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War of 1812 #2
Velvet Night
Though convinced he killed her father, Kenna Dunne finds it impossible to deny her feelings of love for Rhys Canning, an American spy
496 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1987
112 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Jo Goodman
61 books479 followersTo find characters to illustrate my first family saga, I cut out models from the Sears catalogue. I was in fourth grade, but it was a start. In seventh grade I wrote a melodrama about two orphan sisters, one of whom was pregnant. There was also a story about a runaway girl with the unlikely name of Strawberry and one about mistaken identities and an evil blind date. My supportive, but vaguely concerned parents, sighed with relief when I announced I was going to write children's books. They bought me an electric typewriter and crossed their fingers, but somehow PASSION'S BRIDE came out. No one was really surprised.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 29, 2020
This review is of “Velvet Night”, book #2 in the “War of 1812” series by Jo Goodman.
The book begins in 1805, in England. It is here that Kenna Dunne, 13, who will become the heroine of the book, lives with her father, Robert, her stepmother, Victorine Dussault Dunne, her brother, Nicholas, and her stepsister, Yvonne. On this night, the Dunne estate, Dunnelly, is hosting a masquerade party; the happiness will not last, however, as before the night is over, Robert will be killed.
Fast forward 10 years. Kenna, now 23, is visited by Nicholas’ long-time friend Rhys (pronounced Reese) Canning, the hero of the book, and the person whom Kenna believes killed her father.
As the book goes on, multiple attempts are made on Kenna’ s life, she and Rhys become lovers and she is kidnapped and brought to a brothel. She is saved by Rhy’s friend, who is also a madam, and later, Kenna and Rhys marry and he takes her to America, Boston to be precise. (There are multiple reasons for this: To keep Kenna safe and also Rhys has now inherited his family’s shipping business after his father, Roland, and brother, Richard, were killed in a fire).
As they arrive in Boston, Kenna and Rhys make friends with Alexis Quinton Cloud and Tanner Cloud (the heroine and hero of “Passion’s Bride/The Captain’s Lady”), and owners of Garnet Shipping, competitors of Canning Shipping. Kenna and Rhys also make enemies in Boston’s business and social circles.
Coming to America doesn’t end the threats against Kenna, however, as two more attempts are made on her life. Kenna is later kidnapped and the true identity of her father’s killer is revealed. She is saved by Rhys, the killers are unmasked and killed, and Kenna and Rhys have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: Kenna and Rhys are fairly nice characters.
Downside: “Velvet Night” reminds me very much of oatmeal or rice with nothing added: okay on some levels, but very bland. There is little chemistry-in or out of bed-between Kenna and Rhys, and the scenes that are supposed to be exciting-the multiple attempts on her life-aren’t. The “mystery” surrounding the killer of Robert Dunne is fairly easy to solve (I figured out who it was by the 25% point of the book).
Sex: A few love scenes, none of which are particularly hot or sensual.
Violence: Assault and battery. Shootings and killings. The violence is not graphic.
Bottom Line: “Velvet Night” is a very pale sequel to “Passion’s Bride/The Captain’s Lady”, which was far better than this book was.
The book begins in 1805, in England. It is here that Kenna Dunne, 13, who will become the heroine of the book, lives with her father, Robert, her stepmother, Victorine Dussault Dunne, her brother, Nicholas, and her stepsister, Yvonne. On this night, the Dunne estate, Dunnelly, is hosting a masquerade party; the happiness will not last, however, as before the night is over, Robert will be killed.
Fast forward 10 years. Kenna, now 23, is visited by Nicholas’ long-time friend Rhys (pronounced Reese) Canning, the hero of the book, and the person whom Kenna believes killed her father.
As the book goes on, multiple attempts are made on Kenna’ s life, she and Rhys become lovers and she is kidnapped and brought to a brothel. She is saved by Rhy’s friend, who is also a madam, and later, Kenna and Rhys marry and he takes her to America, Boston to be precise. (There are multiple reasons for this: To keep Kenna safe and also Rhys has now inherited his family’s shipping business after his father, Roland, and brother, Richard, were killed in a fire).
As they arrive in Boston, Kenna and Rhys make friends with Alexis Quinton Cloud and Tanner Cloud (the heroine and hero of “Passion’s Bride/The Captain’s Lady”), and owners of Garnet Shipping, competitors of Canning Shipping. Kenna and Rhys also make enemies in Boston’s business and social circles.
Coming to America doesn’t end the threats against Kenna, however, as two more attempts are made on her life. Kenna is later kidnapped and the true identity of her father’s killer is revealed. She is saved by Rhys, the killers are unmasked and killed, and Kenna and Rhys have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: Kenna and Rhys are fairly nice characters.
Downside: “Velvet Night” reminds me very much of oatmeal or rice with nothing added: okay on some levels, but very bland. There is little chemistry-in or out of bed-between Kenna and Rhys, and the scenes that are supposed to be exciting-the multiple attempts on her life-aren’t. The “mystery” surrounding the killer of Robert Dunne is fairly easy to solve (I figured out who it was by the 25% point of the book).
Sex: A few love scenes, none of which are particularly hot or sensual.
Violence: Assault and battery. Shootings and killings. The violence is not graphic.
Bottom Line: “Velvet Night” is a very pale sequel to “Passion’s Bride/The Captain’s Lady”, which was far better than this book was.
January 26, 2021
Her Life is a Nightmare🌙 She Can't Remember💔
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕 and Adventure with Betrayal🔪, Murder 💀, and Mystery!
The book takes place both in England and in Boston. There are several trips⛵ back and forth from England and Boston by the main characters, Rhys and Kenna.
The book has a betrayal by French sympathisers, and an abduction, laced with several murders and attempted murders by various means. Sounds kind of gory, doesn't it?
Through it all, Kenna plays a good damsel in distress!
It is a well written book, with an interesting plot with several villains.
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕 and Adventure with Betrayal🔪, Murder 💀, and Mystery!
The book takes place both in England and in Boston. There are several trips⛵ back and forth from England and Boston by the main characters, Rhys and Kenna.
The book has a betrayal by French sympathisers, and an abduction, laced with several murders and attempted murders by various means. Sounds kind of gory, doesn't it?
Through it all, Kenna plays a good damsel in distress!
It is a well written book, with an interesting plot with several villains.
November 6, 2019
📒 This is a gripping, suspenseful, intriguing and epically romantic story of love, betrayal and family. Rhys is a patient, caring, loyal and protective man who has had a hard, lonely life. Kenna was spunky, cheeky and naive as a child, but tragedy turned her into a quiet, stubborn and distrustful woman. They've known each other for years, Rhys being the best friend of Kenna's brother, Nick. When Kenna was 13 her father was murdered, and she witnessed it, but she was so traumatized by it that she blocked the details from her mind. When she has a nightmare about Rhys being her father's killer, she doesn't doubt it, and won't have anything to do with Rhys. Rhys is heartbroken to know that Kenna could believe that of him. Years go by, Kenna has the occasional nightmare, with it adding bits and pieces to the puzzle. Rhys believes that it was Kenna's brother Nick who killed their father. When accidents suddenly start to happen to Kenna, Rhys is beside himself with fear, knowing that she won't let him near enough to protect her. So much happens, so many twists and turns, it's hard to figure out who is guilty of what. I was fascinated with the story from the beginning, and it held my attention until the very last page.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
August 18, 2019
This is a story of a girl who saw her father murdered but could not remember who had killed him. Years of dreams seemed to focus her on one person. The story picks up ten years later when she comes into contact with that same man who rescues her from being killed. A well rounded story that will take you on a journey filled with intrigue, murder, suspense, many twist and turns with romance along the way.
A page turner that will keep you in suspense on the journey to a happy ever after.
A page turner that will keep you in suspense on the journey to a happy ever after.
September 25, 2019
Velvet Night is a story filled with intrigue, murder, mischief, love, and laughter. A story in which the love of country, family, and each other will lead to devestating consequences and harrowing journeys between England and America for the hero and heroine, Rhys and Kenna. It is a story that has made a lasting impression on my heart and a story that I hated to see end.
I received this book for free from ebook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
I received this book for free from ebook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
October 3, 2019
The book opens up in a flash back at Dunnelly the Dunne family house. They are having a masquerade party. Kenna Dunne is a teen who is adventurous and does not follow directions as best as she should. The book starts out with her watching the party from the staircase with her Step sister Yvonne who just followed along with her. Her brother Nicholas shows up with his friend Rhys Canning that has been gone for a while. At this party Lord Robert Dunne is murdered and Kenna is the only witness. The rest of the book shows Kenna dreaming about the murder and she automatically blames Rhys because she thinks that is what she saw but the dream keeps changing. Since she has these dreams she is put into danger because she could actually remember what happened. The rest is an adventure, a romance and a mystery to solve.
Personally I had a hard time putting the book down; unfortunately I was waiting in car line so I did have to. For some reason I liked most of the characters. Kenna did annoy me sometimes but that happens in real life as well. I did have an idea of who was involved on all of the attempts on Kenna’s life but I was not 100% sure. It was still fun to guess.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own
Personally I had a hard time putting the book down; unfortunately I was waiting in car line so I did have to. For some reason I liked most of the characters. Kenna did annoy me sometimes but that happens in real life as well. I did have an idea of who was involved on all of the attempts on Kenna’s life but I was not 100% sure. It was still fun to guess.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own
September 22, 2019
3.5-4 stars... Set in the times of the Napoleonic wars, the story follows a family over 10 years where there is murder, spying and family unrest. Kenna unknowingly sees something when she was 13yrs old that alters the course of her life. Her repeated nightmares of these repressed memories even 10 years following are what drive the plot of the story. Rhys is the typical bad boy friend-of-her-brother that Kenna had a crush on as a teen but now hates because of what she thinks she remembers. I found the story a bit slow to progress in the beginning but became much more interesting- particularly when Kenna and Rhys arrive in America. An enjoyable “who did it” romantic suspense with a satisfying HEA. I only wish the epilogue was set a little bit more in the future and talked about the impact of many of the revelations in the cave. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
May 12, 2021
2.4 Stars
I struggled so much with this book - the description made it seem promising, but I was deceived again...
This story dragged so much, I had so many doubts and moments of disbelief that made me feel like I was reading the script of a really cheap cheesy soap opera (one of the really cheesy 90's Latin American soaps). I was practically drowning in the complicated convoluted plot.
And the surprising thing was - it was boring. Even though the book has many things happening it just feels plain old boring when I read it.
It did not help that I didn't like either of the main characters.
Furthermore, I am writing this review a week after I read this and I had to genuinely re-read the description in order to remember what happened - that is a really bad sign for a book (in my opinion).
In the end, I would not recommend this book since it feels and reads as a major waste of time.
Might be the last book I read from this author.
On to the next book!
Cheers!
I struggled so much with this book - the description made it seem promising, but I was deceived again...
This story dragged so much, I had so many doubts and moments of disbelief that made me feel like I was reading the script of a really cheap cheesy soap opera (one of the really cheesy 90's Latin American soaps). I was practically drowning in the complicated convoluted plot.
And the surprising thing was - it was boring. Even though the book has many things happening it just feels plain old boring when I read it.
It did not help that I didn't like either of the main characters.
Furthermore, I am writing this review a week after I read this and I had to genuinely re-read the description in order to remember what happened - that is a really bad sign for a book (in my opinion).
In the end, I would not recommend this book since it feels and reads as a major waste of time.
Might be the last book I read from this author.
On to the next book!
Cheers!
May 20, 2020
I want you to share my pillow.
Code for “let’s make whoopee”. 😆
Adventurous tale, indeed, and fast-paced. It covered a lot of ground, from espionage to betrayal to prostitution to drug dependency ... but it didn’t have any tear-inducing, heart-wrenching moments, in my opinion. Too much whirlwind to mask the romance. But there was quite a bit of intimacy ... and Kenna is indeed a quick study. From naive virgin to someone-sure-of-her-sexual-appeal-and-desires. 😁
Hmmm ... I’m wondering if there was enough revelation in this story to put a damper on Alexis’s and Tanner’s romance when I finally get to read “The Captain’s Lady”? One way to find out ... thanks, Kindle Unlimited! The local library doesn’t have these ebooks (yet?)!
Code for “let’s make whoopee”. 😆
Adventurous tale, indeed, and fast-paced. It covered a lot of ground, from espionage to betrayal to prostitution to drug dependency ... but it didn’t have any tear-inducing, heart-wrenching moments, in my opinion. Too much whirlwind to mask the romance. But there was quite a bit of intimacy ... and Kenna is indeed a quick study. From naive virgin to someone-sure-of-her-sexual-appeal-and-desires. 😁
Hmmm ... I’m wondering if there was enough revelation in this story to put a damper on Alexis’s and Tanner’s romance when I finally get to read “The Captain’s Lady”? One way to find out ... thanks, Kindle Unlimited! The local library doesn’t have these ebooks (yet?)!
September 15, 2019
Another great story by Jo Goodman, really easy to read from start to finish.
Kenna unfortunately saw someone murder her father and for a long time thought it was Rhys a long time friend.
But she was the only person who could identify who shot him and because of the trauma of her fathers death it was locked away in her mind.
She nearly died a few times to stop her remembering who it was, abducted drugged and sold to a madam is the start of this story that goes from London to Boston and back again.
A really great read.
I received this book free from ebook discovery. I voluntary review this book. This is my honest review.
Kenna unfortunately saw someone murder her father and for a long time thought it was Rhys a long time friend.
But she was the only person who could identify who shot him and because of the trauma of her fathers death it was locked away in her mind.
She nearly died a few times to stop her remembering who it was, abducted drugged and sold to a madam is the start of this story that goes from London to Boston and back again.
A really great read.
I received this book free from ebook discovery. I voluntary review this book. This is my honest review.
October 2, 2024
I love Jo Goodman's writing
I have always loved the way Jo Goodman interjects history with fiction, this time about France and Napoleon's rise to power and England's attempting to stop it. Kenna has witnessed her father's murder from afar, but she can't quite identify the murderer since it was dark. She has nightmares but never can see who has actually killed her father. In the meantime, Rhyes, who has always loved her, takes her to America to try and keep her from the murderer, who believes that Kenna would be able to identify him. There is much espionage and intrigue, together with a very passionate journey of love between Kenna and Rhyes.
I have always loved the way Jo Goodman interjects history with fiction, this time about France and Napoleon's rise to power and England's attempting to stop it. Kenna has witnessed her father's murder from afar, but she can't quite identify the murderer since it was dark. She has nightmares but never can see who has actually killed her father. In the meantime, Rhyes, who has always loved her, takes her to America to try and keep her from the murderer, who believes that Kenna would be able to identify him. There is much espionage and intrigue, together with a very passionate journey of love between Kenna and Rhyes.
September 30, 2019
Kenna's past is catching up with her again. Kenna witnessed the murder of her father,he was involved in espionage.
Kenna escapes from England by Rhys Canning's timely rescue. Rhys brings Kenna to Boston as his wife, and to deal with the shipping line he inherited.
Kenna's safety will continue to be at risk, until Kenna and Rhys find out the the truth about her fathers murder.
This is a story filled with murder, espionage, and romance. An action packed adventure. I received this book for free from ebook discovery. I volunteered to review it and this is my honest review.
Kenna escapes from England by Rhys Canning's timely rescue. Rhys brings Kenna to Boston as his wife, and to deal with the shipping line he inherited.
Kenna's safety will continue to be at risk, until Kenna and Rhys find out the the truth about her fathers murder.
This is a story filled with murder, espionage, and romance. An action packed adventure. I received this book for free from ebook discovery. I volunteered to review it and this is my honest review.
September 30, 2019
Velvet Night is a suspenseful, sexy, and somewhat dark historical romance. The story covers a large amount of geography from England to the United States as well as a large amount of subjects including Napoleon, murder, spies, prostitution, and drugs. There is a lot going on, and it keep the reader on their toes.
Recommended for adult readers only. Contains graphic sex scenes as well as violence.
“I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review."
Recommended for adult readers only. Contains graphic sex scenes as well as violence.
“I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review."
August 28, 2023
This novel is interesting- it’s full of mystery, action and romance. Goodman’s research, writing and character develop is incredible as always, but I will say this book is not my favourite of hers. I didn’t particularly like Ryes and Kenna (especially in comparison to Alex and Cloud in the previous book). I found him to be a little too hot tempered and jealous and her to be a little too naïve. In some parts it feels like the story drags on. Overall I would give it a 4/5- it’s not one I absolutely loved but I would still recommend it to a friend.
June 24, 2020
Velvet Night (Author's Cut Edition):Historical Romance
This is a good story about a young woman that loves her memory and it takes years to remember and catch the person's guilty
This is a good story about a young woman that loves her memory and it takes years to remember and catch the person's guilty
December 14, 2020
An excellent read!
A well crafted story. Keeps you guessing right up to the end. Would like a sequel set in Boston with the characters in this book.
A well crafted story. Keeps you guessing right up to the end. Would like a sequel set in Boston with the characters in this book.
June 13, 2022
The mystery and character development is interesting enough and kept me in it, but otherwise the pacing is slow. I’m also less of a fan of the “I hate him but I also must have sex with him” trope.
May 26, 2023
Great as usual from one of my favorite authors but it was violent and hard to read sometimes
August 3, 2023
spoiler alert
I deducted one star from my rating due to the heroine’s unrealistically quick recovery from her induced drug addiction. Intriguingly plotted.
I deducted one star from my rating due to the heroine’s unrealistically quick recovery from her induced drug addiction. Intriguingly plotted.
August 16, 2019
Oh, Ick… on So Many Levels!
Oh, mercy, where do I start with what's wrong with this book? I'll start with a few simple things. There were issues with language. I thought all the characters sounded the same. Unfortunately, everyone's language was incredibly stilted and somewhat pompous (not sounding like real speech or even the elevated type we like to see in historicals), and this bled into the narrative, non-dialogue portions of the book as well. The author misused several words, including the era-specific word of “nuncheon,” which is another way of saying the mid-day meal. In this book, she had the heroine call herself that as if it were a term meaning a silly person.
The book has an extended prologue that takes up nearly 10% of the book and details the time around the murder of the heroine’s father. Chapter one picks up ten years later, and the heroine still isn't past all that transpired at that time. To bring us forward in time, the author does a lot of telling about what the previous ten years had been like. There had to have been a better way to accomplish this.
I didn't like the hero—a requirement for me to like a romance—and I couldn't understand why the heroine liked him either. He treated her terribly throughout the book. The author definitely should have mentioned in the blurb of the book that it contains elements of what is politely termed in romance fiction as “domestic discipline” or “power exchange.” I never read books that have any aspect of that as I have zero interest in reading about any form of physical abuse (even adult spanking), sadism, or masochism. While some people like that in a book, a lot of us don't, and it is considerate for an author to let us know so we can bypass books that won't interest us.
I also thought that the book was a bit outlandish in its plotline. The book was far too melodramatic at times. The title of the book states that it is the author's cut, and the blurb further states that the author has edited the book with modern sensibilities in mind. I find myself wondering what she adjusted to what she believes modern readers like (as if we were an amorphous mass that all liked or disliked the same thing). This book rubbed me wrong in so many ways; I cannot recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review (obviously).
Oh, mercy, where do I start with what's wrong with this book? I'll start with a few simple things. There were issues with language. I thought all the characters sounded the same. Unfortunately, everyone's language was incredibly stilted and somewhat pompous (not sounding like real speech or even the elevated type we like to see in historicals), and this bled into the narrative, non-dialogue portions of the book as well. The author misused several words, including the era-specific word of “nuncheon,” which is another way of saying the mid-day meal. In this book, she had the heroine call herself that as if it were a term meaning a silly person.
The book has an extended prologue that takes up nearly 10% of the book and details the time around the murder of the heroine’s father. Chapter one picks up ten years later, and the heroine still isn't past all that transpired at that time. To bring us forward in time, the author does a lot of telling about what the previous ten years had been like. There had to have been a better way to accomplish this.
I didn't like the hero—a requirement for me to like a romance—and I couldn't understand why the heroine liked him either. He treated her terribly throughout the book. The author definitely should have mentioned in the blurb of the book that it contains elements of what is politely termed in romance fiction as “domestic discipline” or “power exchange.” I never read books that have any aspect of that as I have zero interest in reading about any form of physical abuse (even adult spanking), sadism, or masochism. While some people like that in a book, a lot of us don't, and it is considerate for an author to let us know so we can bypass books that won't interest us.
I also thought that the book was a bit outlandish in its plotline. The book was far too melodramatic at times. The title of the book states that it is the author's cut, and the blurb further states that the author has edited the book with modern sensibilities in mind. I find myself wondering what she adjusted to what she believes modern readers like (as if we were an amorphous mass that all liked or disliked the same thing). This book rubbed me wrong in so many ways; I cannot recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review (obviously).
July 5, 2013
Suave é a Noite
Jo Goodman
Corações Traídos
Este livro me surpreendeu de uma forma extremamente agradável. Quem me acompanha ou me conhece, sabe que, ultimamente, tenho um grande receio de romances históricos. Digamos, que minhas experiências com esse gênero tenha sido horrível.
Bem, com essa estória as coisas foram totalmente diferentes, já nas primeiras páginas, no prólogo, fiquei muito animada. Pois, o enredo tinha fundamento e era muito bem elaborado. Mas, como gato escaldado tem medo de água fria, resolvi esperar pra ver o que iria acontecer...
E para minha surpresa, o romance só melhorou, a partir do primeiro capítulo.
Cenário maravilhoso, personagens cativantes é tipo de estória que você não quer parar de ler até chegar ao final. Devo mencionar que apesar de ter mais de 300 páginas, que são essenciais para desenvolvimento do enredo, o texto não é cansativo, pelo contrário.
A sinopse pode enganar, mas, não totalmente, pois, descreve a estória de forma simplista, coisa que o livro não é. Não se deixe enganar, pois, o texto é criativo e envolvente. Cheio de aventuras, seqüestros, mortes, paixões e reviravoltas surpreendentes.
Já sei, faltam detalhes, mas tenho medo de estragar a leitura, porque tenho certeza, que vou acabar revelando algo que não deveria, se começar a falar algo sobre os personagens.
Com certeza recomendo a leitura deste livro surpreendente e maravilhoso, que merece 1000 estrelinhas. Não perca tempo, vai ler este livro, porque vai valer à pena, cada segundo gasto para devorá-lo.
RECOMENDADÍSSIMO!!!
ADOREI!!!
Jo Goodman
Corações Traídos
Este livro me surpreendeu de uma forma extremamente agradável. Quem me acompanha ou me conhece, sabe que, ultimamente, tenho um grande receio de romances históricos. Digamos, que minhas experiências com esse gênero tenha sido horrível.
Bem, com essa estória as coisas foram totalmente diferentes, já nas primeiras páginas, no prólogo, fiquei muito animada. Pois, o enredo tinha fundamento e era muito bem elaborado. Mas, como gato escaldado tem medo de água fria, resolvi esperar pra ver o que iria acontecer...
E para minha surpresa, o romance só melhorou, a partir do primeiro capítulo.
Cenário maravilhoso, personagens cativantes é tipo de estória que você não quer parar de ler até chegar ao final. Devo mencionar que apesar de ter mais de 300 páginas, que são essenciais para desenvolvimento do enredo, o texto não é cansativo, pelo contrário.
A sinopse pode enganar, mas, não totalmente, pois, descreve a estória de forma simplista, coisa que o livro não é. Não se deixe enganar, pois, o texto é criativo e envolvente. Cheio de aventuras, seqüestros, mortes, paixões e reviravoltas surpreendentes.
Já sei, faltam detalhes, mas tenho medo de estragar a leitura, porque tenho certeza, que vou acabar revelando algo que não deveria, se começar a falar algo sobre os personagens.
Com certeza recomendo a leitura deste livro surpreendente e maravilhoso, que merece 1000 estrelinhas. Não perca tempo, vai ler este livro, porque vai valer à pena, cada segundo gasto para devorá-lo.
RECOMENDADÍSSIMO!!!
ADOREI!!!
September 7, 2019
Nights of Danger and Desire
Although not a blood relative, Rhys Canning has been an intimate member of the Dunne family since he was a boy of eleven. In Rhys' heart, Nicholas Dunne and his father Robert filled the role of brother and father better than his own. However, when it came to Kenna Dunne, the role of sister did not quite fit.
As a child, Kenna Dunne was always in and out of some type of mischief. Everyone within the estate accepted her bountiful energy, and they also accepted her hero worship of Rhys, Nicholas and her father. However, she could never seem to think of Rhys as a brother.
I love a well written romantic Regency mystery with a tightly woven plot that flows easily. Velvet Night by Jo Goodman truly fits my enjoyment parameters. It is a lengthy stand-alone novel that spans ten plus years and two continents. In addition to terrific writing and an engrossing plot, the characters are emotionally complex and very likable. It's easy to step into the various scenes and understand the mindset of Rhys and Kenna. However, uncovering the villains is more challenging. In the end, the happy ending is worth the time it takes to read this entertaining book.
Content alert: In addition to several swear words, there are several descriptive sexually intimate scenes. This book also addresses addiction opium and contains mildly descriptive violence.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
Although not a blood relative, Rhys Canning has been an intimate member of the Dunne family since he was a boy of eleven. In Rhys' heart, Nicholas Dunne and his father Robert filled the role of brother and father better than his own. However, when it came to Kenna Dunne, the role of sister did not quite fit.
As a child, Kenna Dunne was always in and out of some type of mischief. Everyone within the estate accepted her bountiful energy, and they also accepted her hero worship of Rhys, Nicholas and her father. However, she could never seem to think of Rhys as a brother.
I love a well written romantic Regency mystery with a tightly woven plot that flows easily. Velvet Night by Jo Goodman truly fits my enjoyment parameters. It is a lengthy stand-alone novel that spans ten plus years and two continents. In addition to terrific writing and an engrossing plot, the characters are emotionally complex and very likable. It's easy to step into the various scenes and understand the mindset of Rhys and Kenna. However, uncovering the villains is more challenging. In the end, the happy ending is worth the time it takes to read this entertaining book.
Content alert: In addition to several swear words, there are several descriptive sexually intimate scenes. This book also addresses addiction opium and contains mildly descriptive violence.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
June 13, 2019
The story opens when Kenna Dunne is thirteen years of age and accidentally witnesses her father's murder before she is knocked out. From that day on, she is troubled by nightmares but always awakens before she discovers the murderer. Family friend Rhys Canning prominently appears in her dreams/nightmares and Kenna believes he's the killer and grows to hate him.
Kenna and Rhys meet again 10 years later. Kenna is starting to remember more of her nightmare and someone wants to silence her. Several attempts are made on her life; Rhys again rescues Kenna, but she's convinced he killed her father.
When the accidents continue to escalate, Rhys takes it upon himself to remove Kenna before she's killed. This book has lots of action and a mystery. Some of the plot points are a bit peculiar and tying up the story calls for a strange resolution. If this had been anyone other than Jo Goodman, I probably wouldn't even have bothered to finish it. This is definitely not one of Goodman's best.
Kenna and Rhys meet again 10 years later. Kenna is starting to remember more of her nightmare and someone wants to silence her. Several attempts are made on her life; Rhys again rescues Kenna, but she's convinced he killed her father.
When the accidents continue to escalate, Rhys takes it upon himself to remove Kenna before she's killed. This book has lots of action and a mystery. Some of the plot points are a bit peculiar and tying up the story calls for a strange resolution. If this had been anyone other than Jo Goodman, I probably wouldn't even have bothered to finish it. This is definitely not one of Goodman's best.
September 17, 2019
In line with other books that I have read by this author, Velvet Night has a strong storyline, some brutality, drama and high adventure. I found the first half of the book difficult to read due to its subject matter, but I persevered and the second half of the book was far more enjoyable. Kenna is a strong personality, even as a child. However, having witnessed her father's murder, she is a shadow of her former self. Nightmares plague her and with each one, more of the truth is revealed, putting her in mortal danger. Rhys Canning will do everything in his power to protect Kenna, and when she is abducted he leaves no stone unturned to find her. Discovering her whereabouts purely by chance makes him realise that the only way to keep her safe is to marry her and remove her from England's borders where everyone believes her to be dead. It takes some persuasion to help Kenna understand that her nightmares may reveal more than she actually understands but eventually she does accept that she may have been mistaken regarding Rhys' role in her father's death. The story is riveting and even when I didn't want to read parts of it, I couldn't put the book down. Although part of a series, this novel is a standalone and does come to a successful close. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
October 2, 2019
Kenna Dunne is a young teen with a new stepmother and stepsister when she sees her new stepmother in a compromising position with her brother’s best friend, Rhys Canning. Later that night, she hears her father get shot and believes Rhys is the culprit. Ten years later, she still believes Rhys is guilty, but she also continues to have nightmares about that night, and she still has a lot of confusion about what she really saw. Someone doesn't want her to remember. As Kenna becomes the victim of several attempts at harming her, Rhys is convinced that she is in danger.
This is a long story. The pacing is consistent and the reader stays engaged through most of it, although it dragged in a few places. The characters are complex and their motives are murky initially, especially Rhys's, but that eventually clears up as the story unfolds. There are some surprises in store for the reader, and the path is not a smooth one. The protagonists have a difficult journey, but they eventually find their HEA ending, and the true culprit is eventually discovered.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
This is a long story. The pacing is consistent and the reader stays engaged through most of it, although it dragged in a few places. The characters are complex and their motives are murky initially, especially Rhys's, but that eventually clears up as the story unfolds. There are some surprises in store for the reader, and the path is not a smooth one. The protagonists have a difficult journey, but they eventually find their HEA ending, and the true culprit is eventually discovered.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
September 18, 2023
Kenna Dunne struggles with conflicting emotions when she falls in love with Rhys Canning, an American spy, despite her belief that he was responsible for her father's death.
This book is a captivating read that keeps you guessing right from the start. The intricate plot weaves a web of suspense with multiple antagonists, making it a challenge to unravel who's responsible for what. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. From the opening pages to the very end, it's a tale that grabs your attention and refuses to let go.
This book is a captivating read that keeps you guessing right from the start. The intricate plot weaves a web of suspense with multiple antagonists, making it a challenge to unravel who's responsible for what. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. From the opening pages to the very end, it's a tale that grabs your attention and refuses to let go.
August 9, 2019
Another epic read
Jo Goodman always delivers and never disappoints. Her books span years and continents and her characters really grow. Although there are some old tropes in the beginning of this, they're handled well and the heroine and hero grow and develop into equals. This is a thrilling read with suspense, believable relationships and a tender love affair. If you like Ms Goodman's books this is definitely another one to add to your collection. Thoroughly recommended.
Jo Goodman always delivers and never disappoints. Her books span years and continents and her characters really grow. Although there are some old tropes in the beginning of this, they're handled well and the heroine and hero grow and develop into equals. This is a thrilling read with suspense, believable relationships and a tender love affair. If you like Ms Goodman's books this is definitely another one to add to your collection. Thoroughly recommended.
July 25, 2020
A very good murder and suspense story.
Looking at the cover you would think it was just another historical romance but you would be wrong. This book is about murder, nightmares, misunderstanding, drama, and suspense add in action, a little domestic discipline, along with love story you have one engaging read. The ending was very eventful I loved it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Looking at the cover you would think it was just another historical romance but you would be wrong. This book is about murder, nightmares, misunderstanding, drama, and suspense add in action, a little domestic discipline, along with love story you have one engaging read. The ending was very eventful I loved it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 1, 2019
Disclosure would have been appropriate
Perhaps a mention of spanking might have been made in the book description, instead of appearing at the 13% mark—-after I’d bought the book. In addition, the H has a mistress that he’s seeing on the side. Yuck. DNF.
If this is the author’s cut, I shudder to imagine how rotten the H was in the original.
Perhaps a mention of spanking might have been made in the book description, instead of appearing at the 13% mark—-after I’d bought the book. In addition, the H has a mistress that he’s seeing on the side. Yuck. DNF.
If this is the author’s cut, I shudder to imagine how rotten the H was in the original.
August 22, 2019
I liked this story very much. It has mystery, adventure, suspense, drama, murder, romance, along with great storytelling and good characters. I like Rhys and Kenna and Alexis and Turner. The story kept my attention from the start to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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