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Far Hope Stories
The Chasing of Eleanor Vane
Ajax Dartham, the Duke of Jarrell, has a problem. And that problem is his future niece-in-law.
When the clever and capable Lady Eleanor Vane—understandably—runs off into the night rather than marry his horrible nephew, the Duke has a choice.
Should he catch Eleanor and return her to her fate—or make Eleanor his own instead?
This novella was originally published in the Duke I'd Like to F***anthology.
When the clever and capable Lady Eleanor Vane—understandably—runs off into the night rather than marry his horrible nephew, the Duke has a choice.
Should he catch Eleanor and return her to her fate—or make Eleanor his own instead?
This novella was originally published in the Duke I'd Like to F***anthology.
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2024
113 people are currently reading
967 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
May 22, 2022
Lordy that was 🔥🔥🔥…I devoured that in two hours.
Sierra’s historical romances are some of my favorites…stronger than her contemporary romances which get a little far fetched IMO. You can tell she makes an effort to include little authentic details, without sacrificing the intense steam we all expect from her books 😇
Sierra’s historical romances are some of my favorites…stronger than her contemporary romances which get a little far fetched IMO. You can tell she makes an effort to include little authentic details, without sacrificing the intense steam we all expect from her books 😇
October 27, 2023
A book about an orgy without the orgy 💀
December 9, 2025
This author is clearly very talented.
♦️ The descriptions and the depth of character she was able to achieve despite this being a novella, is remarkable.
Nevertheless...
Let me explain the rating: it's a combination of It's you, not me and It's me, not you
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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♦️ The descriptions and the depth of character she was able to achieve despite this being a novella, is remarkable.
Nevertheless...
Let me explain the rating: it's a combination of It's you, not me and It's me, not you
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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August 23, 2022
Does Sierra Simone always write like this? Because her parts in the Rake I'd Like to F... and Duke I'd like to F... anthologies were incredible.
This is a novella from the latter, and it was such a surprising (and frankly, refreshing) take on an age gap romance. Eleanor Vane is engaged to marry the duke's nephew, something the duke orchestrated to keep his unruly, and selfish, relative in line. This is a good deal for everyone except Eleanor, who is basically being shoehorned into being a glorified babysitter.
She's resigned to her fate until she meets the duke, and he's everything she thinks she could want. The duke himself is reclusive, harsh, and fascinating enough to see why Eleanor would be so taken with him from the get-go. The feeling is mutual, and even though there's a power difference as well as an age difference, Eleanor always felt like she was on even footing with the duke.
So so cute. I want her to write more historicals!
This is a novella from the latter, and it was such a surprising (and frankly, refreshing) take on an age gap romance. Eleanor Vane is engaged to marry the duke's nephew, something the duke orchestrated to keep his unruly, and selfish, relative in line. This is a good deal for everyone except Eleanor, who is basically being shoehorned into being a glorified babysitter.
She's resigned to her fate until she meets the duke, and he's everything she thinks she could want. The duke himself is reclusive, harsh, and fascinating enough to see why Eleanor would be so taken with him from the get-go. The feeling is mutual, and even though there's a power difference as well as an age difference, Eleanor always felt like she was on even footing with the duke.
So so cute. I want her to write more historicals!
June 19, 2023
⭐⭐⭐ (3 stars)
Quick, dirty, slightly, ridiculously unbelievable historical romance novella. Great for a palette cleanser or to buff up your read-list or 2023 GR Challenge!
Quick, dirty, slightly, ridiculously unbelievable historical romance novella. Great for a palette cleanser or to buff up your read-list or 2023 GR Challenge!
June 29, 2023
She would rather bolt into danger than sit in stillness near the object of her desire for the rest of her life.
I enjoyed this read, especially the build-up. A perfect good girl, betrothed to a selfish childish young man, but ended up falling for his uncle. Pretty interesting right? The start was wonderful, but it just sorta became underwhelming at the end.
The good parts of this book went downhill during the cabin scene, imo. I was surprised when I found out this book was more sexual than I thought. The start was all sensual and longing and then boom, mentions of orgies. It might be just me, but I thought the whole plot with the secret orgy society was out of place and whack.
As all of you know, I dislike widow/widower MC. It could be done right (Like Michael and Francesca from Bridgerton), but a lot of the time, I felt insecure for the other MC because they always get compared to dead people. It makes me question his love and longing, you know? For this instance, Helen is the other woman. Dead, but still present. Like, who is this Helen btch? I was over it.
We almost did not get an HEA because of this Helen ghost. ugh. This is exactly why I don't like widow/widower MC. Ajax, the hero, was ok with letting the heroine go at first. Like NO!!! That's not my jam. Beg pls. I want heroes to be obsessed and in love, sure of their longing. WHere did that feeling go Ajax??
And my complaint is actually justifiable. You know why? Because him, feeling guilty, is OUT OF CHARACTER. The hero I like, the Ajax I like at the beginning of the book was all cool and said this:
"Wherever we’re starting from, whatever we feel has been…pruned…the future is still unwritten."
The hero at the beginning was all brave and that, and I'm not ready for him to be a hypocrite and be an indecisive bloke. Nope. Stop being a wuss and get the girl dammit. Ugh. I felt like I'm Sebastian from the little mermaid....
Also have I mentioned how horny the heroine was? Yeah. That's a thing.
ANyway, the resolution could've been more put together. There was no wedding. Just him changing his mind and done. There are so many unanswered questions, like, what happens to your nephew now? How did the ton react? Did the parents allow this to happen? No answers for those, but at least we know the man wants to marry. smh.
Apart from those problems, this was okay. I gave it 3 stars solely because the first half I think was so wonderful and fun. Occasionally funny. I felt good while reading, and thank god it's short. This is under 150 pages, by the way (because I'm trying to catch up to my GR goals). Basically, This was an okay read while I'm waiting for my physical books to be delivered.
I enjoyed this read, especially the build-up. A perfect good girl, betrothed to a selfish childish young man, but ended up falling for his uncle. Pretty interesting right? The start was wonderful, but it just sorta became underwhelming at the end.
The good parts of this book went downhill during the cabin scene, imo. I was surprised when I found out this book was more sexual than I thought. The start was all sensual and longing and then boom, mentions of orgies. It might be just me, but I thought the whole plot with the secret orgy society was out of place and whack.
As all of you know, I dislike widow/widower MC. It could be done right (Like Michael and Francesca from Bridgerton), but a lot of the time, I felt insecure for the other MC because they always get compared to dead people. It makes me question his love and longing, you know? For this instance, Helen is the other woman. Dead, but still present. Like, who is this Helen btch? I was over it.
We almost did not get an HEA because of this Helen ghost. ugh. This is exactly why I don't like widow/widower MC. Ajax, the hero, was ok with letting the heroine go at first. Like NO!!! That's not my jam. Beg pls. I want heroes to be obsessed and in love, sure of their longing. WHere did that feeling go Ajax??
And my complaint is actually justifiable. You know why? Because him, feeling guilty, is OUT OF CHARACTER. The hero I like, the Ajax I like at the beginning of the book was all cool and said this:
"Wherever we’re starting from, whatever we feel has been…pruned…the future is still unwritten."
The hero at the beginning was all brave and that, and I'm not ready for him to be a hypocrite and be an indecisive bloke. Nope. Stop being a wuss and get the girl dammit. Ugh. I felt like I'm Sebastian from the little mermaid....
Also have I mentioned how horny the heroine was? Yeah. That's a thing.
ANyway, the resolution could've been more put together. There was no wedding. Just him changing his mind and done. There are so many unanswered questions, like, what happens to your nephew now? How did the ton react? Did the parents allow this to happen? No answers for those, but at least we know the man wants to marry. smh.
Apart from those problems, this was okay. I gave it 3 stars solely because the first half I think was so wonderful and fun. Occasionally funny. I felt good while reading, and thank god it's short. This is under 150 pages, by the way (because I'm trying to catch up to my GR goals). Basically, This was an okay read while I'm waiting for my physical books to be delivered.
September 2, 2023
Alright, if forgettable.
December 12, 2022
THE REVIEW
Lady Eleanor Vane has always done everything she told to perfection and without complaining. She takes care of her sick mother, managed the family estate, and is a very accomplished woman. She dreams of the day when her life will get exciting and she will be in charge of her decisions. But all that changes when her father announces that she is to be married to a future Duke, a lecherous rake who she is expected to take in hand and lead to a calmer temperament.
Ajax Dartham, the Duke of Jarrell is determined to see his heir settled down and married so he can give him the Dukedom and Ajax can leave the estate and the memories of his deceased wife. But when he meets Eleanor, he is mesmerized and is not willing to leave her to his horrible heir.
When Eleanor decides she is unable to go through with her father's wishes to marry the future Duke, she flees during a storm only to have Ajax go after her and save her as she is close to death in the frozen weather. He takes her to a cottage and gets her warmed up and everything changes.
This was a great, short novella. I've said it before and I'll say it again, novellas are hard to pull off. Either they have very little plot or the romance is not believable. But my gosh, I was believing this one and desperately rooting for Ajax to make a move and keep Eleanor for himself! When is finally faced with losing her to his heir, he snaps and just can't let her go!
TROPES
Historical Romance, Georgian Era, Country Life, Gamma Hero, Damaged/Tortured Hero, Possessive Hero, Titled Hero, Widowed Hero, Must Do Her Duty Heroine, Runaway/Jilted Bride, Virgin Heroine, First Cut is the Deepest, Age Gap Romance, Five Star, Four Flame
Lady Eleanor Vane has always done everything she told to perfection and without complaining. She takes care of her sick mother, managed the family estate, and is a very accomplished woman. She dreams of the day when her life will get exciting and she will be in charge of her decisions. But all that changes when her father announces that she is to be married to a future Duke, a lecherous rake who she is expected to take in hand and lead to a calmer temperament.
Ajax Dartham, the Duke of Jarrell is determined to see his heir settled down and married so he can give him the Dukedom and Ajax can leave the estate and the memories of his deceased wife. But when he meets Eleanor, he is mesmerized and is not willing to leave her to his horrible heir.
When Eleanor decides she is unable to go through with her father's wishes to marry the future Duke, she flees during a storm only to have Ajax go after her and save her as she is close to death in the frozen weather. He takes her to a cottage and gets her warmed up and everything changes.
This was a great, short novella. I've said it before and I'll say it again, novellas are hard to pull off. Either they have very little plot or the romance is not believable. But my gosh, I was believing this one and desperately rooting for Ajax to make a move and keep Eleanor for himself! When is finally faced with losing her to his heir, he snaps and just can't let her go!
TROPES
Historical Romance, Georgian Era, Country Life, Gamma Hero, Damaged/Tortured Hero, Possessive Hero, Titled Hero, Widowed Hero, Must Do Her Duty Heroine, Runaway/Jilted Bride, Virgin Heroine, First Cut is the Deepest, Age Gap Romance, Five Star, Four Flame
September 3, 2022
The only thing that would make this story better, is more of it. I need so much more of Eleanor and Ajax Dartham, Duke of Jarrell. More tailcoats and breeches. More secret Second Kingdoms. More petticoats and silk stockings. I need more parties at Far Hope.
“There was no law but pleasure. No limit but acquiescence. No rule but secrecy.”
I’m going to wear a chemise and demand that my husband call me his little blossom from henceforth.
It was magnificent.
“There was no law but pleasure. No limit but acquiescence. No rule but secrecy.”
I’m going to wear a chemise and demand that my husband call me his little blossom from henceforth.
