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Zoe
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Beautiful Zoé Bouchard, born into a life of privilege during the Napoleonic Era in France, is blossoming into a woman. The product of une petite liaison between her French father and his African mistress, Zoé lives a life of comfort and love. However, Zoé's stepmother, jealous of the affections showered upon her by her father, has long resented having to raise a mulatto as her own in French society.
At sixteen and the younger by two years, Zoé's sister, Marianne, has reached the age to marry. Thus the girls are presented to the mysterious, philandering Comte Julien La Roque de Toulouse. Soon Zoé herself falls prey to the Count's charms. Seduced by a glimpse of the man behind the title, Zoé finds herself deep in a passionate liaison beyond her youthful understanding.
Desperate to cover her foolish lapse in judgment, Zoé races against time to keep her secret affair from being uncovered. When caught by her cruel stepmother, her hopes of rescue by her father cannot be realized, and she is forced into a bitter bargain. But even as she tries to return the attentions of the Count to her sister, Marianne, and her impending betrothal, she must fight the truths underneath her own feelings. Her only salvation is to trust the one person who has created the labyrinth of betrayal and tragedy she cannot escape.
A Cinderella fairytale for all time, Zoé takes the reader beyond color and shares the true nature of humanity and passion in a page-turning erotic tale that will keep you reading—and believing that true loves knows no bounds.
Beautiful Zoé Bouchard, born into a life of privilege during the Napoleonic Era in France, is blossoming into a woman. The product of une petite liaison between her French father and his African mistress, Zoé lives a life of comfort and love. However, Zoé's stepmother, jealous of the affections showered upon her by her father, has long resented having to raise a mulatto as her own in French society.
At sixteen and the younger by two years, Zoé's sister, Marianne, has reached the age to marry. Thus the girls are presented to the mysterious, philandering Comte Julien La Roque de Toulouse. Soon Zoé herself falls prey to the Count's charms. Seduced by a glimpse of the man behind the title, Zoé finds herself deep in a passionate liaison beyond her youthful understanding.
Desperate to cover her foolish lapse in judgment, Zoé races against time to keep her secret affair from being uncovered. When caught by her cruel stepmother, her hopes of rescue by her father cannot be realized, and she is forced into a bitter bargain. But even as she tries to return the attentions of the Count to her sister, Marianne, and her impending betrothal, she must fight the truths underneath her own feelings. Her only salvation is to trust the one person who has created the labyrinth of betrayal and tragedy she cannot escape.
A Cinderella fairytale for all time, Zoé takes the reader beyond color and shares the true nature of humanity and passion in a page-turning erotic tale that will keep you reading—and believing that true loves knows no bounds.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2008
30 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Ford
4 books19 followersAlso writes under the pen name Sienna Mynx
T.A. Ford was born in the beautiful city of Miami, Florida and began writing at the early age of eight. The oldest of two children with a schoolteacher for a mother, she was taught the power of words and of the countless adventures that could be found between the pages of a book.
T.A. Ford was born in the beautiful city of Miami, Florida and began writing at the early age of eight. The oldest of two children with a schoolteacher for a mother, she was taught the power of words and of the countless adventures that could be found between the pages of a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 13, 2015
I normally don't mind an alpha-hole, but this "hero" was just an ass.
February 12, 2009
From the moment I saw the cover for Zoe by T.A. Ford, I was entranced. The rich pastel textures reminded me of sweet confections reminiscent of beautiful previous century tapestries. The fact that a beautiful girl with smooth coffee skin instead of the usual porcelain complexion graced the cover made me sit up and take notice along with the laced title.
I don't usually read historical romances, mainly because the heroines were of the run of the mill same variety without much difference between them. Thus I couldn't find much interest. I did read historical fiction, like the Feast of July & Legends of the Fall, and many movies that took placed in the previous century that were adapted from books still grace my shelves to this day.
However Zoe has helped introduced me to a new love in a genre I hope to find more of in the coming days: IR Historical Romance.
And yet it's so much more than that.
From the moment we're introduced to Zoe, her sister Marianne and her stepmother Madame we enter a world of rare privilege and high society. Where women's futures are defined by the men they marry. Marianne is set to ride this path as she is to meet with the Count Julien La Roque de Toulouse as they enter his home. But once the Count sees Zoe, he is entranced by her and sets to make her his.
Most of the synopsis is in the back of the book so I won't recount it. I'll share my thoughts on the book instead.
In a word, this book is magnificent. A richly described novel that takes you into the depths of the character's turmoils, loves, frustrations and fights as they interact in early 19th century Toulouse, France. Author T.A. Ford takes you on a journey of the self discovery of her title character as she leaves childhood behind and enters womanhood. There were so many beautiful descriptions and wonderful quotes. One in particular stands out:
Zoe is definitely a strong independent female character forced to grow up wiser than her years due to the inhumanity she grew up around as a child and that she was reminded of by her stepmother everyday. Even through all the atrocities she faces and as she fears the loss of her family and her loves heart, you can't help but love her and keep cheering her on as she struggles to survive a cruel world.
Count LaRoque is a complex romance hero that defies mere terms like that of alpha and beta. He lives and breathes right off the pages as he goes from cold hearted womanizer to lovelorn hero within the pages. Once his past is revealed, it all becomes clear.
Author T.A. Ford said this book is part factual and part fantasy and I can see where some liberties may have been taken. But overall the book feels like it could have taken place in a very real time not too long ago. The descriptions of the scenery as well the character's dresses and actions made it seem like a period movie played out in my head as I read. I wished all the more that my dreams for directing had already come to light as this would definitely be a story I would be more than eager to adapt for the visual medium of storytelling (with the author's consent and guidance of course ;-) ).
I can't say enough about Zoe and I can't remember when a book last had me cheering out loud one minute, crying the next, and yelling in surprise the next minute after that. I started reading the book late last night with only the idea of reading one chapter and ended up reading until the sun started rising outside my window. Tonight I finished the second half of the book and haven't remember plowing through a good book in that short amount of time since I was thirteen reading Jurassic Park in three days.
This book has definitely made it to my keeper shelf and I can't wait to reread it again later. The book may seem rather costly but do not let that sway you. It is an amazing, entertain and beautiful read that you should definitely check out.
Zoe has earned it's way as number 1 on my best reads of 2008 list and I can't wait to see what else T.A. Ford has in store for her readers. I hope IR Historical Romances start popping up like Zoe, because if they do, I'll definitely be eating them up like hot cakes!
A highly recommended read.
I don't usually read historical romances, mainly because the heroines were of the run of the mill same variety without much difference between them. Thus I couldn't find much interest. I did read historical fiction, like the Feast of July & Legends of the Fall, and many movies that took placed in the previous century that were adapted from books still grace my shelves to this day.
However Zoe has helped introduced me to a new love in a genre I hope to find more of in the coming days: IR Historical Romance.
And yet it's so much more than that.
From the moment we're introduced to Zoe, her sister Marianne and her stepmother Madame we enter a world of rare privilege and high society. Where women's futures are defined by the men they marry. Marianne is set to ride this path as she is to meet with the Count Julien La Roque de Toulouse as they enter his home. But once the Count sees Zoe, he is entranced by her and sets to make her his.
Most of the synopsis is in the back of the book so I won't recount it. I'll share my thoughts on the book instead.
In a word, this book is magnificent. A richly described novel that takes you into the depths of the character's turmoils, loves, frustrations and fights as they interact in early 19th century Toulouse, France. Author T.A. Ford takes you on a journey of the self discovery of her title character as she leaves childhood behind and enters womanhood. There were so many beautiful descriptions and wonderful quotes. One in particular stands out:
She reached down and pulled up the covers. She understood now that being a woman was not losing her virginity.
Being a woman meant understanding her heart.
Zoe is definitely a strong independent female character forced to grow up wiser than her years due to the inhumanity she grew up around as a child and that she was reminded of by her stepmother everyday. Even through all the atrocities she faces and as she fears the loss of her family and her loves heart, you can't help but love her and keep cheering her on as she struggles to survive a cruel world.
Count LaRoque is a complex romance hero that defies mere terms like that of alpha and beta. He lives and breathes right off the pages as he goes from cold hearted womanizer to lovelorn hero within the pages. Once his past is revealed, it all becomes clear.
Author T.A. Ford said this book is part factual and part fantasy and I can see where some liberties may have been taken. But overall the book feels like it could have taken place in a very real time not too long ago. The descriptions of the scenery as well the character's dresses and actions made it seem like a period movie played out in my head as I read. I wished all the more that my dreams for directing had already come to light as this would definitely be a story I would be more than eager to adapt for the visual medium of storytelling (with the author's consent and guidance of course ;-) ).
I can't say enough about Zoe and I can't remember when a book last had me cheering out loud one minute, crying the next, and yelling in surprise the next minute after that. I started reading the book late last night with only the idea of reading one chapter and ended up reading until the sun started rising outside my window. Tonight I finished the second half of the book and haven't remember plowing through a good book in that short amount of time since I was thirteen reading Jurassic Park in three days.
This book has definitely made it to my keeper shelf and I can't wait to reread it again later. The book may seem rather costly but do not let that sway you. It is an amazing, entertain and beautiful read that you should definitely check out.
Zoe has earned it's way as number 1 on my best reads of 2008 list and I can't wait to see what else T.A. Ford has in store for her readers. I hope IR Historical Romances start popping up like Zoe, because if they do, I'll definitely be eating them up like hot cakes!
A highly recommended read.
August 26, 2015
Historical romance was what first brought me into reading romance so I have a special place in my reading heart for the genre. Add in the element of it also including an interracial couple and I am all for giving it a try. ZOE being an interracial historical romance is definitely a story that would catch my attention. However, I have to admit that I didn't love the story as much as I had anticipated.
The biggest problem that I had with ZOE is the dubious and coerced consent between Zoe and La Roque. La Roque is an older and much more worldly man while Zoe is inexperienced and most definitely in a position that would put her at the mercy of La Roque's whims. La Roque takes full advantage of his higher station and willfully and earnestly runs roughshod over Zoe. He overwhelms Zoe the first night that she is under his roof and she honestly doesn't stand a chance against him. Zoe has no defenses against him. Yes, she could have fought back harder and made demands of him but in her position as a mulatto woman with no power, no protector other than her father who isn't even there at the time, her choices were limited. Zoe knows that her future prospects will be few and far between so it wasn't a huge surprise when she makes some of the decisions that she made.
I would have probably enjoyed ZOE more if there were a better sense of La Roque not only desiring Zoe physically but appreciating her as a person as well. Yes, La Roque had a somewhat shaky reason for not wanting to love a woman; but him wanting so much from Zoe and offering so little in return just wasn't enjoyable for me. It seems as though all of their physical interactions were at Zoe's expense and there was no real sense of romance to me. Also, with Zoe being as innocent as she was I found her first sexual encounter with La Roque to be a bit far fetched. I can't imagine a young woman during this era embracing and accepting so calmly and robustly what La Roque does to her.
My dislike of La Roque is more than likely why I couldn't enjoy the story as much as I wanted. The relationship between Zoe and her sister Marianne is sweet and realistic with jealousies and insecurities on both girl's parts. Their relationship is probably my favorite part of the story. Despite their differences in station and futures they loved each other even when being connected to the same man could have split them. All in all ZOE was a pretty good read for me. I am a fan of Sienna Mynx (T.A. Ford) so I am a little surprised that I didn't enjoy this one more but I will continue on working my way through her list of stories.
You can find more from me at
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
The biggest problem that I had with ZOE is the dubious and coerced consent between Zoe and La Roque. La Roque is an older and much more worldly man while Zoe is inexperienced and most definitely in a position that would put her at the mercy of La Roque's whims. La Roque takes full advantage of his higher station and willfully and earnestly runs roughshod over Zoe. He overwhelms Zoe the first night that she is under his roof and she honestly doesn't stand a chance against him. Zoe has no defenses against him. Yes, she could have fought back harder and made demands of him but in her position as a mulatto woman with no power, no protector other than her father who isn't even there at the time, her choices were limited. Zoe knows that her future prospects will be few and far between so it wasn't a huge surprise when she makes some of the decisions that she made.
I would have probably enjoyed ZOE more if there were a better sense of La Roque not only desiring Zoe physically but appreciating her as a person as well. Yes, La Roque had a somewhat shaky reason for not wanting to love a woman; but him wanting so much from Zoe and offering so little in return just wasn't enjoyable for me. It seems as though all of their physical interactions were at Zoe's expense and there was no real sense of romance to me. Also, with Zoe being as innocent as she was I found her first sexual encounter with La Roque to be a bit far fetched. I can't imagine a young woman during this era embracing and accepting so calmly and robustly what La Roque does to her.
My dislike of La Roque is more than likely why I couldn't enjoy the story as much as I wanted. The relationship between Zoe and her sister Marianne is sweet and realistic with jealousies and insecurities on both girl's parts. Their relationship is probably my favorite part of the story. Despite their differences in station and futures they loved each other even when being connected to the same man could have split them. All in all ZOE was a pretty good read for me. I am a fan of Sienna Mynx (T.A. Ford) so I am a little surprised that I didn't enjoy this one more but I will continue on working my way through her list of stories.
You can find more from me at
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
August 27, 2015
This book could have been great, but as they say 'timing is everything'. To go from a respectable, moral, strong, virginal, free woman to initiating a taboo affair, consummating within 8 hours or so of initiation, feelings developed, the villain villanizing (near rape), feelings declared, the climatic heart attack reveal, the hero being a spineless jerk, being sold into practical slavery, and giving up the will to fight and be strong all in 6 days was just too much--too much and unbelievable. Then the story gets even more far fetched by throwing in pirates, a ship chase and a sword/pistol fight. *Sigh*. The author threw in too many elements and sacrificed substance. I finished it but I returned it. No thank you.
November 8, 2019
I feel I am in the minority here but I hated the hero sooo much! Since i rarely hate H so this was very new. He says he loves her but puts her in the situation that makes her almost a sex slave when he had the easy power to make her his wife and the whole horrible situation that ended with way to many lives being lost never to have happened. I am sorry, but he was weak selfish and just a truly awful person to me. Because of him way to many people die, all cause he had no balls to stand up and marry the girl he ruined in the first place. Oh and every time she said she would help him if he needed, he countered with he wanted to sleep with her. HATED HIM! He manipulated her and was so selfish. So yea IMO don't read it. I was waiting for him to redeem himself and that never happened IMO they just moved on and continued to be horrible. Save yourself the time!
September 23, 2009
I loved this books! Read it repeatedly, tastefully done, and a pulling storyline.
August 16, 2012
I Loved this book the writing was so good I could picture myself Zoe, this is a Cinderella story with the evil stepmother, Zoe , and her half sister and of course a handsome Count. This story will make you cry for what Zoe goes through I loved her, there is nothing than makes me happier than a well written book.
July 21, 2009
This was a really good read.
June 24, 2018
I couldn’t get past the first sex scene. It felt like he forced himself on her and basically coerced her to sleep with him.
September 25, 2020
Beyond Moved!
Wow, what a great story! This story had all the perfect elements for me and was quite a pleasure to enjoy. I loved how Zoe was presented, adorned, and desired. Simply, a great story or retelling of a classic story, but I am glad that I Own this copy and not the other(s)!
Wow, what a great story! This story had all the perfect elements for me and was quite a pleasure to enjoy. I loved how Zoe was presented, adorned, and desired. Simply, a great story or retelling of a classic story, but I am glad that I Own this copy and not the other(s)!
March 19, 2017
Conflicting
The author did a great job conveying Zoe's extremely precarious position as the illegitimate child of a black woman and white man in France at the onset of the American civil war. Her experiences were somewhat realistic and difficult to read about. However I was deeply disturbed by her first interaction with the Conte. All in all it was a nice romance in a time period when such love was forbidden. Enjoyable read!
The author did a great job conveying Zoe's extremely precarious position as the illegitimate child of a black woman and white man in France at the onset of the American civil war. Her experiences were somewhat realistic and difficult to read about. However I was deeply disturbed by her first interaction with the Conte. All in all it was a nice romance in a time period when such love was forbidden. Enjoyable read!
July 2, 2021
The main character Zoe made too many obvious mistakes. I found her risk taking very unbelievable. There was no logical reason for her to succumb to his advances..he wasn't even nice to her. I finished the book but I was not impressed with any of the characters.
May 23, 2021
2.50 Stars. (BW/WM). Kindle Edition E-book. Forbidden Historical romance. Period 1828. Having read scores of historical romances featuring a White cast of characters, I looked forward to reading this historical romances featuring an interracial couple. This book had notes that reminded me of the movie, Belle..which was set in England, with Belle being a biracial child being raised alongside her White sister-cousin by her affluent and influential Uncle. This story introduced the heroine, Zoe Bouchard, and her family as they arrive at the chateau of Comte Julien La Rogue de Toulouse, the hero, who is to consider whether to propose a contract of marriage for Zoe's half-sister. He did not. Instead, he seduced Zoe. All males mentioned in the story except the major villain, LaRogue's bestie, had been in love with a Black woman; but, married a White one and was either miserable or a lunatic. Zoe's White father was miserable because he had loved Zoe's deceased mother instead to the woman he married, Zoe's step-mother. The hero and Zoe had issues and hem and hawed about being together: also, like a ill aimed bullet, the storyline ricocheted all over the place... what started in a French Chateau, went to a swashbuckling murderous sailing trip to American and back. LaRogue and Zoe, and their romance gets lost in the shuffle.
September 2, 2015
This was an intriguing read. The heroine Zoe came across as strong and loving but she fell in love to quickly with the hero Comte Julien La Roque de Toulouse who I did not find lovable at all in the beginning. I mean dude was a hole. This woman of mixed birth living her whole life having it thrown in her face and having to deal with men wanting one thing from her just chucks it all in for a rich dude over a book of poems. So ya that did not fit my idea of a strong heroine but I guess we all have our weak spots and hers was definitely the hero. Because although she was willing to sacrifice herself and desires for her lovable father, naive sister and the hero, who I did not think earned her love until the “rescue”, Zoe could handle herself it was interesting seeing this weak in love, but strong in every other way woman navigate her way to happiness.
This story took us to an era rarely visited in historical romance, I did get teary eyed and any story that can evoke that much emotion ranks as a good read. I rooted for Zoe although I still think she could have done better in the hero department, he was a man of his times for sure and he did prove himself in the end.
This story took us to an era rarely visited in historical romance, I did get teary eyed and any story that can evoke that much emotion ranks as a good read. I rooted for Zoe although I still think she could have done better in the hero department, he was a man of his times for sure and he did prove himself in the end.
February 2, 2012
I read this a little too long ago to write an adequate book review, but I will just say this: I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something different in their HR. It's different. A half-black (I'm not being racist, I promise) lady heroine and a French womanizer hero - its definitely different. I loved it, especially the first half. But then the 2nd half changes into something weird with sea travel and pirates and black slaves... ok, what happened to sacrifice and French finery?
Well, despite everything, I think this is a must-read. It's a little raunchier than most HR, but if you're up for it, you'll definitely enjoy this one.
And, yes, there was a moment of cheating and you'll know what I mean when it happens. I'm sure it will upset most of you, but come on, it added to the drama and everything worked out well in the end. And it was the right amount of tragic emotional that makes reading HR fun.
Well, despite everything, I think this is a must-read. It's a little raunchier than most HR, but if you're up for it, you'll definitely enjoy this one.
And, yes, there was a moment of cheating and you'll know what I mean when it happens. I'm sure it will upset most of you, but come on, it added to the drama and everything worked out well in the end. And it was the right amount of tragic emotional that makes reading HR fun.
Read
October 21, 2016Enjoyed
Enjoyed the book and will definitely read more from this author. But what kept me from giving it 5 stars? I am really tired of the silly scenario where the h knows the male for a day and looks into his eyes and knows his soul crap. Or says no on day 1 and sleeps with him on day 2 and this is viewed as great resistance. Please stop it because we all know it isn't. I also did not like that she was always begging him to defend her and even when he didn't she still loves him. But in that one I think that might be ok for that time period I guess. But I think she should have left his butt long time. All said and done it was still a very enjoyable read.
Enjoyed the book and will definitely read more from this author. But what kept me from giving it 5 stars? I am really tired of the silly scenario where the h knows the male for a day and looks into his eyes and knows his soul crap. Or says no on day 1 and sleeps with him on day 2 and this is viewed as great resistance. Please stop it because we all know it isn't. I also did not like that she was always begging him to defend her and even when he didn't she still loves him. But in that one I think that might be ok for that time period I guess. But I think she should have left his butt long time. All said and done it was still a very enjoyable read.
October 19, 2013
Over all I liked this book, loved Zoe,but I didn't like the hero too much, at some points I absolutely hated him because of certain actions, anyone who has read this book or will read it, will know what I mean.
I found nothing romantic about his certain actions, never the less, this author is talented and it certainly wasn't just another sex/porn/smut book, it didn't insult my intelligence by using page after page of something that could be bought, sex, for the romance, it was a dare I say it, a true romance book.
I will be looking for more of this author's books
I found nothing romantic about his certain actions, never the less, this author is talented and it certainly wasn't just another sex/porn/smut book, it didn't insult my intelligence by using page after page of something that could be bought, sex, for the romance, it was a dare I say it, a true romance book.
I will be looking for more of this author's books
December 6, 2010
I really liked the premise of the story but was disappointed by the execution.I started to hate the hero by the middle of the book and didn't care if they ended up together or not.But I have to say that I appreciated how the author showed the struggles of a young woman who has littles choices and opportunities in life because of the color of her skin.I did like the heroine and could somehow relate to her.Overall it was a so-so read
September 16, 2013
I don't want to review this book. If I do, I'd just start ranting and giving away spoilers. I will say this though; I liked the use of French dialogue. I thought it was pretty nice. While I liked this book enough to pull an all-nighter and ead it again, there were just things that annoyed and frustrated me.
February 9, 2015
A fantastic book,I thoroughly enjoyed it.I was on pins and needles reading about Zoe and her trials.A child of privilege in a time where people of color were looked down upon,Zoe managed to triumph where most have failed.
June 3, 2015
I read the first few chapters but could not go much further as the sex was too explicit for my taste. It was a shame really as I liked the premise — an interracial historical romance featuring a heroine who isn't white.
Read
December 3, 2009I know the author. She is a great friend!!!
October 27, 2010
LOVED IT!
November 29, 2014
This book was on my TBR list for quite a while and I figured it was a holiday weekend I should give it a read...I'm so glad I did I love book with strong women and hero's...
December 9, 2014
Loved this book! This was a sweet tale of a forbidden romance with a HEA for those who truly deserved it!
June 1, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The author did a wonderful job of telling this story. I didn't want it to end and wanted to read more.
May 20, 2015
Good book. I enjoyed the romance between the two, even though I didn't like how fast it went. That part seemed unrealistic for that time period, but maybe not. Overall, a good book.
January 20, 2017
great historical
great story, can't believe i hadn't read it before. loved the storyline and characters. i recommend this book. five star
great story, can't believe i hadn't read it before. loved the storyline and characters. i recommend this book. five star
January 15, 2023
Though I find Zoe and La Roque foolish and stubborn at times, I enjoy the story and writing. There are a few grammar errors, but it's nothing egregious.
May 8, 2017
I have to rate this at 2.5 stars.
I haven't read too many historical romances, but what I look for is not only accuracy when detailing actual accounts of events, but the vernacular. There were times the characters spoke as if it were the 21st century which is a major no-no. But the author did a wonderful job of showing how trapped Zoe was once "surrendering" to the comte. Back then a woman's only real currency and protection was basically her virginity and her father's wealth and health. Once Zoe was pretty much coerced into having sex with the Comte, her fate was sealed, she was left exposed to her stepmother's hatred and scheming, and Julien's selfish disregard for what would happen to her if her father were to find out.
The romance: there was none. I think Zoe and La Roque knew each other for two days before ish hit the fan, and then on day three she was shipped off with his lecherous friend, plantation owner, all around douchebag Sheridan, whom in my opinion took far too long for him to die. I didn't feel any real chemistry between the H and h. La Roque and Zoe went on this back and forth where he didn't want to wife her up, and she wouldn't settle with being his mistress. It was exhausting and I just wanted Zoe to pack her bags and attempt to leave, but she just became resigned, passive. Though I'm glad she did fight for her survival once she realized just how dire her life could get if she didn't otherwise. However, I just had to ask myself what was it about Julien that made her think she fell in love with that guy after knowing him for less than a week? He did nothing but hurt her, and she was very inexperienced and sheltered. She had nothing to compare Julien to. So once again, that gave Julien an advantage. And Julien...it wasn't until the thought of Zoe being repeatedly and brutally raped by Sheridan and whoever else she encountered did he consider changing his tune about marriage.
In the end I'm glad the characters I detested got their just desserts.
Also, there were a lot of typos. Too many sentences beginning with a lower case letter and weird spacing at times. In spite of those little (big) hiccups this book was okay, just that, okay.
I haven't read too many historical romances, but what I look for is not only accuracy when detailing actual accounts of events, but the vernacular. There were times the characters spoke as if it were the 21st century which is a major no-no. But the author did a wonderful job of showing how trapped Zoe was once "surrendering" to the comte. Back then a woman's only real currency and protection was basically her virginity and her father's wealth and health. Once Zoe was pretty much coerced into having sex with the Comte, her fate was sealed, she was left exposed to her stepmother's hatred and scheming, and Julien's selfish disregard for what would happen to her if her father were to find out.
The romance: there was none. I think Zoe and La Roque knew each other for two days before ish hit the fan, and then on day three she was shipped off with his lecherous friend, plantation owner, all around douchebag Sheridan, whom in my opinion took far too long for him to die. I didn't feel any real chemistry between the H and h. La Roque and Zoe went on this back and forth where he didn't want to wife her up, and she wouldn't settle with being his mistress. It was exhausting and I just wanted Zoe to pack her bags and attempt to leave, but she just became resigned, passive. Though I'm glad she did fight for her survival once she realized just how dire her life could get if she didn't otherwise. However, I just had to ask myself what was it about Julien that made her think she fell in love with that guy after knowing him for less than a week? He did nothing but hurt her, and she was very inexperienced and sheltered. She had nothing to compare Julien to. So once again, that gave Julien an advantage. And Julien...it wasn't until the thought of Zoe being repeatedly and brutally raped by Sheridan and whoever else she encountered did he consider changing his tune about marriage.
In the end I'm glad the characters I detested got their just desserts.
Also, there were a lot of typos. Too many sentences beginning with a lower case letter and weird spacing at times. In spite of those little (big) hiccups this book was okay, just that, okay.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews