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Forbidden Desires
Stephen Harding, Marquess of Rye was intrigued the moment he first saw her. His mother had requested that the American Negro Band led by Roland Seymour provide the entertainment for a musicale she was sponsoring, and he hadn't expected a woman to be a part of the band, especially one so young and beautiful. Of course, being a member of the aristocracy, he knew that there was nothing respectable he could offer her. After all, not only was she an American, she was also a Negro. Yet, once he watched her perform, he couldn't stop thinking about her. Against his better judgment, Stephen decided to pursue her even knowing that she was under the watchful eye of her father. After just one kiss, Stephen is determined to have her in his life as his mistress, even knowing that his offer will undermine her dream and ruin her standing in society.
Allegra Seymour is a gifted cello player. As a free American Negro, her family had traveled to England from America where slavery was still in full force, to find a better life. They were pleased that the Duke and Duchess of Stamford had commissioned them to play at their musicale. A chance encounter with the son of the duke, Stephen Harding the evening after her performance, awakened a forbidden passion between them. Allegra, however, is determined to pursue her dream of playing before the Queen despite the attraction she feels for Stephen. Knowing that her father wishes to find her a husband as soon as possible after their tour, Allegra is determined to resist Stephen’s efforts of seduction and focus on her ultimate goal, even though to do so is a greater struggle than she had first realized.
Allegra Seymour is a gifted cello player. As a free American Negro, her family had traveled to England from America where slavery was still in full force, to find a better life. They were pleased that the Duke and Duchess of Stamford had commissioned them to play at their musicale. A chance encounter with the son of the duke, Stephen Harding the evening after her performance, awakened a forbidden passion between them. Allegra, however, is determined to pursue her dream of playing before the Queen despite the attraction she feels for Stephen. Knowing that her father wishes to find her a husband as soon as possible after their tour, Allegra is determined to resist Stephen’s efforts of seduction and focus on her ultimate goal, even though to do so is a greater struggle than she had first realized.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2021
36 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 14, 2021
Enjoyed it but didn’t absolutely love it. I liked Stephen & Allegra (such a cute name considering her career, LOVED that), both separately and together. I don’t want to give spoilers but I appreciated the Easter eggs and how certain aspects of the story played out later. I think what “ruined” it for me was the time period it took place and the believability for this to occur in that era. I didn’t really get an 1800s vibe from it and had to keep reminding myself as much. Honestly, if a few wordings were changed, this could’ve taken place in the 1950s and I think it would’ve been better.
I don’t think I’d read again because this wasn’t up to my historical romance standards, but I did like it and would probably recommend it.
I don’t think I’d read again because this wasn’t up to my historical romance standards, but I did like it and would probably recommend it.
July 29, 2021
I skipped so much, I didn't feel comfortable with much in this book thus the skipping. For a child (we never learn her age just that she is young enough to be his niece so 16 or 17,as she is not considered an adult by anyone) and a virgin she allowed liberties that were shocking. And the fact that he was 32 and basically took every opportunity to pressure her to be his mistress, when she and her father both said that didn't want that for her was very underhanded. Again I could just be in a mood but I honestly just felt uncomfortable with how childlike she was and how he continued to pressure her even though she was obviously too young to be making these lifelong decisions. It just felt icky thus the reason I couldn't finish it. Since I didn't finish it, I can't say I recommend it but hey to each their own I don't think the same as others so things I can't get past others don't care. Find out for yourself.
June 10, 2021
I’ve been reading this author’s work for a long time, since she used to post her stories up on the chamber! Her stories are always things no one else was writing, and they had a special place in my heart, even though I had several issues with the actual story writing, pacing, plot lines even it was nothing a good editor and practice couldn’t fix!
So I’m so thrilled that finally! We! Get! This! Book!
I loved it! A lot!
It is the year 1844, free American negro, Allegra Seymore, a gifted cello player, and her family traveled to England, for a better life away from the depravities of American slavery. Allegra has a dream, to play in front of the queen, so she’s over the moon when she gets to be apart of her father’s band and gets to play in front of the Duke and Duchess of Stamford! And all her thoughts are on impressing them and proving her worth.
In comes Stephen Harding, Marquess of Rye, a man captivated by her passion for music and beauty, that awaken him from his dreary life of self contempt and ease the sting of betrayal from his heart!
This story reawakened my love of historical romances! A pursuing high born titled gentleman, a stubborn miss, shy and/or passionate glances, misunderstandings, angst galore, a cast of hilarious or poisonous family, hijinks beside ponds at midnight and a deliciously fluffy HEA! What more can a romance reader want?
So I’m so thrilled that finally! We! Get! This! Book!
I loved it! A lot!
It is the year 1844, free American negro, Allegra Seymore, a gifted cello player, and her family traveled to England, for a better life away from the depravities of American slavery. Allegra has a dream, to play in front of the queen, so she’s over the moon when she gets to be apart of her father’s band and gets to play in front of the Duke and Duchess of Stamford! And all her thoughts are on impressing them and proving her worth.
In comes Stephen Harding, Marquess of Rye, a man captivated by her passion for music and beauty, that awaken him from his dreary life of self contempt and ease the sting of betrayal from his heart!
This story reawakened my love of historical romances! A pursuing high born titled gentleman, a stubborn miss, shy and/or passionate glances, misunderstandings, angst galore, a cast of hilarious or poisonous family, hijinks beside ponds at midnight and a deliciously fluffy HEA! What more can a romance reader want?
September 6, 2021
Historical love for the ages
Though set in era where station, titles and propriety mattered, love did not see color. It was the gift of joy, despair, desire, lust and passion that prevailed in this captivating tale. The setting and writing style is beautiful. The moments stolen and the gambit of jealousy and craziness not for love but attention were not left in the past. The story and characters may change but the ultimate gift of love and desire is what most crave.
The strong, intelligent and passionate women once again showed the support and truth that needs to be heard and faced.
Though set in era where station, titles and propriety mattered, love did not see color. It was the gift of joy, despair, desire, lust and passion that prevailed in this captivating tale. The setting and writing style is beautiful. The moments stolen and the gambit of jealousy and craziness not for love but attention were not left in the past. The story and characters may change but the ultimate gift of love and desire is what most crave.
The strong, intelligent and passionate women once again showed the support and truth that needs to be heard and faced.
December 24, 2024
beautiful story
I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the plot was incredibly well developed. It has a really strong opening that drew me in immediately. I loved the idea of this duke being besotted with this beautiful musician. And that theme runs through the story. He offers to put her up in a house, but Allegra wants more, and I really loved that she knew her worth. That was so satisfying to read. It was super steamy at times and also funny at times and overall, amazing. The ending made me so happy. Would def recommend and read more by this author
I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the plot was incredibly well developed. It has a really strong opening that drew me in immediately. I loved the idea of this duke being besotted with this beautiful musician. And that theme runs through the story. He offers to put her up in a house, but Allegra wants more, and I really loved that she knew her worth. That was so satisfying to read. It was super steamy at times and also funny at times and overall, amazing. The ending made me so happy. Would def recommend and read more by this author
June 1, 2021
This book was amazingly written. I loved the heroine and the hero. The heroine was very bold and followed her dreams through such hard times. I loved how the hero valued the heroine talent and they shared such an amazing passion no one else could using music.
It's interesting that even though interracial marriage was not illegal but because of people's feelings towards it and the way they gossiped it might as well had been illegal.
It's interesting that even though interracial marriage was not illegal but because of people's feelings towards it and the way they gossiped it might as well had been illegal.
April 26, 2021
Beautiful Desires
This was another great book by BD. I love BWWM historical (particularly European and/or Victorian) novels and this one did not disappoint. Allegra, good job with standing up for yourself and knowing your worth. Stephen was an excellent male lead to did not spend too much time running from his feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed and hope you do as well!
This was another great book by BD. I love BWWM historical (particularly European and/or Victorian) novels and this one did not disappoint. Allegra, good job with standing up for yourself and knowing your worth. Stephen was an excellent male lead to did not spend too much time running from his feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed and hope you do as well!
June 7, 2021
5 stars
I absolutely loved this historical romance! It was well written, interesting, and inspiring. The heroine, Allegra, learned to stand her ground and not settle for less than she deserved. Brava! In the end she was able to have just what she wanted. This was a wonderful romance.
I absolutely loved this historical romance! It was well written, interesting, and inspiring. The heroine, Allegra, learned to stand her ground and not settle for less than she deserved. Brava! In the end she was able to have just what she wanted. This was a wonderful romance.
June 14, 2021
Definitely not
From the reviews given I had expected a great read. However in my first attempt I stopped at 22% and then totally gave up at 30. These person had 1 conversation but were deeply in love. And a woman willing to settle into the post of mistress? No no and I say again no.
From the reviews given I had expected a great read. However in my first attempt I stopped at 22% and then totally gave up at 30. These person had 1 conversation but were deeply in love. And a woman willing to settle into the post of mistress? No no and I say again no.
June 14, 2021
What are you willing to sacrifice!!!
Great story that is relevant even now because after all this time, not much has changed since as women we always have so much more to lose with the choices we make while men remain unscathed. Loved Aunt Mae and Apollo and their ability to see beyond the emotions and offer sound advice
Great story that is relevant even now because after all this time, not much has changed since as women we always have so much more to lose with the choices we make while men remain unscathed. Loved Aunt Mae and Apollo and their ability to see beyond the emotions and offer sound advice
August 12, 2021
That was a nice story. Allegra a good talented and interesting character if a bit naive at the beginning. I felt for Stephen and what he went through with his father. I was a bit surprised with how he reacted to watching her play the first time, it was a bit much. But they had a good chemistry. And I enjoyed their romance. Della was a spunky funny character too.
May 14, 2021
Beautiful story
Excellent book. This story kept me enthralled chapter after chapter. The author was thorough in capturing how heavily society's opinion influenced the lives of people of that period.
Excellent book. This story kept me enthralled chapter after chapter. The author was thorough in capturing how heavily society's opinion influenced the lives of people of that period.
June 12, 2021
Love this time period truly a wonderful love story
I loved the love story from the love of music to their family duties. I love how the author dealt with strong women following her dream to be a doctor. The family closeness was special. The love scenes were steamy a great read
I loved the love story from the love of music to their family duties. I love how the author dealt with strong women following her dream to be a doctor. The family closeness was special. The love scenes were steamy a great read
July 15, 2021
Okay
It was an okay story but a little too coarse and common for me. It lacked the sweetness of a growing friendship and love. Why do these stories have to always be about sex and physical attraction? Is that all anyone sees in black women?
It was an okay story but a little too coarse and common for me. It lacked the sweetness of a growing friendship and love. Why do these stories have to always be about sex and physical attraction? Is that all anyone sees in black women?
August 26, 2021
A wonderfully enthralling read
I do not usually read historical romances but this one captivated me from beginning to end. I wanted the happily ever after for Allegra and Stephen their relationship was believable and I enjoyed being swept up in the drama surrounding their union.
I do not usually read historical romances but this one captivated me from beginning to end. I wanted the happily ever after for Allegra and Stephen their relationship was believable and I enjoyed being swept up in the drama surrounding their union.
May 24, 2021
Enjoyable
First book 📖 I read 📚 from this author and I loved it and I can't wait to read more..... so let's see what's in store 👀 next......
First book 📖 I read 📚 from this author and I loved it and I can't wait to read more..... so let's see what's in store 👀 next......
July 1, 2021
Great read
Don’t usually like novels from historian era, especially if it mentions slaves but this was a great read all round
Don’t usually like novels from historian era, especially if it mentions slaves but this was a great read all round
December 19, 2021
Sweet Romance
I enjoyed their stormy immensely!!!! Allegra and Stephen were adorable, the plot was well thought out. I enjoyed the growth of both characters.
I enjoyed their stormy immensely!!!! Allegra and Stephen were adorable, the plot was well thought out. I enjoyed the growth of both characters.
May 17, 2023
Forbidden Desires
I have enjoyed reading this book and yes I will share this with my friend and co-workers. The characters were strong and courageous.
I have enjoyed reading this book and yes I will share this with my friend and co-workers. The characters were strong and courageous.
June 18, 2021
Excellent book
This book was excellent. A very well done historical romance. I’m truly impressed and hope the author writes more books in this genre.
This book was excellent. A very well done historical romance. I’m truly impressed and hope the author writes more books in this genre.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews