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Dartmouth Brides #1
The Pursuit of Pleasure
Lizzie Paxton's dream in life is to be a widow - if only she could skip the wedding and the husband. When her childhood friend Captain James Marlowe proposes a marriage in name only, she accepts, knowing she'll have the independence she craves once he sets sail. Though James is the only man Lizzie trusts, she doesn't trust the scintillating desire he evokes in her. James knows he shouldn't get involved with anyone, especially with his uncertain future. But he just can't help himself when he overhears Lizzie's declaration. Though he's promised her a marriage of convenience, he wastes no time in seducing her and taking her over the precipice of desire. Yet not even his beautiful wife can deter him from his cause. But when Lizzie discovers her husband has deceived her, James must choose between devotion to duty and loyalty to the woman he cannot live without...
344 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
51 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Essex
45 books333 followersWhen not re-reading Jane Austen, sipping tea or mucking about her garden, Elizabeth Essex can be found at her computer, making up wonderful stories about people who live far more interesting lives than she.
Elizabeth Essex
It wasn’t always so. Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classical Studies and Art History, and then earned her MA from Texas A&M University in Nautical Archaeology, also known as the archaeology of shipwrecks. While Elizabeth loved the life of a working archaeologist, after writing and reading all those dry, dusty reports on ship construction, she would daydream about how lovely it would have been if only someone had fallen in love on just one of those ships. And so now she writes stories about just that.
Elizabeth lives in Texas with her family, in a house filled to the brim with books.
Elizabeth Essex
It wasn’t always so. Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classical Studies and Art History, and then earned her MA from Texas A&M University in Nautical Archaeology, also known as the archaeology of shipwrecks. While Elizabeth loved the life of a working archaeologist, after writing and reading all those dry, dusty reports on ship construction, she would daydream about how lovely it would have been if only someone had fallen in love on just one of those ships. And so now she writes stories about just that.
Elizabeth lives in Texas with her family, in a house filled to the brim with books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 17, 2011
Don't let the synopsis fool you --- this book is MUCH better. :)
I'd never heard of Elizabeth Essex before, but once I saw the cover I lusted after it. I downloaded a Kindle sample and liked it. Then I bought the book and loved it.
What sounded like a couple of tried and true romance tropes -- "marriage-of-convenience" mixed with "childhood friends to lovers" became so much more in the hands of this author. The period setting (1794 during the French Revolutionary War) was new to me. It also WASN'T set in London, and the characters weren't of the ton which was so refreshing, I can't even tell you. The story was interesting, with some twists and turns that kept me up too late reading, but it was really the writing that hooked me.
I quite liked the heroine but I can't tell you all the reasons why without spoiling the book. Suffice it to say I thought her character was strong, and believable, and funny, and real. She speaks like a real woman would, including dropping an 18th century equivalent of the "f" bomb and using biting sarcasm when she is really, really angry. And boy, does she have cause to be. She has been deceived by the Hero in more than one way - including one HUGE one that not even he could have anticipated.
Jamie and Lizzie's relationship and how they relate to each other struck me as being very realistic; even (and especially) when they are angry with each other. And I gotta say the love scenes were pretty steamy.
By turns witty, fast-paced, and a little bit angsty, told with a fresh voice and clever dialogue, this book was a really pleasant surprise. I'm looking forward to reading her next one.
4 stars.
I'd never heard of Elizabeth Essex before, but once I saw the cover I lusted after it. I downloaded a Kindle sample and liked it. Then I bought the book and loved it.
What sounded like a couple of tried and true romance tropes -- "marriage-of-convenience" mixed with "childhood friends to lovers" became so much more in the hands of this author. The period setting (1794 during the French Revolutionary War) was new to me. It also WASN'T set in London, and the characters weren't of the ton which was so refreshing, I can't even tell you. The story was interesting, with some twists and turns that kept me up too late reading, but it was really the writing that hooked me.
I quite liked the heroine but I can't tell you all the reasons why without spoiling the book. Suffice it to say I thought her character was strong, and believable, and funny, and real. She speaks like a real woman would, including dropping an 18th century equivalent of the "f" bomb and using biting sarcasm when she is really, really angry. And boy, does she have cause to be. She has been deceived by the Hero in more than one way - including one HUGE one that not even he could have anticipated.
Jamie and Lizzie's relationship and how they relate to each other struck me as being very realistic; even (and especially) when they are angry with each other. And I gotta say the love scenes were pretty steamy.
By turns witty, fast-paced, and a little bit angsty, told with a fresh voice and clever dialogue, this book was a really pleasant surprise. I'm looking forward to reading her next one.
4 stars.
March 19, 2017
The Pursuit of Pleasure 'The Pursuit of Pleasure' by Elizabeth Essex is book One in the "Dartmouth Brides" series. This is the story of James and Lizzie. Please beware that this book was originally released in 2010 and now being re-released with a updated cover. James and Lizzie were once childhood friends but then James went left he didn't come back for 10 years. Now he is back and thinks to marry Lizzie to keep his estate safe while he is on a mission. But unknown to her she thinks she is marrying him and just a back up plan if something does happen to him. But this deception leads to Lizzie getting into trouble and when her husband comes back she makes him aware of all the damage he has done. Can he get her to ever forgive him?"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68https:/... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
January 24, 2011
Yep, here I am, being Negative Nelly again. I wanted to like this one. I was excited to start reading it when it arrived. Then I was very annoyed by the first chapter, and while it improved slightly, it was still a disappointing read.
It was a childhood-friends-turned-lovers storyline, which I've discovered I really enjoy. I think it's fun to see a couple that has an actual history already to build on, rather than falling madly in love as soon as they set eyes on each other. The trouble with it in this novel is that the reader only gets a few (very) brief glimpses of their childhood past together. We're told they had so much fun together and were crazy about one another, but we never actually see evidence of that.
Speaking of the show-don't-tell commandment, the book really failed there in the first chapter (which is why I was so aggravated when I began reading it). Jamie gives adjective after adjective to describe Lizzie when they meet again: Lizzie's stubborn, Lizzie's passionate, Lizzie's defiant...I wanted the author to stop telling me what she was by throwing descriptors at me, and show me evidence of those personality traits. We do get some of that later, which makes the beginning even more extraneous.
Lizzie was certainly a strong, spunky heroine, but she crossed over into annoying and petulant at times. She's so determined to be independent that she ignores good sense a lot of the time. She comes across as a small child who decides to do something not because she wants to, but because someone else doesn't want her to, just so she can prove them wrong.
The sexual relationship really fell flat for me, and bothered me quite a bit, as well. It felt like every sexual interaction they had was based on some sort of struggle for dominance. Jamie trying to prove to her that she needed him, she trying not to give in. I understand that it was another way to express the conflicts they experienced, but felt that it was overused. I think some of the sex scenes should have been about loving one another, not proving something.
***SPOILERS***
This book tries to have a plot, so kudos for that. There's a very interesting gun-smuggling operation going on based out of Jamie's cottage, that Lizzie ends up in the middle of. This could have made the book really intriguing, but instead that story is pushed way off to the side. Attention is paid to it sporadically, and there are a few short scenes where we see some of the bad guys plotting nefarious things, but that's it. The story would have been much stronger if that plotline had been developed. I wanted to see Jamie and Hugh trying to fit in as smugglers, and the true smugglers engaging in some bad-guy behavior rather than it all happening off the page.
I really don't know if I could have forgiven Jamie for everything he did as easily as Lizzie does. Sure, it takes her a chapter or two to get over it, and she brings it up a few more times near the end of the story, but it's brushed aside pretty quickly. He basically uses her as a pawn, fakes his own death, and lets her rot in jail for a month, all because of his job? Uh, no thanks. To me, that makes him a pretty shitty love interest, which I think is where most of my problems lie. If he truly loved Lizzie (and had since he was a child, as he claimed), nothing - not his job, his responsibilities, his duty to his country - should be more important than her. Clearly that wasn't the case, and that frustrated me. When I read romances, love should conquer all. Instead, Jamie just sits back and waits for the time to be convenient for him to do something to save her. Not romantic at all, and certainly not the type of hero I want to spend my time reading about.
It was a childhood-friends-turned-lovers storyline, which I've discovered I really enjoy. I think it's fun to see a couple that has an actual history already to build on, rather than falling madly in love as soon as they set eyes on each other. The trouble with it in this novel is that the reader only gets a few (very) brief glimpses of their childhood past together. We're told they had so much fun together and were crazy about one another, but we never actually see evidence of that.
Speaking of the show-don't-tell commandment, the book really failed there in the first chapter (which is why I was so aggravated when I began reading it). Jamie gives adjective after adjective to describe Lizzie when they meet again: Lizzie's stubborn, Lizzie's passionate, Lizzie's defiant...I wanted the author to stop telling me what she was by throwing descriptors at me, and show me evidence of those personality traits. We do get some of that later, which makes the beginning even more extraneous.
Lizzie was certainly a strong, spunky heroine, but she crossed over into annoying and petulant at times. She's so determined to be independent that she ignores good sense a lot of the time. She comes across as a small child who decides to do something not because she wants to, but because someone else doesn't want her to, just so she can prove them wrong.
The sexual relationship really fell flat for me, and bothered me quite a bit, as well. It felt like every sexual interaction they had was based on some sort of struggle for dominance. Jamie trying to prove to her that she needed him, she trying not to give in. I understand that it was another way to express the conflicts they experienced, but felt that it was overused. I think some of the sex scenes should have been about loving one another, not proving something.
***SPOILERS***
This book tries to have a plot, so kudos for that. There's a very interesting gun-smuggling operation going on based out of Jamie's cottage, that Lizzie ends up in the middle of. This could have made the book really intriguing, but instead that story is pushed way off to the side. Attention is paid to it sporadically, and there are a few short scenes where we see some of the bad guys plotting nefarious things, but that's it. The story would have been much stronger if that plotline had been developed. I wanted to see Jamie and Hugh trying to fit in as smugglers, and the true smugglers engaging in some bad-guy behavior rather than it all happening off the page.
I really don't know if I could have forgiven Jamie for everything he did as easily as Lizzie does. Sure, it takes her a chapter or two to get over it, and she brings it up a few more times near the end of the story, but it's brushed aside pretty quickly. He basically uses her as a pawn, fakes his own death, and lets her rot in jail for a month, all because of his job? Uh, no thanks. To me, that makes him a pretty shitty love interest, which I think is where most of my problems lie. If he truly loved Lizzie (and had since he was a child, as he claimed), nothing - not his job, his responsibilities, his duty to his country - should be more important than her. Clearly that wasn't the case, and that frustrated me. When I read romances, love should conquer all. Instead, Jamie just sits back and waits for the time to be convenient for him to do something to save her. Not romantic at all, and certainly not the type of hero I want to spend my time reading about.
August 7, 2017
I'd give this a C-, so 2.5 stars rounded up.
Having read and enjoyed some of Elizabeth Essex’s more recent books, I thought I’d try one of her earlier titles and picked up The Pursuit of Pleasure which is her début novel. Ms. Essex has revised and re-edited this newly republished version (I haven’t read the original, so I can’t say what the changes are), but still, the book suffers from a number of flaws - principally related to the characterisation of the heroine and the development of the romance – that have prevented me from rating it more highly.
Elizabeth Paxton and Jameson Marlowe were childhood sweethearts who haven’t seen each other in almost a decade, ever since Jamie ran off to join the navy when he was just fourteen and broke Lizzie’s heart in the process. Now, a decade later, he’s back in Dartmouth charged with a very secret mission and with a very clear design as to how to accomplish it. But when he sets eyes on Lizzie again and overhears her telling a friend that while she doesn’t want to get married, she’d rather like to be a widow because of the freedom it would afford her, Jamie realises that his schemes could offer up a hitherto unforeseen benefit. He offers Lizzie exactly what she wants, telling her that he will shortly be leaving England for the Antipodes, where he will be stationed for eight years and where the chances he will meet an early death are highly likely. If they marry, Lizzie will have her independence and also the income from the house and lands he has recently purchased – property he doesn’t want to bequeath to his smarmy cousin. Lizzie is a little suspicious at first; all the gain is on her side and she can’t see what Jamie will be getting out of the agreement, but he manages to persuade her and they are married a couple of days later.
Neither of them is really prepared for the passion that sparks between them on their wedding night, and both of them realise that perhaps letting go is going to be harder than they at first thought. But Jamie is committed and leaves on schedule, asking Lizzie to do one thing for him, which is not to live at the house, Glass Cottage, because it is in a state of disrepair and isn’t really fit to be lived in. Lizzie doesn’t understand this, as she has already fallen in love with the place and has designs to put things to rights, but as this is likely the last thing Jamie will ever ask of her, she agrees… until events conspire to change her mind and suspicions begin to take root.
I can’t really say much more about the plot without giving spoilers, although as this is a romance novel, I think it’s fairly obvious that Jamie hasn’t told Lizzie the truth about his plans to sail to the other side of the world. But overall, I’m afraid I liked the IDEA of the story more than the story itself, because in order for it to work, Jamie – who really does care for Lizzie, and can be rather a charming chap – has to treat her really badly and allow her to go through some pretty horrible experiences so that he can carry out his mission to bring down the dangerous smuggling ring that is operating from somewhere near Glass Cottage. I could understand that, as a member of the military, he was operating under orders, but it didn’t make him an easy character to like. Mind you, Lizzie isn’t especially likeable, either, being the sort of heroine who is so set on being independent and doing things Her Way, that she makes poor decisions and doesn’t listen to good advice. Instead of coming off as practical and determined, she frequently seems childish and petulant, and as though she’s doing things because other people don’t want her to rather than because they’re the right thing to do.
The romance storyline occurs primarily in the first half of the book, because the two protagonists are separated for most of the second. I enjoy friends-to-lovers stories, but it seems to me that Ms. Essex has used their previous association as a kind of “shorthand”, because the relationship is never really developed. Jamie and Lizzie see each other again and both suffer a bad case of insta-lust, but other than the physical, it’s difficult to see what attracts them to one another. Jamie likes Lizzie’s spirit and respects her desire for independence (good for him on that one) and Lizzie feels that Jamie is the one person who really knows and understands her – but these are things we’re told and asked to accept, rather than things we can experience along with the characters.
The smuggling plotline which drives the second half of The Pursuit of Pleasure is intriguing, although the identity of the villains is pretty obvious from the start, and there are a number of inconsistencies which took me out of the story on several occasions. The storyline has a lot of potential, but falls down in the execution, and that, combined with the not-too-likeable characters and weak romance make this a book I can’t really recommend.
Having read and enjoyed some of Elizabeth Essex’s more recent books, I thought I’d try one of her earlier titles and picked up The Pursuit of Pleasure which is her début novel. Ms. Essex has revised and re-edited this newly republished version (I haven’t read the original, so I can’t say what the changes are), but still, the book suffers from a number of flaws - principally related to the characterisation of the heroine and the development of the romance – that have prevented me from rating it more highly.
Elizabeth Paxton and Jameson Marlowe were childhood sweethearts who haven’t seen each other in almost a decade, ever since Jamie ran off to join the navy when he was just fourteen and broke Lizzie’s heart in the process. Now, a decade later, he’s back in Dartmouth charged with a very secret mission and with a very clear design as to how to accomplish it. But when he sets eyes on Lizzie again and overhears her telling a friend that while she doesn’t want to get married, she’d rather like to be a widow because of the freedom it would afford her, Jamie realises that his schemes could offer up a hitherto unforeseen benefit. He offers Lizzie exactly what she wants, telling her that he will shortly be leaving England for the Antipodes, where he will be stationed for eight years and where the chances he will meet an early death are highly likely. If they marry, Lizzie will have her independence and also the income from the house and lands he has recently purchased – property he doesn’t want to bequeath to his smarmy cousin. Lizzie is a little suspicious at first; all the gain is on her side and she can’t see what Jamie will be getting out of the agreement, but he manages to persuade her and they are married a couple of days later.
Neither of them is really prepared for the passion that sparks between them on their wedding night, and both of them realise that perhaps letting go is going to be harder than they at first thought. But Jamie is committed and leaves on schedule, asking Lizzie to do one thing for him, which is not to live at the house, Glass Cottage, because it is in a state of disrepair and isn’t really fit to be lived in. Lizzie doesn’t understand this, as she has already fallen in love with the place and has designs to put things to rights, but as this is likely the last thing Jamie will ever ask of her, she agrees… until events conspire to change her mind and suspicions begin to take root.
I can’t really say much more about the plot without giving spoilers, although as this is a romance novel, I think it’s fairly obvious that Jamie hasn’t told Lizzie the truth about his plans to sail to the other side of the world. But overall, I’m afraid I liked the IDEA of the story more than the story itself, because in order for it to work, Jamie – who really does care for Lizzie, and can be rather a charming chap – has to treat her really badly and allow her to go through some pretty horrible experiences so that he can carry out his mission to bring down the dangerous smuggling ring that is operating from somewhere near Glass Cottage. I could understand that, as a member of the military, he was operating under orders, but it didn’t make him an easy character to like. Mind you, Lizzie isn’t especially likeable, either, being the sort of heroine who is so set on being independent and doing things Her Way, that she makes poor decisions and doesn’t listen to good advice. Instead of coming off as practical and determined, she frequently seems childish and petulant, and as though she’s doing things because other people don’t want her to rather than because they’re the right thing to do.
The romance storyline occurs primarily in the first half of the book, because the two protagonists are separated for most of the second. I enjoy friends-to-lovers stories, but it seems to me that Ms. Essex has used their previous association as a kind of “shorthand”, because the relationship is never really developed. Jamie and Lizzie see each other again and both suffer a bad case of insta-lust, but other than the physical, it’s difficult to see what attracts them to one another. Jamie likes Lizzie’s spirit and respects her desire for independence (good for him on that one) and Lizzie feels that Jamie is the one person who really knows and understands her – but these are things we’re told and asked to accept, rather than things we can experience along with the characters.
The smuggling plotline which drives the second half of The Pursuit of Pleasure is intriguing, although the identity of the villains is pretty obvious from the start, and there are a number of inconsistencies which took me out of the story on several occasions. The storyline has a lot of potential, but falls down in the execution, and that, combined with the not-too-likeable characters and weak romance make this a book I can’t really recommend.
August 6, 2011
I was pleasantly surprised with Elizabeth Essex's debut novel, I really did enjoy it and recommend it to others who like historical romance with a complete story.
Lizzie Paxton wants freedom. Freedom to do what she wants, by herself even though she is a privileged woman. She wants to be a widow. To have the freedom and security without having to deal with a man. Captain James Marlowe (Jamie), a life long friend of Lizzie's over hears this and cannot help but offer her the proposition she wants. Marry him, all his money and a vacant cottage can be hers. He will likely die anyway at some point being in the Royal Navy.
Lizzie's parents are beside themselves with the news of Lizzie's impending/rushed marriage. This story definitely has a meddling father that thinks he knew what was best when Lizzie and Jamie were younger. His involvement is revealed later. Jeremy Wroxham, Jamie's wastrel, dandy of a cousin is up to no good. He wants Jamie's cottage. Definitely the villian in the story, he's always popping up when he shouldn't be around, there is definitely a twist to reveal the mastermind behind Wroxham.
Jamie must deceive Lizzie in one of the biggest ways someone can to another. He set out to serve his secret Naval mission that has to do with smuggling, but got caught up with his love with Lizzie. He has always loved her. Lizzie is a strong and independent woman, the only thing that scares her a bit, is her love for Jamie. Adventure and danger is no problem to her. Once she finds out the ultimate betrayal, she has to decide what players in the dangerous game she has invited onto her property, are the bad guys and who the good guys are. And if she can really trust and love Jamie again. Is he worth it?
I enjoyed the mystery behind the smuggling, I felt the plot dragged a little bit, but was able to over look that. The chemistry between Lizzy and Jamie was explosive. I love two passionate people. I have to commend Essex for her well written and steamy love scenes. Some of the best I have read in a while. There are a few love scenes glossed over, but in my opinion this romance was still worth the read. I definitely would call it historical romance with a few steamy love scenes, and of course there is a great HEA. I only wished there was an epilogue so I could find out what happened next with the couple. I have A Sense of Sin and will get to it soon. A Sense of Sin features Lizzie's friend, Celia, who made a few appearances in this book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, I said that as I closed it with the last page last night. I give this one four stars and look forward to the future work of Elizabeth Essex.
Lizzie Paxton wants freedom. Freedom to do what she wants, by herself even though she is a privileged woman. She wants to be a widow. To have the freedom and security without having to deal with a man. Captain James Marlowe (Jamie), a life long friend of Lizzie's over hears this and cannot help but offer her the proposition she wants. Marry him, all his money and a vacant cottage can be hers. He will likely die anyway at some point being in the Royal Navy.
Lizzie's parents are beside themselves with the news of Lizzie's impending/rushed marriage. This story definitely has a meddling father that thinks he knew what was best when Lizzie and Jamie were younger. His involvement is revealed later. Jeremy Wroxham, Jamie's wastrel, dandy of a cousin is up to no good. He wants Jamie's cottage. Definitely the villian in the story, he's always popping up when he shouldn't be around, there is definitely a twist to reveal the mastermind behind Wroxham.
Jamie must deceive Lizzie in one of the biggest ways someone can to another. He set out to serve his secret Naval mission that has to do with smuggling, but got caught up with his love with Lizzie. He has always loved her. Lizzie is a strong and independent woman, the only thing that scares her a bit, is her love for Jamie. Adventure and danger is no problem to her. Once she finds out the ultimate betrayal, she has to decide what players in the dangerous game she has invited onto her property, are the bad guys and who the good guys are. And if she can really trust and love Jamie again. Is he worth it?
I enjoyed the mystery behind the smuggling, I felt the plot dragged a little bit, but was able to over look that. The chemistry between Lizzy and Jamie was explosive. I love two passionate people. I have to commend Essex for her well written and steamy love scenes. Some of the best I have read in a while. There are a few love scenes glossed over, but in my opinion this romance was still worth the read. I definitely would call it historical romance with a few steamy love scenes, and of course there is a great HEA. I only wished there was an epilogue so I could find out what happened next with the couple. I have A Sense of Sin and will get to it soon. A Sense of Sin features Lizzie's friend, Celia, who made a few appearances in this book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, I said that as I closed it with the last page last night. I give this one four stars and look forward to the future work of Elizabeth Essex.
March 4, 2011
I really wanted to like this book. It had everything in it that would usually make a keeper but it just fell short.
Jamie (H) has returned from the Navy though he's still enlisted, and has a secret mission to acomplish.To do this he plans to use Lizzie (h), a childhood sweetheart who's father forced him at the age of 14 into the Navy to get him away from his daughter. He offers Lizzie a marraige of conv., telling her that he's going right back to war and will probably die and he wants his house secure (so it won't go to his hated cousin). This is fine with Lizzie, she wants to be a widow so she can have an idependent life. She has no idea that Jamie is going to fake his death to that he can set a trap for some smugglers that are using his land.
I'm not sure why I didn't connect with any of these characters but I was left with no feelings for them one way or another.
Jamie (H) has returned from the Navy though he's still enlisted, and has a secret mission to acomplish.To do this he plans to use Lizzie (h), a childhood sweetheart who's father forced him at the age of 14 into the Navy to get him away from his daughter. He offers Lizzie a marraige of conv., telling her that he's going right back to war and will probably die and he wants his house secure (so it won't go to his hated cousin). This is fine with Lizzie, she wants to be a widow so she can have an idependent life. She has no idea that Jamie is going to fake his death to that he can set a trap for some smugglers that are using his land.
I'm not sure why I didn't connect with any of these characters but I was left with no feelings for them one way or another.
July 7, 2011
When I was thirteen, I used to "borrow" my mom's romance novels and read them without her knowing. Elizabeth Essex's The Pursuit of Pleasure would've definitely been one of those novels. It would've spoken to me at the time because it is that poorly written.
The writing was amateurish, choppy, and awkward. Not awkward situations, but awkwardly situated. The premise is that Lizzie Paxton, daughter of Squire Paxton, is keen on gaining her independence. Her views are not conventional or socially accepted. "If I were a widow I'd have everything I need. Independence. Social standing. Financial stability.... It would be perfect. A marriage without the man." Enter Jameson Marlowe, a childhood friend that appears out of nowhere after ten years of being away, with a proposition that will help Lizzie achieve her goal. Sounded interesting enough. I was wrong.
My issues with The Pursuit of Pleasure include:
Lizzie: Fiercely "independent", unconventional, beautiful, unfit for marriage, well-read bookworm, with a feral appetite for sex.... aka every single heroine in romance novels. Her character is nothing new or special. In fact, she's never truly independent because she never gained it for herself. She comes off as spoiled and uncouth. I'm sure that Ms Essex was trying to create a spitfire charming character in Lizzie, but that is certainly not the case. Also, many of the conclusions she comes to in the "intrigue" surrounding her is far-fetched. Intrigue is in quotations because there is none. Lizzie epitomizes Katy Perry's "Hot and Cold", which thirteen year old me would've loved as well. One of the worst characters written EVER!
Jamie: He's likable enough, but it is very obvious in his sentiment that he is written by a woman. That, or he's transgender. However, his treatment of Lizzie is reproachable, and for her to forgive him after everything he has done to her does not speak well of her character.
the sex scenes: They seem to be thrown in at the most random times and are long-winded. For example, Jamie is trying to get Lizzie to leave with the utmost urgency, then suddenly, they're having sex. What? I don't mind sex in a book, but maybe place it where it belongs with the right build-up. Or, one moment, she and Jamie are arguing, then they have sex, then Lizzie declares that she doesn't want to see him ever again.
the plot: It sucks. The Navy is trying to stop a smuggling ring. The bad guy is predictable. Lizzie is the one that uncovers the hideout.... blah blah blah. It was a cushion for all the sex.
the writing: I believe a good writer can convey the character's personality and traits in what they do, not what we're told. Jamie and Lizzie are constantly describing the other when contemplating them. Basically, Ms Essex wants us to believe that Lizzie is "independent" and "defiant". Jamie describes her as defiant as if that is a desirable trait. Also, I found myself bored with the story.
The only good thing about this book is that it was a free download on the Kindle, and I didn't pay dime one for it.
The writing was amateurish, choppy, and awkward. Not awkward situations, but awkwardly situated. The premise is that Lizzie Paxton, daughter of Squire Paxton, is keen on gaining her independence. Her views are not conventional or socially accepted. "If I were a widow I'd have everything I need. Independence. Social standing. Financial stability.... It would be perfect. A marriage without the man." Enter Jameson Marlowe, a childhood friend that appears out of nowhere after ten years of being away, with a proposition that will help Lizzie achieve her goal. Sounded interesting enough. I was wrong.
My issues with The Pursuit of Pleasure include:
Lizzie: Fiercely "independent", unconventional, beautiful, unfit for marriage, well-read bookworm, with a feral appetite for sex.... aka every single heroine in romance novels. Her character is nothing new or special. In fact, she's never truly independent because she never gained it for herself. She comes off as spoiled and uncouth. I'm sure that Ms Essex was trying to create a spitfire charming character in Lizzie, but that is certainly not the case. Also, many of the conclusions she comes to in the "intrigue" surrounding her is far-fetched. Intrigue is in quotations because there is none. Lizzie epitomizes Katy Perry's "Hot and Cold", which thirteen year old me would've loved as well. One of the worst characters written EVER!
Jamie: He's likable enough, but it is very obvious in his sentiment that he is written by a woman. That, or he's transgender. However, his treatment of Lizzie is reproachable, and for her to forgive him after everything he has done to her does not speak well of her character.
the sex scenes: They seem to be thrown in at the most random times and are long-winded. For example, Jamie is trying to get Lizzie to leave with the utmost urgency, then suddenly, they're having sex. What? I don't mind sex in a book, but maybe place it where it belongs with the right build-up. Or, one moment, she and Jamie are arguing, then they have sex, then Lizzie declares that she doesn't want to see him ever again.
the plot: It sucks. The Navy is trying to stop a smuggling ring. The bad guy is predictable. Lizzie is the one that uncovers the hideout.... blah blah blah. It was a cushion for all the sex.
the writing: I believe a good writer can convey the character's personality and traits in what they do, not what we're told. Jamie and Lizzie are constantly describing the other when contemplating them. Basically, Ms Essex wants us to believe that Lizzie is "independent" and "defiant". Jamie describes her as defiant as if that is a desirable trait. Also, I found myself bored with the story.
The only good thing about this book is that it was a free download on the Kindle, and I didn't pay dime one for it.
December 3, 2010
3 ½ stars. I enjoyed the heroine doing unexpected things. Nearby smuggling creates danger.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
It’s different and enjoyable with some freshness. This is not a formulaic romance. Lizzie is strong, independent and intelligent. She does not do what others (including the reader) expect her to do. I liked what she did. I enjoyed her anger and plans for revenge. I liked her conversations with others when they were lying to her and she knew it (and they knew she knew it). There was not much relationship development, but it was good enough.
I wanted to say a lot more in Story Brief below but I couldn’t so as to avoid Spoilers. The plot and the way things evolve are interesting. I would have liked more attention paid to the bad guys. I wanted to see what they were doing and how they did it. One bad guy scene was done with no names. By the end of the book, I was still wondering who had said what in that scene. I wanted to know more about Maguire’s past and current activities. A conversation about him at the end of the book confused me. But the story was still good not knowing those things.
STORY BRIEF:
Jamie and Lizzie were childhood friends. Jamie went off to the Navy for ten years and just now returned. He overhears Lizzie telling a friend that her dearest dream is to become a widow so she could live independently. He proposes marriage saying he expects to die in the near future. The Navy is sending him on an eight year mission to Antipodes which is a dangerous assignment, most likely to kill him. His motive is that he bought a house with tenant lands around it, and he doesn’t want his cousin to inherit it. Lizzie has never desired other men and is tired of being ruled by her father. She agrees. They marry. Jamie asks Lizzie not to move into the house until the repairs are finished. Then he leaves for the Navy. Lizzie disregards his instructions and soon moves into the house. Some smuggling activities are happening near the house which is near the sea. Bad guys cause problems for Lizzie.
DATA:
Story length: 321 pages. Swearing language: moderate, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 5. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 20. Setting: 1794 Dartmouth, England. Copyright: 2010. Genre: historical romantic mystery suspense.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
It’s different and enjoyable with some freshness. This is not a formulaic romance. Lizzie is strong, independent and intelligent. She does not do what others (including the reader) expect her to do. I liked what she did. I enjoyed her anger and plans for revenge. I liked her conversations with others when they were lying to her and she knew it (and they knew she knew it). There was not much relationship development, but it was good enough.
I wanted to say a lot more in Story Brief below but I couldn’t so as to avoid Spoilers. The plot and the way things evolve are interesting. I would have liked more attention paid to the bad guys. I wanted to see what they were doing and how they did it. One bad guy scene was done with no names. By the end of the book, I was still wondering who had said what in that scene. I wanted to know more about Maguire’s past and current activities. A conversation about him at the end of the book confused me. But the story was still good not knowing those things.
STORY BRIEF:
Jamie and Lizzie were childhood friends. Jamie went off to the Navy for ten years and just now returned. He overhears Lizzie telling a friend that her dearest dream is to become a widow so she could live independently. He proposes marriage saying he expects to die in the near future. The Navy is sending him on an eight year mission to Antipodes which is a dangerous assignment, most likely to kill him. His motive is that he bought a house with tenant lands around it, and he doesn’t want his cousin to inherit it. Lizzie has never desired other men and is tired of being ruled by her father. She agrees. They marry. Jamie asks Lizzie not to move into the house until the repairs are finished. Then he leaves for the Navy. Lizzie disregards his instructions and soon moves into the house. Some smuggling activities are happening near the house which is near the sea. Bad guys cause problems for Lizzie.
DATA:
Story length: 321 pages. Swearing language: moderate, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 5. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 20. Setting: 1794 Dartmouth, England. Copyright: 2010. Genre: historical romantic mystery suspense.
March 10, 2017
"The Pursuit of Pleasure was originally published in 2010. This new edition has been revised and reedited. This book was a 2009 Golden Heart finalist with the Romance Writers of America."
The Pursuit of Pleasure by Elizabeth Essex is an enticing Historical Fiction set in 1794 Dartmouth. Book 1 in the "Dartmouth Brides" series.
This is the story of Miss Elizabeth Paxton, aka Lizzie, a heiress and very independent woman. And, Captain Jameson Marlowe, aka James, who is returning to Dartmouth after being gone for a few years. He proposes to Lizzie, a marriage of convenience, where she will quickly become a widow. A night of passion sparks more then either, Lizzie or James wanted or expected. But will it spark a HEA? Can a marriage of convenience -childhood friends - to lovers, bring love, peace and happiness to this couple?
Mystery, suspense, danger, possibly treason, smugglers, secrets, lies and romance, makes for an enticing story.
This story is told from the main character's perspectives, which at times is a bit confusing, but easy to figure out what's happening. The ending felt a bit rushed to me, but was still an enjoyable and satisfying read. The characters were a bit selfish to start with, but came around quickly to know what they wanted. The plot was a bit unique. "The Pursuit of Pleasure" was a sensual read, steady paced, with a few twists and turns but definitely, a read I would strongly recommend. I enjoy Elizabeth Essex's writing, her characterizations and her stories are engaging, somewhat different in tone, but fully understandable, and a joy to read. I look forward to Book 2, as well.
An enjoyable and enticingly intriguing story of passion, love, genuine dialogue and the clever plot, will have readers turning pages, as they learn the fate of Lizzie and James. A great read!
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewed by: AprilR
The Pursuit of Pleasure by Elizabeth Essex is an enticing Historical Fiction set in 1794 Dartmouth. Book 1 in the "Dartmouth Brides" series.
This is the story of Miss Elizabeth Paxton, aka Lizzie, a heiress and very independent woman. And, Captain Jameson Marlowe, aka James, who is returning to Dartmouth after being gone for a few years. He proposes to Lizzie, a marriage of convenience, where she will quickly become a widow. A night of passion sparks more then either, Lizzie or James wanted or expected. But will it spark a HEA? Can a marriage of convenience -childhood friends - to lovers, bring love, peace and happiness to this couple?
Mystery, suspense, danger, possibly treason, smugglers, secrets, lies and romance, makes for an enticing story.
This story is told from the main character's perspectives, which at times is a bit confusing, but easy to figure out what's happening. The ending felt a bit rushed to me, but was still an enjoyable and satisfying read. The characters were a bit selfish to start with, but came around quickly to know what they wanted. The plot was a bit unique. "The Pursuit of Pleasure" was a sensual read, steady paced, with a few twists and turns but definitely, a read I would strongly recommend. I enjoy Elizabeth Essex's writing, her characterizations and her stories are engaging, somewhat different in tone, but fully understandable, and a joy to read. I look forward to Book 2, as well.
An enjoyable and enticingly intriguing story of passion, love, genuine dialogue and the clever plot, will have readers turning pages, as they learn the fate of Lizzie and James. A great read!
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewed by: AprilR
October 17, 2011
Eh... wish I could say more about this book, because it has real potential. It just got half-baked and over-steamed by an author and publisher determined to crank out smut without any regard to readers or stories. Hey, if we give them enough eye candy and lots of steam and angst, who needs a true plot?
Lizzie and James are childhood friends who get caught playing "doctor" as curious early-teens will do. Except that Lizzie's country squire father doesn't approve of James' no connections, no money family. So he buys the 14-year old a place in His Majesty's Navy and bodily throws the boy into his new life.
Fast forward 10 years. Lizzie is now a stunning young woman who feels the need to be independent. She wants nothing more than to be a young widow. James is a man in search of way to keep the home and fortune he acquired as part of His Majesty's Navy safe... and oh, yes... he's on a spy mission for the government -- one that requires he "die", so that he can better fulfill his mission. James just happens to overhear Lizzie - how perfect! Now he can marry the girl, have mad sex with her for a few nights, and romp off to his mission, leaving her with the money she desires for her independence and him proof of his death. How convenient! Except it never happens that way, does it?
Who's behind the smuggling plot is so transparent, you just want to strike James, Lizzie, and everyone involved. The "dirty talk" is so unnecessary - take a clue from Julia Quinn in "When He Was Wicked"! Her characters are naughty in a delicious way... yet they aren't vulgar about it. Get a plot, already!
Sorry, but this book made me want to blow them all up. Which is such a shame, because had someone taken the time and care with this story that it was due, it could have been more than just a few pages of smut... unsatisfying smut, at that!
Lizzie and James are childhood friends who get caught playing "doctor" as curious early-teens will do. Except that Lizzie's country squire father doesn't approve of James' no connections, no money family. So he buys the 14-year old a place in His Majesty's Navy and bodily throws the boy into his new life.
Fast forward 10 years. Lizzie is now a stunning young woman who feels the need to be independent. She wants nothing more than to be a young widow. James is a man in search of way to keep the home and fortune he acquired as part of His Majesty's Navy safe... and oh, yes... he's on a spy mission for the government -- one that requires he "die", so that he can better fulfill his mission. James just happens to overhear Lizzie - how perfect! Now he can marry the girl, have mad sex with her for a few nights, and romp off to his mission, leaving her with the money she desires for her independence and him proof of his death. How convenient! Except it never happens that way, does it?
Who's behind the smuggling plot is so transparent, you just want to strike James, Lizzie, and everyone involved. The "dirty talk" is so unnecessary - take a clue from Julia Quinn in "When He Was Wicked"! Her characters are naughty in a delicious way... yet they aren't vulgar about it. Get a plot, already!
Sorry, but this book made me want to blow them all up. Which is such a shame, because had someone taken the time and care with this story that it was due, it could have been more than just a few pages of smut... unsatisfying smut, at that!
March 24, 2012
When her childhood friend James Marlowe proposes a marriage in name only, Lizzie thinks it may be the answer to her quest for independence. What she doesn't count on is the passion James will make her feel... or the secrets he's keeping...
This book was a bummer, and what it boils down to is the unhealthy relationship between the unlikable main characters.
Lizzie was... hard. And selfish. And kind of a jerk. And a bit of an idiot.
Marlowe was less hard, at least at first, but also kind of a jerk in his own way. At one point he does Lizzie a terrible wrong. His reasons are kind of understandable, although it's not easy to view him as a big hero afterwards. But although he's remorseful at first (achingly so - that bit was the best written and most heart wrenching part of the book) he quickly does an about-face and acts like an arse from then on. Although he's still sorry, it's more like he's not sorry to her anymore, he just feels wretched within himself, like he's selfish in his remorse.
As an example of their relationship, here's a snippet from one of their sex scenes: 'She arched her back and tilted her hips, desperate to take him deeper inside her. "Damn you, Jamie Marlowe. Damn you." He wrapped his free hand across her lips and put his mouth next to her ear, his words a low, gravelly rush. "Shut up, Lizzie. Hold your tongue or I won't f*ck you anymore."'
All in all, these are not two people I particularly wanted to spend time with, and that's crucial in a romance. At one point, Lizzie thinks to herself: 'Lord, but all this strategizing, all this keeping in and releasing of anger, was so infernally wearying.' Yep. That about sums it up.
The sex was heated, but when you can't love the characters having it, it cools considerably. And James' domineering and bossy sides really came out then. Also, 'quim' and 'cunny' are two of the unsexiest words ever.
This book was a bummer, and what it boils down to is the unhealthy relationship between the unlikable main characters.
Lizzie was... hard. And selfish. And kind of a jerk. And a bit of an idiot.
Marlowe was less hard, at least at first, but also kind of a jerk in his own way. At one point he does Lizzie a terrible wrong. His reasons are kind of understandable, although it's not easy to view him as a big hero afterwards. But although he's remorseful at first (achingly so - that bit was the best written and most heart wrenching part of the book) he quickly does an about-face and acts like an arse from then on. Although he's still sorry, it's more like he's not sorry to her anymore, he just feels wretched within himself, like he's selfish in his remorse.
As an example of their relationship, here's a snippet from one of their sex scenes: 'She arched her back and tilted her hips, desperate to take him deeper inside her. "Damn you, Jamie Marlowe. Damn you." He wrapped his free hand across her lips and put his mouth next to her ear, his words a low, gravelly rush. "Shut up, Lizzie. Hold your tongue or I won't f*ck you anymore."'
All in all, these are not two people I particularly wanted to spend time with, and that's crucial in a romance. At one point, Lizzie thinks to herself: 'Lord, but all this strategizing, all this keeping in and releasing of anger, was so infernally wearying.' Yep. That about sums it up.
The sex was heated, but when you can't love the characters having it, it cools considerably. And James' domineering and bossy sides really came out then. Also, 'quim' and 'cunny' are two of the unsexiest words ever.
March 7, 2017
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
I read the original version of this book years ago and gave it a 5 star rating. I can honestly say that I have no idea what was changed/revised in this edition, but I think I was either feeling generous years ago or I have become pickier as I have aged - because I didn't feel like this was a 5 star read. It was good - solid 4 stars, but definitely not 5.
Lizzie and James aka Jamie have a history. They were the best of friends as children and starting to become more when Jamie ups and leaves for the Navy without a word.
Ten years later he is back and he is on a mission. He approaches Lizzie with a proposition - he will marry her to keep his property and fortune from his no-good cousin and in turn he will leave her a widow. Lizzie accepts because she wants to be independent and being a widow is just the ticket.
These two marry and share an incredible night of passion. Jamie leaves for his mission within days, but makes Lizzie promise to stay in town and not at the cottage. He has his reasons and the reader is privy to them, but Lizzie isn't.
Within weeks of his departure, Lizzie is informed of his death. She is heartbroken and decides to go to the cottage to feel closer to his memory. From here the story really takes off. There are so many secrets and twists in the story that at times it is hard to keep up.
The book is good, but feels a little disjointed. I know Lizzie and Jamie are in love, but the story really lacked romance - but that was more about the personalities of Lizzie and Jamie than any flaw in the writing. They simply are not lovey-dovey type of characters.
I did like the book and I would have no problem recommending it!
I read the original version of this book years ago and gave it a 5 star rating. I can honestly say that I have no idea what was changed/revised in this edition, but I think I was either feeling generous years ago or I have become pickier as I have aged - because I didn't feel like this was a 5 star read. It was good - solid 4 stars, but definitely not 5.
Lizzie and James aka Jamie have a history. They were the best of friends as children and starting to become more when Jamie ups and leaves for the Navy without a word.
Ten years later he is back and he is on a mission. He approaches Lizzie with a proposition - he will marry her to keep his property and fortune from his no-good cousin and in turn he will leave her a widow. Lizzie accepts because she wants to be independent and being a widow is just the ticket.
These two marry and share an incredible night of passion. Jamie leaves for his mission within days, but makes Lizzie promise to stay in town and not at the cottage. He has his reasons and the reader is privy to them, but Lizzie isn't.
Within weeks of his departure, Lizzie is informed of his death. She is heartbroken and decides to go to the cottage to feel closer to his memory. From here the story really takes off. There are so many secrets and twists in the story that at times it is hard to keep up.
The book is good, but feels a little disjointed. I know Lizzie and Jamie are in love, but the story really lacked romance - but that was more about the personalities of Lizzie and Jamie than any flaw in the writing. They simply are not lovey-dovey type of characters.
I did like the book and I would have no problem recommending it!
May 21, 2012
After being thrilled with Elizabeth Essex's forthcoming novel, Almost a Scandal, I decided to go back and read one of her earlier works.
Unfortunately, I wan't nearly as pleased with this one, despite the many similarities.
The writing style was still one I enjoyed, and I LOVED the basic premise. However, I spent far too much of the book wanting to smash Jamie's face with a hammer for being such a complete and utter chode, and wanting to pimpslap Lizzie for being so bloody weak when it came to her hormones. *shrugs* I suppose I was hoping for more groveling and less, well, shagging, when it came to Jamie making up to Lizzie for his horrible betrayal. As strong and stubborn a character as Lizzie was, she was far to quick to just fall into bed with Jamie (or the floor, or the road, or the... well, you get the picture), and despite the fact that I DID feel that Jamie regretted hurting her, I never really felt like justice was served, and that, more than anything, kept this from a higher rating.
3/5 Stars.
Unfortunately, I wan't nearly as pleased with this one, despite the many similarities.
The writing style was still one I enjoyed, and I LOVED the basic premise. However, I spent far too much of the book wanting to smash Jamie's face with a hammer for being such a complete and utter chode, and wanting to pimpslap Lizzie for being so bloody weak when it came to her hormones. *shrugs* I suppose I was hoping for more groveling and less, well, shagging, when it came to Jamie making up to Lizzie for his horrible betrayal. As strong and stubborn a character as Lizzie was, she was far to quick to just fall into bed with Jamie (or the floor, or the road, or the... well, you get the picture), and despite the fact that I DID feel that Jamie regretted hurting her, I never really felt like justice was served, and that, more than anything, kept this from a higher rating.
3/5 Stars.
April 17, 2011
While the sex scenes are sizzling, Marlowe treats Lizzie quite callously, and his patronizing attitude toward her is infuriating, even if it's period-accurate. Their surprise at falling in love is implausible given their lifelong mutual obsession; both author and characters seem to have confused lust and love.
This is a very accurate quote from the product description on Amazon.
Given that this is a classic romance book (not an historical fact-checked novel), Marlowe attitude is pretty unforgivable, nor he does anything to be forgiven. I found quite difficult to believe Lizzi simply accepted it.
March 15, 2015
3.25 stars.
I liked the voice. I really liked Lizzie. She’s clever, independent, and managing. There’s very little romance development and Lizzie and Jamie are separated for a third of the story. This didn’t bother me as much as it usually would have because I liked Lizzie so much. She didn’t need a man to make her interesting which is a nice departure from a lot of the romance I read. The story felt fresh and not so formulaic, though things fell apart in the last quarter. Also, obvious bad guy is obvious. But I'd definitely read the author again.
I liked the voice. I really liked Lizzie. She’s clever, independent, and managing. There’s very little romance development and Lizzie and Jamie are separated for a third of the story. This didn’t bother me as much as it usually would have because I liked Lizzie so much. She didn’t need a man to make her interesting which is a nice departure from a lot of the romance I read. The story felt fresh and not so formulaic, though things fell apart in the last quarter. Also, obvious bad guy is obvious. But I'd definitely read the author again.
June 13, 2022
This is my first Elizabeth Essex book, but it won't be the last. I admit the beginning of the book made me frustrated. I hate insta-love/lust and this book definitely had it in spades. However, once the hero's deception came to play things started to get interesting. This book turned wonderfully angsty, which is always a must for me.
February 6, 2011
I won this book through the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood Winter Writing Festival, and Elizabeth Essex sent it to me directly with a very nice note. Thanks, Elizabeth!
I was in love with this story from the first chapter. Lizzie and Jamie were playful from the start, their dialogue so filled with witty banter and sensual innuendo. As childhood best friends who meet again after a long separation, you can feel the effect their previous relationship has on their current interactions--there's already a history, which means there's chemistry from the first moment. The sexual tension between them was strong throughout and it made everything about their interaction sensual. The wedding night sex scenes capitalized on all that sexual tension perfectly, leaving me, like Lizzie, feeling the devastation when Jamie has to leave (forever, we think) shortly thereafter.
For me, everything works about the book--pacing, characterization, their relationship, plot--up until the moment Lizzie is released from jail (p. 223). Then things started to bug me. First of all, I had a hard time accepting how quickly Lizzie forgives Jamie for his very long and serious list of betrayals. When she finally does forgive him, I had a hard time following her rationalization--I had to reread it to see if I could understand her, and I still couldn't really. He marries her for revenge, lied to her about his plans, faked his death, watched her and his whole family bury him and grieve, pulled her in through association to a dangerous smuggling operation, and left her in jail for his murder for weeks. Yet it seems after a chapter or two, which represented very little actual time, she's declaring she just should've trusted him. Hmm.
It was in the post-jail portion of the book that the pacing slowed for me as well--with somewhat repetitive scenes of Lizzie and Jamie arguing, or her trying to figure out the lies everyone was telling. Both characters became less likable and consistent in their characterization--Lizzie's defiance and independence, so likable before, led her to act spitefully and childishly, in ways that often lacked common sense. Jamie's frustration with Lizzie's well-justified hurt and mistrust, his continual placing of his duty above her, and his insistence to prove she needed him--by pushing her face first into the grass and having sex with her, make him less sympathetic at the very moment when the depth of his betrayal is revealed and he needs to be more likable to get the reader back on his side. Perhaps if the reader had been able to read, in scene, some of his anti-smuggling exploits, had been able to really see just how much danger Jamie was potentially in as he tried to infiltrate the smuggling ranks, he would've been more sympathetic. Without those scenes, it seemed he put Lizzie through all those trials to sail back and forth along the coast and hide out as a groundsman on their estate. In my opinion, NOT showing Jamie actually engaged in the dangerous parts of his mission was a missed opportunity for his characterization. Because of these issues, the sexual tension that was SO effective in the first part of the book falls flat in the last third.
The good news is, I was so in love with them before these issues arose, and so rooting for them to be together, that the problems didn't interrupt my overall enjoyment of the book, which I read pretty much straight through in a day and a half, I was so hooked. I was entertained and enjoyed Essex's world and characters, and on that alone, I can recommend.
And, yowza, is that a great (read: hot!) cover, or what?
I was in love with this story from the first chapter. Lizzie and Jamie were playful from the start, their dialogue so filled with witty banter and sensual innuendo. As childhood best friends who meet again after a long separation, you can feel the effect their previous relationship has on their current interactions--there's already a history, which means there's chemistry from the first moment. The sexual tension between them was strong throughout and it made everything about their interaction sensual. The wedding night sex scenes capitalized on all that sexual tension perfectly, leaving me, like Lizzie, feeling the devastation when Jamie has to leave (forever, we think) shortly thereafter.
For me, everything works about the book--pacing, characterization, their relationship, plot--up until the moment Lizzie is released from jail (p. 223). Then things started to bug me. First of all, I had a hard time accepting how quickly Lizzie forgives Jamie for his very long and serious list of betrayals. When she finally does forgive him, I had a hard time following her rationalization--I had to reread it to see if I could understand her, and I still couldn't really. He marries her for revenge, lied to her about his plans, faked his death, watched her and his whole family bury him and grieve, pulled her in through association to a dangerous smuggling operation, and left her in jail for his murder for weeks. Yet it seems after a chapter or two, which represented very little actual time, she's declaring she just should've trusted him. Hmm.
It was in the post-jail portion of the book that the pacing slowed for me as well--with somewhat repetitive scenes of Lizzie and Jamie arguing, or her trying to figure out the lies everyone was telling. Both characters became less likable and consistent in their characterization--Lizzie's defiance and independence, so likable before, led her to act spitefully and childishly, in ways that often lacked common sense. Jamie's frustration with Lizzie's well-justified hurt and mistrust, his continual placing of his duty above her, and his insistence to prove she needed him--by pushing her face first into the grass and having sex with her, make him less sympathetic at the very moment when the depth of his betrayal is revealed and he needs to be more likable to get the reader back on his side. Perhaps if the reader had been able to read, in scene, some of his anti-smuggling exploits, had been able to really see just how much danger Jamie was potentially in as he tried to infiltrate the smuggling ranks, he would've been more sympathetic. Without those scenes, it seemed he put Lizzie through all those trials to sail back and forth along the coast and hide out as a groundsman on their estate. In my opinion, NOT showing Jamie actually engaged in the dangerous parts of his mission was a missed opportunity for his characterization. Because of these issues, the sexual tension that was SO effective in the first part of the book falls flat in the last third.
The good news is, I was so in love with them before these issues arose, and so rooting for them to be together, that the problems didn't interrupt my overall enjoyment of the book, which I read pretty much straight through in a day and a half, I was so hooked. I was entertained and enjoyed Essex's world and characters, and on that alone, I can recommend.
And, yowza, is that a great (read: hot!) cover, or what?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2012
I downloaded this when Kensington offered it as a freebie, last year I think. But for a number of reasons, I didn’t read it until now.
This, unlike most historical romances I read, is set in Dartmouth. And I loved how the setting was used, and how it influenced the plot. I could almost hear the waves crashing against the steep cliffs, and the winds blowing over the moor.I could taste the dust in the air as Lizzie visited The Glass House. But most of all, I loved the Glass House. I loved how isolated it was, and how many secrets it house. But, most of all I liked how Lizzie gradually turned it into a home.
It took awhile before the plot hooked me, but once it did I couldn’t stop reading. I had to find out wheter or not Lizzie would forgive Marlowe, or not. ( I wouldn’t have, honestly.) It was fastpaced, and filled with plot twists that kept on surprising me. I had a hunch who the villain was, but... well, let’s just say I was wrong.
My favorite character is this book was Lizzie. She suffered a lot in the book, but she never gave up. Yes, she grieved for Jamie, but she didn’t let it run her life. She was determined to keep on living her life.
But, if Lizzie was my favorite character I had a lot of trouble with Jamie and the deceptions that surrounded his “death.” But what redeems him to me is the fact that he hated lying to Lizzie.
I felt for the Tuppers, being caught between Jamie’s orders, and Lizzie’s determinations. But, they were good people.
That said, I had one other problem with this book: the romance. Maybe it was because they had been friends for so long, but I never felt that they were in love. They felt more like friends that got married and had sex.
This, unlike most historical romances I read, is set in Dartmouth. And I loved how the setting was used, and how it influenced the plot. I could almost hear the waves crashing against the steep cliffs, and the winds blowing over the moor.I could taste the dust in the air as Lizzie visited The Glass House. But most of all, I loved the Glass House. I loved how isolated it was, and how many secrets it house. But, most of all I liked how Lizzie gradually turned it into a home.
It took awhile before the plot hooked me, but once it did I couldn’t stop reading. I had to find out wheter or not Lizzie would forgive Marlowe, or not. ( I wouldn’t have, honestly.) It was fastpaced, and filled with plot twists that kept on surprising me. I had a hunch who the villain was, but... well, let’s just say I was wrong.
My favorite character is this book was Lizzie. She suffered a lot in the book, but she never gave up. Yes, she grieved for Jamie, but she didn’t let it run her life. She was determined to keep on living her life.
But, if Lizzie was my favorite character I had a lot of trouble with Jamie and the deceptions that surrounded his “death.” But what redeems him to me is the fact that he hated lying to Lizzie.
I felt for the Tuppers, being caught between Jamie’s orders, and Lizzie’s determinations. But, they were good people.
That said, I had one other problem with this book: the romance. Maybe it was because they had been friends for so long, but I never felt that they were in love. They felt more like friends that got married and had sex.
March 5, 2017
This is a newly revised edition of the book
Lizzie Paxton's dream in life is to be a widow - if only she could skip the wedding and the husband. When her childhood friend CommanderJames Marlowe proposes a marriage in name only, she accepts, knowing she'll have the independence she craves once he sets sail. Though James is the only man Lizzie trusts, she doesn't trust the scintillating desire he evokes in her. James knows he shouldn't get involved with anyone, especially with his uncertain future. But he just can't help himself when he overhears Lizzie's declaration. Though he's promised her a marriage of convenience, he wastes no time in seducing her and taking her over the precipice of desire. Yet not even his beautiful wife can deter him from his cause. But when Lizzie discovers her husband has deceived her, James must choose between devotion to duty and loyalty to the woman he cannot live without.
A page turning novel that I was loathe to put down. The characters are well portrayed, Jamie has bought Glass Cottage with his winnings from being in the navy, the house is in need of renovation & Lizzie is determined to do this. She wants to remain at the cottage, as it’s her link with Jamie. The pace of the story is very good, as well as romance there’s a murder to be solved & the being set on the coast there is a smuggling ring to capture
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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April 27, 2017I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review. The first chapter was very interesting and had me wanting to read more but then it became rather dull and a bit boring. I just couldn't connect with either character.
February 19, 2011
I loved the story and how much the characters were in love, it was fantastic. I like historical romance, this was a favorite of mine.
September 9, 2017
The hero kept the heroine in the dark for too long.
June 24, 2025
eh...
a história é OK, interessante, até. a parte da investigação com os contrabandistas e tal é bem bolada, cheia de intrigas, aparecem umas personagens notáveis, a autora escreve bem...
só que a parte do amor é paia. assim, eu gostei MUITO do começo, adorei a história deles se reencontrando depois de vários anos longe, da menina querendo ser viúva rs depois o desentendimento e toda a dor. nossa, como eu sofri! agora a reconciliação é que me decepcionou. tipo, amiga, se essa moça sente essa dor toda eu quero que o moço sinta 8x mais!
o hot é até ok, só que começa e interrompe várias vezes, dá mta frustração, dona autora! tenha compaixão! rs 3/5
a história é OK, interessante, até. a parte da investigação com os contrabandistas e tal é bem bolada, cheia de intrigas, aparecem umas personagens notáveis, a autora escreve bem...
só que a parte do amor é paia. assim, eu gostei MUITO do começo, adorei a história deles se reencontrando depois de vários anos longe, da menina querendo ser viúva rs depois o desentendimento e toda a dor. nossa, como eu sofri! agora a reconciliação é que me decepcionou. tipo, amiga, se essa moça sente essa dor toda eu quero que o moço sinta 8x mais!
o hot é até ok, só que começa e interrompe várias vezes, dá mta frustração, dona autora! tenha compaixão! rs 3/5
October 7, 2023
Really about 3.5 stars. Enjoyable for the most part except I have some issues with how easily our heroine forgives the hero. Not that it was instant forgiveness, mind you - it most definitely was not. But I'm not sure I could ever forgive someone who lied to me the way he did, even if it was for a very good reason.
I did like the characters, especially Lizzie. SOOOOOOOOOOOO nice to read a heroine written as someone who can stand her ground, be independent, and not need saving. Plus she curses, which I love!
I did like the characters, especially Lizzie. SOOOOOOOOOOOO nice to read a heroine written as someone who can stand her ground, be independent, and not need saving. Plus she curses, which I love!
September 26, 2012
The Pursuit of Pleasure ของอลิซาเบ็ธ เอสเสกซ์
อาจจะนับก็ได้นะคะว่า เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มแรกในชุด แต่ถ้าจะไม่นับก็คงไม่มีผลอะไร เพราะความชุดเกี่ยวเนื่องกันผ่านทางตัวละครที่เดินผ่านฉากของกันและกันเท่านั้น เท่าที่ทราบ เล่มสองจะเป็นเรื่องของเพื่อนนางเอก ในขณะที่เล่มสามเป็นเพื่อนของพระเอก
หนังสือเล่มนี้เปิดเรื่องได้น่าอ่านมากที่สุดเรื่องนึง บทสนทนาระหว่างตัวเอกเป็นสิ่งที่โดดเด่นและจับใจเราได้ตั้งแต่เริ่มอ่าน และทำให้เราอ่านเรื่องนี้ลื่นไหลไปได้สนุกมาก และแม้จะมีข้อบกพร่องหลายอย่าง หรือหลายประเด็นที่เราไม่ถูกใจ แต่ถ้านับว่า นี่คือ หนังสือเล่มแรก แม็กซ์ก็ให้เกรดยิ่งกว่าสอบผ่านอีกค่ะ
ในงานเลี้ยงคืนนึง ลิซซี แพ็กซ์ตันกล่าวลอย ๆ กับเพื่อนถึงสถานภาพความโสดของตัวเอง ลิซซีผู้ซึ้งรักอิสระยิ่งนักต้องการที่จะเป็นหม้าย โดยที่ไม่ต้องแต่งงาน สำหรับลิซซีแล้ว ความเป็นหม้ายหมายถึงอิสรภาพที่หญิงสาวในฐานะอย่างเธอไม่มีวันได้รับ
และเจมส์ มาร์โลว์แอบได้ยินคำพูดนั้นเข้า วินาทีนั้นเองมันก็เปลี่ยนแปลงแผนการทุกอย่างของเขา มาร์โลว์ผู้ซึ่งรู้จักกับลิซซีมาตั้งแต่ยังเด็ก ก่อนทีจะแยกจากกันไปเมื่อสิบปีก่อน ยื่นข้อเสนอแต่งงานกับลิซซี เขาเสนอทุกอย่างที่หญิงสาวต้องการ อิสระ ความมั่นคงทางการเงิน ชีวิตแต่งงานที่ไม่ต้องมีสามี มาร์โลว์เสนอมันให้กับเธอทั้งหมด
การแต่งงานเกิดขึ้นอย่างรวดเร็ว มาร์โลว์ผู้ซึ่งเป็นนายทหารประจำกองทัพเรือมีกำหนดที่จะต้องออกเดินทางไปรบอีกครั้งในเร็ววัน ก็จากลิซซี ภรรยาสาวสวยของเขาไปหลังจากแต่งงานกันได้แค่เพียงวันเดียว แต่ชีวิตแต่งงานอันแสนสั้นก็ประทับรอยลงในจิตวิญญาณของลิซซี
และเมื่อเธอได้ข่าวการเสียชีวิตของเขา โลกทั้งโลกของเธอก็พังครืนลงมา สำหรับหญิงสาวที่แสวงหาความเป็นหม้าย เมื่อเธอได้มันมา ราคาก็ช่างสูงเกินไป
อย่างที่บอกไปนะคะ ช่วงต้นเรื่อง โดยเฉพาะบทสนทนาระหว่างลิซซีและมาร์โลว์มันเป็นส่วนที่ดีที่สุดในเรื่อง แม็กซ์อ่านหนังสือมาเยอะนะคะ แต่มีไม่กี่เรื่องที่ทำให้เราเชื่อได้ขนาดนี้ เราเชื่อว่า ทั้งสองเป็นเพื่อนสนิทกันในวัยเด็ก เติบโตมาด้วยกัน ก่อนที่มาร์โลว์จะทิ้งลิซซีไปตามหาความฝันของเขา และเมื่อเขากลับมา ลิซซีก็ยังไม่อาจให้อภัยเพื่อนคนนี้ได้
แต่แน่นอนว่า อดีตไม่ได้เป็นเหมือนอย่างที่ทั้งคู่เข้าใจ มาร์โลว์ไม่ได้จากลิซซีไปอย่างเต็มใจ สำหรับเด็กชายผู้ที่พ่อเป็นเพียงบาทหลวงในชนบท เขาไม่ใช่คนที่เหมาะสมกับลูกสาวสไควร์อย่างลิซซี และพ่อของเธอก็เห็นความเสี่ยงของลูกสาววัยสิบสองที่อาจจะพลาดพลั้งให้กับเด็กชายวัยสิบสี่ปี ดังนั้นมาร์โลว์จึงถูก "จัดการ" ให้ไปเป็นทหารเรือ ในขณะที่ลิซซีเองก็เข้าใจว่า เขาเต็มใจเดินจากเธอไป
สิบปีผ่านไป หลายสิ่งในชีวิตเปลี่ยนแปลง แต่ความรู้สึกที่มาร์โลว์มีให้กับหญิงสาวคนนี้ไม่เคยเปลี่ยน และแม้จะมีภารกิจสำคัญรอคอยอยู่ เขาก็ไม่อาจปล่อยโอกาสที่จะได้ลิซซีมาครอบครองให้หลุดมือไปได้ มาร์โลว์เล่นเกมส์ครั้งสำคัญ ทุ่มเดิมพันเสี่ยงทุกอย่าง เขาจัดการให้การแต่งงานเกิดขึ้น ให้ได้ตัวเธอมาบนเตียงของเขา แม้เขาจะรู้ว่า ภารกิจที่ได้รับ กำลังจะพรากเขาไปจากเธอ แต่มาร์โลว์ก็เห็นแก่ตัวมากพอ
การหลอกลวงครั้งยิ่งใหญ่จึงได้เกิดขึ้น มาร์โลว์หวังว่า ลิซซีจะพอใจกับชีวิตอิสระที่เธอมีในยามที่เข้าใจว่าเขาตาย มากพอที่จะให้อภัยเขาได้ เมื่อความจริงเปิดเผยและเขากลับมา สิ่งที่มาร์โลว์ไม่เคยคิดก็คือ ลิซซีจะรักเขามากพอที่จะทำทุกอย่างเพื่อให้อนุสรณ์แทนความรักของพวกเขาคงอยู่ ลิซซีปฏิเสธที่ไปจากบ้านของเขา ดึงดันที่จะซ่อมแซมมัน และนั่นทำให้เธออยู่ในอันตราย
ช่วงต้นเรื่องน่าอ่านและสนุกมาก ๆ แม็กซ์ชอบปฏิสัมพันธ์ระหว่างลิซซีและมาร์โลว์ แม้ว่าลิซซีจะดูเหมือนเด็กที่เอาแต่ใจ และไม่รักมาร์โลว์เท่ากับที่เขามอบความรู้สึกให้กับเธอ แต่ก็เห็นได้ชัดว่า ลิซซีเริ่มอ่อนลง ช่วงกลางเรื่องอาจจะเป็นช่วงที่แย่ที่สุดในเรื่อง การจากกันที่ยาวนาน แม้มาร์โลว์จะไม่ได้ไปไหน แต่สำหรับลิซซีแล้ว เธอสูญเสียชายคนเดียวที่เธอรัก ช่วงเวลานี้ค่อนข้างนาน ดังนั้นคนที่ไม่ชอบเรื่องที่พระเอกนางเอกแยกจากกันก็อาจจะไม่ถูกใจเท่าไหรนัก
และก็มาถึงช่วงท้ายเรื่อง ที่เราคิดว่าดีขึ้น แม้จะไม่ถึงระดับกับที่เรารู้สึกในตอนต้นเรื่อง ลิซซีซึ่งเจ็บเพราะการหลอกลวงของสามี เธอไม่ใช่หญิงสาวที่ผู้ชายบอกว่า รักแล้วทุกอย่างจะดีขึ้น ลิซซีต้องการมากกว่านั้น ส่วนนี้ก็สนุกค่ะ น่าเสียดายว่า ตอนจบเรื่องรีบสรุปเร็วมาก จนเราว่าทำให้เรื่องขาดความซึ้งอย่างที่ควรจะเป็นไป
โดยรวมแล้ว เรื่องนี้สนุกน่าอ่านนะคะ แต่คงต้องบอกว่า เทคนิคการเล่าเรื่องในบางครั้งไม่ได้ตรงไปตรงมา เหตุผลในการกระทำที่หลายครั้งดูเหมือนคนเห็นแก่ตัวของลิซซี ก็ไม่ได้ถูกอธิบายจนกระทั่งเกือบจะจบเรื่อง ดังนั้นอาจจะทำให้คนอ่านเกิดอาการหมั่นไส้สาวน้อยคนนี้ไปบ้าง (เพราะดูเธอรักพระเอกน้อยกว่าที่พระเอกรักเธอไปเยอะเลย) แถมเรื่องราวที่เปิดขึ้นกลางเรื่อง เมื่อมาร์โลว์ขอแต่งงาน แต่ความสัมพันธ์ของทั้งสองย้อนกลับไปไกลกว่านั้น ซึ่งประเด็นนี้ต้องเก็บตกหาอ่านกันในระหว่างเรื่องราวค่ะ และอย่างที่บอกไป เล่มนี้ทำให้เราเชื่อมาก ๆ ในความผูกพันของมาร์โลว์ และลิซซี คนแต่งมีความละเอียดอ่อนมาก เพราะสำหรับลิซซี พระเอกไม่ใช่มาร์โลว์ หากแต่เป็นเจมี คนที่อยู่กับเธอเสมอ
สำหรับนักเขียนหน้าใหม่ นี่เป็นเรื่องที่ทำให้เราตัดสินใจได้ง่ายมาก ๆ ค่ะว่า จะต้องตามอ่านงานของเธอต่อไปแน่ ๆ
คะแนนที่ 70
อาจจะนับก็ได้นะคะว่า เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มแรกในชุด แต่ถ้าจะไม่นับก็คงไม่มีผลอะไร เพราะความชุดเกี่ยวเนื่องกันผ่านทางตัวละครที่เดินผ่านฉากของกันและกันเท่านั้น เท่าที่ทราบ เล่มสองจะเป็นเรื่องของเพื่อนนางเอก ในขณะที่เล่มสามเป็นเพื่อนของพระเอก
หนังสือเล่มนี้เปิดเรื่องได้น่าอ่านมากที่สุดเรื่องนึง บทสนทนาระหว่างตัวเอกเป็นสิ่งที่โดดเด่นและจับใจเราได้ตั้งแต่เริ่มอ่าน และทำให้เราอ่านเรื่องนี้ลื่นไหลไปได้สนุกมาก และแม้จะมีข้อบกพร่องหลายอย่าง หรือหลายประเด็นที่เราไม่ถูกใจ แต่ถ้านับว่า นี่คือ หนังสือเล่มแรก แม็กซ์ก็ให้เกรดยิ่งกว่าสอบผ่านอีกค่ะ
ในงานเลี้ยงคืนนึง ลิซซี แพ็กซ์ตันกล่าวลอย ๆ กับเพื่อนถึงสถานภาพความโสดของตัวเอง ลิซซีผู้ซึ้งรักอิสระยิ่งนักต้องการที่จะเป็นหม้าย โดยที่ไม่ต้องแต่งงาน สำหรับลิซซีแล้ว ความเป็นหม้ายหมายถึงอิสรภาพที่หญิงสาวในฐานะอย่างเธอไม่มีวันได้รับ
และเจมส์ มาร์โลว์แอบได้ยินคำพูดนั้นเข้า วินาทีนั้นเองมันก็เปลี่ยนแปลงแผนการทุกอย่างของเขา มาร์โลว์ผู้ซึ่งรู้จักกับลิซซีมาตั้งแต่ยังเด็ก ก่อนทีจะแยกจากกันไปเมื่อสิบปีก่อน ยื่นข้อเสนอแต่งงานกับลิซซี เขาเสนอทุกอย่างที่หญิงสาวต้องการ อิสระ ความมั่นคงทางการเงิน ชีวิตแต่งงานที่ไม่ต้องมีสามี มาร์โลว์เสนอมันให้กับเธอทั้งหมด
การแต่งงานเกิดขึ้นอย่างรวดเร็ว มาร์โลว์ผู้ซึ่งเป็นนายทหารประจำกองทัพเรือมีกำหนดที่จะต้องออกเดินทางไปรบอีกครั้งในเร็ววัน ก็จากลิซซี ภรรยาสาวสวยของเขาไปหลังจากแต่งงานกันได้แค่เพียงวันเดียว แต่ชีวิตแต่งงานอันแสนสั้นก็ประทับรอยลงในจิตวิญญาณของลิซซี
และเมื่อเธอได้ข่าวการเสียชีวิตของเขา โลกทั้งโลกของเธอก็พังครืนลงมา สำหรับหญิงสาวที่แสวงหาความเป็นหม้าย เมื่อเธอได้มันมา ราคาก็ช่างสูงเกินไป
อย่างที่บอกไปนะคะ ช่วงต้นเรื่อง โดยเฉพาะบทสนทนาระหว่างลิซซีและมาร์โลว์มันเป็นส่วนที่ดีที่สุดในเรื่อง แม็กซ์อ่านหนังสือมาเยอะนะคะ แต่มีไม่กี่เรื่องที่ทำให้เราเชื่อได้ขนาดนี้ เราเชื่อว่า ทั้งสองเป็นเพื่อนสนิทกันในวัยเด็ก เติบโตมาด้วยกัน ก่อนที่มาร์โลว์จะทิ้งลิซซีไปตามหาความฝันของเขา และเมื่อเขากลับมา ลิซซีก็ยังไม่อาจให้อภัยเพื่อนคนนี้ได้
แต่แน่นอนว่า อดีตไม่ได้เป็นเหมือนอย่างที่ทั้งคู่เข้าใจ มาร์โลว์ไม่ได้จากลิซซีไปอย่างเต็มใจ สำหรับเด็กชายผู้ที่พ่อเป็นเพียงบาทหลวงในชนบท เขาไม่ใช่คนที่เหมาะสมกับลูกสาวสไควร์อย่างลิซซี และพ่อของเธอก็เห็นความเสี่ยงของลูกสาววัยสิบสองที่อาจจะพลาดพลั้งให้กับเด็กชายวัยสิบสี่ปี ดังนั้นมาร์โลว์จึงถูก "จัดการ" ให้ไปเป็นทหารเรือ ในขณะที่ลิซซีเองก็เข้าใจว่า เขาเต็มใจเดินจากเธอไป
สิบปีผ่านไป หลายสิ่งในชีวิตเปลี่ยนแปลง แต่ความรู้สึกที่มาร์โลว์มีให้กับหญิงสาวคนนี้ไม่เคยเปลี่ยน และแม้จะมีภารกิจสำคัญรอคอยอยู่ เขาก็ไม่อาจปล่อยโอกาสที่จะได้ลิซซีมาครอบครองให้หลุดมือไปได้ มาร์โลว์เล่นเกมส์ครั้งสำคัญ ทุ่มเดิมพันเสี่ยงทุกอย่าง เขาจัดการให้การแต่งงานเกิดขึ้น ให้ได้ตัวเธอมาบนเตียงของเขา แม้เขาจะรู้ว่า ภารกิจที่ได้รับ กำลังจะพรากเขาไปจากเธอ แต่มาร์โลว์ก็เห็นแก่ตัวมากพอ
การหลอกลวงครั้งยิ่งใหญ่จึงได้เกิดขึ้น มาร์โลว์หวังว่า ลิซซีจะพอใจกับชีวิตอิสระที่เธอมีในยามที่เข้าใจว่าเขาตาย มากพอที่จะให้อภัยเขาได้ เมื่อความจริงเปิดเผยและเขากลับมา สิ่งที่มาร์โลว์ไม่เคยคิดก็คือ ลิซซีจะรักเขามากพอที่จะทำทุกอย่างเพื่อให้อนุสรณ์แทนความรักของพวกเขาคงอยู่ ลิซซีปฏิเสธที่ไปจากบ้านของเขา ดึงดันที่จะซ่อมแซมมัน และนั่นทำให้เธออยู่ในอันตราย
ช่วงต้นเรื่องน่าอ่านและสนุกมาก ๆ แม็กซ์ชอบปฏิสัมพันธ์ระหว่างลิซซีและมาร์โลว์ แม้ว่าลิซซีจะดูเหมือนเด็กที่เอาแต่ใจ และไม่รักมาร์โลว์เท่ากับที่เขามอบความรู้สึกให้กับเธอ แต่ก็เห็นได้ชัดว่า ลิซซีเริ่มอ่อนลง ช่วงกลางเรื่องอาจจะเป็นช่วงที่แย่ที่สุดในเรื่อง การจากกันที่ยาวนาน แม้มาร์โลว์จะไม่ได้ไปไหน แต่สำหรับลิซซีแล้ว เธอสูญเสียชายคนเดียวที่เธอรัก ช่วงเวลานี้ค่อนข้างนาน ดังนั้นคนที่ไม่ชอบเรื่องที่พระเอกนางเอกแยกจากกันก็อาจจะไม่ถูกใจเท่าไหรนัก
และก็มาถึงช่วงท้ายเรื่อง ที่เราคิดว่าดีขึ้น แม้จะไม่ถึงระดับกับที่เรารู้สึกในตอนต้นเรื่อง ลิซซีซึ่งเจ็บเพราะการหลอกลวงของสามี เธอไม่ใช่หญิงสาวที่ผู้ชายบอกว่า รักแล้วทุกอย่างจะดีขึ้น ลิซซีต้องการมากกว่านั้น ส่วนนี้ก็สนุกค่ะ น่าเสียดายว่า ตอนจบเรื่องรีบสรุปเร็วมาก จนเราว่าทำให้เรื่องขาดความซึ้งอย่างที่ควรจะเป็นไป
โดยรวมแล้ว เรื่องนี้สนุกน่าอ่านนะคะ แต่คงต้องบอกว่า เทคนิคการเล่าเรื่องในบางครั้งไม่ได้ตรงไปตรงมา เหตุผลในการกระทำที่หลายครั้งดูเหมือนคนเห็นแก่ตัวของลิซซี ก็ไม่ได้ถูกอธิบายจนกระทั่งเกือบจะจบเรื่อง ดังนั้นอาจจะทำให้คนอ่านเกิดอาการหมั่นไส้สาวน้อยคนนี้ไปบ้าง (เพราะดูเธอรักพระเอกน้อยกว่าที่พระเอกรักเธอไปเยอะเลย) แถมเรื่องราวที่เปิดขึ้นกลางเรื่อง เมื่อมาร์โลว์ขอแต่งงาน แต่ความสัมพันธ์ของทั้งสองย้อนกลับไปไกลกว่านั้น ซึ่งประเด็นนี้ต้องเก็บตกหาอ่านกันในระหว่างเรื่องราวค่ะ และอย่างที่บอกไป เล่มนี้ทำให้เราเชื่อมาก ๆ ในความผูกพันของมาร์โลว์ และลิซซี คนแต่งมีความละเอียดอ่อนมาก เพราะสำหรับลิซซี พระเอกไม่ใช่มาร์โลว์ หากแต่เป็นเจมี คนที่อยู่กับเธอเสมอ
สำหรับนักเขียนหน้าใหม่ นี่เป็นเรื่องที่ทำให้เราตัดสินใจได้ง่ายมาก ๆ ค่ะว่า จะต้องตามอ่านงานของเธอต่อไปแน่ ๆ
คะแนนที่ 70
January 24, 2011
‘In Pursuit of Pleasure’ by Elizabeth Essex is an aptly titled scorching tale of love, lust, betrayal and intrigue in the faltering British Empire’s struggle against Revolutionary France. Essex captures a sensual exploration by two people from childhood to marriage in this novel about Jameson and Lizzie.
British Captain Jameson (Jamie) Marlowe needs a wife and then to die. And his lifelong friend, Lizzie Paxton is happy to oblige. Contrarian and supremely confident, Lizzie Paxton has wanted nothing more in life than to be a widow in order to achieve her independence.
Marlowe is quite ready to indulge his new wife allowing her to dictate the marriage contracts and rescind her dowry back to her which, while I found that very startling, was also refreshing. Her desire to carve her path in life seemed to fit in with the post American Revolutionary period as women kept the home fires burning but were no less adept at running businesses, families and war efforts.
Intrigue and a web of deceit surround Jamie as he attempts to infiltrate smugglers sending weapons to Revolutionary France. But he is never far from the woman he has now fallen in love with.
I admired forthright Lizzie’s plan for her freedom even though I was frequently surprised by her outrageous comments and insubordination toward her parents. Admittedly it was fun to watch her take on her father, though her unchecked manner was still astonishing. And that’s just one of the things Jamie loves about Lizzie as he too, seems free-spirited while duty bound to the Navy. Readers will cheer on this rebellious, spirited young woman and rally around Jamie as he fights his way back to her.
The British coast provided a great backdrop not only for the story setting, but for the rich cast of characters that populated the book led by Jamie’s insufferable cousin Jeremy Wroxham and his mother, The Tuppers, Lt. McAlden and Phineas Maguire.
Dialogue is a treat particularly with the quick-witted Lizzie.
“As you noted, I’m a widow, Mr. Wroxham. My preferences are nobody’s business but my own.”
“True, but I have to wonder if your tastes have deteriorated because you live so far out from town and have become, shall we say, countrified. Or if you choose to live so far from town to satisfy your deplorable taste.”
“Is there a point to all this elegant abuse, Mr. Wroxham? “I really am quite tired.”
The sex scenes were positively erotic and go on for pages giving foreplay a new meaning. The explicit language could have been off-putting if we didn’t know the characters so well and their intense desire for each other.
Description and dialogue in this story seemed longer than most novels but it worked, providing backstory and serving as a spring board to action. I was relieved I found it engaging and not burdensome.
While it’s an amazingly convenient match – Lizzie’s hunger for independence at a husband’s expense and he too willing to comply because of his own plans – it didn’t feel overly contrived. In fact, they are perfectly matched and the plot sets up so well.
The novel moves along at a very good clip with the placement of Wroxham at Lizzie’s estate that is suspected to be used by smugglers as a base of operations was another neatly packaged subplot. But no less engaging as the threads of Jamie’s subplot, his wife’s plans for her estate and those of Wroxham that conspire to weave a web entrapping them all.
The phrase, be careful what you wish for, played loudly in my head as Lizzie maneuvers the false information that she has achieved the status she wanted: widow. She is unprepared for the true grief she feels which fits into Captain Marlowe’s covert mission. While she seethes at his seeming betrayal, always one for adventure, she decides to help his mission against his wishes for her to leave the house instead transforming it into the estate she has dreamed of. This of course puts her right in the path of danger as an unwitting roadblock for both the smugglers and Marlowe.
I loved the twists and turns Essex threw in brilliantly that brought many elements together so nicely including Lizzie’s imprisonment, Jamie’s warring sense of duty and love and Wroxham’s ‘elegant abuse’ of the situation. The thick tension of desire coupled with deception, a head strong pair of lovers and winds of war propel this adventure giving readers a truly satisfying read and romance.
British Captain Jameson (Jamie) Marlowe needs a wife and then to die. And his lifelong friend, Lizzie Paxton is happy to oblige. Contrarian and supremely confident, Lizzie Paxton has wanted nothing more in life than to be a widow in order to achieve her independence.
Marlowe is quite ready to indulge his new wife allowing her to dictate the marriage contracts and rescind her dowry back to her which, while I found that very startling, was also refreshing. Her desire to carve her path in life seemed to fit in with the post American Revolutionary period as women kept the home fires burning but were no less adept at running businesses, families and war efforts.
Intrigue and a web of deceit surround Jamie as he attempts to infiltrate smugglers sending weapons to Revolutionary France. But he is never far from the woman he has now fallen in love with.
I admired forthright Lizzie’s plan for her freedom even though I was frequently surprised by her outrageous comments and insubordination toward her parents. Admittedly it was fun to watch her take on her father, though her unchecked manner was still astonishing. And that’s just one of the things Jamie loves about Lizzie as he too, seems free-spirited while duty bound to the Navy. Readers will cheer on this rebellious, spirited young woman and rally around Jamie as he fights his way back to her.
The British coast provided a great backdrop not only for the story setting, but for the rich cast of characters that populated the book led by Jamie’s insufferable cousin Jeremy Wroxham and his mother, The Tuppers, Lt. McAlden and Phineas Maguire.
Dialogue is a treat particularly with the quick-witted Lizzie.
“As you noted, I’m a widow, Mr. Wroxham. My preferences are nobody’s business but my own.”
“True, but I have to wonder if your tastes have deteriorated because you live so far out from town and have become, shall we say, countrified. Or if you choose to live so far from town to satisfy your deplorable taste.”
“Is there a point to all this elegant abuse, Mr. Wroxham? “I really am quite tired.”
The sex scenes were positively erotic and go on for pages giving foreplay a new meaning. The explicit language could have been off-putting if we didn’t know the characters so well and their intense desire for each other.
Description and dialogue in this story seemed longer than most novels but it worked, providing backstory and serving as a spring board to action. I was relieved I found it engaging and not burdensome.
While it’s an amazingly convenient match – Lizzie’s hunger for independence at a husband’s expense and he too willing to comply because of his own plans – it didn’t feel overly contrived. In fact, they are perfectly matched and the plot sets up so well.
The novel moves along at a very good clip with the placement of Wroxham at Lizzie’s estate that is suspected to be used by smugglers as a base of operations was another neatly packaged subplot. But no less engaging as the threads of Jamie’s subplot, his wife’s plans for her estate and those of Wroxham that conspire to weave a web entrapping them all.
The phrase, be careful what you wish for, played loudly in my head as Lizzie maneuvers the false information that she has achieved the status she wanted: widow. She is unprepared for the true grief she feels which fits into Captain Marlowe’s covert mission. While she seethes at his seeming betrayal, always one for adventure, she decides to help his mission against his wishes for her to leave the house instead transforming it into the estate she has dreamed of. This of course puts her right in the path of danger as an unwitting roadblock for both the smugglers and Marlowe.
I loved the twists and turns Essex threw in brilliantly that brought many elements together so nicely including Lizzie’s imprisonment, Jamie’s warring sense of duty and love and Wroxham’s ‘elegant abuse’ of the situation. The thick tension of desire coupled with deception, a head strong pair of lovers and winds of war propel this adventure giving readers a truly satisfying read and romance.
June 16, 2016
Le résumé succinct de l'éditeur ne permet pas de mesurer la richesse offerte par ce 1er tome d'une série qui ne semble pas avoir trouvé ses lectrices outre-Atlantique. Pourtant, voilà un premier roman d'une grande richesse, où la petite histoire se mêle à la grande, où passion rime avec sensualité et où l'on voit une héroine féministe avant l'heure ...
Lizzie Paxton est une "vieille fille" de 22 ans qui repousse méthodiquement toutes les demandes en mariage, au grand désespoir de ses parents. Son rêve est de devenir veuve, pour gagner cette indépendance, cette liberté qui lui fait pour le moment défaut. Suffragette avant l’heure, Lizzie revendique des droits pour les femmes, et rêve d'abolir le patriarcat sur lequel repose toute la société. Dans le contexte houleux de 1794, ses idées révolutionnaires pourraient bien causer sa perte, si elles étaient révélées publiquement.
James-Jamie- Marlowe, son ami d'enfance, revient au pays après 10 ans passés en mer. Devenu capitaine de la Royal Navy, il brille par son succès et ayant surpris une conversation entre Lizzie et son amie Célia, il propose à notre héroine un bien étrange marché : l’épouser avant son prochain départ pour les Antipodes, une mission de 8 ans dont il risque de ne jamais revenir. Lizzie pourra ainsi réaliser son rêve de veuvage (cynique cette proposition ?) Et là on se demande ce que Jamie a à gagner dans cette affaire : pourquoi faire de Lizzie sa veuve ? Quel intérêt a-t-il à l’épouser ? De quoi va réellement parler ce livre, au fond ? Va-t-il vraiment y avoir une romance puisque Jamie est supposé partir ?
Difficile d’en raconter plus sans tout dévoiler ... Disons simplement que ce roman est très mystérieux et offre de sacrées surprises au lecteur, des rôles inattendus aux personnages et une bonne dose d’aventure et dépaysement. Dans sa maison de Glass cottage, Lizzie est catapultée au sein du monde mystérieux des contrebandiers , qui envoient clandestinement des armes aux français en pleine guerre civile. Quel est alors le lien avec Jamie ? Avec la Royal Navy ? Quel sera le rôle de Lizzie dans tout ça ?
Ce roman regorge d’aventures et d’action, Lizzie n’ayant pas froid aux yeux, quelles que soient les circonstances. : un vrai régal malgré certains passages inégaux. La romance est très belle, pas linéaire pour un sou et pleine de modernité (on est très loin des romances de « salon » de cette époque). Les héros sont très sensuels, dès les premiers instants, leurs rapports sont très passionnés. Les personnages secondaires sont très présents, et j’ai beaucoup aimé le couple des Tupper, ainsi que le taciturne Hugh, qui fera l’objet du troisième tome.
En revanche, je regrette certains passages « brouillon », le manque d’explications de Jamie à la fin (ce n’est pas cohérent compte tenu des dommages collatéraux qu’il provoque), le fait que Lizzie pardonne si facilement à Jamie son « abandon » à un moment critique de l’histoire. Un épilogue aurait également été bienvenu car la fin m’a parue trop brutale.
Malgré ces petits défauts, j’ai bien apprécié ce premier tome qui fait souffler un vent de fraîcheur sur la romance historique et je me réjouis de poursuivre cette série.
Lizzie Paxton est une "vieille fille" de 22 ans qui repousse méthodiquement toutes les demandes en mariage, au grand désespoir de ses parents. Son rêve est de devenir veuve, pour gagner cette indépendance, cette liberté qui lui fait pour le moment défaut. Suffragette avant l’heure, Lizzie revendique des droits pour les femmes, et rêve d'abolir le patriarcat sur lequel repose toute la société. Dans le contexte houleux de 1794, ses idées révolutionnaires pourraient bien causer sa perte, si elles étaient révélées publiquement.
James-Jamie- Marlowe, son ami d'enfance, revient au pays après 10 ans passés en mer. Devenu capitaine de la Royal Navy, il brille par son succès et ayant surpris une conversation entre Lizzie et son amie Célia, il propose à notre héroine un bien étrange marché : l’épouser avant son prochain départ pour les Antipodes, une mission de 8 ans dont il risque de ne jamais revenir. Lizzie pourra ainsi réaliser son rêve de veuvage (cynique cette proposition ?) Et là on se demande ce que Jamie a à gagner dans cette affaire : pourquoi faire de Lizzie sa veuve ? Quel intérêt a-t-il à l’épouser ? De quoi va réellement parler ce livre, au fond ? Va-t-il vraiment y avoir une romance puisque Jamie est supposé partir ?
Difficile d’en raconter plus sans tout dévoiler ... Disons simplement que ce roman est très mystérieux et offre de sacrées surprises au lecteur, des rôles inattendus aux personnages et une bonne dose d’aventure et dépaysement. Dans sa maison de Glass cottage, Lizzie est catapultée au sein du monde mystérieux des contrebandiers , qui envoient clandestinement des armes aux français en pleine guerre civile. Quel est alors le lien avec Jamie ? Avec la Royal Navy ? Quel sera le rôle de Lizzie dans tout ça ?
Ce roman regorge d’aventures et d’action, Lizzie n’ayant pas froid aux yeux, quelles que soient les circonstances. : un vrai régal malgré certains passages inégaux. La romance est très belle, pas linéaire pour un sou et pleine de modernité (on est très loin des romances de « salon » de cette époque). Les héros sont très sensuels, dès les premiers instants, leurs rapports sont très passionnés. Les personnages secondaires sont très présents, et j’ai beaucoup aimé le couple des Tupper, ainsi que le taciturne Hugh, qui fera l’objet du troisième tome.
En revanche, je regrette certains passages « brouillon », le manque d’explications de Jamie à la fin (ce n’est pas cohérent compte tenu des dommages collatéraux qu’il provoque), le fait que Lizzie pardonne si facilement à Jamie son « abandon » à un moment critique de l’histoire. Un épilogue aurait également été bienvenu car la fin m’a parue trop brutale.
Malgré ces petits défauts, j’ai bien apprécié ce premier tome qui fait souffler un vent de fraîcheur sur la romance historique et je me réjouis de poursuivre cette série.
February 28, 2011
Overall, I liked this book. That said, I have to admit that there was a point where I put down the book (not because anything happened exactly, but just because I had other things to do or something) and I had a really, really hard time picking it back up again.
See, there's this thing that happens. Oh, look. I guess that thing I said in the paragraph above about nothing exactly happening was a lie. It is a thing that happens that made me all mopey with the book. Anyway. There's a lot of buildup to this thing so you know it's coming and it's not a surprise in ANY WAY and yet when it came I was like, "Oh, cinnamon sticks! Why did he do that? Is he really that clueless that his actions won't have consequences?"
So I put the book down to do things like take my dogs for a walk or take a shower or make dinner and I kinda got disheartened and I kept picking up other books instead of finishing this one because I was a little disappointed in Jamie's lack of foresight with his epic plan and everything. BUT... but then I decided that I wasn't going to let some fictional character scare me away from a book that I was enjoying and I picked it up and finished it.
Because I'm mentally strong like that.
And the book was really good. Jamie even has a moment where he was like, "What did I do? Why was I so clueless that my actions wouldn't have consequences?" And I was like, *fist pump* "I am vindicated!" And then I finished the book.
So. Jamie and Lizzie are pretty damn good together. They're sexy and sassy and they have this whole misunderstanding thing going on. Only it's more than a misunderstanding. It's that thing that I lamented up above and it's pretty much the pivotal plot point for the entire book. But it worked. It worked and I ended up liking it.
So after all the trials and tribulations, this is a good book.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
See, there's this thing that happens. Oh, look. I guess that thing I said in the paragraph above about nothing exactly happening was a lie. It is a thing that happens that made me all mopey with the book. Anyway. There's a lot of buildup to this thing so you know it's coming and it's not a surprise in ANY WAY and yet when it came I was like, "Oh, cinnamon sticks! Why did he do that? Is he really that clueless that his actions won't have consequences?"
So I put the book down to do things like take my dogs for a walk or take a shower or make dinner and I kinda got disheartened and I kept picking up other books instead of finishing this one because I was a little disappointed in Jamie's lack of foresight with his epic plan and everything. BUT... but then I decided that I wasn't going to let some fictional character scare me away from a book that I was enjoying and I picked it up and finished it.
Because I'm mentally strong like that.
And the book was really good. Jamie even has a moment where he was like, "What did I do? Why was I so clueless that my actions wouldn't have consequences?" And I was like, *fist pump* "I am vindicated!" And then I finished the book.
So. Jamie and Lizzie are pretty damn good together. They're sexy and sassy and they have this whole misunderstanding thing going on. Only it's more than a misunderstanding. It's that thing that I lamented up above and it's pretty much the pivotal plot point for the entire book. But it worked. It worked and I ended up liking it.
So after all the trials and tribulations, this is a good book.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 10, 2017
"The Pursuit of Pleasure was originally published in 2010. This new edition has been revised and reedited. This book was a 2009 Golden Heart finalist with the Romance Writers of America."
The Pursuit of Pleasure by Elizabeth Essex is an enticing Historical Fiction set in 1794 Dartmouth. Book 1 in the "Dartmouth Brides" series.
This is the story of Miss Elizabeth Paxton, aka Lizzie, a heiress and very independent woman. And, Captain Jameson Marlowe, aka James, who is returning to Dartmouth after being gone for a few years. He proposes to Lizzie, a marriage of convenience, where she will quickly become a widow. A night of passion sparks more then either, Lizzie or James wanted or expected. But will it spark a HEA? Can a marriage of convenience -childhood friends - to lovers, bring love, peace and happiness to this couple?
Mystery, suspense, danger, possibly treason, smugglers, secrets, lies and romance, makes for an enticing story.
This story is told from the main character's perspectives, which at times is a bit confusing, but easy to figure out what's happening. The ending felt a bit rushed to me, but was still an enjoyable and satisfying read. The characters were a bit selfish to start with, but came around quickly to know what they wanted. The plot was a bit unique. "The Pursuit of Pleasure" was a sensual read, steady paced, with a few twists and turns but definitely, a read I would strongly recommend. I enjoy Elizabeth Essex's writing, her characterizations and her stories are engaging, somewhat different in tone, but fully understandable, and a joy to read. I look forward to Book 2, as well.
An enjoyable and enticingly intriguing story of passion, love, genuine dialogue and the clever plot, will have readers turning pages, as they learn the fate of Lizzie and James. A great read!
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewed by: AprilR
The Pursuit of Pleasure by Elizabeth Essex is an enticing Historical Fiction set in 1794 Dartmouth. Book 1 in the "Dartmouth Brides" series.
This is the story of Miss Elizabeth Paxton, aka Lizzie, a heiress and very independent woman. And, Captain Jameson Marlowe, aka James, who is returning to Dartmouth after being gone for a few years. He proposes to Lizzie, a marriage of convenience, where she will quickly become a widow. A night of passion sparks more then either, Lizzie or James wanted or expected. But will it spark a HEA? Can a marriage of convenience -childhood friends - to lovers, bring love, peace and happiness to this couple?
Mystery, suspense, danger, possibly treason, smugglers, secrets, lies and romance, makes for an enticing story.
This story is told from the main character's perspectives, which at times is a bit confusing, but easy to figure out what's happening. The ending felt a bit rushed to me, but was still an enjoyable and satisfying read. The characters were a bit selfish to start with, but came around quickly to know what they wanted. The plot was a bit unique. "The Pursuit of Pleasure" was a sensual read, steady paced, with a few twists and turns but definitely, a read I would strongly recommend. I enjoy Elizabeth Essex's writing, her characterizations and her stories are engaging, somewhat different in tone, but fully understandable, and a joy to read. I look forward to Book 2, as well.
An enjoyable and enticingly intriguing story of passion, love, genuine dialogue and the clever plot, will have readers turning pages, as they learn the fate of Lizzie and James. A great read!
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewed by: AprilR
April 30, 2011
The writing was supurb, the characters gutsy and adorable, the story interesting and full of surprises, so much so that I'm reading it again. Yes, I really loved this book and I will be looking for more from this author. I love the cover too. It says romance, but it's more subtle and creative than the durth of naked torsos that adorm a lot of romance covers.
I got this free from Amazon. I would never have bought it, even though the story sounded interesting, because I don't read straight romance, paranormal romance, yes, but I discovered once again that there are some excellent writers in the romance genre. Why are romance novels and writers often looked down on? I expect only by people who've never read the genre or who don't have a passionate bone in their body. Either way, it's sad.
Anyway, back to the review. This book has expanded my reading genre. Historical romance is fantasy. Dah! Why did I ever think it wasn't. There was a few too many pages of sex for me, but it was so beautifully done that I wouldn't take it out because every part of it had a purpose greater than sex. It showed the relationship developing, as it should. It wasn't a gratuitous extra.
The only thing I didn't like was the name. The book was much more interesting than that.
I got this free from Amazon. I would never have bought it, even though the story sounded interesting, because I don't read straight romance, paranormal romance, yes, but I discovered once again that there are some excellent writers in the romance genre. Why are romance novels and writers often looked down on? I expect only by people who've never read the genre or who don't have a passionate bone in their body. Either way, it's sad.
Anyway, back to the review. This book has expanded my reading genre. Historical romance is fantasy. Dah! Why did I ever think it wasn't. There was a few too many pages of sex for me, but it was so beautifully done that I wouldn't take it out because every part of it had a purpose greater than sex. It showed the relationship developing, as it should. It wasn't a gratuitous extra.
The only thing I didn't like was the name. The book was much more interesting than that.
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