shattered at a tender age by Harold! Harold never thinking he was good enough fell back to the fringes of society! Everyone is not happy with Lady Elise good work! When an evil man comes to collect what he thinks his due all bets are off! Harold will do anything to find and protect the woman he never stopped loving!
Elise had her heart shattered at a tender age by Harold! Harold never thinking he was good enough fell back to the fringes of society! Everyone is not happy with Lady Elise good work! When an evil man comes to collect what he thinks his due all bets are off! Harold will do anything to find and protect the woman he never stopped loving!
December 8, 2019
Very engaging characters. Loved the tension between them, and the steamy scenes got me fanning long after the book was over. I loved the suspenseful element and was on the edge of my seat eager to know what was going to happen next. It’s a very satisfying read. I highly recommend it.
November 4, 2019
Short but right to the good and interesting points of the story.
November 7, 2019
Love prevails
The characters are bell developed. The story was great and moved at a steady pace. A wonderful read you shouldn’t miss.
The characters are bell developed. The story was great and moved at a steady pace. A wonderful read you shouldn’t miss.
December 9, 2019
I wish I could give this a more than just 5 stars. I absolutely loved it.
January 24, 2021
(1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= Yes, it was Ok; 4= I LIKED IT!; 5= A favorite, it was great!)
DESIRES OF LADY ELISE is a quick reading, light hearted novella/Prequel to the AGENTS OF THE HOME OFFICE Regency series. This was my first book by Rachel Ann Smith and I enjoyed it. It reminded me of the earlier Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz historical novels - lighthearted adventures with blue stocking ladies of nobility (or independently secure spinsters) and reformed (misunderstood or society-distanced) strong, capable heroes. I picked up the next book in the series but DESIRES OF LADY ELISE could be read as a short novella standalone as well.
Lady Elise/FMC, 26, has been attracted to Lord Thornston, a good friend of her older brother, since youth. Elise last saw Thornston 10years ago at the time of the “scandal.” Although Lady Elise is the daughter of prestigious nobility and has been granted a generous dowry by her brother, she nevertheless has declined to marry any of the gentlemen who have asked for her hand in marriage. Her heart was broken during her first season and she’s since desired no one. MMC/Harold Greenfield is the Earl of Thornston, 30yrs, and has been in self-exile from society for the past 10yrs, ever since the scandal wrongly linking him and a fresh young lady in compromising circumstances. When Lord Thornston’s best friend, the Duke of Fairmont, requests Harold’s assistance vetting the current season of ladies as his potential bride, Harold reluctantly agrees. He has been out of touch with the members of the ton for 10yrs. He is curious of the “goings on” in town. Will he again see Lady Elise? Has she married? Is she happy?
*READER CAUTIONS -
Profanity - None.
Violence - PG-13. Brief Kidnapping, assault, & threats by antagonists, not graphic or dark.
Sexual Situations - the MCs develop a committed relationship which leads to brief on-scene intimacy in the final chapter, and there is mention of a previous liaison between the 2 prior to the beginning of the story.
*Due to the aforementioned, young readers and those who would be offended should consider looking elsewhere.
DESIRES OF LADY ELISE is a quick reading, light hearted novella/Prequel to the AGENTS OF THE HOME OFFICE Regency series. This was my first book by Rachel Ann Smith and I enjoyed it. It reminded me of the earlier Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz historical novels - lighthearted adventures with blue stocking ladies of nobility (or independently secure spinsters) and reformed (misunderstood or society-distanced) strong, capable heroes. I picked up the next book in the series but DESIRES OF LADY ELISE could be read as a short novella standalone as well.
Lady Elise/FMC, 26, has been attracted to Lord Thornston, a good friend of her older brother, since youth. Elise last saw Thornston 10years ago at the time of the “scandal.” Although Lady Elise is the daughter of prestigious nobility and has been granted a generous dowry by her brother, she nevertheless has declined to marry any of the gentlemen who have asked for her hand in marriage. Her heart was broken during her first season and she’s since desired no one. MMC/Harold Greenfield is the Earl of Thornston, 30yrs, and has been in self-exile from society for the past 10yrs, ever since the scandal wrongly linking him and a fresh young lady in compromising circumstances. When Lord Thornston’s best friend, the Duke of Fairmont, requests Harold’s assistance vetting the current season of ladies as his potential bride, Harold reluctantly agrees. He has been out of touch with the members of the ton for 10yrs. He is curious of the “goings on” in town. Will he again see Lady Elise? Has she married? Is she happy?
*READER CAUTIONS -
Profanity - None.
Violence - PG-13. Brief Kidnapping, assault, & threats by antagonists, not graphic or dark.
Sexual Situations - the MCs develop a committed relationship which leads to brief on-scene intimacy in the final chapter, and there is mention of a previous liaison between the 2 prior to the beginning of the story.
*Due to the aforementioned, young readers and those who would be offended should consider looking elsewhere.
January 17, 2021
This is a sweet story with a dark undertone. There are a few unanswered questions, but I wondered if the other books in this series have the answers. Lady Elise leads a second, dangerous life, but one that is admirable in intention. Rescuing young ladies who are abused, then forced into marriages makes her a target for the men perpetuating the nefarious scheme. I did wonder how it failed to reach a climax the year earlier when Elise foiled their previous attempt, and also if there were other young women who were not rescued. Surely the scheme would have been uncovered by their parents, even if the marriages were not annulled. Perhaps the parents preferred to have their daughters married to fortune hunters rather than face the scandal the kidnappings would have caused. That would indicate a lack of care for both their daughters and any other girls in the same situation as well as a disregard for what was happening. Running through all this, is the story of an arrogant Duke and a young Viscount who is obviously not good enough for the Duke's daughter. Having ruined her, I'm surprised they were not married 10 years earlier, but perhaps that was a well-kept secret. They could have re-connected when Elise turned 21, but it's not stated when the old Duke died. Two couples and a lot of misunderstandings make for a tangled web. Worth reading. I gave it 4 stars.
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