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Turbulent Covenant
Panic made her say Ben's name
Blind panic had made Tiffany tell her aunt she was engaged to airline captain Ben Maxwell. Then the simple white lie started to snowball.
First Ben insisted that to avoid embarrassment they let the engagement stand indefinitely. Then he decided that they must marry. He had his own reasons, but even a marriage in name only was more than Tiffany could agree to.
But Ben was a very persuasive man....
Blind panic had made Tiffany tell her aunt she was engaged to airline captain Ben Maxwell. Then the simple white lie started to snowball.
First Ben insisted that to avoid embarrassment they let the engagement stand indefinitely. Then he decided that they must marry. He had his own reasons, but even a marriage in name only was more than Tiffany could agree to.
But Ben was a very persuasive man....
191 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
About the author
Jessica Steele
341 books113 followersJessica Steele was born on May 9, 1933 in the elegant Warwickshire town of Royal Leamington Spa. She has two super brothers, Colin and George, and a lovely sister, Elizabeth. She was a delicate child and missed a lot of school. In fact, she left school at aged 14, when she was diagnosed as having tuberculosis. At 16, she started work as a junior clerk. In 1967, Jessica married with her husband, Peter and within a very short space of time they had moved from her hometown to the lovely area where they now live. Their house is built into the side of a hill, and has beautiful views over more hills and valleys. Her brothers and her sister are very close and she has plenty of nephews and nieces to make up for the fact that she and her husband have no children of their own. Both she and her husband are more than a little dog-oriented, and their current dog is a Staffordshire bull terrier named Florence. Florence is gorgeous. She loves everybody but, since she is 40 pounds of dynamite and would hurl her boisterous self at everyone she meets - given half a chance - she has to be restrained (as much as possible). She is fun.
Her husband spurred Jessica on to her writing career, giving her every support while she did what she considers her five-year apprenticeship (the rejection years) while learning how to write. She published her first books in 1979. Jessica has tried using a typewriter, but it just doesn't work for her. She is much happier writing in longhand, and in actual fact has a dozen or so fountain pens filled and ready to go at the start of any one session. A friend has a secretarial agency and, after deciphering Jessica's writing, returns an immaculately typed manuscript. To gain authentic background for her books, she has travelled and researched in Greece, Russia, Egypt, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Hong Kong, China and Japan.
Her husband spurred Jessica on to her writing career, giving her every support while she did what she considers her five-year apprenticeship (the rejection years) while learning how to write. She published her first books in 1979. Jessica has tried using a typewriter, but it just doesn't work for her. She is much happier writing in longhand, and in actual fact has a dozen or so fountain pens filled and ready to go at the start of any one session. A friend has a secretarial agency and, after deciphering Jessica's writing, returns an immaculately typed manuscript. To gain authentic background for her books, she has travelled and researched in Greece, Russia, Egypt, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Hong Kong, China and Japan.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 8, 2017
Review of book read years ago.
The H and h are a pilot and stewardess who sometimes work on the same flights where he often serves as the flight's captain. He has always been brusque and growly with her. I think it's like the case of little boys who conceal their grand crush for little girls by being deliberately mean to the objects of their love. Lol.
This was a cute little romance with lots of forced passionate kisses, a prideful hero and a heroine who will do anything for her aunt. Great chemistry between the MC's.
The H and h are a pilot and stewardess who sometimes work on the same flights where he often serves as the flight's captain. He has always been brusque and growly with her. I think it's like the case of little boys who conceal their grand crush for little girls by being deliberately mean to the objects of their love. Lol.
This was a cute little romance with lots of forced passionate kisses, a prideful hero and a heroine who will do anything for her aunt. Great chemistry between the MC's.
May 12, 2014
Kept me entertained. Very old fashioned though. This heroine was a very determined virgin. I liked the airplane setting though. Pilots and air hostesses. How thrilling that was back in 1970! Still she did show what a tough life it is. Would have liked just a bit more passion between the hero and the heroine.
November 1, 2015
This book. Good grief. I picked it up on my last trip to visit my parents, because I have no self-control in the book section of secondhand shops and because I found (and still find) the cover interesting. It was published in 1980, which is just close enough to the 70s for my tastes, and yes, I go into reading older Harlequins with the understanding that times were different then, and the...feel...of romance novels was different then.
But.
Does this read as romance to you?
'I w-was—that is, I...' she tried again, and felt real fear when his hands left her arms to settle round her throat. 'Be reasonable, Ben,' she fought to hide her fear. 'You know m-my aunt is all dewy-eyed over us. She's g-going to be terribly upset wh-when we split up.' The fingers round her throat tightened at her last word, taking the rest of her explanation from her as she gasped, 'Please, Ben—you're choking me!'
Only then did the mists of his rage let up slightly, and he looked at her grim-faced, as he let his hands fall. 'We'll split up when I say so, and not before,' he bit at her. 'God, you make me so mad I could cheerfully throttle you!' (152)
Or this?
'No, Ben!' she screamed, and was ignored, felt his hands at the zip of her jeans and heard a ripping sound as they were dragged from her and tossed in a pile with her other things. Then his mouth was again on hers, punishingly forcing her lips apart.
The worst part of it all, the thought passed dimly through her mind, was that if he didn't stop soon it wouldn't be rape, for he was arousing in her feelings she didn't want, and not only was she fighting against him but against the response she knew she would give him if he didn't stop soon. (157–158)
There isn't a 'no' strong enough for this. Look, I understand that society's understanding of rape was even more cracked up in 1980 than it is now, but just because someone's body is responding doesn't make it any less of a rape. There's a lot more—the 'hero' threatens Tiffany, menaces her, gives her ample reason to fear him. He blames her for another guy assaulting her. He is, no exaggeration, the single rapiest hero I've come across in a published romance. What's so striking to me is that, although they're married for most of the book, there's no actual intercourse—suggesting that attempted rape was a more acceptable thing to write about than consensual sex.
Not giving this one back to a secondhand shop because I'm not willing to subject anyone else to it.
But.
Does this read as romance to you?
'I w-was—that is, I...' she tried again, and felt real fear when his hands left her arms to settle round her throat. 'Be reasonable, Ben,' she fought to hide her fear. 'You know m-my aunt is all dewy-eyed over us. She's g-going to be terribly upset wh-when we split up.' The fingers round her throat tightened at her last word, taking the rest of her explanation from her as she gasped, 'Please, Ben—you're choking me!'
Only then did the mists of his rage let up slightly, and he looked at her grim-faced, as he let his hands fall. 'We'll split up when I say so, and not before,' he bit at her. 'God, you make me so mad I could cheerfully throttle you!' (152)
Or this?
'No, Ben!' she screamed, and was ignored, felt his hands at the zip of her jeans and heard a ripping sound as they were dragged from her and tossed in a pile with her other things. Then his mouth was again on hers, punishingly forcing her lips apart.
The worst part of it all, the thought passed dimly through her mind, was that if he didn't stop soon it wouldn't be rape, for he was arousing in her feelings she didn't want, and not only was she fighting against him but against the response she knew she would give him if he didn't stop soon. (157–158)
There isn't a 'no' strong enough for this. Look, I understand that society's understanding of rape was even more cracked up in 1980 than it is now, but just because someone's body is responding doesn't make it any less of a rape. There's a lot more—the 'hero' threatens Tiffany, menaces her, gives her ample reason to fear him. He blames her for another guy assaulting her. He is, no exaggeration, the single rapiest hero I've come across in a published romance. What's so striking to me is that, although they're married for most of the book, there's no actual intercourse—suggesting that attempted rape was a more acceptable thing to write about than consensual sex.
Not giving this one back to a secondhand shop because I'm not willing to subject anyone else to it.
January 15, 2021
Panic made her say Ben's name
Blind panic had made Tiffany tell her aunt she was engaged to airline captain Ben Maxwell. Then the simple white lie started to snowball.
First Ben insisted that to avoid embarrassment they let the engagement stand indefinitely. Then he decided that they must marry. He had his own reasons, but even a marriage in name only was more than Tiffany could agree to.
But Ben was a very persuasive man.
Blind panic had made Tiffany tell her aunt she was engaged to airline captain Ben Maxwell. Then the simple white lie started to snowball.
First Ben insisted that to avoid embarrassment they let the engagement stand indefinitely. Then he decided that they must marry. He had his own reasons, but even a marriage in name only was more than Tiffany could agree to.
But Ben was a very persuasive man.
March 1, 2009
This was a truly disturbing romantic novel. I know it's old enough that there's differences in gender role ideas. so I managed to overlook the book's obsession with sex in marriage only (okay) and the main character's virginity (weird). but at least twice in this book the "hero" nearly raped the heroine in a fit of rage, and he is constantly grabbing her angrily, hurting her and leaving bruises. how can you cheer for a couple that fights and misunderstands each other the whole way through, has an abusive relationship, and then realize they're in love, so "it's all okay"? just disturbing.
April 4, 2025
Air hostess (24) has anxiety issues which leads to fake engagement with pilot (30s) and then a marriage of convenience. Here follows months and months of their schedules causing them to rarely see each other and not much happening.
It’s a little dreary and so unglamorous, and I felt glad for them that he’s going to retire to take over the family estate (very handy) and she can chill the hell out. After he becomes a hero by saving a plane full of passengers of course.
Hero is a cold fish and the heroine is flakey.
2 1/2 stars
It’s a little dreary and so unglamorous, and I felt glad for them that he’s going to retire to take over the family estate (very handy) and she can chill the hell out. After he becomes a hero by saving a plane full of passengers of course.
Hero is a cold fish and the heroine is flakey.
2 1/2 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2020
I think I just read too many books by Jessica Steele in too short a time (4 in 2 days) as this one just didn't do anything for me. Heroine Tiffany is too dumb to breathe.
December 2, 2020
2.75 starsss
Suka sama character hero nya yang ternyata seorang pilot. Ga suka sama heroine yang terlalu naif pemalu dan merendahkan diri banget..
Suka sama character hero nya yang ternyata seorang pilot. Ga suka sama heroine yang terlalu naif pemalu dan merendahkan diri banget..
September 21, 2022
Was just ok.
December 2, 2012
This is the only Jessica Steele novel that I rated with fewer than 3 stars. Most of her books get 3-5 stars from me, but this one was disappointing. The hero was too cold and mean.
Jessica Steele is on auto buy for me, but she doesn't write much anymore. She is now about 80 years old, sad to say.
Steele is a quirky writer, in terms of syntax, grammar, etc. Her sentence construction is ... unusual.
But she is among the best at Hqn in terms of storytelling, dialogue, and sexual tension. Also, her characters make me chuckle sometimes. I love her books, even the ones I only rate three stars are good.
Most of Jessica Steele's books follow a pattern, or formula. The plot goes something like this: Her heroes are always wealthy, world-wise, dashing, and debonaire, like Cary Grant. Her heroines are always beautiful virgins, so no sex (usually) and the wanting always drives the heroes nuts. But usually, the hero starts off on the wrong foot, thinking the gal did something terrible (embezzle, cheat, steal, sleep around, etc), so he is nasty, cold and ruthless. Steele's heroes always endure internal conflict, because they think they are falling in love with a dishonorable woman, a shady character! So they blow hot and cold and generally mess it all up. Ha ha! Later, when they realize how wrong they've been, they sweat it out! Sometimes they grovel - I like a good grovel. :-)
Jessica Steele is on auto buy for me, but she doesn't write much anymore. She is now about 80 years old, sad to say.
Steele is a quirky writer, in terms of syntax, grammar, etc. Her sentence construction is ... unusual.
But she is among the best at Hqn in terms of storytelling, dialogue, and sexual tension. Also, her characters make me chuckle sometimes. I love her books, even the ones I only rate three stars are good.
Most of Jessica Steele's books follow a pattern, or formula. The plot goes something like this: Her heroes are always wealthy, world-wise, dashing, and debonaire, like Cary Grant. Her heroines are always beautiful virgins, so no sex (usually) and the wanting always drives the heroes nuts. But usually, the hero starts off on the wrong foot, thinking the gal did something terrible (embezzle, cheat, steal, sleep around, etc), so he is nasty, cold and ruthless. Steele's heroes always endure internal conflict, because they think they are falling in love with a dishonorable woman, a shady character! So they blow hot and cold and generally mess it all up. Ha ha! Later, when they realize how wrong they've been, they sweat it out! Sometimes they grovel - I like a good grovel. :-)
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May 20, 2016الوهم الأسير
الملخص
. أنا مخطوبة لڤيكتور سبنسر !
كانت هذه كذبة بسيطة من زاندرا لتنقذ نفسها من موقف محرج . . وما همها طالما لن يعرف أحد بهذه الكذبة ، وخصوصاً . . ڤيكتور !
. . . لكنه عرف ، وعرف هذا بأصعب طريقة ، وقبل أن يستيقظ من ذهوله وجد نفسه متورطاً . . . منتدى ليلاس
وهكذا واجهت زاندرا رجلاً غاضباً تعرف أنه لا يطيقها كما لا تطيقه هي ، فكيف سيتخلص ڤيكتور من هذه الورطة ؟ وهل يرغب فعلاً بأن يتخلص ؟
الملخص
. أنا مخطوبة لڤيكتور سبنسر !
كانت هذه كذبة بسيطة من زاندرا لتنقذ نفسها من موقف محرج . . وما همها طالما لن يعرف أحد بهذه الكذبة ، وخصوصاً . . ڤيكتور !
. . . لكنه عرف ، وعرف هذا بأصعب طريقة ، وقبل أن يستيقظ من ذهوله وجد نفسه متورطاً . . . منتدى ليلاس
وهكذا واجهت زاندرا رجلاً غاضباً تعرف أنه لا يطيقها كما لا تطيقه هي ، فكيف سيتخلص ڤيكتور من هذه الورطة ؟ وهل يرغب فعلاً بأن يتخلص ؟
June 27, 2024
I don't understand why JS created an H like that, so crude, what's the need??!! He could have been a great H, H was very nice, with a crazy and funny aunt. The story pleased me, the plot itself was light, it could have been really fun, but I think JS didn't have that cognitive capacity. I didn't dislike anything, just the author's unpleasant choice. I don't blame H!!! I wanted him better, he deserved it and so did the heroine.
December 26, 2015
The h in this was really naive. The reason for which she says she is engaged to the H and then is unable to confess to her aunty that she has actually broken off with her boyfriend is really ridiculous and difficult to believe.
The way she behaved w.r.t physical relation was more Victorian like than in 1980's.
This was still an OK read but I will definitely not want to re-read this.
The way she behaved w.r.t physical relation was more Victorian like than in 1980's.
This was still an OK read but I will definitely not want to re-read this.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews