Forbidden Seduction

annoying-main-characters arc happy-ever-after

The books in the series are stand alone but I highly recommend reading them in order. It gives so much more depth to the characters, relationships and intrigue. As always, this author has a unique style and flow of writing that still amazes me. Each book in this series had a different focus, subject matter and could even say genre; no cookie cutter repeats! But stayed true to the story line and connected. I love the descriptions, turn of phrases and progressions that not only keeps it "fresh", but puts you right in the middle of the action! It's like watching a movie in my head! Even if I thought I knew what was going to happen, I still had goosebumps! Was so real, I actually jumped when I heard an outside noise!

Whether or not you like a particular theme of this author, her writing is always professional, smooth and engaging! Which is such a delight after plodding through other's inferior, trite attempts! Can't wait to see where she takes us next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Serial Romance Librarian

1,242 reviews303 followers

May 28, 2021

I appreciated this book’s beautiful cover. I enjoy historical romances. The focus of this book is more on the murder mystery. The characters are multi-dimensional and well-developed. I believe I would have enjoyed this book more had I read the previous books in the series. It does have a HEA. This author is very talented.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Brenda Moser

9,377 reviews140 followers

This is a well written book with strong well developed characters and an intriguing story line. The author takes you back to the day with perfectly painted scenes and delivers another great read. I loved the suspense and all the emotions flowing throughout and enjoyed reading the story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

Patricia Ruby

53 reviews

May 5, 2021

A Most Wonderful Tale You wont want to Miss !!

I just absolutely Love Emmanuel de Maupassant,s
Books , her Way with Words
surpasses all others!
Such Wonderful Developed
Characters with Fascinating
Twists and Turns!!
And always just The Best Endings!!
Great as a Stand Alone , but even Better if You can catch the
First two Books of this Trillogy!!!

Rainelle

2,250 reviews129 followers

June 25, 2021

This was a very interesting to book to read. I love the mystery. I enjoyed reading the suspense of who done it. I think all the characters were written perfectly for this book. The writer did a great job of telling the story with the plot.

Cheryl

2,500 reviews29 followers

This was an entertaining read, although I haven’t read the first two books in the series, this didn’t affect my enjoyment. I did like the character of Cecile, I thought she was very patient and understanding with her friend, Lucrezia. Lance Robinson, is a handsome man, who is very protective of those he cares about. He has plans for his future which doesn’t include marriage yet. There is a murderer to uncover and the reason why and the beginning of a romance. I shall now read the other books in the series. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I did purchase my own copy.

Anne

3,421 reviews37 followers

Murder on the SS Leviathan by Emmanuelle de Maupassant is the concluding book in a trilogy and enough of the story is told to make it understandable if this one is read first. Cecile is travelling with her brother, Henry, Lord McCauley, his pregnant wife, Maud, and their friend, Lucrezia. They are escaping from a terrible catastrophe in which Lucrezia's family home (castle) had been set ablaze and her brother and sister had been killed. Lucrezia is beautiful but self-centered and insecure, and leans on Cecile too much for comfort. The story begins with her objecting to the color scheme in her stateroom and refusing to unpack until she is given a stateroom with a color scheme more to her liking. A gentleman in the same hallway agrees to trade with her and all is well, for the time being. Mr. Lancelot is the gentleman who came to her rescue. They see him again at dinner, where he is flirting with a woman at his table. Later that night, the woman is murdered. The captain endeavors to keep the crime quiet so the ship is not upset. That next night someone breaks into Lance's room and tries to kill him. He resists and the attacker runs. Now Lucrezia is frightened so she moves in with Cecile and has Maud's maid stay in her room so as to be close. There's another murder. Things start to get very complicated.

Henry and Lance finally see a pattern to the madness, so they stand guard all night outside the families' rooms. They have a heart-to-heart and learn much about one another. Cecile is a young lady of her time: bred for marriage and not much else, but she yearns for independence and schemes to obtain that for herself. Lucrezia is a born troublemaker who finally comes through in the end. Maud doesn't realize how much she loves her baby until she nearly loses it. It is a moving story, for of intrigue and passion, enough to inspire the reader to go back and read the previous books. Outstanding.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Murder on the Leviathan by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rhonda Hicks

4,684 reviews84 followers

April 25, 2021

It seems as if we've had an interminable wait to receive the final volume of "Noire" by Emmanuelle de Maupassant but fear not, it has arrived with the same note to detail in her previous books of this Victorian gothic mystery romance and it immediately proves itself well worth the wait. If you were ensnared with book one, 'The Gentleman's Club' and then became totally enraptured with book two, 'Italian Sonata', then be prepared to be enthralled with this, book three, 'Murder on the SS Leviathan'. I do have a penchant for dark, gritty, romances. That being said, Ms. De Maupassant takes her story into an earlier time where chivalry and innocence are the standard and yet the darkness of the plot seems to become a little more chilling. Her descriptive prose in her world building bring the entire tale to life as if playing out in my mind. The book can be read as a standalone without losing any thought or feeling in the tale but I would recommend reading the first two. There has already been such tales and adventures up to now it will only enhance your reading pleasure this time. The story of Cecile, Lucrezia, Lance, Henry and Maud, along with the side characters that have found a spot in my heart all seem to come together to make this a heart melting romance while chaos and murder seem to surround them all. There is no other rating I can give but five stars and it's well worth each and every one of them.

Janet

5,319 reviews66 followers

Embarking on their expedition to the Brazilian jungle, Lord and Lady McCaulay board the SS Leviathan. They are accompanied by the earl's sister, Cecile, and her companion, Lucrezia, each member of the party has reason to seek a new life, but the past will not be pushed so easily aside.
As they cross the vast waters of the Atlantic, the clawed hand of the di Cavours reaches to exact revenge.
It seems like I waited for this final instalment of the trilogy for ages but it worth the wait. I made the mistake of starting it on an evening, which meant it was well into the early hours when I finished this engrossing read. Strong characters & a very well paced story kept me turning the pages. There were twists & turns. It could easily be read on its own but as I have to read series in order I’d recommend reading the previous two books. An absolutely delightful mix of suspense & romance
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Heather Sellers

20 reviews1 follower

May 3, 2021

I read the entire trilogy in one day. I loved the main protagonists in this one (though it did take awhile for our intrepid heroine to find herself), wanted to hate the heroine’s friend (and yet I couldn’t no matter how hard I tried or how easy she made it). There was a solid plot that had been building through all the books and the story was cohesiveness pacing was well done. I would have gladly followed all of the characters on as many spin off books that Emmanuelle de Maupassant wanted to write, and I’m only really sad to see this one end as quickly as it did. But all good things have to come to an end and this is one gothic mystery romance that I’m thrilled to have read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Dominique Englebert

610 reviews5 followers

I loved the book, the build-up of the mystery and suspense, and the (not so innocent) love story on the side. In 1899, women were slowly but surely getting more emancipated and daring to have and formulate their own opinions and their thirst for independence from the rules imposed by their male parents, brothers, guardians. Lucrezia, for all her forward and flirtatious behaviour, is deeply insecure and profoundly egotistical. Her possessive attitude towards Cecile is borderline obsessive.
I certainly intend to read the two first books of this trilogy now that my appetite has been whetted by the final book of the trilogy.
The Leviathan brings to mind the Titanic that would be launched in 1912. Those giants of the sea were really impressive feats of technology and inventiveness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

TERESA

65 reviews2 followers

I'd first like to start by saying this is my first read of the series. But after reading this one i will go back and catch the other two. Saying that i didnt have any problems following the storyline it was independent on its own. Looking for a fresh start Cecile along with family members take off to the jungles of South America. But before they can get there they have a whodunnit murder mystery on their hands on the high seas. There will also be suspense, intrigue and sizzling romance. The characters are realistic, believable & the storyline is strong and hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.
i was gifted this as an ARC and this is a voluntary and honest review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Louise

8 reviews

This was a fast moving story of murder and mystery on a passenger liner. The characters were very interesting as usual in a de Maupassant novel. I was not aware this was part of a trilogy. It took a few chapters to get caught up but the story stands alone well. I was quite satisfied with the conclusion. I will definitely read the other two stories to get more info on the secondary characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Zena

2,358 reviews11 followers

Juicy!
Murder, murder everywhere! Or the attempt of it.
Loved this dark story with its delightful ending and of course we have a really nice romance going too as well as some really true friendships.
The very interesting characters kept me glued and the twists and turns kept me guessing.
I just have to recommend this book as it has so much going for it!
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my voluntary review is based on my personal thoughts about it.

Marcy G

473 reviews1 follower

Much is happening in this story filled with murder and mystery that all takes place on the high seas. Families, Friends, old acquaintances, and pasts that haunts are just some things involved in this tale.
Lady Cecile and Lance Robinson theTexan had met before on a train. Now together again on the Leviathan. They had eyes for each other , but there were things holding them back.
The Journey of this story is suspenseful, emotional, and has overlapping relationships to keep you totally involved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Alyson L

146 reviews54 followers

5-star adventure-suspense arc

Full of intrigue, mystery, personalities plus hot and steamy, Murder on the S.S. Leviathan was a well-written story. The characters were charismatic and the timing of the storyline was terrific. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Merrie

216 reviews2 followers

May 2, 2021

I really enjoyed this marvelous mystery. Its wonderful characters and a very twisty plot kept me reading from beginning to end. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great murder mystery!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Carolyn Valdez

530 reviews12 followers

May 2, 2021

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was so intriguing and action packed that I could not put it down. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Anneke Schep

37 reviews4 followers

May 10, 2021

I started reading this book I after I finished reading the first two books of this trilogy.
I do think it is best to read the books in order, although it is possible to read this book without reading book 1 and 2.

This book starts with Cecile accompanying her brother and his wife to South America, and her new found best friend Lucrezia. They have all been trough a terrible time, each going through their own rough time but those were connected by the half-brother of Lucrezia. Unfortunately the company has not left their problems behind. During their journey they soon discover they are accompanied by a murderer. But who is the murderer really after? Or is the death of the victim the result of an amoureuze adventure gone wrong, by it’s own fault, like the captain of the ship declared...?
I am not going deeper into the story because I don’t want to reveal any spoilers. But I can tell that I enjoyed all three books of this trilogy. The writer knows how to build up tension, build up characters weather you like them or not. And there are a few unlikable personalities in this story. The books are well written and you simply have to keep reading. (There is room for an extended epilogue if the writer is willing to write it.)
I have read several books from this writer and not only can I recommend her books, I am looking forward to her next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Janalyn, the blind reviewer

4,757 reviews145 followers

dark ebooks historical-romance

A book full of intrigue, There is nothing more intriguing than a murder at sea. Case they drift with possible murderers and possibly other victims. Emmanuel de Maupassant pull no punches and murder on the SS leviathan. I found it hard to put the book down but was a little disappointment to find out this was book 3 and a trilogy, but now that I know I will go back and read one and two and possibly three again. I highly recommend this book there are those you love and those you love to hate all wrapped up in a murder mystery set a drift. It doesn’t get better than that. I received this book from Booksprout and I am leaving this review voluntarily

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Peggy

2,186 reviews13 followers

May 8, 2021

Lord and Lady McCauley, Cecile (Lord McCauley’s sister), and Lucrezia (Cecile’s companion) are sailing to Brazil. They meet Lance Robinson, a young American railroad engineer. He and Cecile are quite taken with each other. In the middle of the Atlantic, the SS Leviathan is besieged by a storm that gives an all new meaning to “dark and stormy night.” The weather is not the only danger. One passenger is murdered, and then another (Lady McCauley’s maid). No reason or connection can be found. The characters in this one are interesting and have curious backgrounds. There is a romantic connection between Lance and Cecile, but the main attraction is the murder mystery. Who is the murderer? Who will be next? It’s a page-turner.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Booksprout. My review is voluntary.

read-2021

C Joy

1,809 reviews66 followers

May 31, 2021

This is the 3rd installment of the Noire series and it takes the reader on the deck of the SS Leviathan.

There are some new characters, as well as familiar ones and this is more of dark than sexy.

It starts off with the juxtaposition of the characters, their mingling, attraction, and later on a tour of the ship.

The first murder occurred afterward and there were misogynistic remarks and victim blaming which is still relevant in this century.

The main characters here are Cecilia and Lance. They found love in the most unlikely place. We still see Maud and Henry and the steamy scenes are very few and far between.

The culprit somehow came to light, but not before causing distress and instilling fear.

Cheryl Drake johnson

1,710 reviews13 followers

May 4, 2021

Cecile and her companion Lucrezia are on their way to Rio with her brother and his wife Maud, they all almost lost their lives before boarding the SS Leviathan, she meets an acquaintance Lance a young rich gentleman trying to make his way on his own in the world she loves the adventure he was going on and she and Lucrezia plan to adventure in Rio. But something unsavory is happening onboard ship and it's associated with them or so it seems. This storyline is interesting and the characters what you would expect pretty much in this historical romance. Drama, mystery, suspense, love. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Debbie Brown

2,089 reviews17 followers

May 6, 2021

Murder on the SS Leviathan by Emmanuelle de Maupassant is classic murder mystery on a ship. We have our main characters Lord and Lady McCaulay who are accompanied by the earl's sister, Cecile, and her companion, Lucrezia. Then we have a complete stranger Mr. Lancelot the gentleman who came to her rescue and is now thrown into the mix. A murder is committed and the chase is on to uncover the murderer or is it someone they know or not? A well thought plot and story line I very much enjoyed. I voluntarily read and reviewed this excellent book filled twists and turns in this murder mystery story.

Celeste

181 reviews2 followers

May 15, 2021

Loved this story! It is a well-written story by a favorite author of mine. The principal characters are well developed and likeable. The others.....well, you will have to read the story and make that determination for yourself. Although the books can be read as a standalone, I do highly suggest reading the first two books in the Noire series, The Gentlemen’s Clue and Italian Sonata, for a more in-depth reveal of the prominent characters.

There are quite a few surprises along the way, and they aren’t all good. After all, how can there be mayhem and murder, yet still have all happy endings?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Kate Abbott

242 reviews7 followers

June 2, 2021

This is the final installment in the series, and I have enjoyed following the lives of the main characters. Each book has been slightly different and built on the happenings of the previous. This installment, is more about Cecile and how her understanding of herself, love and other peoples manipulations affect her. It still continues with the dark undercurrent of manipulation, greed, and self absorbtion that is shown in the previous books, which makes this series stand out amongst other steamy historical books. There is a more obvious threat in this story which makes it different from book 2 and I am glad that at the end, she finds her HEA.

Marissa

3,604 reviews48 followers

April 26, 2021

Kindle Copy for Review

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Lord and Lady McCaulay are back again as they board a boat to go on a Brazilian jungle expedition nut first they must make it the boat trip in one piece.

The boat is filled with unsavory guests as they must navigate carefully as people try to begin anew but sometimes the past do not laid low Will they end up arriving in one piece?

A sweeping historical mystery set on the seas.

Lesley

385 reviews