It was magnificent.
July 15, 2022
This is a short story from the anthology Duke I'd Like to F-. Eleanor & Ajax are the two main characters of this novella and their relationship is quite forbidden. Eleanor is actually betrothed to Ajax's nephew, but the moment they see each other for the first time they can't stop swooning for each other. Eleanor realizes that she could never have Ajax, so she decides to run away from her looming wedding. But her life is at risk during this treck & Ajax has to go find her.
This was a fun historical!! I loved the forbiddeness to it & how passionate these two characters were.
MEMORABLE QUOTES:
"She wanted to consume him. She wanted him to consume her" (113).
TROPES: age gap, historical romance, standalone historical, insta love, novella, widower, forbidden
This was a fun historical!! I loved the forbiddeness to it & how passionate these two characters were.
MEMORABLE QUOTES:
"She wanted to consume him. She wanted him to consume her" (113).
TROPES: age gap, historical romance, standalone historical, insta love, novella, widower, forbidden
December 7, 2024
Ajax Dartham, Duke of Jarrell, has arranged for Miss Eleanor Vane to marry his loser of a nephew. But instead Eleanor discovers she is horny for the wrong man and so she flees into the night during her engagement ball. Ajax must chase after her--BUT TO WHAT SEXY END?
1. Sure: yep. Ajax used to run a Secret Free Love Orgy Society and Eleanor is Very Interested in Free Love Orgy Time and between all that lustful tingling is some melodrama about their feelings.
2. The thing about age gap romances is that they need to not slap their witnesses in the face about things like the fact that Ajax HASN'T HAD SEX SINCE HIS WIFE DIED....SIXTEEN (16) YEARS AGO, and also that ELEANOR IS THE MOST STEADY TWENTY (20) YEAR OLD KNOWN TO MANKIND.
ESPECIALLY when there's no actual reason either of those number MATTER. Ajax could have just as easily been widowed for 6 years, and Eleanor could have been 23 or 24—meaning that the age gap, in this case, is more about the accessories than the actual fact that Ajax is "double Eleanor's age". It's just shock-y because it adds to the Secret Free Love Orgy Shock Factor. (Wait: they have sex with OTHER PEOPLE and also ONE OF THEM IS MUCH OLDER THAN THE OTHER? WHERE ARE MY PEARLS????)
(Here's my general disclaimer: I have no issue with age gap romances when done right. This was a erotic-leaning het romance that put up age gap curtains to try and Add Market Value. /real estate metaphor)
3. Eleanor falls into insta-love with Ajax, which: sure. yep.
4. The final denouement of Ajax's "it's FEAR not GRIEF" thing was: pretty terrible!
1. Sure: yep. Ajax used to run a Secret Free Love Orgy Society and Eleanor is Very Interested in Free Love Orgy Time and between all that lustful tingling is some melodrama about their feelings.
2. The thing about age gap romances is that they need to not slap their witnesses in the face about things like the fact that Ajax HASN'T HAD SEX SINCE HIS WIFE DIED....SIXTEEN (16) YEARS AGO, and also that ELEANOR IS THE MOST STEADY TWENTY (20) YEAR OLD KNOWN TO MANKIND.
ESPECIALLY when there's no actual reason either of those number MATTER. Ajax could have just as easily been widowed for 6 years, and Eleanor could have been 23 or 24—meaning that the age gap, in this case, is more about the accessories than the actual fact that Ajax is "double Eleanor's age". It's just shock-y because it adds to the Secret Free Love Orgy Shock Factor. (Wait: they have sex with OTHER PEOPLE and also ONE OF THEM IS MUCH OLDER THAN THE OTHER? WHERE ARE MY PEARLS????)
(Here's my general disclaimer: I have no issue with age gap romances when done right. This was a erotic-leaning het romance that put up age gap curtains to try and Add Market Value. /real estate metaphor)
3. Eleanor falls into insta-love with Ajax, which: sure. yep.
4. The final denouement of Ajax's "it's FEAR not GRIEF" thing was: pretty terrible!
February 12, 2024
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
This is a short, fun, very spicy historical romance story. I like that all 3 of the stories belong to the same world so you’re still getting some common factors in them. Not a fan of the insta love part of it but makes sense given the length of the whole plot and such.
PLEASE GET THIS ON AUDIO!! The kindle is good but the audio… GOD DAMN Shane East did not come to play even a little bit!!
This is a short, fun, very spicy historical romance story. I like that all 3 of the stories belong to the same world so you’re still getting some common factors in them. Not a fan of the insta love part of it but makes sense given the length of the whole plot and such.
PLEASE GET THIS ON AUDIO!! The kindle is good but the audio… GOD DAMN Shane East did not come to play even a little bit!!
July 15, 2023
Not bad.
May 27, 2022
Short, but oh so spicy! Love me some smut with my historical romance!
November 12, 2023
Miss Sierra can't do any wrong in my mind.
This is a review for The Chasing of Eleanor Vale novella from the Duke I'd Like to F... anthology.
I have found the first instalove book I enjoyed. That's a testament to how spectacularly Sierra can write. ❤️
Eleanor is a curious young woman coming out of her restraining dutiful shell who is betrothed to someone she wishes not to marry. That someone has a striking figure of a possessive, widowed uncle Ajax, who just encompasses everything that is tall, dark, and handsome. Once Eleanor breaks through her shell, and becomes this brazen curious thing, everything else starts happening and I was ensnared.
I loved the depraved society that the Ivy Leavold series from Sierra had and this novella had it all over again. Ajax and Eleanor have this curious and heavy chemistry and the carnality surrounding Far Hope and Far House just adds this wicked mystery.
The spice is superior, as is usual when it comes to the author. There is some slight voyeurism, sleep O, chairs, throats, some bi-curiosity and it was just fire. 🔥
Honestly, I might even reread this, it was a pleasure to read! I would die if Sierra wrote a bonus with at least one Second Kingdom party with these two and more of an epilogue.
4.5 stars ✨
#7 book in my reviewing books slump
This is a review for The Chasing of Eleanor Vale novella from the Duke I'd Like to F... anthology.
I have found the first instalove book I enjoyed. That's a testament to how spectacularly Sierra can write. ❤️
Eleanor is a curious young woman coming out of her restraining dutiful shell who is betrothed to someone she wishes not to marry. That someone has a striking figure of a possessive, widowed uncle Ajax, who just encompasses everything that is tall, dark, and handsome. Once Eleanor breaks through her shell, and becomes this brazen curious thing, everything else starts happening and I was ensnared.
I loved the depraved society that the Ivy Leavold series from Sierra had and this novella had it all over again. Ajax and Eleanor have this curious and heavy chemistry and the carnality surrounding Far Hope and Far House just adds this wicked mystery.
The spice is superior, as is usual when it comes to the author. There is some slight voyeurism, sleep O, chairs, throats, some bi-curiosity and it was just fire. 🔥
Honestly, I might even reread this, it was a pleasure to read! I would die if Sierra wrote a bonus with at least one Second Kingdom party with these two and more of an epilogue.
4.5 stars ✨
#7 book in my reviewing books slump
February 13, 2024
Lady Eleanor Vane is due to marry the Duke of Jarrell, Ajax’s, horrid nephew when she runs off and forces Ajax to face a decision, return her to her fate or take her for himself?
This was a great lil historical erotic romance! I listened to this in audio and the dual narration was 🥵, Shane East and Evelyn Rose really know how to tell a story. I was surprised how much plot and romance was encapsulated in the book considering how short it is, but it gives you a great realistic historical story line and then adds in a lot of detailed, steamy smut! Had my toes curling the whole time while still nervous about what would happen with the main story. Perfect palette cleanser after my heavy fantasy read and the perfect hot, detailed, fast-paced romance! My first type in this genre but just what I needed for my book hangover!
This was a great lil historical erotic romance! I listened to this in audio and the dual narration was 🥵, Shane East and Evelyn Rose really know how to tell a story. I was surprised how much plot and romance was encapsulated in the book considering how short it is, but it gives you a great realistic historical story line and then adds in a lot of detailed, steamy smut! Had my toes curling the whole time while still nervous about what would happen with the main story. Perfect palette cleanser after my heavy fantasy read and the perfect hot, detailed, fast-paced romance! My first type in this genre but just what I needed for my book hangover!
February 1, 2025
The audiobook is short, sexy and so worth your time.
I really enjoyed this one. It was easy to jump into and the Duke was HOT. I love a lil taboo moment and Sierra Simone always knows what she’s doing. I know it’s supposed to be short but I want more of them 😭 I would’ve loved like an epilogue or one more chapter with the aftermath of the ending or even seeing the couple later on.
I got the “box set” audiobooks of the series so I’ll definitely be continuing the series. The next one is MM and narrated by James Joseph and Shane East 🫠
I really enjoyed this one. It was easy to jump into and the Duke was HOT. I love a lil taboo moment and Sierra Simone always knows what she’s doing. I know it’s supposed to be short but I want more of them 😭 I would’ve loved like an epilogue or one more chapter with the aftermath of the ending or even seeing the couple later on.
I got the “box set” audiobooks of the series so I’ll definitely be continuing the series. The next one is MM and narrated by James Joseph and Shane East 🫠
June 2, 2022
I read this one when it came out in the anthology but as always I didn’t remember much so I had to reread it and I really enjoyed it, I’m not much of a fan of historical books but Sierra always captivates me with her stories and despite being a short one I loved how she included everything, the conflicts, the drama and the spicy scenes.
Her stories always are a must read for me especially for her taboo and steamy scenes🥵
Her stories always are a must read for me especially for her taboo and steamy scenes🥵
May 28, 2025
Eleanor is betrothed to one man but in love with his uncle, the duke who is 20 years older than her.
Loved this! Had the classic Sierra spice and angst and beautiful writing but make it historical. Do the audio of this! Shane East was phenomenal.
Loved this! Had the classic Sierra spice and angst and beautiful writing but make it historical. Do the audio of this! Shane East was phenomenal.
March 27, 2023
Delicious Sierra Simone
This was a fantastic throw back to the "Bodice Rippers" of my youth! A strong, young, FMC. The broody, HOT, older MMC, and BAM, I'm hooked! I just wish it was longer and delved more into that delectable Kingdom that this author pens so well.
This was a fantastic throw back to the "Bodice Rippers" of my youth! A strong, young, FMC. The broody, HOT, older MMC, and BAM, I'm hooked! I just wish it was longer and delved more into that delectable Kingdom that this author pens so well.
June 3, 2023
Super steamy with fascinating characters, an age gap that didn’t make me side eye, my first Sierra Simone and certainly won’t be my last
April 4, 2024
This was surprising deep ❤️👌🏻
December 17, 2022
Short-n-spicy historical swooniness. Loved this spicy getaway to another time and land!
October 15, 2025
A super quick read with plenty of spice and excellent audiobook narrators. This Regency age gap romance is full of the forbidden and is a great start to the series.
January 9, 2023
Read this if you like a perfect little story with a happily ever after.
Avoid this if you don’t like novellas. There was clearly more to be written here, but the writing was so lovely that I highlighted more sentences in the first chapter than in the last year of reading.
Spice level 🌶🌶🌶🌶 Explicit open door (at least 2 scenes). The spicy scenes moved the plot forward while being hot!
Avoid this if you don’t like novellas. There was clearly more to be written here, but the writing was so lovely that I highlighted more sentences in the first chapter than in the last year of reading.
Spice level 🌶🌶🌶🌶 Explicit open door (at least 2 scenes). The spicy scenes moved the plot forward while being hot!
September 19, 2022
So. Much. Talking.
The angst level is high in this short story. Internal monologuing during sex is... weird. Two thrusts and three pages of remorse are two pages too much.
The angst level is high in this short story. Internal monologuing during sex is... weird. Two thrusts and three pages of remorse are two pages too much.
January 14, 2023
Damn, is this what Simone’s other historicals are like??
I’ve not been a huge fan of her contemporary books - merry little meet cute (why is it called that, it’s not a meet cute I don’t get it-) and priest were okay, I’m planning on reading Sinner. But this was beautifully dark and grounded.
I loved the little historical details she’d sprinkle in throughout, particularly how she points out other famous historical women in Georgian England (I think this is still Georgian England? 1794?) who lived unconventionally for the time (shout out to the Duchess of Devonshire) that Eleanor has a fascination with.
Eleanor is a respectable but curious young woman who is about to enter into an arranged marriage with a disreputable young man in an attempt to manage him and make him respectable. But then she meets said young man’s uncle, the man who orchestrated the marriage in the first place, and sexy shenanigans ensue.
This is an age gap romance fyi, and the way these two interact with age other is fascinating. Eleanor doesn’t bash or resent other women of her era who like balls, gossip, etc, but she acknowledges a feeling of restlessness she bears with while taking care of everyone around her.
My toxic trait is reading 1 and 2 star reviews of books I like and then sub-tweeting the reviews in my reviews - to whoever thought this book was just “crude sex”, 1, if you don’t like extremely descriptive sex scenes than Simone is not for you, and 2, the sex in this more than sex - it’s how these two explore and connect to each other, and it’s more than just lust. You are not reading closely enough if you think this is just smut.
I think the atmosphere Simone creates in this is my favorite part- this is a great book to read on a cold stormy night by a fire place, she creates this really dark, sensuous, warm mood, particularly by the 2nd half of the book.
I will definitely be checking out her other HR!
I’ve not been a huge fan of her contemporary books - merry little meet cute (why is it called that, it’s not a meet cute I don’t get it-) and priest were okay, I’m planning on reading Sinner. But this was beautifully dark and grounded.
I loved the little historical details she’d sprinkle in throughout, particularly how she points out other famous historical women in Georgian England (I think this is still Georgian England? 1794?) who lived unconventionally for the time (shout out to the Duchess of Devonshire) that Eleanor has a fascination with.
Eleanor is a respectable but curious young woman who is about to enter into an arranged marriage with a disreputable young man in an attempt to manage him and make him respectable. But then she meets said young man’s uncle, the man who orchestrated the marriage in the first place, and sexy shenanigans ensue.
This is an age gap romance fyi, and the way these two interact with age other is fascinating. Eleanor doesn’t bash or resent other women of her era who like balls, gossip, etc, but she acknowledges a feeling of restlessness she bears with while taking care of everyone around her.
My toxic trait is reading 1 and 2 star reviews of books I like and then sub-tweeting the reviews in my reviews - to whoever thought this book was just “crude sex”, 1, if you don’t like extremely descriptive sex scenes than Simone is not for you, and 2, the sex in this more than sex - it’s how these two explore and connect to each other, and it’s more than just lust. You are not reading closely enough if you think this is just smut.
I think the atmosphere Simone creates in this is my favorite part- this is a great book to read on a cold stormy night by a fire place, she creates this really dark, sensuous, warm mood, particularly by the 2nd half of the book.
I will definitely be checking out her other HR!
May 22, 2022
Arranged marriage; forbidden romance
I am used to reading Sierra Simone’s contemporary romances, so I gave the historical genre a try by reading THE CHASING OF ELEANOR VANE.
Poor sensible, organized and above reproach Eleanor gets engaged to the nephew of the Duke - a nephew whose antics are well known and Eleanor chosen to set him on the proper path.
Ajax, the Duke in a sort of self exile since his wife died nearly two decades prior, wants to give up the estate to his nephew so he no longer has to be bothered with it.
But then Ajax and Eleanor meet, each keeping their distance but letting their thoughts run lose. Eleanor, whose thoughts have been tickled by secretly witnessing the debauchery of the wealthy, is not willing to lend herself to a dark and lonely existence.
I liked the story. I didn’t find it too original, however. The writing is excellent, as always. To really appreciate how well it is done, I think back to the author’s contemporary novels. Being easily immersed the words and atmosphere of the regency era was a particular plus of this book.
I am used to reading Sierra Simone’s contemporary romances, so I gave the historical genre a try by reading THE CHASING OF ELEANOR VANE.
Poor sensible, organized and above reproach Eleanor gets engaged to the nephew of the Duke - a nephew whose antics are well known and Eleanor chosen to set him on the proper path.
Ajax, the Duke in a sort of self exile since his wife died nearly two decades prior, wants to give up the estate to his nephew so he no longer has to be bothered with it.
But then Ajax and Eleanor meet, each keeping their distance but letting their thoughts run lose. Eleanor, whose thoughts have been tickled by secretly witnessing the debauchery of the wealthy, is not willing to lend herself to a dark and lonely existence.
I liked the story. I didn’t find it too original, however. The writing is excellent, as always. To really appreciate how well it is done, I think back to the author’s contemporary novels. Being easily immersed the words and atmosphere of the regency era was a particular plus of this book.
July 31, 2024
Bro stop yapping and just fck?
I could not handle it, it deserves less than a star😭😭
Like I took a nap halfway through😭 and it’s only 100 pages😭😭😭 I blanked out through most of it 🙄
So much monologue especially during their intimidate moments, which why? Like talking about your dead wife (sorry about that) who died 16 years ago when your about to take Eleanor’s virginity is not the move😭😭also I don’t want to hear about his prick and how he couldn’t forget it but then just to reject her choice of her marrying him AND ALSO him getting mad she decided to marry his nephew?? 😒 make up your mind old man..I swear the way these old man dukes struggle to make up their mind is so annoying, stop putting the fls in so much pain just for your idiocy🫵🤨 you rejected her, so move on..
This is the first time where I wanted more action than yapping. It’s always the first love at first sight that are annoying 😭😭😭😭😫😫😫
I could not handle it, it deserves less than a star😭😭
Like I took a nap halfway through😭 and it’s only 100 pages😭😭😭 I blanked out through most of it 🙄
So much monologue especially during their intimidate moments, which why? Like talking about your dead wife (sorry about that) who died 16 years ago when your about to take Eleanor’s virginity is not the move😭😭also I don’t want to hear about his prick and how he couldn’t forget it but then just to reject her choice of her marrying him AND ALSO him getting mad she decided to marry his nephew?? 😒 make up your mind old man..I swear the way these old man dukes struggle to make up their mind is so annoying, stop putting the fls in so much pain just for your idiocy🫵🤨 you rejected her, so move on..
This is the first time where I wanted more action than yapping. It’s always the first love at first sight that are annoying 😭😭😭😭😫😫😫
January 4, 2023
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173 reviews
The Chasing of Eleanor Vane, by Sierra Simone
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emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun sexy romp of a novella. A dark brooding Duke and Young dubile bride, but not his bride, all set in a grand stately Manor. What more could you want?
In this case the more that you get is how the author gave us a brooding dark male character but still made consent part of it and gave the female character agency in her sexual experiences
This author writes excellent erotic fiction
Search all books...
Open main menu
Your reviews
173 reviews
The Chasing of Eleanor Vane, by Sierra Simone
Go to review page
emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun sexy romp of a novella. A dark brooding Duke and Young dubile bride, but not his bride, all set in a grand stately Manor. What more could you want?
In this case the more that you get is how the author gave us a brooding dark male character but still made consent part of it and gave the female character agency in her sexual experiences
This author writes excellent erotic fiction
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews