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Wicked #1
Wicked Surrender
Jade Lee invites readers into her new Regency-set, sensual romance.
The daughter of an actress, Scher Martin feels she'll never fulfill her dreams of acquiring a good home and having a respectable family, so she agrees to be the mistress of Brandon Cates, Viscount Blackthorn.
But when Brandon's cousin proposes marriage, Scher finds herself torn between the propriety she craves and the love of a dark and troubled man.
The daughter of an actress, Scher Martin feels she'll never fulfill her dreams of acquiring a good home and having a respectable family, so she agrees to be the mistress of Brandon Cates, Viscount Blackthorn.
But when Brandon's cousin proposes marriage, Scher finds herself torn between the propriety she craves and the love of a dark and troubled man.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 29, 2010
263 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Jade Lee
98 books2,972 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Kathy Lyons.
A USA Today Bestseller, JADE LEE has been scripting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ball gowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. An author of more than 40 romance novels and winner of dozens of industry awards, her latest series is RAKES AND ROGUES. The first one, 50 WAYS TO RUIN A RAKE, is an awesome tale of love and laughter.
And don’t forget Kathy Lyons.. She’s Jade’s paranormal half. Check out her new shifter series GRIZZLIES GONE WILD.
To find all the latest news on Jade or Kathy, visit them at www.jadeleeauthor.com or www.kathylyons.com! And find out where you can meet her at: http://jadeleeauthor.com/appearances
A USA Today Bestseller, JADE LEE has been scripting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ball gowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. An author of more than 40 romance novels and winner of dozens of industry awards, her latest series is RAKES AND ROGUES. The first one, 50 WAYS TO RUIN A RAKE, is an awesome tale of love and laughter.
And don’t forget Kathy Lyons.. She’s Jade’s paranormal half. Check out her new shifter series GRIZZLIES GONE WILD.
To find all the latest news on Jade or Kathy, visit them at www.jadeleeauthor.com or www.kathylyons.com! And find out where you can meet her at: http://jadeleeauthor.com/appearances
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 8, 2011
3.0 stars
A commoner attempting to marry into the ton is the heroine of this unique Regency romance. Who among us hasn't dreamt of doing the same?
It's not often that we read about anyone in historical romance novels who is not a Duchess, Marchioness or at the very least, a "Lady". I've often thought that if there really were that many titled folks running around England in the early 1800s they would have all starved or frozen to death - they did virtually nothing for themselves and relied on underlings to cook for them, clean for them, dress them, drive them and pick up after them. They had servants dry them off after bathing them, for goodness sakes. It is easy to forget that there was an entire country of people existing unseen right beside all of those titled sorts.
I loved the main character, Scheherezade. Daughter of an actress, she manages a theatre in London. She dreams of marriage to man of worth; she believes it to be the only way she can attain the respectability that eludes her as the manager of a theatre troupe. She is desperate for the security she believes that marriage to a titled man will bring. And while a main character just like most of us - ordinary by birth, hard-working with dreams of marriage and children - is a different type of heroine in a Regency romance, she is by no means harder to identify with than the usual one. We all know that one - she used to be titled, young and physically perfect. Nowadays she tends to be older, plumper and plainer, although still a card-carrying member of the peerage. What a brave author, then, to take the usual and turn it on its head.
When we meet Scher she is being pursued by Brandon Cates, Viscount Blackstone. He wants to bed her, she is holding out for a wedding ring. As attracted as she is to Blackstone she knows too well what can happen to a family without the benefit of a good name and money to pay for a doctor. A marriage proposal finally comes from a Brandon's cousin Kit and Scher grabs onto her dream with both hands.
What follows is inevitable - and heartbreaking.
The casual cruelty of Kit's friends (the cut direct has never been shown so clearly) and the studied viciousness of Kit's family is breathtaking. His mother calls her a whore at the dinner table; his grandmother grudgingly accepts the engagement because Scher has more money than they do. Brandon only met Scher in the first place because his brother, the Earl of Thornedale, sent him to seduce the woman Kit loved. The Earl's wife saves her particular brand of cruelty for a tea she holds in Scher's honour after their engagement.
You're not sure who to cheer for in this book -- other than Scher. Brandon is tormented by his past in India, has many secrets of his own and falls in love with Scheherezade. Kit is young and idealistic, and not up to the challenges he will face as Scher's husband. Her entire situation - marry Kit for security and suffer a lifetime of scorn and ridicule, or give up all of her dreams to become Brandon's mistress - is one in which no one ever wins. You just strap yourself in and keep on reading in order to see what happens.
A doomed love triangle, rigid class barriers and a glimpse of a life in Regency England not normally shown is what I liked about this book. It had a sense of reality to it that is missing from some Regencies - this ain't no Julia Quinn book. Even down to the love scenes. Rather than the usual, here we have real extra-marital sex. Pregnancy is a huge concern, it gets messy and washcloths are used afterwards.
What didn't I like about the book? The writing. It didn't really engage me, draw me in, make me forget where I was. Such a good story here -- so unusual, with interesting characters, complex back-stories and so much about them that could be explored - especially Brandon. I wanted to love Brandon but I just couldn't connect with him. I didn't feel a lot of depth to the characters other than Scheherezade. I suppose it's because there was SO much story here to tell. I've only talked about one of the themes in the book - the actual narrative has so much more going on!
I would recommend this one even though I'm only giving it 3 stars. Connecting with the characters in a book is such a personal thing. It might just be that her style of writing is not to my taste. And the basic premise of the book is so unusual (imo), so well-handled and so real that I would suggest anyone try it.
And the epilogue -- WOW. I think I'm going to read the second book anyway, just to see what happens.
A commoner attempting to marry into the ton is the heroine of this unique Regency romance. Who among us hasn't dreamt of doing the same?
It's not often that we read about anyone in historical romance novels who is not a Duchess, Marchioness or at the very least, a "Lady". I've often thought that if there really were that many titled folks running around England in the early 1800s they would have all starved or frozen to death - they did virtually nothing for themselves and relied on underlings to cook for them, clean for them, dress them, drive them and pick up after them. They had servants dry them off after bathing them, for goodness sakes. It is easy to forget that there was an entire country of people existing unseen right beside all of those titled sorts.
I loved the main character, Scheherezade. Daughter of an actress, she manages a theatre in London. She dreams of marriage to man of worth; she believes it to be the only way she can attain the respectability that eludes her as the manager of a theatre troupe. She is desperate for the security she believes that marriage to a titled man will bring. And while a main character just like most of us - ordinary by birth, hard-working with dreams of marriage and children - is a different type of heroine in a Regency romance, she is by no means harder to identify with than the usual one. We all know that one - she used to be titled, young and physically perfect. Nowadays she tends to be older, plumper and plainer, although still a card-carrying member of the peerage. What a brave author, then, to take the usual and turn it on its head.
When we meet Scher she is being pursued by Brandon Cates, Viscount Blackstone. He wants to bed her, she is holding out for a wedding ring. As attracted as she is to Blackstone she knows too well what can happen to a family without the benefit of a good name and money to pay for a doctor. A marriage proposal finally comes from a Brandon's cousin Kit and Scher grabs onto her dream with both hands.
What follows is inevitable - and heartbreaking.
The casual cruelty of Kit's friends (the cut direct has never been shown so clearly) and the studied viciousness of Kit's family is breathtaking. His mother calls her a whore at the dinner table; his grandmother grudgingly accepts the engagement because Scher has more money than they do. Brandon only met Scher in the first place because his brother, the Earl of Thornedale, sent him to seduce the woman Kit loved. The Earl's wife saves her particular brand of cruelty for a tea she holds in Scher's honour after their engagement.
You're not sure who to cheer for in this book -- other than Scher. Brandon is tormented by his past in India, has many secrets of his own and falls in love with Scheherezade. Kit is young and idealistic, and not up to the challenges he will face as Scher's husband. Her entire situation - marry Kit for security and suffer a lifetime of scorn and ridicule, or give up all of her dreams to become Brandon's mistress - is one in which no one ever wins. You just strap yourself in and keep on reading in order to see what happens.
A doomed love triangle, rigid class barriers and a glimpse of a life in Regency England not normally shown is what I liked about this book. It had a sense of reality to it that is missing from some Regencies - this ain't no Julia Quinn book. Even down to the love scenes. Rather than the usual, here we have real extra-marital sex. Pregnancy is a huge concern, it gets messy and washcloths are used afterwards.
What didn't I like about the book? The writing. It didn't really engage me, draw me in, make me forget where I was. Such a good story here -- so unusual, with interesting characters, complex back-stories and so much about them that could be explored - especially Brandon. I wanted to love Brandon but I just couldn't connect with him. I didn't feel a lot of depth to the characters other than Scheherezade. I suppose it's because there was SO much story here to tell. I've only talked about one of the themes in the book - the actual narrative has so much more going on!
I would recommend this one even though I'm only giving it 3 stars. Connecting with the characters in a book is such a personal thing. It might just be that her style of writing is not to my taste. And the basic premise of the book is so unusual (imo), so well-handled and so real that I would suggest anyone try it.
And the epilogue -- WOW. I think I'm going to read the second book anyway, just to see what happens.
October 14, 2010
This review contains spoilers.
I would have loved this book, except for one very big thing. The hero, Brandon Cates, Viscount Blackstone, is married while he is courting Scher Martin. He does tell her that he is looking for a mistress, not a wife, but not the reason why he isn’t looking for a wife. Brandon is trapped in his marriage to an Indian woman, who has a loose grip on reality due to the death of her family. His rational for still perusing Scher is that he isn’t happy in his marriage and that his wife wants nothing to do with him. I am not a fan of the cheating hero and had I known that he was married early in the book I would not have read it. Alas, we aren’t told about his marriage until I cared about the outcome.
One thing that I did like was the unusual characters. Scher Martin is the daughter of an actress and runs her own theatre; she isn’t acceptable by any means. All along she maintains that she won’t be someone’s mistress. She wants the respectability of marriage. She doesn’t want her children to go through what she has gone through. This was another reason Brandon’s hidden marriage bothered me. He was professing to love this woman, but didn’t pay attention to her wishes. She tells him multiple times that she wants to be married and what it means to her before he confides in her.
She does find a man that wants to marry her, Brandon’s cousin Kit. He is a young man and his character is never really fleshed out. He just seemed frivolous and impulsive. He wasn’t the type of man Scher needed and never seemed real.
There are a host of actresses and workers at Scher’s theatre. These people make up the family that she doesn’t believe she has. I liked the way they rallied for her and protected her from people who said rude things or upset her.
This book would have worked for me if Brandon hadn’t been married. I loved the characters, the setting, and the love between Brandon and Scher. I just couldn’t get past his lie by omission.
I would have loved this book, except for one very big thing. The hero, Brandon Cates, Viscount Blackstone, is married while he is courting Scher Martin. He does tell her that he is looking for a mistress, not a wife, but not the reason why he isn’t looking for a wife. Brandon is trapped in his marriage to an Indian woman, who has a loose grip on reality due to the death of her family. His rational for still perusing Scher is that he isn’t happy in his marriage and that his wife wants nothing to do with him. I am not a fan of the cheating hero and had I known that he was married early in the book I would not have read it. Alas, we aren’t told about his marriage until I cared about the outcome.
One thing that I did like was the unusual characters. Scher Martin is the daughter of an actress and runs her own theatre; she isn’t acceptable by any means. All along she maintains that she won’t be someone’s mistress. She wants the respectability of marriage. She doesn’t want her children to go through what she has gone through. This was another reason Brandon’s hidden marriage bothered me. He was professing to love this woman, but didn’t pay attention to her wishes. She tells him multiple times that she wants to be married and what it means to her before he confides in her.
She does find a man that wants to marry her, Brandon’s cousin Kit. He is a young man and his character is never really fleshed out. He just seemed frivolous and impulsive. He wasn’t the type of man Scher needed and never seemed real.
There are a host of actresses and workers at Scher’s theatre. These people make up the family that she doesn’t believe she has. I liked the way they rallied for her and protected her from people who said rude things or upset her.
This book would have worked for me if Brandon hadn’t been married. I loved the characters, the setting, and the love between Brandon and Scher. I just couldn’t get past his lie by omission.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2010
I stopped reading when the "hero" actually considers raping the heroine to keep her from marrying another man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2018
Oyi the drama, but such a good read and the ending was.......
December 11, 2020
I enjoyed this read. I don't read a lot of romance novels but this plot was interesting and the characters were believable. This is a historical romance novel set in 1700s London. The way the book reads is relatable to the time period in a sense that it doesn't read like someone telling the story with 21st century vernacular. This book is the first in a two book series however, I read them out of order and years apart. Both books read just fine independently but I was a little surprised on who, from the first book, was the main character for the second.
If you're into historical romance I would recommend this book.
If you're into historical romance I would recommend this book.
June 10, 2018
Oh, that was good. There was more story, people of integrity, sexual tension without the porn element, a meatier read while being a lusty romance. Ha ha ha! Like this is some great work of literature! I enjoyed it!
February 7, 2018
Why hello there Jade Lee. Are you my new favourite author? I believe that you certainly are now!
What started out as an impulsive borrow from the library turned out to be incredibly auspicious, because it was more than I had ever bargained for. It addressed 1) the power play and tension between a woman of means with no respectable name, and men who wanted her for different reasons; 2) the power play between man and woman; 3) between honour and pride for both men and women; and 4) between classes of people. It was all so beautifully written!
1) The engagement between Scheherazade - better known as Scher - and Kit. There were several amazing scenes where Scher was snubbed by both Kit's family and the folk walking around in Hyde Park (both of which were uncomfortable, but oh-so-beautifully written). I felt her despair, her need to still hold her head up high, and her desperation on being accepted by this lot even though they hated the sight of her. Having being spurned only for the first time, even if only by association, Kit was completely ineffectual, and it was a wonderfully rendered imagery of a young man who didn't have the skill or integrity to help the woman he professed to love, let alone himself. The tension between Scher and Brandon? Let us say no more on the subject, other than it was PERFECT. Jade Lee wrote their trust, attraction, and understanding so well!
2) There were frank discussions on what it was to be a man and woman, and whether despite Scher's obvious attractions to Brandon, whether he would resort to rape to make her his. I loved, loved, LOVED that Jade Lee also addressed pregnancy, and the ways to prevent it. It made sense that Scher knew about the different ways, but that Brandon also took charge was fantastic!
3) Both Scher and Brandon had their own battles with honour (Brandon especially): Scher wanting respectability through marriage, and Brandon through acceptance that what happened in India was beyond his control.
4) Finally, the awfulness of the haute ton, and just how much they relished tearing down perceived outsiders. I loved just Jade Lee wrote about the hypocrisy of the upper classes. There were some topics of conversation that could not be touched upon because of propriety, and yet the titled folk were more than happy to expose and shame others who they consider as not being their equal.
I loved the realism of every single one of the characters and their reactions; I loved the realism of their speech; and I love way that Jade Lee wrote. Bring on book two!
What started out as an impulsive borrow from the library turned out to be incredibly auspicious, because it was more than I had ever bargained for. It addressed 1) the power play and tension between a woman of means with no respectable name, and men who wanted her for different reasons; 2) the power play between man and woman; 3) between honour and pride for both men and women; and 4) between classes of people. It was all so beautifully written!
1) The engagement between Scheherazade - better known as Scher - and Kit. There were several amazing scenes where Scher was snubbed by both Kit's family and the folk walking around in Hyde Park (both of which were uncomfortable, but oh-so-beautifully written). I felt her despair, her need to still hold her head up high, and her desperation on being accepted by this lot even though they hated the sight of her. Having being spurned only for the first time, even if only by association, Kit was completely ineffectual, and it was a wonderfully rendered imagery of a young man who didn't have the skill or integrity to help the woman he professed to love, let alone himself. The tension between Scher and Brandon? Let us say no more on the subject, other than it was PERFECT. Jade Lee wrote their trust, attraction, and understanding so well!
2) There were frank discussions on what it was to be a man and woman, and whether despite Scher's obvious attractions to Brandon, whether he would resort to rape to make her his. I loved, loved, LOVED that Jade Lee also addressed pregnancy, and the ways to prevent it. It made sense that Scher knew about the different ways, but that Brandon also took charge was fantastic!
3) Both Scher and Brandon had their own battles with honour (Brandon especially): Scher wanting respectability through marriage, and Brandon through acceptance that what happened in India was beyond his control.
4) Finally, the awfulness of the haute ton, and just how much they relished tearing down perceived outsiders. I loved just Jade Lee wrote about the hypocrisy of the upper classes. There were some topics of conversation that could not be touched upon because of propriety, and yet the titled folk were more than happy to expose and shame others who they consider as not being their equal.
I loved the realism of every single one of the characters and their reactions; I loved the realism of their speech; and I love way that Jade Lee wrote. Bring on book two!
November 20, 2010
This is yet another new to me author and I was once again, pleasantly surprised. This book follows Scher Martin and her dream to be accepted into society as she is but the daughter of an actress. As the owner of the Green Room, a theatre/bar, she is offered to become more than one mans mistress almost daily but Scher longs for the respectability that comes with the wedding ring. Her mother, father, and sister all passed away from sicknesses due to the fact that the doctor helped higher ups in society before going to help them. Scher does not want this for her future children and decides she must marry well to protect them and herself.
So Scher accepts Kits proposal and begins to deal with his horrible family and society's reaction to her. The only person that understands her is Kits cousin Brandon. He was sent by his family to sleep with Scher and forcing an end to the engagement and saving Kit but he realizes he can not do it as he discovers feelings for her. Brandon begs her to become his mistress but Scher refuses without the ring, but Brandon has many deep demons of his own and can not marry her.
As the story unfolds and Brandons past is revealed, I have to admit, I did not now how this couple I was rooting for would end up together without hurting Kit and others. This is a moving story of love with plenty of sexual tension and the eventual "surrender" is very well done, and not rushed. And the epligoue....wowza...guess I am reading the next book, Wicked Seduction! 4 stars
So Scher accepts Kits proposal and begins to deal with his horrible family and society's reaction to her. The only person that understands her is Kits cousin Brandon. He was sent by his family to sleep with Scher and forcing an end to the engagement and saving Kit but he realizes he can not do it as he discovers feelings for her. Brandon begs her to become his mistress but Scher refuses without the ring, but Brandon has many deep demons of his own and can not marry her.
As the story unfolds and Brandons past is revealed, I have to admit, I did not now how this couple I was rooting for would end up together without hurting Kit and others. This is a moving story of love with plenty of sexual tension and the eventual "surrender" is very well done, and not rushed. And the epligoue....wowza...guess I am reading the next book, Wicked Seduction! 4 stars
August 13, 2016
Scheherazade Martin, hostess at the Playhouse Tavern and daughter of the most noted actress of the house dreams of a life that includes a husband, children and nice dresses. But with no prospects on the horizon Scher's heart and small amount of respectability are in danger of being lost to Brandon Cates, Viscount Blackthorn. Scher seems doomed to have only those quick trysts in dark corners which Lord Brandon readily offers when he unexpectedly offers her to be his mistress. Even more unexpectedly, Scher receives a surprising offer of marriage from a fourth son of the Ton who happens to be Brandon's cousin.
Morally, I had issues with this read . but by the time my righteousness kicked in I was kinda curious about the outcome. That bit aside the pacing could have picked up some in places but the characters were more or less interesting, although I'm sure my bias got in the way. As individuals, Scher seemed a bit modern and forward thinking as she dared to want more for herself and her life; Brandon was quite the entitled heir and a product of his time. I was more interested in a couple of the secondary characters than the leads and think that this type of setting has possibilities for a series featuring "Ton Associates". At the start of the read it was a tad confusing if we were talking about actresses or courtesans but it did become clear after a bit. This was a tad unique for a regency romance (at least for me) in that this tells the tale of a commoner daring to dream of becoming part of the Ton. Although I'm not sold on the series, I'd read another entry before drawing a conclusion.
Morally, I had issues with this read . but by the time my righteousness kicked in I was kinda curious about the outcome. That bit aside the pacing could have picked up some in places but the characters were more or less interesting, although I'm sure my bias got in the way. As individuals, Scher seemed a bit modern and forward thinking as she dared to want more for herself and her life; Brandon was quite the entitled heir and a product of his time. I was more interested in a couple of the secondary characters than the leads and think that this type of setting has possibilities for a series featuring "Ton Associates". At the start of the read it was a tad confusing if we were talking about actresses or courtesans but it did become clear after a bit. This was a tad unique for a regency romance (at least for me) in that this tells the tale of a commoner daring to dream of becoming part of the Ton. Although I'm not sold on the series, I'd read another entry before drawing a conclusion.
October 24, 2010
OMG, this one grabbed me by the throat and would NOT let go! Brandon is the ultimate tortured alpha male, extra stress placed on "tortured". We're talking about wanting to end his pain! He desire Schers to be his mistress, but Scher dreams of having a respectable family and home. She's the daughter of an actress and owns, runs and lives in a theatre, and she wishes for the stability she never had. When Brandon's cousin Kit proposes, well...let's just say that doesn't help Brandon's pain any. The longing between Scher and Brandon is tangible, and Brandon's situation breaks your heart. There's a cliffhanger at the end, so I'm definitely waiting for the next book!
August 25, 2016
I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. The things that Scher had to go through to try and respectable. I loved that Brandon fell in love with her for who she was and nothing more. I hate the fate of Kit though, he seemed so sweet.
August 29, 2010
Started out strong but then grew tiresome.
June 10, 2023
Scheherezade, or Lady Scher, is the daughter of an actress and the bookkeeper slash manager of the Tavern Playhouse. Kit Frazier proposes to her. She points out the incompatibility of their match. He’s the fourth son of a title and his family will object strongly. Kit doesn’t care and persuades Scher to a yes. She’s not in love with him and thinks he’s young even though they’re the same age. Kit has offered Scher the one thing she desperately wants: respectability. She’s wants the access a title will provide ever since a doctor took too long to see her actress sister Cleopatra and she died while waiting.
Unbeknownst to Kit is his cousin Brandon has pursued a physical relationship with Scher for the past month. And she really wants it too. Honestly, these two really want to fuck and Scher puts a stop to it because she wants to make the marriage with Kit work. Brandon began pursuing Scher at his family’s request since they knew he wanted to marry an actress. It seems Kit’s affection for Scher is well-known. The hope was Brandon could lure her into an affair and she’d ignore Kit.
Unsurprisingly, Kit’s family treats Scher horribly and most of society gives Kit and Scher the cut direct. Both Brandon and Scher worry Kit won’t handle ostracization well since he’s used to charming people and getting his way. Despite her engagement, Scher and Brandon keep kissing. Scher gets to where she wants to call the engagement off, but before she can, Brandon asks Scher to become his mistress. She says no. It’s marriage or nothing.
Brandon lived in India for a couple of years, hoping to foster trade relations and make a profit for both British and Indian citizens. I don’t want to talk at length about what happens, but the British set a factory on fire and they give Brandon a title to warp the story.
Okay. The set up of this story. I love all the pieces at work here. We don’t talk enough about the actual implications people lived through if they didn’t fit a certain social class. More ramifications of doctors prioritizing other patients or being that snobby not to tend to an actress. Scher’s relationship with Kit is interesting where it felt like Lee kept framing him a certain way and I wasn’t completely buying. She kept having Scher refer to Kit as “young” even though they’re the same age. Like all Lee had to do would have Scher call him naive or inexperienced, which he is. He hasn’t had the same life experiences as her and even though they’re the same age. She can’t connect with the son of an aristocrat who hasn’t really seen the rough side of people the way she has. Brandon gets her on that level.
When Kit and Scher kiss, she likes it, but say he bumped her head against the wall. Framing this as Kit's inexperience. I guess this bothered me because someone not being as sexually experienced doesn’t mean you like them less. And Brandon’s set up as this sexual, gonna blow your mind, I’ve read the kama sutra, man. So I didn’t like the dichotomy Lee set up there.
Honestly, it’s perfectly alright if Scher was more attracted and liked Brandon more. I think it’s a great conflict to feel something more for someone else, but that person can’t give you the thing you really want. Sometimes it feels like authors do this because they know some readers are unhinged about unfaithful characters. Like get ahead of the criticism where it’s like, see the other guy’s not quite a match or does mean things. Like Kit tries to be high handed about the finances with the Tavern Playhouse. See? We shouldn’t like him as much. But like how more devastating if she truly fell for him . Like. And how guilty would you feel knowing you’d been unfaithful? The DRAMA.
Unbeknownst to Kit is his cousin Brandon has pursued a physical relationship with Scher for the past month. And she really wants it too. Honestly, these two really want to fuck and Scher puts a stop to it because she wants to make the marriage with Kit work. Brandon began pursuing Scher at his family’s request since they knew he wanted to marry an actress. It seems Kit’s affection for Scher is well-known. The hope was Brandon could lure her into an affair and she’d ignore Kit.
Unsurprisingly, Kit’s family treats Scher horribly and most of society gives Kit and Scher the cut direct. Both Brandon and Scher worry Kit won’t handle ostracization well since he’s used to charming people and getting his way. Despite her engagement, Scher and Brandon keep kissing. Scher gets to where she wants to call the engagement off, but before she can, Brandon asks Scher to become his mistress. She says no. It’s marriage or nothing.
Brandon lived in India for a couple of years, hoping to foster trade relations and make a profit for both British and Indian citizens. I don’t want to talk at length about what happens, but the British set a factory on fire and they give Brandon a title to warp the story.
Okay. The set up of this story. I love all the pieces at work here. We don’t talk enough about the actual implications people lived through if they didn’t fit a certain social class. More ramifications of doctors prioritizing other patients or being that snobby not to tend to an actress. Scher’s relationship with Kit is interesting where it felt like Lee kept framing him a certain way and I wasn’t completely buying. She kept having Scher refer to Kit as “young” even though they’re the same age. Like all Lee had to do would have Scher call him naive or inexperienced, which he is. He hasn’t had the same life experiences as her and even though they’re the same age. She can’t connect with the son of an aristocrat who hasn’t really seen the rough side of people the way she has. Brandon gets her on that level.
When Kit and Scher kiss, she likes it, but say he bumped her head against the wall. Framing this as Kit's inexperience. I guess this bothered me because someone not being as sexually experienced doesn’t mean you like them less. And Brandon’s set up as this sexual, gonna blow your mind, I’ve read the kama sutra, man. So I didn’t like the dichotomy Lee set up there.
Honestly, it’s perfectly alright if Scher was more attracted and liked Brandon more. I think it’s a great conflict to feel something more for someone else, but that person can’t give you the thing you really want. Sometimes it feels like authors do this because they know some readers are unhinged about unfaithful characters. Like get ahead of the criticism where it’s like, see the other guy’s not quite a match or does mean things. Like Kit tries to be high handed about the finances with the Tavern Playhouse. See? We shouldn’t like him as much. But like how more devastating if she truly fell for him . Like. And how guilty would you feel knowing you’d been unfaithful? The DRAMA.
July 8, 2021
Working my way through some new authors via kindle unlimited and decided to give Jade Lee a shot. I actually started with the second book in the series so reading this one was strange because Kit is clearly such a different character in this one. This is a 2.5 for me (5 stars are not enough to rate books but where does it end?). I do enjoy the author's writing style. I felt this premise was interesting but there were a few major negatives for me (a number of other reviews have mentioned the same thing). The fact that the hero will not stop trying to coerce the heroine in to sex was very disturbing and rapey, especially after she became engaged to his cousin and after it is revealed that he is married, yuck. I also didn't love that she keeps going back to him after she becomes engaged, stupid girl you know the only thing he wants from you, I don't care if he practically died! And making the fiance out to be an inept lover really takes away from the fact that he's our next hero, but you can't have your heroine realize that more than one guy can be a good lover. And don't get me started on the pat solution to his marriage, it was a heathen foreign wedding so clearly can just be ignored. Ultimately, it was a quick, diverting read but will likely be quickly forgotten.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2018
Scheherazade Martin,"Sher" for short, is the daughter of an actress and has spent her entire life longing for acceptance, love and respectability. These three things have always been just out of her reach until an unexpected marriage proposal comes her way from a member of the nobility.
Having accepted the proposal Sher places high hopes that she and her fiance will be accepted by his peers and family. Those hopes are dashed and in the ensuing days to come the truth of course is brought to bear full force that the respectability she has longed for all her life is something Sher will have to learn to live without.
The previous offer of being a Lord's Mistress is still on the table and as much as she detests the idea that the man can not give her the wedding ring she desires. Sher is torn by her attraction to Brandon Blackstone even as her engagement to his cousin Kit Frazier proves to be a futile undertaking.
In a purely predictable fashion this tale works it's way to a foregone conclusion, a conclusion I was happy with, while delivering one truly diabolical twist in the books epilogue.
Having accepted the proposal Sher places high hopes that she and her fiance will be accepted by his peers and family. Those hopes are dashed and in the ensuing days to come the truth of course is brought to bear full force that the respectability she has longed for all her life is something Sher will have to learn to live without.
The previous offer of being a Lord's Mistress is still on the table and as much as she detests the idea that the man can not give her the wedding ring she desires. Sher is torn by her attraction to Brandon Blackstone even as her engagement to his cousin Kit Frazier proves to be a futile undertaking.
In a purely predictable fashion this tale works it's way to a foregone conclusion, a conclusion I was happy with, while delivering one truly diabolical twist in the books epilogue.
September 12, 2022
This book was so good I could not put it down. Up all night reading as I needed to know what happened with Scher and Brandon. Scher was the owner of a tavern/playhouse. Her mom was an actress. Her whole life she saw people she loved die as they were always last on the list for help with illnesses. The delay cost them their lives. She wanted to be married and have children. Respectability was her wish. She refused to become a mistress because she felt she would have more benefits if living a normal married life. She meets Kit and he proposes. But she is developing feelings for his cousin - Brandon, Lord Blackstone. Brandon has secrets but he is so in love with Scher. He cannot offer her what she so desperately wants so she decides she will marry the cousin. Brandon is tortured by things that happened in his past as well. Scher was treated terribly by Kits family. They did not want him to marry her. This was such a great story. The first I have read my Jade Lee and I loved it. Though, like another reviewer I did not care for the ending too much and the epilogue was not at all about Scher and Brandon so was a bit disappointing.
May 26, 2023
DNF'd at 75%
I tried...I really did. How does this have 3.75 stars out of 4? It's so bad. FMC is obsessed with marriage, thinking that will somehow make her respectable. Like girl, its 19th century England and you're a poor daughter of an actress. Nothing is really gonna help you, so just embrace being poor white London trash.
I pushed through the bad dialogue and annoying characters, but I had to stop at the sex scene. I can't take calling a dick an organ or mushroom head 🤢 and at one point the MMC says he wants to essentially put his face in her "female parts" 🤮 I'd have even felt better if it'd have been referred to as a quim. At least that's historically accurate.
This was just too ick.
I tried...I really did. How does this have 3.75 stars out of 4? It's so bad. FMC is obsessed with marriage, thinking that will somehow make her respectable. Like girl, its 19th century England and you're a poor daughter of an actress. Nothing is really gonna help you, so just embrace being poor white London trash.
I pushed through the bad dialogue and annoying characters, but I had to stop at the sex scene. I can't take calling a dick an organ or mushroom head 🤢 and at one point the MMC says he wants to essentially put his face in her "female parts" 🤮 I'd have even felt better if it'd have been referred to as a quim. At least that's historically accurate.
This was just too ick.
August 2, 2022
HER WICKED SURRENDER: SCHEREZAD and BRANDON is a good story. SCHER is an actress who wants, more than anything to marry into the aristocracy. SCHER becomes engaged to KIT, whose family despises her. BRANDON, KITS cousin defends her at family gatherings and falls in love with her. BRANDON has been tricked into a loveless marriage. So far so good, then the plot weakens. KIT dies, the plot wraps up and BRANDON frees himself from his wife….
March 14, 2018
The story is set in Regency Era London.
Scher Martin is a busy theater owner, and Kit Frazier is a young suitor
who has recently proposed to Scher.
Concerned about the misalliance,Kit's family sends Brandon, Viscount Blackstone
to break up the couple.
Some of the story line reminded me of the classic: "Jane Eyre."
Scher Martin is a busy theater owner, and Kit Frazier is a young suitor
who has recently proposed to Scher.
Concerned about the misalliance,Kit's family sends Brandon, Viscount Blackstone
to break up the couple.
Some of the story line reminded me of the classic: "Jane Eyre."
May 18, 2018
Now I will have to read the next book
Though I liked the characters well enough and there were some wonderfully delicious twists, I found this story to be a bit of a slog. I found the pacing slow for my tastes. The twists and turns kept me reading to the surprise epilogue. Now I will have to read the next book.
Though I liked the characters well enough and there were some wonderfully delicious twists, I found this story to be a bit of a slog. I found the pacing slow for my tastes. The twists and turns kept me reading to the surprise epilogue. Now I will have to read the next book.
April 9, 2019
Great
Scher wants to fulfill her dreams to become a respectable woman with a family and a home.
She becomes engaged to Kit who loves her.
There is drama in this book.
Brandon Cates he wants her to be his mistress, he loves her too, she cares for (loves him) too.
I loved the characters in this book.
Loved the ending too.
# 21 3 part red BNB Challenge
Scher wants to fulfill her dreams to become a respectable woman with a family and a home.
She becomes engaged to Kit who loves her.
There is drama in this book.
Brandon Cates he wants her to be his mistress, he loves her too, she cares for (loves him) too.
I loved the characters in this book.
Loved the ending too.
# 21 3 part red BNB Challenge
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2019
A Bit Different to the Norm.
An enthralling story which for once in this genre shows the reality of a relationship between those of a different class. I was sorry when the story came to an end. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from eBookDiscovery. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An enthralling story which for once in this genre shows the reality of a relationship between those of a different class. I was sorry when the story came to an end. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from eBookDiscovery. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 9, 2017
I just couldn't get into this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
J’ai vraiment essayé d’apprécier mais ce n’est pas pour moi.
September 9, 2010
Scheherazade Martin, or Scher has grown up in The Tavern playhouse. She was born there to an actress mother, and now, lacking acting talent, runs the theater troupe. Although she considers the fellow members as part of her family and she makes a decent living, she yearns for more. Watching those die around her because actors are treated like second class and don’t get proper medical help, she wants a respectable marriage, children, and most of all security, something she has lacked her whole life.
For the past month, Viscount Blackstone, or Brandon, has had his eye on her. One glance and he knew she was something special. Brandon sets Scher on fire, but she knows the type of men who hang around playhouses. After being duped when she was sixteen, she is not about to let her lust take the lead. But he does funny things to her insides, and in that short month, his clandestine visits excite her very much.
Soon though, a respectable marriage proposal comes her way. The fourth son of a titled family, Kit asks her for her hand and although she doesn’t know him that well – she sees her house in this future, with a yard and kids running around. Kit just happens to be Brandon’s cousin, and Brandon is not thrilled his new found love is off the market. But he wants her to be happy, and he harbors a very deep, dark secret that makes him unable to give her what she needs. Kit and Brandon become her only allies as she is forced into polite society and ridicule and mockery become her daily life. Kit wants to marry her, Brandon wants her as a lover, and Scher has a big decision to make.
What really stood out to me in Wicked Surrender is our heroine, Scher. Yearning for only security and marriage in her life, she finally gets the chance with Kit. Now, she isn’t really in love with Kit, and her heart beats faster for Brandon, but since Brandon won’t offer her marriage, and Kit is a kind man, she chooses this path. Kit is not the perfect man, but he does offer kindness and in his own way, tries to stand up for her when society frowns down upon them. What I love, is that when Brandon pursues her, seduces her, begs her to be his mistress – she says no. He kisses her, does everything he can to get her in his arms, and she still says no. No, no no!! A heroine, who doesn’t swoon at the first sexy man who tries to steal her away – I love it. She is engaged to Kit and that is it. She heeds to her convictions!
She peered in his face and he read honest confusion. “You say you respect me, and yet you treat me like a trollop. You wait in my room, you try to seduce me with kisses and pretty words, and when I say no, you touch me anyway. Brandon, you are not this stupid! What are you thinking? What demons drive you to this madness?”
Now, if Brandon had proposed marriage instead of just a mistress position, would she have broken it off with Kit without a thought? Maybe. But Brandon doesn’t – for good reason you will discover, and the complicated trio move forward as best they can.
Scher does not have it easy by any means. Just because a respectable man offers her marriage, does not clear the way for her in polite society. It is quite the opposite. She suffers so much brutal treatment – the animosity and snobbery in this book really stands out. Jade Lee holds nothing back and the consistency in which she is treated - I kept expecting her to find an ally, other than Brandon, but Jade Lee gives her no easy way out.
My only complaint is that Brandon has a big secret, and I thought part of it is a little too dramatic. I know that is vague, but I don’t want to give it away. I liked his secret, just the ailment that went along with it seemed a little overdone to me.
The sexual tension is revved up in this book, and although Scher is good at saying no to Brandon, this book does not lack romance. Their eventual coupling is nicely built up and not rushed. With all the historical romances I read, I feel Wicked Surrender offers a little something different. With a very strong heroine and dark, brooding hero, I definitely recommend this one.
For the past month, Viscount Blackstone, or Brandon, has had his eye on her. One glance and he knew she was something special. Brandon sets Scher on fire, but she knows the type of men who hang around playhouses. After being duped when she was sixteen, she is not about to let her lust take the lead. But he does funny things to her insides, and in that short month, his clandestine visits excite her very much.
Soon though, a respectable marriage proposal comes her way. The fourth son of a titled family, Kit asks her for her hand and although she doesn’t know him that well – she sees her house in this future, with a yard and kids running around. Kit just happens to be Brandon’s cousin, and Brandon is not thrilled his new found love is off the market. But he wants her to be happy, and he harbors a very deep, dark secret that makes him unable to give her what she needs. Kit and Brandon become her only allies as she is forced into polite society and ridicule and mockery become her daily life. Kit wants to marry her, Brandon wants her as a lover, and Scher has a big decision to make.
What really stood out to me in Wicked Surrender is our heroine, Scher. Yearning for only security and marriage in her life, she finally gets the chance with Kit. Now, she isn’t really in love with Kit, and her heart beats faster for Brandon, but since Brandon won’t offer her marriage, and Kit is a kind man, she chooses this path. Kit is not the perfect man, but he does offer kindness and in his own way, tries to stand up for her when society frowns down upon them. What I love, is that when Brandon pursues her, seduces her, begs her to be his mistress – she says no. He kisses her, does everything he can to get her in his arms, and she still says no. No, no no!! A heroine, who doesn’t swoon at the first sexy man who tries to steal her away – I love it. She is engaged to Kit and that is it. She heeds to her convictions!
She peered in his face and he read honest confusion. “You say you respect me, and yet you treat me like a trollop. You wait in my room, you try to seduce me with kisses and pretty words, and when I say no, you touch me anyway. Brandon, you are not this stupid! What are you thinking? What demons drive you to this madness?”
Now, if Brandon had proposed marriage instead of just a mistress position, would she have broken it off with Kit without a thought? Maybe. But Brandon doesn’t – for good reason you will discover, and the complicated trio move forward as best they can.
Scher does not have it easy by any means. Just because a respectable man offers her marriage, does not clear the way for her in polite society. It is quite the opposite. She suffers so much brutal treatment – the animosity and snobbery in this book really stands out. Jade Lee holds nothing back and the consistency in which she is treated - I kept expecting her to find an ally, other than Brandon, but Jade Lee gives her no easy way out.
My only complaint is that Brandon has a big secret, and I thought part of it is a little too dramatic. I know that is vague, but I don’t want to give it away. I liked his secret, just the ailment that went along with it seemed a little overdone to me.
The sexual tension is revved up in this book, and although Scher is good at saying no to Brandon, this book does not lack romance. Their eventual coupling is nicely built up and not rushed. With all the historical romances I read, I feel Wicked Surrender offers a little something different. With a very strong heroine and dark, brooding hero, I definitely recommend this one.
July 6, 2018
Unique but give it time
I loved how this book was different, not your usual cookie cutter recency romance, but instead about the characters on the fringes of the ton. The climax of the story happens "off screen" meaning not depicted but discussed and it starts in the midst of the plot. This is odd but I actually liked how it avoided a lengthy exposition and had more focus on character than melodrama. The only problem I had was connecting or sympathizing with the characters. It eventually happens but the hero I loathed for the first half of the book and his character arc is almost unbelievably altered as if he was a different person in the end. I get why (no spoilers) but it was hard or me to believe it. Weighing all this, it is definitively worth the read but give it time and see it through to the end before you judge.
I loved how this book was different, not your usual cookie cutter recency romance, but instead about the characters on the fringes of the ton. The climax of the story happens "off screen" meaning not depicted but discussed and it starts in the midst of the plot. This is odd but I actually liked how it avoided a lengthy exposition and had more focus on character than melodrama. The only problem I had was connecting or sympathizing with the characters. It eventually happens but the hero I loathed for the first half of the book and his character arc is almost unbelievably altered as if he was a different person in the end. I get why (no spoilers) but it was hard or me to believe it. Weighing all this, it is definitively worth the read but give it time and see it through to the end before you judge.
May 10, 2016
"Her Wicked Surrender" ist ein wunderbares Buch, das mich allerdings recht oft auch wütend machte, da hier wieder einmal sehr deutlich wird, wie groß die sozialen Unterschiede in der damaligen Zeit waren.
Waren für die adeligen Frauen die Regeln schon streng und der Übergang zwischen Achtbarkeit und gesellschaftlichem Ruin fließend, so galt dies unmso mehr für die niederen Klassen. Wer allerdings, wie beispielsweise unsere Protagonistin Scher, gar als Kind einer Schauspielerin geboren wurde und dann noch ohne Vater - nun, der hatte von vornherein verloren.
Eine respektable Ehe war nahezu aussichtslos, dafür gab es genug Angebote, jemandes Geliebte zu werden. Als Kit Fraser, der jünste Sohn eines Adeligen, Scher einen Heiratsantrag macht, ist sie glücklich, da sie immer davon geträumt hat, irgendwann einmal eine respektable Ehefrau zu werden. Bisher hat sie sich gegen andere, weniger respektable Angebote wehren können, da sie das Tavern Playhouse leitet, das ihr eine gewisse finanzielle Unabhängigkeit verschafft und auch für Kit durchaus einen Anreiz darstellt, sich über die gesellschaftlichen Regeln hinwegzusetzen, da er als jüngster Sohn in einer Gesellschaft, in der nur der "heir" und der "spare" wirklich zählten, für seinen Unterhalt selbst aufkommen musste.
Eigentlich hatte Brandon, genauer Lord Blackthorn, nur dafür sorgen wollen, dass sein Cousin Kit keine unüberlegten Dinge tut und eine gesellschaftlich völlig unmögliche Ehe eingeht, langsam aber sicher erliegt er jedoch Schers Charme und auch Scher ist ihm gegenüber nicht ganz immun, aber er kann ihr keine Ehe bieten - oder doch?
Auch als Leserin erliegt man Schers Charme sehr schnell und bangt mit ihr und hofft und ...ja,manchmal ist man auch ganz schön wütend, aber egal wie - es lässt einen nie kalt. Scher ist ein wirklich liebenswerter Charakter und auch mit Brandon wird man langsam warm - wenn man aufgehört hat, sauer auf ihn zu sein. Und Kit, nun ja, Kit ist auch so eine Sache für sich.
Auf jeden Fall sind es wunderbar komplexe Charaktere, die mir wirklich gut gefallen haben und deren Schicksal ich mit Spannung verfolgt habe. Dazu gebe man nun noch eine große Prise gut gesponnene Geschichte und einen flüssigen Schreibstil und schon hat man ein Buch, das ich wirklich gerne gelesen habe.
*I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest review.*
Waren für die adeligen Frauen die Regeln schon streng und der Übergang zwischen Achtbarkeit und gesellschaftlichem Ruin fließend, so galt dies unmso mehr für die niederen Klassen. Wer allerdings, wie beispielsweise unsere Protagonistin Scher, gar als Kind einer Schauspielerin geboren wurde und dann noch ohne Vater - nun, der hatte von vornherein verloren.
Eine respektable Ehe war nahezu aussichtslos, dafür gab es genug Angebote, jemandes Geliebte zu werden. Als Kit Fraser, der jünste Sohn eines Adeligen, Scher einen Heiratsantrag macht, ist sie glücklich, da sie immer davon geträumt hat, irgendwann einmal eine respektable Ehefrau zu werden. Bisher hat sie sich gegen andere, weniger respektable Angebote wehren können, da sie das Tavern Playhouse leitet, das ihr eine gewisse finanzielle Unabhängigkeit verschafft und auch für Kit durchaus einen Anreiz darstellt, sich über die gesellschaftlichen Regeln hinwegzusetzen, da er als jüngster Sohn in einer Gesellschaft, in der nur der "heir" und der "spare" wirklich zählten, für seinen Unterhalt selbst aufkommen musste.
Eigentlich hatte Brandon, genauer Lord Blackthorn, nur dafür sorgen wollen, dass sein Cousin Kit keine unüberlegten Dinge tut und eine gesellschaftlich völlig unmögliche Ehe eingeht, langsam aber sicher erliegt er jedoch Schers Charme und auch Scher ist ihm gegenüber nicht ganz immun, aber er kann ihr keine Ehe bieten - oder doch?
Auch als Leserin erliegt man Schers Charme sehr schnell und bangt mit ihr und hofft und ...ja,manchmal ist man auch ganz schön wütend, aber egal wie - es lässt einen nie kalt. Scher ist ein wirklich liebenswerter Charakter und auch mit Brandon wird man langsam warm - wenn man aufgehört hat, sauer auf ihn zu sein. Und Kit, nun ja, Kit ist auch so eine Sache für sich.
Auf jeden Fall sind es wunderbar komplexe Charaktere, die mir wirklich gut gefallen haben und deren Schicksal ich mit Spannung verfolgt habe. Dazu gebe man nun noch eine große Prise gut gesponnene Geschichte und einen flüssigen Schreibstil und schon hat man ein Buch, das ich wirklich gerne gelesen habe.
*I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest review.*
September 7, 2010
Wicked Surrender by Jade Lee
Historical Romance –Sept 7 2010
4 stars
Scheherazade Martin longs for respectability and security in life. As an actress and manager of a small tavern troupe, her status is society is akin to a prostitute and definitely far, far below of a respectable lady. Men offer her carte blanches, but not marriage. Scher is resigned to her lot in life and almost becomes the mistress of Brandon Cates, Viscount Blackstone...until his cousin, a young puppyish Kit proposes to Scher, promising to give her everything she ever wanted. But, can Scher learn to forget Brandon? Which will she choose? Him or her dreams?
To be honest, I was kind of weary of Lee. I have read her book Tempted Tigress before and it was kind of disappointing and not at all my cup of tea. But, Wicked Surrender definitely surpassed my expectations. Scher’s character is fascinating - her desire to be accepted by society is something many of us can relate to. Not only that, the way she handled society’s criticism shows her resilience and determination. Brandon, our tortured dark hero, is also another pleasant surprise. Instead of the usual alpha male swaggering and seducing, he’s vulnerable and defeated to the point where he no longer has the will to live. Most romance writers will never write about such a downtrodden male character, which makes Lee’s portrayal of him so touching and real.
The romance between Scher and Brandon unfolds in a smooth and even pace. With so many obstacles in their way - Kit, Kit’s evil family, and Brandon’s past, I ended up rooting for them even though (especially towards the end), it felt like a doomed romance. I must say that I am very satisfied with the ending. It’s a good ending with a nice twist on Brandon’s part. You really can’t have it all, but as Scher and Brandon shows us, compromising can lead to pleasant and happy endings. If you are not a big fan of erotic novels but would like to give Jade Lee a try, consider Wicked Surrender. Lee’s latest novel is a pleasant and enjoyable surprise.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Historical Romance –Sept 7 2010
4 stars
Scheherazade Martin longs for respectability and security in life. As an actress and manager of a small tavern troupe, her status is society is akin to a prostitute and definitely far, far below of a respectable lady. Men offer her carte blanches, but not marriage. Scher is resigned to her lot in life and almost becomes the mistress of Brandon Cates, Viscount Blackstone...until his cousin, a young puppyish Kit proposes to Scher, promising to give her everything she ever wanted. But, can Scher learn to forget Brandon? Which will she choose? Him or her dreams?
To be honest, I was kind of weary of Lee. I have read her book Tempted Tigress before and it was kind of disappointing and not at all my cup of tea. But, Wicked Surrender definitely surpassed my expectations. Scher’s character is fascinating - her desire to be accepted by society is something many of us can relate to. Not only that, the way she handled society’s criticism shows her resilience and determination. Brandon, our tortured dark hero, is also another pleasant surprise. Instead of the usual alpha male swaggering and seducing, he’s vulnerable and defeated to the point where he no longer has the will to live. Most romance writers will never write about such a downtrodden male character, which makes Lee’s portrayal of him so touching and real.
The romance between Scher and Brandon unfolds in a smooth and even pace. With so many obstacles in their way - Kit, Kit’s evil family, and Brandon’s past, I ended up rooting for them even though (especially towards the end), it felt like a doomed romance. I must say that I am very satisfied with the ending. It’s a good ending with a nice twist on Brandon’s part. You really can’t have it all, but as Scher and Brandon shows us, compromising can lead to pleasant and happy endings. If you are not a big fan of erotic novels but would like to give Jade Lee a try, consider Wicked Surrender. Lee’s latest novel is a pleasant and enjoyable surprise.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
August 7, 2012
I don't know where on goodreads I read a review that made this book sound interesting. What I do know is that I am grateful that I decided to read the book. It has to be one of the best romance novels I have ever read.
I stopped halfway thorough it to jot down a few things that struck me when I read them. One thing being how much I loved the fact that Jade Lee respected the ear that she wrote about and did not skirt the social mores of that era. The way she wrote about how actresses were thought of is consistent with what we know of the time. She did not create some fairytale historical world where even though Sher had been born an actresses the highest echelons of her society would accept her without question, real judgement or harsh scrutiny. I really like that Lee was talented enough to write a novel that actually dealt with the realities of the social environment of the time and make the struggles believable.
I also absolutely loved where Lee took an old oft used and much hated (by me) she says no but really means yes scenario and allowed Sher to say no, mean it and stand by it regardless of the fact that she really desired Brandon. I cannot remember ever really reading it done before in a period romance and I admired Sher even more for it.
Sher was a determined spirited woman without ever becoming hateful, shrewish, or even bitchy. She was smart, resourceful and resolute. She will probably always be one of my favorite romance heroines.
I was a little troubled by Brandon's secret issue. I did not see how it could be resolved in a believable fashion but in the end I like how it was handled. A little far fetched maybe but all in all not bad.
I did not like what happened to Kit and was surprised by it but I see there is more to come maybe.
My biggest gripe is that this book ended extremely abruptly. I happen to like my epilogues to be related to the book I am reading and not just used as a set up for the next novel. I wish there was more to read of Brandon and Sher. They were great.
IIt is very seldom that I become a real fan of an author after just one book but this one has me. I really like Jade Lee's style!
I stopped halfway thorough it to jot down a few things that struck me when I read them. One thing being how much I loved the fact that Jade Lee respected the ear that she wrote about and did not skirt the social mores of that era. The way she wrote about how actresses were thought of is consistent with what we know of the time. She did not create some fairytale historical world where even though Sher had been born an actresses the highest echelons of her society would accept her without question, real judgement or harsh scrutiny. I really like that Lee was talented enough to write a novel that actually dealt with the realities of the social environment of the time and make the struggles believable.
I also absolutely loved where Lee took an old oft used and much hated (by me) she says no but really means yes scenario and allowed Sher to say no, mean it and stand by it regardless of the fact that she really desired Brandon. I cannot remember ever really reading it done before in a period romance and I admired Sher even more for it.
Sher was a determined spirited woman without ever becoming hateful, shrewish, or even bitchy. She was smart, resourceful and resolute. She will probably always be one of my favorite romance heroines.
I was a little troubled by Brandon's secret issue. I did not see how it could be resolved in a believable fashion but in the end I like how it was handled. A little far fetched maybe but all in all not bad.
I did not like what happened to Kit and was surprised by it but I see there is more to come maybe.
My biggest gripe is that this book ended extremely abruptly. I happen to like my epilogues to be related to the book I am reading and not just used as a set up for the next novel. I wish there was more to read of Brandon and Sher. They were great.
IIt is very seldom that I become a real fan of an author after just one book but this one has me. I really like Jade Lee's style!
May 11, 2016
A Dream, a Proposal, the Love of a Man and Women and the London Ton! Can one survive it
all!!!!!!
This is one of the First Jade Lee novels that I have read. Thank you Ebook Discovery for introducing me to her.
Lady Scher (the heroine is named Scheherazade) Martin is a hostess at a the local tavern/playhouse. She was born and raised there but was not blessed with the talent for acting. Instead, she runs the tavern. Her dream is to one day be a respectable lady. She believes she can raise her station through marriage.
Through her tavern/playhouse she meets two gentlemen of the ton: Kit Fraser, the youngest son of a titled family and Lord Blackthorn (Brandon). Ironically, they are cousins. Kit proposes marriage to her. She sees the dream she has always had within her reach. Then enters Lord Blackstone who also wants her but he can only have her as his mistress.
Are things as they really seem? How Scher's past lifestyle affect their relationship? Is Scher really willing to allow Kit to have full possession of all that she owes? How will members of the Ton react?
This is a wonderful novel with many twists and turns. It will make you laugh, cry and want to throw something at the nobility of their time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will DEFINITELY be looking to read more by Jade Lee.
**I received an Ebook Discovery copy in exchange for and honest review. However, it did NOT affect my review in ANY WAY!!**
all!!!!!!
This is one of the First Jade Lee novels that I have read. Thank you Ebook Discovery for introducing me to her.
Lady Scher (the heroine is named Scheherazade) Martin is a hostess at a the local tavern/playhouse. She was born and raised there but was not blessed with the talent for acting. Instead, she runs the tavern. Her dream is to one day be a respectable lady. She believes she can raise her station through marriage.
Through her tavern/playhouse she meets two gentlemen of the ton: Kit Fraser, the youngest son of a titled family and Lord Blackthorn (Brandon). Ironically, they are cousins. Kit proposes marriage to her. She sees the dream she has always had within her reach. Then enters Lord Blackstone who also wants her but he can only have her as his mistress.
Are things as they really seem? How Scher's past lifestyle affect their relationship? Is Scher really willing to allow Kit to have full possession of all that she owes? How will members of the Ton react?
This is a wonderful novel with many twists and turns. It will make you laugh, cry and want to throw something at the nobility of their time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will DEFINITELY be looking to read more by Jade Lee.
**I received an Ebook Discovery copy in exchange for and honest review. However, it did NOT affect my review in ANY WAY!!**
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