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The Secrets of Hadley Green #1
The Year of Living Scandalously
In 1792, the village of Hadley Green executed a man for stealing the Countess of Ashwood’s historic jewels. Fifteen years later, questions still linger. Was it a crime of greed—or of passion?
When Declan O’Connor, Earl of Donnelly, arrives at Hadley Green to meet with Lily Boudine, the new countess of Ashwood, he knows instantly that the lovely woman who welcomes him is not who she pretends to be. In an attempt to avoid an unwanted marriage, Keira Hannigan has assumed her cousin’s identity and is staying at the estate while Lily is abroad. When Declan threatens to expose her, Keira convinces him to guard her secret, then enlists him in her investigation of the missing jewels, for she now believes an innocent man was hanged.
Unable to deny the beautiful, exasperating Keira—or their simmering passion—Declan reluctantly agrees. But neither is prepared for the dangerous stranger who threatens to reveal Keira’s lies...and Declan knows he must protect Keira at all costs, for she is the woman who now owns his heart.
When Declan O’Connor, Earl of Donnelly, arrives at Hadley Green to meet with Lily Boudine, the new countess of Ashwood, he knows instantly that the lovely woman who welcomes him is not who she pretends to be. In an attempt to avoid an unwanted marriage, Keira Hannigan has assumed her cousin’s identity and is staying at the estate while Lily is abroad. When Declan threatens to expose her, Keira convinces him to guard her secret, then enlists him in her investigation of the missing jewels, for she now believes an innocent man was hanged.
Unable to deny the beautiful, exasperating Keira—or their simmering passion—Declan reluctantly agrees. But neither is prepared for the dangerous stranger who threatens to reveal Keira’s lies...and Declan knows he must protect Keira at all costs, for she is the woman who now owns his heart.
423 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 19, 2010
62 people are currently reading
1392 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
190 books3,141 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
October 15, 2025
REVIEW
Rating: 3/5
POV: 3rd; dual
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine (mostly); Mistaken Identity; Surprise Pregnancy; Slow Burn
Heat Level: 4.5/5
Kinks: N/A
Likes:
* I really enjoyed the FMC, Keira's, character. She had a good heart with good intentions and was sweet but also knew when to put her foot down.
Dislikes:
* I'm not usually bothered by this BUT the reason it bothered me in this book was because it was still happening at 40% into the book! .
Conclusion:
Apparently my 2nd book read by Mrs. London but I read my first book by her long ago and don't remember it. So I'll take this as my introduction into her books and writing style. It was mostly good. I won't lie the prologue/1st chapter had me very confused because I thought it was about FMC but it isn't! It does have to do with the plot but it was weird.
This HR is set in Ireland and England and centers around an FMC who wants to live an adventurous life and an MMC who does live that said adventurous life and has no desire to ever change that part of himself. Most of the book/plot is set around Ashford which is an Earl's home that had no children so gets passed down to his previous ward, Lily, Keira's cousin. Lily is off to Italy so she doesn't want to go to Ashford yet and play countess. Keira goes in her stead until Lily returns from Italy. Not to be her but just to be a family presence at the home since Lily can't be there.
Through going to this home Keira's adventure begins.
The romance is pretty slow building but I did feel it was pretty believable. What really was a WTF moment was how the book ends with like 2 lines about Keira and Declan and then proceeds to finish out with Lily. So she begins the book and ends the book, it's so strange, she is not the female main character lol. We get no true HEA for our MC's, no epilogue, nothing. Just some measly letter sent to Lily lol.
Of course Lily's story seems interesting so I've added her book to my TBR.
3/5
Rating: 3/5
POV: 3rd; dual
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine (mostly); Mistaken Identity; Surprise Pregnancy; Slow Burn
Heat Level: 4.5/5
Kinks: N/A
Likes:
* I really enjoyed the FMC, Keira's, character. She had a good heart with good intentions and was sweet but also knew when to put her foot down.
Dislikes:
* I'm not usually bothered by this BUT the reason it bothered me in this book was because it was still happening at 40% into the book! .
Conclusion:
Apparently my 2nd book read by Mrs. London but I read my first book by her long ago and don't remember it. So I'll take this as my introduction into her books and writing style. It was mostly good. I won't lie the prologue/1st chapter had me very confused because I thought it was about FMC but it isn't! It does have to do with the plot but it was weird.
This HR is set in Ireland and England and centers around an FMC who wants to live an adventurous life and an MMC who does live that said adventurous life and has no desire to ever change that part of himself. Most of the book/plot is set around Ashford which is an Earl's home that had no children so gets passed down to his previous ward, Lily, Keira's cousin. Lily is off to Italy so she doesn't want to go to Ashford yet and play countess. Keira goes in her stead until Lily returns from Italy. Not to be her but just to be a family presence at the home since Lily can't be there.
Through going to this home Keira's adventure begins.
The romance is pretty slow building but I did feel it was pretty believable. What really was a WTF moment was how the book ends with like 2 lines about Keira and Declan and then proceeds to finish out with Lily. So she begins the book and ends the book, it's so strange, she is not the female main character lol. We get no true HEA for our MC's, no epilogue, nothing. Just some measly letter sent to Lily lol.
Of course Lily's story seems interesting so I've added her book to my TBR.
3/5
August 10, 2017
but only fools discover the world
February 15, 2011
There’s so much I loved about The Year of Living Scandalously. First of all, it is a historical novel complete with the beautiful gowns, the frilly hats, and all of the accoutrements of the elite society. It is also a romance novel with a very slow buildup. The Year of Living Scandalously is also a mystery that kept me guessing right up to the cliffhanger ending.
The novel begins and ends with Lily Bodine’s story. When Lily was 8 years old, there was a theft of the family jewels at Ashwood estate. Lily saw a man escaping on horseback. Due to her testimony, this man is sentenced to death. Later on, Lily is sent to live with her Irish cousin Keira Hannigan. The rest of the novel focuses on Keira.
Flash forward 16 years and Lily has been notified that she is now the sole heir to Ashwood. She is to go to Ashwood and become the Countess. Lily has other plans and wants to go to Italy. She sends Kiera to take care of the estate until Lily’s return. When Keira arrives at Ashwood, she is mistaken for the Countess. Keira decides to go along with the deception, believing that she is helping out Lily and not thinking of the repercussions of her actions.
To further complicate matters, she is recognized by a childhood friend who calls her on her deception. Declan O’Connor and Keira share a past event that scarred them. Keira’s childhood friend Eve was raped and beaten and subsequently committed suicide. Both Declan and Keira share the guilt that they were unable to prevent Eve from killing herself. This past event affected their relationship.
I really liked Keira’s character. Keira treated this experience as her “last hurrah” before she would have to marry and settle down. She took on the role of the Countess with an idealistic goal in mind. Keira genuinely believed that she would do good in the area if the estate was restored. Keira worked to repair the estate and to increase its profits. She also became a patron of the local orphanage, raising funds to help out the children. Keira becomes the focal point of the community and has many gentlemen courting her. I enjoyed how Keira’s character developed throughout the story.
Now, Declan was delicious. At first I didn’t know what to make of his character. I found him a little pompous and condescending. I didn’t like how he didn’t even want to listen to Keira, he just threatened to expose her.
The romance aspect of this book has an excruciatingly slow build up (in a good way). At times, I felt like screaming at the characters that they should just get together already. Declan and Keira were made for each other and this is evidenced in the way they worked together to solve the mystery of the jewel theft.
Overall, a very pleasant read. My only disappointment was the cliffhanger ending with no sequel in sight. I look forward to reading the next book when it becomes available.
**This book was won in a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway**
The novel begins and ends with Lily Bodine’s story. When Lily was 8 years old, there was a theft of the family jewels at Ashwood estate. Lily saw a man escaping on horseback. Due to her testimony, this man is sentenced to death. Later on, Lily is sent to live with her Irish cousin Keira Hannigan. The rest of the novel focuses on Keira.
Flash forward 16 years and Lily has been notified that she is now the sole heir to Ashwood. She is to go to Ashwood and become the Countess. Lily has other plans and wants to go to Italy. She sends Kiera to take care of the estate until Lily’s return. When Keira arrives at Ashwood, she is mistaken for the Countess. Keira decides to go along with the deception, believing that she is helping out Lily and not thinking of the repercussions of her actions.
To further complicate matters, she is recognized by a childhood friend who calls her on her deception. Declan O’Connor and Keira share a past event that scarred them. Keira’s childhood friend Eve was raped and beaten and subsequently committed suicide. Both Declan and Keira share the guilt that they were unable to prevent Eve from killing herself. This past event affected their relationship.
I really liked Keira’s character. Keira treated this experience as her “last hurrah” before she would have to marry and settle down. She took on the role of the Countess with an idealistic goal in mind. Keira genuinely believed that she would do good in the area if the estate was restored. Keira worked to repair the estate and to increase its profits. She also became a patron of the local orphanage, raising funds to help out the children. Keira becomes the focal point of the community and has many gentlemen courting her. I enjoyed how Keira’s character developed throughout the story.
Now, Declan was delicious. At first I didn’t know what to make of his character. I found him a little pompous and condescending. I didn’t like how he didn’t even want to listen to Keira, he just threatened to expose her.
The romance aspect of this book has an excruciatingly slow build up (in a good way). At times, I felt like screaming at the characters that they should just get together already. Declan and Keira were made for each other and this is evidenced in the way they worked together to solve the mystery of the jewel theft.
Overall, a very pleasant read. My only disappointment was the cliffhanger ending with no sequel in sight. I look forward to reading the next book when it becomes available.
**This book was won in a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway**
November 4, 2010
A scandalously good mystery with an added scandal adventure, who can resist a great scandal, not me;) I enjoyed the story, but it did tend to be slow along with the romance. The last chapter left me saying “I freaking want the next book NOW!!” This is not a sexual tension hot romance, the romance builds as you read actually these two don’t really get along well until past the middle of the book. I liked the surprises and the setting, I think it a good start to a series.
Keria swaps places with Lily. So Lily the now countess goes to Italy and Keria goes and plays Countess, but when she gets to the estate she knows she has really made a mistake. She now has to much on her plate to take care of. For one its very hard to keep pretending to be Lily then when she finds Declan there it makes it worse because he knows she is not Lily. She ask him for help to find out who really sold the jewels, he denies her at first, then he caves and helps. The more Declan helps with the investigation the more he ends up getting involved with Keria. Its made it more of an interesting read to see how deep Keria gets into things before Lily shows up.
I liked Keria, but Declan not so much his is typical man that doesn’t want to be tied down in anyway, so you know he gets some side sex, at least these two are not in a relationship when his is with the other lady . He’s not helpful at first and he does everything to turn her away. I also had a problem with the way the h/h was just cut off at the end, they get a HEA but it was just to short.
Keria swaps places with Lily. So Lily the now countess goes to Italy and Keria goes and plays Countess, but when she gets to the estate she knows she has really made a mistake. She now has to much on her plate to take care of. For one its very hard to keep pretending to be Lily then when she finds Declan there it makes it worse because he knows she is not Lily. She ask him for help to find out who really sold the jewels, he denies her at first, then he caves and helps. The more Declan helps with the investigation the more he ends up getting involved with Keria. Its made it more of an interesting read to see how deep Keria gets into things before Lily shows up.
I liked Keria, but Declan not so much his is typical man that doesn’t want to be tied down in anyway, so you know he gets some side sex, at least these two are not in a relationship when his is with the other lady . He’s not helpful at first and he does everything to turn her away. I also had a problem with the way the h/h was just cut off at the end, they get a HEA but it was just to short.
June 23, 2015
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O que dizer deste livro? Tenho de confessar que foram várias as vezes que parei de ler para dar uma grande gargalhada.
Vivido num clima de mistério, este foi um livro que se leu rapidamente e sempre com um toque de romance e humor fantásticos. Desde o início que os dois protagonistas mostraram uma química fantástica e mesmo com a trágica história que os envolvia, havia algo que parecia mantê-los sempre próximos.
Os momentos que se passaram com os protagonistas foram muito engraçados, apesar de muitas vezes ter vontade de lhes dar umas valentes palmadas, não apenas pela forma como se tratavam, mas principalmente pelas vezes que negavam a si próprios os sentimentos que já eram bastante visíveis.
Gostei bastante da história inicial, em que conhecemos Lily, a verdadeira condessa de Ashwood e também a história trágica que envolve a sua família. Ao longo de todo o livro a autora conseguiu manter o mistério de quem teria roubado as joias, fazendo com que o leitor fique preso à leitura e se questione continuamente acerca da verdadeira identidade do ladrão.
Este foi o primeiro livro que li da autora, mas com certeza que desejo ler mais. Tenho a esperança que o segundo livro desta serie seja publicado em breve, pois o final deixou-me ansiosa por ler a continuação…Ousado e divertido, estes são os dois adjetivos que me vêm à cabeça sempre que penso em qualificar este livro. É, sem duvida, uma leitura que não deixará ninguém decepcionada e uma excelente aposta por parte da Quinta Essência. Mais uma vez, espero voltar a ver mais livros desta autora a serem lançados no nosso país, visto tratar-se de livros fantásticos e que não deixam o leitor desiludido pela sua escolha.
O que dizer deste livro? Tenho de confessar que foram várias as vezes que parei de ler para dar uma grande gargalhada.
Vivido num clima de mistério, este foi um livro que se leu rapidamente e sempre com um toque de romance e humor fantásticos. Desde o início que os dois protagonistas mostraram uma química fantástica e mesmo com a trágica história que os envolvia, havia algo que parecia mantê-los sempre próximos.
Os momentos que se passaram com os protagonistas foram muito engraçados, apesar de muitas vezes ter vontade de lhes dar umas valentes palmadas, não apenas pela forma como se tratavam, mas principalmente pelas vezes que negavam a si próprios os sentimentos que já eram bastante visíveis.
Gostei bastante da história inicial, em que conhecemos Lily, a verdadeira condessa de Ashwood e também a história trágica que envolve a sua família. Ao longo de todo o livro a autora conseguiu manter o mistério de quem teria roubado as joias, fazendo com que o leitor fique preso à leitura e se questione continuamente acerca da verdadeira identidade do ladrão.
Este foi o primeiro livro que li da autora, mas com certeza que desejo ler mais. Tenho a esperança que o segundo livro desta serie seja publicado em breve, pois o final deixou-me ansiosa por ler a continuação…Ousado e divertido, estes são os dois adjetivos que me vêm à cabeça sempre que penso em qualificar este livro. É, sem duvida, uma leitura que não deixará ninguém decepcionada e uma excelente aposta por parte da Quinta Essência. Mais uma vez, espero voltar a ver mais livros desta autora a serem lançados no nosso país, visto tratar-se de livros fantásticos e que não deixam o leitor desiludido pela sua escolha.
November 7, 2016
A estória é engraçada, humor q.b
A tradução é um bocado fracota... e o "você" passa a ser desnecessário a partir de determinada altura.
A tradução é um bocado fracota... e o "você" passa a ser desnecessário a partir de determinada altura.
February 19, 2011
Enh. Probably wouldn't bother reading it again. Wasn't without its good points, but a lot bugged me that made the overall story hard to enjoy. First of all, there was a very very quick resolution for the couple, which was kind of unsatisfactory; also, the main mystery was left unsolved for another book, I assume? I didn't like that at all. Also, his character was WAY too mad at her for something that wasn't directly either of their faults and held it against her for way too long. Annoying and frustrating. And disappointing, considering she used to be a "must read" for me and now is a "wait for it until it's at the library" kind of author. I think her past contemporary books have been better than this.
April 29, 2020
O que dizer deste livro?
Adorei, adorei, adorei 😍
Super arrependida de estar em cima da mesa de cabeceira quase há um ano...
Confesso que tenho um fraquinho por futuros casais que inicialmente se detestam. Em vez de personagens insípidas, são personagens com personalidades fortes.
Estou ansiosa para os restantes e descobrir o que aconteceu às jóias e o motivo das mortes, suicídio ou assassínio 🤗
Adorei, adorei, adorei 😍
Super arrependida de estar em cima da mesa de cabeceira quase há um ano...
Confesso que tenho um fraquinho por futuros casais que inicialmente se detestam. Em vez de personagens insípidas, são personagens com personalidades fortes.
Estou ansiosa para os restantes e descobrir o que aconteceu às jóias e o motivo das mortes, suicídio ou assassínio 🤗
November 2, 2015
2.5 stars
June 7, 2018
Sometimes I just want to read a Regency romance :)... Julia London provided me that with: The Year of Living Scandalously. It's the first one in the Hadley Green 's series. It begins with the mysterious theft of the Countess of Ashwood' s famous jewels and with her little pupil and adopted daughter, Lily. She is shipped away to Ireland to live with her other aunt after her adopted mother's tragic death. Lily is treated like a daughter and establishes a sisterly bond with her cousin, Keira. When Lily is anointed the sole heiress of Ashwood, she begs Keira to go ahead first. Keira is mistaken by Lily by the people of Ashwood since they share many physical similarities. Keira is trying to rebuild Ashwood when she encounters, Declan Donnelly who calls out her charade in private. The pair had a history together but it ended badly: naivety lead to a secret and a tragedy. Now reunited, Keira and Declan can't stop fighting but they can't hide the attraction either. She's headstrong, compassionate and a non - quiter. Declan is realistically flawed and conscientious about his freedom however, he quickly gets too much envolved in Keira's problems. It's a delicious read with a good deal of mystery attached to it. Of course, it will end in a happily ever after but this one has a twist, highly appreciated by me, a cliffhanger! A good one! It leads into the second book of the series... ( I already read it, I couldn't resist...).
August 28, 2018
É uma leitura bem construída mas em partes previsível. Gosto de um livro que me surpreenda e me tire a respiração.
November 24, 2019
3,5 ⭐️
September 30, 2010
The Year of Living Scandalously by Julia London
Historical Romance -Oct 19th 2010
4 stars
The Year of Living Scandalously debuts a new Regency series by Julia London. The author writes a strong story with enthralling intrigue that kept me in suspense until the last page.
This novel starts out with the mysterious theft of the Countess of Ashwood’s famed ruby jewels. Young and mischievous Lily, the niece of the Countess is eager to point who she thinks may be connected to the theft and results in the hanging of the thief. But did her testimony result in an innocent man’s death? And where are the jewels? No on has been able to find them. Lily is sent to live with her other aunt in Ireland and discovers that the beautiful and vivacious Countess has tragically died.
Many years later Lily is now an adult and discovers that the old earl has died and she has inherited the estate. But dark memories of Ashwood haunt her and she begs her cousin Keira to represent her while she goes to Italy on a prior commitment.
Keira is tired of Ireland and wants excitement before settling down with a stodgy husband who is ‘good’ for her. But when she goes to London to represent Lily, she finds the estate in disrepair, unhappy tenants and a mountain of bills! Well meaning Keira is desperate to ’fix’ the situation until Lily arrives and finds herself masquerading as the Countess! But when her young crush, the Earl of Donnelly, (Declan O’Connor) arrives, she knows she must confess her situation to him before he blows her cover. Unfortunately, Declan and Keira have a past and her young escapades cost him dearly. He wants nothing to do with her but finds the beautiful Keira has matured and he is unaccountably jealous of other men! Their lives are complicated when Keira asks Declan to help her discover the mystery behind the missing rubies but they both uncover more than they expect.
The Year of Living Scandalously is an easy read but what I enjoyed most was the author’s skillfully plotted mystery. I wanted to know more about the poor Countess who was so unhappy in her marriage. The story started out with a lot of promise but I never felt the chemistry between the main characters was as real as the author’s prior books. Keira is a headstrong character who has a good heart and tries her best, but I also found her a bit clingy and immature.
Declan’s character is very realistic and human. Initially he does not respect or really seem to like Keira. He is definitely rough around the edges, and I kept wishing he would be more caring. I had expected or hoped his character would change a bit more in the story. My main difficulty is that I didn’t like the way he treated Keira. It is true Keira gets into one after another misadventure but most heroes handle these situations more gallantly. I must admit that her escapades made for a complex plot and I thrilled at the mystery. But I kept wishing her mishaps had been written more comically/funny rather than serious.
This was a wonderful suspense story that readers will enjoy. I could not stop reading because I wanted to know what happened to the missing rubies. However, I felt the author did not take advantage of the misadventures in the novel and made the story a bit more lighthearted and fun to balance the dark mystery.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Historical Romance -Oct 19th 2010
4 stars
The Year of Living Scandalously debuts a new Regency series by Julia London. The author writes a strong story with enthralling intrigue that kept me in suspense until the last page.
This novel starts out with the mysterious theft of the Countess of Ashwood’s famed ruby jewels. Young and mischievous Lily, the niece of the Countess is eager to point who she thinks may be connected to the theft and results in the hanging of the thief. But did her testimony result in an innocent man’s death? And where are the jewels? No on has been able to find them. Lily is sent to live with her other aunt in Ireland and discovers that the beautiful and vivacious Countess has tragically died.
Many years later Lily is now an adult and discovers that the old earl has died and she has inherited the estate. But dark memories of Ashwood haunt her and she begs her cousin Keira to represent her while she goes to Italy on a prior commitment.
Keira is tired of Ireland and wants excitement before settling down with a stodgy husband who is ‘good’ for her. But when she goes to London to represent Lily, she finds the estate in disrepair, unhappy tenants and a mountain of bills! Well meaning Keira is desperate to ’fix’ the situation until Lily arrives and finds herself masquerading as the Countess! But when her young crush, the Earl of Donnelly, (Declan O’Connor) arrives, she knows she must confess her situation to him before he blows her cover. Unfortunately, Declan and Keira have a past and her young escapades cost him dearly. He wants nothing to do with her but finds the beautiful Keira has matured and he is unaccountably jealous of other men! Their lives are complicated when Keira asks Declan to help her discover the mystery behind the missing rubies but they both uncover more than they expect.
The Year of Living Scandalously is an easy read but what I enjoyed most was the author’s skillfully plotted mystery. I wanted to know more about the poor Countess who was so unhappy in her marriage. The story started out with a lot of promise but I never felt the chemistry between the main characters was as real as the author’s prior books. Keira is a headstrong character who has a good heart and tries her best, but I also found her a bit clingy and immature.
Declan’s character is very realistic and human. Initially he does not respect or really seem to like Keira. He is definitely rough around the edges, and I kept wishing he would be more caring. I had expected or hoped his character would change a bit more in the story. My main difficulty is that I didn’t like the way he treated Keira. It is true Keira gets into one after another misadventure but most heroes handle these situations more gallantly. I must admit that her escapades made for a complex plot and I thrilled at the mystery. But I kept wishing her mishaps had been written more comically/funny rather than serious.
This was a wonderful suspense story that readers will enjoy. I could not stop reading because I wanted to know what happened to the missing rubies. However, I felt the author did not take advantage of the misadventures in the novel and made the story a bit more lighthearted and fun to balance the dark mystery.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
June 14, 2017
3.5***
Este foi o primeiro livro que li de Julia London e, desde há já algum tempo, que estava muito curiosa com esta história.
Apesar de ser um livro mais "inclinado" para o romance, tem um pouco de tudo. Tem humor quanto baste, tem mistério, tem acção e tem personagens que encaixam umas nas outras. Se por um lado, ao ler a sinopse, pensei que esta seria a história de Lily, recém Condessa de Ashwood, por outro lado, compreendi a necessidade que a autora teve de tornar este livro aquele que daria um rumo e um propósito a Keira, prima de Lily.
A história começa por nos apresentar o mistério das jóias desaparecidas de Lady Ashwood e a forma como Lily havia sido "adoptada" pela tia, Lady Ashwood, quando ainda era uma criança. Já nessa altura, os mal entendidos estavam presentes justamente por causa desse mesmo roubo de jóias e da incriminação de um homem em particular. Esse roubo e o mistério que o envolve será o principio, o meio e o final deste livro. Está tudo bem ligado e tantos anos depois as coisas ainda parecem mal resolvidas.
Opinião Completa
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Este foi o primeiro livro que li de Julia London e, desde há já algum tempo, que estava muito curiosa com esta história.
Apesar de ser um livro mais "inclinado" para o romance, tem um pouco de tudo. Tem humor quanto baste, tem mistério, tem acção e tem personagens que encaixam umas nas outras. Se por um lado, ao ler a sinopse, pensei que esta seria a história de Lily, recém Condessa de Ashwood, por outro lado, compreendi a necessidade que a autora teve de tornar este livro aquele que daria um rumo e um propósito a Keira, prima de Lily.
A história começa por nos apresentar o mistério das jóias desaparecidas de Lady Ashwood e a forma como Lily havia sido "adoptada" pela tia, Lady Ashwood, quando ainda era uma criança. Já nessa altura, os mal entendidos estavam presentes justamente por causa desse mesmo roubo de jóias e da incriminação de um homem em particular. Esse roubo e o mistério que o envolve será o principio, o meio e o final deste livro. Está tudo bem ligado e tantos anos depois as coisas ainda parecem mal resolvidas.
Opinião Completa
http://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
September 28, 2015
This could have been a solid four stars, simply for the romance. A swoon worthy hero and a likeable heroine, make for some delicious steamy scenes. My inner twelve yr old was feeling especially scandalous during these parts of the book.
My problem was all the extra stuff. At a little less than half way through, I began skimming and noticed I missed almost nothing.
Some sections were just so slow and the mystery really dragged.
If you're willing to drag your ass through a dull mystery to get to the sexy-touchy-times, then maybe you'll enjoy this. But otherwise, look elswhere.
My problem was all the extra stuff. At a little less than half way through, I began skimming and noticed I missed almost nothing.
Some sections were just so slow and the mystery really dragged.
If you're willing to drag your ass through a dull mystery to get to the sexy-touchy-times, then maybe you'll enjoy this. But otherwise, look elswhere.
June 4, 2016
Gostei... Só houve uma coisa que me irritou, o tratamento entre os protagonistas, depois de tudo, depois do... Tratam-se por senhor? Você? Isso irrita-se solenemente, de resto, foi muito bom... :)
June 3, 2015
Adorei, que estória linda. Estou ansiosa pelo próximo
February 15, 2022
Me atrapó la historia que nos regala Julia London, se me hizo fácil de leer.
Además los personajes me cayeron bien, sobre todo los protagonistas.
Ya quiero leer la segunda entrega de esta saga.
Además los personajes me cayeron bien, sobre todo los protagonistas.
Ya quiero leer la segunda entrega de esta saga.
Read
June 22, 2017If historical romance is your thing, this one’s for you! It’s jam-packed with everything I love about Regencies: a young lady masquerading as her cousin to avoid an arranged marriage (as one does), a mystery involving some long lost ruby jewelry, and a delicious alpha hero who gets tangled up in the heroine’s masquerade. Hold onto your reticule, because Declan is positively yummy. And as usual, Julia London’s storytelling is exquisite. —Teri Wilson (https://www.bookish.com/articles/hidd...)
August 5, 2017
coitada da keira
October 21, 2021
Rated 3.5
June 25, 2023
Historical romance that includes a 25-year-old mystery. What happened to the stolen jewels? Who stole them? Meanwhile, the romance between Keira and Declan builds slowly and believably from frenemies to lovers. Keira is such a warm, friendly character yet the town turns against her. The last chapter presents clues as to what to expect in the next novel in this series taking place in Hadley Green.
September 11, 2011
ceritanya ttg keira hannigan, ce irish yang datang ke inggris buat gantiin sepupunya, lily boudine yag lagi pergi ke italia ....
lily tiba2 mendapat gelar countess of ashwood di inggris....tapi krn lily lagi fall in love sama seorang co yg akan ke italia, dia pergi jadi pendamping ibu co itu ke italia dan minta sepupunya, keira buat ke inggris...
keira yg awalnya ke ingrris cuma buat mewakilkan lily, karena ada hal medesak akhirnya terpaksa ngaku kalo dialah sang contess, lily boudine...
soalnya estate yang diwarisi lily dalam keadaan hancur dan butuh perhatian saat itu juga oleh sang duchess...
belom lagi ada tetangga nya, lord eberlin yg jahat yang mau mencaplok tanah ashwood...
akhirnya nyamarlah si keira....
tapi dia ketauan sama declan,lord donnely...salah satu earl di inggris yang pernah dia cintai waktu dia masih 16 tahunan...di irish...
declan ke inggris buat mengembangbiakan kuda pacuan nya....
awaknya mereka gak cocok karena declan membenci keira, dulu keira yang menyebabkan declan dipandang sinis sama masyarakat di irish karena waktu itu, keira, lily dan temennya yang masih muda pergi menyelinap....si teman pengen ketemu sama seorang co yang keliatannya baikm so keira dan lily nganterin si temen dan ninggalin dia ama co itu...trus lily pergi entah kemana, dan keira tanpa sengaja ketemu declan...keira yang 16 tahunan ngerayu declan yang 23 thn an..
awalnya declan naya ke keira apa dia sendiri ? kemana temannya ? mereka harus kembali ke tempat mereka bukan malah jalan2 gak jelas begitu krn takut ada org jahat..
keira bilang dia hanya sendiri, temannya gak ada....
declan hampir kissu keira tapi dia menahan diri krn keira masih kecil, akhirnya keira diantar pulang..
ternyata gak lama temennya si keira datang dalam keadaan mengenaskan, ternyata dia di perkosa sama co itu...dan org2 nyalagin declan krn seharus nya kalo dia ada di daerah sana dia bisa nolong ce itu....
padahal yang salah keira krn dia mau kasih privacy ke temannya jadi dia ajak declan menjauh dari sana...
lalu gak lama temannya keira mati bunuh diri jatuh dari tebing, membuat declan tambah merasa bersalah dan keira juga...
declan lebih sering pergi ke inggris....
keira di usia 24 an ini ketemu declan lagi di inggris pada saat dia ngaku jadi contess ashwood..
awalnya declan masih masrah ke keira, tapi lama2 dia fgak bisa menolak daya tarik keira krn keira beda dengan ce lainm dia bersemangat, berani dan cantik..
sampe2 waktu declan sama mistress nya uhuk2,,,dia ngebayabginnya keira dan manggilnya nama keira hehehe....
mereka saling suka tapi pada gengsi2 an...
keira juga yang suka kebebasan tapi dia ingat petuah ibu nya kalo perempuan mesti menjaga dirinya tetep suci, kalo enggak gak bakal ada laki2 baik2 yang menikahi nya.....
keira meminta bantuan declan buat nyelidikin pencurian permata di ashwood 15 tahun yang lalu yg nyebabin seorang yg gak bersalah di hukum mati.....
sayangnya sampe akhir belom ketauan krn ceritanya sepertinya bersambung...ttg lily dan tobin scott, anak org yang di hukum mati krn kesaksian lily waktu masih kecil...
ttg declan dan keira....pada saat lily datang ke ashwood, mau gak mau keira terbongkar identitas nya sebagai duchess palsu....
orang2 yg selam ini dia tolong berbalik memusuhi dia.....
akhirnya keira kembali ke inggris diantar declan, karena kalo tetep disana dia bisa ditangkap krn menipu...
declan yang awalnya hanya antar keira aja trus mau balik ke inggris, gak bisa ninggalin keira begitu aja krn dia mengakui kalo sebenernya dia cinta keira..cuma dia gak siap menyerahkan kebebasannya demi memiliki istri...karena dia org yang nomaden dan suka berpetualangan...
tepan sebelom dia kembali ke inggris, dari adiknya dia mendengar kalo keira memutuskan perjodohan yang di lakukan orang tua nya....
declan gak jadi pergi dan langsung ke rumah keira, dia mau nanya kenapa keira gak jadi menikah dengan orang lain itu...
keira awalnya gak mau nerima declan di rumahnyam tapi krn declan memaksa dan menyerobot masuk akhir dia kasih tau alasannya kenapa...soalnya keira hamil anak declan ( beberapa kali uhuk2 sihm di penginapanm pas lagi kabur ke irish, di danau, di depan api unggun...banyaaaaak...terang aja jadi anak wkwkwkwkw...)
keira kira declan bakal kecewa dan dia gak mau declan melamar dia atas dasar tanggung jawab...
ternyata declan so happy dengar kabar ini...walo dia gak berniat berkeluargam tapi dia ngakuin kalo dia gak bisa hidup tanpa keira, apalagi pas tau punya anak, declan malah bilang dia masih bisa berpetualang...dengan membawa keira dan anaknya...hepi ending deh ^^
tinggal si lily boudine aja yang mesti beresin masalah di ashwood....:D
October 2, 2010
The Year of Living Scandalously (the cover itself is quite scandalously enough for me!) was a tale of star-crossed lovers whose passion reaches the stars. Nope. I’m lying to you. It’s actually about a girl turned woman whose beauty and charm attracts man out of their wits and an earl who loves horses. The rape and suicide of a childhood friend leave them both haunted and in hatred/guilt in each other’s presence.
But when Lily, Kiera’s cousin, finds herself a new title her desire to travel abroad overcomes her sense of duty and enlists the help of Keira to maintain her newest property. Keira finds Ashwood barely hanging on—a clear cry from when it held the grandest party of all time. There, she runs into Declan who plans to purchase a fine horse from the estate and cajoles him into helping her. Keira is determined that Ashwood stay afloat despite a new neighbor who is out to get the family and discovered what truly happened to the family jewels that led to one woman’s death and her cousin’s sudden arrival to her home.
Keira may find more than she ever bargained for.
The first thing that made me pause and think about the novel was the prologue and epilogue. See, they are both told in Lily’s perspective while the rest of the novel is told through Keira. It was such an odd match that I had to look up the synopsis of the novel to figure what the novel focuses on. The prologue was a much longer chapter than I expected and set things up more so for the sequel rather than this installment. It set the ball rolling for The Year of Living Scandalously but doesn’t play the biggest role in the romancing of Declan and Keira.
Declan and Keira are well suited for each other: both being born in Ireland, wanting to travel and experience life, and a strong liking to horses. They are both also like horses or rather mules—stubborn, head strong, doesn’t exactly think things through carefully before acting and reacting. Going with their gut instincts. Oddly enough, this is an appealing characteristic to the novel as the novel is direct about the plot while amusing as the two butt heads.
The novel ends roughly, which leaves plenty of tidying up to do in the sequel for Lily as she comes back from her trip.
But when Lily, Kiera’s cousin, finds herself a new title her desire to travel abroad overcomes her sense of duty and enlists the help of Keira to maintain her newest property. Keira finds Ashwood barely hanging on—a clear cry from when it held the grandest party of all time. There, she runs into Declan who plans to purchase a fine horse from the estate and cajoles him into helping her. Keira is determined that Ashwood stay afloat despite a new neighbor who is out to get the family and discovered what truly happened to the family jewels that led to one woman’s death and her cousin’s sudden arrival to her home.
Keira may find more than she ever bargained for.
The first thing that made me pause and think about the novel was the prologue and epilogue. See, they are both told in Lily’s perspective while the rest of the novel is told through Keira. It was such an odd match that I had to look up the synopsis of the novel to figure what the novel focuses on. The prologue was a much longer chapter than I expected and set things up more so for the sequel rather than this installment. It set the ball rolling for The Year of Living Scandalously but doesn’t play the biggest role in the romancing of Declan and Keira.
Declan and Keira are well suited for each other: both being born in Ireland, wanting to travel and experience life, and a strong liking to horses. They are both also like horses or rather mules—stubborn, head strong, doesn’t exactly think things through carefully before acting and reacting. Going with their gut instincts. Oddly enough, this is an appealing characteristic to the novel as the novel is direct about the plot while amusing as the two butt heads.
The novel ends roughly, which leaves plenty of tidying up to do in the sequel for Lily as she comes back from her trip.
February 3, 2015
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
On one hand this is a good book and on the other I'm finding it highly annoying. The good hand is pretty much what makes any book good, likable characters who are attracted to each other but try not to be for various reasons and toss in a mystery of some kind such as the one this one has The annoying part is that Declan (the Hero) keeps wanting to know why Keira (the Heroine) is pretending to be her cousin Lily but he won't allow her to explain. Declan also wants to know why she denied something that happened in Ireland a number of years ago but won't ask her. I figure eventually they'll have a nice chat about everything but the fact I mentioned earlier is really annoying. If you ask someone a question you should let them answer it.
When they finally had their conversation he listened to her and although it was a page turner before its definitely one now. They've also had a few other hot encounters. This book is definitely a must read at least in my humble opinion.
I finished the book this morning and loved it the ending is really good and the last chapter is more of a teaser chapter for the next book then an ending to the book but that's okay because the next to last chapter is an ending to the book. Hope that made sense.
Sometimes we make mistakes and do the wrong thing for the right reason but if we have people who love us and understand us then it usually all turns out okay. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying its okay to do bad things if our intentions are good but its always nice to have someone in your corner no matter what. Another thing is Declan did not plan to marry because he felt it would force him to stay home and he likes to travel. Well, sometimes we not only get to have cake but we get to eat it and it comes with ice cream. Keira and Declan not only get their HEA but get to follow their dreams with a kindred spirit.
A book definitely worth reading IMHO
On one hand this is a good book and on the other I'm finding it highly annoying. The good hand is pretty much what makes any book good, likable characters who are attracted to each other but try not to be for various reasons and toss in a mystery of some kind such as the one this one has The annoying part is that Declan (the Hero) keeps wanting to know why Keira (the Heroine) is pretending to be her cousin Lily but he won't allow her to explain. Declan also wants to know why she denied something that happened in Ireland a number of years ago but won't ask her. I figure eventually they'll have a nice chat about everything but the fact I mentioned earlier is really annoying. If you ask someone a question you should let them answer it.
When they finally had their conversation he listened to her and although it was a page turner before its definitely one now. They've also had a few other hot encounters. This book is definitely a must read at least in my humble opinion.
I finished the book this morning and loved it the ending is really good and the last chapter is more of a teaser chapter for the next book then an ending to the book but that's okay because the next to last chapter is an ending to the book. Hope that made sense.
Sometimes we make mistakes and do the wrong thing for the right reason but if we have people who love us and understand us then it usually all turns out okay. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying its okay to do bad things if our intentions are good but its always nice to have someone in your corner no matter what. Another thing is Declan did not plan to marry because he felt it would force him to stay home and he likes to travel. Well, sometimes we not only get to have cake but we get to eat it and it comes with ice cream. Keira and Declan not only get their HEA but get to follow their dreams with a kindred spirit.
A book definitely worth reading IMHO
September 10, 2015
Opinião completa em: http://historiasdeelphaba.blogspot.pt...
Mesclando segredos e mentiras com infinitas peripécias, na maior aventura de sempre da vida da sua protagonista, O Ano em que nos Amámos Perigosamente tem todos os atractivos associados ao seu género literário, romance sensual de época, e algo mais intenso para quem procura envolver-se na complexidade de uma história, conseguindo efectivamente surpreender. Embora vos possa confessar que o meu começo entre estas páginas não foi totalmente auspicioso, é inegável que no final fiquei muito satisfeita com a minha estreia entre as palavras de Julia London que, devido ao seu tom ligeiro, conseguiu cativar-me a prender-me até ao último momento deixando-me, claro está, desejosa de pegar no próximo livro.
Na infância, devido a um acontecimento trágico, Lily Boudine foi enviada para a Irlanda e afastada da única figura maternal que conhecia, que veio a falecer precocemente. Presentemente, uma inesperada herança leva-a de volta para recordações com as quais não consegue lidar e a única solução que encontra é trocar de lugar com a sua prima, que vê como irmã, Keira Hannigan. Esta irlandesa de personalidade feroz é então remetida para o papel de condessa, a aventura que sempre desejou viver, no entanto, a mentira ganhar proporções avassaladoras e quanto mais problemas tenta resolver mais complicada se vai tornando a sua situação. Kiera está a cometer um crime, a sua prima tarda em voltar e, no momento em que mais precisar de discernimento, o seu eufórico coração irá traí-la, mostrando que se descontrolou e que tudo pode acontecer.
(...)
Mesclando segredos e mentiras com infinitas peripécias, na maior aventura de sempre da vida da sua protagonista, O Ano em que nos Amámos Perigosamente tem todos os atractivos associados ao seu género literário, romance sensual de época, e algo mais intenso para quem procura envolver-se na complexidade de uma história, conseguindo efectivamente surpreender. Embora vos possa confessar que o meu começo entre estas páginas não foi totalmente auspicioso, é inegável que no final fiquei muito satisfeita com a minha estreia entre as palavras de Julia London que, devido ao seu tom ligeiro, conseguiu cativar-me a prender-me até ao último momento deixando-me, claro está, desejosa de pegar no próximo livro.
Na infância, devido a um acontecimento trágico, Lily Boudine foi enviada para a Irlanda e afastada da única figura maternal que conhecia, que veio a falecer precocemente. Presentemente, uma inesperada herança leva-a de volta para recordações com as quais não consegue lidar e a única solução que encontra é trocar de lugar com a sua prima, que vê como irmã, Keira Hannigan. Esta irlandesa de personalidade feroz é então remetida para o papel de condessa, a aventura que sempre desejou viver, no entanto, a mentira ganhar proporções avassaladoras e quanto mais problemas tenta resolver mais complicada se vai tornando a sua situação. Kiera está a cometer um crime, a sua prima tarda em voltar e, no momento em que mais precisar de discernimento, o seu eufórico coração irá traí-la, mostrando que se descontrolou e que tudo pode acontecer.
(...)
July 23, 2012
I loved this book, much more than I expected even half way through. I felt all the emotions that Keira must have felt, from elation to her discovered love of Declan to heartbreak with the circumstances that necessitated their separation.
To summarize, Keira takes the place of her English cousin, Lily, who has inherited an estate and is now a countess. Lily had lived with Keira's family for 15 years in Ireland. She was forced to leave Ashwood, her aunt's estate, because of a scandal involving the theft of her aunt's family jewels. Lily, at 8 years old, had seen a man she recognized leave on horseback late that evening. Her testimony convicted him and he was hanged. Of course, we knew from the beginning he was innocent.
When Lily inherited Ashwood she did not want to go. She had her heart set on going to Italy with a woman and her son whom she fancied. So she and Keira switched places. Quite by accident, Declan is in the area breeding horses and gets caught up in the deception. They had known each other in Ireland. Together he and Keira attempt to solve the 15 year old mystery and prove the convicted man's innocence. It got really complicated and the ending is quite a cliffhanger. Glad I have the next book. I think I'll read it right away...
To summarize, Keira takes the place of her English cousin, Lily, who has inherited an estate and is now a countess. Lily had lived with Keira's family for 15 years in Ireland. She was forced to leave Ashwood, her aunt's estate, because of a scandal involving the theft of her aunt's family jewels. Lily, at 8 years old, had seen a man she recognized leave on horseback late that evening. Her testimony convicted him and he was hanged. Of course, we knew from the beginning he was innocent.
When Lily inherited Ashwood she did not want to go. She had her heart set on going to Italy with a woman and her son whom she fancied. So she and Keira switched places. Quite by accident, Declan is in the area breeding horses and gets caught up in the deception. They had known each other in Ireland. Together he and Keira attempt to solve the 15 year old mystery and prove the convicted man's innocence. It got really complicated and the ending is quite a cliffhanger. Glad I have the next book. I think I'll read it right away...
July 18, 2011
I actually really liked this book. It took me a while to warm up to it because Declan is really contrary sometimes, and I'm just not a huge fan of the whole I'm acting like I hate you because secretly I can't resist you. Anyhow in spite of this he actually ends up being so charming and wonderful and he says things that are so sweet and wonderful.
*SPOILER ALERT!*
My favorite of which is on pg 316 I want to say, where he asks Keira what she's afraid of and she says she's afraid of him, and then he says, "I am the last person you should fear. I rather imagine you could persuade me to slay dragons." Maybe it's just me but I'm kind of a sucker for the Knight in Shining Armor guy. He goes on to say that if anything he should fear her. What he doesn't say is why, but of course it's a no-brainer. He fears her because he's in love with her and she can't stay and she'll walk away with his heart, and so on and so forth. On the whole, it's one of those that builds up to being a great book but it's worth the read! Can't wait for the next one!
*SPOILER ALERT!*
My favorite of which is on pg 316 I want to say, where he asks Keira what she's afraid of and she says she's afraid of him, and then he says, "I am the last person you should fear. I rather imagine you could persuade me to slay dragons." Maybe it's just me but I'm kind of a sucker for the Knight in Shining Armor guy. He goes on to say that if anything he should fear her. What he doesn't say is why, but of course it's a no-brainer. He fears her because he's in love with her and she can't stay and she'll walk away with his heart, and so on and so forth. On the whole, it's one of those that builds up to being a great book but it's worth the read! Can't wait for the next one!
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