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Carre #2
To Please a Lady
She risked everything for a Scottish outlaw who would do whatever it takes...
Author of more than a dozen national bestsellers, award winner Susan Johnson is unmatched when it comes to writing novels that thrill, excite, and seduce. Now she once again captivates with this exciting historical novel of sensual adventure and forbidden love....
Roxane Forrestor was determined to live life on her own terms--even in a man's world. The beautiful Countess of Kilmarnock had so far survived the political and romantic intrigues of Scotland's most powerful suitors. So why couldn't she resist the brash Robbie Carre? Why did she find it impossible to throw the rebel earl out of her bedchamber even though it meant harboring a wanted man?
Robbie cared nothing for his own safety. But he knew all too well that his ruthless enemies, desperate to capture him, would use Roxie and her children as pawns. He would brave the odds to protect them, would fight for his fugitive love with Roxie...even if their stolen moments of pleasure cost him his life.
Author of more than a dozen national bestsellers, award winner Susan Johnson is unmatched when it comes to writing novels that thrill, excite, and seduce. Now she once again captivates with this exciting historical novel of sensual adventure and forbidden love....
Roxane Forrestor was determined to live life on her own terms--even in a man's world. The beautiful Countess of Kilmarnock had so far survived the political and romantic intrigues of Scotland's most powerful suitors. So why couldn't she resist the brash Robbie Carre? Why did she find it impossible to throw the rebel earl out of her bedchamber even though it meant harboring a wanted man?
Robbie cared nothing for his own safety. But he knew all too well that his ruthless enemies, desperate to capture him, would use Roxie and her children as pawns. He would brave the odds to protect them, would fight for his fugitive love with Roxie...even if their stolen moments of pleasure cost him his life.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
12 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Susan Johnson
256 books574 followersAnd it all began rather serendipitously. Long ago, as they say, in another time, when fast food hadn't reached our area and the only shopping was what the feed mill offered, I was reading a book that annoyed me .
My husband was lying beside me in bed, watching TV. Turning to him, I sort of petulantly said, "How the hell did this book get published?"
"If you think you're so smart," he replied, with one eye still on the TV, "why don't you write a book?"
So I did. And very badly.
I've since learned how to do, he said, she said, and a great variety of other adverb heavy, sometimes lengthy explanations of why my characters are saying what they're saying, along with finally coming to an understanding of what things like POV means. Point of View for you non-writers}.
Although, I still don't fully comprehend why it matters if you switch POV and I cavalierly disregard it as much as possible. So while my technical skills have hopefully improved, what hasn't changed is my great joy in writing. There's as much pleasure today in listening to my characters talk while I type as fast as I can, as there was the first time I put dialogue to paper--in long-hand, then, in my leather bound sketch-book.
My husband was lying beside me in bed, watching TV. Turning to him, I sort of petulantly said, "How the hell did this book get published?"
"If you think you're so smart," he replied, with one eye still on the TV, "why don't you write a book?"
So I did. And very badly.
I've since learned how to do, he said, she said, and a great variety of other adverb heavy, sometimes lengthy explanations of why my characters are saying what they're saying, along with finally coming to an understanding of what things like POV means. Point of View for you non-writers}.
Although, I still don't fully comprehend why it matters if you switch POV and I cavalierly disregard it as much as possible. So while my technical skills have hopefully improved, what hasn't changed is my great joy in writing. There's as much pleasure today in listening to my characters talk while I type as fast as I can, as there was the first time I put dialogue to paper--in long-hand, then, in my leather bound sketch-book.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 25, 2012
Wow, would definitely suggest reading "Outlaw" before this book. The beginning of this book pretty much starts off where Outlaw left off. The author seems to assume readers have read Outlaw as she doesn't explain who characters are or how they found themselves in the situations they are in.
Eighteen? Really? I’m sorry, it's just incredibly hard for me to get into a story where the lead male character is only eighteen years old. I like my guys to be older and more mature. Yes, I know a lot of books have the female being super young also but I have double standards where it doesn't bother me, besides we all know woman mature super duper faster than men. So there is this road block of Robbie being only eighteen years old and then to boot his love interest Roxane is older, I'm thinking she is in her thirties. Another double standard of mine rearing it's ugly head, I don't like the women being older than the men. I have a feeling there are some Demi/Ashton fans out there cheering this book on but for me it severely affected my ability to get into this story.
With that being said the author is an incredibly gifted writer. She was able to write Robbie well enough that sometimes I forgot he was only eighteen. The interaction between Robbie and Roxane is smoking hot and jumps off the pages at you. Top-notch stuff.
Roxane was an interesting character. She openly acknowledges the fact she loves Robbie but doesn't see a logical way of being able to be with him. This story is completely different from a lot of typical romance books where the hero/heroine stay apart because they can't admit they love each other or there is the big misunderstanding. Here we have political drama, children, and sense of freedom. Kudos to the author for having Roxane be an intelligent woman who considers how good of a father Robbie would be to her children and if she would lose the freedom she has as a widow. I think here in these problems is where the age difference between these two really shows; Roxane thinks and struggles over logical issues and problems over her and Robbie being together while Robbie just thinks love is enough and all problems can be solved because of that. I was disappointed how the author made Roxane a little dumb towards the end of the book with Roxane not trusting Robbie. In fact the whole last part of the book was what I would consider crappy storylines.
This book dragged for me, I could never get into the stories or characters because of the afore mentioned issues. I did a lot of read-skipping. I'm kind of frustrated with the author because I think she has incredible talent for writing but I can't seem to get into her stories; you would think good writing would create a good story.
This story wasn't for me at all. The beginning was way better than the end, it just drug on for me. Readers who like the author, Johnson, might like it because as I said before Johnson has real talent as a writer but for some reason I just don't like her stories. Hmm I love her writing but hate her stories, does that make sense?
C-
Eighteen? Really? I’m sorry, it's just incredibly hard for me to get into a story where the lead male character is only eighteen years old. I like my guys to be older and more mature. Yes, I know a lot of books have the female being super young also but I have double standards where it doesn't bother me, besides we all know woman mature super duper faster than men. So there is this road block of Robbie being only eighteen years old and then to boot his love interest Roxane is older, I'm thinking she is in her thirties. Another double standard of mine rearing it's ugly head, I don't like the women being older than the men. I have a feeling there are some Demi/Ashton fans out there cheering this book on but for me it severely affected my ability to get into this story.
With that being said the author is an incredibly gifted writer. She was able to write Robbie well enough that sometimes I forgot he was only eighteen. The interaction between Robbie and Roxane is smoking hot and jumps off the pages at you. Top-notch stuff.
Roxane was an interesting character. She openly acknowledges the fact she loves Robbie but doesn't see a logical way of being able to be with him. This story is completely different from a lot of typical romance books where the hero/heroine stay apart because they can't admit they love each other or there is the big misunderstanding. Here we have political drama, children, and sense of freedom. Kudos to the author for having Roxane be an intelligent woman who considers how good of a father Robbie would be to her children and if she would lose the freedom she has as a widow. I think here in these problems is where the age difference between these two really shows; Roxane thinks and struggles over logical issues and problems over her and Robbie being together while Robbie just thinks love is enough and all problems can be solved because of that. I was disappointed how the author made Roxane a little dumb towards the end of the book with Roxane not trusting Robbie. In fact the whole last part of the book was what I would consider crappy storylines.
This book dragged for me, I could never get into the stories or characters because of the afore mentioned issues. I did a lot of read-skipping. I'm kind of frustrated with the author because I think she has incredible talent for writing but I can't seem to get into her stories; you would think good writing would create a good story.
This story wasn't for me at all. The beginning was way better than the end, it just drug on for me. Readers who like the author, Johnson, might like it because as I said before Johnson has real talent as a writer but for some reason I just don't like her stories. Hmm I love her writing but hate her stories, does that make sense?
C-
Want to read
December 25, 2014
Carre series, book 2 of 2.
US EDITION SERIES INFO
Carre series
Book 2
Formats: Kindle & paperback in both US/UK
The Carre series follows two Scottish brothers during the struggle for independence from British rule starting with Johnnie Carre, Laird of Ravensby, year 1704.
Susan Johnson aka C.C. Gibbs has different publishers in the US and UK, hence the different titles and covers.
These are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: (Year 1704)
Outlaw (US) / Secrets & Sins (UK)
Book 2: (Year 1705)
To Please A Lady (US) / To Please A Lady (UK)
Robbie Carre (brother of book 1) and Roxanne Forrestor, Countess of Kilmarnock’s story year 1705.
We first met Robbie Carre in book 1. He is Jonnie Carre’s baby brother held hostage by their English enemy.
Book blurb:
Roxanne Forrestor, Scottish beauty and Countess of Kilmarnock, gets the surprise of her life when she finds a dashing rebel secreted away in her bedroom. She knows that hiding him is risky, but for some reason she can’t bring herself to throw him out just yet . . .
As things get more desperate politically, Roxanne and rebel Robbie play their own game of passionate seduction. Will their passion protect them through the coming tribulations, or are Robbie’s enemies powerful enough to tear them apart forever?
Be sure to join CCGibbsFANS here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
Want to read
December 25, 2014
Carre series, book 2 of 2.
UK EDITION SERIES INFO
Carre series
Book 2
Formats: Kindle & paperback in both US/UK
The Carre series follows two Scottish brothers during the struggle for independence from British rule starting with Johnnie Carre, Laird of Ravensby, year 1704.
Susan Johnson aka C.C. Gibbs has different publishers in the US and UK, hence the different titles and covers.
These are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: (Year 1704)
Outlaw (US) / Secrets & Sins (UK)
Book 2: (Year 1705)
To Please A Lady (US) / To Please A Lady (UK)
Robbie Carre (brother of book 1) and Roxanne Forrestor, Countess of Kilmarnock’s story year 1705.
We first met Robbie Carre in book 1. He is Jonnie Carre’s baby brother held hostage by their English enemy.
Book blurb:
Roxanne Forrestor, Scottish beauty and Countess of Kilmarnock, gets the surprise of her life when she finds a dashing rebel secreted away in her bedroom. She knows that hiding him is risky, but for some reason she can’t bring herself to throw him out just yet . . .
As things get more desperate politically, Roxanne and rebel Robbie play their own game of passionate seduction. Will their passion protect them through the coming tribulations, or are Robbie’s enemies powerful enough to tear them apart forever?
Be sure to join CCGibbsFANS here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
May 4, 2008
Book 2. This one follows Outlaw. Great Book!!
July 11, 2024
To Please a Lady by Susan Johnson (1999) was written 6 years after Outlaw, the first book in the series, and it’s just as sizzling good as the first. This story’s also told against the background of the ongoing domination of England over Scotland in the early 1700s.
🏴 Robbie, the Earl of Greenlaw is the 18 year old younger brother of Johnnie Carre, the hero in the first book. At the end of Outlaw he walks into Roxane’s room just before sailing to Holland .., the brothers are now fugitives. Robbie takes the initiative, Roxane tries to resist.., his seductive skills are legendary… just like his brother. You really gotta read Outlaw to understand this second book.
🏴 Roxane, the Countess of Kilmarnock, is a lush gorgeous woman with Titian color hair, a two time widow with 5 children and is 28 years old .., 10 years older than Robbie. She’s had lovers too, including the hero of the first book, and likes her independence.
🏴 Robbie’s intent on wooing Roxane despite the big age difference… both are deeply attracted to each other … realize they truly love each other, but they’re obstacles along the way. She resists the most, they both have huge tempers, and huge arguments. There’s also plenty of swords crossing, guns firing during the clashes between the Carre brothers and their enemies.
❗️If you don’t like these themes this book isn’t for you …. a much younger hero than the heroine; lots of detailed sex scenes; and main characters who have had sex with others, and it’s an ongoing part of the story. Personally, I think it’s wrong to write a negative review of an HR if these aren’t your cup of tea. Perhaps don’t read the book or at least don’t leave one or two star reviews.
🏴 Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable story … totally engaging with an unusual romance, a fabulous hero … I adored him!! … sizzling hot sex, grand adventure, real historical characters, and Scotland!! 🏴 ❤️ 🏴
(The author’s detailed notes at the end of the book provide background historical information… very informative.)
🏴 Robbie, the Earl of Greenlaw is the 18 year old younger brother of Johnnie Carre, the hero in the first book. At the end of Outlaw he walks into Roxane’s room just before sailing to Holland .., the brothers are now fugitives. Robbie takes the initiative, Roxane tries to resist.., his seductive skills are legendary… just like his brother. You really gotta read Outlaw to understand this second book.
🏴 Roxane, the Countess of Kilmarnock, is a lush gorgeous woman with Titian color hair, a two time widow with 5 children and is 28 years old .., 10 years older than Robbie. She’s had lovers too, including the hero of the first book, and likes her independence.
🏴 Robbie’s intent on wooing Roxane despite the big age difference… both are deeply attracted to each other … realize they truly love each other, but they’re obstacles along the way. She resists the most, they both have huge tempers, and huge arguments. There’s also plenty of swords crossing, guns firing during the clashes between the Carre brothers and their enemies.
❗️If you don’t like these themes this book isn’t for you …. a much younger hero than the heroine; lots of detailed sex scenes; and main characters who have had sex with others, and it’s an ongoing part of the story. Personally, I think it’s wrong to write a negative review of an HR if these aren’t your cup of tea. Perhaps don’t read the book or at least don’t leave one or two star reviews.
🏴 Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable story … totally engaging with an unusual romance, a fabulous hero … I adored him!! … sizzling hot sex, grand adventure, real historical characters, and Scotland!! 🏴 ❤️ 🏴
(The author’s detailed notes at the end of the book provide background historical information… very informative.)
April 15, 2019
One thing I really like about Susan Johnson is the amount of research she does for her books; that is shown by the extensive notes she adds at the back of the book (footnotes are marked in the text and the information is shown at the end of the book). The notes add so much to the understanding of the history contained in the novel.
It is critical that the reader has already read OUTLAW (see below) before starting this book. Robbie and Roxie's story starts at the end of the first book. Otherwise, the reader will be bewildered as to why Robbie is in Roxie's room as the story opens. By their conversation, it is obvious that they are lovers.
The main bone of contention between the couple = the age gap between the lovers. Robbie is a youthful 18 and Roxie is 28, with 5 children. She is a two-time widow who likes her independence. Roxie's oldest daughter is only 5 years younger than Robbie.
This story is told against the backdrop of English domination over Scotland and the Scottish wrangling to get out from under English rule. What I liked about this story was the fact that there was action between the adversaries instead of constant bedroom scenes (as in OUTLAW).
Carre Series
1. Outlaw (1996)
** 2. To Please a Lady (1999)
It is critical that the reader has already read OUTLAW (see below) before starting this book. Robbie and Roxie's story starts at the end of the first book. Otherwise, the reader will be bewildered as to why Robbie is in Roxie's room as the story opens. By their conversation, it is obvious that they are lovers.
The main bone of contention between the couple = the age gap between the lovers. Robbie is a youthful 18 and Roxie is 28, with 5 children. She is a two-time widow who likes her independence. Roxie's oldest daughter is only 5 years younger than Robbie.
This story is told against the backdrop of English domination over Scotland and the Scottish wrangling to get out from under English rule. What I liked about this story was the fact that there was action between the adversaries instead of constant bedroom scenes (as in OUTLAW).
Carre Series
1. Outlaw (1996)
** 2. To Please a Lady (1999)
August 6, 2017
"Roxanne Forrestor was determined to live life on her own terms -- even in a man's world. The beautiful Countess of Kilmarnock had so far survived the political and romantic intrigues of Scotland's most powerful suitors. So why couldn't she resist the brash Robbie Carre? Why did she find it impossible to throw the rebel earl out of her bedchamber even though it meant harboring a wanted man? Robbie cared nothing for his own safety. But he knew all too well that his ruthles enemies, desperate to capture him, would use Roxie and her children as pawns. He would brave the odds to protect them, would fight for his fugitive love with Roxie ... even if their stolen moments of pleasure cost him his life."
~~back cover
Yes, it's a bodice ripper. An amusing one at that. But the author certainly did her homework because the political intrigues and the historical tug-of-war between England and Scotland was meticulously portrayed, giving a human face to Scottish history. I'm also reading How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World and Everything in It so the history is fresh in my mind and I was very impressed with how closely it limed the events of those days. The main characters are fictional I think, but the other players are all too real historic people, in all their glory and nastiness.
~~back cover
Yes, it's a bodice ripper. An amusing one at that. But the author certainly did her homework because the political intrigues and the historical tug-of-war between England and Scotland was meticulously portrayed, giving a human face to Scottish history. I'm also reading How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World and Everything in It so the history is fresh in my mind and I was very impressed with how closely it limed the events of those days. The main characters are fictional I think, but the other players are all too real historic people, in all their glory and nastiness.
January 15, 2022
DNF The male love interest is only 5 yrs older than the woman’s oldest child. Yes, I know it’s common for the female lead and I don’t much like it then either, but an 18 yr old male and a woman who is at least 30 with 5 children just yuck.
November 13, 2018
Susan Johnson is a hit or miss. This is a good one!
June 26, 2010
Johnson's latest historical, "To Please a Lady" set in 18th-century England, relays the May-September romance between 18-year-old Robbie Carre, the roguish hero of "Outlaw", and 30-something widow Roxanne Forrestor.
The sexually charged story opens with Robbie, who has recently returned from exile in Holland, making a sudden appearance in Roxanne's boudoir. Beyond his hopes of ravishing the object of his affection, the lad aims to reclaim his ancestral lands. Soon, those closest to Robbie find themselves in jeopardy: Roxanne is forced to become the mistress of a powerful duke in order to protect her children from Robbie's adversaries, a decision that doesn't sit well with Robbie.
Demanding, stubborn and childishly irrational, Roxanne's young lover behaves more like one of her children than a romantic hero. Some readers will no doubt be titillated by the older woman-younger man romance, but others (like myself) will likely find Roxanne's maternal role in the relationship distasteful at the very least.
But as always, the footnotes are fascinating, but all this attention to historical detail -- with a corresponding lack of attention paid to character and plot -- makes me wonder if Susan Johnson wouldn't be happier writing non-fiction.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title To Please a Lady (Carre #2)
Author Susan Johnson
Reviewed By Purplycookie
The sexually charged story opens with Robbie, who has recently returned from exile in Holland, making a sudden appearance in Roxanne's boudoir. Beyond his hopes of ravishing the object of his affection, the lad aims to reclaim his ancestral lands. Soon, those closest to Robbie find themselves in jeopardy: Roxanne is forced to become the mistress of a powerful duke in order to protect her children from Robbie's adversaries, a decision that doesn't sit well with Robbie.
Demanding, stubborn and childishly irrational, Roxanne's young lover behaves more like one of her children than a romantic hero. Some readers will no doubt be titillated by the older woman-younger man romance, but others (like myself) will likely find Roxanne's maternal role in the relationship distasteful at the very least.
But as always, the footnotes are fascinating, but all this attention to historical detail -- with a corresponding lack of attention paid to character and plot -- makes me wonder if Susan Johnson wouldn't be happier writing non-fiction.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title To Please a Lady (Carre #2)
Author Susan Johnson
Reviewed By Purplycookie
May 10, 2013
I actually liked this because this is the first time I have read a book wherein the hero is substantially younger than the heroine. Their love was believable and so were the insecurities Roxanne felt about falling in love with a much younger man. I think I have to read the first book in the series to better appreciate this book though :)
February 16, 2012
pretty good story..really liked how young the hero was but how mature he acted..thats how men would of been like centuries ago..they had to mature quickly because of hard life was..really a good story..it was more a 3 and 3/4 stars..
June 15, 2009
Robbie Carre & Roxanne Forrester
January 20, 2010
Couldn't get past the 4th chapter, typical johnson's book
January 4, 2012
ok--just ok. Not her best, in my opinion.
February 12, 2025
Certainly unique in that the hero is only 17.....the heroine's daughter is only a couple of years younger than he is!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews