The Ruthless Charmer

Rogues of Regent Street #2

by Julia London

No woman could resist Julian Dane - except Lady Claudia Whitney. Julian had known her since the only beauty ever to refuse the dark Adonis whose rakish exploits were legend - but whose kind heart was a closed book. Now the headstrong lass had grown into a beautiful womn and Julian is determined to have her. But the sparks that fly between them ignite a moment of reckless abandond that threatens scandal and assures Claudia's certain ruin. The only solution is marriage. Julian vows to teach her everything he knows of passion. But Claudia, in her innocent ardor, promises to challenge him to the most dangerous emotion of wild, all-consuming love.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2000

About the author

Julia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.

Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon

Reviews

[Heidi (can’t retire soon enough) · Rating 2 out of 5]

First half of the book was meh but the story picked up as Sophie’s story line heated up.

The romantic leads in this HF story were annoying—silly misunderstandings and endless emotional dithering... ugh Ms London— where were your funny scenes and clever repartee? I skimmed about a third of the book— never a good sign!!

Since I’m looking forward to Sophie’s happy ending (book 4), I’ll probably read book 3. This hopeful reader is wishing for a lighter, wittier and more charming story!!

(Reviewed 8/6/19)

[Beatriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me cuesta creer que con tantos años incursionando en el género del romance histórico, recién esté descubriendo a Julia London. El seductor seducido es el segundo libro que leo de ella este año y es la segunda entrega de la serie Rogues of Regent Street, y me gustó tanto con la primera.

Me encanta como la autora traspasa los sentimientos de sus personajes por lo que, independiente de que compartas o no sus decisiones, se comprenden muy bien en el contexto, sobre todo de época.

Y lo anterior no es menor, sobre todo porque esta novela tiene una trama secundaria que muestra sin tapujos la terrible desigualdad entre hombres y mujeres, en que incluso la ley amparaba a los maridos para “educar” a golpes a sus esposas.

Una novela muy adictiva que recomiendo mucho.

Reto #34 PopSugar 2021: Un libro sobre un tema de justicia social

[Jultri · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read in 2013 and rated 5 stars.

Reread in 2018 and rated 4.5/5.

Julian Dane, the Earl of Kettering, aka one of the formidable and infamous Rogues of Regent street is a bit of a fraud. He is reputedly a rake of the highest order, but instead of sharing his bedroom skills with various lovers around town as was his wont, he has only eyes for one woman these past two years. Lady Claudia Whitney grew up with Julian's younger sisters. Her lively personality often found her in trouble with Julian and disciplined alongside the other unruly girls, whom he was responsible for raising following the deaths of his parents. She has long since ceased to be a child in his eyes, and in fact, now he can't seem to unsee all her womanly charms. Julian's agonising longing for Claudia has hitherto been forced to remain unspoken and suppressed for not only is she his sisters' best friend but his own best friend had set sight on her first and he had to painfully stand aside to watch Phillip court Claudia while his want remained unsated. Phillip is now dead through his own self-destructive actions, although it doesn't stop Julian from feeling guilt at failing to save his friend from himself and his ongoing guilt is another barrier to declaring his love for the fair Claudia.

Claudia was infatuated with Julian as a child and hurt by his failure to see her as more than his sisters' friend. She watched him flirt and dally with woman after woman, while showing only brotherly attention towards her. Her fond regard for him was finally extinguished when he told her not to marry Phillip, insinuating that she wasn't good enough for his friend. Her hurt turned to anger when Phillip died as she blamed Julian for leading him astray and to his demise. She has spent her life being deemed insignificant by her father due to her gender. She is determined to show her worth and to promote the worth of other women and children who have been ignored or mistreated.

So Claudia blames Julian and he blames himself for Phillip's death. It is hardly conducive to passion but somehow it manages to grow to explosive proportions. While she ignores him and insults him alternately, Julian has finally decided that he can no longer keep the lid on his feelings for her and he pursues her in earnest. And when one of the Rogues of Regent Street is on the prowl, the prey has no choice but to surrender and she does so in spectacular and very public fashion! They're forced to marry and this is when the angst-o-meter hits the max.

Once again, I love Julia London's expressive writing. Her female characters are strong and no pushover and Claudia is no exception. Julian is a very worthy hero. He is deliciously alpha, not only in his dealing with Claudia but in the way he takes charge and responsibility for his younger siblings. His rakish reputation was definitely well-earned but throughout the book, his attention remains focused on Claudia only (bar a kiss with random woman).

[Gamze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gereksiz uzundu be! -_-

[Denisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

“ El engaño del amor reside en que son dos quienes los experimentan, cuando en realidad, son pocos los casos en que tan siquiera uno de los dos está predispuesto de tal modo. “

Claudia Whitney ha estado enamorada del hermano de sus amigas desde pequeña. Como es ignorada, decide dedicarse a sus obras sociales.

Julian Dane ha tenido una vida dura. Ha tenido que encargarse de 4 hermanas pequeñas y ama en secreto a la novia de su amigo.

Ambos se encuentran después de mucho tiempo en Francia donde surge el amor y quienes piensan ideas equivocadas sobre el otro.

El libro me resultó un poco abrumador porque hubo muchos detalles aparentemente del libro anterior que se necesita leerse en secuencia para tener claro los personajes.

Me gustó del libro como Claudia tenía ideas muy liberales para su época y cómo ayudaba a las mujeres más necesitadas sin importar el que dirán. Sin embargo, no me gustó el romance entre los protagonistas, y pienso que la autora por enfocarse en personajes secundarios, los descuidó un poco.

En definitiva, el libro está bien para pasar el rato y entretenerse .

[*CJ*]

"The Ruthless Charmer" is the story of Claudia and Julian.

The blurb indicated a story in which a rake is smitten with his nerdy neighbor, and courting her. This does happen in the book, but after it killed me with boredom.

Basically, the H is a part of a rogue group. A fateful day, one of them is shot and the H is partially to blame. Years later, while he is lost in booze and women, an escape attempt leads him to the h- his neighbor, his sisters' friend and the dead friend's fiance. He instantly wants her and goes about stalking her. Loads of drama, compromises, sibling drama, back and forth later, the book *cough* torture *cough* ended.

I skimmed most of it. Not engaging at all.

Unrated.

[starryeyedjen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. My first Julia London book and although I've read similar somewhat estranged marriage stories before, this one was by far the longest and most drawn out. I did appreciate that in this case, the rogue is the one who keeps everything above board. However, if he'd have been a bit more forthcoming and the heroine had been a tad less impulsive and impetuous, their story could have had a happy ending much sooner and I wouldn't have been so bored.

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Misunderstandings, lack of trust, lack of communication.

[Darbella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I liked it. This is Claudia and Julian's love story. However, the miscommunications went on too long in the story. Plus, Claudia lost her sparkle even though she had created a safe home for women and children and had her husbands support and love. The heroine was not able to be happy unless she gets the school she has dreamed of getting made her seem shrewish. I mean, tons and tons of people on this earth today do not achieve all their main wishes, but manage to be happy while they try to attempt their goals.
Also, at the end he claims to have not been a rake for awhile, seems like a lie because at the beginning of the story he wakes up between a pair of breasts and was trying to get it up. Plus, his internal thoughts has him kissing another lady later just not following through with it the same day he ruined the heroine. So it did not feel authentic that he was saying that he was not rakish since he feel in love with Claudia at the ball two years ago. Also, a tad bit too much about Philip.
On the positive side these two really love each other and their chemistry together was good. It was thrilling when they finally learn to communicate with each other. The angst was fun for awhile and stirred my emotions. One did get the sense that Julian has happily left his womanizing ways behind him for good.

[Anya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice read. I liked Julian, and Claudia to some degree, but I wasn't very invested in them. There were just too many silly misunderstandings and no communication for me to really enjoy this book. The main characters were very hot and cold, which was confusing, and their love-hate relationship felt a bit overdramatized. I liked Claudia's character growth, as I was very annoyed by her for the first half of the book.

The storyline with Sophie was what I enjoyed most about this book. I just had to find out what would happen to her. It's also why I rounded my rating up to 3.5 stars.

[Aldara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esperaba algo diferente, no estuvo mal pero me desespero bastante

[Hanife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bende kitabı beğenenlerdenim ama ayılıp bayıldığım söylenemez. Kurgusu güzeldi hiç bir şekilde sıkıcı bir kitap değil. Okumanızı öneririm. Çoğunlukla Julian'ın yani erkek karakterimizin gözünden anlatılmasıda ilginç unsurlardan biri. Aralarındaki anlaşamamazlık daha doğrusu duygularını açmaktan korktukları için başlarına gelen talihsizlik sinirlerimin sınırını zorlamıştır. Kitapta aynı zamanda kadın erkek eşitsizliğine bayan karakterimizin tepkileri bunu topluma taşıması ve değiştirmeye çalışması gibi unsurlarda işleniyor. Konumuz Julian'ın çocukluktan beri en yakın arkadaşı olan Phillip'in kuzeni tarafından öldürülmesi ve bunun etkilerini üstünden atamamasıyla başlıyor. Arkadaşını kendi öldürdüğü kanısına varmış ve bu yüzden kendini bir türlü affedemiyor. Bir de yıllardır kardeşleriyle arkadaş olan Claduia ya aşkıda olayları sarpa sarıyordur. Claduia nın gerçekten güzel olduğunu anladığı ve büyüsüne kapıldığı zamanda kızı Phillip e kaptırmıştır. İçindeki kıskançlık onu yiyip bitirsede Regent Sokağı Serserileri birbirlerinin kadınlarına sarkıntılık yapamaz diye bir kanun vardır. Phillip'in ölümüyle kızı tamamen kaybetmediğine sevinsede ona yaklaşma cesareti yoktur ama Claduia yı kardeşinin bahçesinde yiğenleriyle yalın ayak koşarken gördüğünde hislerinden saklanamıyacağını ve kaderin buna izin vermiyeceğini anlamış, Zalim Cazibesi başına tatlı bir bela açmıştır.

[HÜLYA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia London'un ikinci kitabı Zalim Cazibe'yi yaklaşık 1 yıldır bekliyordum.Beklediğime değdi doğrusu,Diyebilirim ki serinin ilk kitabı Tehlikeli İlişkiler'den çok çok daha güzeldi. Zalim Cazibe bayan kahramanı değil erkek kahramanın lakabı idi. Adamın kahredici cazibesi Claudia'nın gerçekten de aşk acısı çekmesinin en büyük etkeni idi.İlk kitapta da yer aldığı gibi 4 sıkı arkadaşın İçlerindeki Phılıp ile nişanlı olan Claudia'nın Kahramanımız Julian'a çocukluğundan beri aşıktır.İşin ilginç olan tarafı da Julian 'da son iki yıldır Claudia'yı aklından çıkaramamakta hatta Phılıp ile nişanlanmaması için onunla konuşmak istemiştir.Romanın başından itibaren ikilinin yaşadığı yanlış anlamalar aralarındaki ilişkiyi iyice gerdiysede birbirlerine duydukları aşkı,muhtaçlığı yazarımız o kadar güzel anlatmış ki,kitabı elimden bırakamadım.. Geçtiği dönemler de kadınların,hiç bir şekilde söz sahibi olmayı bırakın insan yerine bile konmamasını yazar çok güzel işlemişti..Kadın kahramanımızın da o günün şartlarına göre kadın sığınma evi açması onların dramı etkileyici idi.. Atatürk'ümüzün bize sağladığı ayrıcalıkları ve Avrupadaki ilk ülke olmamız ister istemez göğsümü kabarttı doğrusu..

[Mahareni Sukadi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Akhir-akhir ini hampir gak pernah kasih bintang 1 ke buku2 yg kubaca. Tapi si Claudia ini bener-bener menguras kesabaranku. Bisa-bisanya Julia London bikin karakter 'mbencekno' (membuat benci) seperti ini.

Semengerikan apa sih menikah dengan Julian, sampai Claudia merasa kek mo dibawa ke tiang gantungan? Kan dia ikut berperan serta dalam skandal yg membuatnya terpaksa menikahi Julian. Trus, suami mana yg betah di rumah kalo habis melayani, si Claudia pasang muka nelangsa?

Kemudian ikut campurnya Claudia dalam urusan Sophie. Yah, sebelum kasih dukungan 'kejarlah cintamu', harusnya cari info dulu apakah laki2 itu memang pantas dikejar. Jangan hanya berdasarkan asumsi kalo Julian itu bajingan, maka orang yg bertentangan dengannya pastilah bersifat sebaliknya.

Sebenarnya gak rela Claudia balikan+berbahagia sama Julian. Tapi mo gimana lagi, critanya udah punya jalan sendiri.

[Thenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia London is fast becoming one of my favorite authors! Her stories are complex and well-thought out, her characters complicated and flawed and their relationships full of tension.

Julian is an exceptional brother, taking care of his sisters but more than that, loves them unconditionally. Claudia and the giant chip on her shoulder annoyed me quite a bit and made me dislike her a lot for a big part of the book but she does have her redeeming qualities and manages to make up for her stupidity towards the end of the book.

Sophie's part in the book surprised me, since it's realistic and not romanticized as it could be, making her change from a naive, shallow and insecure little girl to a strong, interesting woman.

I'm looking forward to reading her story, but before that, next comes Arthur's, the last single Rogue of Regent Street.

[Freda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book centering on Old England and France and some of the society’s customs and how things were done in that time period. Was a romantic novel with many ups and downs.

[Oleta Blaylock · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE RUTHLESS CHARMER is a story of misunderstanding and a severe lack of communication. If Julian Dane, Earl Kettering, and Claudia Whitney would have just talked to each other things would have been a little easier on each of them. Claudia is so caught up on how unfair life is to woman that she cannot see that Julian is a very caring and compassionate man. I don’t understand even after finishing the book how she could think that Julian had pushed his friend, Phillip, to be killed. All three of the surviving Rogues of Regent Street blame themselves for Phillip’s death even though there was little any of them could have done. This story is also about the problem of inequality that women faced in Regency England. If a woman wasn't married there was little available for her to earn a living. Just as today there were woman that needed to work to help support their family but those jobs that were available were back breaking and the pay was much less for the same work. While things have improved there is still some of this still today.

Julian is the man so many of us would want to raise our children. He is also the perfect tortured hero. He wasn't abused but he has faced tragedy after tragedy. He has raised his sisters after the death of his father. He is caring and feels deeply for all four of the girls. Anyone that suffers so over the unforeseen death of one of those girls cannot be a terrible person. Julian also blames himself for the death of his friend again there was little he could do to prevent it. I would not want Julian as an enemy because he would be ruthless in his revenge. I am surprised that he didn't do more to take care of the abuser that his youngest sister married. I know that there wasn't much that he could do in that time period but an accident would have been so easy to arrange. Yes I can be a little blood thirsty when abuse is involved. I like Julian very much and I hope to hear more about him in future books.

Claudia is at times not a likable person, through most of the story she is quite as narrow minded as the rest of the ton. She is so wrapped up in the inequality of woman that she paints all men with the same brush. A small slight from Julian has sent her mind that he is a despicable rake. I am surprised that she ever realizes that he is more than what she has imagined. I also realize that her work with disadvantage woman that she has seen the worst that men can do but she can’t seem to separate the worse for the rest. I am surprised that she changes so much in the last half of the book. Claudia’s father is one of those men that should have been sterilized before he could reproduce. He cares little for his daughter when is ruined. He is more concerned for his reputation and his position in government than he is for Claudia. He is one of the men that were so much of the force behind keeping women in their rightful place.

Finally we come to Sophie; she is a spoiled child that really should have been spanked once in a while. While she is forced to grow up after she runs off and elopes it doesn't excuse her running off when Julian tries to prevent her from making a mistake. She doesn't listen to his concerns being very sure she knows more than he ever can. If eloping wasn't a big enough scandal she then is force to get a divorce because the man she marries is abusing her. I do hope that she can find some to care for her. It is a very sad part of the story.

Again Ms. London has written a story full of emotion and well thought out and written characters. The man that marries Sophie and the lord that belittles Claudia at every turn are so contemptible that you want to take care of them yourself. I would really like to see something tragic happen to the lord that makes Claudia’s life so miserable. While there isn't much steamy sex there is enough to be enjoyable and pant worthy. This is a very example of a historical romance written over a decade ago.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a poignant love story set in England 1836. In some ways it followed the expected formula, including a compromising situation and a forced marriage. But both Julian and Claudia were well-drawn characters and the author made exceptionally good use of the historical backdrop. The compromising situation wasn't just a convenient way to get these two married (as it so often seems to be), but rather the scandal continued to haunt Claudia (although not as badly as if she'd refused the marriage). I had a lot of respect for that, and for her real efforts to make life better for women.

The romance itself was one of those that largely deals in misunderstandings, which often annoys me. I want to tell the two to sit down and talk already. In this case, though, I think I felt that it was all part of the point and that it all sprung naturally from the characters' personalities. Claudia, ahead of her time on equal rights, wanted to be an independent woman who didn't have to rely on her husband at all. Julian, meanwhile, full of pride and old-fashioned notions that it was his duty to protect his family, didn't fully explain many of his decisions.

Overall I found this to be an enjoyable and somewhat thought-provoking read.

[Canan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seri ilerledikçe ben soğudum çok net...

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid historical romance. Typical story of love thwarted by miscommunication. This not talking to each other thing went on for probably a bit too long in this story but the resolution worked well

[Susi Simanjuntak · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are one of my favorite author. I'll always falling in with love with your books. :-*

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars on account of the worst characterization ever.

I love Julia London. But this book was thoroughly unromantic. Not what I would expect from her at all.

Firstly, all the females were fucking IDIOTS. Look, I don’t want to go back on all the feminism progress and whatnot but if you’re fucking dumb like these chicks, maybe you do need a male hand. From the stupid sister to the FMC, both were so inside their own heads to ever think that there was someone else slaving away to make THEIR lives better.

But no, it’s all, “woe-is-me”. Absolute nuts. If I was the dude, I would not forgive her. Bro aged like 10 years from stress having these idiots in the household.

I've found that every single "favorite" author of mine always ends up penning at least 1 book which has a heroine way too overly headstrong and stubborn. That just kills the romance.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd book in series. Be prepared for a lot of up and downs with the H and h. I see now that it is a hallmark of the authors style. At some point in the book, I wanted to shout to Claudia, "Stop lying!"; for it is the constant lying and not learning a lesson from lying that gets everyone in trouble. For Julian, his internal angst harrowing. Its like he loves and hates his wife. Hard to believe he loved her so much as she practically grew up with his sisters and he was a father figure. Nevertheless it was a riveting tale but be prepared for a roller coaster ride in emotions. As for the sister Sophie, you could see her future a mile away, and Julian and friends should have done more to scare Stanwood off. Great ending.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh. My. God! This was bad. I listened via audiobook and I think it would have have been less awful if I'd read it. The characters were the biggest drama queens and kings imaginable. The first half of the book was repeated maudlin maundering of how much they loved the other person but couldn't have them, panting groping and long, boring sex scenes. The second half of the book was filled with everyone yelling at each other and no sex for a stint. That at least, was a relief. The readers over excited presentation definitely put this book over the top in the drama category. The only reason this didn't fall to one star is that the underlying message of women's vulnerability was a good one.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bintang 4
Buku ke2 seri Rogues of Regent Street

Dunwoody, Inggris 1834 para Rouges yg tediri dari Adrian Spence, Julian Dane, Phillip Rotembow dan Arthur Christian kehilangan salah satu anggotanya Phillip Rotembow dalam suatu duel berhadapan dengan Adrian Spence (sepupunya sendiri) yg selama ini diaggap sebagai pimpinan tak resmi kelompok tersebut.

Berbulan bulan sebelum kejadian Julian menemani dan mengkhawairkan keadaan dan perilaku Phillip. Julian merasa bertanggung jawab akan kematian Phillip karena tidak berusaha keras untuk menolong Phillip dari dilema yg dihadapi Phillip. Peraaan duka Julian menumpuk jadi satu saat Julian ingat orang orang yg dicintainya dan meninggalkan dirinya. Mulai dari ayahnya, adik perempuan yg dianggap sebagai putrinya sendiri, dan sekarang Phillip sahabat ygsudah dianggap sebagai saudaranya sendiri. Perasaan bersalah semakin menjadi saat Julian mengingat perasaannya yg tergila gila pada tunangan Phillip, Claudia whitney.

Dan...
Melalui kematian... Kebesaran Tuhan dan arti dari cinta...


Dua tahun setelah kematian Phillip, Julian bertemu Claudia dikediaman adik perempuan Julian di perancis secara tidak sengaja. Padahal selama ini baik Julian maupun Claudia berusaha untuk saling bertemu dan menyadari keberadaan mereka satu sama lain. Terutama Claudia.

Berusaha menghindari Julian, Claudia berniat meninggalkan perancis secepatnya. Dan karena Julianpun dalam keadaan terpaksa harus meninggalkan perancis, jadilah mereka meninggalkan perancis menumpang kapal yg sama menuju Inggris. Selama ini Julian menahan ketertarikan dan rasa cintanya terhadap Claudia karena Phillip terlebih dulu menunjukkan rasa sukanya pada Claudia. Pertemuan inilah yg membuat perasaan cinta Julian terhadap Claudia menyala kembali. Apalagi setelah Julian berhasil mencium Claudia, perasaannya semakin membara.

Sekembali mereka ke London Julian mulai melancarkan aksi rayuannya (Julian ini terkenal sebagai seorang playboy). Julian selalu hadir dimanapun (persta maupun acara sosial) Claudia hadir untuk mendekati dan merayu serta berusaha mengungkapkan perasaan dan keinginannya terhadap Claudia. Sampai sampai Julian bersedia mendukung niat Claudia membuka sekolah khusus untuk anak perempuan dan menjadi donatur pertama. Dengan nilai uang yg cukup besar.

Saat pesta dansa dikediaman Harrison Green, Julian akhirnya dapat berdua dengan Claudia. Julian dan Claudiapun kedapatan dalam posisi yg mengundang skandal keras bagi Claudia dan kedudukan ayahnya sebagai penasehat raja. Untuk menghindari skandal Julian melamar Claudia saat itu juga naum ditolak Claudia karena niat Julian yg dianggap tidak tulus.

Menghadapi kecaman keras kalangan bangsawan yg memandang rendah Claudia, berkurangnya aliran dana sosial yg biasa diterima Claudia untuk kegiatan kegiatan sosialnya dan kedudukan ayahnya dimata raja akibat reputasi Claudia yg buruk, sang ayah akhirnya memaksa Julian menikahi anaknya Claudia. Dan Claudiapun harus menerima Julian dengan berat hati.

Claudia sebenarnya memiliki alasan tersendiri menolak menikahi Julian. Sebenarnya, Claudia memiliki masa lalu dibesarkan bersama sama dengan ke4 adik perempuan julian, menyimpan rasa cinta dan dendam pada Julian. Diusia 12tahun Claudia sempat mencium Julian yg membuat Julian marah dan mengancam Claudia. Disaat pesta pernikahan Gennie adik Julian, julian berdansa dengan claudia dan Julian menjanjikan dansa terakhir yg kemudian dilupakan Julian karena kemudian Julian sibuk dengan wanita taklukan berikutnya. Dan saat Claudia berhubungan dengan Phillip, Julian menunjukkan rasa tidak sukanya akan hubungan tersebut. Julian menegur keras Claudia bahwa Claudia bukanlah pasangan yg cocok untuk Phillip.

Perasaan cinta, dendam dan takut kalau Julian beralih ke wanita lainlah yg menimbulkan jarak antara Julian dan istrinya Claudia. Setiap kali sehabis Julian menjalankan kewajibannya sebagai seorang suami, Claudia selalu meninggalkan tempat tidur mereka untuk merenung seorang diri dan sebagai salah satu cara untuk menghindari jatuh cinta lebih dalam pada Julian. Selain itu rasa bersalah dan kenangan mereka terhadap Phillip juga menjadi salah satu pemisah bagi keduanya.

Puncak kehancuran pernikahan mereka saat Sophie adik bungsu Julian kawin lari bersama seorang baron miskin yg licik dan kejam dan mengincar harta Sophie atas anjuran dan nasehat yg diberikan Claudia agar Sophie meraih kebahagiaannya sendiri. Belum lagi tindakan Claudia menyembunyikan Sophie dari suaminya karena ketahuan kalau suami Sophie ini suka menyiksa. Lengkap sudah rasa ketidakpercayaan dan rasa malu yg dirasakan Julian, sehingga Julian berusaha membenci Claudia. Claudia diusir Julian kembali kerumah ayahnya.

Setelah melihat ketegaran Sophie dan melihat keadaan Sophie yg terlindungi dan terjamin ditempat persembunyian rumah milik Claudia. Membuat Julian menyesali kekasarannya terhadap Claudia. Dan takut Claudia tidak akan kembali padanya.

Namun keberuntungan berpihak pada Julian. Setiba dirumah ayahnya Claudia malah diantar kembali kerumah Julian. Saat menemukan Claudia dirumah, Julian akhirnya mengungkapkan perasaan dan cintanya yg selama ini dirasakannya terhadap Claudia dan memohon ampun pada Claudia. Begitupula halnya dengan Claudia yg dengan berbesar hati mengakui semua kesalahannya dan cintanya kepada Julian. Mereka menyusuri masa lalu dan menempatkan semua kejadian dan persepsi ketempat yg sebenarnya. Mereka meruntuhkan dinding keegoisan dan pemisah mereka satu sama lain.

Dan julian berusaha menghadiahkan kebahagiaan untuk Claudia sebagaimana Claudia sudah membawa kebahagiaan dan cinta pada diri Julian dengan cara mewujudkan impian Claudia.

[Madison ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was good; I liked the characters and the overall storyline kept me entertained. The biggest problem in this book for me was just how angsty it was. Most of the conflicts between the Claudia and Julian we’re that they just simply needed to have an actual conversation. They kept making assumptions (always incorrect) about the other and when one was ready to give it a try and not assume the other hated them, then the other wasn’t ready and mad about something made-up/petty. Lack of communication as the main conflict between the protagonists just bugs me, it’s such an easily fixed conflict so dragging it out for the entire story feels so strained. Overall, not a bad book just only 3 stars for me.

[aleah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars… I’m debating if I should add more.
This was a hard one to not like but not love. Julian is absolutely gorgeous and deep down a real sweetheart. I loved how much effort and patience he gave Claudia . She was full of presumption and always assumed the worst from him which made this unbearably frustrating.
I was rooting for them with each chapter that went by but I was let down by the over reactions with these two . Claudia was just too negative for me to love but a beautiful story from our hero you can’t help but fall for.

[♡PıNaR DeğiRmeNci ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zalim Cazibe
Rogues of Regent Street Serisi 2
Julia London
Ve ikinci kitapta bitti ve ben gerçekten Julian hikayesini sevdim
Özelikle aşkını
Arkadaşının ölümünden kendini sorumlu tutan Julian aşık olduğu kadını istediği için kendinden nefret ediyor gel gör ki kadının tek istedi kişi kendisi olduğu halde
Satırlar akıp gidiyor ve ikisinin de kendini bulmasını okuyoruz
Sevdim konuyu ve işlenişi
Şimdi sıra Artur da

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good but frustrating read. I loved Julian ....... Claudia not so much. I liked that she was for women's rights but she wasn't realistic. When she is compromised she believes that a women shouldn't be ruined if a man isn't therefore she shouldn't have to marry. A nice idea but not practical. She also unjustly blames Julian for his friends death.

The story had so many misunderstandings. It got old. So this was an okay read.