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Elusive Hearts
What happens when two people whose elusive hearts fight an indefinable attraction, neither looked for nor desired, dare to dream?
When her fiancé and sister abscond to Gretna Green on her wedding day, Sapphira Beresford longs to escape, to avoid the gossipmongers gloating over her misfortune. Disillusioned, she is determined not to be burnt again, swearing off romance and marriage.
A fortuitous invitation sees her embarking on a journey to Pompeii where she meets Leofwin Colleville, reclusive marquis, amateur antiquarian, and her host for the duration.
Although enamoured of the ruins gradually being unearthed and ecstatic to have the opportunity to assist, Sapphira is troubled by her host's attitude, which blows hot and cold.
A confirmed bachelor, Leofwin Colleville is happiest surrounded by ancient ruins, and would prefer to brave the whole of Napoleon's armies alone, than face a lady on the hunt for a husband. The arrival of an unexpected guest throws his unencumbered existence into turmoil, but the harder he strives to maintain his distance, the more she gets under his skin.
Sparks fly and, as Leofwin's truculence undermines Sapphira's already battered confidence, her adventure of a lifetime seems doomed to disaster.
Until the day she runs afoul of greedy treasure hunters.
In the aftermath what was scorned becomes the one thing they crave above all else, but when it comes to the heart, nothing is ever simple.
When her fiancé and sister abscond to Gretna Green on her wedding day, Sapphira Beresford longs to escape, to avoid the gossipmongers gloating over her misfortune. Disillusioned, she is determined not to be burnt again, swearing off romance and marriage.
A fortuitous invitation sees her embarking on a journey to Pompeii where she meets Leofwin Colleville, reclusive marquis, amateur antiquarian, and her host for the duration.
Although enamoured of the ruins gradually being unearthed and ecstatic to have the opportunity to assist, Sapphira is troubled by her host's attitude, which blows hot and cold.
A confirmed bachelor, Leofwin Colleville is happiest surrounded by ancient ruins, and would prefer to brave the whole of Napoleon's armies alone, than face a lady on the hunt for a husband. The arrival of an unexpected guest throws his unencumbered existence into turmoil, but the harder he strives to maintain his distance, the more she gets under his skin.
Sparks fly and, as Leofwin's truculence undermines Sapphira's already battered confidence, her adventure of a lifetime seems doomed to disaster.
Until the day she runs afoul of greedy treasure hunters.
In the aftermath what was scorned becomes the one thing they crave above all else, but when it comes to the heart, nothing is ever simple.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2022
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 31, 2023
This book was an adventure where we explore not only the romance but Pompeii itself. I don't have a lot to say except that it was overall entertaining with a lot to learn. Nothing breathtaking but a steady read nonetheless.
And now that I see how many people have actually read this book I am wondering where I found mine... I really don't remember.
And now that I see how many people have actually read this book I am wondering where I found mine... I really don't remember.
August 20, 2022
3.5 stars. This is a decent book, but it didn't blow me away. I'm a little torn about rounding up my rating on this one, but I can't bring myself to round down when I'm only the second reviewer of this book. 😣 Does my writing this defeat the purpose of rounding up? Quite possible.
I found the audiobook version of this book on Hoopla, which was read by the author - a somewhat different experience from a 3rd party narrator. I might be off base to expect this, but the author/narrator didn't have that "posh" english accent that I have grown familiar with when listening to HR featuring the aristocracy. It did somewhat take me out of the story while listening. I totally understand why this author would choose to just narrate her own audiobooks, since she did do a better job with voices than so many professional narrators. *cough* Sebastian York Sucks *cough*
As far as the story goes... the heroine is left at the alter on the day of her wedding. She finds out that her betrothed ran away with her sister to get married at Gretna Green. As a way to escape the gossip and judgement of the London society, she takes a trip with married friends to Pompeii. There they stay at the hero's villa, where the MCs meet and get to know each other. There is an element of enemies to lovers in this story because the hero is a huge jerk to the heroine initially. However, they do end up together, ofc, and get a HEA ending.
Overall, this is a cute story. I liked the heroine, I liked the setting, I even liked the hero when he wasn't being a jerk face. However, the storyline definitely had some slower spots that dragged. Some elements of the plot were also just too over the top for me - there's a section near the ending that's more farce than anything else. I realize the author was aiming for it to be farcical, but I didn't feel like calling it out was enough to temper the ridiculousness. I'm all for silly antics - but I honestly can't abide the MCs acting like complete idiots and running headfirst into danger. The ending overall was just different from what I was expecting, and not in the best way. Also, the declarations of love felt unnatural (possibly too syrup sweet) when coming from the otherwise uber serious hero.
Safe; virgin heroine, no info about hero, only kissing on page, no steamy scenes - they are all fade to black, no om/ow drama or scenes, no cheating.
I found the audiobook version of this book on Hoopla, which was read by the author - a somewhat different experience from a 3rd party narrator. I might be off base to expect this, but the author/narrator didn't have that "posh" english accent that I have grown familiar with when listening to HR featuring the aristocracy. It did somewhat take me out of the story while listening. I totally understand why this author would choose to just narrate her own audiobooks, since she did do a better job with voices than so many professional narrators. *cough* Sebastian York Sucks *cough*
As far as the story goes... the heroine is left at the alter on the day of her wedding. She finds out that her betrothed ran away with her sister to get married at Gretna Green. As a way to escape the gossip and judgement of the London society, she takes a trip with married friends to Pompeii. There they stay at the hero's villa, where the MCs meet and get to know each other. There is an element of enemies to lovers in this story because the hero is a huge jerk to the heroine initially. However, they do end up together, ofc, and get a HEA ending.
Overall, this is a cute story. I liked the heroine, I liked the setting, I even liked the hero when he wasn't being a jerk face. However, the storyline definitely had some slower spots that dragged. Some elements of the plot were also just too over the top for me - there's a section near the ending that's more farce than anything else. I realize the author was aiming for it to be farcical, but I didn't feel like calling it out was enough to temper the ridiculousness. I'm all for silly antics - but I honestly can't abide the MCs acting like complete idiots and running headfirst into danger. The ending overall was just different from what I was expecting, and not in the best way. Also, the declarations of love felt unnatural (possibly too syrup sweet) when coming from the otherwise uber serious hero.
Safe; virgin heroine, no info about hero, only kissing on page, no steamy scenes - they are all fade to black, no om/ow drama or scenes, no cheating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2022
In Elusive Hearts, Rosie Chapel writes the delightful tale of the reclusive gruff Leofwin, Marquess of Colleville, and the sassy Miss Sapphira Beresford, whose confidence has taken a beating due to her fiance absconding with her sister on their wedding day. Needing to escape the gossip of the British nobility also known as "the ton," Sapphira makes the journey to Pompeii where she will be a houseguest at the request of her best friend Hester. Hester and her husband, Archer, will be staying in Leo's villa as will Sapphira.
Leo, who sees all manner of evil (lol) in women who might want to marry him for his fortune is determined not to like Sapphira. However, she demolishes every stereotype he throws in her path and before he knows it, he starts to actually like Miss Sapphira Beresford. Lol, let's just say Lord Leo is a bit rude on these occasions and she effectively puts him in his place. They had so many memorable vocal exchanges. You can't help but laugh as you read because it is so apparent they are falling in love but both of them are hanging on to their single life with both hands and feet. I knew they might as well give in because fate stepped in and they never had a chance!
I really loved Leo and Sapphie's story! It is 5+ stars slow burn Regency romance and the story is so original. Rather than taking place in England (which I love), the author took us to Italy. Her descriptions of the scenery, food, etc., made you feel like you were there or that you really want to visit. As with all of Ms. Chapel's books, the novel is well-written and her research is top notch. In addition, her characters are multi-dimensional and yet so relatable. I give Elusive Hearts 5+ stars and highly recommend it. Now I can't wait for Leo's brother's book. Bring on another Colleville brother!
Leo, who sees all manner of evil (lol) in women who might want to marry him for his fortune is determined not to like Sapphira. However, she demolishes every stereotype he throws in her path and before he knows it, he starts to actually like Miss Sapphira Beresford. Lol, let's just say Lord Leo is a bit rude on these occasions and she effectively puts him in his place. They had so many memorable vocal exchanges. You can't help but laugh as you read because it is so apparent they are falling in love but both of them are hanging on to their single life with both hands and feet. I knew they might as well give in because fate stepped in and they never had a chance!
I really loved Leo and Sapphie's story! It is 5+ stars slow burn Regency romance and the story is so original. Rather than taking place in England (which I love), the author took us to Italy. Her descriptions of the scenery, food, etc., made you feel like you were there or that you really want to visit. As with all of Ms. Chapel's books, the novel is well-written and her research is top notch. In addition, her characters are multi-dimensional and yet so relatable. I give Elusive Hearts 5+ stars and highly recommend it. Now I can't wait for Leo's brother's book. Bring on another Colleville brother!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews