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Hamilton Sisters #2
Desire In His Eyes
She longed for adventure...
For many, the London season is a whirlwind of sparkling ballrooms, fashionable gowns, and stolen glances. For Juliette Hamilton, the second of five sisters, it is nothing but scandal. Unable to contain her wild streak, Juliette is desperate for an escape from the watchful eyes of society. And then the perfect opportunity presents itself, in the form of dashing sea captain Harrison Fleming.
But he could give her so much more...
When Harrison finds Juliette stowed away on his ship, he'd like nothing more than to return the infuriating, intoxicating woman to her family and get back to the business of amassing his fortune. But it's too late to change course, so he gives her the next best punishment: the job of his personal servant! Now, Juliette's at his beck and call, day and night. And both begin to realize that in such very close quarters, her penance may be much more of a pleasure.
For many, the London season is a whirlwind of sparkling ballrooms, fashionable gowns, and stolen glances. For Juliette Hamilton, the second of five sisters, it is nothing but scandal. Unable to contain her wild streak, Juliette is desperate for an escape from the watchful eyes of society. And then the perfect opportunity presents itself, in the form of dashing sea captain Harrison Fleming.
But he could give her so much more...
When Harrison finds Juliette stowed away on his ship, he'd like nothing more than to return the infuriating, intoxicating woman to her family and get back to the business of amassing his fortune. But it's too late to change course, so he gives her the next best punishment: the job of his personal servant! Now, Juliette's at his beck and call, day and night. And both begin to realize that in such very close quarters, her penance may be much more of a pleasure.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
31 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlin O'Riley
14 books119 followersKaitlin has always loved books and loved to read.
As a young girl growing up on the New Jersey shore (yes, she is a Jersey Girl!) she spent hours and hours reading at the beach, out on the front porch, and in her bedroom very late at night when she was supposed to be sleeping. She would walk to the little public library in town and choose books as if they were delicious treats in a candy store. She read all the classic “girl” books: Little Women, as well as every other book written by Louisa May Alcott, the entire Anne of Green Gables series, and The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. All of these stories took place in another time period, so different from her own life and that was very appealing.
Kaitlin fell in love with historical romances when she was fourteen years old and first read Mistress of Mellyn, by Victoria Holt. Even before she devoured every single one of her books, Kaitlin was hooked on historical romance fiction. She then moved on to the likes of the novels by Kathleen Woodiwiss (Shanna and The Flame and the Flower) which she read stealthily, when her older sisters were not home to see that she was reading their books. However, her all time favorite book was, and still is, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind. Now she adores the works of Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, and Phillipa Gregory.
Her love of reading translated naturally to a love of writing. She has written personal journals since she was fourteen and has adored every creative writing class she took in school. She actually wrote her first romances when she was fifteen, with her best friend. Sadly, they had no clue what they were writing about in those spiral notebooks, having no romantic experiences to draw from at that point! Most of those early efforts were tossed in a fireplace, but one notebook still survives to haunt her.
In college Kaitlin took a detour from writing and became a foreign language major, spending her junior year in Spain. And because stories of the past always intrigued her, she also studied history.
Kaitlin now lives in sunny Southern California with her family, where she is busy writing her next novel!
Q&A with Kaitlin O’Riley
On Writing:
How do you come up with the ideas for your books?
This is probably the question most frequently asked of me, and probably asked of most writers. I’m sure each author has her own methods of inspiration. As for myself, my ideas come to me in different ways. Sometimes I just close my eyes and imagine. Other times ideas come to me while listening to music. I often get inspiration from conversations with my family and friends. A lot of my writing, especially the dialogue, happens naturally, while I’m writing at the computer. The characters I’ve created will just start talking.
Why do you write historical romance?
Because I love the genre and always have. I’m also a bit of a history buff. Past eras fascinate me--the elegant clothing, the styles, the mannerisms, the confining societal elements. The past always seems more romantic and it has already happened it’s easy to idealize it. (Even when I look back to the 1980’s!) Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong century, but then again I couldn’t do without some of the modern comforts, like air conditioning and electricity.
Are your characters based on people you know in real life?
Now that’s a tricky question and one that could get me in trouble. I suppose most of the characters are combinations of everyone I know or have ever known. I don’t think I have ever intentionally based one particular character on one particular person. (And if I did, I’m not telling who it was!) However, I do use names of family members and friends for characters and even add the names of local places from my hometown in my books, for the amusement of those who know me.
Which is your favorite of the books you have written?
They are all my favorites in different ways. But I must say I enjoyed
As a young girl growing up on the New Jersey shore (yes, she is a Jersey Girl!) she spent hours and hours reading at the beach, out on the front porch, and in her bedroom very late at night when she was supposed to be sleeping. She would walk to the little public library in town and choose books as if they were delicious treats in a candy store. She read all the classic “girl” books: Little Women, as well as every other book written by Louisa May Alcott, the entire Anne of Green Gables series, and The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. All of these stories took place in another time period, so different from her own life and that was very appealing.
Kaitlin fell in love with historical romances when she was fourteen years old and first read Mistress of Mellyn, by Victoria Holt. Even before she devoured every single one of her books, Kaitlin was hooked on historical romance fiction. She then moved on to the likes of the novels by Kathleen Woodiwiss (Shanna and The Flame and the Flower) which she read stealthily, when her older sisters were not home to see that she was reading their books. However, her all time favorite book was, and still is, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind. Now she adores the works of Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, and Phillipa Gregory.
Her love of reading translated naturally to a love of writing. She has written personal journals since she was fourteen and has adored every creative writing class she took in school. She actually wrote her first romances when she was fifteen, with her best friend. Sadly, they had no clue what they were writing about in those spiral notebooks, having no romantic experiences to draw from at that point! Most of those early efforts were tossed in a fireplace, but one notebook still survives to haunt her.
In college Kaitlin took a detour from writing and became a foreign language major, spending her junior year in Spain. And because stories of the past always intrigued her, she also studied history.
Kaitlin now lives in sunny Southern California with her family, where she is busy writing her next novel!
Q&A with Kaitlin O’Riley
On Writing:
How do you come up with the ideas for your books?
This is probably the question most frequently asked of me, and probably asked of most writers. I’m sure each author has her own methods of inspiration. As for myself, my ideas come to me in different ways. Sometimes I just close my eyes and imagine. Other times ideas come to me while listening to music. I often get inspiration from conversations with my family and friends. A lot of my writing, especially the dialogue, happens naturally, while I’m writing at the computer. The characters I’ve created will just start talking.
Why do you write historical romance?
Because I love the genre and always have. I’m also a bit of a history buff. Past eras fascinate me--the elegant clothing, the styles, the mannerisms, the confining societal elements. The past always seems more romantic and it has already happened it’s easy to idealize it. (Even when I look back to the 1980’s!) Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong century, but then again I couldn’t do without some of the modern comforts, like air conditioning and electricity.
Are your characters based on people you know in real life?
Now that’s a tricky question and one that could get me in trouble. I suppose most of the characters are combinations of everyone I know or have ever known. I don’t think I have ever intentionally based one particular character on one particular person. (And if I did, I’m not telling who it was!) However, I do use names of family members and friends for characters and even add the names of local places from my hometown in my books, for the amusement of those who know me.
Which is your favorite of the books you have written?
They are all my favorites in different ways. But I must say I enjoyed
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 6, 2010
The story of the Hamilton sisters continues with Juliette and Captain Harrison. Of course, where there's Juliette, there's Jefferey Eddington (who I predict will end up with Ysette, the youngest of all the Hamiltons), which is great because I LOVE him.
Of course, there are some cliches and clear anachronisms in terms of character actions, but who cares? It was also refreshing for me to see the characters grow, confront each other and call each other out on their stupid and hypocritical actions. So rare for an author to bring up some "normal" objections and have them be resolved in a realistic way.
I'm so pleased to have discovered O'Riley and I can't wait to read more of her books. Too bad I have to wait for the remainder of the series to be written. :(
Of course, there are some cliches and clear anachronisms in terms of character actions, but who cares? It was also refreshing for me to see the characters grow, confront each other and call each other out on their stupid and hypocritical actions. So rare for an author to bring up some "normal" objections and have them be resolved in a realistic way.
I'm so pleased to have discovered O'Riley and I can't wait to read more of her books. Too bad I have to wait for the remainder of the series to be written. :(
November 30, 2018
Well now I'm hooked.
I noticed with this author that she gets to the point very fast while stretching out the solution. The characters realize there is some feeling between them (and they act upon that feeling) within the first handful of chapters. This fact annoys me a bit but I get over it once the story goes full swing.
There hasn't been a dull moment in this series so far and now I'm committed to finishing it.
I love a good cheesy romance and the personalities that O'Riley has created with these Hamilton sisters are more than enough reason to read on.
I noticed with this author that she gets to the point very fast while stretching out the solution. The characters realize there is some feeling between them (and they act upon that feeling) within the first handful of chapters. This fact annoys me a bit but I get over it once the story goes full swing.
There hasn't been a dull moment in this series so far and now I'm committed to finishing it.
I love a good cheesy romance and the personalities that O'Riley has created with these Hamilton sisters are more than enough reason to read on.
March 25, 2025
Moving on to Juliette and Captain Fleming's story! This should be exciting :D
Finished! Another fun romp with the Hamilton family. Juliette... ah, I love and relate to her spirit, her desire for adventure and excitement and escape from a restricted, hum-drum life. Yea girl, let's sneak off on a sailing ship and take off across the ocean! I'm ready! Lol, while Colette was one side of my personality, wanting to run her bookshop and commit to the love of books (and her family, and Lucien), Juliette is like my flip side, with the don't hold me down, I need adventure! Hey, I am a Gemini, so it tracks :p
Harrison, oh yea, I enjoyed his character too. He was all strong, manly-man, ruler of his destiny, respected and liked by many, smart and charismatic. Perfect package, in all senses of the word ;) Plus, hello, captain of a sailing ship, like yes indeedy! I liked how when he first discovered her aboard his ship, he couldn't be too lenient with her, but he also couldn't go all 80's bodice ripper pirate lord non-con style, so it led to sparks between them, lots of sparks! The time she climbed the mast, and friggin' loved the hell out of every second of doing so, but he was scared for her, and got grumpy, while she hadn't a care in the world because it was the most exciting thing she had ever done in her life... like! I could feel that! Her thrill, her sheer happiness, but also his very real knowledge of the danger. Like damn, that scene was good.
The heat between them that followed after sparks ignited was delightful. They each were true to character throughout, behaviourly, and the passion was *chef's kiss*. Not just the passion, but I could see the connection deepening between them as they came to know each other, both in the cabin, and up on deck and with the crew. Speaking of crew, Robbie, one of them, was cute, and I liked how he was an early supporter of Juliette after being the one to accidentally out her hiding spot in the beginning. He was a good kid, with true affection for both her, and his captain.
Once they reached America, that's when the big obstacles come up. She's, surprise, surprise, of course, still stubborn as all get out despite her newfound feelings and experiences, and determined to continue on with her adventuring on her own with nothing tying her down and nobody telling her what to do. Thankfully, Jeffrey Eddington arrives to the rescue! I love Jeffrey, he's been a fave in every appearance I've had the pleasure of seeing him in, so I was happy he played a nice, solid part in this story. He decides to play her escort, instead of dragging her straight back home to her sisters, thus giving her some of the adventure she wants, but in a safer way, while also working his well-intentioned mischief to try and push our MCs together and get them to both stop being so bull-headed. So glad he was a part of the story.
Throughout, this story had a sense of fun, of passion, both for life itself, and between the MCs, lots of learning and growing, a deep love of family, and... well... a sailing ship! I'm a sucker for those bishes, always will be. That's why I have various paintings of them all around my house despite living nowhere near the sea. Put me on a ship and sail me away! Another totally enjoyable volume in the Hamilton family series, and I'm so on to Lisette next! Can't wait to get to know her in full instead of background, and intrigued how her story will work out with her currently (as of these first two books) having a beau (who is not the MMC of the next book... hmmm...) and being the sister who is kind of so far seemed like the quiet, shy, people-pleasing one. Looking forward to her, and meeting her hero.
Finished! Another fun romp with the Hamilton family. Juliette... ah, I love and relate to her spirit, her desire for adventure and excitement and escape from a restricted, hum-drum life. Yea girl, let's sneak off on a sailing ship and take off across the ocean! I'm ready! Lol, while Colette was one side of my personality, wanting to run her bookshop and commit to the love of books (and her family, and Lucien), Juliette is like my flip side, with the don't hold me down, I need adventure! Hey, I am a Gemini, so it tracks :p
Harrison, oh yea, I enjoyed his character too. He was all strong, manly-man, ruler of his destiny, respected and liked by many, smart and charismatic. Perfect package, in all senses of the word ;) Plus, hello, captain of a sailing ship, like yes indeedy! I liked how when he first discovered her aboard his ship, he couldn't be too lenient with her, but he also couldn't go all 80's bodice ripper pirate lord non-con style, so it led to sparks between them, lots of sparks! The time she climbed the mast, and friggin' loved the hell out of every second of doing so, but he was scared for her, and got grumpy, while she hadn't a care in the world because it was the most exciting thing she had ever done in her life... like! I could feel that! Her thrill, her sheer happiness, but also his very real knowledge of the danger. Like damn, that scene was good.
The heat between them that followed after sparks ignited was delightful. They each were true to character throughout, behaviourly, and the passion was *chef's kiss*. Not just the passion, but I could see the connection deepening between them as they came to know each other, both in the cabin, and up on deck and with the crew. Speaking of crew, Robbie, one of them, was cute, and I liked how he was an early supporter of Juliette after being the one to accidentally out her hiding spot in the beginning. He was a good kid, with true affection for both her, and his captain.
Once they reached America, that's when the big obstacles come up. She's, surprise, surprise, of course, still stubborn as all get out despite her newfound feelings and experiences, and determined to continue on with her adventuring on her own with nothing tying her down and nobody telling her what to do. Thankfully, Jeffrey Eddington arrives to the rescue! I love Jeffrey, he's been a fave in every appearance I've had the pleasure of seeing him in, so I was happy he played a nice, solid part in this story. He decides to play her escort, instead of dragging her straight back home to her sisters, thus giving her some of the adventure she wants, but in a safer way, while also working his well-intentioned mischief to try and push our MCs together and get them to both stop being so bull-headed. So glad he was a part of the story.
Throughout, this story had a sense of fun, of passion, both for life itself, and between the MCs, lots of learning and growing, a deep love of family, and... well... a sailing ship! I'm a sucker for those bishes, always will be. That's why I have various paintings of them all around my house despite living nowhere near the sea. Put me on a ship and sail me away! Another totally enjoyable volume in the Hamilton family series, and I'm so on to Lisette next! Can't wait to get to know her in full instead of background, and intrigued how her story will work out with her currently (as of these first two books) having a beau (who is not the MMC of the next book... hmmm...) and being the sister who is kind of so far seemed like the quiet, shy, people-pleasing one. Looking forward to her, and meeting her hero.
November 29, 2020
This is the second book in the Hamilton Sisters series. This is Juliette’s story. Juliette does not like the confines that society places on women and wants to get away for adventures and to experience more than London and the family bookshop can provide. While the theme is a common one it van be done very well. However, Kaitlin O’Riley again stretches the imagination. Juliette stows away on a clipper set for America, to visit an old friend. She is discovered soon after sailing and the Captain Harrison Fleming has no choice but to continue on to America with his extra passenger. Juliette is selfish and has no concern for any one else and their dreams and problems. She has not even told her friend that she is coming, just arrives at her door. Again, there was much unfulfilled potential in this book (as in the first in the series). We meet Hamilton’s sister Melissa who suffers with a mental illness but we never hear of her again, despite Juliette and Hamilton travelling back and forth between England and America and other minor characters appearing in the novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2021
I was quite annoyed for a few times with Juliette's naivety and how she always ran away. I understand her first refusal because Harrison said the wrong thing. He said that it was his responsibility, thus they had no choice but to marry. But she ran away not once, but twice! It was one of her bad habits. The next one was her naivety. She off-handedly said that all is well with how she travelled alone. Well lady, like all the people around you had said, you were extremely lucky! Or maybe she was not naive, but air-headed and reckless. Aside from that, I enjoyed it very much.
January 4, 2024
Hermosa historia! completamente enamorada de la novela. Que tenga lugar en un barco me fascina, le pone picante. Ni hablar de la protagonista con sus locuras, su acciones temerarias y sus ansias de vivir aventuras. Amé a ambos protagonistas y a los secundarios tambien.
Sin dudas me dejo con ganas de leer mas de la autora
Sin dudas me dejo con ganas de leer mas de la autora
June 29, 2018
Great series! I loved this one!
June 27, 2019
Para leer con música de la banda sonora de "Becoming Jane".
Muy bonita.
Muy bonita.
September 24, 2019
Nice, the romance wasn't very beliveable, but...
October 2, 2019
This is my least favorite in the series, but it is still good.
May 3, 2024
4.5 stars
October 30, 2016
This is the second book in the 'Hamilton sisters' series but you do not have to have read the first to enjoy this. Strong willed Juliette meets Harrison Fleming, a friend of her brother in laws, at a dinner party. Inspired by his tails of adventure on the high seas and stifled by in conventional life at home she hatches a plot to stow away and escape to the freedom of America. She is quickly discovered but it is already too late to turn back. She soon sees Captain Harrison in a new light, the quiet dull man she met in London is now in his element as master of his ship, a man very much in control of everything around him. Of course, Juliette has no wish to take orders from anyone and soon gets on the wrong side of him. On board the ship she finds the freedom and adventure she had been seeking. Captain Fleming is torn between is growing desire for her and his wish to behave honorably. The latter very quickly goes astray. The best part of this book is that which takes place on the ship. We are thrown straight into the action at the start of the book. The writing is atmospheric, Juliette's adventurous spirit and sense of freedom are infectious, life on board springs to life. The tension between the two main characters quickly builds as they drive each other on with verbal sparring, it makes for a very entertaining read. Once the journey is over this becomes much more of a hum drum romance, there are certain conventions that must be followed and it is soon very clear where the story is going. Their stormy relationship continues but it all seems much tamer on dry land. I really enjoyed this book – I would recommend it, I will probably read it again.
January 26, 2014
3.5
No puedo negar que es una lectura refrescante por lo original del personaje femenino...
Pero la autora no consigue hasta casi el final transmitirme el por qué de esa actitud tan egoísta e irreflexible.
Me ha parecido que los dos libros siguen prácticamente el mismo guión, quizás mea culpa por leerlos los dos seguidos
El estilo de la autora sigue gustándome bastante... aunque esta historia me ha resultado mucho menos creíble que la anterior
No puedo negar que es una lectura refrescante por lo original del personaje femenino...
Pero la autora no consigue hasta casi el final transmitirme el por qué de esa actitud tan egoísta e irreflexible.
Me ha parecido que los dos libros siguen prácticamente el mismo guión, quizás mea culpa por leerlos los dos seguidos
El estilo de la autora sigue gustándome bastante... aunque esta historia me ha resultado mucho menos creíble que la anterior
February 17, 2011
This was just a so-so read for me. I glanced through a lot of pages because I don't care much about the details. I was only interested about Juliette and Harrison's relationship. Individually, I don't care much about them because Juliette is childish and stubborn while Harrison is just okay. There's not much substance in Harrison, other than he is a good captain and a great brother.
April 2, 2010
I don't think I have ever enjoyed a lead female character as I have with Juliette Hamilton.
March 8, 2020
4 Stars
December 27, 2012
Me gustó más el primer libro de la serie.
March 15, 2014
3,5 stars
July 26, 2012
A fun and entertaining journey.
historical
January 2, 2019She longed for adventure...
For many, the London season is a whirlwind of sparkling ballrooms, fashionable gowns, and stolen glances. For Juliette Hamilton, the second of five sisters, it is nothing but scandal. Unable to contain her wild streak, Juliette is desperate for an escape from the watchful eyes of society. And then the perfect opportunity presents itself, in the form of dashing sea captain Harrison Fleming.
But he could give her so much more...
When Harrison finds Juliette stowed away on his ship, he'd like nothing more than to return the infuriating, intoxicating woman to her family and get back to the business of amassing his fortune. But it's too late to change course, so he gives her the next best punishment: the job of his personal servant! Now, Juliette's at his beck and call, day and night. And both begin to realize that in such very close quarters, her penance may be much more of a pleasure.
For many, the London season is a whirlwind of sparkling ballrooms, fashionable gowns, and stolen glances. For Juliette Hamilton, the second of five sisters, it is nothing but scandal. Unable to contain her wild streak, Juliette is desperate for an escape from the watchful eyes of society. And then the perfect opportunity presents itself, in the form of dashing sea captain Harrison Fleming.
But he could give her so much more...
When Harrison finds Juliette stowed away on his ship, he'd like nothing more than to return the infuriating, intoxicating woman to her family and get back to the business of amassing his fortune. But it's too late to change course, so he gives her the next best punishment: the job of his personal servant! Now, Juliette's at his beck and call, day and night. And both begin to realize that in such very close quarters, her penance may be much more of a pleasure.
May 6, 2019
Nota: 2.5/5 ⭐ Me ha gustado y aunque es una novela ligera y entretenida me ha parecido algo floja. Cómo algo destacable que me ha gustado que se tratara es el tema de la enfermedad del capitán.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews