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Bound by Your Touch
Silver-tongued Viscount Sanburne is London's favorite scapegrace. Alas, Lydia Boyce has no interest in being charmed. When his latest escapade exposes a plot to ruin her family, she vows to handle it herself, as she always has done. Certainly she requires no help from a too-handsome dilettante whose main achievement is being scandalous. But Sanburne's golden charisma masks a sharper mind and darker history than she realizes. He shocks Lydia by breaking past her prim facade to the woman beneath...and the hidden fire no man has ever recognized. But as she follows him into a world of intrigue, she will learn that the greatest danger lies within -- in the shadowy, secret motives of his heart.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2009
121 people are currently reading
3348 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Duran
17 books1,830 followersMEREDITH DURAN blames Anne Boleyn for sparking her lifelong obsession with British history. She is the author of twelve novels, all published by Pocket Books. Her debut, The Duke of Shadows, has been translated into thirteen languages and was ranked among the top 100 romances of all time by NPR and All About Romance. Her other books include RITA award winner Fool Me Twice and her February 2017 release, A Lady's Code of Misconduct, which was called one of the best romances of the year by BookList and Amazon, and received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus, the latter of which opined: “This book weaves its spell so thoroughly that the most fortunate reader will be the one who has time to read the entire thing in one sitting.” Her next release, THE SINS OF LORD LOCKWOOD, hits the shelves on February 27, 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
November 5, 2011
AMAZING! That's the word that came to my mind when I finished this book. I'm always a bit wary when I start reading a book that's been highly praised by "everyone", as sky-high expectations can turn an otherwise excellent read into a "somewhat disappointingly good" read, so I didn't know what to expect from Bound by Your Touch when I picked it up. Well, I'm glad to say that "everyone" was right and I'm joining the chorus. I loved everything about this book: James, Lydia, the secondary characters, the story...
Lydia is the oldest daughter of Henry Boyce, an archaeologist who spends a great part of his life working in Egypt. A confirmed spinster at the advanced age of twenty-six, Lydia is her father's business manager and takes care of his trading affairs in London while he's away in Egypt. Raising funds to support her father's research is one of her responsabilities, so Lydia is more than a little annoyed when James barges into one of her fund-raising meetings with some important and rich men and interrupts her speech.
James's sole goal in life is to annoy his father, the Earl of Moreland, any way he can and, unfortunately for Lydia, his father is one of the important and rich men in attendance to her meeting and James doesn't care where or when he manages to achieve his goal. James and Lydia doesn't exactly make sparks fly in their first meeting, but they are intrigued - or should I say, annoyed - enough to dedicate a thought or two to each other. A few days later, the possibility of her father being involved in trading forgeries and smuggling precious gems from Egypt leads Lydia to seek James's cooperation and that's when the story really takes off.
I fell in love with Lydia right from the start. When I finished reading the Prologue, I was already rooting for her HEA. How could I care so much for her so soon? I can only "blame" Ms. Duran's writing skills for that. As I read the following chapters, I grew to love Lydia even more. On the surface, she seemed to be all prim, proper and good, but she nurtured a well-deserved dislike of her sister Sophie, who stole and married the man she loved. I liked the fact that Lydia wasn't "perfect". I mean, aren't we all tired of the saintly heroine who, despite everything and everyone, is always understanding and forgiving? That jealous sister of her betrayed her, and Lydia was more than welcome to harbor some resentment over it. Not that she was mean or anything, but she didn't regard her sister's betrayal as something "unimportant".
As for James, I had a hard time with him at first. He was handsome and charming, but his self-destructive behavior was, like Lydia stated at one point, childish. He was constantly drunk - or trying to get drunk - and his life was dedicated to embarass and cause pain to his father, there was no other purpose in it. He had "everything" but did nothing useful with it. Or so it seemed. Slowly but gradually, I got to know what drove him and, even though I couldn't fully support the way he chose to deal with it, I understood him and, like Lydia, fell in love with him. To borrow her words, "Everyone is brave in his own way. You must not blame others if they don't fit your mold."
Lydia and James came from two very problematic families, to say the least, so it was no wonder they were dysfunctional to some extent. I like to think that it was their meeting each other that "saved" them from the dead end lives they had been living but, in the end, each dealt with his/her problem on his/her own. A knight in shining armor he wasn't, and that was unusual.
The ending was bittersweet and, again, unusual. I usually don't like when I'm left with "unfinished businesses" at the ending of a book, but I really didn't mind it this time around. James and Lydia had their HEA, there was no doubt about it, and everything else would work out... eventually.
This book went straight to my keepers shelf, and I can't wait to get my hands on Ms. Duran's next book.
Lydia is the oldest daughter of Henry Boyce, an archaeologist who spends a great part of his life working in Egypt. A confirmed spinster at the advanced age of twenty-six, Lydia is her father's business manager and takes care of his trading affairs in London while he's away in Egypt. Raising funds to support her father's research is one of her responsabilities, so Lydia is more than a little annoyed when James barges into one of her fund-raising meetings with some important and rich men and interrupts her speech.
James's sole goal in life is to annoy his father, the Earl of Moreland, any way he can and, unfortunately for Lydia, his father is one of the important and rich men in attendance to her meeting and James doesn't care where or when he manages to achieve his goal. James and Lydia doesn't exactly make sparks fly in their first meeting, but they are intrigued - or should I say, annoyed - enough to dedicate a thought or two to each other. A few days later, the possibility of her father being involved in trading forgeries and smuggling precious gems from Egypt leads Lydia to seek James's cooperation and that's when the story really takes off.
I fell in love with Lydia right from the start. When I finished reading the Prologue, I was already rooting for her HEA. How could I care so much for her so soon? I can only "blame" Ms. Duran's writing skills for that. As I read the following chapters, I grew to love Lydia even more. On the surface, she seemed to be all prim, proper and good, but she nurtured a well-deserved dislike of her sister Sophie, who stole and married the man she loved. I liked the fact that Lydia wasn't "perfect". I mean, aren't we all tired of the saintly heroine who, despite everything and everyone, is always understanding and forgiving? That jealous sister of her betrayed her, and Lydia was more than welcome to harbor some resentment over it. Not that she was mean or anything, but she didn't regard her sister's betrayal as something "unimportant".
As for James, I had a hard time with him at first. He was handsome and charming, but his self-destructive behavior was, like Lydia stated at one point, childish. He was constantly drunk - or trying to get drunk - and his life was dedicated to embarass and cause pain to his father, there was no other purpose in it. He had "everything" but did nothing useful with it. Or so it seemed. Slowly but gradually, I got to know what drove him and, even though I couldn't fully support the way he chose to deal with it, I understood him and, like Lydia, fell in love with him. To borrow her words, "Everyone is brave in his own way. You must not blame others if they don't fit your mold."
Lydia and James came from two very problematic families, to say the least, so it was no wonder they were dysfunctional to some extent. I like to think that it was their meeting each other that "saved" them from the dead end lives they had been living but, in the end, each dealt with his/her problem on his/her own. A knight in shining armor he wasn't, and that was unusual.
The ending was bittersweet and, again, unusual. I usually don't like when I'm left with "unfinished businesses" at the ending of a book, but I really didn't mind it this time around. James and Lydia had their HEA, there was no doubt about it, and everything else would work out... eventually.
This book went straight to my keepers shelf, and I can't wait to get my hands on Ms. Duran's next book.
September 30, 2018
This was so good, and in no way should the time I took reading it reflect anything. It was incredibly engaging and in many way less heavy than other MD I’ve read. It’s not her best, certainly, but it’s very easily still a five star book.
Lydia and James start out with an antagonistic relationship but quickly come to realize they respect the challenge the other presents and are fascinated. It’s no easy road with underlying mystery, danger, and family drama that indeed serves to fully flesh out two lovely characters making a go of it. They are witty, funny, and loyal. And their dialogue, good gracious:
“Even when you break the rules, you insist on reminding me of them? Really, Miss Boyce, have mercy.”
Her voice sharpened. “But I wanted to appeal to you in person.”
“Oh, you do.”
I have entire passages and pages highlighted, from one on family being a coincidence to the lovely ending. Both characters make grand gestures and know and respect each other. I shouldn’t be surprised, but what a delight.
Lydia and James start out with an antagonistic relationship but quickly come to realize they respect the challenge the other presents and are fascinated. It’s no easy road with underlying mystery, danger, and family drama that indeed serves to fully flesh out two lovely characters making a go of it. They are witty, funny, and loyal. And their dialogue, good gracious:
“Even when you break the rules, you insist on reminding me of them? Really, Miss Boyce, have mercy.”
Her voice sharpened. “But I wanted to appeal to you in person.”
“Oh, you do.”
I have entire passages and pages highlighted, from one on family being a coincidence to the lovely ending. Both characters make grand gestures and know and respect each other. I shouldn’t be surprised, but what a delight.
March 26, 2011
I HATE the cover which implies the book is a run-of-the-mill romance/bodice-ripper, because the book is anything but. It's a very well written, well characterised romance.
January 11, 2012
Girly porn time!!
I was slightly disappointed with this one. It didn't do what I wanted it to do.
And Mariel gave it 4 stars, and she is like my Bible, so I thought I couldn't go wrong.
Anyway, it started off nicely. The premise was almost realistic and the characters acted almost like normal people. We had a bookish, no nonsense heroine who still does like a good shag (well, that's totally me), and this libertine, self-destructive hero who is not a complete idiot (just has issues with his father). I could buy that. Guys like that do exist. I have met many handsome, intelligent men who for this reason or another decide to drink themselves into stupidity and cause a scandal everywhere they go.
So you know, the chemistry is good. The sex scenes are fine. Everything is rolling nicely, and then the last 20% of the book (yes, reading that on Kindle, God forbid someone saw with that sort of book in public!) just becomes incomprehensible.
The characters seem to have some issues. I think they love each other, but love isn't enough (?), there is some stuff about respect, loyalty, and faith, and he needs to prove something to her but I am not sure why. And earlier he wouldn't help her because he loved her.. or something. I don't know. It all gets very complicated, the narrator goes on for good 20 pages explaining all these emotional nuances and I am like : "huh? I am sorry, you lost me. So what's the bottom line? Do they love each other or not? Can we just have some sex scene and wrap it up?"
I suppose this is what some men mean when they say they don't 'get' women. Although, I don't get that either and I do know many guys (sadly, even dated some) who seemed to be versed in this sort of emotional logic and they happily explained to me my own feelings which I wasn't aware of.
To summarize, the book started off well and then landed flat on its tits. What a shame.
I was slightly disappointed with this one. It didn't do what I wanted it to do.
And Mariel gave it 4 stars, and she is like my Bible, so I thought I couldn't go wrong.
Anyway, it started off nicely. The premise was almost realistic and the characters acted almost like normal people. We had a bookish, no nonsense heroine who still does like a good shag (well, that's totally me), and this libertine, self-destructive hero who is not a complete idiot (just has issues with his father). I could buy that. Guys like that do exist. I have met many handsome, intelligent men who for this reason or another decide to drink themselves into stupidity and cause a scandal everywhere they go.
So you know, the chemistry is good. The sex scenes are fine. Everything is rolling nicely, and then the last 20% of the book (yes, reading that on Kindle, God forbid someone saw with that sort of book in public!) just becomes incomprehensible.
The characters seem to have some issues. I think they love each other, but love isn't enough (?), there is some stuff about respect, loyalty, and faith, and he needs to prove something to her but I am not sure why. And earlier he wouldn't help her because he loved her.. or something. I don't know. It all gets very complicated, the narrator goes on for good 20 pages explaining all these emotional nuances and I am like : "huh? I am sorry, you lost me. So what's the bottom line? Do they love each other or not? Can we just have some sex scene and wrap it up?"
I suppose this is what some men mean when they say they don't 'get' women. Although, I don't get that either and I do know many guys (sadly, even dated some) who seemed to be versed in this sort of emotional logic and they happily explained to me my own feelings which I wasn't aware of.
To summarize, the book started off well and then landed flat on its tits. What a shame.
June 22, 2009
Lydia Boyce is a spinster and firmly on the shelf at twenty-six. She loved a man once, but he married her sister instead. With Lydia’s father in Egypt finding priceless artifacts, she is the matriarch of her family. She wishes she could be in Egypt with her father, but has much responsibility in England. Lydia will try to find funding for the Egypt Exploration Fund which will enable her father to continue his excavations. But things go badly when her father is accused of trading fraudulent pieces.
James Durham, the Viscount of Sanburne loves to shock people, especially his father. He loves to bet on horses, get into boxing matches and enjoys being friends with some very undesirable people. He has a new target on his list and that is Lydia. He rudely interrupts her important talk at the Archaeological Institute where he wants to show his father a priceless artifact. Lydia knows it is a fake and after that James sets his sights on her. He thinks his father and Lydia are in cahoots together to make him look bad. But then he finds out that her father may be a fraud. Lydia cannot believe her precious papa would do such a thing. She will get to the bottom of this. And because James enjoys annoying Lydia, he will join her in her hunt for the one responsible in discrediting her father.
There is no point in Lydia trying to investigate on her own. James won’t let her out of his sight. Soon these two have teamed up. James can’t help but show his appreciation toward Lydia, which confuses her greatly. She won’t allow herself to fall in love with James. James is the type of man who enjoys the hunt and he will try and make Lydia his willing prey because she will be his salvation
Meredith Duran has made quite the splash in the historical romance world. In Bound by Your Touch, she has written an intelligent and witty romance that will be one of the must read books of the year. The dialogue is crisp and lively and her characters are in a word, lovely.
James is like a naughty little boy who enjoys getting in trouble. Lydia is the complete opposite. When these two come together, it is too good for words. Talk about opposites attracting! The banter and interactions between James and Lydia brings this story alive. They both see something special with one another that no one else can see.
Bound by Your Touch exceeded all my expectations and more. I bow down to Meredith Duran and her expertise at writing a book that makes me want to read it all over again.
James Durham, the Viscount of Sanburne loves to shock people, especially his father. He loves to bet on horses, get into boxing matches and enjoys being friends with some very undesirable people. He has a new target on his list and that is Lydia. He rudely interrupts her important talk at the Archaeological Institute where he wants to show his father a priceless artifact. Lydia knows it is a fake and after that James sets his sights on her. He thinks his father and Lydia are in cahoots together to make him look bad. But then he finds out that her father may be a fraud. Lydia cannot believe her precious papa would do such a thing. She will get to the bottom of this. And because James enjoys annoying Lydia, he will join her in her hunt for the one responsible in discrediting her father.
There is no point in Lydia trying to investigate on her own. James won’t let her out of his sight. Soon these two have teamed up. James can’t help but show his appreciation toward Lydia, which confuses her greatly. She won’t allow herself to fall in love with James. James is the type of man who enjoys the hunt and he will try and make Lydia his willing prey because she will be his salvation
Meredith Duran has made quite the splash in the historical romance world. In Bound by Your Touch, she has written an intelligent and witty romance that will be one of the must read books of the year. The dialogue is crisp and lively and her characters are in a word, lovely.
James is like a naughty little boy who enjoys getting in trouble. Lydia is the complete opposite. When these two come together, it is too good for words. Talk about opposites attracting! The banter and interactions between James and Lydia brings this story alive. They both see something special with one another that no one else can see.
Bound by Your Touch exceeded all my expectations and more. I bow down to Meredith Duran and her expertise at writing a book that makes me want to read it all over again.
March 10, 2022
Original review October 2017: 3.5 to 4 stars. Like Duran's other books, an emotional and complicated read. I did like the depth of feeling that developed between Sanburne and Lydia. Sanburne was struggling with personal guilt over not being able to save his loved sister from a madhouse. A few years earlier, his sister had been the victim of regular domestic abuse (by her spouse), and after in desperation she killed her husband, she was committed to an asylum. Sanburne now drowns his sorrows in alcohol, and hates his father whom he believed refused to help.
Lydia is facing her own problems. Her immature and jealous younger sister snatched the man Lydia thought she was in love with from under her nose, and married him instead. Lydia buries her loss and frustration in assisting her father in his business of importing antiques from Egypt. She is also a bookish 'bluestocking' who is conducting her own research into ancient Egypt.
But a problem arises when some of the Egyptian antiques are discovered to be fakes, and an intriguing mystery develops. Lydia can't believe that her principled father is involved, so whodunnit?? This is how Sanburne and Lydia meet - Sanburne has purchased a rare antique which Lydia determines is a fake.
Their romance does not follow a traditional path. It gradually develops alongside the mystery of the fake antiques. There is a range of assorted dodgy characters to deal with, an attempted assassination, missing jewels, an attempted kidnapping, mysterious notes being passed, government spies etc etc. Whilst I don't normally enjoy whodunnit type of books, in this case I was quite intrigued and (as usual!) was unsure till the end who the culprit was. The plot moved along quite neatly.
The romance side of things was also quite satisfying. Sanburne and Lydia grow closer and closer, till finally both admit they are in love with each other. And with all of the dramas that ensue, both of them show some development and maturing in their characters as they move towards the HEA.
There is a lot of reflection in the book about the deep emotions the MCs are struggling with, an aspect of Duran's books that I have noticed before. It does add a richness and depth to the book. Even though the fake antiques plot line could have fallen into a sea of cliches, Ms Duran avoids that with her original writing style and her take on her characters.
I will happily go on to read Phin's story next. Written on Your Skin focusses on Phin, who was an interesting secondary character in this book, and a government spy. Not my usual type of read, but I enjoyed this one and hope to enjoy the next.
Lydia is facing her own problems. Her immature and jealous younger sister snatched the man Lydia thought she was in love with from under her nose, and married him instead. Lydia buries her loss and frustration in assisting her father in his business of importing antiques from Egypt. She is also a bookish 'bluestocking' who is conducting her own research into ancient Egypt.
But a problem arises when some of the Egyptian antiques are discovered to be fakes, and an intriguing mystery develops. Lydia can't believe that her principled father is involved, so whodunnit?? This is how Sanburne and Lydia meet - Sanburne has purchased a rare antique which Lydia determines is a fake.
Their romance does not follow a traditional path. It gradually develops alongside the mystery of the fake antiques. There is a range of assorted dodgy characters to deal with, an attempted assassination, missing jewels, an attempted kidnapping, mysterious notes being passed, government spies etc etc. Whilst I don't normally enjoy whodunnit type of books, in this case I was quite intrigued and (as usual!) was unsure till the end who the culprit was. The plot moved along quite neatly.
The romance side of things was also quite satisfying. Sanburne and Lydia grow closer and closer, till finally both admit they are in love with each other. And with all of the dramas that ensue, both of them show some development and maturing in their characters as they move towards the HEA.
There is a lot of reflection in the book about the deep emotions the MCs are struggling with, an aspect of Duran's books that I have noticed before. It does add a richness and depth to the book. Even though the fake antiques plot line could have fallen into a sea of cliches, Ms Duran avoids that with her original writing style and her take on her characters.
I will happily go on to read Phin's story next. Written on Your Skin focusses on Phin, who was an interesting secondary character in this book, and a government spy. Not my usual type of read, but I enjoyed this one and hope to enjoy the next.
July 12, 2009
Hands down one of the best historicals I've read this year. I am a sucker for a good historical romance read, and I couldn't ask for more with this book. Wonderful writing, interesting characters, a good dose of sexual tension and steamy sex, and a captivating plot. There was some cute funny moments, but mostly it is a tender and intellengent story of two opposites finding they have more in common than they first realized. This book is much better than her debut book from last year (Duke of Shadows), which was good but not great. I can't wait to read the next one coming out in a few weeks. This author has moved to my 'auto buy' list.
December 6, 2021
3.5
A pretty good book!
I do wish the h was less of a shrew!
Why do authors make intelligent h into b****? Luckily the H is able to help her shed her prudish tendencies with some clever fingers ;)
Besides that one complaint, the rest of the book was different and interesting.
A pretty good book!
I do wish the h was less of a shrew!
Why do authors make intelligent h into b****? Luckily the H is able to help her shed her prudish tendencies with some clever fingers ;)
Besides that one complaint, the rest of the book was different and interesting.
August 23, 2019
A very highly rated book and on a few ‘best’ lists as well but it didn’t stand out that much for me. Oh there are definitely swathes of brilliance with some really amazing prose and turn of phrase that I had to go back and read again, but there was equally tedious and meaningless meandering around some same old things.
The mcs are well etched as opposable characters – the curt ‘dried-up’ bluestocking and the lazily charming rake – bound for a definite showdown, but at the same time are very similarly wallowing in familial/paternal injustice.
I like the h for slyly swiping at her younger sister who had filched and married her erstwhile beau, as I prefer honesty to doormat sacrificing behavior, but then she overdoes the I’m-the-only-smart-capable-one-and-oh-so-weighed-down-by-family-responsibilities. She, at times, goes overboard and annoys with her rude and obnoxious behavior. One can see the vulnerability and the hurt underneath so she’s not really unlikable.
“Now there was the rustling of skirts, and it kicked up her smell, that distinctive blend of vanilla and violets, lavender and roses - an entire moving garden with a kitchen thrown in for good measure, and God save the allergic.”
The H does it by hiding it under a self-indulgent and wasteful lifestyle. The author shies away from saying it as it is but I cannot imagine those parties of his not being orgies. But he’s a gentleman and protects the h despite her churlish and prickly manner.
His obsession and being bound to his sister’s life left me double-minded. Of course, it’s only rivaled by the h’s obsession with her father and his innocence.
“The texture of him was rich and carnal, spiced like a fine dessert from a sophisticated kitchen, where sugar was considered too simple a flavor. She was so hungry for something new…Her teeth closed on his throat”
Sex, some danger, laying open of emotional weaknesses and we have a complete role reversal.
He’s suddenly withdrawing emotionally and protecting himself while she’s ready to show her vulnerability and embrace his pain as well. (Although her primary loyalty still remained with her father and she clung to it till the bitter end.)
“She urged him on; he remained with her, focused, his lips now on her shoulder, now on her jaw; a courtship above, a steady invasion below - she could make any noise, do anything she liked, he would never go ..”
The mcs are well etched as opposable characters – the curt ‘dried-up’ bluestocking and the lazily charming rake – bound for a definite showdown, but at the same time are very similarly wallowing in familial/paternal injustice.
I like the h for slyly swiping at her younger sister who had filched and married her erstwhile beau, as I prefer honesty to doormat sacrificing behavior, but then she overdoes the I’m-the-only-smart-capable-one-and-oh-so-weighed-down-by-family-responsibilities. She, at times, goes overboard and annoys with her rude and obnoxious behavior. One can see the vulnerability and the hurt underneath so she’s not really unlikable.
“Now there was the rustling of skirts, and it kicked up her smell, that distinctive blend of vanilla and violets, lavender and roses - an entire moving garden with a kitchen thrown in for good measure, and God save the allergic.”
The H does it by hiding it under a self-indulgent and wasteful lifestyle. The author shies away from saying it as it is but I cannot imagine those parties of his not being orgies. But he’s a gentleman and protects the h despite her churlish and prickly manner.
His obsession and being bound to his sister’s life left me double-minded. Of course, it’s only rivaled by the h’s obsession with her father and his innocence.
“The texture of him was rich and carnal, spiced like a fine dessert from a sophisticated kitchen, where sugar was considered too simple a flavor. She was so hungry for something new…Her teeth closed on his throat”
Sex, some danger, laying open of emotional weaknesses and we have a complete role reversal.
He’s suddenly withdrawing emotionally and protecting himself while she’s ready to show her vulnerability and embrace his pain as well. (Although her primary loyalty still remained with her father and she clung to it till the bitter end.)
“She urged him on; he remained with her, focused, his lips now on her shoulder, now on her jaw; a courtship above, a steady invasion below - she could make any noise, do anything she liked, he would never go ..”
November 29, 2021
The Victorian period is not my favorite period to read about. They don't say exactly when this book takes place but I would guess it is about the end of the Victorian period in 1885 or thereabouts.
But I thought it a great read if you like the rake and the bluestocking kind of story. Both played the part very well even though they were much more then only that.
The hero has a very complicated life and the heroine is in a very complicated moment and both try to help each other out. It was a very unlikely romance that happened and I enjoyed that aspect.
And ugh, what a horrible sister the heroine has! I wanted to fight her too.
3.5 stars
But I thought it a great read if you like the rake and the bluestocking kind of story. Both played the part very well even though they were much more then only that.
The hero has a very complicated life and the heroine is in a very complicated moment and both try to help each other out. It was a very unlikely romance that happened and I enjoyed that aspect.
And ugh, what a horrible sister the heroine has! I wanted to fight her too.
3.5 stars
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June 18, 2020
I did a dissertation on Georgette Heyer this year, and for a while I was worried that it had ruined historical romances for me forever.
In comparison to her books, every other HR seemed bland and boring. Who could ever be as witty as her? As detailed, as deft, as charming? It got to such a state that I DNFed the new TESSA DARE, for God's sake, because I couldn't connect with the characters and all I could concentrate on were the historical inaccuracies.
I'm pleased to report that - though it's taken many months - I'm finally able to enjoy HRs again. I have Meredith Duran to credit for breaking me out of this slump. Her writing is always incredibly polished, the plots are deep, and the characters are engaging. She hasn't released a new book for the last two years, but luckily she has a fulsome backlist to keep me occupied.
The historical background is admittedly a little patchy in this one; I've deduced it's set in the Victorian era from the mentions of Egypt and lunatic asylums, but there's nothing in the text that would ground it to a specific year. Nonetheless, Lydia and James are two of the more excellent characters in Duran's collection. They're both very well-rounded, and I loved that James was basically a beta hero and in this book - for once - it's the heroine who is deeply flawed, and must admit them to herself.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
In comparison to her books, every other HR seemed bland and boring. Who could ever be as witty as her? As detailed, as deft, as charming? It got to such a state that I DNFed the new TESSA DARE, for God's sake, because I couldn't connect with the characters and all I could concentrate on were the historical inaccuracies.
I'm pleased to report that - though it's taken many months - I'm finally able to enjoy HRs again. I have Meredith Duran to credit for breaking me out of this slump. Her writing is always incredibly polished, the plots are deep, and the characters are engaging. She hasn't released a new book for the last two years, but luckily she has a fulsome backlist to keep me occupied.
The historical background is admittedly a little patchy in this one; I've deduced it's set in the Victorian era from the mentions of Egypt and lunatic asylums, but there's nothing in the text that would ground it to a specific year. Nonetheless, Lydia and James are two of the more excellent characters in Duran's collection. They're both very well-rounded, and I loved that James was basically a beta hero and in this book - for once - it's the heroine who is deeply flawed, and must admit them to herself.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
October 19, 2023
Otra relectura el mismo año. Me encanta, aunque tiene párrafos que hay que destripar. Amo a James.
Relectura: una de mis favoritas. No es fácil de leer porque hay mucha introspección, ironías, metáforas. La síntesis sería "cómo mandar al diablo a la familia y sus mandatos para vivir como uno quiera"
James, el vizconde Sanburne, efectivamente es el granuja favorito de Londres. Es apuesto, rico, simpático pero su conducta libertina y decadente tiene un solo fin: escandalizar y martirizar a su padre, el Conde Moreland. En un momento enuncia: - Tengo un solo principio, si mi padre se opone a algo, yo apoyo ese algo de todo corazón. Y viceversa, claro.
Aunque no siempre se opone a su padre, también compite. Por eso se interesa en las reliquias del Antiguo Egipto, una afición de Moreland, con el objetivo es conseguir la mejor pieza de colección para refregársela en la cara. Y eso intenta hacer asistiendo al Instituto Arqueológico en donde su padre está presenciando una conferencia.
En el afán de escandalizarlo, se presenta con señales inequívocas, en su ropa y en su andar, de haber pasado una noche en la que el alcohol y los narcóticos estuvieron presentes e interrumpe la conferencia para mostrarle su última adquisición: una estela egipcia grabada.
Pero resulta que la persona que está dictando la conferencia es nada más ni menos que nuestra protagonista, Lydia Boyce, la hija del famoso egiptólogo Henry Boyce que intenta descubrir los rastros de las paradas del pueblo hebreo durante el éxodo. El objetivo de la charla es conseguir financiación del Fondo de Exploración de Egipto para que su padre continúe con sus investigaciones dado que no es un hombre de gran fortuna.
Pero gracias a la inoportuna y escándalosa entrada de James, la conferencia es interrumpida en forma caótica. Lydia se acerca furiosa, ya que ha perdido la oportunidad de conseguir el dinero, a donde el “impresentable” se encontraba pregonando a Lord Moreland las cualidades maravillosas de su “estela” egipcia. Al escucharlos se da cuenta de que son padre e hijo y que, evidentemente, se trata de un conflicto familiar. Pero ella está furiosa, observa la estela y luego de un simple análisis exclama: - Es falsa, con lo que se inicia una discusión entre los presentes en la que James termina quedando como un idiota.
Ese es el primer encuentro de nuestra deliciosa pareja. A partir de ahí la historia sigue desarrollándose en tres ejes. El primero es la trama propiamente dicha: el Sr Boyce financia sus investigaciones vendiendo a coleccionistas ingleses piezas legítimas que saca legalmente de Egipto. Resulta que la estela falsa que compró James parece provenir de una remesa de reliquias enviadas desde Egipto por el padre de Lydia!.
Esto produce el acercamiento de la pareja: él para recriminarle a ella, ella para convencerlo a él de que debe ser una equivocación, que su padre es un hombre honesto, a pedirle que no diga nada porque puede significar la ruina para su familia. Quiere que le venda la estela falsa para resarcirlo de la mala compra. Y él se la vende. Pero el precio es un beso… de dos minutos.
Y así comienza su relación, con el objetivo de investigar qué pasó pero todo se complica: cartas anónimas amenazantes, intentos de homicidio, fuerzas especiales del gobierno. Lo que en principio es una simple estafa con falsificaciones parece transformarse en algo mucho más complejo con implicancia internacional.
El segundo eje es la historia de James. Un aristócrata libertino y decadente. A lo largo de la novela va surgiendo que esto tiene su origen en un profundo conflicto en el que la rigidez de su padre, la violencia familiar y de género están involucradas. Y también la culpa por lo hecho y lo no hecho. Y sobre todo, por una profunda incomunicación.
Y luego la historia de Lydia. Es la mayor de tres hermanas. Es inteligente, estudiosa y la gran compañera de su padre. Lo secunda en sus investigaciones y atiende sus negocios en Londres. Pero se siente como el patito feo por la gran belleza de sus hermanas, se siente una solterona y guarda el terrible recuerdo de haberse enamorado de un hombre que creía que la cortejaba cuando en realidad se interesaba en su hermana: su actual cuñado. Y la relación con sus hermanas… puff mejor ni hablar.
Cuando ambos se juntan, los diálogos son chispeantes. Ella dándole calabazas acerca de su vida vacía y sin sentido, él burlándose de ella permanentemente. Y van surgiendo las confidencias, las sensaciones, los sentimientos. La relación se va construyendo paso a paso, sin vueltas atrás. Van tratando de aprender a vivir sin resentimientos, ayudándose mutuamente aunque no sin problemas. Y terminan ambos con un gran crecimiento personal y superando, dolorosamente, una realidad en la que nada es lo que parece.
Me gustó mucho, muy refrescante aunque no es una comedia. Esta novela, si bien es histórica, no tiene los cliché típicos no sé si por la forma de escribir de la autora o por transcurrir a fines del siglo XIX (Por Dios, no es de la Regencia!!).
Como contra diré, como ya han comentado, que en algunas partes me costó un poco su lectura, no sé si es una cuestión de la traducción o qué.
Por otra parte, uno de los personajes secundarios, Phin, el amigo de James que tiene mucha importancia en la trama, no está bien desarrollado y por momentos me resultó confuso. Claro, es el protagonista de la segunda novela de la serie “Escrito en tu piel” y ahí se cuenta bien su historia que es paralela a esta. Cuando releí “Marcado por tus caricias” después de leer “Escrito en tu piel” la disfruté mucho más.
Relectura: una de mis favoritas. No es fácil de leer porque hay mucha introspección, ironías, metáforas. La síntesis sería "cómo mandar al diablo a la familia y sus mandatos para vivir como uno quiera"
James, el vizconde Sanburne, efectivamente es el granuja favorito de Londres. Es apuesto, rico, simpático pero su conducta libertina y decadente tiene un solo fin: escandalizar y martirizar a su padre, el Conde Moreland. En un momento enuncia: - Tengo un solo principio, si mi padre se opone a algo, yo apoyo ese algo de todo corazón. Y viceversa, claro.
Aunque no siempre se opone a su padre, también compite. Por eso se interesa en las reliquias del Antiguo Egipto, una afición de Moreland, con el objetivo es conseguir la mejor pieza de colección para refregársela en la cara. Y eso intenta hacer asistiendo al Instituto Arqueológico en donde su padre está presenciando una conferencia.
En el afán de escandalizarlo, se presenta con señales inequívocas, en su ropa y en su andar, de haber pasado una noche en la que el alcohol y los narcóticos estuvieron presentes e interrumpe la conferencia para mostrarle su última adquisición: una estela egipcia grabada.
Pero resulta que la persona que está dictando la conferencia es nada más ni menos que nuestra protagonista, Lydia Boyce, la hija del famoso egiptólogo Henry Boyce que intenta descubrir los rastros de las paradas del pueblo hebreo durante el éxodo. El objetivo de la charla es conseguir financiación del Fondo de Exploración de Egipto para que su padre continúe con sus investigaciones dado que no es un hombre de gran fortuna.
Pero gracias a la inoportuna y escándalosa entrada de James, la conferencia es interrumpida en forma caótica. Lydia se acerca furiosa, ya que ha perdido la oportunidad de conseguir el dinero, a donde el “impresentable” se encontraba pregonando a Lord Moreland las cualidades maravillosas de su “estela” egipcia. Al escucharlos se da cuenta de que son padre e hijo y que, evidentemente, se trata de un conflicto familiar. Pero ella está furiosa, observa la estela y luego de un simple análisis exclama: - Es falsa, con lo que se inicia una discusión entre los presentes en la que James termina quedando como un idiota.
Ese es el primer encuentro de nuestra deliciosa pareja. A partir de ahí la historia sigue desarrollándose en tres ejes. El primero es la trama propiamente dicha: el Sr Boyce financia sus investigaciones vendiendo a coleccionistas ingleses piezas legítimas que saca legalmente de Egipto. Resulta que la estela falsa que compró James parece provenir de una remesa de reliquias enviadas desde Egipto por el padre de Lydia!.
Esto produce el acercamiento de la pareja: él para recriminarle a ella, ella para convencerlo a él de que debe ser una equivocación, que su padre es un hombre honesto, a pedirle que no diga nada porque puede significar la ruina para su familia. Quiere que le venda la estela falsa para resarcirlo de la mala compra. Y él se la vende. Pero el precio es un beso… de dos minutos.
Y así comienza su relación, con el objetivo de investigar qué pasó pero todo se complica: cartas anónimas amenazantes, intentos de homicidio, fuerzas especiales del gobierno. Lo que en principio es una simple estafa con falsificaciones parece transformarse en algo mucho más complejo con implicancia internacional.
El segundo eje es la historia de James. Un aristócrata libertino y decadente. A lo largo de la novela va surgiendo que esto tiene su origen en un profundo conflicto en el que la rigidez de su padre, la violencia familiar y de género están involucradas. Y también la culpa por lo hecho y lo no hecho. Y sobre todo, por una profunda incomunicación.
Y luego la historia de Lydia. Es la mayor de tres hermanas. Es inteligente, estudiosa y la gran compañera de su padre. Lo secunda en sus investigaciones y atiende sus negocios en Londres. Pero se siente como el patito feo por la gran belleza de sus hermanas, se siente una solterona y guarda el terrible recuerdo de haberse enamorado de un hombre que creía que la cortejaba cuando en realidad se interesaba en su hermana: su actual cuñado. Y la relación con sus hermanas… puff mejor ni hablar.
Cuando ambos se juntan, los diálogos son chispeantes. Ella dándole calabazas acerca de su vida vacía y sin sentido, él burlándose de ella permanentemente. Y van surgiendo las confidencias, las sensaciones, los sentimientos. La relación se va construyendo paso a paso, sin vueltas atrás. Van tratando de aprender a vivir sin resentimientos, ayudándose mutuamente aunque no sin problemas. Y terminan ambos con un gran crecimiento personal y superando, dolorosamente, una realidad en la que nada es lo que parece.
Me gustó mucho, muy refrescante aunque no es una comedia. Esta novela, si bien es histórica, no tiene los cliché típicos no sé si por la forma de escribir de la autora o por transcurrir a fines del siglo XIX (Por Dios, no es de la Regencia!!).
Como contra diré, como ya han comentado, que en algunas partes me costó un poco su lectura, no sé si es una cuestión de la traducción o qué.
Por otra parte, uno de los personajes secundarios, Phin, el amigo de James que tiene mucha importancia en la trama, no está bien desarrollado y por momentos me resultó confuso. Claro, es el protagonista de la segunda novela de la serie “Escrito en tu piel” y ahí se cuenta bien su historia que es paralela a esta. Cuando releí “Marcado por tus caricias” después de leer “Escrito en tu piel” la disfruté mucho más.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2009
Lydia Boyce is a spinster. Her father is an archaeologist (always away from home) and she is in charge of relating his newest findings and securing financial support so he can continue with his projects. She considers herself smart, but not beautiful like her 2 sisters. She's already been burned once (thinking herself in love, but the man choose to marry her younger sister)and now has no desire to get involved with any man.
Viscount Sanburne (very handsome and a rebel) hates his father and is always trying to cause him embarrassment (you'll discover the reason along the way). If his father says go left, he would go right just to spite him. His father is a collector of antiquities, so Sanburne buys an artifact and brings it to the conference where he interrupts Lydia's lecture and in order for her to get some control over the discussion, she declares the artifact a fake.
Only, she finds out that this artifact supposedly came from her father and was accidentally sent to Sanburne. Now she must figure out what is going on and who is trying to ruin her family's name.
Viscount Sanburne is attracted to the spinster and they end up teaming together to find out the truth. But the truth is not always what you want it to be...is it????
I normally like my romance books a little spicier than this one, but this book is so good, that it really doesn't matter. Duran's writing style reminds me of Diana Gabaldon. She uses a lot of wonderful discriptions to enhance her story.
Here is an example of one of her witty discriptions: Lydia has little respect for Sanburne and considers him a rogue, wastrel, spoiled bum, etc. BUT he is attracted to her and so he asks her what she thinks of him (although at this point he's not sure why he cares what she thinks of him)??? She says: You're a butterfly...Aimless by nature, useless by choice and highly decorative." "Annoying, when you flap into someone's face." WHAT a great way to describe a beautiful man with no direction!!!
I gladly give this book a 5 star rating. It's a shelf-keeper IMO.
Mitzi
Viscount Sanburne (very handsome and a rebel) hates his father and is always trying to cause him embarrassment (you'll discover the reason along the way). If his father says go left, he would go right just to spite him. His father is a collector of antiquities, so Sanburne buys an artifact and brings it to the conference where he interrupts Lydia's lecture and in order for her to get some control over the discussion, she declares the artifact a fake.
Only, she finds out that this artifact supposedly came from her father and was accidentally sent to Sanburne. Now she must figure out what is going on and who is trying to ruin her family's name.
Viscount Sanburne is attracted to the spinster and they end up teaming together to find out the truth. But the truth is not always what you want it to be...is it????
I normally like my romance books a little spicier than this one, but this book is so good, that it really doesn't matter. Duran's writing style reminds me of Diana Gabaldon. She uses a lot of wonderful discriptions to enhance her story.
Here is an example of one of her witty discriptions: Lydia has little respect for Sanburne and considers him a rogue, wastrel, spoiled bum, etc. BUT he is attracted to her and so he asks her what she thinks of him (although at this point he's not sure why he cares what she thinks of him)??? She says: You're a butterfly...Aimless by nature, useless by choice and highly decorative." "Annoying, when you flap into someone's face." WHAT a great way to describe a beautiful man with no direction!!!
I gladly give this book a 5 star rating. It's a shelf-keeper IMO.
Mitzi
March 25, 2024
Love love love this!
Especially the end (chef’s kiss)
Such a great character drama. Both MC had faults and both of them redeemed themselves.
Some of their squabbles felt little stretched but it all worked out beautifully.
I enjoyed from the first tot he last page.
Especially the end (chef’s kiss)
Such a great character drama. Both MC had faults and both of them redeemed themselves.
Some of their squabbles felt little stretched but it all worked out beautifully.
I enjoyed from the first tot he last page.
March 25, 2021
There are some things that I didn’t like on the reread (I’m a far more discerning reader now than I was years ago!), but my overwhelming nostalgia and love for this book still keep it at 4 stars. I can’t pretend to be objective about formative favorites.
June 17, 2017
I was not sure when I started this book, as the H was really annoying and indulged in childish and self-destructive behaviours, (hence only 4.5 stars) but as the story progressed I became deeply invested in the main characters and the outcome. Not just the H/h relationship, but also the relationships between fathers and their children were explored, and the issue of domestic violence was sensitively handled. Complex characters and Meredith Duran's usual, brilliant research and fascinating historical detail added to the layers. Loved it!
September 22, 2024
Nice emotional story with interesting historical elements. Victorian with Br. empire feels. Viscount James Sanbourne and Miss Lydia Boyce have similar interest in antiquities. Lydia is serious and outspoken, James hides behind a jokey blaise facade. Lydia’s father sends treasures from egypt and the couple are caught up in intrigue. James does things to annoy his autocratic father, Writing style is sensual, funny, clever. Loved these characters and their chemistry that feels so real.
May 4, 2010
An excellent book! Not as good as Wicked Becomes You, which I had just finished a few days before, but still very, very good. I think this is the only historical romance that has ever actually caused tears to fall from my eyes - one or two have caused me to tear up, but the scene between James and his sister was so powerful that I was actually crying a little (to my shame, lol).
January 28, 2020
This book delivers ....
-engaging and intelligent narrative
- Lydia and James are irresistible
- romance with bit of a mystery but in perfect balance
- smart, sexy and mature banter
- pleasure to read from page one to last, and totally satisfying in everyway!
I first read it in 2009 and now 10 years later, it stood the test of time.
-engaging and intelligent narrative
- Lydia and James are irresistible
- romance with bit of a mystery but in perfect balance
- smart, sexy and mature banter
- pleasure to read from page one to last, and totally satisfying in everyway!
I first read it in 2009 and now 10 years later, it stood the test of time.
July 30, 2024
Bound by Your Touch
is one of those books that always come up on various lists of recommended 'enemies to lovers'/'bluestocking and a rake' romances. And, after reading it I get why it's a classic. I'm not completely enamored with the story, but I really enjoyed it.
Obviously, the highlight of this book is an awesome banter and a great chemistry between the main characters.
James and Lydia's immediate animosity towards each other was fantastic!
From the very first moment they share an eye contact the tension rises and the sparks fly.
I loved how quickly James's teasing and flirting got under Lydia's skin. Her "starchy" exterior started to crumble under his seemingly flippant and easygoing attitude, almost against her own will.
The moment they begrudgingly teamed up to solve the mystery of the forgeries getting shipped to England in Lydia's father's name, their undeniable attraction only grew. As well as their friendship.
That's one of the things, that at first disappointed me a little, because the banter lost some of its steam around the middle of the book. Then James and Lydia's relationship became much more intense, but less playful. They started to be truly... friends. And, after finishing the book, I actually appreciate the shift. It helped to delve deeper into the ongoing themes of loyalty (sometimes blind) and guilt, that was the center of the conflict between them.
James resented Lydia for how fiercely loyal she was to her father, while being equally stubborn in his hate for his own father - in the name of (misguided) loyalty to his sister. I loved how their conflict was resolved, how both of them were in the end proven wrong for their attitudes, but didn't let that destroy their relationship.
Their romance was lovely, well developed and progressed nicely. I loved the dash of angst added in the later chapters - it made the ending sweeter.
Also, there is a wonderful weather symbolism during the first time they have sex. Specifically, the imagery of Lydia standing in the rain, while storm rages on, and James going out to look for her. It not only shows her allowing herself any type of pleasure, as well as a sort of reprieve from being this reserved, always aloof persona, but also that it's James who cares for her the most - no one else, not even her sisters, tried to check on her.
And after that, when Lydia initiates them being intimate for the first time, the weather only emphasizes her release from trying to deny her attraction to James, and him accepting his love for her. Such a great scene and definitely my favourite in the whole book.
Lastly, I was pleasantly surprised by the political context given to the main mystery of the plot. The information only added severity to the dangers faced by the characters, especially Lydia and her father.
Like I mentioned, I enjoyed Bound by Your Touch , but it's not a full 5 stars for me.
I'm a sucker for lovable assholes, who like to banter, and I was a little disappointed James lost his spark for the last third of the book. But, the lovely ending reignited that fire in him, so I guess I can give the book a half star more 🤭
4,5/5 stars
Obviously, the highlight of this book is an awesome banter and a great chemistry between the main characters.
James and Lydia's immediate animosity towards each other was fantastic!
From the very first moment they share an eye contact the tension rises and the sparks fly.
I loved how quickly James's teasing and flirting got under Lydia's skin. Her "starchy" exterior started to crumble under his seemingly flippant and easygoing attitude, almost against her own will.
The moment they begrudgingly teamed up to solve the mystery of the forgeries getting shipped to England in Lydia's father's name, their undeniable attraction only grew. As well as their friendship.
That's one of the things, that at first disappointed me a little, because the banter lost some of its steam around the middle of the book. Then James and Lydia's relationship became much more intense, but less playful. They started to be truly... friends. And, after finishing the book, I actually appreciate the shift. It helped to delve deeper into the ongoing themes of loyalty (sometimes blind) and guilt, that was the center of the conflict between them.
James resented Lydia for how fiercely loyal she was to her father, while being equally stubborn in his hate for his own father - in the name of (misguided) loyalty to his sister. I loved how their conflict was resolved, how both of them were in the end proven wrong for their attitudes, but didn't let that destroy their relationship.
Their romance was lovely, well developed and progressed nicely. I loved the dash of angst added in the later chapters - it made the ending sweeter.
Also, there is a wonderful weather symbolism during the first time they have sex. Specifically, the imagery of Lydia standing in the rain, while storm rages on, and James going out to look for her. It not only shows her allowing herself any type of pleasure, as well as a sort of reprieve from being this reserved, always aloof persona, but also that it's James who cares for her the most - no one else, not even her sisters, tried to check on her.
And after that, when Lydia initiates them being intimate for the first time, the weather only emphasizes her release from trying to deny her attraction to James, and him accepting his love for her. Such a great scene and definitely my favourite in the whole book.
Lastly, I was pleasantly surprised by the political context given to the main mystery of the plot. The information only added severity to the dangers faced by the characters, especially Lydia and her father.
Like I mentioned, I enjoyed Bound by Your Touch , but it's not a full 5 stars for me.
I'm a sucker for lovable assholes, who like to banter, and I was a little disappointed James lost his spark for the last third of the book. But, the lovely ending reignited that fire in him, so I guess I can give the book a half star more 🤭
4,5/5 stars
November 30, 2021
Que no os desanimen las tres estrellas: se deben, sobre todo, a una traducción muy descuidada, y a que otras novelas de Duran me gustaron más. Esta es una novela de personajes, más que de trama, pero, ¡qué personajes! Lydia, solterona, prefiere cultivar su cerebro a andar a la caza de marido; ayuda a su padre en tema de antigüedades. James, aristócrata, desempeña las actividades típicas del noble un poco libertino. Coleccionista diletante, todo su empeño es hacer aquellas cosas que puedan ofender, humillar o amargarle la vida a su padre. Por temas de antigüedades, coleccionismo y disfunciones familiares, sospechan el uno del otro, o sea, sí, estamos ante uno de esos libros «de enemigos a amantes». Tras un encontronazo inicial, siguen en contacto, irritándose e intrigándose mutuamente a partes iguales. Ya lo dije en mi blog, es una de esas raras novelas que ganan al releerlas. Si te van las románticas históricas con chicha, más de personajes que de peripecias, ésta merece la pena.
September 29, 2009
Miss Lydia Boyce acts as her father's 'man' of affairs, while he's down in Egypt, in excavations. The misplaced shipment of one of her father's crates, brings Lydia in contact with the rakish Viscount Sunburne, who ends up with one of her father's 'treasures', only to be revealed a fake. In her effort to find how this fake came into one of her father's crates, Lydia asks for his help, which he gladly offers, as he believes the search will relieve him from boredom.
Make no mistake, Sunburne is a rake. When he's first introduced to the reader, he's inebriated from a combination of drugs and alcohol, barely able to stand on his feet. He moves within a fast set of handsome trendsetters, most of them sharing the same destroying habits as he does. He also has a great enmity towards his father, whom he will go to great lengths to provoke any way he can. Slowly though, it becomes apparent that there is a reason behind all this rakish behavior. Sunburne is far from the beautiful but superficial butterfly Lydia initially believed him to be. He has depth, wit, intelligence and fierce loyalty to those he cares for.
Lydia on the other hand, is a bluestocking spinster. Prim and proper, she's the one trying to keep her sisters and her father's business in order. She knows only two things well, namely duty and dignity. She'll do anything, and I mean anything, to keep her father's name clear and protect her family, even risk her own safety. But of course, deep down she is a woman and the hero soon uncovers her passionate nature...
I guess that by the line above, most readers will realize that I didn't like Lydia. Simply put, she ruined the book for me, which actually came lower than 4 stars, more like 3 and 1/2. My main problems arised in the last 70 pages of the book, although the beginning as well, was way too slow for my liking. So, in the end, Lydia let me down. She preached Sunburne about how love and faith are both given, rather than earned as he claimed. And in the end of course, did she stand by her words? NO, she demanded PROOF. Proof that he loved her, but also that he could and would give up his rakish habits and live a decent life. While Sunburne on the other hand, chose to love her anyway; without proof or guarantee. Because, even when she promised him to leave the matter of her father to rest and stay with him, she didn't actually. Her father meant more to her all the time, and it was only when she finally came up with the truth that she managed to overcome her infatuation with him.
To sum it up, from the whole book I loved only the middle. And it's a shame, because these pages had so much potential and emotional power. And these pages are the reason I rate this with 4 rather than 3 stars, because the slow start, the anti-climatic ending, with the hero and heroine going back and forth in their decision to be together, and the unlikable heroine would completely ruin a book for a less talented author. This does not came to parr with The Duke of Shadows for me, but I can't say I'm completely disappointed either, while I'm still looking forward to Phin's story in Written on Your Skin.
Make no mistake, Sunburne is a rake. When he's first introduced to the reader, he's inebriated from a combination of drugs and alcohol, barely able to stand on his feet. He moves within a fast set of handsome trendsetters, most of them sharing the same destroying habits as he does. He also has a great enmity towards his father, whom he will go to great lengths to provoke any way he can. Slowly though, it becomes apparent that there is a reason behind all this rakish behavior. Sunburne is far from the beautiful but superficial butterfly Lydia initially believed him to be. He has depth, wit, intelligence and fierce loyalty to those he cares for.
Lydia on the other hand, is a bluestocking spinster. Prim and proper, she's the one trying to keep her sisters and her father's business in order. She knows only two things well, namely duty and dignity. She'll do anything, and I mean anything, to keep her father's name clear and protect her family, even risk her own safety. But of course, deep down she is a woman and the hero soon uncovers her passionate nature...
I guess that by the line above, most readers will realize that I didn't like Lydia. Simply put, she ruined the book for me, which actually came lower than 4 stars, more like 3 and 1/2. My main problems arised in the last 70 pages of the book, although the beginning as well, was way too slow for my liking. So, in the end, Lydia let me down. She preached Sunburne about how love and faith are both given, rather than earned as he claimed. And in the end of course, did she stand by her words? NO, she demanded PROOF. Proof that he loved her, but also that he could and would give up his rakish habits and live a decent life. While Sunburne on the other hand, chose to love her anyway; without proof or guarantee. Because, even when she promised him to leave the matter of her father to rest and stay with him, she didn't actually. Her father meant more to her all the time, and it was only when she finally came up with the truth that she managed to overcome her infatuation with him.
To sum it up, from the whole book I loved only the middle. And it's a shame, because these pages had so much potential and emotional power. And these pages are the reason I rate this with 4 rather than 3 stars, because the slow start, the anti-climatic ending, with the hero and heroine going back and forth in their decision to be together, and the unlikable heroine would completely ruin a book for a less talented author. This does not came to parr with The Duke of Shadows for me, but I can't say I'm completely disappointed either, while I'm still looking forward to Phin's story in Written on Your Skin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2014
3.5/5. Strangely uninvolved book for me despite its potentially emotive content. Spinster bluestocking heroine, with past disappointment in love, tried to save her beloved Egyptian expert father's reputation. She was joined reluctantly by the even more emotionally messed up viscount hero, who had a less than loving relationship with his own papa. Too much baggage was brought along for the ride by both. The writing sometimes reflected too well the utter chaos and confusion in their minds and hearts, leaving me rather perplexed and lost at times. The motivations of the characters, their ids if you like, were rather obscured at times or inconsistent. One example - the heroine and her sister's faithless husband had a brief secret moment of pashing (not so much passion) and yet she later proceeded to moralise the same sister when the latter was about to embark on an extramarital dalliance. I just couldn't get a good feel for any of the characters. A pity as there were moments of brilliance and quotable quotes in there.
January 1, 2010
I'm not going to put this on my made-me-weep shelf because it didn't. But almost. I got a little teary ok? I've read another book by Duran and I like her style.
I wouldn't call Sanburne a rake, really, he was just a...mess. Haunted. Party Animal. Wounded.
As for Lydia, no I-need-a-man attitude for her. Oh, no, she was smart, articulate and when you got past her hoidy-toidy exterior she was someone Sanburne could not resist.
They were both not necessarily meant for each other but they certainly did fit. And at one point towards the end there was that tearing up business. What some guys will do for the ones they love. Well, at least in historical romance land.
I wouldn't call Sanburne a rake, really, he was just a...mess. Haunted. Party Animal. Wounded.
As for Lydia, no I-need-a-man attitude for her. Oh, no, she was smart, articulate and when you got past her hoidy-toidy exterior she was someone Sanburne could not resist.
They were both not necessarily meant for each other but they certainly did fit. And at one point towards the end there was that tearing up business. What some guys will do for the ones they love. Well, at least in historical romance land.
June 17, 2009
I *loved* this book. I think it's my favorite read of 2009 so far. The language is beautiful, the story smart. For those of you that thought Duke of Shadows was depressing, this is a lighter (but equally beautiful) side of Duran. James (Viscount Sanburne) is the rakiest rake that ever raked, and I loved LOVED his character. Best rogue since Lord of Scoundrels? Maybe.
March 22, 2024
Meh. I skipped a LOT. Maybe bc this was an earlier book, but I really didn’t enjoy it. There were a couple good lines here and there and that’s about it.
May 25, 2020
Overall: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Emotional Depth:💔💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension:⚡️⚡️⚡️
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Sex Scene Length: 🍆🍆🍆🍆🍆
If you have not read Meredith Duran, you must. I think I she may just be my favorite author. Even over Sarah MacLean and more than Judith McNaught, who I have loved for 20 years. Her writing is simply beautiful. There is a depth of feeling to them that I have found to be unparalleled. She takes moments and practically turns them into poetry. And her love scenes feel like love scenes, not just sex.
This is my third book by her and each one I’ve loved more than the last. Everyone of her books that I’ve read has left me emotionally wrecked inside. They end happy, but the journey to get there is always an unfolding of layers that go so deep you could believe her characters are real.
This book follows the story of James and Lydia who are both working their way through difficult issues between themselves and their fathers. They are two parallels who both oppose and compliments each other.
Lydia is a 26 year old, blue stocking spinster who has given up on love and resigned herself to playing her part. She’s stiff and hard and at times cold and aloof. But as we get to know her we see more and more of her true self. Her loving nature, her faith in people, her unwillingness to abandon those she loves.
James.... well, I have to note first that James is a peacock. He dresses in bold and embellished clothes, wears gaudy jewelry and heels. He is the first hero I’ve read that is downright colorful and beautiful. And yet he manages to be hot as hell. It was oddly charming to me and unexpectedly amped up his sex appeal.
I mostly mention this, because this surface appearance is integral to his character. He’s a completely ridiculous and frivolous man. One might think he’s living it up as a nobleman and fitting in with the crowd. But never has anyone cared less about propriety or appearances. In fact, he actively sets out be noticed in a negative way. His life’s mission is to embarrass his father and all of this plays into that.
Of course, his outrageous appearance and the antics and mayhem he purposely generates all around him is a way to avoid what’s underneath. And when he meets Lydia, she’s the first person to not only call him out, but to see what truly lies beneath.
In truth, James is a man with an incredible amount of pain inside. Pain he is unable to fix or forget. And Lydia, is battling her own pain. Abandonment and rejection are similar themes in both their lives. But while James is noticed by everyone and for all the wrong reasons, Lydia is near invisible and forgotten. And it’s only through the two of them coming together that they become who they really are.
This book was definitely more from the Lydia’s perspective. And to be honest, I was dying to get more from James’s point of view. I wanted to hear so badly how he was feeling about her and I kept not getting it for most of the book. I was thinking it would make me knock off a star. But then I realized this lack of detail did something special in this book. It made me analyze his actions more. Feel Lydia’s doubt and insecurities more. It was more like the one sidedness you get in your own relationships. Very often the heroes actions are ambiguous and if not for the book being a romance or getting the truth straight from inside their minds, you wouldn’t know how they were feeling. But here, it was so obvious by his actions that he was falling in love that in many ways I was happy for not getting the inner workings of his mind. Lydia truly had to figure it out for herself up until the point he said what he needed to say out loud. It upped the ante and the angst in the perfect way.
And actually it made sense for James’s character. Because he’s a man who doesn’t like to think about anything. Then when he does think and all those realizations start opening up in his mind, the combination of his actions and feelings emphasized how he was coming completely undone over her and how his heart just opened up and let her inside.
This book was definitely the steamiest of the three I’ve read now. Her love scenes are always so well developed and beautiful. She gives you enough information to know exactly what’s going on, but it’s the emotional quality that takes it up a notch. I don’t think I can say her books are filled with sexual tension. There is some of that. But in between, the character development takes a front seat. Their thoughts and feeling, the inner turmoil, their revelations and realizations, what they think and how they feel about each other... how they feel about themselves. Those are always the richest parts of her books. And it’s what leaves me thinking about them long after I’ve put them down.
Other Info...
Hero Type: Beta
Heroine Type: Alpha
Language: Explicit without swearing.
Number of sex scenes: lots of touches, multiple kisses, 1 below the belt scene with clothes on, 2 clothes off scenes.
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Emotional Depth:💔💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension:⚡️⚡️⚡️
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Sex Scene Length: 🍆🍆🍆🍆🍆
If you have not read Meredith Duran, you must. I think I she may just be my favorite author. Even over Sarah MacLean and more than Judith McNaught, who I have loved for 20 years. Her writing is simply beautiful. There is a depth of feeling to them that I have found to be unparalleled. She takes moments and practically turns them into poetry. And her love scenes feel like love scenes, not just sex.
This is my third book by her and each one I’ve loved more than the last. Everyone of her books that I’ve read has left me emotionally wrecked inside. They end happy, but the journey to get there is always an unfolding of layers that go so deep you could believe her characters are real.
This book follows the story of James and Lydia who are both working their way through difficult issues between themselves and their fathers. They are two parallels who both oppose and compliments each other.
Lydia is a 26 year old, blue stocking spinster who has given up on love and resigned herself to playing her part. She’s stiff and hard and at times cold and aloof. But as we get to know her we see more and more of her true self. Her loving nature, her faith in people, her unwillingness to abandon those she loves.
James.... well, I have to note first that James is a peacock. He dresses in bold and embellished clothes, wears gaudy jewelry and heels. He is the first hero I’ve read that is downright colorful and beautiful. And yet he manages to be hot as hell. It was oddly charming to me and unexpectedly amped up his sex appeal.
I mostly mention this, because this surface appearance is integral to his character. He’s a completely ridiculous and frivolous man. One might think he’s living it up as a nobleman and fitting in with the crowd. But never has anyone cared less about propriety or appearances. In fact, he actively sets out be noticed in a negative way. His life’s mission is to embarrass his father and all of this plays into that.
Of course, his outrageous appearance and the antics and mayhem he purposely generates all around him is a way to avoid what’s underneath. And when he meets Lydia, she’s the first person to not only call him out, but to see what truly lies beneath.
In truth, James is a man with an incredible amount of pain inside. Pain he is unable to fix or forget. And Lydia, is battling her own pain. Abandonment and rejection are similar themes in both their lives. But while James is noticed by everyone and for all the wrong reasons, Lydia is near invisible and forgotten. And it’s only through the two of them coming together that they become who they really are.
This book was definitely more from the Lydia’s perspective. And to be honest, I was dying to get more from James’s point of view. I wanted to hear so badly how he was feeling about her and I kept not getting it for most of the book. I was thinking it would make me knock off a star. But then I realized this lack of detail did something special in this book. It made me analyze his actions more. Feel Lydia’s doubt and insecurities more. It was more like the one sidedness you get in your own relationships. Very often the heroes actions are ambiguous and if not for the book being a romance or getting the truth straight from inside their minds, you wouldn’t know how they were feeling. But here, it was so obvious by his actions that he was falling in love that in many ways I was happy for not getting the inner workings of his mind. Lydia truly had to figure it out for herself up until the point he said what he needed to say out loud. It upped the ante and the angst in the perfect way.
And actually it made sense for James’s character. Because he’s a man who doesn’t like to think about anything. Then when he does think and all those realizations start opening up in his mind, the combination of his actions and feelings emphasized how he was coming completely undone over her and how his heart just opened up and let her inside.
This book was definitely the steamiest of the three I’ve read now. Her love scenes are always so well developed and beautiful. She gives you enough information to know exactly what’s going on, but it’s the emotional quality that takes it up a notch. I don’t think I can say her books are filled with sexual tension. There is some of that. But in between, the character development takes a front seat. Their thoughts and feeling, the inner turmoil, their revelations and realizations, what they think and how they feel about each other... how they feel about themselves. Those are always the richest parts of her books. And it’s what leaves me thinking about them long after I’ve put them down.
Other Info...
Hero Type: Beta
Heroine Type: Alpha
Language: Explicit without swearing.
Number of sex scenes: lots of touches, multiple kisses, 1 below the belt scene with clothes on, 2 clothes off scenes.
May 13, 2016
4.5
Review posted on Got Fiction?
James, Viscount Sandburne, lives to embarrass his father, so when he gets the chance to one-up his father in public, he jumps at it. Unfortunately, he does so in the middle of Lydia Boyce's talk at the Archaeological Institute. She's so mad at him for causing a scene, that she lets him know the artifact he's holding and lording over his father, is a fake.
James figures she's on his father's payroll. There's no way this piece is fake. He bought it from someone very reputable...someone who buys from her father...her father the famous Egyptologist whom she idolizes. Yikes.
She wants to prove her father's innocence, but she also wants to figure out what's going on. However, Sandburne won't let her out of his sight, so she can't investigate on her own, and to top that off, the two of them just really irritate each other.
I'd say that Lydia reminds me of Evie in the Mummy. She's intelligent, she's an expert on antiques and Egypt, she adores her father, and she's attracted to the wrong type of man.
Sandburne's devil-may-care attitude hides much deeper feelings than he lets on. But Lydia is able to see into the heart of him. She knows there's more to him than a juvenile need to upset his father.
While this story doesn't have the action that The Mummy does, it still has quite a bit going on. And Lydia at one point has to open her eyes to some hard truths. Luckily she has Sandburne with her. And together they are wonderful.
These two are almost instantly hitting sparks off each other, and it's delicious.
You want this book. You want to read everything Meredith Duran has ever written. I spent a week immersed in her books, and my kids had to eat cereal for dinner once or twice, because I refused to put the books down.
Review posted on Got Fiction?
James, Viscount Sandburne, lives to embarrass his father, so when he gets the chance to one-up his father in public, he jumps at it. Unfortunately, he does so in the middle of Lydia Boyce's talk at the Archaeological Institute. She's so mad at him for causing a scene, that she lets him know the artifact he's holding and lording over his father, is a fake.
James figures she's on his father's payroll. There's no way this piece is fake. He bought it from someone very reputable...someone who buys from her father...her father the famous Egyptologist whom she idolizes. Yikes.
She wants to prove her father's innocence, but she also wants to figure out what's going on. However, Sandburne won't let her out of his sight, so she can't investigate on her own, and to top that off, the two of them just really irritate each other.
I'd say that Lydia reminds me of Evie in the Mummy. She's intelligent, she's an expert on antiques and Egypt, she adores her father, and she's attracted to the wrong type of man.
Sandburne's devil-may-care attitude hides much deeper feelings than he lets on. But Lydia is able to see into the heart of him. She knows there's more to him than a juvenile need to upset his father.
While this story doesn't have the action that The Mummy does, it still has quite a bit going on. And Lydia at one point has to open her eyes to some hard truths. Luckily she has Sandburne with her. And together they are wonderful.
These two are almost instantly hitting sparks off each other, and it's delicious.
You want this book. You want to read everything Meredith Duran has ever written. I spent a week immersed in her books, and my kids had to eat cereal for dinner once or twice, because I refused to put the books down.
March 1, 2019
3.5 stars.
It was lovely and unconventional.
James and Lydia - a story we’ve read before (rake and “bookish” spinster) - called for something nearly entirely cerebral. I think of this as the story of a man with some significant emotional issues and a woman with some fears who break themselves down and rebuild within the vestiges of love. Their conversations frequently seemed to dance around a topic rather than directly address it. The writing was perhaps more flowery than we’ve seen from Duran. Rather than feeling an intensity from the story I felt an intensity of moments - descriptions of what everyone was feeling and thinking during this tumultuous growth. More than triggering emotions this book created some happy “oh this is interesting” vibes. I think it had an entirely different feel that was highly enjoyable.
It was lovely and unconventional.
James and Lydia - a story we’ve read before (rake and “bookish” spinster) - called for something nearly entirely cerebral. I think of this as the story of a man with some significant emotional issues and a woman with some fears who break themselves down and rebuild within the vestiges of love. Their conversations frequently seemed to dance around a topic rather than directly address it. The writing was perhaps more flowery than we’ve seen from Duran. Rather than feeling an intensity from the story I felt an intensity of moments - descriptions of what everyone was feeling and thinking during this tumultuous growth. More than triggering emotions this book created some happy “oh this is interesting” vibes. I think it had an entirely different feel that was highly enjoyable.
January 29, 2016
The book was of all over the place and hard to follow at first. Luckily I got the gist of it and I started to enjoy the story. A little to late for a 4 or 5 star rating sadly.
This is my first Meredith Duran book. While I didn't love it I also didn't hate it. I'll give her work another try and hope I'll get swept off my feet.
This is my first Meredith Duran book. While I didn't love it I also didn't hate it. I'll give her work another try and hope I'll get swept off my feet.
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