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The Elusive Lords #2
To Covet a Countess
Nicholas Delmore, the Earl of Hawksley, was not expecting a snowstorm-sieged London evening to end with a dagger held to his throat. Nor did he anticipate his spirited attacker to have glossy black tresses and lush red lips that might invite a lesser gentleman to steal a kiss. But before he can demand his beautiful assailant to identify herself, she faints dead away in his arms.
Sania Aaryan has no choice but to trust the breathtakingly handsome Earl of Hawksley with both her life and her sister’s. Trusting him with the truth, however, is out of the question. Because fleeing India for the icy shores of England was rash. Impulsive. And it might have saved her life—only to land her into the arms of a man who poses an entirely different kind of danger.
Now Sania is experiencing a world filled with luxury and opulent decadence. But starry nights and fairy-tale balls cannot chase away the shadows of Sania’s secrets. Especially when her terrible past arrives in London with an eye for icy vengeance…
Sania Aaryan has no choice but to trust the breathtakingly handsome Earl of Hawksley with both her life and her sister’s. Trusting him with the truth, however, is out of the question. Because fleeing India for the icy shores of England was rash. Impulsive. And it might have saved her life—only to land her into the arms of a man who poses an entirely different kind of danger.
Now Sania is experiencing a world filled with luxury and opulent decadence. But starry nights and fairy-tale balls cannot chase away the shadows of Sania’s secrets. Especially when her terrible past arrives in London with an eye for icy vengeance…
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2021
38 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 18, 2022
4.5 stars
I am officially obsessed with Sapna Bhog's historical romances! In this book, Sania is running away from an evil man determined to marry her. She flees India with her sister and tracks down her cousin, who has recently married a duke. Unfortunately, when she arrives, her cousin is away and she won't be let into her house, so Sania decides to sneak in. Nicholas, who is an Earl, sees someone trying to break into his friend's house, so he decides to stop them. He discovers Sania and her sister and offers to shelter them until her cousin and the duke are back. Nicholas and Sania spend a lot of time together, especially since the duke offers Sania and her sisters dowries to find husbands in society. That means Sania is attending many society events and integrating herself into British society. I really loved the dynamic between Sania and Nicholas and their romance was very sweet! Just when I found myself a bit bored by their romance, the plot picked up at the end and an additional conflict entered the mix and I was dying! It really forced Nicholas and Sania to look at their priorities and determine what they really wanted. I just really enjoyed this book and this romance. I'm excited to see what else Sapna Bhog has in store for us!
I am officially obsessed with Sapna Bhog's historical romances! In this book, Sania is running away from an evil man determined to marry her. She flees India with her sister and tracks down her cousin, who has recently married a duke. Unfortunately, when she arrives, her cousin is away and she won't be let into her house, so Sania decides to sneak in. Nicholas, who is an Earl, sees someone trying to break into his friend's house, so he decides to stop them. He discovers Sania and her sister and offers to shelter them until her cousin and the duke are back. Nicholas and Sania spend a lot of time together, especially since the duke offers Sania and her sisters dowries to find husbands in society. That means Sania is attending many society events and integrating herself into British society. I really loved the dynamic between Sania and Nicholas and their romance was very sweet! Just when I found myself a bit bored by their romance, the plot picked up at the end and an additional conflict entered the mix and I was dying! It really forced Nicholas and Sania to look at their priorities and determine what they really wanted. I just really enjoyed this book and this romance. I'm excited to see what else Sapna Bhog has in store for us!
December 6, 2021
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sania Aaryan and her sister Isha flee India to find their cousin Lara, the new Duchess of Wolverton, hoping she can help them escape a horrible and vile man. Nicholas Delmore, Earl of Hawksley, catches them attempting to break into Wolf and Lara's house to get shelter from a snowstorm. He has to decipher if they are telling the truth or are fortune hunters out to gain money from his friends. What he finds is that he is drawn to Sania, and can't get her out of his mind.
I don't know about this book. I loved the beginning. It had such a strong start, but then it started to go downhill for me. First off, I can tell this writer is a contemporary writer because it sounded more like a contemporary than a historical. There were phrases that I was honestly thinking "how did an editor not catch this?". Plus, when I think of heroines in historical romance they are more demure. They might be strong, but it's calculated instead of more in your face. Sania was in your face. If you like that in a romance heroine, you might love her, but I missed those cheeky underhand comments or even flirting by the heroine that were missed because of her directness. It was off-putting. The hero was kind of a dunderhead at the end too. The whole end of the story was rushed, and was the miscommunication trope. I wish that it had been handled a little differently.
What did I like about this one? The cover is stunning. Nicholas doesn't take the whole book to fall in love, and that was so refreshing. He even says it first. Hallelujah. Secondly, I loved the way the writer intertwined the Indian culture in this story especially wearing sarees to her engagement ball. I thought that was great because it felt like true to who she was. She was proud of her culture, and I appreciated that detail a lot.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
Sania Aaryan and her sister Isha flee India to find their cousin Lara, the new Duchess of Wolverton, hoping she can help them escape a horrible and vile man. Nicholas Delmore, Earl of Hawksley, catches them attempting to break into Wolf and Lara's house to get shelter from a snowstorm. He has to decipher if they are telling the truth or are fortune hunters out to gain money from his friends. What he finds is that he is drawn to Sania, and can't get her out of his mind.
I don't know about this book. I loved the beginning. It had such a strong start, but then it started to go downhill for me. First off, I can tell this writer is a contemporary writer because it sounded more like a contemporary than a historical. There were phrases that I was honestly thinking "how did an editor not catch this?". Plus, when I think of heroines in historical romance they are more demure. They might be strong, but it's calculated instead of more in your face. Sania was in your face. If you like that in a romance heroine, you might love her, but I missed those cheeky underhand comments or even flirting by the heroine that were missed because of her directness. It was off-putting. The hero was kind of a dunderhead at the end too. The whole end of the story was rushed, and was the miscommunication trope. I wish that it had been handled a little differently.
What did I like about this one? The cover is stunning. Nicholas doesn't take the whole book to fall in love, and that was so refreshing. He even says it first. Hallelujah. Secondly, I loved the way the writer intertwined the Indian culture in this story especially wearing sarees to her engagement ball. I thought that was great because it felt like true to who she was. She was proud of her culture, and I appreciated that detail a lot.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
May 13, 2022
Sapna Bhog is definitely becoming a new favorite historical romance author for me. Dare to be a Duchess was a stronger book IMO, but I still really enjoyed Nicholas and Saria’s sweet instalovey romance. There was also a really interesting plot twist/conflict introduced towards the end that I thought was really well done.
February 16, 2022
✨is it just a rule in romancelandia that heroes named Nicholas are heartthrob grumps?✨
If you are looking for a sweet, easy romance with wonderful undertones of historical accuracy and that’s infused with amazing representation, this is the book for you.
Tropes:
😭 emotionally scarred hero
🇮🇳 strong, south asian heroine
🗣 BANTER
🙌🏽 amazing conversation about racism and prejudice
🥵 hero catches heroine after she tries to break in
🗡 heroine holds a knife to his throat scene
😩 great grovelling
You guys already know that Dare to Be a Duchess is one of my favorite books. Sapna Bhog wove a tearjerking tale of a woman fighting against a society full of racism and prejudice while getting her HEA 😍😍 I loved this book so much.
Throughout my life, I struggled finding myself getting represented in any media. Slowly, I have begun to see women like me in romances and Sapna Bhog is one of the authors at the forefront of that. I caught myself tearing up throughout this book 🥺 Thank you Sapna, thank you so much for writing such a wonderful romance and helping me find myself in the seams of this book 😭😭
Sania’s character development and story was beautifully written. I loved watching her come grow into herself and stand up for herself 🙌🏽 Nicholas had stood out to me in the first book and I loved reading his story in this one. The scenes where they would stand up for each other? LOVED THEM. I really appreciated how Nicholas had to work to earn her trust and her heart 😍🙌🏽
I love couples in romance who have personal struggles they need to overcome and learn how to handle before they can come together, because that is how the real world works 😩🙌🏽
My only complaint was how Nicholas would get so caught up in his “woe is me,” feelings that it would slow the book and his character development down. Do not get me wrong, what he had been through in his past was horrible, and I felt very deeply for him. But a lot of his development was overshadowed by the repetitive gloomy thoughts he kept reiterating, hindering himself from getting anywhere.
There was a little miscommunication trope in here too, which I did not like that much either.
This book was so surprisingly tender and sensual, and I do not have a single problem with that.
(The little appearances from past and future characters made me squeal with joy 😩😩)
I cannot wait for the next book in this series, Sapna Bhog is an auto-buy author for me now 😍😍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars | 🌶🌶/ 5 steam
Thank you to Entangled (Amara) Publishing, Netgalley, and Sapna Bhog for an eARC and finished copy in exchange for my honest opinion ❤️
If you are looking for a sweet, easy romance with wonderful undertones of historical accuracy and that’s infused with amazing representation, this is the book for you.
Tropes:
😭 emotionally scarred hero
🇮🇳 strong, south asian heroine
🗣 BANTER
🙌🏽 amazing conversation about racism and prejudice
🥵 hero catches heroine after she tries to break in
🗡 heroine holds a knife to his throat scene
😩 great grovelling
You guys already know that Dare to Be a Duchess is one of my favorite books. Sapna Bhog wove a tearjerking tale of a woman fighting against a society full of racism and prejudice while getting her HEA 😍😍 I loved this book so much.
Throughout my life, I struggled finding myself getting represented in any media. Slowly, I have begun to see women like me in romances and Sapna Bhog is one of the authors at the forefront of that. I caught myself tearing up throughout this book 🥺 Thank you Sapna, thank you so much for writing such a wonderful romance and helping me find myself in the seams of this book 😭😭
Sania’s character development and story was beautifully written. I loved watching her come grow into herself and stand up for herself 🙌🏽 Nicholas had stood out to me in the first book and I loved reading his story in this one. The scenes where they would stand up for each other? LOVED THEM. I really appreciated how Nicholas had to work to earn her trust and her heart 😍🙌🏽
I love couples in romance who have personal struggles they need to overcome and learn how to handle before they can come together, because that is how the real world works 😩🙌🏽
My only complaint was how Nicholas would get so caught up in his “woe is me,” feelings that it would slow the book and his character development down. Do not get me wrong, what he had been through in his past was horrible, and I felt very deeply for him. But a lot of his development was overshadowed by the repetitive gloomy thoughts he kept reiterating, hindering himself from getting anywhere.
There was a little miscommunication trope in here too, which I did not like that much either.
This book was so surprisingly tender and sensual, and I do not have a single problem with that.
(The little appearances from past and future characters made me squeal with joy 😩😩)
I cannot wait for the next book in this series, Sapna Bhog is an auto-buy author for me now 😍😍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars | 🌶🌶/ 5 steam
Thank you to Entangled (Amara) Publishing, Netgalley, and Sapna Bhog for an eARC and finished copy in exchange for my honest opinion ❤️
November 16, 2021
When Sania Aaryan flees India with her sister and heads to her cousin in England, she never expected to be caught in a snowstorm and turned away from her cousin’s home by the butler. With her cousin out of town and nowhere safe to wait out the winter storm, Sania decides to break into her cousin’s home, but she is caught by the Earl of Hawksley. Hawk is shocked when he sees a beautiful woman trying to break into his neighbor and friend’s house, and he stops the interloper. However, when he realizes who Sania is and how desperately in need she and her sister are, he honorably steps in to help them until Sania’s cousin returns. Hawk takes the sisters back to his home, and romance blossoms. However, many obstacles stand in their way, including social pressures, the danger Sania fled from, and Hawk’s past.
Sania is a strong and courageous woman who will do anything to protect her sister. She is such an admirable character, kind and caring, astute and intelligent, and a wonderful sibling and friend. Hawk is also quite compelling, and he proves repeatedly that he is an honorable and respectable man. Together, they make quite a pair, and they definitely bring out the best in each other. I like how both slowly become more confident and self-assured because of each other’s influence.
Like the first book in the series, there are powerful messages about racism in England during this time. Sania and her sister are from India, and, like their cousin, they face prejudice because of that. She knows he will face difficulties if he marries her because she is Indian and considered unsuitable, and she refuses to put him in that position. The discrimination makes her feel unworthy of his love, and she fears ruining his reputation. Hawk deals with feelings of unworthiness as well, though for different reasons, and he doesn’t think he’s good enough for Sania. Throughout the story, both characters must face these feelings and decide if their love is worth fighting for.
The romance between Hawk and Sania is almost instantaneous, and the chemistry between the pair is palpable. Though they face a lot of internal and external obstacles, their feelings prove stronger than society’s unwarranted censure, prejudices, family strife, and perilous antagonists who threaten them. They are challenged, both separately and as a pair, and both make mistakes at different points in the story. Hawk, in particular, must prove to Sania that his love is unwavering. However, through it all, their ever-growing feelings are filled with chemistry and passion.
Other characters in the story are fabulous, including Sania’s younger sister and Lara and Wolf, the couple from the first book who have large roles in this book, too. Since Sania and her sister flee to and stay with Lara and Wolf, the couple becomes an important part of the sister’s lives as well as great allies. I love how supportive and protective Lara and Wolf are, and it’s always great to revisit beloved characters and see what’s happening in their lives.
I thought this was a wonderful love story and a strong addition to The Elusive Lords series. The characters are dynamic and layered, and the plot is intriguing. I also appreciate the themes and messages, which are highlighted in the first book as well. I’m super thankful to Entangled Publishing, Netgalley, and Sapna Bhog for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review, and I’m eager to see who will be the focus of the next book in the series.
Merged review:
When Sania Aaryan flees India with her sister and heads to her cousin in England, she never expected to be caught in a snowstorm and turned away from her cousin’s home by the butler. With her cousin out of town and nowhere safe to wait out the winter storm, Sania decides to break into her cousin’s home, but she is caught by the Earl of Hawksley. Hawk is shocked when he sees a beautiful woman trying to break into his neighbor and friend’s house, and he stops the interloper. However, when he realizes who Sania is and how desperately in need she and her sister are, he honorably steps in to help them until Sania’s cousin returns. Hawk takes the sisters back to his home, and romance blossoms. However, many obstacles stand in their way, including social pressures, the danger Sania fled from, and Hawk’s past.
Sania is a strong and courageous woman who will do anything to protect her sister. She is such an admirable character, kind and caring, astute and intelligent, and a wonderful sibling and friend. Hawk is also quite compelling, and he proves repeatedly that he is an honorable and respectable man. Together, they make quite a pair, and they definitely bring out the best in each other. I like how both slowly become more confident and self-assured because of each other’s influence.
Like the first book in the series, there are powerful messages about racism in England during this time. Sania and her sister are from India, and, like their cousin, they face prejudice because of that. She knows he will face difficulties if he marries her because she is Indian and considered unsuitable, and she refuses to put him in that position. The discrimination makes her feel unworthy of his love, and she fears ruining his reputation. Hawk deals with feelings of unworthiness as well, though for different reasons, and he doesn’t think he’s good enough for Sania. Throughout the story, both characters must face these feelings and decide if their love is worth fighting for.
The romance between Hawk and Sania is almost instantaneous, and the chemistry between the pair is palpable. Though they face a lot of internal and external obstacles, their feelings prove stronger than society’s unwarranted censure, prejudices, family strife, and perilous antagonists who threaten them. They are challenged, both separately and as a pair, and both make mistakes at different points in the story. Hawk, in particular, must prove to Sania that his love is unwavering. However, through it all, their ever-growing feelings are filled with chemistry and passion.
Other characters in the story are fabulous, including Sania’s younger sister and Lara and Wolf, the couple from the first book who have large roles in this book, too. Since Sania and her sister flee to and stay with Lara and Wolf, the couple becomes an important part of the sister’s lives as well as great allies. I love how supportive and protective Lara and Wolf are, and it’s always great to revisit beloved characters and see what’s happening in their lives.
I thought this was a wonderful love story and a strong addition to The Elusive Lords series. The characters are dynamic and layered, and the plot is intriguing. I also appreciate the themes and messages, which are highlighted in the first book as well. I’m super thankful to Entangled Publishing, Netgalley, and Sapna Bhog for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review, and I’m eager to see who will be the focus of the next book in the series.
Sania is a strong and courageous woman who will do anything to protect her sister. She is such an admirable character, kind and caring, astute and intelligent, and a wonderful sibling and friend. Hawk is also quite compelling, and he proves repeatedly that he is an honorable and respectable man. Together, they make quite a pair, and they definitely bring out the best in each other. I like how both slowly become more confident and self-assured because of each other’s influence.
Like the first book in the series, there are powerful messages about racism in England during this time. Sania and her sister are from India, and, like their cousin, they face prejudice because of that. She knows he will face difficulties if he marries her because she is Indian and considered unsuitable, and she refuses to put him in that position. The discrimination makes her feel unworthy of his love, and she fears ruining his reputation. Hawk deals with feelings of unworthiness as well, though for different reasons, and he doesn’t think he’s good enough for Sania. Throughout the story, both characters must face these feelings and decide if their love is worth fighting for.
The romance between Hawk and Sania is almost instantaneous, and the chemistry between the pair is palpable. Though they face a lot of internal and external obstacles, their feelings prove stronger than society’s unwarranted censure, prejudices, family strife, and perilous antagonists who threaten them. They are challenged, both separately and as a pair, and both make mistakes at different points in the story. Hawk, in particular, must prove to Sania that his love is unwavering. However, through it all, their ever-growing feelings are filled with chemistry and passion.
Other characters in the story are fabulous, including Sania’s younger sister and Lara and Wolf, the couple from the first book who have large roles in this book, too. Since Sania and her sister flee to and stay with Lara and Wolf, the couple becomes an important part of the sister’s lives as well as great allies. I love how supportive and protective Lara and Wolf are, and it’s always great to revisit beloved characters and see what’s happening in their lives.
I thought this was a wonderful love story and a strong addition to The Elusive Lords series. The characters are dynamic and layered, and the plot is intriguing. I also appreciate the themes and messages, which are highlighted in the first book as well. I’m super thankful to Entangled Publishing, Netgalley, and Sapna Bhog for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review, and I’m eager to see who will be the focus of the next book in the series.
Merged review:
When Sania Aaryan flees India with her sister and heads to her cousin in England, she never expected to be caught in a snowstorm and turned away from her cousin’s home by the butler. With her cousin out of town and nowhere safe to wait out the winter storm, Sania decides to break into her cousin’s home, but she is caught by the Earl of Hawksley. Hawk is shocked when he sees a beautiful woman trying to break into his neighbor and friend’s house, and he stops the interloper. However, when he realizes who Sania is and how desperately in need she and her sister are, he honorably steps in to help them until Sania’s cousin returns. Hawk takes the sisters back to his home, and romance blossoms. However, many obstacles stand in their way, including social pressures, the danger Sania fled from, and Hawk’s past.
Sania is a strong and courageous woman who will do anything to protect her sister. She is such an admirable character, kind and caring, astute and intelligent, and a wonderful sibling and friend. Hawk is also quite compelling, and he proves repeatedly that he is an honorable and respectable man. Together, they make quite a pair, and they definitely bring out the best in each other. I like how both slowly become more confident and self-assured because of each other’s influence.
Like the first book in the series, there are powerful messages about racism in England during this time. Sania and her sister are from India, and, like their cousin, they face prejudice because of that. She knows he will face difficulties if he marries her because she is Indian and considered unsuitable, and she refuses to put him in that position. The discrimination makes her feel unworthy of his love, and she fears ruining his reputation. Hawk deals with feelings of unworthiness as well, though for different reasons, and he doesn’t think he’s good enough for Sania. Throughout the story, both characters must face these feelings and decide if their love is worth fighting for.
The romance between Hawk and Sania is almost instantaneous, and the chemistry between the pair is palpable. Though they face a lot of internal and external obstacles, their feelings prove stronger than society’s unwarranted censure, prejudices, family strife, and perilous antagonists who threaten them. They are challenged, both separately and as a pair, and both make mistakes at different points in the story. Hawk, in particular, must prove to Sania that his love is unwavering. However, through it all, their ever-growing feelings are filled with chemistry and passion.
Other characters in the story are fabulous, including Sania’s younger sister and Lara and Wolf, the couple from the first book who have large roles in this book, too. Since Sania and her sister flee to and stay with Lara and Wolf, the couple becomes an important part of the sister’s lives as well as great allies. I love how supportive and protective Lara and Wolf are, and it’s always great to revisit beloved characters and see what’s happening in their lives.
I thought this was a wonderful love story and a strong addition to The Elusive Lords series. The characters are dynamic and layered, and the plot is intriguing. I also appreciate the themes and messages, which are highlighted in the first book as well. I’m super thankful to Entangled Publishing, Netgalley, and Sapna Bhog for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review, and I’m eager to see who will be the focus of the next book in the series.
March 28, 2023
To Covet a Countess is a swoon worthy historical romance that kept me entertained from beginning to the very end! This is book two in “The Elusive Lords” series and if you enjoy Regency Romance this book will surely be a satisfying read. This romance is a slow burn with some amazing angst. I can’t wait to see what this author delivers next!
4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are usually cross-posted to social media, goodreads, and blog. 🦄
4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are usually cross-posted to social media, goodreads, and blog. 🦄
May 23, 2022
3.5 stars.
Although the book was really good, I felt it got dragged out a little somewhere in the middle. And I also had my speculations regarding the colonel.
Now, i really really want another book about Leo and Cammy. Like I need it right now. I just hope there is a book about them.
Although the book was really good, I felt it got dragged out a little somewhere in the middle. And I also had my speculations regarding the colonel.
Now, i really really want another book about Leo and Cammy. Like I need it right now. I just hope there is a book about them.
February 22, 2023
I picked this one up hoping it would present me with a brief respite from grief, and let me tell you friends, it delivered.
Oh my Lord, I loved this so much. I'd really enjoyed the first book, Dare to Be a Duchess, and this second volume was even better. First off, this was giving some serious Netflix-Anthony-and-Kate vibes and I was 1000% here for it. Yes, there is the similar racial makeup of the couples, but that's not the reason. The draw between Sania and Hawk is so strong, and you can really feel and believe in their need for each other, even after only knowing each other such a short time. (People died hella young back then, who had time for months and months of dating?) There's a real magnetism between them, à la A&K, such that even though it's a romance and you know there will be an HEA, I was still so eager to see it happen because I wanted these two to find happiness after the trauma both of them had experienced.
I also really loved how the author crafted this plot. There's a bit of a twist that I thought was very clever, one where you only see it coming just a bit before it's actually revealed to the characters themselves, and I swear, I gasped and bit my knuckles when I realized what was happening. I'm not usually such a dramatic little bitch, but there you go. And it was brilliant because it made for a completely believable and realistic third-act drama. Hawk's turmoil especially over how to deal with it and respond was heartbreaking, and yet Sania's anger with him was also totally understandable. I loved that she was so self-assured and never lost sight of her power, even when faced with the prospect of losing the man she loved.
Plus we get to see a shitty man get the snot beat out of him and have his life ruined, which I am of course always in favor of. Yeah yeah, not all men, but definitely this fucking guy.
An absolutely engaging and wonderful read that I loved from start to finish. And a bit of an emotional lifesaver for me, too. Here's hoping we get more books in the series! 5 stars all the way.
Oh my Lord, I loved this so much. I'd really enjoyed the first book, Dare to Be a Duchess, and this second volume was even better. First off, this was giving some serious Netflix-Anthony-and-Kate vibes and I was 1000% here for it. Yes, there is the similar racial makeup of the couples, but that's not the reason. The draw between Sania and Hawk is so strong, and you can really feel and believe in their need for each other, even after only knowing each other such a short time. (People died hella young back then, who had time for months and months of dating?) There's a real magnetism between them, à la A&K, such that even though it's a romance and you know there will be an HEA, I was still so eager to see it happen because I wanted these two to find happiness after the trauma both of them had experienced.
I also really loved how the author crafted this plot. There's a bit of a twist that I thought was very clever, one where you only see it coming just a bit before it's actually revealed to the characters themselves, and I swear, I gasped and bit my knuckles when I realized what was happening. I'm not usually such a dramatic little bitch, but there you go. And it was brilliant because it made for a completely believable and realistic third-act drama. Hawk's turmoil especially over how to deal with it and respond was heartbreaking, and yet Sania's anger with him was also totally understandable. I loved that she was so self-assured and never lost sight of her power, even when faced with the prospect of losing the man she loved.
Plus we get to see a shitty man get the snot beat out of him and have his life ruined, which I am of course always in favor of. Yeah yeah, not all men, but definitely this fucking guy.
An absolutely engaging and wonderful read that I loved from start to finish. And a bit of an emotional lifesaver for me, too. Here's hoping we get more books in the series! 5 stars all the way.
December 6, 2022
Fearing for their lives, Sania Aaryan and her sister flee India to find her cousin in London to ask for her help. Nicholas Delmore, the Earl of Hawksley, rescues the sisters first. Hawks protective instincts kick in to save them. Only Hawk has always felt he isn't strong enough to protect anyone. Loves comes quickly, but there are many obstacles for Hawk. His love for Sania will be tested more than once. Acceptance from society will be a challenge.
An interesting point of view from the perspective of an author of India.
A new author and her second book in the series. HEAT LEVEL 4
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
An interesting point of view from the perspective of an author of India.
A new author and her second book in the series. HEAT LEVEL 4
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
December 31, 2022
I absolutely adored this one. I’ve read the first book in this series last year and liked it for the most part but this one is even better. We get to see Lara and Wolf again, though we follow Hawk, whom we’ve met in book one, and his love story with Sania, who is Lara’s cousin. These two have an instant spark and such a vulnerable and magnetic romance between them.
November 11, 2021
This was a great read. Sania and Hawk’s story had just the right balance of chemistry and angst that I like in my historical romance reads. I liked how the author explores issues like racism and classism. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
I received an arc of this book
I received an arc of this book
June 16, 2022
i need moreee 😭 this series is so good
4.75 stars rounded up!
4.75 stars rounded up!
November 2, 2021
When the situation at their uncle’s home in India becomes unbearable, Sania Aaryan takes her younger sister Isha and flees to England, where she hopes to find sanctuary with her cousin Lara, the new Duchess of Wolverton. But when they arrive looking bedraggled, Lara is not home and her butler refuses to believe that they are related to the duchess and turns them out. With no money and near-freezing temperatures, Sania takes matters into her own hands and tries to break in.
The last thing Nicholas “Hawk” Delmore, the Earl of Hawksley expects to see while returning home is someone trying to break into his best friend Wolf’s house! He immediately intervenes and gets yet another shock when the small intruder turns out to be a woman, who threatens him with a dagger and then faints! Hawk takes Sania and Isha to his house and sends a letter to Wolf. He plans to keep them at his house until Wolf returns and either confirms or denies their relationship to his wife. What he doesn’t plan on doing is becoming infatuated with the lovely Indian woman, but that is exactly what happens.
Wolf and Lara return and are overjoyed to see Sania and Isha, they immediately move them into their house and get ready to launch them into society. Hawk tries to distance himself from Sania, sure that she would be better off with another man. Events from his past have convinced him that he doesn’t deserve a wife and children, so while he desires Sania, he goes out of his way to avoid her. It is a good plan, too bad Sania doesn’t agree. She refuses to give up on the attraction that is growing between them and eventually, she succeeds in making Hawk believe that they could have a future. All seems to be going well until their betrothal ball when the past comes calling and Hawk lets his insecurities destroy their chance for HEA. Can he convince Sania to give him another chance to prove his love or was his betrayal too much to overcome?
This was a good story, it was well-written and nicely paced, but some things just didn’t work for me. Things like: not stating when the book was set, I’m guessing late-Georgian, a lot of modern verbiages, title errors, and the villain's name/title. What I did like is that the author accurately and subtly addressed the prejudices that Lara and Sania faced in society, she makes Hawk work for his forgiveness, she writes some steamyish love scenes, and she included a charming epilogue. Overall, it was a good read, and while I enjoyed the story, it is not one I would read again. This is the second book in the series, but I had not read the first book and had no trouble understanding the relationships in this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
The last thing Nicholas “Hawk” Delmore, the Earl of Hawksley expects to see while returning home is someone trying to break into his best friend Wolf’s house! He immediately intervenes and gets yet another shock when the small intruder turns out to be a woman, who threatens him with a dagger and then faints! Hawk takes Sania and Isha to his house and sends a letter to Wolf. He plans to keep them at his house until Wolf returns and either confirms or denies their relationship to his wife. What he doesn’t plan on doing is becoming infatuated with the lovely Indian woman, but that is exactly what happens.
Wolf and Lara return and are overjoyed to see Sania and Isha, they immediately move them into their house and get ready to launch them into society. Hawk tries to distance himself from Sania, sure that she would be better off with another man. Events from his past have convinced him that he doesn’t deserve a wife and children, so while he desires Sania, he goes out of his way to avoid her. It is a good plan, too bad Sania doesn’t agree. She refuses to give up on the attraction that is growing between them and eventually, she succeeds in making Hawk believe that they could have a future. All seems to be going well until their betrothal ball when the past comes calling and Hawk lets his insecurities destroy their chance for HEA. Can he convince Sania to give him another chance to prove his love or was his betrayal too much to overcome?
This was a good story, it was well-written and nicely paced, but some things just didn’t work for me. Things like: not stating when the book was set, I’m guessing late-Georgian, a lot of modern verbiages, title errors, and the villain's name/title. What I did like is that the author accurately and subtly addressed the prejudices that Lara and Sania faced in society, she makes Hawk work for his forgiveness, she writes some steamyish love scenes, and she included a charming epilogue. Overall, it was a good read, and while I enjoyed the story, it is not one I would read again. This is the second book in the series, but I had not read the first book and had no trouble understanding the relationships in this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
November 8, 2021
This novel was sweetly charming and the perfect way to spend a low angst evening. Sapna Bhog's writing has a conversational ease that quickly draws the readers in, her characters are compelling and interesting, and this novel is quick paced keeping the reader engaged through the entire story. Bhog does a lovely job of showing diversity in a time period that we don't always acknowledge it, while softly commenting on racism and colonization of the time without making this the overall conflict of the plot, but a side issue that the characters are aware of and handle beautifully and gently in their own way.
This story is about Sania, who has recently fled India with her sister, seeking refuge and safety with their cousin who has married a duke and is now a duchess. The novel opens up with a snow storm in which the sisters find themselves in grave needs of warmth but are turned away from their cousin's home by the butler, because the lord and lady are not at home. Sania has been learning to stand up for herself and be brave in situations when she needs to, and because of this she attempts to break into her cousin's house knowing if she and her sister do not find shelter that they will be in very dire straits. During her attempted break in, Nicholas the Earl of Hawksley, and friend to the duke, sees Sania and stops her. Recognizing that she and her sister are in need of assistance, he takes them back to his home and from there, Sania and Nicholas grow more and more attracted to each other as well as cautiously unsure of where their relationship might be going.
Their love story is really a sweet one, they are both instantly attracted in the other and they very swiftly fall into infatuation which grows into love as they spend more time together and learn more about each other. I love that both Sania and Nicholas always see the good, strength and independence in the other. I love that they both want to fight for what is best for the other, even if they don't always agree on what is best. I also love that Sania always sees the good in Nicholas and she fights for herself and him, knowing that they are a partnership. Sania knows that she must stand strong for herself and never back down from what she deserves and I love this, and that through this she can show Nicholas the error of his ways and make him work to earn her trust and confidence. I love that both Sania and Nicholas are surrounded by friends who will fight along side them, show them when they need to take a step back and reexamine the situation, as well as hold them accountable when they need to. This novel is also very sweetly sensual, Sania and Nicholas have a really lovely chemistry that draws them together and carries them through their ups and downs. I love that Sapna Bhog references the ton's racism and gives Sania the words and strength to point out their contradictory ways with out making this the catalyst for our couple not being able to be together.
This was just a really delightful and sweet romance, with two people learning to stand strong for themselves, their needs and wants while being surrounded by a fantastic support system to help them through their ups and downs. This is the first book I have read from Sapna Bhog and it will definitely not be my last!
***Thank you to Entangled Publishing (Amara) and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.***
OUT NOVEMBER 8, 2021
This story is about Sania, who has recently fled India with her sister, seeking refuge and safety with their cousin who has married a duke and is now a duchess. The novel opens up with a snow storm in which the sisters find themselves in grave needs of warmth but are turned away from their cousin's home by the butler, because the lord and lady are not at home. Sania has been learning to stand up for herself and be brave in situations when she needs to, and because of this she attempts to break into her cousin's house knowing if she and her sister do not find shelter that they will be in very dire straits. During her attempted break in, Nicholas the Earl of Hawksley, and friend to the duke, sees Sania and stops her. Recognizing that she and her sister are in need of assistance, he takes them back to his home and from there, Sania and Nicholas grow more and more attracted to each other as well as cautiously unsure of where their relationship might be going.
Their love story is really a sweet one, they are both instantly attracted in the other and they very swiftly fall into infatuation which grows into love as they spend more time together and learn more about each other. I love that both Sania and Nicholas always see the good, strength and independence in the other. I love that they both want to fight for what is best for the other, even if they don't always agree on what is best. I also love that Sania always sees the good in Nicholas and she fights for herself and him, knowing that they are a partnership. Sania knows that she must stand strong for herself and never back down from what she deserves and I love this, and that through this she can show Nicholas the error of his ways and make him work to earn her trust and confidence. I love that both Sania and Nicholas are surrounded by friends who will fight along side them, show them when they need to take a step back and reexamine the situation, as well as hold them accountable when they need to. This novel is also very sweetly sensual, Sania and Nicholas have a really lovely chemistry that draws them together and carries them through their ups and downs. I love that Sapna Bhog references the ton's racism and gives Sania the words and strength to point out their contradictory ways with out making this the catalyst for our couple not being able to be together.
This was just a really delightful and sweet romance, with two people learning to stand strong for themselves, their needs and wants while being surrounded by a fantastic support system to help them through their ups and downs. This is the first book I have read from Sapna Bhog and it will definitely not be my last!
***Thank you to Entangled Publishing (Amara) and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.***
OUT NOVEMBER 8, 2021
January 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this one! I'm on a historical romance kick right now, so I expected to, but still. After two disappointing books, this was exactly what I needed.
I really liked all of our characters. Hawk was the perfect tormented MMC. I loved that while his problems were an issue for the fledgling relationship, they weren't a cause for a major issue. The couple communicated to each other to avoid them, which was super refreshing. Sania was just as great. I loved her for her passion and fire, and how unafraid she was. She was so strong and I loved watching her tackle every issue head on.
I will admit, this book did make me feel like an idiot. When I started it, I had no idea it was connected to Dare to Be a Duchess. By the halfway point, I finally had to check, because it was confusing the heck out of me. Low and behold, it was connected. Once I realized that, I loved the connections. It was so fun to see Lara and Wolf as an established couple living happily.
This one makes it clear that my historical romance binge will in fact be continuing. I wish it could continue with more books in this series (I want an Isha book!!!), but I guess I will just have to wait :( I'll definitely be picking up future books when they're released!
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
I really liked all of our characters. Hawk was the perfect tormented MMC. I loved that while his problems were an issue for the fledgling relationship, they weren't a cause for a major issue. The couple communicated to each other to avoid them, which was super refreshing. Sania was just as great. I loved her for her passion and fire, and how unafraid she was. She was so strong and I loved watching her tackle every issue head on.
I will admit, this book did make me feel like an idiot. When I started it, I had no idea it was connected to Dare to Be a Duchess. By the halfway point, I finally had to check, because it was confusing the heck out of me. Low and behold, it was connected. Once I realized that, I loved the connections. It was so fun to see Lara and Wolf as an established couple living happily.
This one makes it clear that my historical romance binge will in fact be continuing. I wish it could continue with more books in this series (I want an Isha book!!!), but I guess I will just have to wait :( I'll definitely be picking up future books when they're released!
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 30, 2022
I'm officially giving up on this author. I hated the first book but wanted to give Sapna Bhog another chance because I'm also desi and love reading about brown characters but yeahhh... This author is not it.
The heroine told the hero that a violent man forced himself into her life and forced her to flee from India to England. Turns out this dude is actually the hero's cousin who's somehow brainwashed him and the hero leaves the heroine so she can be with the awful guy when SHE MADE IT CLEAR SHE LITERALLY HAD TO FLEE A COUNTRY TO AVOID HIM. I...can't.... The story wasn't super compelling to begin with so to have it turn out this way is the cherry on top of the shit storm that is this book.
The heroine told the hero that a violent man forced himself into her life and forced her to flee from India to England. Turns out this dude is actually the hero's cousin who's somehow brainwashed him and the hero leaves the heroine so she can be with the awful guy when SHE MADE IT CLEAR SHE LITERALLY HAD TO FLEE A COUNTRY TO AVOID HIM. I...can't.... The story wasn't super compelling to begin with so to have it turn out this way is the cherry on top of the shit storm that is this book.
September 24, 2022
Just Okay
This was an okay read. In comparison to the first book it’s lacking. I feel like author recycled a lot from the last book. We get a similar scenes of the MMC resisting the FMC, a night on the town between the FMC and MMC at place that could ruin the FMC’s reputation, a ball scene were the MMC royally screws up, a bit of groveling to make up for the aforementioned ball scene and a villain who desperately wants the FMC. It was too many similarities for me with not enough originality to make it stand out or stand up against the first book. Overall an okay read. I think I would have rated it higher if I read this book only.
This was an okay read. In comparison to the first book it’s lacking. I feel like author recycled a lot from the last book. We get a similar scenes of the MMC resisting the FMC, a night on the town between the FMC and MMC at place that could ruin the FMC’s reputation, a ball scene were the MMC royally screws up, a bit of groveling to make up for the aforementioned ball scene and a villain who desperately wants the FMC. It was too many similarities for me with not enough originality to make it stand out or stand up against the first book. Overall an okay read. I think I would have rated it higher if I read this book only.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2021
Absolutely beautiful
Wow wow! This was a beautiful book. I love the characters the female characters in all of Sapna. Even in historical romance Sapna has ensured the women are independent, strong and have substance unlike many other historical romance books. The bond between the friends and family is heartwarming as always. Totally in love with this book.
Wow wow! This was a beautiful book. I love the characters the female characters in all of Sapna. Even in historical romance Sapna has ensured the women are independent, strong and have substance unlike many other historical romance books. The bond between the friends and family is heartwarming as always. Totally in love with this book.
November 12, 2022
To Covet a Countess is in some ways an inferior book in comparison to book 1. A rather slow burn romance that lacks any real depth until the third act. However resonant the pay-off is, many readers may not be as patient.
November 30, 2023
This is my lowest rated Sapna Bhog book.
I am just glad that I’m done reading it. I was skipping lines, paragraphs and then I started skipping pages. It hurts to say such harsh things about my favourite author’s book, but it just became unbearable after a point.
☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️
I am just glad that I’m done reading it. I was skipping lines, paragraphs and then I started skipping pages. It hurts to say such harsh things about my favourite author’s book, but it just became unbearable after a point.
☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️
October 29, 2024
Loved it! Like all other Sapna Bhog books, this one too, was truly interesting and I really enjoyed reading it!❤️❤️❤️
August 10, 2024
4.25 ⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
November 16, 2021
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley and this is my freely given review.
I quite enjoyed this story and it's predecessor, Dare to Be a Duchess. Both heroines are women of colour. Sania, the heroine in this story is an Indian lady who is orphaned, and found herself and her younger sister in a dangerous situation back in India. She and her sister escaped and made their way to England, in the hopes of finding her cousin, Lara, the half-English, half-Indian heroine of the first book. She was hoping that she and Isha, her sister, would be able to find safety with Lara and her new husband.
They made their way to London, and to the Duke of Wolverton's townhouse, hoping to find Lara and her husband at home. Unfortunately, they were not, and the remaining staff would not let the strange women in. It is winter, and both Isha and Sania are freezing and starving, after being on the run from India, for months. Sania decides to try to break into the townhouse that night to at least be able to seek out warmth and shelter for the two sisters.
Nicholas Delmore, the Earl of Hawksley, and a best friend of Wolverton, was on his way home, nearby, when he observed the attempted break in and decided to investigate. He ends up intervening and bringing both Sania and Isha to his home, and looks out for them until Wolf and Lara return to town and take the ladies in hand. He has his own demons in his past that he is fighting, and which make him feel unworthy of being the Earl and being a worthy man for Sania, though they develop a strong connection from the beginning.
Nicholas is struck by Sania's beauty, boldness, and bravery, and eventually comes to realize that he can overcome his past, and reach out for the happiness that he feels he can find with her. When they are on the cusp of building a future together, both his past and her past collide to break them apart. Both Sania and Nicholas have to work anew to rebuild their trust in each other and their relationship, and to overcome the past together to reach their HEA.
I always enjoy reading about mixed race relationships, in the historical context, being a woman of colour myself. Both this story and it's predecessor spoke about the barriers in place in Society against the two heroines because of their Indian heritage, and alluded to some of the racism they faced. Nicholas, as the hero in this story, did not seem to care about how her background would affect his standing, as much as Wolf did in the first novel. One thing that put me off a bit with the first novel, was how much importance Wolf put on his standing and not causing any scandal, and because of that rejected Lara quite badly. But there was some redemption of that, when he turned things around in the end, and one takes into account his own family history and how it contributed to those fears. Nicholas seemed to have more internalized fears, and concerns about his worthiness, rather than concerns about how Society would perceive Sania. Regardless, Society likely would not generally be welcoming of a foreign commoner worming her way into their world, and stealing away a rich, titled, eligible bachelor. Sania is made aware of this, especially considering what Lara had to deal with for years, but is willing to brave this with grace, with a loving Nicholas at her side. Also, there is Isha's future to consider.
In general, I quite enjoyed the story, especially the strengths demonstrated by Sania. I quite liked seeing the carry over of the story and characters from the first book, and the character development too. There was also the addition of a mastiff puppy - needless to say, that won a bit of my heart too. I see some background development of a future story or two as well, and that builds my interest for a future book or two.
But a major detractor for me, for both this book and the preceding novel, is the language. There are more than a few instances where the dialogue and language used was not appropriate for the period, such as Lara's use of a dismissive, "Whatever", and the frequent use of Okay. There are a number of times when the phrasing does not appear in keeping with the time period, and a bit of more judicious editing could have tamed that a bit better. In general, I can ignore it because I enjoyed the overall stories, but the frequency of this occurring did ultimately stick in my mind and took a way from my enjoyment of the books a bit.
But still, a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me.
I quite enjoyed this story and it's predecessor, Dare to Be a Duchess. Both heroines are women of colour. Sania, the heroine in this story is an Indian lady who is orphaned, and found herself and her younger sister in a dangerous situation back in India. She and her sister escaped and made their way to England, in the hopes of finding her cousin, Lara, the half-English, half-Indian heroine of the first book. She was hoping that she and Isha, her sister, would be able to find safety with Lara and her new husband.
They made their way to London, and to the Duke of Wolverton's townhouse, hoping to find Lara and her husband at home. Unfortunately, they were not, and the remaining staff would not let the strange women in. It is winter, and both Isha and Sania are freezing and starving, after being on the run from India, for months. Sania decides to try to break into the townhouse that night to at least be able to seek out warmth and shelter for the two sisters.
Nicholas Delmore, the Earl of Hawksley, and a best friend of Wolverton, was on his way home, nearby, when he observed the attempted break in and decided to investigate. He ends up intervening and bringing both Sania and Isha to his home, and looks out for them until Wolf and Lara return to town and take the ladies in hand. He has his own demons in his past that he is fighting, and which make him feel unworthy of being the Earl and being a worthy man for Sania, though they develop a strong connection from the beginning.
Nicholas is struck by Sania's beauty, boldness, and bravery, and eventually comes to realize that he can overcome his past, and reach out for the happiness that he feels he can find with her. When they are on the cusp of building a future together, both his past and her past collide to break them apart. Both Sania and Nicholas have to work anew to rebuild their trust in each other and their relationship, and to overcome the past together to reach their HEA.
I always enjoy reading about mixed race relationships, in the historical context, being a woman of colour myself. Both this story and it's predecessor spoke about the barriers in place in Society against the two heroines because of their Indian heritage, and alluded to some of the racism they faced. Nicholas, as the hero in this story, did not seem to care about how her background would affect his standing, as much as Wolf did in the first novel. One thing that put me off a bit with the first novel, was how much importance Wolf put on his standing and not causing any scandal, and because of that rejected Lara quite badly. But there was some redemption of that, when he turned things around in the end, and one takes into account his own family history and how it contributed to those fears. Nicholas seemed to have more internalized fears, and concerns about his worthiness, rather than concerns about how Society would perceive Sania. Regardless, Society likely would not generally be welcoming of a foreign commoner worming her way into their world, and stealing away a rich, titled, eligible bachelor. Sania is made aware of this, especially considering what Lara had to deal with for years, but is willing to brave this with grace, with a loving Nicholas at her side. Also, there is Isha's future to consider.
In general, I quite enjoyed the story, especially the strengths demonstrated by Sania. I quite liked seeing the carry over of the story and characters from the first book, and the character development too. There was also the addition of a mastiff puppy - needless to say, that won a bit of my heart too. I see some background development of a future story or two as well, and that builds my interest for a future book or two.
But a major detractor for me, for both this book and the preceding novel, is the language. There are more than a few instances where the dialogue and language used was not appropriate for the period, such as Lara's use of a dismissive, "Whatever", and the frequent use of Okay. There are a number of times when the phrasing does not appear in keeping with the time period, and a bit of more judicious editing could have tamed that a bit better. In general, I can ignore it because I enjoyed the overall stories, but the frequency of this occurring did ultimately stick in my mind and took a way from my enjoyment of the books a bit.
But still, a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me.
February 9, 2024
⭐️2/5⭐️
I was enjoying this until a crucial turning point that didn’t redeem itself.
My review is based on my preferences and how I like a romance to be told…
💕FOR THE REASONS I READ ROMANCE:
The Connection of the Couple: 5/5
Do I believe the couple will endure after the last chapter: 3/5
Couple spent enough happy times together: 4/5
Give and Take balance between the couple: 4/5
Couple was balanced and suited: 1/5
Banter and Fun Times: 4/5
🖋️THE WORDS
Show and not Tell: 4/5
Was I transported and enraptured: 2/5, too many modern phrases and expressions
⛔️(SPOILERS BELOW)⛔️
🌸OTHER NOTES
My personal taste: I need the male Hero to be heroic, I can’t bring myself to get behind a hero who is a coward and dishonorable. I liked this up to a couple of scenes that soured the whole experience for me.
Characters Likability: Dare I say it, I found the H to be a loser. Ok, I said it.
Offense #1: When he allowed his villain cousin to manipulate him and get the better of him, then proceeded to turn his back on the h during the engagement party, I was done with him forever. That move showed no backbone on his part, no loyalty and no courage, I want my hero to be a protective man of action, I don’t want him to be a deer-in-headlights, don’t-know-what to-do-in-an-emergency type of man.
Offense #2: This happened before offense #1. Call me old fashioned but in a historical, if a man “ruins” a woman, he has to marry her, no questions asked. The first time they “made out”, with touching “down under” for her, he decides to leave her alone after?? Much later he decided to marry her but right afterwards and that night, he never offered the honorable gesture to marry her. What was he expecting, that he could touch her and just walk away? Disrespectful.
I already slightly disliked him even before the 2 major problems I had with him mentioned above, but I chose to give him the benefit of the doubt. Overall, I found him to be weak, a coward, who does not do the right thing; and I just don’t find that attractive.
Angst, was it worth it? There was some angst but it was quickly forgiven in the next chapter.
Push Pull: There was push and pull on both sides, the coming together each time was sweet as she forgave him (again and again) and I did feel flutters when this happened but after offense #1, I was just done with the H.
The Ending: The H finally does stand up to his villain cousin, it does take the H to fear for the h’s life to get his butt in gear though. Jeez, too little too late, man! The epilogue was also very unsatisfying.
SUMMARY
My favorite thing about this book:
I did like the connection between the 2 MCs, I liked how they loved each other. After offense #2, I was still on board, the H redeemed himself after that.
What I didn’t like:
After the H turning his back on the h (literally), she forgives him after he climbs a tree to get into her room and apologizes. Ok, the apology was heart felt, I liked it and thought, if the grovel is good maybe there is still hope for this book. But no. The guy publicly humiliates you, didn’t fight for you, physically cowered and turned his back on you and left you to fend for yourself against someone who tormented you, and you forgive him on the first attempt? OMG! I can’t. Maybe the H could have redeemed himself if the grovel was weeks long and he dealt with the villain cousin, like ensure he could never be in the same vicinity as the h. But he didn’t.
The h also said all the right things during the big apology, everything I was thinking in fact: “I don’t know if I can trust you”, “you rejected me twice now”, “I deserve better”, “I deserve someone who will fight for me”.
I was like, you go girl! Absolutely! Then he says sorry and poof, forgiven. He didn’t even work for it. For me, after what he did, he needed to prove himself again, plus he’d already let her down before so therefore none of that could have been fixed with words, only actions matter at that point. Had we another 2 chapters of groveling and proving himself worthy, the story could have been saved.
Should you read this: If you don’t mind a hero who is not traditionally manly, this can be a sweet read.
I was enjoying this until a crucial turning point that didn’t redeem itself.
My review is based on my preferences and how I like a romance to be told…
💕FOR THE REASONS I READ ROMANCE:
The Connection of the Couple: 5/5
Do I believe the couple will endure after the last chapter: 3/5
Couple spent enough happy times together: 4/5
Give and Take balance between the couple: 4/5
Couple was balanced and suited: 1/5
Banter and Fun Times: 4/5
🖋️THE WORDS
Show and not Tell: 4/5
Was I transported and enraptured: 2/5, too many modern phrases and expressions
⛔️(SPOILERS BELOW)⛔️
🌸OTHER NOTES
My personal taste: I need the male Hero to be heroic, I can’t bring myself to get behind a hero who is a coward and dishonorable. I liked this up to a couple of scenes that soured the whole experience for me.
Characters Likability: Dare I say it, I found the H to be a loser. Ok, I said it.
Offense #1: When he allowed his villain cousin to manipulate him and get the better of him, then proceeded to turn his back on the h during the engagement party, I was done with him forever. That move showed no backbone on his part, no loyalty and no courage, I want my hero to be a protective man of action, I don’t want him to be a deer-in-headlights, don’t-know-what to-do-in-an-emergency type of man.
Offense #2: This happened before offense #1. Call me old fashioned but in a historical, if a man “ruins” a woman, he has to marry her, no questions asked. The first time they “made out”, with touching “down under” for her, he decides to leave her alone after?? Much later he decided to marry her but right afterwards and that night, he never offered the honorable gesture to marry her. What was he expecting, that he could touch her and just walk away? Disrespectful.
I already slightly disliked him even before the 2 major problems I had with him mentioned above, but I chose to give him the benefit of the doubt. Overall, I found him to be weak, a coward, who does not do the right thing; and I just don’t find that attractive.
Angst, was it worth it? There was some angst but it was quickly forgiven in the next chapter.
Push Pull: There was push and pull on both sides, the coming together each time was sweet as she forgave him (again and again) and I did feel flutters when this happened but after offense #1, I was just done with the H.
The Ending: The H finally does stand up to his villain cousin, it does take the H to fear for the h’s life to get his butt in gear though. Jeez, too little too late, man! The epilogue was also very unsatisfying.
SUMMARY
My favorite thing about this book:
I did like the connection between the 2 MCs, I liked how they loved each other. After offense #2, I was still on board, the H redeemed himself after that.
What I didn’t like:
After the H turning his back on the h (literally), she forgives him after he climbs a tree to get into her room and apologizes. Ok, the apology was heart felt, I liked it and thought, if the grovel is good maybe there is still hope for this book. But no. The guy publicly humiliates you, didn’t fight for you, physically cowered and turned his back on you and left you to fend for yourself against someone who tormented you, and you forgive him on the first attempt? OMG! I can’t. Maybe the H could have redeemed himself if the grovel was weeks long and he dealt with the villain cousin, like ensure he could never be in the same vicinity as the h. But he didn’t.
The h also said all the right things during the big apology, everything I was thinking in fact: “I don’t know if I can trust you”, “you rejected me twice now”, “I deserve better”, “I deserve someone who will fight for me”.
I was like, you go girl! Absolutely! Then he says sorry and poof, forgiven. He didn’t even work for it. For me, after what he did, he needed to prove himself again, plus he’d already let her down before so therefore none of that could have been fixed with words, only actions matter at that point. Had we another 2 chapters of groveling and proving himself worthy, the story could have been saved.
Should you read this: If you don’t mind a hero who is not traditionally manly, this can be a sweet read.
November 25, 2021
Second book in the “ The Elusive Lords” series. I’ve not read the first book, but no matter as it doesn’t really help in this book. Although there are characters from the first book in this one.
Sania doesn’t know what to do!
Escaping India with her sister seemed a lot easier than trying to gain entry to see her cousin in England!
After being refused entry into her cousins home, Sania has no other option (except to freeze in the English winter) but to break into her cousins home and explain why.
And getting caught by a handsome gentleman only adds to her dilemma!
Nicholas Sees a figure trying to break into his friend and neighbours home! Doing the honourable thing he tries to apprehend the intruder. Imagine his surprise when he finds out that it’s a woman!
And even more surprised and shocked when she faints in his arms!
Nicholas and Sania are absolutely adorable to read.
She’s a feisty female who knows what she wants, and will speak her mind freely. Not interested in the suitor picked out for her in India, she’s had no choice but to run away, and taking her younger sister with her was the best option for them both.
Nicholas is haunted by things from his past, but he tries to be a good man. Not really interested in society and their ways! He’s such a great character to read, making a change from the usual rogues that get the lady.
Reuniting Sania with her cousin Lara, Nicholas although throughly enamoured with the beautiful Sania knows she would be better off without him being around! So with a heavy heart he tries to avoid the young lady. But thankfully Sania isn’t going to make it easy for him.
A wonderfully written story that I finished in one afternoon.
It’s part of a series (Lara has her own book “Date to be a Duchess”) and although Lara and Wolf play quite a large part in this book, it doesn’t take away from this story. (Although I’m rather taken with reading their story now 😉)
Very well thought out, enough description for me to imagine myself outside freezing in the English weather, and to see myself at the ball.
It’s a “love at first sight” story for me. And I really don’t have a problem with that. The chasing down of Nicholas by Sania had me smiling (as it’s usually the man chasing the reluctant lady)
And the issue of race is done brilliantly. Nothing is hidden, we are made aware of their differences and we are made painfully aware that people have always and will always be prejudice against someone different from themselves!
So can Sania convince Nicholas that they can be together and damn what society thinks of it all?
There is a blip in their happiness…..
Can they overcome it when Sania’s past comes knocking on their new found happiness?
Can Sania be able to see past Nicholas’ mistakes and forgive him for his misgivings?
The only tiny issue I had (and that’s just me) was that I wasn’t sure what time period this was set in. (But that’s just me being picky)
But I’d happily recommend this book if you like your historical romance with a little steam and a few twists.
🦋
Sania doesn’t know what to do!
Escaping India with her sister seemed a lot easier than trying to gain entry to see her cousin in England!
After being refused entry into her cousins home, Sania has no other option (except to freeze in the English winter) but to break into her cousins home and explain why.
And getting caught by a handsome gentleman only adds to her dilemma!
Nicholas Sees a figure trying to break into his friend and neighbours home! Doing the honourable thing he tries to apprehend the intruder. Imagine his surprise when he finds out that it’s a woman!
And even more surprised and shocked when she faints in his arms!
Nicholas and Sania are absolutely adorable to read.
She’s a feisty female who knows what she wants, and will speak her mind freely. Not interested in the suitor picked out for her in India, she’s had no choice but to run away, and taking her younger sister with her was the best option for them both.
Nicholas is haunted by things from his past, but he tries to be a good man. Not really interested in society and their ways! He’s such a great character to read, making a change from the usual rogues that get the lady.
Reuniting Sania with her cousin Lara, Nicholas although throughly enamoured with the beautiful Sania knows she would be better off without him being around! So with a heavy heart he tries to avoid the young lady. But thankfully Sania isn’t going to make it easy for him.
A wonderfully written story that I finished in one afternoon.
It’s part of a series (Lara has her own book “Date to be a Duchess”) and although Lara and Wolf play quite a large part in this book, it doesn’t take away from this story. (Although I’m rather taken with reading their story now 😉)
Very well thought out, enough description for me to imagine myself outside freezing in the English weather, and to see myself at the ball.
It’s a “love at first sight” story for me. And I really don’t have a problem with that. The chasing down of Nicholas by Sania had me smiling (as it’s usually the man chasing the reluctant lady)
And the issue of race is done brilliantly. Nothing is hidden, we are made aware of their differences and we are made painfully aware that people have always and will always be prejudice against someone different from themselves!
So can Sania convince Nicholas that they can be together and damn what society thinks of it all?
There is a blip in their happiness…..
Can they overcome it when Sania’s past comes knocking on their new found happiness?
Can Sania be able to see past Nicholas’ mistakes and forgive him for his misgivings?
The only tiny issue I had (and that’s just me) was that I wasn’t sure what time period this was set in. (But that’s just me being picky)
But I’d happily recommend this book if you like your historical romance with a little steam and a few twists.
🦋
November 23, 2021
Nicholas Delmore, Earl of Hawksley, wasn't expecting to see someone trying to break into his friend's home or have a knife pulled on him by a beautiful woman. Sania left India with her younger sister to avoid the army officer stalking her and threatening to possess her. The two are drawn to each other from the start, but Nicholas doesn't feel worthy of marriage and Sania won't accept any of the racist nobility as a spouse. When her past arrives in London, will their connection survive?
I don't often see Regency romances featuring people of color, so I immediately wanted to see this. London of the period hadn't been purely white, but the genre focuses on the nobility and doesn't mention how diverse the population actually was at the time. Here, Sania left India hoping to stay with her cousin, a mixed woman that married very well in the first novel of the Elusive Lords series. I didn't read that one, but I loved what I saw of Lara and her husband. They're a great couple together in the background of Nicholas and Sania's romance and are supportive friends for both of them. Sania isn't physically strong, but she has a lot of spirit and strength of character. She'd have to, in order to work and support her sister and uncle in India, then run away looking for her cousin when her situation was too dire there. She isn't willing to settle for scraps of attention, and I love that about her.
Nicholas is an earl sure that he isn't a worthwhile or good person, despite all of the good he does. He's a sensitive man, which is why he came to Sania's and Isha's rescue from the start. It's also why he can admit he's in love, which is usually difficult for romantic heroes, but also why he pushes Sania away at first. Overcoming his own perception of self is a huge hurdle in this romance, and we all know that what we think of ourselves lingers long after we think we've conquered the thoughts. I appreciated that the effort is shown and that both Sania and Nicholas truly care for each other. They get along as friends, are physically attracted, and want the best for themselves and their love. These foundations allow their love to grow over the course of the novel, and I enjoyed reading it.
I don't often see Regency romances featuring people of color, so I immediately wanted to see this. London of the period hadn't been purely white, but the genre focuses on the nobility and doesn't mention how diverse the population actually was at the time. Here, Sania left India hoping to stay with her cousin, a mixed woman that married very well in the first novel of the Elusive Lords series. I didn't read that one, but I loved what I saw of Lara and her husband. They're a great couple together in the background of Nicholas and Sania's romance and are supportive friends for both of them. Sania isn't physically strong, but she has a lot of spirit and strength of character. She'd have to, in order to work and support her sister and uncle in India, then run away looking for her cousin when her situation was too dire there. She isn't willing to settle for scraps of attention, and I love that about her.
Nicholas is an earl sure that he isn't a worthwhile or good person, despite all of the good he does. He's a sensitive man, which is why he came to Sania's and Isha's rescue from the start. It's also why he can admit he's in love, which is usually difficult for romantic heroes, but also why he pushes Sania away at first. Overcoming his own perception of self is a huge hurdle in this romance, and we all know that what we think of ourselves lingers long after we think we've conquered the thoughts. I appreciated that the effort is shown and that both Sania and Nicholas truly care for each other. They get along as friends, are physically attracted, and want the best for themselves and their love. These foundations allow their love to grow over the course of the novel, and I enjoyed reading it.
November 17, 2021
*3.5 stars*
Check out my review on my blog: http://thereadingdevil.blogspot.com/2...
Or read below:
After escaping India and heading for their cousin on the shores of England, Sania and Isha find themselves in the middle of snowstorm with nowhere to go. When Nicholas notices something amiss at his friend's residence on his way home, he stops to investigate. Finding the cause to be a beautiful woman who holds him at the point of a dagger and then promptly faints, he is intrigued enough to bring the lady and her sister to his residence. The story unfolds from there.
Sania is a bold, fiercely protective character with loads of heart and courage. She wants the world for her younger sister and will stop at nothing to get it for her. I absolutely loved Sania's character. I think she was written really well, in ways that made her relatable and kept me invested in her story. I also adored her younger sister, Isha. She was full of spunk and I hope that she is the focus of a future book by Ms. Bhog.
As for Nicholas... he had moments where I really liked him, and others where I really did not. I just found him to be a very weak-willed character. Despite knowing his backstory, and understanding why he feels so judgmental of himself, I found myself getting very irritated with him at times. I think the "woe is me, I'm not good enough" attitude really got to me as we got closer to the end and he was still complaining.
I did like how the author addressed prejudice in this story, I think it was well done. Overall, I like her writing style and though this wasn't one of my favourite books, I would definitely try another by her.
Check out my review on my blog: http://thereadingdevil.blogspot.com/2...
Or read below:
After escaping India and heading for their cousin on the shores of England, Sania and Isha find themselves in the middle of snowstorm with nowhere to go. When Nicholas notices something amiss at his friend's residence on his way home, he stops to investigate. Finding the cause to be a beautiful woman who holds him at the point of a dagger and then promptly faints, he is intrigued enough to bring the lady and her sister to his residence. The story unfolds from there.
Sania is a bold, fiercely protective character with loads of heart and courage. She wants the world for her younger sister and will stop at nothing to get it for her. I absolutely loved Sania's character. I think she was written really well, in ways that made her relatable and kept me invested in her story. I also adored her younger sister, Isha. She was full of spunk and I hope that she is the focus of a future book by Ms. Bhog.
As for Nicholas... he had moments where I really liked him, and others where I really did not. I just found him to be a very weak-willed character. Despite knowing his backstory, and understanding why he feels so judgmental of himself, I found myself getting very irritated with him at times. I think the "woe is me, I'm not good enough" attitude really got to me as we got closer to the end and he was still complaining.
I did like how the author addressed prejudice in this story, I think it was well done. Overall, I like her writing style and though this wasn't one of my favourite books, I would definitely try another by her.
November 5, 2021
Sania and Isha have run away from India to London to escape a terrible man and to find their cousin Lara, now the duchess of Wolverton, in hopes of being given sanctuary till they can get on their feet. However Lara isn't home and when her butler turns them away in a snowstorm Sania decides she's going to try and break into the house to get her sister out of the cold. Hawk is on his way home when he sees someone trying to break into his friend Wolf's home, deciding to put a stop to it, he jumps the fence and grabs the thief only to find it's a petite beautiful woman who after threatening him faints in his arms. He takes the sisters to his home and sends a message to Wolf and Lara.
Hawk has a very traumatic past, routinely beaten and beat down by his father, he feels his cousin is a hero because he always saved him, but he feels he isn't worthy of anything because of these childhood lessons.
I loved Sania she's so incredibly strong and strong minded and she takes no sh*t from anybody. It takes Hawk awhile to realize he has no say in her life unless she allows it, and his learning to love and trust himself curve is steep. The size of his third act betrayal and following grovel session was pretty epic as well and part of his learning curve. Isha is an extremely fun character and the dynamic between the sisters felt very real.
While this needs another round of edits because a few mistakes make certain scenes physically impossible, I'm sure those flubs will be caught before publishing.
I received this ARC through NetGalley and Entangled Publishing
Hawk has a very traumatic past, routinely beaten and beat down by his father, he feels his cousin is a hero because he always saved him, but he feels he isn't worthy of anything because of these childhood lessons.
I loved Sania she's so incredibly strong and strong minded and she takes no sh*t from anybody. It takes Hawk awhile to realize he has no say in her life unless she allows it, and his learning to love and trust himself curve is steep. The size of his third act betrayal and following grovel session was pretty epic as well and part of his learning curve. Isha is an extremely fun character and the dynamic between the sisters felt very real.
While this needs another round of edits because a few mistakes make certain scenes physically impossible, I'm sure those flubs will be caught before publishing.
I received this ARC through NetGalley and Entangled Publishing
November 8, 2021
Nicholas Delmore, the Earl of Hawksley, was not expecting a snowstorm-sieged London evening to end with a dagger held to his throat. Nor did he anticipate his spirited attacker to have glossy black tresses and lush red lips that might invite a lesser gentleman to steal a kiss. Sania Aaryan has no choice but to trust the breathtakingly handsome Earl of Hawksley with both her life and her sister’s. Trusting him with the truth, however, is out of the question. Because fleeing India for the icy shores of England was rash. Impulsive. And it might have saved her life only to land her into the arms of a man who poses an entirely different kind of danger.
Whilst this book is the second in the series it’s easily read on its own. A well written book with well portrayed characters who I liked but didn't love. I preferred Sania to Nicholas, I did love their journey to a HEA. I also loved how the author didn’t over emphasis the prejudices but made her point. I missed not having a date for the story & did spend time trying to work out when it was set. I did enjoy the epilogue but I also love an epilogue. An interesting read which I enjoyed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Whilst this book is the second in the series it’s easily read on its own. A well written book with well portrayed characters who I liked but didn't love. I preferred Sania to Nicholas, I did love their journey to a HEA. I also loved how the author didn’t over emphasis the prejudices but made her point. I missed not having a date for the story & did spend time trying to work out when it was set. I did enjoy the epilogue but I also love an epilogue. An interesting read which I enjoyed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 16, 2022
3rd person - audobook
Features: historical romance, interracial romance, abuse, assault, gaslighting
Synopsis: Sania and her sister fled India for reasons unknown in hopes of reconnecting with cousin Lara. Upon arrive, Sania instead runs into Nicholas, a friend of The Duke and Duchess. Their attraction is rather instant. Nicholas was haunted by memories of his past and felt indebted to another. When their past and present situations collide, will they draw the same conclusions?
Why enjoyed it: The plot started to become more corny and predictable the last quarter. The attraction was too quick. I can appreciate the truth revelation during the climatic moments but the reactions did not carry enough weight, just annoyance and confusion. The “Stay with me? Always.” Moment reminded me easily of Harry Potter...
Favorite Moments:
- Aisha with puppy stuck on ice, Hawk helps
- Calling by their names
- Permission to kiss 😆❤️
- Aww wolf will protect them, they are family
- Brought the scent of soap like Sania
- Archery ❤️ desire
- Gave her Jane Austen books ❤️❤️❤️
- Nicholas notices Sania upset with him
- Stay with me? Always. Just like Harry Potter...
Features: historical romance, interracial romance, abuse, assault, gaslighting
Synopsis: Sania and her sister fled India for reasons unknown in hopes of reconnecting with cousin Lara. Upon arrive, Sania instead runs into Nicholas, a friend of The Duke and Duchess. Their attraction is rather instant. Nicholas was haunted by memories of his past and felt indebted to another. When their past and present situations collide, will they draw the same conclusions?
Why enjoyed it: The plot started to become more corny and predictable the last quarter. The attraction was too quick. I can appreciate the truth revelation during the climatic moments but the reactions did not carry enough weight, just annoyance and confusion. The “Stay with me? Always.” Moment reminded me easily of Harry Potter...
Favorite Moments:
- Aisha with puppy stuck on ice, Hawk helps
- Calling by their names
- Permission to kiss 😆❤️
- Aww wolf will protect them, they are family
- Brought the scent of soap like Sania
- Archery ❤️ desire
- Gave her Jane Austen books ❤️❤️❤️
- Nicholas notices Sania upset with him
- Stay with me? Always. Just like Harry Potter...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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