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Jaded Gentleman #1
Revenge Wears Rubies
First in a sexy new series of erotic passion set in Victorian London
Vengeance doesn't always turn out the way you planned.
Galen Hawke desires nothing but revenge against the woman who betrayed his dearly departed friend. Instead of mourning the loss of her fiancé, Miss Haley Moreland is merrily celebrating her upcoming nuptials to another man. Now, Galen has one mission: to seduce Miss Moreland and enslave her heart. And when she is completely his, he will destroy her.
With her family on the brink of financial ruin, Haley knows she should be grateful for her providential betrothal. But then she meets the dangerously handsome Galen, whose wicked touch makes her long to abandon all logic. If Galen's promises are sincere, the match to a family of noble blood and strong financial accounts could be the remedy her family desperately needs. And if he isn't sincere, one last chance to taste the passion he ignites before settling into a life of convention is equally alluring.
Vengeance doesn't always turn out the way you planned.
Galen Hawke desires nothing but revenge against the woman who betrayed his dearly departed friend. Instead of mourning the loss of her fiancé, Miss Haley Moreland is merrily celebrating her upcoming nuptials to another man. Now, Galen has one mission: to seduce Miss Moreland and enslave her heart. And when she is completely his, he will destroy her.
With her family on the brink of financial ruin, Haley knows she should be grateful for her providential betrothal. But then she meets the dangerously handsome Galen, whose wicked touch makes her long to abandon all logic. If Galen's promises are sincere, the match to a family of noble blood and strong financial accounts could be the remedy her family desperately needs. And if he isn't sincere, one last chance to taste the passion he ignites before settling into a life of convention is equally alluring.
309 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 2, 2010
101 people are currently reading
767 people want to read
About the author
Renee Bernard
34 books256 followersWhat in the world is a retired Navy chaplain’s daughter doing writing scorching hot historical romances and paranormal graphic novels? Renee Bernard is applying a great education from traveling all over the world to story telling and doing her best to keep her father proud. Truthfully, her father is her number one fan, even though he has sworn never to read a single word of her books (a vow he has kept to this day!) Nothing stops him from telling everyone he knows that his daughter is now a USA Today Bestselling author or from handing out bookmarks on the golf course. Love can make even a minister do strange things!
Renee Bernard is a freelance writer and host of “Canned Laughter and Coffee” on Readers Entertainment, as well as a contributor to Romantic Times BookReviews magazine. Renee currently lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. (Note an interesting proximity to great wineries!)
Renee Bernard is a freelance writer and host of “Canned Laughter and Coffee” on Readers Entertainment, as well as a contributor to Romantic Times BookReviews magazine. Renee currently lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. (Note an interesting proximity to great wineries!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 24, 2010
Renee Bernard’s Revenge Wears Rubies has the blurb- “This luscious tale will enthrall you” from author Sabrina Jeffries. This tale of revenge didn’t enthrall me in any form, even though it didn’t have great promise.
Galen Hawke wants revenge against a woman who was so cruel and cold, who dared to become engaged to another man so quickly after the death of her beloved killed in Bengal, India. Galen and eight other English gentlemen from all walks of life, known as The Jaded, suffered at the hands of a raja. But only seven came back alive. The man who died went on and on about the lovely Miss Haley Moreland before his death. Galen will make this witch pay for not spending enough time in mourning. He’ll seduce her and leave her ruined. And then his revenge will be complete!
But Galen doesn’t know the real story about Haley and why she’s engaged to a bore of a man who will give her stability, but not the passion and love she longs for. That’s where Galen comes in. Even though Galen rubs Haley the wrong way, she finds herself attracted to him and throws all caution to the wind. This caution, that is bound to get her in trouble, is having Galen sticking his hand up under her ball gown. Because Haley feels an inferno of “white-hot coil inside her that unravels in an ecstatic explosion”, she ends up sneaking out late one night and goes to Galen’s house unaccompanied for him to finish what he started. Not only does Haley not really like Galen, but as a proper virginal miss, engaged to be married, has no regards to losing her innocence with Galen because he is so skilled at love making. The reason makes perfect sense for Haley since she has to deal with her drunk of a father and is so fed up where she finally wants to “be ruled by passion and risk ruin.”
Haley’s actions didn’t ring true to me at all and Galen is this poor, woes is me hero who really has no pleasing personality or any thing else to recommend. He sneaks around from scene to scene, lurking in the shadows, trying to catch Haley so he can have his wicked way with her and lead her to ruin just because she dare to not mourn the allotted year for a man who loved her, but who she may have had no clue about. Revenge is not worn well in this lacking historical romance from Renee Bernard.
Galen Hawke wants revenge against a woman who was so cruel and cold, who dared to become engaged to another man so quickly after the death of her beloved killed in Bengal, India. Galen and eight other English gentlemen from all walks of life, known as The Jaded, suffered at the hands of a raja. But only seven came back alive. The man who died went on and on about the lovely Miss Haley Moreland before his death. Galen will make this witch pay for not spending enough time in mourning. He’ll seduce her and leave her ruined. And then his revenge will be complete!
But Galen doesn’t know the real story about Haley and why she’s engaged to a bore of a man who will give her stability, but not the passion and love she longs for. That’s where Galen comes in. Even though Galen rubs Haley the wrong way, she finds herself attracted to him and throws all caution to the wind. This caution, that is bound to get her in trouble, is having Galen sticking his hand up under her ball gown. Because Haley feels an inferno of “white-hot coil inside her that unravels in an ecstatic explosion”, she ends up sneaking out late one night and goes to Galen’s house unaccompanied for him to finish what he started. Not only does Haley not really like Galen, but as a proper virginal miss, engaged to be married, has no regards to losing her innocence with Galen because he is so skilled at love making. The reason makes perfect sense for Haley since she has to deal with her drunk of a father and is so fed up where she finally wants to “be ruled by passion and risk ruin.”
Haley’s actions didn’t ring true to me at all and Galen is this poor, woes is me hero who really has no pleasing personality or any thing else to recommend. He sneaks around from scene to scene, lurking in the shadows, trying to catch Haley so he can have his wicked way with her and lead her to ruin just because she dare to not mourn the allotted year for a man who loved her, but who she may have had no clue about. Revenge is not worn well in this lacking historical romance from Renee Bernard.
July 28, 2012
I really liked this story because it was different. Ms. Bernard writes about Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and weaves it into a very romantic sensual love story. Revenge Wears Rubies is the first book in her new series the Jaded; eight British men were captured together, tortured, and held prisoner in India. This is the story about Galen Hawke whose best friend John has died only days after their escape. The heroine is the beautiful, intelligent and cheerful Ms. Haley Moreland; her character was written perfectly. Galen believes her to be heartless and cruel. He believes she got engaged to soon after John's death. So he is out for revenge. I could not put this book down, a true page turner. The book does not give a lot of back story of what they have endured in prison; but I was happy about that because I do not like to read about abuse, rape, torture, or who- done - it murder mysteries in a historical romance book. I like fantasy and pure romance where the couple learns, grows, and develops their relationship. I love the fantasy of historical romance stories and Ms. Bernard has always delivered that in her books. She also, writes very romantic, sensual, erotic love scenes and they are sizzling hot in this book!!!!! VERY WELL DONE! I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 6, 2013
*In the interests of full disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the author as a gift with no strings attached. It is my personal choice to write this review and these are my honest thoughts about the book.*
REVENGE WEARS RUBIES is my first book by Renee Bernard and it certainly won’t be my last. Romantic, witty and lusciously sensual, it is definitely an engaging and entertaining read!
I’m always a bit wary of the revenge trope in romances. Often the reason for seeking the revenge is flawed and the hero acts like an all-round ass and ends up being a totally unsympathetic character. I think Ms Bernard hits just the right balance in this book. In flashbacks, she establishes the close bond existing between Galen and John Everly and I could accept why Galen would want to seek revenge on a woman who appears so cruel and heartless. Galen has been in a deep depression and plagued by nightmares since his return to England but his plan to seduce and ruin Haley gives him a renewed purpose in life.
Months of lethargy vanished, and Galen felt a new power and force of will take shape inside of him. All his instincts to be cautious vanished in the space of a single breath.
I enjoyed watching Galen’s vengeful plan start to unravel as he gradually develops genuine feelings for Haley. The seducer becomes the seduced.
Galen wrestled with an increasing attachment to her, a desire to keep her close and linger in her presence. The more he experienced her, the more beautiful and enticing she was growing, and the puzzle of it was as intoxicating as the woman.
Charming, charismatic and seductive, I couldn’t help but like Galen. His honesty and sincerity when Haley discovers the truth really touched me. He doesn’t give up easily which is just as well under the circumstances. I won’t say anymore for fear of spoilers, other than his timing is spot on!
Wishing for the moon doesn’t bring it any closer, but God help me, why do I keep looking at it?
I like Haley very much. Her life hasn’t been a bed of roses. The family estate is in financial difficulties and her father drinks excessively. She knows her marriage options are limited without a dowry and she’s prepared to marry the wealthy Mr Trumble to save herself and her father from penury. I admire how she economizes by making her own dresses and how ironic it is that ladies of the ton are eager to know who her dressmaker is!
I can understand her attraction to Galen. He’s everything Mr Trumble isn’t; handsome, flirtatious and exciting – the fulfilment of her dreams. She’s no shrinking violet and I like how she’s not afraid to explore her new found sensuality.
If variety is the spice of life then Ms Bernard certainly spiced up my life with a variety of steamy love scenes filled with eroticism and sensuality.
…every inch of her passionate nature unfurled like a flower in the sun, and she surrendered to each impulse that brought her closer to the heat and fire she craved.
He wanted her in a thousand ways, and the erotic tangle of it unfolded in a sweet cascade of images that taunted him…
I really enjoyed Galen’s seduction with his provocative words and suggestive banter.
Galen lifted himself off the bed and burrowed under the light covers to position himself at her feet.
“G-Galen? What are you doing? “she asked warily.
“Conducting a survey of the landscape,” he answered, his voice muffled by the sheets.
The interesting cast of secondary characters includes Haley’s Aunt Alice (a favourite of mine with her ribald tales), Haley’s fiancé, Mr Trumble (I prefer to call him Mr Bumble) and Rand Bascombe (a nasty piece of work indeed).
We also meet the fellow members of ‘The Jaded’ all bound together by their experiences as captives in India with their own stories to tell.
There was just enough intrigue to capture my interest and no doubt all the questions I have regarding The Jaded…
- why was each of them taken captive?
- who now wants them dead?
- where is the stolen treasure?
will all be answered in the course of the series
Emotional and sinfully passionate with just the right amount of background intrigue, this is a great start to The Jaded series.
VERDICT: COMPELLING. A GOOD PAGE TURNER
RATING : 4.5/5 Stars
SENSUALITY RATING:SIZZLING
The Jaded series to date (click on cover for more details)
REVENGE WEARS RUBIES is my first book by Renee Bernard and it certainly won’t be my last. Romantic, witty and lusciously sensual, it is definitely an engaging and entertaining read!
I’m always a bit wary of the revenge trope in romances. Often the reason for seeking the revenge is flawed and the hero acts like an all-round ass and ends up being a totally unsympathetic character. I think Ms Bernard hits just the right balance in this book. In flashbacks, she establishes the close bond existing between Galen and John Everly and I could accept why Galen would want to seek revenge on a woman who appears so cruel and heartless. Galen has been in a deep depression and plagued by nightmares since his return to England but his plan to seduce and ruin Haley gives him a renewed purpose in life.
Months of lethargy vanished, and Galen felt a new power and force of will take shape inside of him. All his instincts to be cautious vanished in the space of a single breath.
I enjoyed watching Galen’s vengeful plan start to unravel as he gradually develops genuine feelings for Haley. The seducer becomes the seduced.
Galen wrestled with an increasing attachment to her, a desire to keep her close and linger in her presence. The more he experienced her, the more beautiful and enticing she was growing, and the puzzle of it was as intoxicating as the woman.
Charming, charismatic and seductive, I couldn’t help but like Galen. His honesty and sincerity when Haley discovers the truth really touched me. He doesn’t give up easily which is just as well under the circumstances. I won’t say anymore for fear of spoilers, other than his timing is spot on!
Wishing for the moon doesn’t bring it any closer, but God help me, why do I keep looking at it?
I like Haley very much. Her life hasn’t been a bed of roses. The family estate is in financial difficulties and her father drinks excessively. She knows her marriage options are limited without a dowry and she’s prepared to marry the wealthy Mr Trumble to save herself and her father from penury. I admire how she economizes by making her own dresses and how ironic it is that ladies of the ton are eager to know who her dressmaker is!
I can understand her attraction to Galen. He’s everything Mr Trumble isn’t; handsome, flirtatious and exciting – the fulfilment of her dreams. She’s no shrinking violet and I like how she’s not afraid to explore her new found sensuality.
If variety is the spice of life then Ms Bernard certainly spiced up my life with a variety of steamy love scenes filled with eroticism and sensuality.
…every inch of her passionate nature unfurled like a flower in the sun, and she surrendered to each impulse that brought her closer to the heat and fire she craved.
He wanted her in a thousand ways, and the erotic tangle of it unfolded in a sweet cascade of images that taunted him…
I really enjoyed Galen’s seduction with his provocative words and suggestive banter.
Galen lifted himself off the bed and burrowed under the light covers to position himself at her feet.
“G-Galen? What are you doing? “she asked warily.
“Conducting a survey of the landscape,” he answered, his voice muffled by the sheets.
The interesting cast of secondary characters includes Haley’s Aunt Alice (a favourite of mine with her ribald tales), Haley’s fiancé, Mr Trumble (I prefer to call him Mr Bumble) and Rand Bascombe (a nasty piece of work indeed).
We also meet the fellow members of ‘The Jaded’ all bound together by their experiences as captives in India with their own stories to tell.
There was just enough intrigue to capture my interest and no doubt all the questions I have regarding The Jaded…
- why was each of them taken captive?
- who now wants them dead?
- where is the stolen treasure?
will all be answered in the course of the series
Emotional and sinfully passionate with just the right amount of background intrigue, this is a great start to The Jaded series.
VERDICT: COMPELLING. A GOOD PAGE TURNER
RATING : 4.5/5 Stars
SENSUALITY RATING:SIZZLING
The Jaded series to date (click on cover for more details)
November 14, 2016
First in a Series of Sexy Victorian Romances
The story—and the series—begins in Bengal, India in 1857 as eight men are kidnapped and held prisoner. Having escaped and returned to London in 1859, they form a secret club, “The Jaded.” This first in the series is a well-written and very sexy tale.
Galen Hawke, one of the Jaded, desires nothing but revenge against the woman who betrayed his friend, one of those who didn’t make it out of India. Instead of mourning the loss of her fiancé, which he thinks she should be doing, Miss Haley Moreland is celebrating her upcoming marriage to a wealthy industrialist. Galen decides to get even and seduce Miss Moreland and then ruin her.
With her family on the brink of financial ruin, Haley knows she should be grateful for her betrothal, but she really isn’t very enthusiastic about the man she is to ewe. Then she meets the handsome Galen, who she cannot resist. If Galen is sincere, he will wed her and with his solid financial position, her family will be out of danger. But is he sincere?
Neither expects to fall in love but then isn’t that the way it always is? This is what some might call a “hot” Victorian. Many love scenes, well told, are sprinkled throughout the story. No history here but the set up for the series is clearly presented and Galen and Haley are a charming couple.
Jaded Gentleman series:
Revenge Wears Rubies
Seduction Wears Sapphires
Ecstasy Wears Emeralds
Passion Wears Pearls
Obsession Wears Opals
Desire Wears Diamonds
The story—and the series—begins in Bengal, India in 1857 as eight men are kidnapped and held prisoner. Having escaped and returned to London in 1859, they form a secret club, “The Jaded.” This first in the series is a well-written and very sexy tale.
Galen Hawke, one of the Jaded, desires nothing but revenge against the woman who betrayed his friend, one of those who didn’t make it out of India. Instead of mourning the loss of her fiancé, which he thinks she should be doing, Miss Haley Moreland is celebrating her upcoming marriage to a wealthy industrialist. Galen decides to get even and seduce Miss Moreland and then ruin her.
With her family on the brink of financial ruin, Haley knows she should be grateful for her betrothal, but she really isn’t very enthusiastic about the man she is to ewe. Then she meets the handsome Galen, who she cannot resist. If Galen is sincere, he will wed her and with his solid financial position, her family will be out of danger. But is he sincere?
Neither expects to fall in love but then isn’t that the way it always is? This is what some might call a “hot” Victorian. Many love scenes, well told, are sprinkled throughout the story. No history here but the set up for the series is clearly presented and Galen and Haley are a charming couple.
Jaded Gentleman series:
Revenge Wears Rubies
Seduction Wears Sapphires
Ecstasy Wears Emeralds
Passion Wears Pearls
Obsession Wears Opals
Desire Wears Diamonds
December 19, 2010
Good story, great characters and even greater sex! This is definitely not for the "faint of heart"! If you're not a fan of erotic sex, this book is probably not for you but if you are, definitely grab this one! I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.
Story = B+
Romance = A-
Sensuality = A+
BOOK = A-
Story = B+
Romance = A-
Sensuality = A+
BOOK = A-
January 30, 2010
I have already reviewed this book for The Book Binge -- http://www.thebookbinge.com -- as well as for my own blog -- http://www drjsbookplace.blogspot.com -- but I will give a synopsis here. This book is due for publication in March, 2010 and is the first of the Jaded Gentlemen series of stories. I really liked this book because of the multiple layers of conflict going on in this book: the revenge sought by the hero for perceived wrongs done to his friend who did not survive a torturous kidnapping and imprisonment in Victorian India by a mad maharajah; the plan to ruin the fiance who the hero believes has not mourned his friend appropriately and is just a money-grabbing, husband-seeking debutante; the mystery of the Jaded Gentlemen Society that is guarding some of the treasure they "collected" while escaping from the maharajah; the inevitable desire and eventual love between the hero and heroine, in spite of the original reasons for being involved with one another. It is an intricate tale that is told by one who knows how to craft a great story. It is not one of those two-hour novels but requires the full involvement of mind and imagination. This is one book that I think is worthy of a re-read in the future.
July 24, 2016
This book was smokin hot sexy. It definitely fits into the historical erotic romance (HER) catagory. There are many sexual encounters with vivid details and a small scene that includes anal intercourse. The story is good and absolutely necessary if you want to enjoy the rest of the series. I liked both the H and h although I found the heroes motives and initial objective to be foolish and frustrating. Bernard tends to use angst in her love stories and I would have rather her shortened the book by 40 pages and left that part out.
I started out this series reading Ecstasy Wears Emeralds (Jaded Gentleman #3). I loved that book which was also very erotic but less risque due to the hero's nature. The story was fantastic and I fell in love with Dr. West but I was quite lost at times because I did not understand the "Jaded Gentleman" club nor the history they shared. I highly recommend reading this series in order. Each book contains a piece of the mystery which kept me from eating my dinner tonight because I couldn't put the book down. I just had to know...
I started out this series reading Ecstasy Wears Emeralds (Jaded Gentleman #3). I loved that book which was also very erotic but less risque due to the hero's nature. The story was fantastic and I fell in love with Dr. West but I was quite lost at times because I did not understand the "Jaded Gentleman" club nor the history they shared. I highly recommend reading this series in order. Each book contains a piece of the mystery which kept me from eating my dinner tonight because I couldn't put the book down. I just had to know...
December 16, 2018
Horrible book. There was so much going on. Literally everything you could think of that goes in one of these books is in here. It made the scenes drag on and on. The revenge plot is horrible and makes you feel sorry for Haley that she falls in love with Galen and the cruel person he was. The naughty scenes we're pages long g and there was so many of them. Also, I want to say how unrealistic it is for a virginal girl to be having butt sex barely a week after losing her virginity? Also gross. I've read a couple hundred romance novels and this is the first one to have such a disgusting scene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2011
Despite the stereotypical romance novel characters, this book was passionate, sexy, clever, and extremely well-written. Romance novels, in my experience, tend to either fall into trashy cliches and leave out the plot, or vice-versa, using so much plot that they leave out the essential romance that defines the genre. I think this book was an awesome debut and I'm very happy there's a sequel!
June 18, 2014
I love all four of the Jaded Gentleman series that I have read, wounded heroes, very smart heroines. Great combination and excellent Victorian details.
March 13, 2018
4.5 Stars
January 13, 2026
This was okay. The revenge trope motivated my read and the execution ended up being lackluster.
September 23, 2011
I didn't enjoy this book mainly because of how baseless the whole story was. It was all loosely tied around a revenge based on 'evidence' that was never seen, heard, asked, or known by anyone. First of all, I hated Galen - he was just a lowly bastard. Now I really have nothing against bastards, oft times I like them but this was an entirely low level. Seriously? The best way to take revenge is to humiliate a woman - use her and then discard her? Imagine my disgust when I read that. I don't think even notorious rakes should descend to that level.
And whatever for, really? Because she wasn't in mourning for his best friend!? *stupified* Okay, time out papa who lost his little best friend and possibly his mind in India *sarcastic* - look here! How about you actually do a bit of talking and find out why the lady isn't really in mourning? Hmm? Surely it's going to take less amount of effort than getting a bawdy caricature made of her to post in the news? Or does that not please the sadist in you? I'm sure even one of your mistresses would tell. All you have to do is open your mouth and ask.
Granted he didn't go out in society but atleast a man has some scruples to check out a few things before getting hell bent on distroying someone. What the hell! It's so very juvenile. I really would've been fine had it been something like personal revenge, she left him at the altar or she wasn't mourning for his beloved brother or whatever but this best friend died in my arms while talking about this lovely damsel back home crap just won't do. I'm sorry, it won't. And I just didn't like his personality. He was weak willed, not determined, easily driven by lust, having no self control, in the habit of biting more than he can chew.
Then he goes and falls for her and is stupid enough to let her go. Smooth, real smooth. God, he needs more help than I initially thought. The little lady needs to come to her senses too. She's the typical romance heroine, seduced, fell in love and lost all [if any] brains in the process, used, discarded, hurt, lost all dignity, forgave the rake, possibly made him a better man.
This was porbably one of the books where I didn't want a happy ending. I wanted this guy to suffer and not be forgiven so easily. It's just his personality I don't like. It's destructive - and alarmingly insane - the lengths he goes to to extract his sweet revenge. It's not manly, I'm sorry to say so. I'd have liked it better had he openly confronted her, even said every scathing thing he could've think of and as a result started a wildfire of rumours.
The jaded gents, indeed. More like the brain dead gents. I didn't care for either of these two and was glad the book was finished. I'd also been planning to read the second jaded gents book but now I'm not so sure.
And whatever for, really? Because she wasn't in mourning for his best friend!? *stupified* Okay, time out papa who lost his little best friend and possibly his mind in India *sarcastic* - look here! How about you actually do a bit of talking and find out why the lady isn't really in mourning? Hmm? Surely it's going to take less amount of effort than getting a bawdy caricature made of her to post in the news? Or does that not please the sadist in you? I'm sure even one of your mistresses would tell. All you have to do is open your mouth and ask.
Granted he didn't go out in society but atleast a man has some scruples to check out a few things before getting hell bent on distroying someone. What the hell! It's so very juvenile. I really would've been fine had it been something like personal revenge, she left him at the altar or she wasn't mourning for his beloved brother or whatever but this best friend died in my arms while talking about this lovely damsel back home crap just won't do. I'm sorry, it won't. And I just didn't like his personality. He was weak willed, not determined, easily driven by lust, having no self control, in the habit of biting more than he can chew.
Then he goes and falls for her and is stupid enough to let her go. Smooth, real smooth. God, he needs more help than I initially thought. The little lady needs to come to her senses too. She's the typical romance heroine, seduced, fell in love and lost all [if any] brains in the process, used, discarded, hurt, lost all dignity, forgave the rake, possibly made him a better man.
This was porbably one of the books where I didn't want a happy ending. I wanted this guy to suffer and not be forgiven so easily. It's just his personality I don't like. It's destructive - and alarmingly insane - the lengths he goes to to extract his sweet revenge. It's not manly, I'm sorry to say so. I'd have liked it better had he openly confronted her, even said every scathing thing he could've think of and as a result started a wildfire of rumours.
The jaded gents, indeed. More like the brain dead gents. I didn't care for either of these two and was glad the book was finished. I'd also been planning to read the second jaded gents book but now I'm not so sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2017
la vengeance est un sentiment destructeur qui vous enveloppe et vous rend sourd et aveugle. j'ai aimé la façon dont l'auteur nous montre le mécanisme de la vengeance et à quel point elle est illusoire. j'ai hâte de lire les aventures des amis de Galen.
August 10, 2015
The plot- men who were captives in India return and have difficulty adapting to society again. The hero wants revenge against a debutante that he believes is disloyal to the memory of a deceased friend. She is sweet, he is horny and used to exotic sex. The scenes were more graphic than romantic- when the dialogue and narrative startled me it took me out of the story. A reader shouldn't be thinking whoa- I've never seen that word in a historical romance. The writing should flow whether the scene is sexy or not. The characters were a bit annoying in their extremes - his vengeance, her floormattishness. Did that word make you stumble while reading. Yes that's sort of what happens in Revenge Wears Rubies.
May 12, 2014
The prologue shows the reader the friendship of several men in Bengal, India in 1857. The rest of the story takes place mostly in London in 1859.
John Everly and Galen Hawke are 2 of the friends from Bengal. After John dies, John's "fiance" becomes engaged rather quickly to someone else. Galen decides he is going to seek revenge on behalf of his friend.
In the course of true romance, tables have a way of turning and everything is not as it appears. Also, there is trouble afoot.
A little dry at the beginning, but the story quickly picks up.
John Everly and Galen Hawke are 2 of the friends from Bengal. After John dies, John's "fiance" becomes engaged rather quickly to someone else. Galen decides he is going to seek revenge on behalf of his friend.
In the course of true romance, tables have a way of turning and everything is not as it appears. Also, there is trouble afoot.
A little dry at the beginning, but the story quickly picks up.
May 5, 2011
Galen Hawke is a man so determined to get his vengeance in such a despicable way that you want to hate him, yet I couldn't help but feel his pain and hope for him to find love and slay his own demons. Bernard creates an interesting plot, and characters with plenty of depth. I wanted so badly for Galen to find peace and Haley to find love. Revenge Wears Rubies was filled with steamy romance and passion that was perfectly done and not overly vulgar, and I know for sure I'll be reading more books on "The Jaded".
October 15, 2019
Revenge Wears Rubies (The Jaded Gentleman Book 1)
The love story of Gale and Haley. The Jaded Gentleman Club is a group of 8 gentlemen kidnapped in India, who is said to have got away with a great treasure and now India Company want it. Gale had come back for revenge for the wrong he thinks Haley did to his friend. So he goes after her to after her love him but will he find love in the arms of Haley or will revenge win. Great story of love, revenge and treasure.
The love story of Gale and Haley. The Jaded Gentleman Club is a group of 8 gentlemen kidnapped in India, who is said to have got away with a great treasure and now India Company want it. Gale had come back for revenge for the wrong he thinks Haley did to his friend. So he goes after her to after her love him but will he find love in the arms of Haley or will revenge win. Great story of love, revenge and treasure.
September 5, 2010
enjoyable!
September 4, 2010
This was a good read.
January 12, 2011
This book was enjoyable, but I preferred her earlier books
November 6, 2011
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies: http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
December 10, 2012
Really a great read - loved the characterizations.
September 2, 2014
this book shows the perils of jumping to conclusions and the havoc they wreck on the innocent.This is an author that always hits the mark in all facets of this genre
March 6, 2019
This book begins a series featuring several men who were held prisoner in India and eventually escaped and made their way back to England. Their harrowing experiences have bonded them together, yet set them apart from Society, and they become known as the Jaded Gentlemen.
Jaded certainly describes Galen Hawke. After his return to England, he's in such a deep depression that nothing matters to him anymore, until he latches on to the fact that the beloved of his friend who died in their escape is suddenly engaged to another man. Galen is furious that she hasn't taken the proper time to mourn his friend, so he concocts a plan to exact revenge. You can tell this plan is going to be disastrous from the beginning, even if it does succeed, but you just can't look away! Galen becomes obsessed with his target and the seduction is on.
Hayley Moreland is just trying to keep her family afloat. Her father is in deep debt, and she is grateful to be engaged to one of the richest industrialists in the country. Okay, he's a little boring and a lot uncouth, but he's a decent guy for the times. When Galen starts popping up everywhere and promises her the moon, of course she jumps at the chance to be with him.
I liked the writing style, even if it was a bit flowery at times. The descriptions of the settings and Hayley's dresses, which she designs, were detailed and really set the scene. There is some action and intrigue, so that kept my attention too. There was a lot of sizzling hot sex, which was great on one hand, but was also one of the drawbacks of this book. Would a young inexperienced lady really be able to sneak around for so long and have SO MUCH SEX without getting caught or getting pregnant? That is never really dealt with. And there's the fact that Galen's plot is really mean-spirited, at least in the beginning. Even with the drawbacks, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading about the rest of the Jaded Gentlemen.
Jaded certainly describes Galen Hawke. After his return to England, he's in such a deep depression that nothing matters to him anymore, until he latches on to the fact that the beloved of his friend who died in their escape is suddenly engaged to another man. Galen is furious that she hasn't taken the proper time to mourn his friend, so he concocts a plan to exact revenge. You can tell this plan is going to be disastrous from the beginning, even if it does succeed, but you just can't look away! Galen becomes obsessed with his target and the seduction is on.
Hayley Moreland is just trying to keep her family afloat. Her father is in deep debt, and she is grateful to be engaged to one of the richest industrialists in the country. Okay, he's a little boring and a lot uncouth, but he's a decent guy for the times. When Galen starts popping up everywhere and promises her the moon, of course she jumps at the chance to be with him.
I liked the writing style, even if it was a bit flowery at times. The descriptions of the settings and Hayley's dresses, which she designs, were detailed and really set the scene. There is some action and intrigue, so that kept my attention too. There was a lot of sizzling hot sex, which was great on one hand, but was also one of the drawbacks of this book. Would a young inexperienced lady really be able to sneak around for so long and have SO MUCH SEX without getting caught or getting pregnant? That is never really dealt with. And there's the fact that Galen's plot is really mean-spirited, at least in the beginning. Even with the drawbacks, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading about the rest of the Jaded Gentlemen.
August 29, 2021
my first book from this author. it was boring at the start (with all the too long chats amongst the members of the club) but slowly picked up for the better. i liked Galen with his humorous self and Haley for her practical serious self. they had good chemistry (when out of bed + in bed).
it was an engaging read but while i do love reading detailed sex scenes, i felt this author wrote too many sex scenes. they were having too many sex that i felt they did not have enough interaction to fully know each other for me to believe them falling in love with each other.
Haley did not truly learn Galen's personality nor his scars and fell in love with him anyway despite him not being forthcoming about his past. for Galen, i think him loving Haley was believable as she did not hold any part of her back when she was with him and was just being herself.
i liked that Haley made Galen grovel for his actions and i did think he could told her about his 'plan' to ruin her or at least destroyed the evidence earlier before it all blew up in his face. but all in all, i will read more of this author's books and i hope they will show more bonding between the hero and heroine. sex is all fine and good, but not if it compromises the romance.
it was an engaging read but while i do love reading detailed sex scenes, i felt this author wrote too many sex scenes. they were having too many sex that i felt they did not have enough interaction to fully know each other for me to believe them falling in love with each other.
Haley did not truly learn Galen's personality nor his scars and fell in love with him anyway despite him not being forthcoming about his past. for Galen, i think him loving Haley was believable as she did not hold any part of her back when she was with him and was just being herself.
i liked that Haley made Galen grovel for his actions and i did think he could told her about his 'plan' to ruin her or at least destroyed the evidence earlier before it all blew up in his face. but all in all, i will read more of this author's books and i hope they will show more bonding between the hero and heroine. sex is all fine and good, but not if it compromises the romance.
December 14, 2023
3.75 stars. Read this for Regan Walker’s monthly blog, Nov. is Victorian month. Although this was good I didn’t enjoy it as much as I might due to the fact that they really didn’t put that much in about what sounded like a great plot. It wasn’t the page turner for me that I hoped it would be. Yes, I’m going to say it, too many sex scenes that were a little repetitive. Liked the characters, but wanted a little more plot development other than their steamy romps. The ending is where we finally got some action pages with the villain, more of the plot coming out, but it left off ready for the next installment to take it up. For now I don’t think I’m going to read the next one if it’s going to be similar to this because I’d be skimming too many pages, but I will read the Opals one (got that for free on my Kindle) and possibly the last one.
September 17, 2024
SOUNDS INTERESTING, but the revenge plot in my honest opinion was RIDICULOUS. It made the male lead seemed petty. THE INTIMATE SCENES in this story was A CHEF'S KISS. You don't often get such explicit sex scenes in historical romances, but Renee Bernard does it magnificently. While passion wasn't the issue, I found myself quite bored with the entire plot, and the heroine was lackluster.
The emotional value of this story was lacking, I didn't feel a true connection between Galen and Haley except when they were both in bed - LOL!
And like I mentioned, the motivation for Galen's revenge was ridiculous - NOT because of why he was doing it - but how he executed it. Before attempting to find out the truth of Haley's relationship with the man he was avenging, Galen jumped to conclusions and painted an innocent in the worse light. It didn't make him look good at all.
The emotional value of this story was lacking, I didn't feel a true connection between Galen and Haley except when they were both in bed - LOL!
And like I mentioned, the motivation for Galen's revenge was ridiculous - NOT because of why he was doing it - but how he executed it. Before attempting to find out the truth of Haley's relationship with the man he was avenging, Galen jumped to conclusions and painted an innocent in the worse light. It didn't make him look good at all.
March 15, 2017
This was an intriguing book with lots of seduction sciences, a bit more detailed and frequent than in most HR books but eh. The Jaded each experienced something horrendous in India and they all but one lived to tell about it. Galen tries to destroy Haley due to his loyalty and love for his lost friend John. This has the makings of a great storyline with all kinds of subplots but that is where the author fell flat. Mysterious men plotting that you don't know and for what cause, a hook to read the next one but very disappointing ending that was very rushed and unrealistic. Will give book two a read and see if more develops in a more satisfying way.
February 9, 2022
I think it was a lovely spin on the typical story of this era.
I think Haley and Galen are both complex characters who have gone through different traumas and react to it uniquely. (I'm not saying Galen's PTSD makes his revenge plan okay, but it does explain certain emotional reactions & cognitive dissonances.)
Miscommunication leads to trouble is the biggest theme here I would say.
It didn't end the way I wanted, but it was fine enough.
From an anatomy standpoint this book fell into the same trap as all erotica & romance writers (and I suspect a concerningly large portion of society in the usa): that's not how hymens work.
I think Haley and Galen are both complex characters who have gone through different traumas and react to it uniquely. (I'm not saying Galen's PTSD makes his revenge plan okay, but it does explain certain emotional reactions & cognitive dissonances.)
Miscommunication leads to trouble is the biggest theme here I would say.
It didn't end the way I wanted, but it was fine enough.
From an anatomy standpoint this book fell into the same trap as all erotica & romance writers (and I suspect a concerningly large portion of society in the usa): that's not how hymens work.
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