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MacLachlan Family & Friends #2
One Little Sin
National bestselling author Liz Carlyle presents her most tempting romance to date -- a sinfully sensual tug-of-war between heavenly desires and earthly delights....He was a scoundrel, a scamp, and a hopeless skirt-chaser. So it shouldn't have been so surprising when Sir Alasdair awoke after a night of debauchery to see a young lass on his doorstep...with a baby in her arms.She was beautiful, brazen, and utterly bankrupt. So it shouldn't have been so shocking when Miss Hamilton accepted the rogue's scandalous proposal to move in with him...and become the baby's governess.One little sin brought them together. But when one man's wicked charms are matched by one woman's fiery spirit, one little sin can lead to another...and another...and another....
Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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About the author
Liz Carlyle
46 books846 followersDear Readers,
The awful truth about novelists is that we are mostly dull, introverted homebodies who only write in order to live our fantasies vicariously. I came to writing rather late in life, and I’m still amazed I can get paid for doing something I love, and that I get to stay home while I do it.
My favorite comedian Steve Martin once said, "I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art. But if you set out to make art, you’re an idiot." I have never tried to create art, but I do try to tell one heck of a good story. Yes, I try to write with a hot iron, while the heat of the story is in me. And I try, always, to entertain my readers.
Regards,
Liz
The awful truth about novelists is that we are mostly dull, introverted homebodies who only write in order to live our fantasies vicariously. I came to writing rather late in life, and I’m still amazed I can get paid for doing something I love, and that I get to stay home while I do it.
My favorite comedian Steve Martin once said, "I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art. But if you set out to make art, you’re an idiot." I have never tried to create art, but I do try to tell one heck of a good story. Yes, I try to write with a hot iron, while the heat of the story is in me. And I try, always, to entertain my readers.
Regards,
Liz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
July 2, 2011
Ew.
It's weird. I found this book very wrong for me even thou I usually read anything from BDSM to gay HR all around to bodicrippers.
And still,the facts that:
a)The heroine is the half sister of the heroes child-There is something really wrong if you take a penis that was in your mother and you know..gave her a kid!
b)The hero has no recollection of the heroine's mother. The kid looks like his brother and wooho he kind of remembered something...uh...no,wait...lost it again-Talk about an ick factor. He banged your mother while drunk behind a red curtain. Very nice.
And the biggest problem was that I was reading this book at a family picnic. And all the time I just kept staring at my mother. I am 22,like the heroine. My mother is 10-15 years older then 37. She is pretty. Imagine me, having sex with a dude that got to my mom. SHE'S MY MOM!! OMG! DON'T TUCH MY MOTHER YOU CREEPS! Ehm. See my point?
The book was also kind of boring. Nothing really happens. They just exist together and in the end have sex. So...not a good read.
It's weird. I found this book very wrong for me even thou I usually read anything from BDSM to gay HR all around to bodicrippers.
And still,the facts that:
a)The heroine is the half sister of the heroes child-There is something really wrong if you take a penis that was in your mother and you know..gave her a kid!
b)The hero has no recollection of the heroine's mother. The kid looks like his brother and wooho he kind of remembered something...uh...no,wait...lost it again-Talk about an ick factor. He banged your mother while drunk behind a red curtain. Very nice.
And the biggest problem was that I was reading this book at a family picnic. And all the time I just kept staring at my mother. I am 22,like the heroine. My mother is 10-15 years older then 37. She is pretty. Imagine me, having sex with a dude that got to my mom. SHE'S MY MOM!! OMG! DON'T TUCH MY MOTHER YOU CREEPS! Ehm. See my point?
The book was also kind of boring. Nothing really happens. They just exist together and in the end have sex. So...not a good read.
May 15, 2023
H slept with the h’s mom and had a child. The h’s half sister is his daughter. 🫢
July 18, 2019
It wasn't bad, but not my fav of Ms Carlyle's. Somehow the MCs didn't really come to life for me as much as in some of her other books. I wasn't too worried about
I have PB copies of some of the other books in the series, so I might read them at some stage.
I have PB copies of some of the other books in the series, so I might read them at some stage.
August 15, 2011
I generally love Liz Carlyle, this book, however, flopped for me.
**THIS MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SPOILERS**
This story felt disjointed, like LC never found her groove.
I didn't care about the characters and I had to make a lot of assumptions about a relationship developing between them because I was never shown.
I never got to really know Esme. She was supposed to be "a sensible girl" but between all her tears and histrionics, I didn't see it.
Alasdair was the worst kind of man-whore. In fact I had to witness him being with other women (plural) and I don't like that! It was never made clear to me that he stopped sleeping around once he met Esme.
Was he reformed by the end? I sure didn't feel it.
I will try the next in the series. Maybe this suffered from The-First-In-The-Series syndrome??
**THIS MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SPOILERS**
This story felt disjointed, like LC never found her groove.
I didn't care about the characters and I had to make a lot of assumptions about a relationship developing between them because I was never shown.
I never got to really know Esme. She was supposed to be "a sensible girl" but between all her tears and histrionics, I didn't see it.
Alasdair was the worst kind of man-whore. In fact I had to witness him being with other women (plural) and I don't like that! It was never made clear to me that he stopped sleeping around once he met Esme.
Was he reformed by the end? I sure didn't feel it.
I will try the next in the series. Maybe this suffered from The-First-In-The-Series syndrome??
June 12, 2010
This is my first Liz Carlyle book and I have very much enjoyed it, and will be looking for the next book in the series.
Sir Alasdair MacLachlan is very much a rakehell, he drinks too much, cuckolds more husband then he remembers and gambles excessivley. However, that soon changes when Miss Esmee Hamilton shows up at his door with her younger half sister, Sorcha, who she claims is his. After her and Sorcha, her illegitimate baby sister, are thrown out of her step fathers house after her mother dies, Esmee sets off to London to give the baby to her father so Sorcha can live the life she deserves. But when Alasdair makes a bargain with Esmee to stay as the childs governess/nurse she doesn't expect him to worm his way in to her affections by his care of Sorcha and his wicked touch.
The prologue of this book captured my attention starightaway, it show MacLachlan as a complete scoundrel running away from someones husband after he is caught with his pants, quite literally, down. I don't normally like books that feature such out and out rakes, which MacLachlan is quite throughly, so I was quite suprised that I did want to read on. I think this may be inpart due to the writing style, it is very engaging and although this isn't a funny book per se, it is written in such a way that whilst reading I would always have a smile on my face over a certain turn of phrase or what a characters has said. Also as I read on, it slowly shows the the hero growing up a bit, and taking responsibility. So I found as the book progressed that my affection for Alasdair increased along with Esmee's as he slowly showed himself to be a loving father, and able to think of more then just the joy of the moment.
Esmee was also a strong female lead, rejected and thrown out by her step father she trekked from the Highlands down to London to the house of a notrious rogue, just to give her sister a chance at a better life. So she wasn't your typical virgin debutante, she most definately had spirit.
The other cast of characters, such as Lord Wynwood and Alasdair's brother Merrick MacLachlan, were also intriguing and I look forward to reading their books after this as well. Sorcha also is worth mentioning, she was rather sweet, although a complete hellion (as they said in the book) but there were some lovely moments with Alasdair and Sorcha especially torward the end, which show exactly why Esmee fell in love with such a wicked man.
So I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a bad boy/rake as a hero and those who love Historical romances.
Sir Alasdair MacLachlan is very much a rakehell, he drinks too much, cuckolds more husband then he remembers and gambles excessivley. However, that soon changes when Miss Esmee Hamilton shows up at his door with her younger half sister, Sorcha, who she claims is his. After her and Sorcha, her illegitimate baby sister, are thrown out of her step fathers house after her mother dies, Esmee sets off to London to give the baby to her father so Sorcha can live the life she deserves. But when Alasdair makes a bargain with Esmee to stay as the childs governess/nurse she doesn't expect him to worm his way in to her affections by his care of Sorcha and his wicked touch.
The prologue of this book captured my attention starightaway, it show MacLachlan as a complete scoundrel running away from someones husband after he is caught with his pants, quite literally, down. I don't normally like books that feature such out and out rakes, which MacLachlan is quite throughly, so I was quite suprised that I did want to read on. I think this may be inpart due to the writing style, it is very engaging and although this isn't a funny book per se, it is written in such a way that whilst reading I would always have a smile on my face over a certain turn of phrase or what a characters has said. Also as I read on, it slowly shows the the hero growing up a bit, and taking responsibility. So I found as the book progressed that my affection for Alasdair increased along with Esmee's as he slowly showed himself to be a loving father, and able to think of more then just the joy of the moment.
Esmee was also a strong female lead, rejected and thrown out by her step father she trekked from the Highlands down to London to the house of a notrious rogue, just to give her sister a chance at a better life. So she wasn't your typical virgin debutante, she most definately had spirit.
The other cast of characters, such as Lord Wynwood and Alasdair's brother Merrick MacLachlan, were also intriguing and I look forward to reading their books after this as well. Sorcha also is worth mentioning, she was rather sweet, although a complete hellion (as they said in the book) but there were some lovely moments with Alasdair and Sorcha especially torward the end, which show exactly why Esmee fell in love with such a wicked man.
So I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a bad boy/rake as a hero and those who love Historical romances.
January 22, 2019
(Second reading 2019) Wonderful story! I was smiling all the way through it. Many laugh-out-loud scenes, Alasdair and Esmee are both delightful, and the toddler Sorcha is just priceless (very well characterized). Esmee grows up fast and has a lot of wisdom despite her young age and inexperience. Highly recommended.
****************
(First reading 2012) The book has its moments, but in the end it did not fully gel for me. The hero Alasdair is supposedly the rakish father of the heroine Esmee's baby half-sister, conceived during a drunken New Year's Eve ball, and the story takes place because Esmee and the baby were kicked out of her stepfather's house after Esmee's mother dies. Esmee decides her only option is to find the baby's father and have him take responsibility for the child. When Esmee and the baby show up on Alasdair's doorstep, Alasdair agrees to take them in, and gradually falls in love with both the baby (as a parent) and Esmee (as a lover).
The whole aspect of Alasdair falling in love with his own child's half-sister was a bit squicky for me and I wish that the truth about the baby's father had come out a lot earlier, but then there wouldn't have been much of a story to tell ... The difference in age (14 years) and life experience (huge vs none) between Alasdair and Esmee also posed a difficulty for me in believing that the two of them could come together as equals in a relationship.
****************
(First reading 2012) The book has its moments, but in the end it did not fully gel for me. The hero Alasdair is supposedly the rakish father of the heroine Esmee's baby half-sister, conceived during a drunken New Year's Eve ball, and the story takes place because Esmee and the baby were kicked out of her stepfather's house after Esmee's mother dies. Esmee decides her only option is to find the baby's father and have him take responsibility for the child. When Esmee and the baby show up on Alasdair's doorstep, Alasdair agrees to take them in, and gradually falls in love with both the baby (as a parent) and Esmee (as a lover).
The whole aspect of Alasdair falling in love with his own child's half-sister was a bit squicky for me and I wish that the truth about the baby's father had come out a lot earlier, but then there wouldn't have been much of a story to tell ... The difference in age (14 years) and life experience (huge vs none) between Alasdair and Esmee also posed a difficulty for me in believing that the two of them could come together as equals in a relationship.
July 14, 2024
Ammetto che il prequel di questa serie si è rivelato così brutto, che ho evitato di recensirlo dopo la lettura. Discorso diverso va fatto per la trilogia "Little", di cui questo è il primo volume, molto accattivante, divertente e apprezzabile.
Tutto parte con la predizione, non proprio rosea, di una zingara a tre giovani gentiluomini, due fratelli e un loro amico. Neanche a farlo apposta, la sera stessa giunge alla dimora londinese di Alasdair MacLachlan una visitatrice inaspettata, ovvero una giovane impoverita con un fagottino al seguito, e quel fagottino parrebbe proprio una figlia illegittima di Alasdair. Il quale, a sua discolpa, non ricorda nulla, perso in un turbinio confuso di feste, ubriacature, partite a carta, e ancora tanto alcol e plurime amanti.
A trentasei anni, è ricco, titolato, e ferocemente convinto di non voler responsabilità, né legami seri.
Ma una duenne, si sa, è in grado di piegare qualunque resistenza, soprattutto se è sveglia, viziata, cocciuta, e si trova insieme con l'altrettanto testarda sorellastra. Basta poco per essere travolti, senza accorgersene.
E se l'accettazione della paternità di Sorsha è facile, ci vorrà più impegno per convincere Esmée di essere in grado di poter mettere la testa a posto.
Ho preferito la prima parte, a base di capricci e di rituali familiari, piuttosto che la seconda, che è una classica rincorsa d'amore, ma era giusto che Alasdair si guadagnasse la propria svolta esistenziale. Ora sono curiosa di vedere la profezia all'opera per gli altri due giovanotti.
Tutto parte con la predizione, non proprio rosea, di una zingara a tre giovani gentiluomini, due fratelli e un loro amico. Neanche a farlo apposta, la sera stessa giunge alla dimora londinese di Alasdair MacLachlan una visitatrice inaspettata, ovvero una giovane impoverita con un fagottino al seguito, e quel fagottino parrebbe proprio una figlia illegittima di Alasdair. Il quale, a sua discolpa, non ricorda nulla, perso in un turbinio confuso di feste, ubriacature, partite a carta, e ancora tanto alcol e plurime amanti.
A trentasei anni, è ricco, titolato, e ferocemente convinto di non voler responsabilità, né legami seri.
Ma una duenne, si sa, è in grado di piegare qualunque resistenza, soprattutto se è sveglia, viziata, cocciuta, e si trova insieme con l'altrettanto testarda sorellastra. Basta poco per essere travolti, senza accorgersene.
E se l'accettazione della paternità di Sorsha è facile, ci vorrà più impegno per convincere Esmée di essere in grado di poter mettere la testa a posto.
Ho preferito la prima parte, a base di capricci e di rituali familiari, piuttosto che la seconda, che è una classica rincorsa d'amore, ma era giusto che Alasdair si guadagnasse la propria svolta esistenziale. Ora sono curiosa di vedere la profezia all'opera per gli altri due giovanotti.
September 16, 2021
This was... pretty bad. Horrible premise, horrible hero. Heroine was great except for the fact that she thinks it's ok to sleep with the person you believe to have slept with your mother two years ago and fathered your half sister.
He didn't grovel and we didn't see enough of his redemption to believe he's changed. Honestly I didn't care enough about him or this story to remember it beyond writing this review. First book I've read by Carlyle and I have to say it was a doozy. The writing was solid though so I would definitely be willing to try something else by her in the future.
He didn't grovel and we didn't see enough of his redemption to believe he's changed. Honestly I didn't care enough about him or this story to remember it beyond writing this review. First book I've read by Carlyle and I have to say it was a doozy. The writing was solid though so I would definitely be willing to try something else by her in the future.
April 23, 2012
This is the first book by Liz Carlyle that I've read and while I liked her writing style ,the story didn't really keep my interest. I'll probably read her again but I wont continue this series.
Alisdair (H) is as wild as many young titled young men......maybe more so. He loves to drink, game and love the women. One day, as he's running from an angry husband, he and his friends hide in a fortune teller's tent. When the woman tells him his fortune, that "his chicks will come home to roost" ,he doesn't believe her. However , the next thing he knows a young woman shows up at his door with a baby girl claiming that he's the father.
Esmee (h) has no other choice but to seek out the man who her mother claimed was her baby sister's father. When her mother died, Esmee's stepfather, knowing the baby didn't belong to him,tossed them both out and with no other family other than an Aunt who was out of the country, she had no one else to turn to.
This story wasn't anything new,just kind of the same old thing I've read before. Alissair fights his feelings for Esmee because they are new and so different from what he is used to. Esmee fights her feelings for Alisdair because she fears she's like her mother and because he's her sister's father.
I guess I was just looking for something fresh....new. :-/
Alisdair (H) is as wild as many young titled young men......maybe more so. He loves to drink, game and love the women. One day, as he's running from an angry husband, he and his friends hide in a fortune teller's tent. When the woman tells him his fortune, that "his chicks will come home to roost" ,he doesn't believe her. However , the next thing he knows a young woman shows up at his door with a baby girl claiming that he's the father.
Esmee (h) has no other choice but to seek out the man who her mother claimed was her baby sister's father. When her mother died, Esmee's stepfather, knowing the baby didn't belong to him,tossed them both out and with no other family other than an Aunt who was out of the country, she had no one else to turn to.
This story wasn't anything new,just kind of the same old thing I've read before. Alissair fights his feelings for Esmee because they are new and so different from what he is used to. Esmee fights her feelings for Alisdair because she fears she's like her mother and because he's her sister's father.
I guess I was just looking for something fresh....new. :-/
October 6, 2010
Alasdair is a hard-drinking, gambling womaniser who is living his life without a care in the world. That changes when Esmee and her baby half-sister turn up at his doorstep and Esmee claims the little one is his daughter. Reluctantly Alasdair takes them both in and realizes slowly that there may be more to life than whiskey, women and cards.
I really enjoyed this story, often smiling to myself while reading due to Carlyles witty writing style.
Alasdair started out as a right scoundrel but he grew on me throughout the book. It was lovely to see his softer, caring side come out the more he bonded with the little "minx" Sorcha and acknowledged his budding feelings for Esmee. Esmee herself was a great, headstrong heroine who I liked from the beginning.
I really enjoyed this story, often smiling to myself while reading due to Carlyles witty writing style.
Alasdair started out as a right scoundrel but he grew on me throughout the book. It was lovely to see his softer, caring side come out the more he bonded with the little "minx" Sorcha and acknowledged his budding feelings for Esmee. Esmee herself was a great, headstrong heroine who I liked from the beginning.
June 12, 2011
I would say more like a 2.5. While I don't mind bad boy heroes, this one had virtually no redeeming qualities. The attraction between the leads came out of nowhere and was questionable. Not to mention the kid. I think the worst thing was that Ew. Ew. Ew. Gross.
That being said, I think I would give Carlyle another try. Her writing style is good and she wrote some pretty funny scenes. I think her storyline was certainly...unique.
That being said, I think I would give Carlyle another try. Her writing style is good and she wrote some pretty funny scenes. I think her storyline was certainly...unique.
July 31, 2010
Not one of my favs of LC. Alasdar was such an immature jerk in the beginning that I found it hard to believe in his redemption in the end. I also had a hard time believing in Esme's and his romance. Plus I never had enough background on him to understand why he was the way he was. Him or his brother. Because of my compulsive nature, I will finish the series, but I hope it doesn't end up going down like bad tasting medicine.
June 2, 2021
It's been really funny so far 🤣 to pg 60
Very enjoyable. Very funny.
Will definitely read 📚again.
Very enjoyable. Very funny.
Will definitely read 📚again.
August 24, 2013
Sir Alasdair MacLachlan is a rogue of the worst sort. A man who lives from night to night, drowning himself not only in drink, but whatever illicit activity he might find, the worse the better. It hasn't been the harsh cruelties of the world which have driven him to these ends, just the contrary. Alasdair knows he can make no complaints, by any stretch of the imagination, when it comes to the love of family and the protective folds of fortune. He has never wanted for anything, and his "comeuppance" Granny MacGregor had always promised still eluded him. Cards and women have been his constant companions these many years with no thought to consequence. Therefore, when a young woman appears on his doorstep, small child in hand, all his hard-won experience betrays him and leaves his head spinning in utter confusion and disbelief. The infamous Alasdair MacLachlan has been reduced to a gawking mute! The small woman standing in front of him is anything but mute.
Esmee Hamilton can't believe this disheveled, very used-looking aristocrat in front of her is the sire of her dear, wee sister! However, nothing should surprise her at this point when it comes to her mother's fickle choices and activities. God forgive her for speaking ill of the dead. Esmee will see her sister settled and secure, and this person before her will take up his obligation on every level. This she will see done, if it takes the last breath from her dying body. However, the last thing Esmee expected was the offer made by this scandal-seeking rogue. Although all her wits tell her it's a deal with the devil, it's a sacrifice she is willing to make to be able to be by her sister's side. Even so, she has wit enough to finagle an insurance policy from the desperate reprobate. Esmee has yet to see that there are things far more dear to protect and secure than a financial future.
After reading this thoroughly entertaining romance, I am reminded how much I enjoy the writing style of Liz Carlyle. She imbues her characters with so much humorous wit that the tone of her stories make reading them so enjoyable. So many chuckles throughout the book, it is easy to turn page after page. It is a real talent to be able to weave such humor with a lustful, romance between characters that burn the pages with their intense passion. A sure 4.5-star rating! Liz Carlyle is truly one of my favorite historical romance authors.
Esmee Hamilton can't believe this disheveled, very used-looking aristocrat in front of her is the sire of her dear, wee sister! However, nothing should surprise her at this point when it comes to her mother's fickle choices and activities. God forgive her for speaking ill of the dead. Esmee will see her sister settled and secure, and this person before her will take up his obligation on every level. This she will see done, if it takes the last breath from her dying body. However, the last thing Esmee expected was the offer made by this scandal-seeking rogue. Although all her wits tell her it's a deal with the devil, it's a sacrifice she is willing to make to be able to be by her sister's side. Even so, she has wit enough to finagle an insurance policy from the desperate reprobate. Esmee has yet to see that there are things far more dear to protect and secure than a financial future.
After reading this thoroughly entertaining romance, I am reminded how much I enjoy the writing style of Liz Carlyle. She imbues her characters with so much humorous wit that the tone of her stories make reading them so enjoyable. So many chuckles throughout the book, it is easy to turn page after page. It is a real talent to be able to weave such humor with a lustful, romance between characters that burn the pages with their intense passion. A sure 4.5-star rating! Liz Carlyle is truly one of my favorite historical romance authors.
July 14, 2011
Homeless and penniless, she brought her baby sister to the hopeless scoundrel who had fathered her - except things don't go as planned. Sir Alasdair MacLachlan is shocked to find the woman, Esme Hamilton and baby sister Sorcha on his doorstep.
This was one of the best romances I've read in a while. I liked both protagonists: both were flawed with strengths underneath and yet neither were overdone, as is the case so often. The story offered a few interesting twists - nearly all of which were predictable but enjoyable nontheless. This author has obviously read Austen; there were Austenesque turns to the plot and even the mention of an attorney in Gracechurch Street - another hint of Austen. There were the hint of ridiculousness in some characters, but none of them were overblown or without depth. This was especially true with Esme's Aunt Rowena, who, though overbearing, truly did want happiness for her niece - a trait that was not obvious earlier on.
Alasdair's change and maturing was well paced and reasonable. Layers were exposed as the story progressed and not all upfront.
Aside from all this it was a fun read I had a hard time putting down - especially as the ending didn't come until truly the end, which kept the angst level notched up. I really enjoyed this overall. Also: well balanced descriptions.
This was one of the best romances I've read in a while. I liked both protagonists: both were flawed with strengths underneath and yet neither were overdone, as is the case so often. The story offered a few interesting twists - nearly all of which were predictable but enjoyable nontheless. This author has obviously read Austen; there were Austenesque turns to the plot and even the mention of an attorney in Gracechurch Street - another hint of Austen. There were the hint of ridiculousness in some characters, but none of them were overblown or without depth. This was especially true with Esme's Aunt Rowena, who, though overbearing, truly did want happiness for her niece - a trait that was not obvious earlier on.
Alasdair's change and maturing was well paced and reasonable. Layers were exposed as the story progressed and not all upfront.
Aside from all this it was a fun read I had a hard time putting down - especially as the ending didn't come until truly the end, which kept the angst level notched up. I really enjoyed this overall. Also: well balanced descriptions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2012
I picked this up in a Longs as a Last Resort during a Lunch Hour where I had forgotten any book. And I hadn't received Robini's shipment. This was the least offensive and most intriguing cover there was.
This book was seriously okay. It had some good moments and some terrible ones. There was a lot of convenient plot devices, though thankfully the child (not the heroine's daughter, her half-sister and by-blow of the hero) was not one of them. The child was actually willful and two-year-old, which was nice. However, the book was highly predictable.
There was some squick for me when the hero & heroine got together. I mean, this man was her mother's lover (for one night, that he doesn't even remember). ICK! Of course, all turned out alright . The romance was cute, the scenes were sweet, but there was almost like a checklist going on. And by checklist I mean the type of "H&H must kiss by page X, fight by page Y, have sex anyway by page Z, etc." The "misunderstandings" suffered by the H&H in this book were pushing my limits of "WHY DON'T YOU ASK RATHER THAN ASSUME!" This is the first book in a series, but I don't think I'll read the next one. This was the first book I've read by Liz Carlyle, and I thought I had recalled good reviews of her from SBTB, but I can't find any.
This book was seriously okay. It had some good moments and some terrible ones. There was a lot of convenient plot devices, though thankfully the child (not the heroine's daughter, her half-sister and by-blow of the hero) was not one of them. The child was actually willful and two-year-old, which was nice. However, the book was highly predictable.
There was some squick for me when the hero & heroine got together. I mean, this man was her mother's lover (for one night, that he doesn't even remember). ICK! Of course, all turned out alright . The romance was cute, the scenes were sweet, but there was almost like a checklist going on. And by checklist I mean the type of "H&H must kiss by page X, fight by page Y, have sex anyway by page Z, etc." The "misunderstandings" suffered by the H&H in this book were pushing my limits of "WHY DON'T YOU ASK RATHER THAN ASSUME!" This is the first book in a series, but I don't think I'll read the next one. This was the first book I've read by Liz Carlyle, and I thought I had recalled good reviews of her from SBTB, but I can't find any.
March 7, 2012
Okay, so I only gave this book 50 pages. I didn't like either of the main characters. The hero is a rakeshell--not that I haven't read and liked others of that ilk--but he also came across as, well . . . how to put this. Not so bright. I also had credibility problems with the heroine. She's been taking care of her half-sister for a while but she doesn't seem to know anything about what she should do with the kid or what the kid needs. There's also the ick factor that the "hero" is her half-sister's father. Eww. Just no.
I think I'll reread a Merideth Duran novel.
I think I'll reread a Merideth Duran novel.
May 28, 2022
Liz Carlyle is a terrific author and I am slowly working my way through her body of work. What I love about Carlyle is the talent with which she transports and immerses me in the story through her descriptive writing that sees to the heart of the characters she is bringing to life from the page.
Unfortunately, this book is the first one that left me feeling disappointed in the characters. I did not connect with either of them. I am all for a rake and a scoundrel who becomes reformed, but Alasdair's reformation did not feel like a natural progression and he was never redeemed in my eyes (other than his commitment and connection with his daughter, Sorcha).
This book also falls under the category of a romance in which the couple are instantly attracted to one another, and then exist separately for a good portion of the novel (she is engaged to someone else in the last quarter of the book). It lacked the building blocks that I needed to witness in order to believe in the changes that came about with Alasdair. I also just didn't respect him as a man.
4 stars for the writing and 2 stars for the characters= 3 stars
CW/TW: Hero is intimate with mistress after meeting the heroine, a child is seriously injured in an accident, fire emergency/situation, hero still hanging around one of his mistresses late in the novel (no infidelity).
Unfortunately, this book is the first one that left me feeling disappointed in the characters. I did not connect with either of them. I am all for a rake and a scoundrel who becomes reformed, but Alasdair's reformation did not feel like a natural progression and he was never redeemed in my eyes (other than his commitment and connection with his daughter, Sorcha).
This book also falls under the category of a romance in which the couple are instantly attracted to one another, and then exist separately for a good portion of the novel (she is engaged to someone else in the last quarter of the book). It lacked the building blocks that I needed to witness in order to believe in the changes that came about with Alasdair. I also just didn't respect him as a man.
4 stars for the writing and 2 stars for the characters= 3 stars
CW/TW: Hero is intimate with mistress after meeting the heroine, a child is seriously injured in an accident, fire emergency/situation, hero still hanging around one of his mistresses late in the novel (no infidelity).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2020
I don't buy the romance between Alasdair and Esmee. Alasdair is not a great character. He is an irresponsible womanizer, he is claimed to be good in math but just that. He never use it in his life, except for playing cards. I don't know Ms. Carlyle bother to give him that talent. But Esmee is worse. She is a penniless girl come to bring Alasdair's daughter who happen to be her own sister. After Alasdair give her a job, she throw herself at him, her mother's lover, and after that has an audacity that Alasdair has feelings for her. I can't believe that girl, no honor and shame at all. Almost all through the book, I must force myself to keep on reading
This not my first book by Liz Carlyle, I quite enjoyed "A Woman Scorned" and "Beauty Like The Night", but thanks to this one this might be my last one.
This not my first book by Liz Carlyle, I quite enjoyed "A Woman Scorned" and "Beauty Like The Night", but thanks to this one this might be my last one.
January 11, 2025
หนังสือที่อ่อนที่สุดที่เธอเคยเขียน ไม่ได้มีอะไรเลวร้ายอย่างที่คะแนนบอกหรอกนะคะ แต่ถ้าเทียบกับมาตรฐานของลิซแล้ว สอบตกค่ะ เพียงแม็กซ์ก็ไม่อาจรับประกันได้ว่า ถ้ามีโอกาสได้อ่านอีกรอบ (ซึ่งคงยาก) คะแนนก็อาจถูกรีวิวก็ได้ เหมือนอย่างที่เคยทำไปแล้วกับ NTG อะไรที่ทำให้เรื่องนี้ไม่เวิร์ค อันดับแรกก็คงเป็นพล็อตชนิดที่ไม่โดนเอาเสียเลย เมื่อพระเอกแก่กว่านางเอกสิบกว่าปี (เกือบสิบห้า) เรื่องของเพลย์บอยที่ชื่อเสียงเสียกะฉ่อน กับเด็กสาวสวยใสบริสุทธิ์ที่จำต้องมาอยู่บ้านหลังเดียวกับเขา เรื่องราวที่ดูเหมือนจะเป็นสูตรสำเร็จที่แม็กซ์ดันไม่ชอบ ความเป็นสุภาพบุรุษที่มากเกินไปของพระเอก ซึ่งถ้าดีแตกเสียหน่อย แม็กซ์อาจจะขึ้นคะแนนให้ก็ได้ ที่กว่าจะคิดได้ว่า ตัวเองก็เหมาะสมกับนางเอกเหมือนกันก็ช้าไปแล้ว
February 9, 2024
Charming story and great dialogue. A gypsy fortune-teller predicts rogue Alasdair he will pay for his sins -- and he proceeds to do so, when a baby unexpectedy appears at his doorstep, with a young lady who says the baby is his. What can he do but hire her? His new governess is wonderfully wrong for Alasdair but tugs at his heart. A fine romp with great characters and a plot that takes some unexpected twists.
September 23, 2017
I would have given this book 4 or even five stars however once our heroine's aunt comes back I felt the story lost a lot of its charm.
December 3, 2020
3.5 stars
Came to this after A Woman Scorned so I didn't enjoy it as much. The hero was a charmer, gambler and leg over chap especially when drunk, which was often. Esmee seemed a bit 2D. Was the lie that she was in fact an heiress and not impoverished...or what the hero was getting up to when he was seducing Esmee's mother?
Came to this after A Woman Scorned so I didn't enjoy it as much. The hero was a charmer, gambler and leg over chap especially when drunk, which was often. Esmee seemed a bit 2D. Was the lie that she was in fact an heiress and not impoverished...or what the hero was getting up to when he was seducing Esmee's mother?
July 22, 2021
This book had too much ewwww instead of ooooh. First, the lead male character (no hero he) is way past rake into sexual addict territory, indiscriminately promiscuous with "hundreds" of previous sexual partners, including the heroine's mother whom he doesn't even remember but who named him the father of her younger daughter. How can he possibly have avoided disease with those numbers?
Knowing it's wrong, he hires Esmee the older daughter as a live-in caregiver to her half-sister/his illegitimate daughter Sorcha. When the toddler lies severely injured, the two of them give each other mutual orgasms while conserving Esmee's technical virginity. Comforting each other over the "trauma" is what supposedly put them in bed together. How distasteful in many ways. There's no coming back from that. DNF
Knowing it's wrong, he hires Esmee the older daughter as a live-in caregiver to her half-sister/his illegitimate daughter Sorcha. When the toddler lies severely injured, the two of them give each other mutual orgasms while conserving Esmee's technical virginity. Comforting each other over the "trauma" is what supposedly put them in bed together. How distasteful in many ways. There's no coming back from that. DNF
October 5, 2023
Cracking good story
Liz Carlyle has interesting story lines in all her books, and this one is no exception.
Esmee Hamilton and her toddler sister are thrown out of her stepfather's home after her mother suddenly dies, leaving Esmee to find her sister Sorcha's real father, who has no idea that he fathered a child. And who had n plans to marry or have offspring. A good tale.
Liz Carlyle has interesting story lines in all her books, and this one is no exception.
Esmee Hamilton and her toddler sister are thrown out of her stepfather's home after her mother suddenly dies, leaving Esmee to find her sister Sorcha's real father, who has no idea that he fathered a child. And who had n plans to marry or have offspring. A good tale.
May 23, 2017
Sweet Esmée! And I just loved to know better Sir Alaisdair! Oh, my heart almost broke when Uncle Angus arrived, somehow I just knew something like that would happen! But, the book is beautiful and we can feel the sedate pace that Esmée life gets after she moves to Grosvenor Square.
May 28, 2017
OMG. The heroine's infant half sister is the hero's bastard daughter. Need I say more. The two stars are for the quality of writing. The writing is actually better than two stars but I had to factor in the negative rating because THE HEROINE'S INFANT HALF-SISTER IS THE HERO'S BASTARD DAUGHTER!!!!!!
April 3, 2020
This is my first time to read a Liz Carlyle book and I really enjoyed it. I will be looking to read some other books in the MacLachlan Family series. The characters were delightful and there were many surprises in the plot.
June 4, 2024
This was a good story with two protagonists that are working to make their lives better. The plot is interesting and the secondary characters are well developed and add to the reading experience. This is an entertaining novel and I recommend it, your time will not be wasted.
August 31, 2017
I enjoyed reading.
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