What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ever Afters #1
Carnally Ever After
Jilted bride Lady Louisa Bennett seeks a quiet chapel and instead finds the subject of her secret best man Alistair de Roche, Earl of Holyfield.
Knowing the wedding will be rescheduled, Alistair tries to ignore his lust for the voluptuous beauty. But temptation proves impossible to resist, and the two indulge in a single afternoon of carnal bliss.
But once is not enough and soon, Alistair and Louisa are caught in a love affair that threatens their families’ plans and their own hearts.
Knowing the wedding will be rescheduled, Alistair tries to ignore his lust for the voluptuous beauty. But temptation proves impossible to resist, and the two indulge in a single afternoon of carnal bliss.
But once is not enough and soon, Alistair and Louisa are caught in a love affair that threatens their families’ plans and their own hearts.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2011
29 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 10, 2016
This was a good story of a jilted bride and the best man. Alastair wanted Louisa but was engaged to another. Louisa gets jilted and Alastair is there to pick up the pieces. They both have their duties but their love and lust are able to overcome. Did like the novella in 12th Nights to catch up with them. Very apt for their story.
July 28, 2018
Carnally Ever After is Extremely Erotic. Its not BDMS just plan outright erotic sex. Its a Novella so the story moves pretty quickly. I like both lead Characters. It was just one bit that kept me from giving this 5 stars and that had to do with a cucumber. That should have been edited out.
If you like erotica this is a really good one. I wish it had been longer but it is a Novella
If you like erotica this is a really good one. I wish it had been longer but it is a Novella
April 29, 2012
A little hot number this one.
January 3, 2023
Short hot read that just jumps right in.
Louisa is jilted at the alter and the best man,Alistair, comforts her. He tries to save her virginity for her husband so she comes up with a plan.
I’d probably call this historical erotica with a dash of romance.
Overall Book ⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Louisa is jilted at the alter and the best man,Alistair, comforts her. He tries to save her virginity for her husband so she comes up with a plan.
I’d probably call this historical erotica with a dash of romance.
Overall Book ⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 14, 2017
3 1/2 stars
I don't really read historical romance but this was a good one. Although, some of the language was not used in the 1800's I was able to look past it.
I don't really read historical romance but this was a good one. Although, some of the language was not used in the 1800's I was able to look past it.
November 1, 2018
Short and carnal
April 18, 2018
Carnally Ever After is a quick erotic read that was ultimately satisfying; I did have some issues with it, however they didn't detract from my overall enjoyment too much. At a mere 68 pages, per my Kindle, the story flies by and there is - surprisingly - an actual story packed in here too.
Louisa is left at the alter, not so much jilted as forgotten by her fiancé. She comes to the conclusion in her discussion with his best friend, Alistair de Roche, that it's because of her plump figure and general unattractiveness. Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely get feeling self-conscious about weight; but just once I'd like to see a heroine that's overweight and comfortable in her own skin. In all other regards though I like Louisa. She goes after what she wants when she finds herself in this untenable position, and is fearless in pursuing her desires.
Alistair, of course, has been attracted to Louisa and her generous curves since he first met her - but she was already his friend's fiancé, so he's kept his thoughts - and his hands - to himself. Until Louisa demands that he prove she's attractive to him. I honestly don't have much of a feel for Alistair, other than we're told he's good with making money and he's incredibly attracted to Louisa. This is a downside of the length of the novel. I liked how he treated Louisa - even if I didn't quite like how he dealt with his own fiancé.
I felt quite immersed in the story and the time period, though there wasn't a lot of page to develop the world. The characters felt slightly anachronistic, but honestly that wasn't what I was reading for; the sexy times were quite sexy though perhaps a little rushed. I did quite enjoy the last "Epiphany" epilogue that was included in this edition, which takes place some months after Louisa gives birth.
My main issue with the story, and it admittedly comes up in almost all stories I read that contain a self-conscious, overweight heroine, was the implication that only lush women are feminine. Now, I thought the author was doing really good for a while, showing that Alistair is attracted to her, and other men are attracted to other body types of women, but then about mid-way through there was a comment regarding her being the ideal for "loving" and again in the "Epiphany" epilogue some generalized comment about all men loving big breasts and no breast being too big. I'm sure these were meant innocently enough, and the man was speaking as a man that is in love and attracted is wont to do, but it grated at me. It wasn't enough to ruin my enjoyment of the book though, and I will definitely be reading more by Jackie Barbosa in the future.
Louisa is left at the alter, not so much jilted as forgotten by her fiancé. She comes to the conclusion in her discussion with his best friend, Alistair de Roche, that it's because of her plump figure and general unattractiveness. Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely get feeling self-conscious about weight; but just once I'd like to see a heroine that's overweight and comfortable in her own skin. In all other regards though I like Louisa. She goes after what she wants when she finds herself in this untenable position, and is fearless in pursuing her desires.
Alistair, of course, has been attracted to Louisa and her generous curves since he first met her - but she was already his friend's fiancé, so he's kept his thoughts - and his hands - to himself. Until Louisa demands that he prove she's attractive to him. I honestly don't have much of a feel for Alistair, other than we're told he's good with making money and he's incredibly attracted to Louisa. This is a downside of the length of the novel. I liked how he treated Louisa - even if I didn't quite like how he dealt with his own fiancé.
I felt quite immersed in the story and the time period, though there wasn't a lot of page to develop the world. The characters felt slightly anachronistic, but honestly that wasn't what I was reading for; the sexy times were quite sexy though perhaps a little rushed. I did quite enjoy the last "Epiphany" epilogue that was included in this edition, which takes place some months after Louisa gives birth.
My main issue with the story, and it admittedly comes up in almost all stories I read that contain a self-conscious, overweight heroine, was the implication that only lush women are feminine. Now, I thought the author was doing really good for a while, showing that Alistair is attracted to her, and other men are attracted to other body types of women, but then about mid-way through there was a comment regarding her being the ideal for "loving" and again in the "Epiphany" epilogue some generalized comment about all men loving big breasts and no breast being too big. I'm sure these were meant innocently enough, and the man was speaking as a man that is in love and attracted is wont to do, but it grated at me. It wasn't enough to ruin my enjoyment of the book though, and I will definitely be reading more by Jackie Barbosa in the future.
May 16, 2025
This was my first read from Jackie Barbosa, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Carnally Ever After is a steamy and fun novella with a satisfying emotional core. The chemistry between the characters had me rooting for them from the start, and I was genuinely happy to see them find their way to each other.
Lady Louisa Bennett is jilted at the altar by Lord Grenville, her fiancé and Alistair’s best friend. Left questioning her worth—especially when it comes to her appearance—Louisa assumes no man could ever truly want her. Enter Alistair de Roche, the Earl of Holyfield, who’s been drawn to her from their very first meeting. He’s determined to show her just how desirable she is... but when Louisa demands proof, things really heat up.
Louisa and Alistair make a fantastic pair, and their connection feels both passionate and genuine. The Bonus Epilogue wrapped things up perfectly and left me with a smile on my face. I’ll definitely be checking out more from Barbosa!
Lady Louisa Bennett is jilted at the altar by Lord Grenville, her fiancé and Alistair’s best friend. Left questioning her worth—especially when it comes to her appearance—Louisa assumes no man could ever truly want her. Enter Alistair de Roche, the Earl of Holyfield, who’s been drawn to her from their very first meeting. He’s determined to show her just how desirable she is... but when Louisa demands proof, things really heat up.
Louisa and Alistair make a fantastic pair, and their connection feels both passionate and genuine. The Bonus Epilogue wrapped things up perfectly and left me with a smile on my face. I’ll definitely be checking out more from Barbosa!
July 28, 2012
Manages to be erotic, a bit funny and pack in a tender love story-get the one with the bonus epilogue for full effect.
Read
August 12, 2016I will say first that the author is an excellent writer. If you are seeking historical erotica this would absolutely and wonderfully fit the bill.
Did Not Finish
August 26, 2012I stopped reading at "nascent erection". I stand by that decision.
October 16, 2022
4 / 5
April 13, 2022
That is fine. Let's say 3.
But the 4* star is for the "epiphany", after the epilogue.
Because you wouldn't expect to find a piece so sweet and deep and ultimately authentic, in an erotic novel where - I swear - you don't have time to understand who the characters are before they're already having anal sex (not to compromise the virginity of the heroine) ... 🤣
It is a short novel. And it's totally insane 🔥
Yet despite everything in the end I found myself believing in their love. I felt how he tries to be responsible, while she is plotting to be totally irresponsible and chooses a cucumber to get rid of her virtue. (Yes, there is a 🥒 ... and by the way it's quite a good scene. That is. This author manages to write a piece with an heroine who sticks a cucumber in the 🌮, and makes it more sexy than comical. Not bad.).
But other than a lot of sex that, there is a heroine who is a little too plump, who ends up is in crisis with her body after giving birth. In a totally credible way. And there's an hero who loves her and shows her how beautiful she is not despite being a mother but because of it.
Come on. It's no more sexy in the end ... It's simply touching. And I'm totally going read more from this author. I've already spotted the next one.
----------
Va bene. Diciamo 3.
Però la 4 stella è per il secondo finale.
Perché non te lo aspetti un pezzo così dolce e profondo e in fin dei conti autentico, in un erotico in cui -giuro- non fai in tempo a capire chi sono i personaggi che già stanno facendo sesso anale per non compromettere la verginità dell'eroina... 🤣
È un romanzo breve, quasi una novella. Ed è totalmente folle.
Eppure cavolo nonostante tutto alla fine ci ho creduto al loro amore, a come lui cerca di essere responsabile, mentre lei sceglie un cetriolo per tornare da lui senza più problemi di virtù intatta. (Sì, si fa un 🥒... e tra l'altro è una scena ben riuscita. Cioè. Sta donna mi riesce a scrivere un pezzo con lei che si infila un cetriolo nella 🌮 e viene fuori più sexy che comico. Non male, no?).
Ma a parte tutto sto sesso. C'è una eroina un po' troppo in carne, che dopo il parto è in crisi col suo corpo. In modo totalmente credibile. E un eroe che la ama e le mostra quanto è bella in quanto madre.
Dai. Non è più sexy alla fine... È commovente. E di questa autrice leggo altro senza dubbio. Ho già adocchiato il prossimo.
But the 4* star is for the "epiphany", after the epilogue.
Because you wouldn't expect to find a piece so sweet and deep and ultimately authentic, in an erotic novel where - I swear - you don't have time to understand who the characters are before they're already having anal sex (not to compromise the virginity of the heroine) ... 🤣
It is a short novel. And it's totally insane 🔥
Yet despite everything in the end I found myself believing in their love. I felt how he tries to be responsible, while she is plotting to be totally irresponsible and chooses a cucumber to get rid of her virtue. (Yes, there is a 🥒 ... and by the way it's quite a good scene. That is. This author manages to write a piece with an heroine who sticks a cucumber in the 🌮, and makes it more sexy than comical. Not bad.).
But other than a lot of sex that, there is a heroine who is a little too plump, who ends up is in crisis with her body after giving birth. In a totally credible way. And there's an hero who loves her and shows her how beautiful she is not despite being a mother but because of it.
Come on. It's no more sexy in the end ... It's simply touching. And I'm totally going read more from this author. I've already spotted the next one.
----------
Va bene. Diciamo 3.
Però la 4 stella è per il secondo finale.
Perché non te lo aspetti un pezzo così dolce e profondo e in fin dei conti autentico, in un erotico in cui -giuro- non fai in tempo a capire chi sono i personaggi che già stanno facendo sesso anale per non compromettere la verginità dell'eroina... 🤣
È un romanzo breve, quasi una novella. Ed è totalmente folle.
Eppure cavolo nonostante tutto alla fine ci ho creduto al loro amore, a come lui cerca di essere responsabile, mentre lei sceglie un cetriolo per tornare da lui senza più problemi di virtù intatta. (Sì, si fa un 🥒... e tra l'altro è una scena ben riuscita. Cioè. Sta donna mi riesce a scrivere un pezzo con lei che si infila un cetriolo nella 🌮 e viene fuori più sexy che comico. Non male, no?).
Ma a parte tutto sto sesso. C'è una eroina un po' troppo in carne, che dopo il parto è in crisi col suo corpo. In modo totalmente credibile. E un eroe che la ama e le mostra quanto è bella in quanto madre.
Dai. Non è più sexy alla fine... È commovente. E di questa autrice leggo altro senza dubbio. Ho già adocchiato il prossimo.
June 15, 2021
It’s getting an extra star since some portion of my review is unfair because my dislike is in part due to it being insanely short - like 50 pages - and it being erotica. First, let me say that I adore a steamy read. I hate when there is no sex in romances. But I tend to avoid erotica because it’s 90% sex and 10% plot, and that’s 110% the case here. There is zero character development or story or plot, it’s all just two people boning in wildly anachronistic style. But the main reason why I really disliked it is Basically, I knew I was going to be disappointed by a too-short erotica piece but I was willing to give it a go because I LOVE insecure chubby heroines, but this heroine is brazen af and he being chubby takes up about a paragraph of the story, so
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 28, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're are mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Carnally Ever After was a fun little novella, I must say! It had me giggling all through the way. But there were those scenes that had me shaking my head, too. Even though the initial novella was too short for me, I really loved the bonus epilogue. JB is an excellent writer no doubt.
Louisa has just been jilted at the altar by Lord Grenville. Alistair, the best man and Grenville’s best friend, is angry over the whole thing. Then it’s revealed that Alistair always wanted Louisa but both men ended up engaged with the wrong woman since those were arranged by their respective parents. Yes, Alistair is also engaged to a proper English rose, Miss Palmer. He was sitting alone somewhere in the church after that debacle when Louisa comes to find him. Grenville is a debauched rake and gambler and now it turns out, irresponsible as well. Alistair always knew that Louisa isn’t really Grenville’s type, who likes slender women. But to Alistair, Louisa is a Goddess. There hasn’t been anyone more attractive than dark haired, eyed and generously curvy Louisa. Miss Palmer is tall and slim, very beautiful and yet, she doesn’t do anything for Alistair.
While Alistair is in this state of mind, we find that Louisa has been fantasizing about him as well; his golden good looks no doubt. She wasn’t very fond of her jilted bridegroom, but acceded because of her father. Right now, Louisa can’t bring herself to be sad about it. As the novella rushed on, this turns into that, and Alistair ends up revealing his fantasies to her, then and there. Louisa is also up for the challenge as she asks Alistair to ‘prove her’ how attractive he finds her.
Then, hmmm... they go to Alistair’s bachelor apartments and, well, hmmm... they proceeded to do some kinky stuff... and it caught me by surprise seeing how Louisa was still a virgin. Alistair finds a way to spare her virginity, in case Grenville is dragged by his father to the altar.
Don’t ask me anything but it had me shaking my head.
Aaaanyway, Louisa’s much needed self-esteem returns, thanks to Alistair’s attentions. She now resolves that she’s not going to marry Grenville no matter what and tells her father that too! *clap clap* Alistair on the other hand, was thinking some stuff. Grenville isn’t happy about the whole thing, and no intentions of marrying Louisa for you-know-what(I wanted to kick him, no likey this guy). One thing still caught me by surprise. How wasn’t it a big gossip when Grenville and Louisa’s marriage was supposed to be such a big event, and so many people attending? There was no mention of the scandal or any such thing. I couldn’t really believe this.
While I was ruminating on that, Louisa does something that again, caught me by surprise... Hmmm... it wasn’t her plan as to why she did it, but the ‘instrument’ she uses to deflower herself. Hmmm, I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or cry, be embarrassed or be plain horrified!
Louisa’s plan was to become Alistair’s mistress, because she doesn’t think she’ll be able to find anyone like him and he being engaged... well, you get the picture.
I should’ve been annoyed but I wasn’t. Probably because it was a novella and Alistair surprised me by telling her later that she’d be the mistress of his life. It was sweet, I give him that.
There’s a very small epilogue at the end, which was ok IMO. Then, I had to get the free anthology, 12th Night. I read and loved the bonus epilogue,‘Epiphany’.
This takes place 2 yrs after the main story. Louisa has just had the heir to the Holyfield earldom. She’s obviously shy and embarrassed about the changes motherhood has wrought on her body. She’s been fending off sex with lights on. But Alistair is plain crazy about his wife, and wouldn’t hear ‘no’ on that regard anymore. He’s determined to show her how sexy he still finds her... Ooh, lala! I’ve read novellas/novels with settings like this, and have always found them plain HOT. No exception to Epiphany. A superb show to their HEA! My recommendation is, read the bonus epilogue afterwards or better yet, get the re-released version that has the bonus epilogue added to it. Either way, don’t miss it.
Lemme quote something from here:
She smiled as she recalled thinking when she first heard the word c*ck that it was an apt name for such a showy organ.
Alistair followed her gaze, the corners of his mouth pulling down in a mock frown. “I pray you are not thinking again how ‘little’ my contribution is.”
Overall, 4 stars.
Carnally Ever After is followed by Behind the Red Door, which contains 3 more stories that are loosely connected to each-other. I’m hopping on to read that one now!
PS: I still don’t see the phrase ‘nascent erection’ should annoy anyone.
Carnally Ever After was a fun little novella, I must say! It had me giggling all through the way. But there were those scenes that had me shaking my head, too. Even though the initial novella was too short for me, I really loved the bonus epilogue. JB is an excellent writer no doubt.
Louisa has just been jilted at the altar by Lord Grenville. Alistair, the best man and Grenville’s best friend, is angry over the whole thing. Then it’s revealed that Alistair always wanted Louisa but both men ended up engaged with the wrong woman since those were arranged by their respective parents. Yes, Alistair is also engaged to a proper English rose, Miss Palmer. He was sitting alone somewhere in the church after that debacle when Louisa comes to find him. Grenville is a debauched rake and gambler and now it turns out, irresponsible as well. Alistair always knew that Louisa isn’t really Grenville’s type, who likes slender women. But to Alistair, Louisa is a Goddess. There hasn’t been anyone more attractive than dark haired, eyed and generously curvy Louisa. Miss Palmer is tall and slim, very beautiful and yet, she doesn’t do anything for Alistair.
While Alistair is in this state of mind, we find that Louisa has been fantasizing about him as well; his golden good looks no doubt. She wasn’t very fond of her jilted bridegroom, but acceded because of her father. Right now, Louisa can’t bring herself to be sad about it. As the novella rushed on, this turns into that, and Alistair ends up revealing his fantasies to her, then and there. Louisa is also up for the challenge as she asks Alistair to ‘prove her’ how attractive he finds her.
Then, hmmm... they go to Alistair’s bachelor apartments and, well, hmmm... they proceeded to do some kinky stuff... and it caught me by surprise seeing how Louisa was still a virgin. Alistair finds a way to spare her virginity, in case Grenville is dragged by his father to the altar.
Don’t ask me anything but it had me shaking my head.
Aaaanyway, Louisa’s much needed self-esteem returns, thanks to Alistair’s attentions. She now resolves that she’s not going to marry Grenville no matter what and tells her father that too! *clap clap* Alistair on the other hand, was thinking some stuff. Grenville isn’t happy about the whole thing, and no intentions of marrying Louisa for you-know-what(I wanted to kick him, no likey this guy). One thing still caught me by surprise. How wasn’t it a big gossip when Grenville and Louisa’s marriage was supposed to be such a big event, and so many people attending? There was no mention of the scandal or any such thing. I couldn’t really believe this.
While I was ruminating on that, Louisa does something that again, caught me by surprise... Hmmm... it wasn’t her plan as to why she did it, but the ‘instrument’ she uses to deflower herself. Hmmm, I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or cry, be embarrassed or be plain horrified!
Louisa’s plan was to become Alistair’s mistress, because she doesn’t think she’ll be able to find anyone like him and he being engaged... well, you get the picture.I should’ve been annoyed but I wasn’t. Probably because it was a novella and Alistair surprised me by telling her later that she’d be the mistress of his life. It was sweet, I give him that.
There’s a very small epilogue at the end, which was ok IMO. Then, I had to get the free anthology, 12th Night. I read and loved the bonus epilogue,‘Epiphany’.
This takes place 2 yrs after the main story. Louisa has just had the heir to the Holyfield earldom. She’s obviously shy and embarrassed about the changes motherhood has wrought on her body. She’s been fending off sex with lights on. But Alistair is plain crazy about his wife, and wouldn’t hear ‘no’ on that regard anymore. He’s determined to show her how sexy he still finds her... Ooh, lala! I’ve read novellas/novels with settings like this, and have always found them plain HOT. No exception to Epiphany. A superb show to their HEA! My recommendation is, read the bonus epilogue afterwards or better yet, get the re-released version that has the bonus epilogue added to it. Either way, don’t miss it.
Lemme quote something from here:
She smiled as she recalled thinking when she first heard the word c*ck that it was an apt name for such a showy organ.
Alistair followed her gaze, the corners of his mouth pulling down in a mock frown. “I pray you are not thinking again how ‘little’ my contribution is.”
Overall, 4 stars.
Carnally Ever After is followed by Behind the Red Door, which contains 3 more stories that are loosely connected to each-other. I’m hopping on to read that one now!
PS: I still don’t see the phrase ‘nascent erection’ should annoy anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2022
Genre: Historical Romance
Type: Novella
POV: Switches between two, the Protagonist (f) and the Love interest (m). The majority is in the female pov.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I enjoyed this quick read, although I wish it were drawn out more (a more extended read). I listened to it on 2x speed and it took about 2 hours to get through, it kept me entertained 🤍
I enjoyed the characters and plot, it was a fun quick read that I would probably recommend!
Type: Novella
POV: Switches between two, the Protagonist (f) and the Love interest (m). The majority is in the female pov.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I enjoyed this quick read, although I wish it were drawn out more (a more extended read). I listened to it on 2x speed and it took about 2 hours to get through, it kept me entertained 🤍
I enjoyed the characters and plot, it was a fun quick read that I would probably recommend!
November 21, 2021
Amazing short story, sexy and romantic!
This one has some truly amusing moments with lovely sex scenes. What elevated this book to solid 5 stars for me, was the extra epilogue, Epiphany .
The last scene taking place some time after the events of the main novella, is so wonderful, warm, and comforting. I loved it!
This one has some truly amusing moments with lovely sex scenes. What elevated this book to solid 5 stars for me, was the extra epilogue, Epiphany .
The last scene taking place some time after the events of the main novella, is so wonderful, warm, and comforting. I loved it!
April 21, 2025
I don't usually read historic romance, but I'm extremely glad I decided to listen to this audiobook. Louisa and Alistair's story was beautiful and extremely hot. The epilogues were perfection, and Artemis Jones did a lovely job of narrating the story.
The afterword brought tears to my eyes. I'm sure Julian is very proud of his Mum and what she has achieved in his name. RIP Julian.
The afterword brought tears to my eyes. I'm sure Julian is very proud of his Mum and what she has achieved in his name. RIP Julian.
February 28, 2022
Wow, no sabía a lo que me metía con este libro. Pero lo resumo en "super hot and wow". Todo el tiempo estuve pensando exactamente eso!
Solo tengo que felicitar a Lousia por haber logrado su meta con el crush hahahaha
Solo tengo que felicitar a Lousia por haber logrado su meta con el crush hahahaha
August 3, 2018
Dnf'd at 20%
I thought I'd try something new and short, but then the hero decided he can't take the heroine's virginity and decides to do anal instead and guys. Guys seriously. Guys no.
I thought I'd try something new and short, but then the hero decided he can't take the heroine's virginity and decides to do anal instead and guys. Guys seriously. Guys no.
August 8, 2021
short and sweet
August 29, 2021
Entirely book was basically historical porn, not really my thing.
September 5, 2021
What the hell did I read??
November 22, 2023
Why did the author start trauma dumping at the end? 😭
February 12, 2025
A virgin with butt play and a cucumber…. I can’t
April 12, 2022
Scribd Audiobook
August 31, 2024
2.5 stars
July 6, 2013
Provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Louisa Bennett has been jilted at the alter by Lord Granville. So when she starts bashing herself for being too full figured and what man would want her, Granville's best man, Alistar de Rocha decides to show her that he's the type of man who would want her. Even though he's engaged to another. They spend the hours that her family uses to renegotiate her dowery to get better acquainted.
Though Alistar wants her and has since the moment he met her, he doesn't believe he can have her. Mostly because her family is dead set on having her married to a better titled gentleman than he, though he's financially more well off.
Louisa has learned something being with Alistar. That she can't marry someone just for her family's sake and that she will do anything to be happy. Even proposing to be Alistar's mistress. But Alistar wants her more than she can know and they run off together.
It was well written, I just wasn't enthralled with their story.
But when I read the sneak peak pages for The Lesson Plan, I had to have it. I bought it and read it right away.
Louisa Bennett has been jilted at the alter by Lord Granville. So when she starts bashing herself for being too full figured and what man would want her, Granville's best man, Alistar de Rocha decides to show her that he's the type of man who would want her. Even though he's engaged to another. They spend the hours that her family uses to renegotiate her dowery to get better acquainted.
Though Alistar wants her and has since the moment he met her, he doesn't believe he can have her. Mostly because her family is dead set on having her married to a better titled gentleman than he, though he's financially more well off.
Louisa has learned something being with Alistar. That she can't marry someone just for her family's sake and that she will do anything to be happy. Even proposing to be Alistar's mistress. But Alistar wants her more than she can know and they run off together.
It was well written, I just wasn't enthralled with their story.
But when I read the sneak peak pages for The Lesson Plan, I had to have it. I bought it and read it right away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2018
Why I picked up this book:
All right, so I picked this book up after seeing a twitter post about a review that led the author/publisher to set the price as free. I'd just read a dark fantasy and needed a bit of a palate cleanser a la dirty romance.
What I liked:
The author's writing and voice is stellar.
Areas needing a touch of refinement:
This should be a dirty romance, but right off the bat there's nothing that smacks of romance or love, only lust. Both the hero/heroine are already engaged to other people, and their first intimate encounter reads as a one-night stand for nothing but sex. I would have loved to see a more organic progression of intimacy from a-to-z.
I didn't really connect with the story. It was vague at best around the affair. One thing that bummed me out was a setup in chapter 4 that really opened a portal for fun romantic hijinks between the affair couple and their betrothed partners, but it never played out.
Overall:
If you're looking for a quick read that's more dirty sex in an affair-like setting, definitely pick this up. I may check out other tales by the author as I do like her writing voice, but this story had me suspending too much disbelief for the hero/heroine love story to feel authentic.
All right, so I picked this book up after seeing a twitter post about a review that led the author/publisher to set the price as free. I'd just read a dark fantasy and needed a bit of a palate cleanser a la dirty romance.
What I liked:
The author's writing and voice is stellar.
Areas needing a touch of refinement:
This should be a dirty romance, but right off the bat there's nothing that smacks of romance or love, only lust. Both the hero/heroine are already engaged to other people, and their first intimate encounter reads as a one-night stand for nothing but sex. I would have loved to see a more organic progression of intimacy from a-to-z.
I didn't really connect with the story. It was vague at best around the affair. One thing that bummed me out was a setup in chapter 4 that really opened a portal for fun romantic hijinks between the affair couple and their betrothed partners, but it never played out.
Overall:
If you're looking for a quick read that's more dirty sex in an affair-like setting, definitely pick this up. I may check out other tales by the author as I do like her writing voice, but this story had me suspending too much disbelief for the hero/heroine love story to feel authentic.
July 10, 2013
Louisa Bennett was left at the altar by Greenville, a man she doesn't care to marry in the first place. His best man, Alistair de Roche, is there to comfort her. They want each other, but know that no one can find out. Louisa knows she is still going to have to marry Greenville, and Alistair is set to be wed very soon himself. After their first time together, she decides to defy her family's wishes, even if it is just to be his mistress.
Carnally Ever After was a quick, hot historical read about learning not to settle for who others think you should. They may not approve, but everyone deserves to be happy with the person they love.
I loved the epilogue! I think it made me enjoy the story as a whole a lot better. I liked the story itself, but I could really relate to the epilogue.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Carnally Ever After was a quick, hot historical read about learning not to settle for who others think you should. They may not approve, but everyone deserves to be happy with the person they love.
I loved the epilogue! I think it made me enjoy the story as a whole a lot better. I liked the story itself, but I could really relate to the epilogue.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews