What do you think?
Rate this book
Heroes of the Sea #0.5
The Admiral’s Heart
England, 1774. Ten years have elapsed since Lady Philippa Ponsonby Hatfield made a painful sacrifice in giving up the dashing Royal Navy captain with whom she was desperately in love. In the years since, Sir Elliott Lord has gone on to become a famous admiral and hero of England, and now, fate throws them together once more at a glittering ball hosted by none other than Lucien de Montforte, the mighty duke of Blackheath … where love gets a second chance in this sweet and sexy short story by the bestselling, award-winning author of the critically acclaimed de Montforte Brothers series.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2013
1152 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Danelle Harmon
42 books472 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Danelle Harmon has written seventeen critically acclaimed and award-winning books, with many being published all over the world. A Massachusetts native, she has lived in Great Britain, though these days she and her English husband make their home in New England with their daughter Emma and numerous animals including five dogs, an Egyptian Arabian horse, and a flock of pet chickens. Danelle enjoys reading, spending time with family, friends and her animals, dog showing, plane-spotting, and sailing her reproduction 19th century skiff, Kestrel II. She welcomes email from her readers and can be reached at Danelle@danelleharmon.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 19, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up.
The January 2022 #TBRChallenge theme is “quickie.” I went for the literal interpretation of the theme this month, and dove into my collection of novellas. Perhaps not surprisingly, most of them are Christmas-themed, but I have a hard time reading holiday stories after the holiday season. Luckily, I have a handful that aren’t set during ~the most wonderful time of the year.~
In fact, this one is set in February 1774. Lucien De Montforte, Duke of Blackheath, is throwing a ball in honor of his brother Charles, who is off to America to fight the upstart rebellious colonists in Boston. Tagging along on the trip will be their cousin, Lady Philippa, who has inherited a plot of land in Massachusetts from her late husband. Lucien is known for his gala celebrations, and also known for pulling everyone’s strings at his own whims, so precisely no one is surprised when Lady Philippa finds herself face-to-face with her onetime love, Admiral Elliot Lord. The two of them haven’t seen each other in over ten years, but neither stopped loving the other. Lucien is in a good mood and has decided to play matchmaker, but the two need no nudging from him to fall back into each other’s arms.
Elliot wants to know why Philippa left him all those years ago; Philippa, no longer a self-conscious little girl, confesses all to him. Both are older, wiser, more mature, and realize time is too precious to waste. Now that he’s found her again, Elliot is determined not to let her go – and even more importantly, to become his wife. Philippa demurs, but agrees to give him one night to convince her. The two sneak away, foiling even all-knowing Lord Lucien, and spend a very cozy evening getting to know one another all over again.
This was a very sweet (and sexy) story. The author does a nice job of weaving their past into their present, and really puts in the effort to show that they truly do love each other, and have a foundation for that love. The on-page sexytimes were nicely written as well – lots of heat to contrast the cold winter weather outside. It’s perfect reading for the sort of miserable weather that usually rolls around early in the year.
I wasn’t too happy with the ending but that was only worth half a star IMO. Writing a good novella is extremely hard to do, so major props to Ms. Harmon for more or less knocking this one out of the park. An excellent beginning to the 2022 TBR Challenge!
The January 2022 #TBRChallenge theme is “quickie.” I went for the literal interpretation of the theme this month, and dove into my collection of novellas. Perhaps not surprisingly, most of them are Christmas-themed, but I have a hard time reading holiday stories after the holiday season. Luckily, I have a handful that aren’t set during ~the most wonderful time of the year.~
In fact, this one is set in February 1774. Lucien De Montforte, Duke of Blackheath, is throwing a ball in honor of his brother Charles, who is off to America to fight the upstart rebellious colonists in Boston. Tagging along on the trip will be their cousin, Lady Philippa, who has inherited a plot of land in Massachusetts from her late husband. Lucien is known for his gala celebrations, and also known for pulling everyone’s strings at his own whims, so precisely no one is surprised when Lady Philippa finds herself face-to-face with her onetime love, Admiral Elliot Lord. The two of them haven’t seen each other in over ten years, but neither stopped loving the other. Lucien is in a good mood and has decided to play matchmaker, but the two need no nudging from him to fall back into each other’s arms.
Elliot wants to know why Philippa left him all those years ago; Philippa, no longer a self-conscious little girl, confesses all to him. Both are older, wiser, more mature, and realize time is too precious to waste. Now that he’s found her again, Elliot is determined not to let her go – and even more importantly, to become his wife. Philippa demurs, but agrees to give him one night to convince her. The two sneak away, foiling even all-knowing Lord Lucien, and spend a very cozy evening getting to know one another all over again.
This was a very sweet (and sexy) story. The author does a nice job of weaving their past into their present, and really puts in the effort to show that they truly do love each other, and have a foundation for that love. The on-page sexytimes were nicely written as well – lots of heat to contrast the cold winter weather outside. It’s perfect reading for the sort of miserable weather that usually rolls around early in the year.
I wasn’t too happy with the ending but that was only worth half a star IMO. Writing a good novella is extremely hard to do, so major props to Ms. Harmon for more or less knocking this one out of the park. An excellent beginning to the 2022 TBR Challenge!
Currently reading
November 22, 2020My big problem with this books now is that Danelle Harmons writing is to good to perfect and she ruined all the other HR books for me that I have already read and what the heck should I read after ??? I hope DH is writing right now
February 8, 2013
A Second Chance at True Love, and a Winning Short Story.
In Berkshire, England the year is 1774, and it’s been ten years since Pippa (Lady Philippa Hatfield) has seen the man who was her lover, now Admiral Sir Elliott Lord. Widowed, she encounters Elliott at a ball. He well remembers her—the woman who loved him and left him, the woman he never forgot. It turns out she left him so he wouldn’t have to give up the dog he loved, the dog to which she was very allergic. But now they are together again, and Elliot, who never married, is determined to never let her go.
Beautifully written with some of the characters from her novels (Christian Lord, Brenden Merrick and the Blackheath clan), this is a “second chance” glimpse into the life of a woman who tried to do something unselfish and lost her only love, now to regain it again. A great short story with a very sexy love scene. If I had any complaint it would be that I wanted more!
In Berkshire, England the year is 1774, and it’s been ten years since Pippa (Lady Philippa Hatfield) has seen the man who was her lover, now Admiral Sir Elliott Lord. Widowed, she encounters Elliott at a ball. He well remembers her—the woman who loved him and left him, the woman he never forgot. It turns out she left him so he wouldn’t have to give up the dog he loved, the dog to which she was very allergic. But now they are together again, and Elliot, who never married, is determined to never let her go.
Beautifully written with some of the characters from her novels (Christian Lord, Brenden Merrick and the Blackheath clan), this is a “second chance” glimpse into the life of a woman who tried to do something unselfish and lost her only love, now to regain it again. A great short story with a very sexy love scene. If I had any complaint it would be that I wanted more!
July 3, 2022
This short story sailed beyond a sea of disappointment into an ocean of exasperation. I had read several books about the Montfort Brothers and thought it would be fun to revisit them, but 39 pages of words does not a short story make. The premise was built upon a second chance romance. The reason for the original breakup was so ludicrous my suspension of disbelief rang out with a palpable “boing.” Granted the steamy scene was sensuous, but there wasn’t much else to recommend as a reason to read it.
Ten years had passed since Pippa and Elliott last met. Almost nothing was revealed during their lost years. A few Montfort family members had walk-on parts without adding substance. There was even one minor plot point left dangling.
Ten years had passed since Pippa and Elliott last met. Almost nothing was revealed during their lost years. A few Montfort family members had walk-on parts without adding substance. There was even one minor plot point left dangling.
March 26, 2013
I very much enjoyed this short story! I'm absolutely thrilled that Danelle Harmon is writing again. A great read.
March 25, 2016
I just wish there were more!
January 5, 2021
3.5 Stars: entertaining read where I wish there was more to the story
I didn't quite realize that it was a short story when I started, so I was quite surprised when I finished it in one sitting! The chemistry between the couple is great too, so I was just sort of left wanting more, and wishing it hadn't been over so quickly.
Also, the way that Philippa's motivation for leaving Elliott ten years ago was presented ended up awkward. I understand that it was supposed to be (SPOILERS AHEAD) that her own under-confidence was the motivating factor, and that this presented itself as her being too embarrassed to admit that she was allergic to his dog. However, it also unfortunately comes across as her breaking up with the love of her life over *allergies*, which is, uh, something I guess. I get that it's the under-confidence that's the underlying factor, it still came across as a really petty reason to break their hearts over for 10 years, compared to all the dramatic things I was guessing at the start.
I didn't quite realize that it was a short story when I started, so I was quite surprised when I finished it in one sitting! The chemistry between the couple is great too, so I was just sort of left wanting more, and wishing it hadn't been over so quickly.
Also, the way that Philippa's motivation for leaving Elliott ten years ago was presented ended up awkward. I understand that it was supposed to be (SPOILERS AHEAD) that her own under-confidence was the motivating factor, and that this presented itself as her being too embarrassed to admit that she was allergic to his dog. However, it also unfortunately comes across as her breaking up with the love of her life over *allergies*, which is, uh, something I guess. I get that it's the under-confidence that's the underlying factor, it still came across as a really petty reason to break their hearts over for 10 years, compared to all the dramatic things I was guessing at the start.
November 26, 2023
Weak even by novella standards...
I already knew going in that this would be a short story, so that was whatever to me. But this was a short story that was painfully short, and this fact essentially backfired on it. Why? Because this tiny story involves a second chance romance for a couple I not only didn't know in the past, I also won't get to know them in the future (nor do I really want to).
I'm not a fan of second chance tropes anyway, but at least in normal ones I can learn about the characters so I can decide I like their story or not. But in a tiny novella like this one, I was forcibly denied a chance to do so. It didn't help that the reason for their parting was so beyond idiotic, that it made the entire story rather ridiculous, and I couldn't buy their "love."
Anyways, I'm glad for the happy ending at least, as second chance romances tend to go. But this little story added nothing to the series of worth (other than an introduction to Lucien), and I predict it will be quite forgettable.
I already knew going in that this would be a short story, so that was whatever to me. But this was a short story that was painfully short, and this fact essentially backfired on it. Why? Because this tiny story involves a second chance romance for a couple I not only didn't know in the past, I also won't get to know them in the future (nor do I really want to).
I'm not a fan of second chance tropes anyway, but at least in normal ones I can learn about the characters so I can decide I like their story or not. But in a tiny novella like this one, I was forcibly denied a chance to do so. It didn't help that the reason for their parting was so beyond idiotic, that it made the entire story rather ridiculous, and I couldn't buy their "love."
Anyways, I'm glad for the happy ending at least, as second chance romances tend to go. But this little story added nothing to the series of worth (other than an introduction to Lucien), and I predict it will be quite forgettable.
June 1, 2021
This is a short and sweet story of lost young love that finds its way back. Lady Philippa Ponsonby, a cousin of the De Montforte's, has recently lost her husband. She attends a ball at the De Montforte's where she comes across her old love, Admiral Elliot Lord. He has never stopped loving Susanna even though Susanna ended their courtship without a word to Elliot. Ten years have gone by but they still have the same love for each other. This is their story of rekindled love.
May 11, 2022
Not formatted to read on the phone
Great story, excellent word usage,but it socks when pages are missing and there are lapses in the story.
Story went from the ballroom to both the H and h being in a carriage. How did they get in a carriage? It's not later until you find out they are going to an inn.
Great story, excellent word usage,but it socks when pages are missing and there are lapses in the story.
Story went from the ballroom to both the H and h being in a carriage. How did they get in a carriage? It's not later until you find out they are going to an inn.
February 14, 2023
This booklet - not really a book - was a disappointment after reading the others in this series. This one was included in the series purchase but was only a short story. It could have been left out, not created at all, and we would all be the wiser from having NOT wasted time. I do not recommend buying this one.
January 25, 2018
No headline
I enjoy every book I read that Ms. Harmon writes. Get into the series. It is so much better that way. It is well written. The hero and heroines seem to pop into reality. I sense the luxury in the descriptions. It makes for my great escape.
I enjoy every book I read that Ms. Harmon writes. Get into the series. It is so much better that way. It is well written. The hero and heroines seem to pop into reality. I sense the luxury in the descriptions. It makes for my great escape.
March 18, 2022
The Admirals Heart
Quick, sweet read about two long lost lovers who once planned to marry, but strange circumstances caused them to break apart and to go their separate ways. But ten years later they realized they were still in love.
Quick, sweet read about two long lost lovers who once planned to marry, but strange circumstances caused them to break apart and to go their separate ways. But ten years later they realized they were still in love.
October 27, 2022
Harmon,s novella is as sweet as her other books
The Admirals heart is z short, sweet novella with a simple plot . it takes very little time to read and is a little romance to delight an hour.
The Admirals heart is z short, sweet novella with a simple plot . it takes very little time to read and is a little romance to delight an hour.
January 8, 2023
Short
I guess that's why she called this a novella. This book is about love that has not changed after 10 years. His heart belonged to Pippa. Very short not many details in this book.
I guess that's why she called this a novella. This book is about love that has not changed after 10 years. His heart belonged to Pippa. Very short not many details in this book.
July 17, 2020
Happy story
October 27, 2021
OK, but not as good as the others in the series
July 27, 2022
KU very short and cute
February 4, 2023
loved this quick read
What a way to find your lost love. Philippe did what she thought was best when she left. What a grand way to get all the love back.
What a way to find your lost love. Philippe did what she thought was best when she left. What a grand way to get all the love back.
June 30, 2023
Such a yummy hero!
September 9, 2013
Sometimes small is good!
I was in the mood for some fast reads, so I paid a little visit to the Lunch Hour Love Stories website to see what they were up to. I found four historical books there, three by authors that for one reason or another I haven't read in a long time. The four authors were Karen Hawkins, Danelle Harmon, Barbara Samuels and Virginia Henley.
Let's start with Danelle Harmon's The Admiral's Heart. I stopped reading Ms. Harmon in 2001, not because I wanted to but because she took some time off from writing. And, now she has returned to the scene republishing her old books and giving us this tiny little treat of a story, The Admiral's Heart. Of the four short stories that I picked, this by far was the best of the lot and I'm hoping for some new full-length ones from Ms. Harmon soon. The Admiral's Heart is only 43 Nook pages long, but it's a satisfying read nonetheless. It's not very complex - hey, at 43 pages don't expect War and Peace. But the couple, Pippa and Elliott, are cute; the love scenes sensual; and the ending lovely. This is part of Harmon's de Montforte series, but you won't need to read those to follow along. Although, after reading this short story, you may just want to read the others anyway. B+
Then we have my old standby Karen Hawkins with The Lucky One, which is part of her Wicked Widows series. This story comes in at 105 Nook pages and it is pretty standard fare. This one has a lovely widow hiding out with her precocious daughter at a hotel owned by a devastatingly handsome, self-made man. Why the lovely widow Catherine chose a public place to "hide" is beyond me, but hey this is a romance, not a murder story so it doesn't have to make sense. Catherine and James go together really well, the sexual attraction is almost immediate and there is a pretty hot floor scene. But the best part of the book is the little girl Lily; she almost stole the show. I did have a problem with Catherine's self-absorption with her art, almost to the point of ignoring her daughter and maybe in a longer book I wouldn't have liked Catherine half so much. Overall, this was an adequate read. B
Next up is Barbara Samuels. A long time ago Ms. Samuels happened to write one of my favorite historical books, The Black Lyon (1999). Then in the year 2000 she stopped writing historical romance so I quit reading her, but still hoped she would return to Historicalville someday. Anyway, The True Story of Mattie Groves caught my eye because I saw the word medieval...turned out that actually meant ghosts and reincarnation and a medieval murder being solved by a modern day archeologists or whatever she was. This story has sort of a Gothic feel with our heroine, Rose, experiencing things as she treads through dark, dank rooms. We also have a mysterious, gloomy, glaring hero, Robert. Although there was supposed to be a connection between Rose and Robert, both in current times and medieval times, I think the book was just too short for any true emotion building. The True Story of Mattie Groves was just a little disappointing to me, but I'm still hoping for a Barbara Samuel's historical someday. This story came in at 137 Nook pages. C+
Then we have Scandal by the Ton by Virginia Henley and it didn't take me long to remember why I haven't read any of her books since A Woman of Passion in 1999. Although, I think I liked Ms. Henley's rewrite of the history of Bess Hardwick and George Talbot. In Ms. Henley's version, Bess and George actually like each other, unlike the real-life couple. Scandal by the Ton is full of actual historical characters and for the most part they are horrible people. In fact all the characters in this story, whether they are based on real people or not, are appalling. The mother is a Snow White kind of mother - doesn't want to be old and is nasty. The grandmother pretends to be deaf and says salacious things. The heroine, Julie, is almost as bad; she insults people, she writes a secret scandal sheet, and she runs around all over London without any chaperone. She's only 18, by the way. The hero, Royston, is the typical older Henley hero. He's studly and overwhelms women with his male essence and bulging pants. Yes, I understand this is a "short" story, but it had the feel of a literature project. The phrases were stilted, the plot unbelievable, and the characters in the book were just awful. Comes in at 363 Nook. D
I was in the mood for some fast reads, so I paid a little visit to the Lunch Hour Love Stories website to see what they were up to. I found four historical books there, three by authors that for one reason or another I haven't read in a long time. The four authors were Karen Hawkins, Danelle Harmon, Barbara Samuels and Virginia Henley.
Let's start with Danelle Harmon's The Admiral's Heart. I stopped reading Ms. Harmon in 2001, not because I wanted to but because she took some time off from writing. And, now she has returned to the scene republishing her old books and giving us this tiny little treat of a story, The Admiral's Heart. Of the four short stories that I picked, this by far was the best of the lot and I'm hoping for some new full-length ones from Ms. Harmon soon. The Admiral's Heart is only 43 Nook pages long, but it's a satisfying read nonetheless. It's not very complex - hey, at 43 pages don't expect War and Peace. But the couple, Pippa and Elliott, are cute; the love scenes sensual; and the ending lovely. This is part of Harmon's de Montforte series, but you won't need to read those to follow along. Although, after reading this short story, you may just want to read the others anyway. B+
Then we have my old standby Karen Hawkins with The Lucky One, which is part of her Wicked Widows series. This story comes in at 105 Nook pages and it is pretty standard fare. This one has a lovely widow hiding out with her precocious daughter at a hotel owned by a devastatingly handsome, self-made man. Why the lovely widow Catherine chose a public place to "hide" is beyond me, but hey this is a romance, not a murder story so it doesn't have to make sense. Catherine and James go together really well, the sexual attraction is almost immediate and there is a pretty hot floor scene. But the best part of the book is the little girl Lily; she almost stole the show. I did have a problem with Catherine's self-absorption with her art, almost to the point of ignoring her daughter and maybe in a longer book I wouldn't have liked Catherine half so much. Overall, this was an adequate read. B
Next up is Barbara Samuels. A long time ago Ms. Samuels happened to write one of my favorite historical books, The Black Lyon (1999). Then in the year 2000 she stopped writing historical romance so I quit reading her, but still hoped she would return to Historicalville someday. Anyway, The True Story of Mattie Groves caught my eye because I saw the word medieval...turned out that actually meant ghosts and reincarnation and a medieval murder being solved by a modern day archeologists or whatever she was. This story has sort of a Gothic feel with our heroine, Rose, experiencing things as she treads through dark, dank rooms. We also have a mysterious, gloomy, glaring hero, Robert. Although there was supposed to be a connection between Rose and Robert, both in current times and medieval times, I think the book was just too short for any true emotion building. The True Story of Mattie Groves was just a little disappointing to me, but I'm still hoping for a Barbara Samuel's historical someday. This story came in at 137 Nook pages. C+
Then we have Scandal by the Ton by Virginia Henley and it didn't take me long to remember why I haven't read any of her books since A Woman of Passion in 1999. Although, I think I liked Ms. Henley's rewrite of the history of Bess Hardwick and George Talbot. In Ms. Henley's version, Bess and George actually like each other, unlike the real-life couple. Scandal by the Ton is full of actual historical characters and for the most part they are horrible people. In fact all the characters in this story, whether they are based on real people or not, are appalling. The mother is a Snow White kind of mother - doesn't want to be old and is nasty. The grandmother pretends to be deaf and says salacious things. The heroine, Julie, is almost as bad; she insults people, she writes a secret scandal sheet, and she runs around all over London without any chaperone. She's only 18, by the way. The hero, Royston, is the typical older Henley hero. He's studly and overwhelms women with his male essence and bulging pants. Yes, I understand this is a "short" story, but it had the feel of a literature project. The phrases were stilted, the plot unbelievable, and the characters in the book were just awful. Comes in at 363 Nook. D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2013
I’m always willing to take a trip with one of Danelle Harmon’s books, and in this story. The Admiral’s Heart, she takes me on a short journey of what once Pippa and Elliot had but lost; young, sweet and innocent love. By pure coincidence [or is it? You can never be sure when Lucien is around], they are presented with a second chance…
Will Pippa find the courage to face Elliot and finally give him an explanation behind her withdrawal of her affections all those years ago?
Is Elliot willing to listen, forgive and embrace the second chance with the woman he always loved and could never forget?
This is a short story a bit shy of 13,000 words and as such I knew that the author was limited in her telling, but if you’re Danelle Harmon, you don’t let that stop you. And while the story is way too short for my taste, the author made sure I was entertained and vested in Pippa and Elliot’s happily ever after.
I enjoyed their interaction as they reunite and awkwardly try to reacquaint themselves with each other, while each is itching to give in temptation.
Oh, and that love scene at the end….just thought to warn you…it’s a scorcher!
EXCERPT:
“He saw a flash of blue ahead as she rounded a corner, and broke into a run. He would not lose her. Even if he had to chase her from here to Londo.
And he’d be damned to hell and back if he’d allow Sir Geoffrey, or any of his subordinates to know that he felt dismasted, in irons, as stricken as a brig that had just been smashed beneath a salvo of chain shot, and he damn well didn’t need the young Captain Merrick, whose arm had been so conveniently placed beneath Pippa’s hand when he’d come upon the little group, trying to make himself useful. Elliott was on the distant side of thirty. The far distant side. He had enough aches and pains when he got up in the morning these days, and though his sandy blond hair was still thick and rich and showed no sign of either thinning or gray, the lines that bracketed the corners of his eyes, carved there by sun and salt and the passing of years, were an all too blatant reminder that he was no dashing young buck like the handsome Captain Merrick or even that pink-cheeked pup, Oliver Heathmore.
Pippa. Of all people to encounter here. Of all people to run up against when it had taken him ten years to forget her.
Of all people.
There, ahead, a door, ajar. He pushed it open.
Nothing.
He kept going, moving faster now.
Another door. Closed.
He shoved it open and there she was, standing by a window with one hand anchoring herself on its sill. A candle in a glass globe stood on a small table nearby, striking gold into her beautiful face.
‘Elliott,’ she said weakly.
He stopped in his tracks, one hand still on the door, just looking at her.
She was beautiful. Heartbreakingly so. Certainly, the years had treated her kinder than they had him. But then, the one doing the jilting wasn’t usually the one who did the suffering. And by the looks of her, she hadn’t suffered one bit. Skin that was still clear and smooth. Full, pink lips, now parted in surprise or shock, making him ache to kiss them, and a mouth that used to be able to quirk up just a fraction on one side, as though she found life perpetually amusing and expected others to, as well. Kind, gentle, blue eyes, heavily lashed and slightly down-turned at the corners like those of her de Montforte cousins, and a tiny, nipped waist that just begged him to span it with his hands. She wore a beautiful gown of shimmering cobalt silk, the skirts overlaid with white lace and the fitted bodice embroidered with gold thread that caught the light of the candle.
Blue and white and gold.
Naval colors.
Surely it was a coincidence.
Somewhere off over his shoulder, and coming down the hall toward them, he heard voices. Without a second thought, Elliott kicked the door shut behind him with one foot. The abrupt sound it made as it slammed was immensely satisfying.”
Mel for b2b
*Book provided by the author.
Will Pippa find the courage to face Elliot and finally give him an explanation behind her withdrawal of her affections all those years ago?
Is Elliot willing to listen, forgive and embrace the second chance with the woman he always loved and could never forget?
This is a short story a bit shy of 13,000 words and as such I knew that the author was limited in her telling, but if you’re Danelle Harmon, you don’t let that stop you. And while the story is way too short for my taste, the author made sure I was entertained and vested in Pippa and Elliot’s happily ever after.
I enjoyed their interaction as they reunite and awkwardly try to reacquaint themselves with each other, while each is itching to give in temptation.
Oh, and that love scene at the end….just thought to warn you…it’s a scorcher!
EXCERPT:
“He saw a flash of blue ahead as she rounded a corner, and broke into a run. He would not lose her. Even if he had to chase her from here to Londo.
And he’d be damned to hell and back if he’d allow Sir Geoffrey, or any of his subordinates to know that he felt dismasted, in irons, as stricken as a brig that had just been smashed beneath a salvo of chain shot, and he damn well didn’t need the young Captain Merrick, whose arm had been so conveniently placed beneath Pippa’s hand when he’d come upon the little group, trying to make himself useful. Elliott was on the distant side of thirty. The far distant side. He had enough aches and pains when he got up in the morning these days, and though his sandy blond hair was still thick and rich and showed no sign of either thinning or gray, the lines that bracketed the corners of his eyes, carved there by sun and salt and the passing of years, were an all too blatant reminder that he was no dashing young buck like the handsome Captain Merrick or even that pink-cheeked pup, Oliver Heathmore.
Pippa. Of all people to encounter here. Of all people to run up against when it had taken him ten years to forget her.
Of all people.
There, ahead, a door, ajar. He pushed it open.
Nothing.
He kept going, moving faster now.
Another door. Closed.
He shoved it open and there she was, standing by a window with one hand anchoring herself on its sill. A candle in a glass globe stood on a small table nearby, striking gold into her beautiful face.
‘Elliott,’ she said weakly.
He stopped in his tracks, one hand still on the door, just looking at her.
She was beautiful. Heartbreakingly so. Certainly, the years had treated her kinder than they had him. But then, the one doing the jilting wasn’t usually the one who did the suffering. And by the looks of her, she hadn’t suffered one bit. Skin that was still clear and smooth. Full, pink lips, now parted in surprise or shock, making him ache to kiss them, and a mouth that used to be able to quirk up just a fraction on one side, as though she found life perpetually amusing and expected others to, as well. Kind, gentle, blue eyes, heavily lashed and slightly down-turned at the corners like those of her de Montforte cousins, and a tiny, nipped waist that just begged him to span it with his hands. She wore a beautiful gown of shimmering cobalt silk, the skirts overlaid with white lace and the fitted bodice embroidered with gold thread that caught the light of the candle.
Blue and white and gold.
Naval colors.
Surely it was a coincidence.
Somewhere off over his shoulder, and coming down the hall toward them, he heard voices. Without a second thought, Elliott kicked the door shut behind him with one foot. The abrupt sound it made as it slammed was immensely satisfying.”
Mel for b2b
*Book provided by the author.
Read
November 24, 2020Short and sweet.!!
The Duke has his friends that are just like him. The joy of a women, glory of heart and sexual satisfaction for each other. So satisfied I didn't want the story to end.😋😂😄
The Duke has his friends that are just like him. The joy of a women, glory of heart and sexual satisfaction for each other. So satisfied I didn't want the story to end.😋😂😄
Read
March 2, 2013Oh I hope for a so long time that Danelle Harmon was going to write again; A very short story but her style is just there. I hope I can read again a fat and big novel by her.
http://blue-moon.fr/spip.php?article7953
Avis de Callixta
Voilà sans doute la courte nouvelle la plus réjouissante qui sot. Danelle Harmon a écrit quelques romans dans les années 90 dont la saga des Montforte publiée en France il y a quelques temps, puis elle s’est arrêtée pour des raisons personnelles. Mais elle a conservé des liens avec ses fans qui n’ont pas cessé de l’encourager à revenir. Personne n’y croyait vraiment mais il semble bien qu’elle sorte du silence et de quelle manière...
Timidement, elle revient avec une nouvelle qui s’inscrit justement dans l’univers des Montforte, au début de la saga et il n’est pas nécessaire de connaître celle-ci pour goûter cette jolie histoire toute simple. Il s’agit des retrouvailles entre l’amiral Lord et celle qu’il aimé jeune avant qu’elle ne le quitte sans explication. Danelle Harmon fait d’ailleurs le lien avec un autre de ses livres car si l’héroïne du livre est une cousine des Montforte, Elliot Lord est le frère aîné d’un autre héros de l’auteure.
La nouvelle elle-même est trop courte mais qu’elle donne un excellent exemple du talent de Danelle Harmon. Elle écrit superbement bien et même s’il ne se passe quasiment rien et que tout est prévisible ou presque, il est difficile de résister au couple formé par Elliott et Philippa. Il y a tout de même quelque chose de très étonnant dans ce classique récit de retrouvailles c’est la cause de leur séparation. Cet argument n’a , à ma connaissance, jamais été utilisé dans la romance et montre comment Danelle Harmon réussit toujours à surprendre et contourner les poncifs du genre.
Malgré le court format, les deux personnages sont très bien définis et très attachants, l’auteure signe une scène sensuelle magnifique et si il suffit aux deux héros de se voir pour retomber dans les bras l’un de l’autre, ce n’est dû qu’aux faibles nombres de pages et certainement pas au manque d’imagination de cette auteure.
En résumé, nous avons hâte que Danelle Harmon revienne dans un long roman, riche et détaillé. Elle a un talent intact et des idées. Espérons qu’elle réussira à nous revenir sur le devant de la scène.
http://blue-moon.fr/spip.php?article7953
Avis de Callixta
Voilà sans doute la courte nouvelle la plus réjouissante qui sot. Danelle Harmon a écrit quelques romans dans les années 90 dont la saga des Montforte publiée en France il y a quelques temps, puis elle s’est arrêtée pour des raisons personnelles. Mais elle a conservé des liens avec ses fans qui n’ont pas cessé de l’encourager à revenir. Personne n’y croyait vraiment mais il semble bien qu’elle sorte du silence et de quelle manière...
Timidement, elle revient avec une nouvelle qui s’inscrit justement dans l’univers des Montforte, au début de la saga et il n’est pas nécessaire de connaître celle-ci pour goûter cette jolie histoire toute simple. Il s’agit des retrouvailles entre l’amiral Lord et celle qu’il aimé jeune avant qu’elle ne le quitte sans explication. Danelle Harmon fait d’ailleurs le lien avec un autre de ses livres car si l’héroïne du livre est une cousine des Montforte, Elliot Lord est le frère aîné d’un autre héros de l’auteure.
La nouvelle elle-même est trop courte mais qu’elle donne un excellent exemple du talent de Danelle Harmon. Elle écrit superbement bien et même s’il ne se passe quasiment rien et que tout est prévisible ou presque, il est difficile de résister au couple formé par Elliott et Philippa. Il y a tout de même quelque chose de très étonnant dans ce classique récit de retrouvailles c’est la cause de leur séparation. Cet argument n’a , à ma connaissance, jamais été utilisé dans la romance et montre comment Danelle Harmon réussit toujours à surprendre et contourner les poncifs du genre.
Malgré le court format, les deux personnages sont très bien définis et très attachants, l’auteure signe une scène sensuelle magnifique et si il suffit aux deux héros de se voir pour retomber dans les bras l’un de l’autre, ce n’est dû qu’aux faibles nombres de pages et certainement pas au manque d’imagination de cette auteure.
En résumé, nous avons hâte que Danelle Harmon revienne dans un long roman, riche et détaillé. Elle a un talent intact et des idées. Espérons qu’elle réussira à nous revenir sur le devant de la scène.
May 16, 2017
I enjoyed listening to the audio version of this novella. The reader was very good. I am a fan of both this author's Heroes of the Sea and the DeMontforte series, and this novella, while it is part of the Heroes of the Sea, seamlessly and naturally includes some characters from the DeMontforte series.
I believe this will especially appeal to fans of this author and series since they will already know and delight in another story that includes everyone's favorite scheming duke, Lucien. Truly, Danelle Harmon always writes so well, that as is typical the story is both effortless and satisfying to read. I will say that this one is spicy on the sensuality meter.
I enjoy novellas in general. As readers, we are aware that the story is shorter and less complex than a full novel. In this instance, the novella format worked for the storyline. The situation that kept this couple apart wouldn't have been enough or worked, in my opinion, with a full length book, but was plausible enough for this novella and also something that could be resolved in this shorter length work.
I recommend this audio version especially for readers who are familiar with either the Heroes of the Sea or the DeMontforte series. This is a high quality and enjoyable audio book. There are some sensually explicit scenes that listeners should be aware of.
I believe this will especially appeal to fans of this author and series since they will already know and delight in another story that includes everyone's favorite scheming duke, Lucien. Truly, Danelle Harmon always writes so well, that as is typical the story is both effortless and satisfying to read. I will say that this one is spicy on the sensuality meter.
I enjoy novellas in general. As readers, we are aware that the story is shorter and less complex than a full novel. In this instance, the novella format worked for the storyline. The situation that kept this couple apart wouldn't have been enough or worked, in my opinion, with a full length book, but was plausible enough for this novella and also something that could be resolved in this shorter length work.
I recommend this audio version especially for readers who are familiar with either the Heroes of the Sea or the DeMontforte series. This is a high quality and enjoyable audio book. There are some sensually explicit scenes that listeners should be aware of.
March 19, 2015
Excellent Short Story- Good Introduction The Line of Heroes
This is a nice introduction to the DeMontefort Duke- Lucien. The Admiral's story is a sweet story of love - a love lost for ten years- before it had a chance to flourish. Sir Elliott Lord never understood what happened to the love of his life- never understood why she ran, instead of marrying him. But here she was at the Blackheath ball ten years later- and they were suddenly face to face. For Lady Phillipa, it was the love that she gave up- and she wanted - no, needed to run, not knowing if she could stay and risk being around him for long. After ten years, it was obvious that her body was reacting to him- she needed to leave, immediately.
The story is short, but engaging. Well written. A wonderful introduction to key characters in her other books. Danelle Harmon weaves her characters throughout her books, a wonderful way of breathing life into them for the reader.
This is a nice introduction to the DeMontefort Duke- Lucien. The Admiral's story is a sweet story of love - a love lost for ten years- before it had a chance to flourish. Sir Elliott Lord never understood what happened to the love of his life- never understood why she ran, instead of marrying him. But here she was at the Blackheath ball ten years later- and they were suddenly face to face. For Lady Phillipa, it was the love that she gave up- and she wanted - no, needed to run, not knowing if she could stay and risk being around him for long. After ten years, it was obvious that her body was reacting to him- she needed to leave, immediately.
The story is short, but engaging. Well written. A wonderful introduction to key characters in her other books. Danelle Harmon weaves her characters throughout her books, a wonderful way of breathing life into them for the reader.
January 26, 2014
Elliot and Pippa were very much in love, but circumstances (on Pippa's part) ten years ago had them going their separate ways. Now they meet again and oh, *fanning myself* the sparks are still flying between them. This was such a warm sweet story and I loved that they were very upfront about the misunderstanding that separated them and got past it without accusations on either side. Yes this was a short novella, which others complained about, but it does state right up front that it is only 63 pages long, so if you are looking for a long book, this isn't it. It is, however, a great lead-in to Danelle Harmon's other Heroes of the Sea Series and a must-read if you are a fan of Ms. Harmon, which I happen to be.
February 12, 2013
I love Danelle Harmon's books each and every time you open one you go on a journey through time. This short story was great I am glad to know more about Elliot & meet Pippa. Lucien was up to his tricks and at one part I laughed so hard I had to stop reading (those poor horses lol). Sweet short story of reuniting with a long lost love and second chances. I highly recommend each and every one of this author's books they are all very well written with great characters that you can't help but fall in love with.
June 15, 2015
There are second chances!
A good, very short, very hot story about rekindled romance. And I love that they are mature characters!
I didn't care for the narrator. He inserted short pauses at the wrong times. And I always prefer the narrator to have an English accent if reading a book set in England. I would have rated it a bit higher if not for that. But, still, a great little treat.
A good, very short, very hot story about rekindled romance. And I love that they are mature characters!
I didn't care for the narrator. He inserted short pauses at the wrong times. And I always prefer the narrator to have an English accent if reading a book set in England. I would have rated it a bit higher if not for that. But, still, a great little treat.
July 23, 2013
Really short. Really good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews