Seven Nights to Forever

by Evangeline Collins

The author of Her Ladyship's Companion once again pushes the erotic boundaries of Regency romance.

Destitute after her father's death, Rose Marlowe has debts to settle and a younger brother to support. But she also possesses a matchless beauty-one that could command quite a price. Now, every month, Rose spends one week at a decadent London brothel, where she's become a sought-after prize.

Then one night she meets a wealthy merchant. Handsome, kind and compassionate, with a lonely soul that matches her own, James Archer is not her typical client. Falling in love with a client, never mind a married one, is unthinkable. Yet Rose can't help but lose herself as one night becomes seven-and seven nights leads to a chance at forever.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Fiction

313 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2010

About the author

Evangeline Collins is an award winning author of sensual historical romance. An avid reader, it wasn't until she exhausted her local library's supply of historical romance novels that she decided to try her hand at writing her own. Much to her delight, she discovered a new passion. And she has been hard at work crafting her romances ever since.

Her titles include Her Ladyship’s Companion and Seven Nights to Forever , which was the RT Book Reviews 2010 Reviewers’ Choice Best Book winner for Most Innovative Historical Romance.

For more information, please visit Evangeline at www.EvangelineCollins.com

Reviews

[Katie(babs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Archer is so very lonely and miserable. A very wealthy but common merchant, James is married to a cruel viper of a wife who wishes him dead and throws her many lovers in his face while he’s not allowed to have any. James married Amelia, his society wife, to give his younger sister, Rebecca, her London season in the hopes of marrying well. And Amelia makes James’s life miserable because of the power she wields regarding Rebecca’s reputation. At twenty-five James’s only solace in his life is working long hours at his factory and making even more money than he already has. He’s tired of only using his hand to bring him pleasure since his wife of three years refuses him in her bed. He makes the decision of visiting a brothel run by Madame Rubicon in the hopes that sexual pleasure by a skilled prostitute can give him some relief.

Rose Marlowe works for Madame Rubicon for only the first week of each month. Rose has no other choice since she had to pay off her dead father’s debts, make certain she doesn’t lose her family’s property and keep up her eighteen year old brother Dash’s allowance while he’s in London. She has grown accustomed to her lot in life even though Dash is oblivious to her work and spends money like water, including his massive loses at the gambling tables that Rose is forced to pay.

When James meets with the Madame, he is nervous and ashamed that he has to pay for sex, but when he sees Rose, he is dumbstruck by her beauty. Rose is confused by James the first night they meet since all he wants to do is talk and hold hands. And then when James asks if he can come see her again the next night, she happily agrees.

Soon Rose grows excited for the nights she shares with James. Not only does he treat her with respect, but he gives her amazing pleasure without asking for anything in return. James can’t get Rose out of his mind and wants nothing more than to spend every hour with her, going as far as to invite her for a week at his country home where he’s willing to pay any price just to have her near him. Rose knows if she goes away with James she may fall in love with him. And the one rule she has learned is never to fall in love with a benefactor. Both ache for one another desperately knowing no there is no future for them. But then James gets to the point where he can’t let Rose go and will do whatever he can, even if he has to beg and plead for her to remain with him knowing he can never leave his wife.

I decided to read Seven Nights to Forever because of all the rave reviews this book has received on various blogs. Evangeline Collins has written truly something special. I can’t help but compare Seven Night to Forever to a regency Pretty Woman. Rose is no “pretend” high class woman of the night. She’s an actual prostitute who has years of experience. Rose is not too bitter, but not optimistic either. She feels she has no other choice but to allow her body to be used by men for their own sexual gratification until James walks into her life.

James is, hands down, the most adorable, self-sacrificing beta hero I’ve ever read. This is a man who is magnificent in every sense of the word. His degradation at the hands of his wife is heartbreaking, where he’s very much is a victim of emotional spousal abuse. This is the first time I’ve ever read a regency hero being abused in such a fashion. He bleeds inside, silently suffering where all he longs for is a kind touch. That comes in the form of Rose, where he lays his heart and soul at her feet knowing he may be hurt even more. His admiration toward Rose is beautiful. Their love making is not only to satisfy their body’s wants, but more as a form of therapy for both. A ride in a carriage where Rose and James pass the time is put to good smoldering use.

There’s no real miscommunication between James and Rose, which is very refreshing. They talk about their desires and dreams, and how they feel whole again because of one another. Their love scenes are amazing erotic and tender. James is definitely the type of man who would break down in tears because of how Rose makes him feel. Here is a man who is willing to humble himself for love. And it’s not pathetic, but so very moving and romantic.

I really can’t find anything wrong with Seven Nights to Forever other than James’s wife Amelia being a bit too cruel and having no real depth. I also found Rose’s issue with Dash could have been easily fixed, but then there would be no story. Evangeline does make a great case for James’s infidelity and why he has decided to take the course of action he does. James is no rake, but a true kind-hearted man who has run out of every conceivable option when it comes to his marriage.

I’ve noticed a big upswing in beta heroes in the various historical romances I’ve read this year. Evangeline has written the very best one in James. He may just be my favorite hero this year. At one point I felt tears forming in my eyes during one of his impassioned speeches toward the end of the book. This is a man women dream about.

James Archer and Rose Marlowe are characters who will stay with you for a long time after you finish reading. Seven Nights to Forever is book that’s going on my keeper shelf and one I will definitely re-read again.

Do yourself a favor and please pick up Seven Nights to Forever. It’s really a beautiful and emotional sensual romance with an incredible hero and heroine.

[TinaNoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could have been a slam dunk, 5-star book for me. But sadly there were a few things that just didn't work for me and tainted the experience a bit.

Basic plot: James is a very wealthy commoner who married into the nobility in order to give his younger sister the entree into society she wants. Rose is the daughter of a lord who died and left her and her younger brother with no money. In order to save their home and to allow her brother to maintain his lifestyle, she becomes a courtesan.

One night James simply can't take his miserable life anymore and knocks on the intriguing red-door across the street from his office. He is directed to Rose. At first he just wants to be in the company of a woman who will be nice to him. And Rose is happy to be in the company of someone who really sees her. The two fall in love but of course James is married and they have no hope.

What did work for me: The romance. James and Rose were wonderful together. They are two damaged souls who find a place of peace, acceptance and true love with each other. The middle portion of the book is excellent. The angst, if you like romantic angst, is perfect.

I also liked when James' sister, Rebecca, and Rose's brother, Dash, each are separately made to realize the sacrifices their older siblings have made for them. Their reactions are more mature than their siblings thought to give them credit for.

And finally, I truly enjoyed the ending.

What didn't work for me:

James's wife was a complete monster. Ok, I think the idea of the hero engaging in adultery probably needs to strong motivation for some readers to find it palatable. But honestly, this woman was so over the top I really couldn't take her evilness seriously. And when James was in her company he was a milquetoast. I hated that. I don't need my heroes to all be uber alphas, but God, don't lose your balls altogether! There was a point early in the book when we first meet her and I almost closed the book right then and there never to open it again. That whole dynamic was incredibly distasteful to me.

And I supposed in Romancelandia there is an unwritten rule that the heroines are to be admired if they suffer and sacrifice in silence. You know what? I am fine if you have to do what you need to do keep food in your mouth and a roof over your head. But Rose had been doing this for years so her brother could continue to be a man about town and gamble and run up clothing bills over and over again. It was clearly something she disliked doing, and yet her money was simply going down a black hole so her brother could continue his lifestyle. I get that he was young when she started but when he got old enough to understand their situation, she had no more excuses. That just bothered me no end.

But even that I could have stomached if James could have just realized he actually had more power in his relationship with his wife than he thought he did.

Recommended with caveats.

[willaful · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this grabbed me instantly: James, a wealthy merchant married to an aristocrat who despises him, miserably seeks out an evening with a kind woman in the only place he can think of to find one -- a brothel. He's matched with Rose, a woman also trapped by ugly circumstances -- her public persona is a quiet life running her family's country estate, but for one week each month, she works as a high paid prostitute to support her feckless younger brother. That one night with Rose happens to be on her first night, and stretches into another, and another… but what will happen on the seventh night?

The book is marketed as sexy, and it is, but it doesn't rush straight into bedroom antics. The sensitive and highly principled James finds it difficult to pay for sex or to commit adultery, despite the fact that his wife sleeps with everyone but him. Rose is caught off guard by his considerate behavior and trustworthy demeanor, and can't stay detached from their encounter. Their first night is spent in nothing but conversation, but leaves both of them craving more.

The rest of the story is about each of them carefully feeling out the boundaries of this difficult relationship. James wants nothing from Rose that isn't freely given, but it's hard for her to forget that he's paid for her time or to believe she has real choices with him: "The word yes flowed so smoothly off her tongue that it had been difficult to get that no out." And sometimes it's hard for James to forget that Rose is a professional. There's some pain and hurt feelings along the way, but also a joy in each other that finally gives them both the strength to fight their way out of their impossible situations, and find a happy ending.

You wouldn't think a hot affair between a married man and a prostitute would make a sweet story, but strong, sensible, desolate James and beautiful, charming, lost Rose are very lovable and essentially good people. I felt both were too prone to make martyrs of themselves, but at least they do come to realize this. Filled with powerful yearning, this was a very touching story.

[Azet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was different. Heroine Rose Marlow is a woman of the night if you may say so and our hero James Acher her unhappily married client. I have read this trope before in Comanche Magic which is one of my favourite books ever, though hero in that one was not married. Seven Nights to Forever was highly entertaining and sensual, both main leads very lonely and unhappy until they met each other. James with his lonely starved soul made me feel sorry for him. I really rooted for his happiness and was glad when he stood up towards his wife. He had tolerated her verbal threats and abuse for so long. I guess her threatening his sister was the final straw.

He should have dumped his wife a long time ago, but then we would not have had this story.

[Jane Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want a better story. Instead of believable conflicts, she makes up reasons to worry. Unfortunately I wanted it to be over.

STORY BRIEF:
James’ father forced him to marry Amelia who despised him, insulted him, and flaunted her lovers in his face. James’ younger sister Rebecca will be coming out – her first season. The deal was that Amelia, with her title and connections, would sponsor Rebecca to help her find a titled husband. James has endured loneliness for three years, being married to Amelia. He goes to Madame Rubicon’s brothel wanting a woman who is kind and who desires him. He meets Rose and sees her every night. For the first time in years James is happy.

Rose’s father died eight years ago, leaving massive debts due to gambling. She became a mistress to earn money to pay off the debts and send her younger brother Dash to expensive schools. After her patron abused her, she joined Madame Rubicon’s brothel where she works one week a month. This allows her to provide Dash with an expensive lifestyle. When Dash was ten, she didn’t tell him about their father’s debts. Now Dash is eighteen, and she doesn’t tell him she has been working as a prostitute because he will think less of her. Of course she has to work even more now because Dash runs up large gambling debts.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The overall plot is predictable. We have the above setup, and we know they will fall in love, be happy at the end, and the rich guy will support her so she no longer has to be with other men. This is romance so having a predictable plot is ok. What is not ok is all the stuff that happens while they get to know each other and how they get to the happy ending. This was the problem. She “makes up reasons” to worry about things, to feel bad about herself, to leave him, and to plan to stop seeing him. For example page 234: They are in love and spending time together. All of a sudden she thinks about his younger sister and then thinks to herself “she was not the type of woman a decent gentleman ever wanted to introduce to his sister…he would never be proud to have her on his arm.” Therefore she packs up and leaves him. He catches up to her and asks why. She won’t tell him why. Another example page 248: They know they love each other. She decides never to see him again because “He had found his way into her heart.” She takes action so that he won’t see her and can’t find her. Please give me interesting conversation and believable conflicts. This book doesn’t have that. She just makes things up to cause conflicts.

The best part of the book is the character James. I had such sympathy and care for him. He’s kind and caring to both Rose and his sister. He adores Rose and wants to take care of her. What’s not to like? Rose make poor/stupid decisions by not telling Dash the truth about his dad and her. Rose makes poor/stupid decisions in her actions with James. The sex scenes are fine but would have been better with a better story.

DATA:
Story length: 313 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 11. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 18. Setting: 1819 London and rural areas nearby. Copyright: 2010. Genre: regency romance.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I can say is that I love when characters are so starved for affection and pine so hard that it causes permanent psychic damage, and that is basically the entire plot of this book

"Is there a type of woman you prefer?"
"I prefer a woman with dark hair. Not too thin." Though what he really wanted was someone kind. Someone who would demand nothing in return except for his presence

[HÜLYA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orjinal adı Seven Nights to Forever Goodreads Puanı 5/3,81 Benim puanım 5/4
Oldukça beğendim.Kitaba başlarken ön yargılarımdan arınarak okumaya çalıştım..Benim kendi şahsi fikrim herkesin ikinci bir şansı hak ettiği yönündedir..
Özellikle bu tip düşmüş kadınlar hak eder bunu..Bence...

Romanı okumaya başladığımda erkek karakter James Archer'in kağıt üzerinde kalmış bir evliliğini görüyoruz..Bu genç adam tüccar çok zengin ama soylu değil..Fakat fedakar duygulu bir yapıya sahip.Evliliğini kız kardeşinin soylu ile evlenmesi için sürdürmek istiyor..Evlendiği kadın sosyeteye mensup çevreden bir nevi iş anlaşması gibi olan bir evlilik..Kocasını yatağına almıyor ve önüne gelen ile aldatıyor..Ve genç adamı bir de aşağılıyor..Üç yıl böyle sürüyor bu durum..Ama artık ihtiyaçlarına gem vuramayarak Madame Rubicon'un işlettiği geneleve gidiyor..

Orada Rose Marolowe ile tanışıyor ve onun müşterisi oluyor..Rose fahiselik yapmak zorunda olan bir genc kadin. Soylu bir aileden geliyor fakat babası öldüğünde çok yüklü bir kumar borcu bırakıyor. Rose'ın o dönemde on üç yaşında olan oğlan kardeşi için ona iyi bir gelecek , seçme hakkı vermek borçları da ödemek için fahişelik yapmaya karar veriyor.. Tabii ki önce fahişelik yapmak istemese de ilişkide bulunduğu ve metresi olduğu bir adam yüzünden fahişelik yapmaya karar vermek zorunda kalmıştır..
İşte bu şartlarda karşılaşan Rose ve James'in sıra dışı ilişkisi başlıyor..Aralarında erotizm ile harmanlanmış bir ilişki başlıyor ve kısa zamanda bu aşka dönüşüyor.Rose kendini geri çekmek istese de buna James pek izin vermiyor..Ama ayrılıkları kaçınılmazdır ne kadar geçiktirmeye çalışsalar da...


Hikaye fena değildi bence..Konusu itibari ile daha itici bir hikaye beklemiştim..Ama öyle bir hikaye değildi..Sonu da masal gibi idi.
Sevdim hikayeyi...Okuyacak arkadaşlara keyifli okumalar...

[Océano de libros · Rating 5 out of 5]

De nuevo estrenando autora y llevándome una buena impresión. Esta segunda novela de la serie para mí ha sido de mi agrado y es que aquí no encontraréis la típica novela romántica histórica al uso donde tenemos a la protagonista virgen e inocente y al playboy de turno véase duque, conde, marqués que se enamora locamente de la joven. No. Aquí tenemos una historia mucho más dura por así decirlo donde Rose Marlowe la protagonista se ve avocada a pasar una semana cada mes ofreciendo sus servicios en un burdel para pagar las deudas y los estudios a su único hermano. Es en ese lugar donde conocerá James Archer, un rico hombre de negocios pero sin título que no pasa por su mejor momento. Su relación y como se va estableciendo me ha gustado pero los protagonistas tenían tela y me ha costado entender sus razones. Por un lado, Rose se sacrifica por su hermano Dash, y nada menos que vendiendo su cuerpo; yo no tengo esa capacidad para entenderlo por mucho amor fraternal de por medio y luego está James que parece tener algo más de cabeza que Rose pero que también hay que darle un toque para que espabile; su “sacrificio” por su hermana Rebecca me parece también algo increíble. James tiene partes que me encantan pero otras en que tengo ganas de tirarle de las orejas y hacer que espabile y se ponga en su sitio, estas cosas son las que casi me matan. Y hay personajes que odié a muerte como es Amelia y otros con los que me quedé en la intriga, como mi querido Timothy (por lo visto la autora tiene previsto una novela con él como protagonista).
La historia no puede estar mejor ambientada en el Londres en 1819 y nos muestra a la sociedad de la época, donde se celebraban matrimonios acordados donde se intercambiaban títulos por poder económico, donde la posición era más importante. Matrimonios sin amor, donde pululaban los amantes y complicado el tema del divorcio… y que aquí se muestran y podemos entender algo los motivos de los protagonistas.
Sin duda le daré las cinco estrellas por ese punto diferente y tan bien tratados los temas y porque me gustó esa historia de amor… pero no dejo de decir que a los protas había que darles un buen toque para que espabilaran. Eso sí, el final me supo a poco, esperaba un poco más de desarrollo a lo largo del tiempo y saber que les deparó el futuro a Timothy por ejemplo.

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...

I’m not a huge fan of mistress/courtesan heroines and if she’s a very seasoned one, like been-with-hundreds-of-men type, I don't really connect well with her. Maybe it’s because I’m a woman and I don’t condone prostitution. Rose was someone like that. I had troubles connecting with her, too, yet I appreciated her courage and the fact that she wasn’t as jaded and hopeless after such a long time. James was every girl’s man of dream type guy and I simply adored him. He was so nice and good, what can I say, he was kind, responsible, very compromising yet understanding, always thinking about his family. He was a commoner and a hard worker to boot! His troubles in life only made me sad, that a man like him is suffering so for no reason at all. This book, like Her Ladyship's Companion, deals with infidelity, something I totally hate but there were reasons behind it and you just CAN’T fault the H/h for falling for each-other in the end.

James married an aristocratic, cold b*tch because his father wanted him to. He was thinking of his only younger sister, whom he loves very much. He’d do anything to help her way in society. James own a workhouse that deals with ships bringing in various materials. And yes, he’s filthy rich. But that doesn’t matter to the Ton people so he’s not really welcome anywhere, not even with an aristocratic wife. His wife, the slutty b*tch, can’t stand him, thinks of him as dirt; something so loathsome that she can’t bring out a word that isn’t utterly vile and biting towards James and his station in life. Yet she married him, a marriage of convenience, to save her lord of a father from humongous debt, with a promise to help Rebecca, James’s sister, a smooth intro into the Ton society. From their wedding breakfast, the b*tch made sure that James never try to consummate the marriage and then proceeded to take lovers after lovers and show them off to humiliate James, to remind him how beneath her he is. She also made him promise to never to take a mistress or go to a brothel or else Rebecca will never see the ‘polite’ society ever in her life. It’s like James has to stay true to the marriage and in the process show that he wants her but she doesn’t give sh*t about him. I mean I want to kill the b*tch! I was so mad every time she opened her mouth to James and made all sorts of biting, snide comments. James, thinking of Rebecca and their father, never talked back, instead buried himself into his work. They only act as husband-wife when they’re in a ball or something so that no one guesses the truth of their marriage and it’s mostly because of the b*tch’s convenience. But after 3 years of being true to such a sham of a marriage, it’s become too much to deny the physical need anymore. One night, after coming out of his warehouse where he spends almost all day (sometimes even nights), he decides to pay a visit to Madame Rubicon’s fashionable brothel, which he sees everyday on his way home. We’ve already met Rubicon and her brothel in His Ladyship’s Companion so it was quite interesting for me to visit the place again. After debating, then feeling guilty and a bit apprehensive at the same time, James finally gives in and promises himself it’s just for one night. Rubicon welcomes him with a broad smile, promptly understanding that he’s wealthy, if not an aristocrat. Money is everything here and she does promise her clients quality service and goods! So, as per James’s request of a dark haired, not so thin-type woman, Rubicon can only think of the most sought after girl in her brothel, Rose. James doesn’t know what to expect but Rubicon informs him she’s an incomparable with her beauty, charm and skills and she comes quite costly to say the least. But James doesn’t care, as long as he gets whatever it is he’s wanting. I say ‘whatever’ because he thinks he wants sex but inside he’s still not sure if he wants to get on with it. I so understood his dilemma. He wasn’t the sort of man who takes his marriage vows lightly, never frequented brothels like the other men. Rubicon gives him a glimpse of Rose through a hidden hole in a hidden corridor. One look and James can’t breathe. She’s everything he’s ever wanted and then some more so he agrees to her services. So Rubicon leads him to Rose and makes an introduction. James is kinda tongue-tied at first but soon, they talk and talk... hold hands and talk about mundane things which leaves Rose, who’s very unused to a man (maybe never) just wants her companionship and nothing else, completely baffled and a bit awed as well.

Rose has been doing this from quite an young age after her father died leaving her and her younger brother Dash a teenager, in huge debt. She had beauty and grace, with education but a lot of money was needed at that moment without anyone to help them. Dash’s guardian, her uncle, lives in America and being a jacka$$ and a spendthrift like their father, she knew he’d be of no help. So she went to London to do the only thing that would bring her loads of money in a short time. Umm, I didn’t like it of course but that’s how her life as a mistress started. After two protectors, where one was married so she left him after finding out the truth. The other used to physically assault her in anger, she decides she won’t be a mistress anymore. Then she came to Rubicon and made contracts with her; 7 nights of each month in her own reserved room. Her patrons would be wealthy people who could pay the exorbitant price of her services. In return, Rubicon would give her safety (she needed it for running away from the 2nd protector) and cater to her whims. Rose has proven to be worthy to Rubicon over the years. She’s always on schedule every month and men don’t leave unhappy after being with her. The other 3 weeks, Rose would tend to her country house, the Paxton Manor and pay bills that include Dash’s own expensive ones. Every month he’ll have this or that made, like any young buck who knows he’s got an inheritance. So, yes, Rose never told a young Dash, who worshipped their father, the truth of his inheritance. She paid his bills of Eaton and now in Oxford too. She gives him allowances and saving financially ever encumbered Paxton Manor because it’ll be Dash’s someday. Dash never asked her anything taking it all for granted, thinking all the money is coming from his inheritance. I mean, wow. I couldn’t believe it! That was so over the top! She’d whore herself (and still doing so) to let her brother live the life he’s supposed to live? WOW! So now that he’s 18, I didn’t like that she was still coddling him, never letting him know, never discussing the fact, hoping that he’ll never ever know. I had questions, like, even though Dash didn’t frequent London, wasn’t she scared that someday he’ll walk through the red double doors of the Rubicon’s and see her there? When the story starts, Dash already left Oxford and was planning to stay in London. He’s started gambling (which at first, Rose suspects) and buying more and more expansive things such as new carriages and so on. Rose would find it extremely difficult, both physically and mentally, to go through the ledgers, knowing there might never be a day when she’ll find that money isn’t as immediate a necessary as it is now. Her father’s debts are already paid and now it’s Dash. So, she’s back again, this month even though she loathes every minute of it and Rose knows there’s nothing to be done about it anymore

Now, this stranger is so very different from the other men she’d serviced. Rose can’t quite believe it. She guesses correct that this man might be married, albeit unhappily and not someone to cheat easily. Her instincts tell her to stay away from him but something inside her gives in. he’s tall, dark, big and handsome. It’s fairly seen that he’s used to with manual work, yet if he’s secured her services, he must be very wealthy. Though Rose at first tries to encourage him (as her routine) to take it to the next level, she soon understood he won’t, not yet. Then she begins liking their conversations. The 1st night it’s only talk, holding hands. It felt so marvelous and so... natural. She was hoping she’d see him again. The next evening, James is quite distracted at work (something that never happened to him) and can’t help thinking of Rose. Though he knows what she does as a living, James has no ill thought towards her. He likes her a lot, as plain and simple. He wants to go back and he does. Rose, for the 1st time in her courtesan life, doesn’t dread the evenings anymore. Soon enough they kiss and touch after Rose gives James a good body message (a scene I loved). On the 3rd day, James asks her to accompany him to Serpentine, a place Rose said she loved to visit in the odd hours (when many aristocrats aren’t seen). Reluctantly, Rose agrees because she still is a bit traumatized by the abuse she’d suffered in her 2nd protector’s hands. It’s not really explored in details but little musings from Rose’s POV. Rose also, it seems, can’t say ‘no’ to James. Everytime she hesitated, James’s eyes would cloud with rejection and hurt. Having some idea of what kind of a man he is, I could totally believe Rose’s unwillingness to hurt him. I totally loved this from her, that she knew James needed her (of course, she too).

In the darkness, near Serpentine, is where they first make love. I loved it so much, how Rose was unwilling at first because she didn’t have any protection and James keep saying, do you trust me? The next day, as Rebecca arrived for her season and James had to accompany her and his wife to some ball, he was late. Rose was hurt, thinking he wouldn’t return now that he’s gotten what he wanted. She is truly heartbroken. She retires for the night begging off sickness. James does come late at night, only to be denied. He’s pretty sure Rose’s with someone else and knowing how illogical it is, he’s still mad angry and jealous. The next day, Rose was heavy hearted knowing she’ll never see James again, with all sorts of confusing thoughts going through her mind. But James comes to her, giving Rubicon a hefty some of money in exchange for 3 consecutive nights with her. She is very happy to see him, yet notices that he’s clearly unhappy. Well, you’ll have to read the book to know what she did to make James lose control (something thoroughly naughty, the poor guy didn’t stand a chance :p). Then she confesses she wasn’t with anyone else and James tells her what happened. And then, for the next few days (as long as Rose’s here), it’s like heaven for both of them. James can’t get enough of Rose and returns for it while she can’t help but hoping for something more from this illusion, knowing how impossible that is. As I said, Rose wasn’t that jaded. She still had those young girl’s dreams alive inside her and James’s is the type of guy every girl hope to find, except stupid sluts like his wife that is.

In between we meet Timothy, a male prostitute of Rubicon’s place who has a dark choice when it comes to catering his clients. And he services to both male and female apparently. He’s very good-looking and a good friend to Rose. There’s nothing more than that. Timothy helps Rose to investigate what Dash’s been up to in London, and soon she finds out what she’d been suspecting so far. She sees Dash in his apartments but he’s rude to her when she starts asking questions. She and Timothy once meet Rebecca and James in Hyde Park. Rose can’t suppress her joy seeing him and James did introduce her to Rebecca. Anyway, Timothy did play a good role in the later parts of James and Rose’s relationship. I also suspected that he harbored some kind of feelings for Rose. Then as Rose’s time in the brothel ends, she informs James she can’t see him. James, at first, misunderstands but she explains her schedule to him. James realizes now why Rubicon didn’t agree to the week he’d proposed originally to be with Rose. Then he asks Rose to come away with him for a week to a country manor he owns and from all information I gathered, a place he treasured above all; a place where he’d retire from time to time to escape the realities of his life. Only Rebecca has been in Honey House and no one else. Rose at first hesitates but James was desperate to spend more times with her so he throws in a large amount of money. Against all the surfacing guilt and Dash’s debts looming over her head, Rose agrees. But of course, I didn’t believe she agreed only for the money. She wanted to be with James and didn’t want to hurt him. She also agrees to James’s other propositions for new dresses and so on. Timothy was a bit worried about her but Rose assures him she trusted James wholeheartedly. .

On the day of their journey, while talking to Rebecca, James kinda gives away his secret. He knows his wife can’t know about it, neither do Rebecca. But, his sister doesn’t mind as she’d already seen through the façade of his marriage. Soon he and Rose are off to their destination. Though Rose had some apprehension as to how the small staff of Honey House would look at her, soon she realizes her worry has been for naught. And their stay there is idyllic... almost that is. The nights are spend with hot steamy love making but at daylight, Rose can’t help falling a little hard for James and all the conflicting thoughts come rushing in. The futility of their situation is too glaring, I wasn’t sure too, how this will resolve, just as Rose. And for all his kindness, James never said he felt anything deeper than lust for her. Then there were little misunderstandings, stemming from their vulnerabilities and a fear of rejection from both sides. James was more vulnerable and showed it more often yet I couldn’t help but feel like hugging him tight. One occasion was when Rose did something special for him, James can’t help but think of her former clients. He can’t help but be jealous and possessive and ended up being a jerk to her. Also there’s this yearning from both sides, to be each-others ‘first’ and then feel frustrated, knowing how useless this wish is. But no matter what, they’d work on it together and I liked that they didn’t let anything keep them from taking this little peace of heavenly existence they shared for such a short time. Love scenes were hot as usual, with us seeing a very carefree and sexy side of James that only Rose can bring out. And then, one day, after 4/5 days together, when she and James were talking in study, James mentions his talk with Rebecca as one of her letters arrive. He clumsily slips that it was uncomfortable to talk to her about this but I didn’t think it was intentional from his side. But this struck a hard and discordant chord in Rose’s mind, to show her glaringly how not perfect their relationship is and what she really is to him. One of their contracts for these seven days that Rose can leave anytime she wants to. And she makes use of that, deciding to leave at that moment. James is totally taken aback, not knowing what went wrong. Oh, I couldn’t but be sadden for them both. He’s hurt yet talks to her, trying desperately to make her stay. Rose, knowing she’s fallen hard for him, gives in. Life’s good again but only for a little while. James gives Rose a gift, a piece of jewelry. At first, for good enough reasons, Rose didn’t want to accept but James very sweetly tells her that “she has his heart” as the pendant was heart shaped. Rose gets the meaning behind it and utterly joyous to know James loves her.

But, on their last day together, James keeps thinking how to keep Rose all to himself. In the process he mucks the whole thing out. Of course, the logical solution was to keep her as his mistress. He proposes to help out with all her expenses, which includes Paxton Manor and Dash and she could have Honey House. James is pretty sure she’d agree but oh no, she doesn’t. In no certain terms, Rose announces this is the end between them. I totally agree on reasoning to why she decided to end this. She loves the man and it’s all or nothing. But, their situation is so hopeless, ah... EC is brilliant in creating such situations. I wasn’t still sure how they’d go about from here. James is hurt by Rose’s rejection; Rose is hurt by James’s proposition. Back in London, they part in front of Rubicon’s, miserable and aching. One look at Rose and Timothy knew what might’ve happened but he proves to be a rock for her, as always. Rose goes back to her home and decides to tell Dash everything, no matter how difficult it might be because she knew she can’t carry on with her profession anymore. She writes two letters; one to Dash to come home ASAP, another to Rubicon with her resignation. Meanwhile, Rebecca kinda makes a mess by blurting out James’s excursion to her sister-in-law. James was living his mechanical life again, knowing he can’t see Rose anymore. Soon, his wife summons him to give him a piece of her mind about his recent trip. And lord, she was SO nasty! She demeaned James again and again, even with the mention of his onetime desperate attempt to make love to her and failing miserably underneath her cruel scrutiny and venomous tongue. I wanted to strangle the b*tch. You can’t help but feel protective towards James when you see what he’s gone through to make others happy! This is how I was feeling then!. My thought: what did you just say b*tch?! But he takes the rein in hand in the middle of the b*tch’s poisonous tirade when she threatens Rebecca’s ruin. And then he makes some life altering decisions for himself, Rebecca and yes, for Rose too. He visits Rubicon’s again, only to find Rose has resigned. We see Timothy again, in his ‘place’. James asks him her whereabouts, confessing his feelings. Timothy helps him with her address. Here, I thought Timothy DESERVES his own book. He’s such a suffering soul who needs a soft, feminine touch. So would he? Lord, I’d LOVE to read that. I actually kinda thought there might be some possibilities. I sure hope so!

But, I was disappointed that there wasn’t an epilogue, with an abrupt end. I wanted to know their life after all the troubles went away. I also thought after the years of pain she inflicted upon James, the b*tch gave in a bit too easily. Then, Dash’s acceptance to Rose’s income, I thought too easily as well. And, I’m not happy that there are no announcements of upcoming books here or in EC’s website. Why? I really feel like reading more! Ugh, have to wait and see I guess. Meantime, Seven Nights to Forever gets a perfect 4 from me.

Update on 31/7/12: I’ve just been confirmed that Ms. Collins is working on Timothy’s book. I know we have to wait for... I don’t know how long, but I’m very happy anyway! :D

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish Evangeline Collins wrote more! Does anyone know if she is writing under a different name, perhaps? Seven Nights to Forever is such an excellent follow-up to Her Ladyship's Companion. Read this if you're into a sexy pathos read.

In order to keep Paxton Manor up and running, Rose has made an arrangement with Madame Rubicon to sell her body one week out of the month at Madame Rubicon’s fancy brothel for noblemen. By the time we meet Rose, she's in a bit of bind. Her brother doesn't realize that since their father died 5 years ago, the money he's used is based entirely on Rose's income made at Rubicon's. Rose has difficulty curbing his enthusiasm to be a man-about-town since she can't go right ahead and tell him, Hey! Stop spending the hard-earned money I’m making!

Enter James Archer, a merchant's son who married the daughter of a viscount in order to secure his sister's Season debut and satisfy his father's lifelong dream of marrying into the aristocracy. However, Amelia, James' wife is a damn pill. And James has basically been humiliated by her that he does not talk back against at her at all - he's decided it's not worth it, and he doesn't want to jeopardize his sister's success at a marriage. When it comes down to it, the antagonism coming from Amelia is due to her being a snob. She can't stand that she married a merchant's son. And for me, the kicker is she can cheat but she would never let James cheat, which is like, girl... you already won. You don't need to do this.

James is a pretty defeated character when we meet him. He's completely starved for a woman to be nice to him. On a random whim, he decides to enter Rubicon's establishment and meets Rose.

It's basically love at first sight. And Collins writes loneliness so well. I felt for James but I really felt for Rose.

James was an absolute gentleman to Rose but there were times I felt that James' emotional demands superseded that of Rose's. When James was upset about how Rose reacted to his present (she didn't like being reminded that she was another courtesan that was being gifted a bauble by a paid protector), or when James was shocked Rose would leave him to his awful wife. However, this is in line with how Collins writes the paid companion role: In Her Ladyship's Companion, Gideon's emotions also took a backseat, even when he was justifiably upset, he would always comfort Bella.

I LOVE the way Collins writes. There's something about the way she writes that I find myself falling in love with these sweet, sad, lonely rich people and paid escorts.

[Kath S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una escritora que me ha sorprendido gratamente.

Esta es una historia diferente. Rose no es como las protagonistas comunes de las novelas de romántica histórica. Rose ha tenido que pasar momentos difíciles y ha terminado siendo prostituta, y lo ha sido durante cinco años. Es una mujer acostumbrada a ser tratada como un objeto, una mujer que se sacrifica por darle todo a su hermano menor. Y entonces conoce a James.

James no es un noble ni nada parecido. James es un burgués, es un hombre rico pero sin apellido, un comerciante sin respaldo social, que está casado con una verdadera bruja. Él también sabe lo que es el sacrificio, lleva tres años padeciendolo junto a su esposa.

Y entonces en una noche de soledad, James llega al burdel donde trabaja Rose. Se conocen y se dan cuenta por primera vez que la felicidad puede estar al alcance de sus manos. Pero no es un camino sencillo llegar a ella.

Es una novela preciosa, donde conocemos a dos seres acostumbrados al sufrimiento. James, un hombre casi perfecto, hermoso por fuera y por dentro, noble, dulce, especial, que ha sufrido muchísimo al lado de su esposa, y que gracias a ella su autoestima lo abandonó y sólo es un cascarón en vida. Y Rose, acostumbrada a ver lo peor en las personas, una mujer que ha tenido que aprender a endurecer su exterior, y que de repente se encuentra soñando con un hombre prohibido.

Página a página, la relación entre los dos crece, aunque todo empieza como un intercambio de servicios/dinero, poco a poco los sentimientos van dando cabida, y estar en los brazos del otro va más allá del placer físico, los dos empiezan a crecer como personas al tener por primera vez un apoyo verdadero. Y los dos se darán cuenta de qué los daña y los afecta, y superarán todos esos obstáculos legales, sociales y morales que los separan, para poder estar juntos para siempre.

[Esra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitabın konusu ilk başta çok bilindik görünüyor ama aslında büyük bir fark var... Esas oğlanımız evli maalesef... Hem de dünyanın en şirret, acımasız ve soğuk kadınıyla.. Babaların ayarladığı anlaşmalı evliliğin içinde tıkılıp kalmış zavallı ve üç yıl boyunca karısının her türlü aşağılamalarına katlanmış... Tabi bunu okuyunca öylece durdum sanmayın, suspus kalıp her şeyi kabullenişine ağzıma geleni saydım adama ama sonra baktım kız kardeşi için katlanmış adamcağız...
Esas kızımıza gelecek olursak o da ölen babasının bıraktığı borçları ödeyebilmek, küçük erkek kardeşine iyi bir gelecek ve hak ettiği mirası alabilmesini sağlayabilmek için her ay 7 günlüğüne bir genelevde çalışıyor... Kardeşi artık büyümüş 18 yaşında ancak hayran olduğu babasıyla ilgili düşüncelerini mahvetmemesi için ona hiçbir şey açıklamıyor ve her ihtiyacını karşılamaya devam edebilmek için hiç istemese de para için çalışmaya devam ediyor... Daha önce birilerinin metresi de oluyor ancak bu hiç de iyi bir şekilde sonuçlanmıyor..
Derken bir gece odasına bir adam geliyor ve işte o an tüm hayatı değişiyor kendisi tam olarak farkında olmasa da...
James'in o şirret karısı ölsün diye dua ettim tüm kitap boyunca adam kurtulsun o eziyetten diye ama neyse ki buna gerek kalmadan bir çözüm yolu buldu şükür...
Kitabı çok beğendim ben, ilk başta evli bir erkek ve genelevde çalışan bir kadının aşkı nasıl olur da okunur diye düşündüm ama çok da güzel okundu tavsiye ederim ;)

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review:

The Plot:

As a woman fully reconciled with her choices in life, Rose Marlowe has managed through sheer desperation to become the most beautiful and the most expensive courtesan at Rubicon's upscale brothel in London. Born a gentle country miss, obviously this direction she's taken with her life is not her fairytale dream coming true but rather a nasty turn of fate that's made selling her body for a man's pleasure an absolute necessity. Now, for one week each month Rose makes the trip from her wilting country estate to Rubicon's in dreaded anticipation of her body hosting a seemingly endless revolving door of flesh hungry men. But on the first eve of yet another week of torture, Rose meets James and her life is forever altered.

Like Rose, James Archer has made necessary choices in life. Willingly condemning himself to a marriage with a woman that despises him, all in the hopes of granting his younger sister's wish of making a splendid match with a titled gentlemen, James has subjected himself to a cold and endless isolation. When three years elapse without one single gentle touch from a woman, James is at his breaking point. Not a man who condones infidelity, James has even more reason not to trespass upon adultery. His despicable wife has threatened to rescind her sponsorship of James's sister if she's humiliated by an affair. This of course does not apply to her infidelities which rage across the ton like a burning inferno. But with the cloying loneliness overwhelming each and every thought, James gives in to his baser needs and knocks on Rubicon's door.

As a courtesan accustomed to men taking what they want with few incomplete pleasures tossed her way in the process, Rose is shocked and confused by her initial interactions with James. He talks with her, asks for her permission at every turn and gifts her with an endless and unrestrained pleasure that opens Rose to vulnerabilities that she'd rather keep under lock and key. Most of all, it's James's heartbreaking need for such simple pleasures as a kind word or touch, moments that lighten a heart that's obviously hurting. Burdened with her own pain and isolation, Rose goes against her better judgement and agrees to spend seven days on holiday with James at his country estate. Justifying her decision with the thick grip of pound notes James grants her, Rose steals her heart and musters her strength against the emotional onslaught that James's continuous presence is sure to bring.

For the first time in three long years, James is able to revel in seven days of utter selfishness - a mere moment's respite in the scheme of things but a break nonetheless. Yet as each night slips into morning, dawning a new day as well as edging both him and Rose closer to their final moments together, a tumultuous desperation unfurls within him unleashing jealousy and anger. Endless days of isolation awaits him with the termination of their holiday. Stuck in a position that leaves him with zero choices, James tries to resign himself to the remainder of his life with his hateful wife when an idea takes root that could potentially make the coming years bearable. James offers Rose the one position that he think she'll never refuse but it turns out to be the one position she's deeply determined to never fulfill. Both shattered and broken hearted, James and Rose resume their respective lives but when each find that they can no longer tolerate their previous lots in life, Happily Ever After comes sweeping in to the rescue.

The Heroine:

Rose is a captivating heroine as she's a woman with renowned erotic experience and a distinct worldliness but she's also surrounded by an intriguing and fascinating innocence that makes her incredibly endearing. Instantly the reader sympathizes with Rose while building a strong desire to protect her not only from her own self-flagellation but from the cruelty of her forced existence.

James is both a dream come true and a nightmare for Rose. For one, he's the first man to treat her like a true gentleman. He proves time and again that a gentleman isn't just a convenient title for when the occasion warrants it but that he's a gentleman in every sense of the term both in act and in heart. But James also represents the opportunity she's always coveted yet resigned herself to never have, a life where love and family is attainable. But as the saying goes: better to love once than never love at all. And in Rose's case, to love once - even if only for seven days - is worth so much more than a lifetime of enduring without ever having tasted, felt or lived in its embrace.

The Hero:

Deeply complex, James exudes both alpha and beta hero qualities. A man who asks rather than takes, James is not one to be direct unless his emotions drive him completely to the very edge and he's left with no choice but to leap. Rose drives him to that edge time and again as she inflates his heart and soul with untold passion and a boundless love. Instead of an alpha's feeling of entitlement, James is more concerned with worthiness but when he discovers what it will take to make Rose happy, he embraces a very alpha like unstoppable drive as he sets off demolishing every obstacle in his pursuit.
In every essence of the description, James is simply a good man. He comes to Rose out of sheer desperation of a basic human need. Deprived of any type of kindness, he's a man with a wilted soul and who could possibly blame him for drinking from the fount of Rose's heart once he's had a taste.

My final Thoughts:

SEVEN NIGHTS TO FOREVER is pure romance from beginning to end. Focused entirely on the main hero and heroine, this is a character driven plot that revolves completely around two broken hearts.

What particularly struck a chord in this reader is the mirror like qualities of James and Rose. Both are selfless givers that willingly walk the paths they've found themselves on in an effort to protect another. Both are completely and utterly resigned to the choices they've made and the path in life they walk because for them, nothing can change that which has brought them to this moment and nothing will change in the future for the necessity that drives them is forever constant. However, the beauty is that no matter how dire the paths may be, these very same paths that James and Rose damn have subsequently led them to one another. And while they each would certainly love to eradicate the past that has led them to the present, they wouldn't change it. It makes them who they are at their core and perhaps without it, they wouldn't have found the deep love they feel now.

There is only one aspect of this beautiful novel that kept it from reaching an A rating and that's Rose. Her discomfort at the beginning of her and James's holiday, while it can be rationalized as to why, I felt frustration at her behavior which in turn led to frustration with James for not addressing it the way I would have liked him to. Rose's discomfort felt a bit contrived to provide momentum for the plot and slightly out of character and again while one can rationalize Rose's behavior, I would have preferred to do without the frustration.

For reader's looking for a sensual escape that's unencumbered by dastardly subplots, scene-stealing secondary characters, and action scene filler, feel free to submerge yourself into the romantically charged SEVEN NIGHTS TO FOREVER. Enjoy!

[Nisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I've been meaning to read this for a long time, but it keeps slipping my mind or something. Finally after nearly 2 years, I finished it.

Before I start, the (nearly virginal) hero is already unhappily married when he meets our practicing prostitute (for 5 years, including her stint as a mistress) heroine. In fact, the hero hires her for companionship. Their relationship starts as one with a large financial transaction, but their time together develops in a mutual understanding, need, and love. Eventually, they do reach a happily ever after, but Ms. Collins directs it to be the conventional sort where they get married.

To be completely honest, the characters were just characters to me. Their story and situation moved me, but I was never really titillated by the characters. Rose, disappointed me because she prostitutes herself to pay off her family's debts and take care of her brother - the brother who at 18, is creating gambling debts and has no goals for his future. Did I mention that he doesn't know about her job? The other problem is that after 4 years, she hasn't resolved her feelings toward the job she hates her job, but wallows in disgust for her profession and is willing to not work (even if it meant forgoing her paycheck). To be honest, that doesn't really ring true of someone who has decided to sacrifice herself for the family, damn the consequences. Her distaste toward screwing married men was weird to me too.

James's life is a little more tragic. He's a man craving for love. I liked him much more than Rose and his position in life, despite the mountains of money he makes, sucks. He deserved happiness. I was happy to see that his little sister supported his extramarital relationship with Rose.

I felt that this was an above average HR, but it doesn't fulfill what I wanted from a courtesan/married man forbidden love romance. I guess I wanted them to be elicit lovers forever.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in love. With a man named James Archer.

I’m not really in the mood to right a long review so I’ll keep this short. If you love beta heroes, this is the book for you. At his core, James is just dying to be loved. And so is Rose. These are two people whose lives have brought them a near soul-crushing point due to their family obligations. And they find each other and fall in love and the book really centers on them working through that. Their loneliness is palpable in this. You feel so heart broken for them at times.

Some might object to the basic premise of this book. James is a married man and Rose a courtesan. His marriage is so broken and lonely that it drives him to a brothel because he’s desperate. And you can feel his desperation. But it’s not done in a gross way. You really feel for him. His wife is verbally abusive and he has no sexual relationship with him. It’s been years and they never loved each other. For me, I found James behavior understandable for the time period.

There were some things I didn’t love about the book. Sometimes the dialogue was a bit too cheesy and sappy for my taste. But the emotions are done really well do there are lots of other feels and angst to make up for it.

Steam wise, this book is VERY hot. It’s almost the reverse of other books. Many love scenes in the beginning and then it focuses on the emotional content more towards the end.

Biggest complaint is that it ended rather quickly. No epilogue or anything. Just suddenly over. But I still really enjoyed the book. I give it a high three stars, rounding to four.

[Bookaholics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven Nights to Forever by Evangeline Collins
Historical Romance – Nov. 2nd, 2010
4 Stars

Two selfless people, James Archer and Rose Marlowe find comfort and love with each other. Both have a lot in their lives to address before they can truly be together. James, a successful merchant married an unfaithful socialite to ensure that his sister would have good social standing. His wife belittles him while flaunting her lovers. James can no longer bear the loneliness and turns to Rose, a prostitute for intimacy. What was supposed to be a quick, no strings attached released turns in to love.

Although I am a HUGE pessimist about lust turning into love in such a short period of time (in this case, a few days), Collins somehow makes it very convincing and in the end I was rooting for James to FINALLY stand up to his wife. The only thing I would liked to see a bit more of, would be for Rose to give her worthless brother a piece of her mind. For all that she has given up (i.e. sold herself) so that he could have a better life, I would expect her to give him a good whip lashing.

This book brings out strong emotions and the scenes between the 2 main characters are very sensual.

Reviewed by Sophia from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful heartfelt romance with two emotionally broken protagonists who find love and forgiveness.
I'm not ashamed to say I cried.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quote: “You’re the first man I have ever wanted to be with.”

After Rose’s parents died a few years ago, her 13 year old brother was left without a great outlook in life when most of their money went to cover the family debt. Without many options, Rose decides to take control of her life, and sell her body. A profession where she comes to realize leaves her with little control at all. After two unsuccessful protectors (one married, one abusive) she finds Madame Rubicon’s brothel and has been employed there for the past four years. Being beautiful, and having experience, she only needs to work seven days out of each month and then she is able to retire to her country house for the remaining three weeks, and spend her hard earned money covering her brother’s luxurious lifestyle.

James Archer has become very wealthy in trade. He is a commoner though, no titles in his family. His father gave him his shipping company and James is set for life, although works extremely hard. Wanting his younger sister to have every advantage, he knew he had marry someone titled. He ends up marrying Amelia, a daughter of an earl. Now his sister is able to have a coming out season, but James is paying for it emotionally. After his wife told him to come no where near her at their wedding breakfast, and she parades her lovers in front of him, James has turned to work, to hide, and forget about his life at home. He is so lonely for attention, and for a woman's touch after three miserable years of marriage, that he finds himself at Rubicon’s. He has never been unfaithful to his wife, until this night and he promises himself it will only be this once.

It is here he meets Rose, and they both are surprised at who they find. James treats Rose with respect, and dignity, yet he still lusts after her something fierce. They become friends, and deeper feelings start to run, but at the same time James is still paying for her services, and the word whore is always on Rose’s mind.

I loved Seven Nights to Forever. James and Rose are two of the sweetest, most adorable characters I have read about in quite some time. First of all, I love that Rose is a prostitute. It might sound weird to say that, but it is just so different in a historical romance. There is no pretending – she has been a prostitute for four years and that is just the way things are. She doesn’t like it, but it allows her to only work one week a month and take care and spoil her younger brother.

When James comes to her he is at the end of his patience. It’s tricky to write this story with James married. But, Evangeline Collins makes James’s wife so despicable, that honestly, you can’t help but push him towards Rose. When he is asked by Rubicon what kind of woman he wants, his first thought is “someone kind.” It is heartbreaking to read when he is touched for the first time, or even just held in Rose’s arms. He has lived a solitary life for so long, and has to live with a passive façade around his wife, who has shamed him so much. When Rose opens her arms to him, it is so beautiful.

And although there are many romantic, very sexy scenes, I also love that during most of the book, James is still paying for Rose. It is never forgotten that she has been with a countless number of men. When Rose performs a sexual act on James, he can’t help but think about how many other men she had done this with. They both wish they had been each other’s first, but that is not the reality. And when James takes Rose out of her environment, Rose doesn’t know how to act. She doesn’t know how to just be a woman, always questioning herself as to what James would want. So – it is not like they meet and everything is rainbows and flowers. It’s a struggle to mentally remove Rose from being a prostitute and I think Evangeline Collins handles that extremely well.

My only wish is that the ending conflict with Amelia would have been more explosive. I felt like for as evil, and conniving her character is portrayed, she didn’t put up enough fight at the end.

Seven Nights to Forever is one of my favorite historical romances I have read this year because of the beautiful characters Evangeline Collins gives us. I highly recommend this one.

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars Reread 2023 - Still LOVED it! The entire book is one giant ANGST from start to finish. I can’t believe this author only wrote 2 books!


Plot:
Heartbreaking and emotional love story between 2 lonely souls;
he’s a common man with wealth, and she’s a stunningly gorgeous, high class whore.

He’s married to an abusive Lady for his sisters happiness.
The h sells her body 7 days out of the month, to support her younger brother.
This is not a virgin whore story, she’s been doing this for years.

- MC 25/22

Read this incredible review for full plot spoilers https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


⛑️Safety⛑️
- H is stuck in a moc with another woman, so technically there is cheating, but not between the MCs.
He is NOT a manwhore, but a nice guy. He’s had less than 4 lovers (including the h) his entire life.
His marriage is in name only (it has been years since they had shared a bed), and the ow is abusive towards him, and flaunts her affairs in his face.
He has never been unfaithful though, because he believes in fidelity in a marriage.
He only ends up at the whorehouse, because he wanted someone to talk to, he was that lonely for simple companionship. It wasn’t about sex.
He has been celibate for 3 years.


It’s safe aside from the H being married.
h is a whore, but she only sleeps with the H once she meets him.

[Natalija · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that capture your attention and keep you interested the whole way through. "Seven Nights to Forever" by Evangeline Collins is definitely a character driven novel. If you are looking for an action, humor or fluff, this book isn't for you, but, if you are like me and sympathize with beta heroes and welcome books that are slightly darker and emotionally intense, this is the book for you. I truly enjoyed this book; it was heart-wrenching, sensual, mildly erotic with goodhearted characters that make you root for them. It's a keeper for me, and I plan to re-read it again.

[Irina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book, albeit the end is very sweet and a bit too simple.


Full review in German: HERE!

[Desi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leído en Marzo 2012

4.5 estrellas

Maravilloso, me encantó.... lo recomiendo!!

[Library Nymph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!!

[Ozy · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s 404 pages, but the font is large and the writing style is very simple, so I reached the halfway point quickly.

It’s easy to read, yes, but was it enjoyable? No. Even though I’ve been in a romantic mood lately, sighing over Güneşi Beklerken (A Turkish Movie) and muttering “Zeynep, Kerem” for two days, this book destroyed my mood. I won’t hold back spoilers, but I still added it to my swap list.

The genre is historical romance, though I call these “frivolous books.” The main character is Rose, predictably beautiful with black hair, pale skin, and full lips. The male lead, James, is rich but not noble. His father wants him to marry a noble’s daughter, so he forces him into this marriage.

The marriage itself is disgusting. The book emphasizes that James is not Rose’s first partner, seemingly giving undue importance to virginity, which leads to unnecessary humiliation for Rose. I couldn’t stand it. And James… oh, James is infuriating. A weak, self-pitying man who can’t take charge of his own life, trying desperately to be loved. He’s clueless about life, love, or thought. I would never accept such a person’s affection.

Eventually, James goes to a brothel and meets Rose, who is working there. She explains her family’s financial struggles and the reasoning behind her choices. James rents her for a week, they begin a physical relationship, and eventually, the author quickly wraps up the story with a divorce and a marriage proposal. Everyone is happy, apparently.

Seriously, if it was this easy, why did Rose have to work as a prostitute for four years and James abstain for three years? The story makes no sense.

Overall: not a good book. I heard it’s the author’s second book—please, don’t write any more. The amateurishness is glaring. I finished it only because it’s fast to read. I don’t recommend it at all.

Read more of my book reviews and literary essays at ozyverse.substack.com

[Booklover1335 · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Archer is an honorable man trapped in a loveless marriage. A marriage of convenience (that has turned more into an inadvertent quest for sainthood) that was selflessly agreed upon to further the social status of his younger sister in his family's attempt to climb the social ranks. Despite a wife that despises everything about him, he remains steadfast and true to his vows even though his wife flaunts her adulterous affairs. After years of rejection, humility, and tireless selflessness, the loneliness of his existence becomes more than he can bear so he turns to a prostitute named Rose, someone that is paid, that has no connection to his wife, and consequently couldn't potentially ruin his sister's debut in society. A simple exchange of money for affection...not necessarily sex, as you would imagine, but a mutual need that quickly turns into a relationship between them, though neither of them desire such a connection...two similarly selfless people living to survive each and every day.


Though Rose and James's story takes place over a period of just a few days, the way their love story is told makes it feel as though the intimacy and bond that forms between the two of them is a natural progression in their relationship. It feels sumptuous, unhurried...a languorous love affair that I loved. However, I do wish that one of the love scenes towards the end would have better illustrated the intimacy that evolved in their relationship, i.e. from lust to love that encompassed the feelings that they developed for each other. This may seem like a request for just another love scene, but since their relationship was first based on sex, it would have been nice for one of the love scenes to hold more meaning to each of them....even if they weren't willing to admit it to themselves or each other at the time.


I've seen a few reviews that consider James a man that is spineless and weak, (a result of too many uber-alpha heroes in romance today) however I believe that is a narrow and unjust view of his character. I've also seen a few reviews that criticize him for being no better than his wife, i.e. because he turns to a prostitute even though he is a married man...that too I believe is an unjust judgment of his character. Because at the end...despite his vulnerability, he is commanding and confrontational when he needs to be and is honorable and loyal to those he loves.


The only other thing that I wish would have been explored further in the book was how Rose came to be a courtesan/prostitute/part of the demimonde world. How does a gently bred woman come to the realization that this is her best option? Did she become a mistress in order to settle one of her father's debts, which then eventually led to her decision to be a prostitute instead? I felt that this was important to her character because it definitely influenced Rose and the choices that she made...especially the one in which she decided not to be one man's mistress, as well as why she felt so strongly about not having a patron that was married. I respected and admired Rose for the difficult and self sacrificing choices that she made, even if she was enabling her brother's vices....leading him to follow in his father's footsteps. Her intentions were well meaning and done out of love, but I would have liked to have more insight into her history...not that it would have made a tremendous difference to her character and the story, I just would have understood some of her reasoning better.


Despite my criticisms, I loved this story. I loved James and Rose. I loved that the story was all about them and their struggles internally, with each other, and with their families without getting distracted by perilous plots, hard to believe adventures, and numerous villains. It was just James and Rose and how they came to find love with each other. It's not very often that I feel as passionate about both the hero and the heroine, but I loved them both equally. They are some of my favorite characters I have had the pleasure of reading about this year, and since this story is all about the characters, it made the story that much better in my opinion. If I could sing the praises of Seven Nights to Forever it would almost be an opera! No doubt it will end up on my list of best historical romances for 2010.

Ratings:

Overall: 4.25 stars
Sensuality level: 3.50 (though the heroine is a prostitute the love scenes in this story are sensual and intimate in nature rather than graphic/explicit/adventurous)

[Leontine · Rating 3 out of 5]

James is stuck in an arranged marriage, void of love, compassion or even amiability. His hard working attitude hides a very lonely man and the only thing that makes this marriage worthwhile is his wife’s promise to introduce his sister to the bon ton of London during the season. Still, after three long years of being honorable it turns a man starved for a bit of affection and kindness. James promises himself one night with a woman who does not loathe the sight of him and that choice brings him knocking on the door of Rose. Two lonely people meet and feel a magnetic pull neither of them expected.

With SEVEN NIGHTS TO FOREVER, Evangeline Collins delivers a heartwarming historical romance of a man trapped in a loveless marriage and unexpectedly finds a connection to another woman. Even though arranged marriages are very common in the time period of the story and even affairs for both women and men are conventional it is James who made the difference. For all intends and purposes he wanted to abide by his vow but his wife is a self absorbed nightmare of a woman. James might be emotion starved but that doesn’t mean he isn’t struggling with his actions of obtaining some kindness. I found it very easy to sympathize with James, he is a good man, works hard, cares for his family and treats people with respect. To opposite such a man to a dragon of a woman who is haughty, selfish and cold is perhaps an easy way to gain my support for James but it evoked the response nonetheless. Amelia as his wife is one of the reasons I could understand and accept James’ infidelity. A person can only take so much when deprived of even the barest hint of affection and the time period also gave leeway to such a story angle.

James is a character who was all around likable but Rose is right there with him. She’s taken care of her younger brother from the moment her father died and in those days there were very few options open to Rose. She chooses to become a high-priced courtesan for seven nights each month and so the opportunity rises for James and Rose to meet. Rose is everything Amelia is not, she loves the country, she’s kind, compassionate, is even willful at times and makes understandable choices. From the moment James is introduced to Rose there is plenty of tension between then. I would almost call it a refined eroticism, the passion is sizzling hot and frequent but the poignant way it is written curbs the act of sex play and adds the emotional depth to it. It is not only the erotic tension but also their emotional needs that resonate with each other and form a fragile bond of feelings and trust.

The challenges that lay ahead of them mainly revolved around their developing romance that could go no further due to James’ marriage. The problems give appropriate resistance delivering some inner struggles and emotion wrought scenes yet it weren’t insurmountable odds to overcome as the solution proved that. James and Rose need to make decisions and for them to come to certain conclusions was interesting to witness. The romance was moving and the sincerity of the characters made me care all the more about the outcome of it all.

Evangeline Collins manages to write a wonderful historical romance with just a handful of characters where the focus lies on the love, sensuality and interaction. If there is one secondary character, next to Amelia and Rebecca, who intrigued me to no end then it was the male prostitute, Timothy. With only a few scenes and some insightful comments coming from Timothy he becomes a colorful character who triggers my curiosity. His situation, as a male BDSM prostitute, begs for the unraveling of his back story though I wonder if this author would go there.

SEVEN NIGHTS TO FOREVER is a nice blend of a heart rendering romance, sensuality, sincere characters and easy flowing writing skills.

3.5 stars

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed this book for Romance Reader At Heart.


RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:


How do you take prostitution and infidelity and turn it into a compassionate love story? Ms. Collins answered that question by writing SEVEN NIGHTS TO FOREVER, a heartwarming story of two extremely complex characters who are trying to fit a lifetime of loneliness and love in seven days. The chemistry, not just sexual, between the two main characters was so good that you could feel the passion and the heartbreak that they were going through.

Rose Marlowe is the most beautiful and the most expensive courtesan in London. Her price is so high that she only works one week out of a month. The rest of the time she lives at her country estate that has seen better days. The reasons behind this woman's downfall become clear to us as we get to know her and her younger brother, who is totally oblivious to their predicament.

Three years ago, James Archer, out of necessity and duty, married a titled woman that not only despises him, but hates him for his commoner status. He's more than aware of her feelings as she never passes the opportunity to put him down; he's resigned to it, and willing to put himself through this sham of a marriage only because it'll guarantee his sisters entry into society.

In order to avoid conflict at home and his wife's vicious tongue, James dedicates all his free time to his work. One evening, out of loneliness and after three years of celibacy, hungry for a kind word and companionship as well as woman's gentle touch, he finds himself at Rubicon's, a brothel where he meets Rose.

This is a well-written story in which the subject matter was addressed with care and thought, and not just thrown in our faces. Even though James was no Rogue of Regency novels hero, nevertheless, he was a strong, sexy, and very vulnerable gentle man. His patient and accepting nature pulled Rose in, and she couldn't help but fall in love with a man that selflessly gave of himself to her.

I also want to give Ms. Collins credit in creating a secondary character with a loud voice that you just want to embrace and have a need to know his story as well. This book would not be the same without the character of Timothy Ashton, Rose's best friend and fellow prostitute. Ms. Collins, please let him speak to you. We want to know him better.

It was a pleasure to read this book, and I'm looking forward to many more from Evangeline Collins.

Melanie

[Cecilia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seven Nights to Forever is an unfortunate case of a novel that starts well, rockets up for a while, and then crashes down in a puff of smoke. It is really a pity when that happens. The beginning is so good that I decided to buy the novel despite the outrageously expensive cost (€8.56 – thrice the price of a normal romance ebook). Up to the 30-40%, I was ready to give this book five stars. A prostitute falls in love with his client? Both are good people suffering from other people’s deeds? I’m bought. Mary Balogh already won me with similar plotlines in The Secret Pearl and A Precious Jewel, two of my very favourite romances.

Then the novel starts skyrocketing down.

By the time the protagonists reach their honeymoon bliss of Honey House, I found myself detached from the characters, criticizing most of their actions, and mostly wanting for the book to finish as soon as possible.

A large part of the Honey House chapters is made of Rose worshipping any single thing James does and repeating how handsome, how kind, how marvellous, how perfect James is. By any new repetition, I find myself liking James less and less. While in A Precious Jewel Priss loves Gerals despite his faults, in Seven Nights to Forever Rose loves James because he is perfect. Just this notion makes me frown. What will remain when this perfection fades away?

And is James really this champion of perfection? He insults her after she gives him a blow job. He doesn’t respect her decision to go away. He forces her to accept the necklace. At the same time, Rose appears more and more a doormat. I don’t usually call the female characters “doormat”, but if I ever met a doormat heroine, she is Rose in the second half of the book. Where has the woman who stripped in front of him disappeared? She isn’t able to tell him why she doesn’t want to go to Honey House, she follows him, stands his decisions about rooms, food, activities, whatever; accepts his insults, takes the necklace, returns home when he pleads her. I was appalled by such compliance. I wanted to shake her and tell her to answer in kind.

Not to mention Rebecca’s (James’ sister) shallowness in telling Amelia that her husband had a mistress (!), or Timothy’s alacrity in revealing James Rose’s whereabouts as soon as he tells him that he wants to divorce Amelia. Why should Timothy believe him?

In short, the last chapters were simply dreadful. I was really, really disappointed.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book! I definitely feel like I need to re-read it to see if it's a favorite but it's definitely a 4 star book.

I spent 2 hours reading it last night and I was 2/3s done with it, because it was just really well paced and Evangeline Collins's prose flowed well and was never awkward or overwrought (flowery prose is unavoidable with HRs though).

James and Rose were very likable leads who both didn't have the highest opinions of themselves. James is a workaholic, driven to do so by his unhappy marriage with a woman who is contemptuous and verbally and emotionally abusive towards him. Rose is a former courtesan who now works at a brothel once a week every month to pay off her younger brother's debts and lifestyle after their careless father's death left them with no money despite appearing otherwise.

ANYWAY, it was very interesting to read a hero that genuinely didn't think that highly of himself--- this is very different from the alpha types or intense/brooding hero types that have some sort of chip over their shoulder because they were from the streets and are ~below~ the heroine. With James, obviously his social status is higher than Rose's, so his modesty/humility generally comes from his own feeling that he needs to keep proving himself. It's not a totally overly low self-esteem either, which could be exhausting to read, but he just isn't like most dudes who expect the world to be handed to him on a platter. It's a very good balance that Collins struck with her writing of him. I need to re read just to see if he makes it into my Favorite Heroes list.

And ok of course I would be drawn to this sort of premise because I do love my courtesans. So of course I loved Rose. And I loved how vulnerable she was? Sob. Like the scenes where she cries or lets her emotion go in private because of her overwhelming feelings of love and heartache for James---- I JUST WANTED TO HUG HER AND PAT HER HEAD AND TELL HER EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE OK. Those feelings of longing and heartbreak WERE DONE SO WELL.

Aw man the scene where she realizes she loves him and asks to leave and him pleads with her in the carriage not to go and you can just feel all the pent up emotion in BOTH OF THEM. Sigh. Sob. Sniff.

And of course the sex was va va voom. Park sex, carriage sex, desk sex, wall sex. Thank you.

[Tpring · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of two sweet, gentle, rather young and not very exciting people falling in love. That one is married to another and one is a prostitute suggests that it may be full of drama, scandal and mayhem - but it isn't.

Both have lead bleak lives before finding solace in each other. The hero working hard in a job he is not really passionate about to avoid his clichéd shrew of a wife, the well bred heroine selling her body to stupidly enable her younger brother's excessive lifestyle. Both are so starved for intimacy that they can't help but fall for the first nice person they stumble upon. That makes their story unusual as well as a bit disappointing. All they want from life and from each other is pleasant company, a person they can be themselves with, a person with whom they can share their meals and lazy afternoons in an agreeable silence. They are neither ones for witty banter nor deep conversations.

It is a very bold move to open a field of possibilities with the subject matter (questions of different forms of sexuality, of moral standards, of class and prudery) and decide to never really dive into them. The heroine's profession has practically no impact on her character and behavior (apart from the fact that she considers herself unworthy). She is the same genteel, kind English Rose you encounter in so many other (older) romance stories.

Nevertheless I enjoyed their story until the rather disappointing and rushed ending. Without any explanation or traceable internal development whatsoever the heroine goes from anguishing about a future that can never be because of her past to accepting the happy end offered to her. If any book was in dire need of an epilogue it was this one. How do they deal with the scorn of society that is inevitable? How do his relatives react to the union? What kind of live do they forge with each other? Nothing is answered and for once tidying up loose ends would have been absolutely crucial in order to give the story depth and impact it otherwise lacked.