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Regency Risks #2
Trust Me
Trust Me is the sequel to A Measured Risk, Regency Risks, Book One
Erotic Romance, Regency Historical, Light BDSM, Rubenesque, Novel Length/approx. 100,000 words
Anne and Jon's story continues.
Is she insane?
All of Mayfair is whispering the question.
Anne Lloyd, the new Countess of Ruel, thought she'd finally begun to heal from having witnessed the terrible death of her first husband. But, from her new husband's grandmother to his ex-mistresses, it is all that is on everyone's lips. What scares her more than the potential social ruin is that even she isn't sure they aren't right.
Jonathon Lloyd, the Earl of Ruel, has commanded men on the battlefield and women in the ballrooms and bedchambers with his dominant personality. It tears him apart that he can't command his wife's terrors to go away. To top it off, he has to battle his grandmother, for Anne's acceptance as the new Countess. There are times when it seems that the bloody battlefields of Europe were easier to navigate than the so-called civilized graces of Society.
There are those who will stop at nothing to tear apart the fragile bond between the newlyweds. Can Lady and Lord Ruel learn to trust each enough to keep their love, and her sanity, intact?
Reader Advisory: Trust Me is an erotica romance featuring frequent sexual scenes, light BDSM themes and frank sexual slang from the era. As a work of historical romantic fiction, Trust Me is not meant to be a portrayal of modern BDSM lifestyles or practices. It is also not meant to be an accurate portrayal of how people recover from PTSD.
Erotic Romance, Regency Historical, Light BDSM, Rubenesque, Novel Length/approx. 100,000 words
Anne and Jon's story continues.
Is she insane?
All of Mayfair is whispering the question.
Anne Lloyd, the new Countess of Ruel, thought she'd finally begun to heal from having witnessed the terrible death of her first husband. But, from her new husband's grandmother to his ex-mistresses, it is all that is on everyone's lips. What scares her more than the potential social ruin is that even she isn't sure they aren't right.
Jonathon Lloyd, the Earl of Ruel, has commanded men on the battlefield and women in the ballrooms and bedchambers with his dominant personality. It tears him apart that he can't command his wife's terrors to go away. To top it off, he has to battle his grandmother, for Anne's acceptance as the new Countess. There are times when it seems that the bloody battlefields of Europe were easier to navigate than the so-called civilized graces of Society.
There are those who will stop at nothing to tear apart the fragile bond between the newlyweds. Can Lady and Lord Ruel learn to trust each enough to keep their love, and her sanity, intact?
Reader Advisory: Trust Me is an erotica romance featuring frequent sexual scenes, light BDSM themes and frank sexual slang from the era. As a work of historical romantic fiction, Trust Me is not meant to be a portrayal of modern BDSM lifestyles or practices. It is also not meant to be an accurate portrayal of how people recover from PTSD.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2014
98 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Blackthorne
20 books219 followersHistorical Erotic Romance Author
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 4, 2023
Restating once again my newfound belief that H+h that take two stories to get to their HEA is kinda great. With Anne and Jon wed in A Measured Risk, now they have to figure out married life together. It's not like it was in a secluded cottage in the woods where they could forget who they are, were before they met each other... their match is not exactly celebrated or looked upon with favour among their set, and they begin to doubt each other.
Ah I love all the layers to their relationships!
Anne and Jon
Anne is knotty-headed. She can't seem to give Jon her complete trust the way he hopes her to. She willingly does it in carnal situations, almost using it to escape conversations.
It is frustrating for Jon who is understanding but wants Anne to trust him enough. On Anne's side, why does he need her to open up when she doesn't even know yet what she thinks? On Jon's side, why can't she just express herself and trust him even if she doesn't yet know?
I felt for both sides. It is hard for Anne who grew up isolated and has a shy disposition. She naturally goes back to patterns that work for her: coldness. A haughty reserve fit for a duke's daughter. She really tries. She also resists. I felt all of that.
Also that Anne turns into a sensual creature is a big yes for me. There are moments she falls into a sensual daze and I really enjoyed seeing Anne enjoy her body, the senses. Anne is a bit insatiable in this one. It's nice because the hero usually can't keep it in his pants but Anne's always ready lol.
If it is true Anne is knotty-headed, it is also true that Jon is a rake. Anne has doubts about whether or not he will love her forever or for now. Will their marriage work or is this a dalliance he is into until he finds someone else? Jon also has mom issues-does he love Anne because she is like his mother?
This conflict sets up Anne to be cool and practical-minded, issuing conversations that drives Jon crazy. The argument when Anne tells Jon she doesn't want to know about his liasons and he immediately responds she won't be able to take any lovers is just elite. The way in his POV he realizes he just made a strategic error was hilarious.
Meanwhile Jon becomes unpredictable in mood. He is abruptly rude and cold. When drunk, downright mean. And oof it was just right. Just right because outside of these peculiarly petulant moods, he is literally always there for Anne. In the first book, he was almost omnipotent, but here it is the right amount of care. His unpredictable mood swings did not undercut this care of her but showed even he needs something back from Anne.
The women!
Can I say that all the women here are amazing.
Jon's grandmother is an old dragon who is a complete bitch ranting and raving against Anne. I admired how Natasha Blackthorne wrote one of the few scenes between Anne and Jon's grandmother. Anne is quite compassionate to her. Never rude or subservient but honestly answers grandmother's questions. I think this shows Anne's power and practicality in a realistic way. The grandmother is acting poorly but she's not immediately cast as an evil villain. At the end when grandmother asks Jon if she scared Anne off and asking Anne if she is a fighter... because she is a fighter herself. Omgoodness catharsis.
So too with Maria. Ok Maria is a pretty horrid villain but she is a pretty great horrid villain. She brings to mind Nicolaa in Marsha Canham's Through a Dark Mist. LET THE VILLAINS VAMP. Maria was like the devil on your shoulder whispering people don't like you, oh remember that little incident? It means everything... you know those weird/untrue thought spirals that can happen late at night.
She was an absolute viper. Poison. And she was so much fun (!!) She was so fun a villain I don't hate her. Even before the third act where something is revealed about her intentions with Anne that could make the reader sympathetic or understand Maria, she was stirring the pot like no one else was!
Thank you Maria for creating all this unnecessary drama :')
Because you know what. Maria may have had her own agenda for being harsh and spreading lies, but in a way, it was.. good (?) for Anne and Jon to address realities. Ok just trying to find the silver lining here. Marias IRL bad. Marias in romance novels? Kind of fun. I'll take it.
And on Rebecca. While I usually detest stories where we get to know all the women a rake is involved with (jilted ex, mistress, love of life), it elicits big-time eye-roll, I really did not notice. Rebecca is the lovelorn mistress who knows when to take a bow. Makes sense as she gets her own book.
Anne's trauma
The blurb makes this seem as though this is the major conflict in the story but it isn't. It is also clear that Anne's trauma is not magically fixed at the end of book 1 so I quite liked that we see Anne continue to be with her trauma and grief. She can ride but it's not like her trauma is gone is a realistic portrayal I'm here for.
The ending
THAT ENDING. Perfect. So much of the story is Jon taking care of Anne. I liked that Anne was able to exercise her agency. Yes yes yes.
Thank you Natasha Blackthorne!!!
Other romance novels with MCs that have two stories to their love story:
Hollee Mands' Little Fire and Winter Sun
Scarlett St. Clair's King of Battle and Blood and Queen of Myth and Monsters
Quinn Blackbird's Black World and Black World 2
And of course Lindsay J. Pryor's Blackthorn series.
Despite these recommendations being all fantasy romance hehe, would say Hollee Mands is probably most similar to Natasha Blackthorne in terms of style and plot. Both have a more conventional book one and book two is much more interesting with machinations afoot, and deeper psychological conflict than the previous book.
July 1, 2023: Really coming around to couples who have two books to tell their love story. Loved this instalment more than the first one, both are good but find this one more psychologically meatier. And also the villains are fun. Maria is a viper! Detailed review to follow :)
Ah I love all the layers to their relationships!
Anne and Jon
Anne is knotty-headed. She can't seem to give Jon her complete trust the way he hopes her to. She willingly does it in carnal situations, almost using it to escape conversations.
It is frustrating for Jon who is understanding but wants Anne to trust him enough. On Anne's side, why does he need her to open up when she doesn't even know yet what she thinks? On Jon's side, why can't she just express herself and trust him even if she doesn't yet know?
I felt for both sides. It is hard for Anne who grew up isolated and has a shy disposition. She naturally goes back to patterns that work for her: coldness. A haughty reserve fit for a duke's daughter. She really tries. She also resists. I felt all of that.
Also that Anne turns into a sensual creature is a big yes for me. There are moments she falls into a sensual daze and I really enjoyed seeing Anne enjoy her body, the senses. Anne is a bit insatiable in this one. It's nice because the hero usually can't keep it in his pants but Anne's always ready lol.
If it is true Anne is knotty-headed, it is also true that Jon is a rake. Anne has doubts about whether or not he will love her forever or for now. Will their marriage work or is this a dalliance he is into until he finds someone else? Jon also has mom issues-does he love Anne because she is like his mother?
This conflict sets up Anne to be cool and practical-minded, issuing conversations that drives Jon crazy. The argument when Anne tells Jon she doesn't want to know about his liasons and he immediately responds she won't be able to take any lovers is just elite. The way in his POV he realizes he just made a strategic error was hilarious.
Meanwhile Jon becomes unpredictable in mood. He is abruptly rude and cold. When drunk, downright mean. And oof it was just right. Just right because outside of these peculiarly petulant moods, he is literally always there for Anne. In the first book, he was almost omnipotent, but here it is the right amount of care. His unpredictable mood swings did not undercut this care of her but showed even he needs something back from Anne.
The women!
Can I say that all the women here are amazing.
Jon's grandmother is an old dragon who is a complete bitch ranting and raving against Anne. I admired how Natasha Blackthorne wrote one of the few scenes between Anne and Jon's grandmother. Anne is quite compassionate to her. Never rude or subservient but honestly answers grandmother's questions. I think this shows Anne's power and practicality in a realistic way. The grandmother is acting poorly but she's not immediately cast as an evil villain. At the end when grandmother asks Jon if she scared Anne off and asking Anne if she is a fighter... because she is a fighter herself. Omgoodness catharsis.
So too with Maria. Ok Maria is a pretty horrid villain but she is a pretty great horrid villain. She brings to mind Nicolaa in Marsha Canham's Through a Dark Mist. LET THE VILLAINS VAMP. Maria was like the devil on your shoulder whispering people don't like you, oh remember that little incident? It means everything... you know those weird/untrue thought spirals that can happen late at night.
She was an absolute viper. Poison. And she was so much fun (!!) She was so fun a villain I don't hate her. Even before the third act where something is revealed about her intentions with Anne that could make the reader sympathetic or understand Maria, she was stirring the pot like no one else was!
Thank you Maria for creating all this unnecessary drama :')
Because you know what. Maria may have had her own agenda for being harsh and spreading lies, but in a way, it was.. good (?) for Anne and Jon to address realities. Ok just trying to find the silver lining here. Marias IRL bad. Marias in romance novels? Kind of fun. I'll take it.
And on Rebecca. While I usually detest stories where we get to know all the women a rake is involved with (jilted ex, mistress, love of life), it elicits big-time eye-roll, I really did not notice. Rebecca is the lovelorn mistress who knows when to take a bow. Makes sense as she gets her own book.
Anne's trauma
The blurb makes this seem as though this is the major conflict in the story but it isn't. It is also clear that Anne's trauma is not magically fixed at the end of book 1 so I quite liked that we see Anne continue to be with her trauma and grief. She can ride but it's not like her trauma is gone is a realistic portrayal I'm here for.
The ending
THAT ENDING. Perfect. So much of the story is Jon taking care of Anne. I liked that Anne was able to exercise her agency. Yes yes yes.
Thank you Natasha Blackthorne!!!
Other romance novels with MCs that have two stories to their love story:
Hollee Mands' Little Fire and Winter Sun
Scarlett St. Clair's King of Battle and Blood and Queen of Myth and Monsters
Quinn Blackbird's Black World and Black World 2
And of course Lindsay J. Pryor's Blackthorn series.
Despite these recommendations being all fantasy romance hehe, would say Hollee Mands is probably most similar to Natasha Blackthorne in terms of style and plot. Both have a more conventional book one and book two is much more interesting with machinations afoot, and deeper psychological conflict than the previous book.
July 1, 2023: Really coming around to couples who have two books to tell their love story. Loved this instalment more than the first one, both are good but find this one more psychologically meatier. And also the villains are fun. Maria is a viper! Detailed review to follow :)
June 26, 2014
Trust Me was one of those books that pulled me in so completely I just wasn't ready to see end. Blackthorne wowed me, once again, with a sensual and erotic historical romance that gripped my heart and had me falling even more for Jon and Anne as they fought to keep their happily ever after while faced with gossip and so many set to tear their young marriage apart.
The quick of it is that Anne and Jon are newly weds and have pretty much been in seclusion as Jon helped Anne work through the horrible loss of her husband and the PTSD she suffered as a result. Life has been good. They're in love, she's getting stronger and experiencing life again and, well, they're having lots of kinky delicious sex too. But the real world calls and they're forced to return to Society to deal with not only his family but ex-mistresses and fiances and catty women everywhere who see a bit of salacious gossip--that Anne may be insane from her experiences--and are ready to pounce.
I loved how Jon and Anne were with each other. The chemistry between them was once again just through the roof and seriously lip-biting-toe-curling good. The two are intense and passionate but also have a good spot of teasing between them which is so fun to see. They're just good people and interesting to watch together. They're not always perfect--far from--but they are perfect for each other even if they struggle now and again with their trust in that and each other because of outside forces.
That could be a bit frustrating seeing their doubts but overall it made sense that up against such difficult things a new and fragile romance would be tested. Lord knows Society does not make it easy for them. These two really did have to fight for their happily ever after something fierce. My blood was just boiling over some of the secondary women in the book who tried to cause trouble or looked down at Anne. I was totally ready to throw down and go all girly pulling hair and biting people. lol
And that's part of what makes Blackthorne's writing so amazing. She bought a story and characters to life and made everything feel so...real. The panic and fears Anne experiences during flashbacks, her discomfort being in Society, the frustrations Jon endures, the delight and joy when things are going right and the two are having fun and teasing each other. Blacktorne really created a vivid world you could practically taste and feel and I loved the emotional journey it took me through.
Trust Me was just an incredible and emotional read. Some parts were really difficult to watch unfold but it was worth the struggles and heartache to see Jon and Anne come through their trials not only stronger individually but stronger in their love for one another. Even with a couple frustrations now and again with how they handled situations (all very understandable given the circumstances) I loved every second of my time with them and can't wait to see what Blackthorne will create next.
**Note--This is the second book focused on Anne and Jon but both are complete stories (no cliffhangers) and HEAs. I was actually surprised when I started this one that it was Anne and Jon again because of how book one ended. It totally worked though and was a great addition to their journey together.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
The quick of it is that Anne and Jon are newly weds and have pretty much been in seclusion as Jon helped Anne work through the horrible loss of her husband and the PTSD she suffered as a result. Life has been good. They're in love, she's getting stronger and experiencing life again and, well, they're having lots of kinky delicious sex too. But the real world calls and they're forced to return to Society to deal with not only his family but ex-mistresses and fiances and catty women everywhere who see a bit of salacious gossip--that Anne may be insane from her experiences--and are ready to pounce.
He wrapped his hand about her throat, gently. "Behave yourself, wench."
Her heart pounded from the exertion and her mouth was dry now from anticipation. The fluttery, tickling sensation in her stomach made her giggle.
"You know the terrible things that can happen to a wench in the stables," he said, pressing his erection against her stomach, "when she finds herself alone with the master."
She caught her breath and tried to pantomime dismay, but another wave of excitment threw her into breathless giggles.
A masculine cough sounded, distantly. But close enough that Jon released her and stepped back. "Do you think you can behave for the sake of the servants?"
She swallowed her laughter. "I'll try."
I loved how Jon and Anne were with each other. The chemistry between them was once again just through the roof and seriously lip-biting-toe-curling good. The two are intense and passionate but also have a good spot of teasing between them which is so fun to see. They're just good people and interesting to watch together. They're not always perfect--far from--but they are perfect for each other even if they struggle now and again with their trust in that and each other because of outside forces.
That could be a bit frustrating seeing their doubts but overall it made sense that up against such difficult things a new and fragile romance would be tested. Lord knows Society does not make it easy for them. These two really did have to fight for their happily ever after something fierce. My blood was just boiling over some of the secondary women in the book who tried to cause trouble or looked down at Anne. I was totally ready to throw down and go all girly pulling hair and biting people. lol
And that's part of what makes Blackthorne's writing so amazing. She bought a story and characters to life and made everything feel so...real. The panic and fears Anne experiences during flashbacks, her discomfort being in Society, the frustrations Jon endures, the delight and joy when things are going right and the two are having fun and teasing each other. Blacktorne really created a vivid world you could practically taste and feel and I loved the emotional journey it took me through.
Trust Me was just an incredible and emotional read. Some parts were really difficult to watch unfold but it was worth the struggles and heartache to see Jon and Anne come through their trials not only stronger individually but stronger in their love for one another. Even with a couple frustrations now and again with how they handled situations (all very understandable given the circumstances) I loved every second of my time with them and can't wait to see what Blackthorne will create next.
**Note--This is the second book focused on Anne and Jon but both are complete stories (no cliffhangers) and HEAs. I was actually surprised when I started this one that it was Anne and Jon again because of how book one ended. It totally worked though and was a great addition to their journey together.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
September 26, 2015
I did not read the first one, as just becoming a true fan of Blackthorne, I am slowly making my way through her collection of tales.
Blurb:
Anne and Jon's love was born in isolation. Now necessity has thrust them back into Society. Will their fragile bond survive the strain of slander and scandal?
All of Mayfair is staring at her and wondering if she is insane.
Anne Lloyd, the new Countess of Ruel, thought she'd finally begun to heal from having witnessed the terrible death of her first husband. But, from her new husband's grandmother to his ex-mistresses, it is all that is on everyone's lips. What scares her more than the potential social ruin is that even she isn't sure they aren't right.
There are times when it seems that the bloody battlefields of Europe were easier to navigate than the so-called civilized graces of Society.
Jonathon Lloyd, the Earl of Ruel, has commanded men on the battlefield and women in the ballrooms and bedchambers with his dominant personality. It tears him apart that he can't command his wife's terrors to go away. To top it off, he has to battle his grandmother, for Anne's acceptance as the new Countess.
There are those who will stop at nothing to tear apart the fragile bond between the newlyweds.
As external foes close ranks, Anne is pushed to the wall and forced to face the enemy within and to learn to have faith in herself before she can give herself fully. And Jon must come to grips with what it means to be truly vulnerable in love.
Can Lady and Lord Ruel learn to trust other each enough to keep their love, and her sanity, intact?
I found this story completely engaging and unfortunately at times disheartening. I didn't like the way the town seemed to pile against Anne, trashing her like she was garbage. I adored Jon and his strength, loyalty and love to Anne. But how long could he go one with the hateful rumors, it is hard to dismiss all the words, especially some of it is coming from the lips of his own grandmother.
Blurb:
Anne and Jon's love was born in isolation. Now necessity has thrust them back into Society. Will their fragile bond survive the strain of slander and scandal?
All of Mayfair is staring at her and wondering if she is insane.
Anne Lloyd, the new Countess of Ruel, thought she'd finally begun to heal from having witnessed the terrible death of her first husband. But, from her new husband's grandmother to his ex-mistresses, it is all that is on everyone's lips. What scares her more than the potential social ruin is that even she isn't sure they aren't right.
There are times when it seems that the bloody battlefields of Europe were easier to navigate than the so-called civilized graces of Society.
Jonathon Lloyd, the Earl of Ruel, has commanded men on the battlefield and women in the ballrooms and bedchambers with his dominant personality. It tears him apart that he can't command his wife's terrors to go away. To top it off, he has to battle his grandmother, for Anne's acceptance as the new Countess.
There are those who will stop at nothing to tear apart the fragile bond between the newlyweds.
As external foes close ranks, Anne is pushed to the wall and forced to face the enemy within and to learn to have faith in herself before she can give herself fully. And Jon must come to grips with what it means to be truly vulnerable in love.
Can Lady and Lord Ruel learn to trust other each enough to keep their love, and her sanity, intact?
I found this story completely engaging and unfortunately at times disheartening. I didn't like the way the town seemed to pile against Anne, trashing her like she was garbage. I adored Jon and his strength, loyalty and love to Anne. But how long could he go one with the hateful rumors, it is hard to dismiss all the words, especially some of it is coming from the lips of his own grandmother.
September 22, 2024
This is a continuation from the first story in this series ; A Measured Risk. The book follows through Anna and Jon’s relationship after their marriage. I love that this book depicts the aftermath of a convoluted mess that Jon had created with his family and his former mistresses and how Anna navigated through this rocky paths, learning to accept Jon’s rogue life. Often we had rake heroes transforming their life after marrying their love of the life but we never got to glimpse what happened when jealous former paramours try to muddy up the waters after the heroes get married. Trust Me portrays an almost realistic married life where arguments often rise from the most miniscule of things.
There was a scene where Anna rummaged through Jon’s drawers and came upon documents and bills for his long-term mistress Rebecca’s upkeeps. She did know that her husband he led a scoundrel life and a debauched lifestyle prior to their meeting but seeing it embodied in paperwork and having it laid out so clearly in written forms made his previous protection of his past women all the more real. Having his proofs of his womanising laid open like that. This scene is one of many examples that highlights one’s insecurity of marrying a reformed rake, a common expression we’d all have when being confronted with a partner’s promiscuous past life. Often we would think, would the allure of it tempt our partner back into that kind of life? Would he / she cheat at the slightest morsel of temptation? She did confront him about the women and demanded his fidelity from him as he didn’t offer the same for his former long-term mistress, Rebecca and his previous intended wife, Maria. As he had met Anna and slept with her while still being somewhat tied to both Rebecca and Maria. So Anna had concerns of him betraying his marriage vows if another woman snagged his attention as she did to him. How she could easily trust him to remain attracted to her when his attraction to those women easily faded.
There was a scene where Anna rummaged through Jon’s drawers and came upon documents and bills for his long-term mistress Rebecca’s upkeeps. She did know that her husband he led a scoundrel life and a debauched lifestyle prior to their meeting but seeing it embodied in paperwork and having it laid out so clearly in written forms made his previous protection of his past women all the more real. Having his proofs of his womanising laid open like that. This scene is one of many examples that highlights one’s insecurity of marrying a reformed rake, a common expression we’d all have when being confronted with a partner’s promiscuous past life. Often we would think, would the allure of it tempt our partner back into that kind of life? Would he / she cheat at the slightest morsel of temptation? She did confront him about the women and demanded his fidelity from him as he didn’t offer the same for his former long-term mistress, Rebecca and his previous intended wife, Maria. As he had met Anna and slept with her while still being somewhat tied to both Rebecca and Maria. So Anna had concerns of him betraying his marriage vows if another woman snagged his attention as she did to him. How she could easily trust him to remain attracted to her when his attraction to those women easily faded.
December 29, 2021
Trust Me is the second book in the Regency Risks erotic series, and a sequel to A Measured Risk. It’s an emotional historical romance with more issues than ever between Hero and Heroine having to be navigated in their new marriage.
A Measured Risk: 4 stars: Jonathan & Anne
Trust Me: 3 stars: Jonathan & Anne
Jonathan and Anne’s story continues.
It took me a long time time to read because the suspense element exploded into a psychological thriller type scenario. The story took me in a direction that I didn’t anticipate. It was good, but very intense.
A Measured Risk: 4 stars: Jonathan & Anne
Trust Me: 3 stars: Jonathan & Anne
Jonathan and Anne’s story continues.
It took me a long time time to read because the suspense element exploded into a psychological thriller type scenario. The story took me in a direction that I didn’t anticipate. It was good, but very intense.
June 24, 2023
Natasha has a creative imaginative and is a good writer. I love curvy heroines. Although I love this book’s plot, Natasha’s books seem to drag on at times. She gets into the character’s heads and shares those intimate thoughts with her readers. Jon, however, was too alpha for my taste, especially with his wench language.
May 16, 2022
A passionate and erotic regency romance that was filled with angst and drama. Jon and Anne had to build their trust to find a love worth savouring and a future worth reaching for. A steamy delight in the regency world.
September 17, 2022
I think the first part of this book really drug along for me and it was in a way a bit of a spoiler of the HEA from the previous story. Then about half way through the book things started to really pick up and it was much more interesting.
May 20, 2018
Sequel to a measured risk which is a lot better than this one.
November 23, 2018
Ms. Blackthorne is a master at her amazing and passionate writing! I cannot read enough of her books! The story of Anne and Jon is a sensually explosive one! She is a widow who witnessed the traumatic death of her husband. He is a handsome very masculine rake. Their story is a dramatic and based on her trusting him and their love. I enjoyed thier beautiful courting and the history each has. I love the line where Jon tells his beautiful Anne, "......the circle of you and me is all that matters now" This story has it all, a interesting storyline and characters, storyline and attention to details. I guarantee this book will make you want to read all of Ms. Blackthorne's sizzling hot romance!
May 5, 2014
Okay, okay, I'll admit it. I'm a cover gal and---yes---I was taken with the cover to Natasha Blackthorne's 'Trust Me (Regency Risks, #2).
I AM, though, familiar with Ms. Blackthorne's writing, her delicious, multi dimensional characters---her honesty in portraying them. So I knew it was safe to dig into a book of hers because of an attraction to its cover.
All of Ms. Blackthorne's characters have enthralled me. And this Jon Lloyd, Earl of Rule was no exception. He intrigued me and---yes---he aroused me. What can I say? I found him disarmingly cool and his dry humor, painted in fabulous dialogue and mannerisms, was delightful. And yet somehow his cool persona was offset and---betrayed, maybe---by his passion, his pure, unadulterated desire. Damn, I found him so fabulously
irresistible.
His patience with Anne, his wife, his fierce protectiveness of her when she's pitted against his family---against society---makes him even more appealing.
I never venture into plot in reviews, as you know. But I will say that the storyline was intriguing. Very much so. As always, Ms. Blackthorne goes outside the norm for romance to bring the reader an unusual story. A very personal story with real people with real emotions. Men and women we relate to.
The only problem now, for me, is that I was SO enraptured with Jon and Anne that I must go back to the first installment to read it. I'm dying to see where their story began.
Oh...how could I forget? The chemistry between Anne and Jon is sensual, steamy, electric. A beautiful case of want and need trying to be overshadowed by the seeking of trust.
Highly recommended.
I AM, though, familiar with Ms. Blackthorne's writing, her delicious, multi dimensional characters---her honesty in portraying them. So I knew it was safe to dig into a book of hers because of an attraction to its cover.
All of Ms. Blackthorne's characters have enthralled me. And this Jon Lloyd, Earl of Rule was no exception. He intrigued me and---yes---he aroused me. What can I say? I found him disarmingly cool and his dry humor, painted in fabulous dialogue and mannerisms, was delightful. And yet somehow his cool persona was offset and---betrayed, maybe---by his passion, his pure, unadulterated desire. Damn, I found him so fabulously
irresistible.
His patience with Anne, his wife, his fierce protectiveness of her when she's pitted against his family---against society---makes him even more appealing.
I never venture into plot in reviews, as you know. But I will say that the storyline was intriguing. Very much so. As always, Ms. Blackthorne goes outside the norm for romance to bring the reader an unusual story. A very personal story with real people with real emotions. Men and women we relate to.
The only problem now, for me, is that I was SO enraptured with Jon and Anne that I must go back to the first installment to read it. I'm dying to see where their story began.
Oh...how could I forget? The chemistry between Anne and Jon is sensual, steamy, electric. A beautiful case of want and need trying to be overshadowed by the seeking of trust.
Highly recommended.
March 23, 2014
TRUST ME by Natasha Blackthorne is an exciting Erotica Victorian Historical Romance. #2 in the "Regency Risks", but can be read as a stand alone, although, I would suggest reading A MEASURED RISK first.
TRUST ME is Anne and Jon's story continued. (Anne Lloyd, the new Countess of Ruel,and her husband, Jonathon Lloyd, the Earl of Ruel).
We first meet them in A MEASURED RISK.
Fast paced and filled with light BDSM, Rubenesque, strong language, submission, passion, secrets, fear, and love. Jon appears to be a controlling husband, but he is one who would do anything for help relieve his wife's fears. And she has many. Mature content, and steamy passion. But it is not all about the sex or passion, it is the power of love and trust.
TRUST ME is a story about scandal, passion, a sly,dependent heroine, a strong, dominant hero, and the trust that is built between them. But someone is out to destroy their fragile bond. Another hit by this author. If you enjoy erotica,forming bonds, passion, and sensuality than you will enjoy TRUST ME. Ms. Blackthorne brings a lot to her writing and her characters with her well written stories, even her sex scenes are well written and not vulgar. I enjoyed seeing how Jon and Anne finally find their HEA. A great read! Received for an honest review.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: EXTREMELY SCORCHING:
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
TRUST ME is Anne and Jon's story continued. (Anne Lloyd, the new Countess of Ruel,and her husband, Jonathon Lloyd, the Earl of Ruel).
We first meet them in A MEASURED RISK.
Fast paced and filled with light BDSM, Rubenesque, strong language, submission, passion, secrets, fear, and love. Jon appears to be a controlling husband, but he is one who would do anything for help relieve his wife's fears. And she has many. Mature content, and steamy passion. But it is not all about the sex or passion, it is the power of love and trust.
TRUST ME is a story about scandal, passion, a sly,dependent heroine, a strong, dominant hero, and the trust that is built between them. But someone is out to destroy their fragile bond. Another hit by this author. If you enjoy erotica,forming bonds, passion, and sensuality than you will enjoy TRUST ME. Ms. Blackthorne brings a lot to her writing and her characters with her well written stories, even her sex scenes are well written and not vulgar. I enjoyed seeing how Jon and Anne finally find their HEA. A great read! Received for an honest review.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: EXTREMELY SCORCHING:
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
March 27, 2014
First of all I have to say I am a big fan of Natasha Blackthorne's. She has amazed me again and again with her books and this one totally blew me away. She is a master class in this genre. A stand out for sure.
Trust Me is Book 2 in the Regency Risk Series, when I found out that we would be getting more of Jon and Anne I was so excited.
I love Natasha's writing style. She brings you back in time and takes you on a superb journey that stays with you. This book was very well written.
Jon is an handsome dominate but caring male who wants Anne's complete trust. Anne has come along way since A Measured Risk but she is still holding some of herself back from Jon.
Will Jon be able to heal all of her before he loses her? Will Anne be able to be everything Jon needs? Well you really need to read this to find out!
In this intensely erotic, emotionally driven love story we get light to moderate BDSM, passion filled love making and sizzling sex scenes that will have you melting in your seat breathlessly. Prepare to fan yourself while saying a lot of OH MY! :)
The sex scenes were so hot I thought my kindle would ignite. I have no doubt that if I was reading this in paperback that it would of gone up in flames :)
A true love story about the struggles of love, trust, submission, domination and how to deal with it back in the Regency era.
Loved this book and I can't wait for the next one :)
Trust Me is Book 2 in the Regency Risk Series, when I found out that we would be getting more of Jon and Anne I was so excited.
I love Natasha's writing style. She brings you back in time and takes you on a superb journey that stays with you. This book was very well written.
Jon is an handsome dominate but caring male who wants Anne's complete trust. Anne has come along way since A Measured Risk but she is still holding some of herself back from Jon.
Will Jon be able to heal all of her before he loses her? Will Anne be able to be everything Jon needs? Well you really need to read this to find out!
In this intensely erotic, emotionally driven love story we get light to moderate BDSM, passion filled love making and sizzling sex scenes that will have you melting in your seat breathlessly. Prepare to fan yourself while saying a lot of OH MY! :)
The sex scenes were so hot I thought my kindle would ignite. I have no doubt that if I was reading this in paperback that it would of gone up in flames :)
A true love story about the struggles of love, trust, submission, domination and how to deal with it back in the Regency era.
Loved this book and I can't wait for the next one :)
July 25, 2014
Anne and Jon’s story continues.
Is she insane? All of Mayfair is whispering the question.
There are those who will stop at nothing to tear apart the fragile bond between the newlyweds. Can Lady and Lord Ruel learn to trust each enough to keep their love, and her sanity, intact?
I was excited to read this sequel to A Measured Risk. It seemed like every one was against Lady and Lord Ruel's marriage from the beginning. It is hard to find your way when you are so busy trying to justify your relationship to all the naysayers.
Anne and Jon's relationship is very fragile because it is new to both of them. They are both so unsure of what the other feels and trying to do what they think is right without completely understanding what the other is feeling.
It is much harder to find their happy place when his grandmother and previous mistresses are always putting themselves in the middle. Anne is still struggling with witnessing her first husband's death and because she is having a hard time, everyone is saying she has gone mad.
When Anne decides to run away, the naysayers true motives and intentions are brought to light. Can Anne and Jon find their way to completely trust one another?
Pick up this book to find out. This was a great follow up to A Measured Risk.I highly recommend it
Is she insane? All of Mayfair is whispering the question.
There are those who will stop at nothing to tear apart the fragile bond between the newlyweds. Can Lady and Lord Ruel learn to trust each enough to keep their love, and her sanity, intact?
I was excited to read this sequel to A Measured Risk. It seemed like every one was against Lady and Lord Ruel's marriage from the beginning. It is hard to find your way when you are so busy trying to justify your relationship to all the naysayers.
Anne and Jon's relationship is very fragile because it is new to both of them. They are both so unsure of what the other feels and trying to do what they think is right without completely understanding what the other is feeling.
It is much harder to find their happy place when his grandmother and previous mistresses are always putting themselves in the middle. Anne is still struggling with witnessing her first husband's death and because she is having a hard time, everyone is saying she has gone mad.
When Anne decides to run away, the naysayers true motives and intentions are brought to light. Can Anne and Jon find their way to completely trust one another?
Pick up this book to find out. This was a great follow up to A Measured Risk.I highly recommend it
June 21, 2016
I had some pretty big issues with how the plot was handled in this installment.
Anne and Jon marry (but we never really read about the wedding) and apparently all that worrying A was doing in book 1 leads to NOTHING.... and at first it seems like the author failed to address this...but then she addresses it about 15% in and then AGAIN at 85%. WTF?
Jon receives a disturbing letter from his evil Grandmother who insists they come to London because of the evil rumors about Anne that have been making the rounds... rumors started by his ex-conquests who are all also psycho. And somehow for all his declarations of protection, he fails pretty miserably at it.
Anne's naivete comes back to bite her when seemingly ALL of the people they've ever been in contact with (good and evil) plot against her and Jon, involving a plot to make her insane, drugging her and being held against her will.... and this is after she decides she's already insane and leaves him. While this weird plot is resolved anticlimactically, I'd want to read about revenge. Hopefully this happens in book 3!
Anne and Jon marry (but we never really read about the wedding) and apparently all that worrying A was doing in book 1 leads to NOTHING.... and at first it seems like the author failed to address this...but then she addresses it about 15% in and then AGAIN at 85%. WTF?
Jon receives a disturbing letter from his evil Grandmother who insists they come to London because of the evil rumors about Anne that have been making the rounds... rumors started by his ex-conquests who are all also psycho. And somehow for all his declarations of protection, he fails pretty miserably at it.
Anne's naivete comes back to bite her when seemingly ALL of the people they've ever been in contact with (good and evil) plot against her and Jon, involving a plot to make her insane, drugging her and being held against her will.... and this is after she decides she's already insane and leaves him. While this weird plot is resolved anticlimactically, I'd want to read about revenge. Hopefully this happens in book 3!
September 10, 2015
I Love This Book
Trust Me picks up the story of Jon and Anne where A Measured Risk leaves off. The newlyweds return to Jon's ancestral home where his grandmother, the dowager countess refuses to even meet his young bride. Although she's somewhat improved, Anne continues to struggle with the trauma she experienced at her first husband's death. But that's nothing compared to the opposition they face from the scrutiny of proper Society and the rampant rumors of Anne's ill mental health.
Can they overcome the interference they face and embrace the intimacy they know as Lord and Lady, Dominant and submissive? This book is an absolute page-turner. Hot, sensual scenes are exquisitely written. You feel the passion of Jon and Anne as surely as you feel their heat. Don't miss this book.
Trust Me picks up the story of Jon and Anne where A Measured Risk leaves off. The newlyweds return to Jon's ancestral home where his grandmother, the dowager countess refuses to even meet his young bride. Although she's somewhat improved, Anne continues to struggle with the trauma she experienced at her first husband's death. But that's nothing compared to the opposition they face from the scrutiny of proper Society and the rampant rumors of Anne's ill mental health.
Can they overcome the interference they face and embrace the intimacy they know as Lord and Lady, Dominant and submissive? This book is an absolute page-turner. Hot, sensual scenes are exquisitely written. You feel the passion of Jon and Anne as surely as you feel their heat. Don't miss this book.
April 7, 2014
Psychological Thriller
Geesh! I don't mind a little suspense, but this turned into a psychological thriller for me. Natasha is one of my favorite erotic romance writers, and I wait on baited breath for her next release. While I'm seriously cross over this book, I will indeed read the next installment - probably reread the whole series too! I can't think of any way to explain this other than I love the characters and have a real vested interest in their well being. With all that said, Natasha, please, please go easy on me next round. I don't think my heart can take any more lack of communication (Jon and Anne?!?!?!?!) misguided loyalty (Nessie!?!?!?!?! I'm ready to strangle both her and Anne!!!)
Geesh! I don't mind a little suspense, but this turned into a psychological thriller for me. Natasha is one of my favorite erotic romance writers, and I wait on baited breath for her next release. While I'm seriously cross over this book, I will indeed read the next installment - probably reread the whole series too! I can't think of any way to explain this other than I love the characters and have a real vested interest in their well being. With all that said, Natasha, please, please go easy on me next round. I don't think my heart can take any more lack of communication (Jon and Anne?!?!?!?!) misguided loyalty (Nessie!?!?!?!?! I'm ready to strangle both her and Anne!!!)
July 27, 2022
2.5
This book could have benefited greatly from an editor. So many random, jarring cuts, changes in perspective for only a couple of paragraphs, scene that felt dropped in to the middle of other scenes, and a percolating plot that took forever to get anywhere. There are the bones of a good story here, but a lot of characters acting stupidly for no reason other than the plot doesn’t want to move forward. There wasn’t a ton of character growth in the first book, but the second book makes it seem like none happened at all. Eventually if everything in your plot hinges on two people not talking to each other when they have no reason not to, it gets old fast. Not sure I’ll be reading the third.
This book could have benefited greatly from an editor. So many random, jarring cuts, changes in perspective for only a couple of paragraphs, scene that felt dropped in to the middle of other scenes, and a percolating plot that took forever to get anywhere. There are the bones of a good story here, but a lot of characters acting stupidly for no reason other than the plot doesn’t want to move forward. There wasn’t a ton of character growth in the first book, but the second book makes it seem like none happened at all. Eventually if everything in your plot hinges on two people not talking to each other when they have no reason not to, it gets old fast. Not sure I’ll be reading the third.
March 23, 2014
Intense and emotional story of two damaged people who have to fight tooth and nail for their love. Natasha Blackthorne always creates strong characters, but I think Anne and Jon are her strongest, these two characters just jump off the page. I strongly recommend this book, but only if you have read the first book about Anne and Jon, A Measured Risk, it will not disappoint!
July 20, 2015
One of those books that offers more frustration than satisfaction. This book was a melting pot of irritating characters with Anne being the queen of them. At the end I felt so aggravated I wanted to swear off all books of this genre....I obviously can't do that so I have decided to never read this author again. Ever lol
Read
April 17, 2014Wow
I waited sooooo long for this book and now to find out there'll be a third book, wow can't wait until summer.
I was hooked from the beginning of this wonderful story. oh my Lord, I want a Joe. wonderful work Mrs. Blackthorne.
I waited sooooo long for this book and now to find out there'll be a third book, wow can't wait until summer.
I was hooked from the beginning of this wonderful story. oh my Lord, I want a Joe. wonderful work Mrs. Blackthorne.
January 16, 2015
Despite the fact that I wanted to read it so badly, I wasn't as impressed with this one as I was with the first book in the series. I think it was the ending.... so I am yet to get book 3. Maybe I will...
July 6, 2014
Good read
it was great to read,but I would love to see Jon being the one get punished lol. it's a great read
it was great to read,but I would love to see Jon being the one get punished lol. it's a great read
January 14, 2015
Love it!!!
May 29, 2015
Good book
Good read lots of love scenes. Good story follows the first book. Never have read this author before but glad I did
Good read lots of love scenes. Good story follows the first book. Never have read this author before but glad I did
March 7, 2016
wouldn't recommend it...too much ridiculous angst and misunderstanding. If you are so in love with one another, why would you listen to others speak so badly about your love?
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