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Forbidden Kisses #1
Rogues Always Wear Black
When Miss Constance Shepherd’s stepfather announces that she and her sisters’ hands have been sold to men nearly thrice their age, she does what any sensible lady would do - run!
Lord Stephen Chambers has helped many ladies in distress, from threadbare servants to runaway brides, though none have stirred his scarred heart. Until he meets Constance. Her strong spirit, quick tongue, and virtuous smile has him question honoring his oath of protecting her or fulfilling his own growing desire …
Fearing that her stepfather will find her, Constance decides to trust Stephen and accepts his offer of protection. He is brave, handsome, and his kiss has caused a passion to emerge she did not know existed.
Yet, doubts soon arise in her heart, and Constance's faith in Stephen is tested by his lingering touch, for her mother had always warned that Rogues Always Wear Black.
The Princess Bride meets Robin Hood in this Steamy Regency Romance adventure.
Lord Stephen Chambers has helped many ladies in distress, from threadbare servants to runaway brides, though none have stirred his scarred heart. Until he meets Constance. Her strong spirit, quick tongue, and virtuous smile has him question honoring his oath of protecting her or fulfilling his own growing desire …
Fearing that her stepfather will find her, Constance decides to trust Stephen and accepts his offer of protection. He is brave, handsome, and his kiss has caused a passion to emerge she did not know existed.
Yet, doubts soon arise in her heart, and Constance's faith in Stephen is tested by his lingering touch, for her mother had always warned that Rogues Always Wear Black.
The Princess Bride meets Robin Hood in this Steamy Regency Romance adventure.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2020
379 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
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December 13, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/2/2020)! 🎁
July 1, 2020
Wandering in The Woods🌲 Just Gets You Lost💕
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2020
It Never ☔Rains In The British Isles💂
ADULT Regency Romance with Abduction and Criminal Elements.
Constance💃 and her two sisters💃💃 have only their stepfather, Lord Phillip👺, left when their mother dies, and he is a mean and greedy sort. He immediately arranges marriages👰👰👰 for The girls to old men for 💰money and property. They are sold!
Constance💃 and her sisters💃💃 run away of course, but end up getting lost in the woods🌲🌲. A highwayman accosts them at 🔪knifepoint and attempts to abduct Constance💃, and all looks for naught.
Suddenly another man, all in black, steps from the shadows and saves the young women from a fate worse than death. He is Stephen🐺🍆⛲🔪, a Lord. He spends most of his time at a humble camp in the forest saving runaways and abducted women while he looks for his mother's killer🔪👺.
Meanwhile, Lord Fletcher👺, Constance's betrothed, wants what he bought and paid💰 for, so he is diligently searching for her. He hires a ruthless killer, Hawk👺, to find the three women and abduct them.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is a simplistic story, reading much like a fairytale. Inane conversational dialogue abounds in the story, especially between the sisters. I was somewhat disappointed in this book, although I have enjoyed all of Author Mayfair's 📚books I have read. This was an enjoyable book, but not outstanding. Steam factor 0.5.
Merged review:
Wandering in The Woods🌲 Just Gets You Lost💕
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2020
It Never ☔Rains In The British Isles💂
ADULT Regency Romance with Abduction and Criminal Elements.
Constance💃 and her two sisters💃💃 have only their stepfather, Lord Phillip👺, left when their mother dies, and he is a mean and greedy sort. He immediately arranges marriages👰👰👰 for The girls to old men for 💰money and property. They are sold!
Constance💃 and her sisters💃💃 run away of course, but end up getting lost in the woods🌲🌲. A highwayman accosts them at 🔪knifepoint and attempts to abduct Constance💃, and all looks for naught.
Suddenly another man, all in black, steps from the shadows and saves the young women from a fate worse than death. He is Stephen🐺🍆⛲🔪, a Lord. He spends most of his time at a humble camp in the forest saving runaways and abducted women while he looks for his mother's killer🔪👺.
Meanwhile, Lord Fletcher👺, Constance's betrothed, wants what he bought and paid💰 for, so he is diligently searching for her. He hires a ruthless killer, Hawk👺, to find the three women and abduct them.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is a simplistic story, reading much like a fairytale. Inane conversational dialogue abounds in the story, especially between the sisters. I was somewhat disappointed in this book, although have enjoyed Author Mayfair's 📚books I have read. This was an enjoyable book, but not outstanding. Steam factor 0.5.
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2020
It Never ☔Rains In The British Isles💂
ADULT Regency Romance with Abduction and Criminal Elements.
Constance💃 and her two sisters💃💃 have only their stepfather, Lord Phillip👺, left when their mother dies, and he is a mean and greedy sort. He immediately arranges marriages👰👰👰 for The girls to old men for 💰money and property. They are sold!
Constance💃 and her sisters💃💃 run away of course, but end up getting lost in the woods🌲🌲. A highwayman accosts them at 🔪knifepoint and attempts to abduct Constance💃, and all looks for naught.
Suddenly another man, all in black, steps from the shadows and saves the young women from a fate worse than death. He is Stephen🐺🍆⛲🔪, a Lord. He spends most of his time at a humble camp in the forest saving runaways and abducted women while he looks for his mother's killer🔪👺.
Meanwhile, Lord Fletcher👺, Constance's betrothed, wants what he bought and paid💰 for, so he is diligently searching for her. He hires a ruthless killer, Hawk👺, to find the three women and abduct them.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is a simplistic story, reading much like a fairytale. Inane conversational dialogue abounds in the story, especially between the sisters. I was somewhat disappointed in this book, although I have enjoyed all of Author Mayfair's 📚books I have read. This was an enjoyable book, but not outstanding. Steam factor 0.5.
Merged review:
Wandering in The Woods🌲 Just Gets You Lost💕
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2020
It Never ☔Rains In The British Isles💂
ADULT Regency Romance with Abduction and Criminal Elements.
Constance💃 and her two sisters💃💃 have only their stepfather, Lord Phillip👺, left when their mother dies, and he is a mean and greedy sort. He immediately arranges marriages👰👰👰 for The girls to old men for 💰money and property. They are sold!
Constance💃 and her sisters💃💃 run away of course, but end up getting lost in the woods🌲🌲. A highwayman accosts them at 🔪knifepoint and attempts to abduct Constance💃, and all looks for naught.
Suddenly another man, all in black, steps from the shadows and saves the young women from a fate worse than death. He is Stephen🐺🍆⛲🔪, a Lord. He spends most of his time at a humble camp in the forest saving runaways and abducted women while he looks for his mother's killer🔪👺.
Meanwhile, Lord Fletcher👺, Constance's betrothed, wants what he bought and paid💰 for, so he is diligently searching for her. He hires a ruthless killer, Hawk👺, to find the three women and abduct them.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is a simplistic story, reading much like a fairytale. Inane conversational dialogue abounds in the story, especially between the sisters. I was somewhat disappointed in this book, although have enjoyed Author Mayfair's 📚books I have read. This was an enjoyable book, but not outstanding. Steam factor 0.5.
March 23, 2022
It’s unfortunate zero stars isn’t an option
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book this historically inaccurate. Bloody hell it was bad. If you have a basic knowledge of entailed estates or the peerage just skip this book it will drive you crazy.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book this historically inaccurate. Bloody hell it was bad. If you have a basic knowledge of entailed estates or the peerage just skip this book it will drive you crazy.
February 28, 2024
Parts of this story were most enjoyable and other parts, not so much. If you've come this far, you've probably already read the synopsis, so I won't repeat it. But I will sum it up. Constance, Mary and Emma run away when they find their stepfather has sold them in marriage to lecherous old men. Hiding in the woods as they try to make their way to London, they're accosted by a highwayman who wants to take them and sell them himself. They're rescued by Stephen and his friends who take them to a small sort of village in the middle of the woods. Think Robin Hood and his merry men. The residents of said village are folks who who were in need of saving at one time and Stephen and his crew saved them. Constance and Stephen fall for each other. The women jump in and help out, become part of the village earning everyone else's admiration/love - except for Louisa. Louisa has been with Stephen since the beginning and she's insanely jealous of Constance. She hates her on sight. She's a real b*tch when it comes down to to it. Until she isn't.
The characters were mostly likeable with the exception of Louisa who has an epiphany and makes an abrupt about face changing from jealous, hateful, b*tch to loving, welcoming, lets be best friends overnight. It was like she was two different people and that didn't set well with me. The dialog was mostly okay but not quite. There were many typos and several inconsistencies. Characters did stupid things that irritated me and the "bad guys" were 100 percent bad with zero redeeming qualities. Too unrealistic. There's more, but why harp on it. I think 3 stars is overly generous, but 2 1/2 doesn't exist.
While I liked this story with some exceptions, I'm not interested in reading anything else by this author.
The characters were mostly likeable with the exception of Louisa who has an epiphany and makes an abrupt about face changing from jealous, hateful, b*tch to loving, welcoming, lets be best friends overnight. It was like she was two different people and that didn't set well with me. The dialog was mostly okay but not quite. There were many typos and several inconsistencies. Characters did stupid things that irritated me and the "bad guys" were 100 percent bad with zero redeeming qualities. Too unrealistic. There's more, but why harp on it. I think 3 stars is overly generous, but 2 1/2 doesn't exist.
While I liked this story with some exceptions, I'm not interested in reading anything else by this author.
January 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this story and didn't wish to put it down.
The characters were wonderful, and though I hated Louisa for a while she was able to redeem herself.
It would have been a five star book for I adored it most of the way through. Unfortunately, I felt the ending was a little rushed and would have liked something a bit different.
Overall, a wonderful read that fell just a little short of what I hoped for.
I would recommend this book to romance lovers and those who enjoy retellings.
A wonderful and quite quick read.
The characters were wonderful, and though I hated Louisa for a while she was able to redeem herself.
It would have been a five star book for I adored it most of the way through. Unfortunately, I felt the ending was a little rushed and would have liked something a bit different.
Overall, a wonderful read that fell just a little short of what I hoped for.
I would recommend this book to romance lovers and those who enjoy retellings.
A wonderful and quite quick read.
September 10, 2020
4 STARS, ECLECTIC, LOVE,
This is the beginning of the series
First Kisses Book 1, set in early Regency, Late Victorian Historical Era & starts off with 3 sisters escaping their discussing step-father to be rescued by A Rogue in Black & a giant of a man who turns out to be a Vicar. Our Rogue in Black and Constance (eldest sister) after awhile like each other as our story goes along with them hiding at a woods camp the Rogues have, participating in the woods chores & family things. It is an unique storyline with lovable main characters ( with ones that will pop up) that does leave a few questions unanswered for me, at the end. What did or are they to do with the rich old men the Step-father sold the sisters, too ? But still I Recommend
This is the beginning of the series
First Kisses Book 1, set in early Regency, Late Victorian Historical Era & starts off with 3 sisters escaping their discussing step-father to be rescued by A Rogue in Black & a giant of a man who turns out to be a Vicar. Our Rogue in Black and Constance (eldest sister) after awhile like each other as our story goes along with them hiding at a woods camp the Rogues have, participating in the woods chores & family things. It is an unique storyline with lovable main characters ( with ones that will pop up) that does leave a few questions unanswered for me, at the end. What did or are they to do with the rich old men the Step-father sold the sisters, too ? But still I Recommend
September 15, 2020
Run from your past
Some things confused me in this story! I know women in this historical time were more like chattel then people! Constance and her two sisters were orphaned except for their stepfather who sold them off to men 3 times their age vile humans! Constance led them away in the night and wound up in the woods instead of on the road to London! Stephen took one look at Constance and knew what was missing! Stephen is more or less a second father to Charles a young man at camp but when trouble arises it is not realistic he could be his guardian/father! Some parts are believable others too fantastic for what I know of this era! But I will give there s author another chance!
Some things confused me in this story! I know women in this historical time were more like chattel then people! Constance and her two sisters were orphaned except for their stepfather who sold them off to men 3 times their age vile humans! Constance led them away in the night and wound up in the woods instead of on the road to London! Stephen took one look at Constance and knew what was missing! Stephen is more or less a second father to Charles a young man at camp but when trouble arises it is not realistic he could be his guardian/father! Some parts are believable others too fantastic for what I know of this era! But I will give there s author another chance!
February 2, 2021
The actual, Rogue in this book tries hard not to be one.
The evil step father sells his 3 step-daughters to old, rich men.
Constance and her 2 younger sisters run away and get lost in the woods on their way to London.
This is when, The Man In Black saves them from a highway man.
The only thing I will complain about is the constant repetition of thoughts. Not only in their thoughts, spoken out loud to each other and then the thoughts are repeated again later.
Besides that, this is a light (slight bit of Robin Hood going on) enjoyable story.
What about the 3 men and their step dad though? They are not just going to give up looking for the girls. Maybe that is continued in the next book.
The evil step father sells his 3 step-daughters to old, rich men.
Constance and her 2 younger sisters run away and get lost in the woods on their way to London.
This is when, The Man In Black saves them from a highway man.
The only thing I will complain about is the constant repetition of thoughts. Not only in their thoughts, spoken out loud to each other and then the thoughts are repeated again later.
Besides that, this is a light (slight bit of Robin Hood going on) enjoyable story.
What about the 3 men and their step dad though? They are not just going to give up looking for the girls. Maybe that is continued in the next book.
March 27, 2023
I love a good bit of romance set in the Regency period, and in the name of said romance I have a good tolerance to historical inaccuracy, but… (Note: spoilers start now):
- it would be inconceivable in 1813 that there was a “village” of tents and sticks no one knew about
- forests in England are generally not deep or vast enough for the amount of walking or hiding
- a group of fine ladies on horseback would have drawn enormous attention
… and so on. This felt like an attempt at a Regency Robin Hood but it really was more suspension of disbelief than what I could muster.
- it would be inconceivable in 1813 that there was a “village” of tents and sticks no one knew about
- forests in England are generally not deep or vast enough for the amount of walking or hiding
- a group of fine ladies on horseback would have drawn enormous attention
… and so on. This felt like an attempt at a Regency Robin Hood but it really was more suspension of disbelief than what I could muster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2020
This is the first book in the Forbidden Kisses Series, a sweet British Historical Romance. The characters are amazing, and the storyline is fast paced, filled with adventure. Aubrey Elson did a great job with the narration. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series, Rakes Always Kiss First, Mary's story. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 31, 2024
This was the first historical romance I’ve read and I really enjoyed it.
The way it was all written was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but get pulled into the story.
The plot was really good and I enjoyed reading Constance and Stephen’s story.
I really liked the whole camp and its cast of characters. Everyone was different and they would all help around the camp in anyway they could.
I will definitely be reading this again.
The way it was all written was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but get pulled into the story.
The plot was really good and I enjoyed reading Constance and Stephen’s story.
I really liked the whole camp and its cast of characters. Everyone was different and they would all help around the camp in anyway they could.
I will definitely be reading this again.
January 28, 2021
The book of many emotions
Constance the older sister watches out for her two younger sisters. This book is about them and their search for happiness away from their stepfather. The plot was good with a few twists. The characters each other on personality and it shows in the pages of this book. I would recommend this book.
Constance the older sister watches out for her two younger sisters. This book is about them and their search for happiness away from their stepfather. The plot was good with a few twists. The characters each other on personality and it shows in the pages of this book. I would recommend this book.
February 14, 2023
This book really did not make any sense at all. Not even a very far stretch of the imagination could let anyone continue reading this. For 3 women of the ton to be able to live in a forest without food or water? Really? For wealthy people to live in a village with makeshift tents and huts? Not be discovered? And the list goes on. I would not recommend this even for a minute.
February 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this story, it’s a refreshing change from a lot of the other stories revolving around the Ton and Nobility. Very well written with captivating characters and an interesting storyline.
May 24, 2024
Very well written
This is a story that warms my heart. The sisters caring for each other, their commitment to family and learning to trust in spite of their stepfather’s cruelty. I loved Stephen from the start, and never trusted Walter, no wonder nobody else did.
This is a story that warms my heart. The sisters caring for each other, their commitment to family and learning to trust in spite of their stepfather’s cruelty. I loved Stephen from the start, and never trusted Walter, no wonder nobody else did.
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October 13, 2020Wonderful!!!
This story was different in many ways but similar in others. It was sweet and unusual. The ending also was different , sweet and unusual. Read it and enjoy!!!
This story was different in many ways but similar in others. It was sweet and unusual. The ending also was different , sweet and unusual. Read it and enjoy!!!
February 1, 2021
Three sisters run away from home to avoid the old men their step-father has sold them to for marriage. They are taken in by a group who live in the forest. A quick, fun read.
July 12, 2021
Average
Not a bad book but pretty predictable. H and h were whiny. Almost no grammatical errors so that is awesome.
Not a bad book but pretty predictable. H and h were whiny. Almost no grammatical errors so that is awesome.
May 4, 2020
I enjoyed reading Stephen and Constance's story, a tale of two people who fall in love but have to make a choice between love and duty. Well written with believable characters and plenty of action.
Constance and her sisters, Mary and Emma, run away when they learn their step-father has betrothed them to men old enough to be their grandfathers! The Man In Black (Stephen) saves them when they are accosted and they end up at his camp in the woods where other people he has saved, live. Not only does he help those in need, he's also on the lookout for his mother's murderer. Each person living there contributes by helping out and although the 3 sisters learn to do chores, as well as learning how to protect themselves, Constance is worried for her sisters and has to make the decision of continuing on to London where they can be the ladies they were meant to be or stay with Stephen.
Stephen is torn between continuing his quest and his love for Constance. He knows the kind of life he leads is not one for her and he has many people relying on him. My heart ached for both of them, the decisions that had to be made.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Constance and her sisters, Mary and Emma, run away when they learn their step-father has betrothed them to men old enough to be their grandfathers! The Man In Black (Stephen) saves them when they are accosted and they end up at his camp in the woods where other people he has saved, live. Not only does he help those in need, he's also on the lookout for his mother's murderer. Each person living there contributes by helping out and although the 3 sisters learn to do chores, as well as learning how to protect themselves, Constance is worried for her sisters and has to make the decision of continuing on to London where they can be the ladies they were meant to be or stay with Stephen.
Stephen is torn between continuing his quest and his love for Constance. He knows the kind of life he leads is not one for her and he has many people relying on him. My heart ached for both of them, the decisions that had to be made.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 2, 2020
This is a well written story that contains plenty of adventure and romance. The storyline was very engaging and from the beginning I was immersed in the story till the end. The story flowed nicely and I enjoyed seeing it come together. I loved the Robin Hood feel of the story. Constance and Stephen were amazing together and you could really feel their chemistry. There's plenty of action and drama as you follow their journey to love. The characters are wonderful and well defined with depth and personalities that give them an authentic quality. A great start to a new series. I highly recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2020
Adventurous Regency Rogues and Heroines
I enjoyed this story though it moved a bit slow at times for me. The characters were engaging and well developed throughout the story. Adventure, tragedy, true love - that of sisters and friends, and great romantic love that battles through to win their hearts and yours.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this story though it moved a bit slow at times for me. The characters were engaging and well developed throughout the story. Adventure, tragedy, true love - that of sisters and friends, and great romantic love that battles through to win their hearts and yours.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2020
Book one in the Forbidden Kisses series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Miss Constance Shepherd runs away from her evil step-father with her sisters Emma and Mary and meets Stephen Chambers a mysterious Man in Black. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2020
The first book in a new entertaining regency series. As always by another winner by Catharine. Her books are usually winners. Can't wait for the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2020
Robin Hood retold with a different social justice cause that anyone can get onside for.
Written well and was easy to read
Would recommend
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Written well and was easy to read
Would recommend
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2021
Young women sold to older men.
Good story but a lot of missing parts. Books like this one always make me feel that most women back in history could not take care of themselves, which I know is bullshit!
Good story but a lot of missing parts. Books like this one always make me feel that most women back in history could not take care of themselves, which I know is bullshit!
April 22, 2020
This one put me in the mind of robin hood. Good characters. It was an intriguing book. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews