After the Kiss

by Karen Ranney

Margaret Esterly is desperate—and desperation can lead to shocking behavior! Beautiful and gently-bred, she was the essence of prim, proper, English womanhood—until fate widowed her and thrust her into the poverty overnight. Now she finds herself at a dazzling masked ball, determined to sell a volume of scandalous memoirs to the gala's noble host. But amid the heated fantasy of the evening, Margaret boldly, impetuously, shares a moment of passion with a darkly handsome gentleman...and then flees into the night.

Who was this exquisite creature who swept into Michael Hawthorne's arms and then vanished? The startled, yet pleasingly stimulated Earl of Montraine is not about to forget the intoxicating woman of mystery so easily—especially since Michael's heart tells him that he has at last found his perfect bride. But once he locates her again, will he be able to convince the reticent lady that their moment of ecstasy was no mere accident...and that just one kiss can lead to paradise.

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

373 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

I’m a writer who’s been privileged to have attained the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists.

Although I've primarily written historical romance, I've also written contemporary romantic suspense, a murder mystery, and I'm having a wonderful time writing about a vampire who is being challenged by her new state of being. (The Montgomery Chronicles: The Fertile Vampire and The Reluctant Goddess coming March 12, 2015.)

I believe in the power of the individual, the magnificence of the human spirit, and always looking for the positive in any situation. I write about people who have been challenged by life itself but who win in the end.

Newsletter: http://karenranney.com/subscribe-warm...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterKarenRa...
Website: http://karenranney.com
Email: karen@karenranney.com
Twitter: @Karen_Ranney

Reviews

[Alba Turunen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Estrellitas. Creía que iba a gustarme menos porque su calificación es bastante bajita, pero al final lo he disfrutado más de lo que pensaba.

Hace ya muchos años que leí "Tapestry" de ésta misma autora y me encantó, quería probar de nuevo a leerla hasta que vi éste libro en una librería de segunda mano y me lo traje.

"Después de besarte" nos lleva a la Inglaterra de la Regencia. Margaret Esterly es una plebeya, la viuda de un librero, un bastardo de la nobleza que falleció dos años atrás en un incendio. Margaret solo pudo salvar del incendio una caja de caudales que contenía tres libros muy valiosos, y ahora su única salvación ante un futuro incierto. Margaret ha recuperado la lista de clientes de su esposo y escribirá a cada uno por si están interesados en la compra de los volúmenes, cuando uno de ellos acepta, Margaret vuelve a Londres y se ve envuelta en un baile de disfraces.

Michael Hawthorne, conde de Montraine, ha acudido al baile de disfraces de su amigo lord Babidge, en él Michael espera encontrar a su futura esposa, a poder ser una heredera, pues sus posesiones están en peligro y aún debe costear las temporadas de tres hermanas menores y los caprichos y fruslerías de su madre. Pero en éste baile, Michael conocerá a Margaret, es lord Babidge el comprador de los libros y Margaret llega justo en el momento oportuno en que el baile está en su apogeo.

Si soy sincera, no sé muy bien cuando ha ocurrido el enamoramiento de los protagonistas, me ha parecido un instalove y me han resultado algo superficiales sus sentimientos. Se ven, se desean, tras un beso son incapaces de olvidarse el uno al otro y Michael hará lo imposible por sonsacar a su amigo quién es ésta mujer y dónde vive.

En principio su historia puede parecer fácil y no hay tantos conflictos como cabría esperar, eso ha hecho al libro algo monótono y aburrido, pero mientras Michael convence a Margaret de que sea su amante la historia llegará a mucho más. En el fondo, la historia de ambos es imposible, él necesita una rica heredera y Margaret es una viuda plebeya y pobre, pero a medida que su relación se vaya afianzando, Michael removerá cielo y tierra para que Margaret sea suya.

En el fondo el libro ha estado bien, dentro de lo monótono que puede parecer, el último tercio ha estado interesante, cuando la vida de los protagonistas esté en peligro, pues hay un misterio de espionaje entre los libros que Margaret espera vender, y lo curioso de la trama es que Michael es matemático y descifra criptogramas, labor la suya muy valorada en el Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, sobre todo tras las Guerras Napoleónicas. Sí, admito que esto es lo que más me ha gustado del libro.

Así que ha sido una buena lectura, pero creo que no será muy memorable en el tiempo, entretenido para leerlo. Espero leer algo más de Karen Ranney en el futuro.

[Annery · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new found fixation with my Kindle, contemporaries & MM had me set this aside for quite some while and I do regret it because it is a beautifully written book full of rich imagery, sensual scenes and a H/h who are actual adults and ones anyone would be glad to know as they are smart, funny and able to have direct conversations. There are no Big misunderstandings but real actual conflict that is resolved in a non Fairy-God-Mother kind of way.

Plus there are passages like this:

"Until she'd known him she'd never experienced sorcery. Never known what it was like to feel passion. For the sheer blinding alchemy of that she would ever be grateful. But being with him was oddly more. It was the taste of an orange, the smell of a rose, the touch of the first spring raindrop expanded and multiplied and folded over itself. The meaning, perhaps of joy."

Or:
"Dawn was making an appearance on the horizon. The sky was growing lighter; its midnight blue fading reluctantly like a reveler not ready for his bed. Across the horizon streaks of pink, a hue to match the the color of Margaret's cheek, warned of the sun's approach."

I'm pretty sure I may be giving this a reread at another time when because I'm sure it would benefit from an active read rather than a scattered read over a couple of months.
Recommended for lovers of smart & sensual historicals.

[Sombra]

Definitivamente, esta autora no es para mi. Aunque parecía que iba a estar bien, ha llegado un punto de la historia que me ha empezado a cansar.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it all!
This is a story that has a little bit of everything which makes it so worthwhile reading. I liked the way it was written and loved how well formed and likable the characters are. There was also a villain and a mystery to solve besides all the romantic stuff and bit of heat and I enjoyed it all!

[Monique Takens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geweldig mooi geschreven sensueel verhaal . Bijna 5 sterren waard maar ik vond het iets te traag , pas de laatste 100 pagina's ofzo kwam er wat vaart in .

[Carisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved this story. I was glued to it until the end, and then I read it again. Original plot, loved that the hero was not a super-rich-titled-Earl and on the contrary, was financially pressed not only to work but to look for a heiress to marry. I loved the quiet, principled heroine who did not -surprise- grated my nerves and was a perfect match for the hero. The side, simple mystery plot served its purpose for the romance plot. Excellent writing, romantic, a keeper.
HERO is a Performer, with a calculating and analytical mind, completely absorbed in his work, who finds himself tangled in emotions when he meets a poor widow who turns his world upside down.
SCENES/CONTENT: few/hot
GENRE/TONE: historical/drama
LENGHT: 371 pages

[SidneyKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pass the Azo, please.

Memories Schmemories: After the Kiss by Karen Ranney. Isn't it wonderful when you are hooked from the very first paragraph? From the opening pages to the end, this book was a treat to read. It starts out with a fire in a book store/home of our heroine Margaret. Margaret is able to grab a box by the bedside, awaken her maid Penelope and escape through a window. Margaret's husband is not so lucky, he perishes in the fire. Before this first chapter ends we are also introduced to the villain of the book. There is never any question in this story who was responsible for Margaret's husband's death; the only question we left with is when will this guy strike again.

Time passes. Margaret and Penelope are sharing a small house in the country, but they are in need of money. When her house was destroyed by the fire, Margaret happened to grab a box and in that box were three volumes of what was called the Journals of Augustin X. Well, these journals are in actuality bawdy books and there are a number of men who are willing to pay a pretty high price to own them. While Margaret has enjoyed viewing the books and having her eyes opened a bit on just how flexible a human being can be, she also likes to eat. She decides to take one of the books to the highest bidder. She journeys to London and arrives at the house of the man who is going to buy the journal. Well, it just so happens he is having a costume party. After the transaction Margaret wonders out onto the terrace, attracted by the music and there she meets Michael Hawthorne, Earl of Montraine. Michael mistakenly thinks her shabby clothes are a costume and that she is an aristocrat. Michael and Margaret are immediately attracted to each other and not just physically. They share a moment of lovely companionship and a kiss. But, much like Cinderella, Margaret disappears into the night leaving Michael to wonder about her. Or should I say obsess about her, because she becomes someone he just simply cannot forget.

Time passes. Penelope wants to marry a local man and Margaret wants to give her something special. In order to do that she decides she must sell the second book. She returns to town, only this time instead of the man she sold it to the first time she finds Michael waiting for her. For months both Michael and Margaret have been obsessing about each other. Michael has asked his friend to let him know if the mysterious woman makes contact with him. He has been unable to concentrate on his work, which is cyphering (he's a spy or something). He must get her out of his system - somehow. Let me just say - this scene was hot! He asks her for one more kiss, only a kiss. They go to his house for that kiss. Well, it turns into something a great deal more than just a measly little kiss. Fan please. It is a night full of hot, pulsing, sweaty stuff. Then Margaret leaves in the morning, because she must. She has no place in Michael's life, she knows it and he knows it. But he cannot forget her, so he finds her. Michael must find a rich wife, so the only thing that Margaret could be is a mistress. They are people from two different social strati and they are really really really attracted to each other.

Time passes. Margaret is pregnant but doesn't tell Michael. She turns down Michael's offer of being a mistress, but maybe they could spend a week together. Then after the week go their own way. We all know that much like the "only one kiss", only one week will not work out. But, they enter into this relationship. Then his mother from hell shows up. She figures out that Margaret is pregnant, spills the beans to Michael. Michael and Margaret marry. The story does not end with the wedding.

This book is so much more than the average oh-hum "I'm not good enough I can't marry you but you are really hot" story. Michael and Margaret are adults, they talk, they discuss their problems, they find solutions and they support each other. There isn't any rich relative who turns up to give Margaret the money Michael needs, no siree. Michael comes up with a solution - a wonderful solution - a realistic solution. All the characters in this story are fleshed out but even though this is a character-driven story there is also a mystery to be solved. Much to my delight, the mystery does not detract from the wonderful love story being told; it only adds to it. The whole book balances nicely. It's well-paced, nothing is strung out longer than it should be.

If I had one quibble with this book it would be the abundance of sex. I feel for you Margaret, I know you had to have developed a bladder infection with all that friction that was going on in your mommy parts. And, what's with the ribbon. I had to read the ribbon scene a couple of times just so I could figure out what Michael was doing with it. Authors: please include ribbon footnote instructions in all of your books.

Bottom line. This was a wonderful book, complex characters, great pacing, quiet tender moments, hot stuff - a great book. You really should read it if you haven't by now.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I super love this book!!! It’s romantic, sexy and the story is so beautiful I could cry! 5/5 stars 🌟💞

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't really read 1980's "alphole" romances because I know the hero will have an attitude that I cannot stand. Often, he rapes the heroine and I have a hard time believing any sort of turn around from that. But at least it's honest. You know what you're getting into. It's the more modern romances that bother me. In this book, Margaret does not want to go with the hero. He goes to her little village and risks her reputation in order to ask her to spend a week with him. He never once considers what she would tell people, birth control, how her reputation will be ruined if she goes. She says no, so he slings her over his shoulder and carries her off anyway. She lives with a servant/friend who will miss her and doesn't even get a chance to leave a note. He ends up having sex with her right away in the carriage, and to me, that's rape. She might have been turned on and eventually, in the heat of passion, said yes, but that kind of abduction and coercion do not make it okay. The steamiest sex in the world would turn my stomach after that. She SAID no, I don't want to go with you, and then he forced her to. She is very attracted to him...but she still has the right not to give up everything else in her life for sex. She had the right to say no, and he took her anyway. Rape.

Had to skim after that. It never regained my interest enough.

[Lucimar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vou relatar com as próprias palavras da autora sobre o romance entre uma viúva paupérrima e um conde (Montraine) que era conhecido por sua seriedade e sua entrega ao trabalho e por honrar seus compromissos.
1-Era um homem cuja vida solitária lhe resultava bastante familiar.
2- O destino foi direto a Margaret quando ela pegou uma caixa com os eróticos Livros de Agustin antes de pular pela janela enquanto seu lar, seu esposo morria queimado num assassinato cruel.
3-Para ela ele era um homem inteligente e razoável, mas era emocionalmente tumultuoso. Capaz de um grande ternura, de protegê-la e garantir um esplendido prazer físico. sua segurança a divertia; seu sorriso tinha a capacidade de alterar seu coração; ela havia aprendido com ele que o amor exigia todos os seus sentido, que podia sentir paixão assim como felicidade.
5- Para Michael Montraine, ela era a razão de sua vida e faria tudo para tê-la.
É um romance precioso e poético, porque mostra uma sensibilidade incrível de sentimentos. 5 estrelas pelos bons momentos que me proporcionou.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 150 pages of this book were amazing! I couldn’t put it down! It was such a page-turner. Then it slowed way down. It became pretty boring and predictable. Also, I felt like the hero changed, and I became angry with him. Average historical romance. Not the best Karen Ranney book out there.

Margaret Esterly is a widow. Michael Hawthorne, Earl of Montraine, happens to meet Margaret quite by chance and becomes instantly obsessed with her (overthrowing his reserved, planned life as a cryptographist) . Margaret is forced to sell one of three of volumes of The Journals of Augustin X, which are a risqué collection of travel stories. Someone wants the collection for their own, and is willing to do whatever it takes to obtain them. Can Michael bridge the gap in their social classes to make Margaret his own? And if he does, will he be able to keep Margaret safe?

[Mary23nm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my second reading of After the Kiss. My rating wasn't recorded for my first read, but I'm pretty sure I really liked it then. Soon after starting this reading, my eyes began to roll and I was thinking, WTH? The heroine, who was a widow in a small village in Victorian England, throws all caution to the wind and goes along with the aristocrat she has the hots for (and is already pregnant by). She knows he'll not marry her and needs an heiress but she draws the line at being his mistress. She'll go with him for one week and get it out of their systems or whatever. She is pregnant, but is going to keep that from him, even though she is ill in the mornings and afternoons (that seems to disappear when she is at his home though). They boink like bunnies for about 200 pages or so. The second half of the book is much better. Basically, I give the first half 2 stars & the second half 4 stars, for an average of 3 stars.

[Rainz ❤️rainnbooks❤️(on a break) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A refreshing change from the usual books in this genre. The heroine is a pauper and the hero is not miraculously super duper rich.He is also struggling for financial stability but I liked how he finds a way out to achieve his heart's desire. The conversations were sensible and quiet and very mature. The mystery about the journals kept the story spicy but the slow growth of love and affection between Michael and Margaret made it an entertaining read.

[Noah Oanh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic, generous, mysterious and just so beautiful to read <3

1 trong những quyển sách điên cuồng, say mê nhất mà mình từng đọc. Cảm xúc ẩn trong từng câu chữ. Mình nhớ lúc mình đọc quyển này là khoảng đầu năm nhất - lúc đó vẫn còn trong sáng thánh thiện lắm :"> - mỗi lần đọc là lại đỏ mặt vì nó hot lắm :D Bây giờ thì không còn đỏ mặt r nhưng vẫn rất thích cảm xúc nồng nàn của quyển này ♥

"Lấy bối cảnh nước Anh những năm đầu thế kỷ 19,“Sau một nụ hôn” là câu chuyện về mối tình tuyệt đẹp của nàng Margaret – một góa phụ sống trong căn nhà tồi tàn ở miền đồng quê xa xôi và chàng Michael – một bá tước sống trong gia đình quý tộc đang thời kỳ sa sút. Michael buộc phải chọn cho mình một người vợ quý tộc khác, với một món hồi môn đủ lớn để chi trả cho những hóa đơn ghi nợ chồng chất của gia đình. Còn Margaret, sau khi thoát khỏi vụ cháy thiêu rụi cả hiệu sách cùng người chồng thương yêu ở London, nàng lánh về miền quê cùng cô hầu gái Penelope và bắt đầu một cuộc sống mới với công việc của một “cô giáo làng”. Sự túng thiếu đã buộc Margaret phải lần lượt bán đi ba cuốn sách mà nàng còn giữ được sau vụ cháy ở London – ba cuốn nhật ký của một người đàn ông mang tên Augustin X – những cuốn sách đầy mùi sắc dục và hoan lạc, kể vể các cuộc phiêu lưu tình ái của Augustin X. Margaret và Michael gặp nhau tình cờ trong một bữa tiệc, và cũng chính lúc đó, tiếng sét ái tình đã giáng xuống hai con người quá khác nhau về đẳng cấp và thân phận trong xã hội. Họ không thể quên được niềm khát khao được gặp lại nhau, nhìn thấy nhau. Họ yêu nhau như một thứ bùa mê, như một giấc mơ điên rồ mà không ai muốn tỉnh lại. Bất chấp sự phản đối của gia đình, cái nhìn của xã hội, Margaret và Michael đã âm thầm kết hôn và sống những tháng ngày hạnh phúc của cuộc sống chồng vợ. Cho đến một ngày, họ phát hiện ra chính những cuốn sách của Augustin X – những cuốn sách đưa họ đến với nhau lại ẩn chứa một bí mật làm chấn động lịch sử, những bí mật có thể khiến họ phải chết chỉ vì mang tội liên đới…"

Trong“Sau một nụ hôn”, bên cạnh việc kể lại câu chuyện tình ngọt ngào của hai nhân vật chính, Karen Ranney còn đi vào khai thác một tình tiết đã gây nhiều tranh cãi trong lịch sử, đó là những câu hỏi xung quanh việc liệu nước Anh có giúp Napoleon trốn khỏi Elba hay không? Những lời yêu đương lãng mạn, sex nồng nàn, lại thêm cả một chút hồi hộp trong câu chuyện ẩn chứa những bí mật li kỳ, tất cả đã làm nên một cuốn sách có sức hấp dẫn khôn cưỡng rất đã hehe

1 điểm mình thích nữa là mỗi đầu chap lại trích 1 câu rất hay ho từ quyển Nhật kí :"> đọc sẽ học tập đc vài thứ :P

Muốn tìm hiểu về 1 người khác, hãy biết về mình. Muốn yêu một người khác, hãy yêu chính mình...

1 quyển sách tuyệt vời và viết rất đẹp về sex \m/

[Jisela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Después de besarte es una novela que, a través de personajes sencillos y situaciones que no se alejan de lo usual, teje una historia intensa que te cautiva con facilidad, en la que abundan la sensualidad y la dulzura. A través de sus páginas asistimos al sutil cambio de Michael y Margaret, dos personas que se suponía no estaban destinadas a estar juntas, pero que los caprichos de la providencia parece pensar de otro modo.

La evolución de los personajes es lenta y paulatina. Poco a poco, a través de los encuentros que se producen entre ambos y la convivencia, somos testigos de cómo cada uno va desprendiéndose de las encorsetadas normas que los oprimían e impedían demostrar su verdadera cara. Michael es un hombre estricto, austero y distante. La difícil infancia vivida le ha convertido en un hombre que huye de las emociones. Prefiere la lógica y racionalidad de los números y los códigos. Los sentimientos no son tan fáciles de desentrañar. Margaret es un mujer sencilla, huérfana desde muy temprana edad. Pese a ello siempre se ha sentido protegida y cuidada, primero por su abuelo y luego por su marido, pero la pasión es totalmente nueva para ella. Algo que descubre en los brazos de Michael.

En realidad la trama de la novela no es especialmente novedosa. Nos encontramos ante dos personas que pertenecen a mundos opuestos, donde ninguno tiene cabida en el del otro, pero las circunstancias o el destino parecen decidir otra cosa. El interrogante se encuentra en saber cómo harán para eliminar ese obstáculo, ya que no lo olvidemos la historia transcurre en torno a 1820, donde la sociedad no era como la hoy conocemos. De fondo subyace toda una trama que gira en torno a los misteriosos diarios, y aunque desde un principio sabemos quién los persigue -de modo que no hay ningún misterio- sí que se permanece a la espera de cuándo y por qué acechará este personaje.

Mientras esto sucede, la autora nos deleita con una historia de amor que te mantiene en vilo, entrelazando diálogos ingeniosos, sensuales y una complicidad entre sus protagonistas que traspasa fácilmente las páginas. Una historia que en ocasiones tiene ciertos toques a cuento de hadas, a mi parecer. En cierto modo la escena del baile es un poco parecida a la de la cenicienta y el príncipe, y las hermanas de Michael, a mí personalmente me recuerdan un poco las hermanastras de ésta. Creo que la escritora ha logrado escribir una novela profunda, sencilla y con mucha sensualidad, una historia dulcemente romántica que te garantiza una muy agradable lectura.

[Jane Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant regency romance, but not as engaging as I would have liked.

I liked the characters: Margaret a poor widow who refused to be a mistress to the man she loved. Margaret didn’t know that her life was in danger due to her possession of three books. Michael was an earl who needed to marry an heiress to support his mother and sisters who spent extravagantly. He was a code breaker for the government in addition to his estate duties. He had no interest in social activities and worked alone most of the time.

This was a full length novel. It kept my interest, but I wasn’t wowed until the 70% point. Then I was very pleased with what happened. I loved Michael’s choices.

My complaints: Some of the early parts seemed to drag. I wanted to know more details of Michael’s financial changes and activities at the end. I wanted to know what changes he forced on his mother and sisters and their reactions.

There were several sex scenes, but they didn’t interest me. I skimmed most of them.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count story length: 4,965 (252 KB) 388 pages per Amazon. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 5. Setting: 1820 England. Copyright: 2000. Genre: regency romance.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually don’t fall for this kind of story: a noble, a privileged, falling in love with a plebeian (a HEA it’s not believable and I dislike the prince syndrome: I’d like to think there were worthy plebeian males). That’s why I usually don’t read regency. But I saw a good review from a GR friend and I gave it a try. I’m happy I did it.

In the middle of the book I just fell in love with Margaret and Michael, earl of Montraine. They are wonderful characters, different from what’s usual in this kind of romance, and their love is just beautiful.

This book deserves more stars (at least one more), but my historical skepticism doesn’t let me be more benevolent. But it deserves being read all the same.

[Isabel Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tenía mis dudas porque parecía una nueva versión histórica de Ceniciente, y aunque sí es, tiene su propio encanto principalmente por la personalidad bastante compleja de los protagonistas y el conflicto amoroso. Los diálogos son muy fluidos, las escenas cómicas están bien logradas y el final, aunque predecible, es precioso.

I had my doubts because it seemed a new historical version of Cinderella, and even if it is, has its own charm mainly by the quite complex personality of the protagonists and the love conflict. The dialogues are very fluid, the comic scenes are well achieved and the ending, although predictable, is beautiful.

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is obvious to me that Karen Ranney is a good author (according to her many fans) but for whatever reason her style of writing doesn't work for me. The theme/plot usually sounds so promising. Unfortunately, I have a hard time getting into the story and staying with it. It wasn't a horrible book or anything, it just didn't pull me in.

[Lady Wesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Others have adored it, but this was just so-so for me.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I have to admit that I really enjoyed it. There was real chemistry between Michael and Margaret.

After a fire that consumes her husband and their livelihood, Margaret finds 3 books in the strongbox that holds the money from their business. She decides to try to sell one to one of the three men her husband had indicated would be interested in the books. While leaving the home of the buyer, she hears music and pauses in the darkened garden to listen for a few minutes. There, she meets an attractive man. When they are interrupted by one of Michael's acquaintances, Margaret slips out of the garden and back to the carriage.

Michael is so taken with her that he searches for her. Finally, his friend realizes that Michael is referring to the woman who was selling the book. Michael is going to parties to find a wealthy wife. Margaret will not suit because she is an impoverished commoner. Margaret also realizes that the interest that they have in each other can not lead to happiness. However, their interest in each other will not be tamped down by its impossibility.

[Allison · Rating 1 out of 5]

0/5 DNF
I made it to the 50% mark of this book before deciding it wasn't gonna work for me. This author has a lot of skill writing in the details. The way I can describe it is finding a home made cinnamon roll recipe. There's good ones that you have to read about the crisp autumnal morning when the leaves are just about to fall and the sound of the birdsong..... This is *that* recipe but the cinnamon rolls at the end are just missing something (or in my case, half way through I realized these weren't the right cinnamon rolls for me... This metaphor has taken a turn and now I want cinnamon rolls)

Steamy scenes were kinda funny and not that steamy. Lost complete interest after the steam scene half way through. Shelving it on my DNF pile.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so he's completely in love with her, so in love that he makes one stupid thing I didn't like it ¬¬
The interactions between H and h evolved. At the beginning it was really awkward but then ♥ rainbows and flowers ♥
3.5 stars :)

[elstaffe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a big fan of the gender dynamics going on in the hero’s perspective in this book. One of those cases where I liked the wya the heroine was written except that I couldn’t understand her actions and reactions as regarded the “hero”.

[SM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great. Some parts are irritating especially hero’s selfish behavior. Mystery was interesting, but had to skim parts to get there. Beginning was very slow and dragging. Also hero and heroine stoned on about being in love with minimal interaction which was a bit unbelievable.

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ribbons indeed …

This is a tonic! Michael and Margaret have the most acute chemistry, and fall for each other, against all sense and propriety. There’s a villainous villain, a code to crack and an intense romance that goes in unexpected directions. Brilliant 🥰

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I liked parts of it but cant give 4*

[Camila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely. I think I enjoy more of the sole novellas than to Karen's series. Good love story, a little bit of intrigue. It was entertaining.

[Fran Alsaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bonita historia, con la mención muy ligera del tema de la criptología y Napoleón.

[Debbie Dodd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading.