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Braddock-Black #4
Brazen
Meeting the spoiled and enchanting Countess Angela de Grae, dashing American playboy Kit Braddock glimpses her carefully concealed inner self and pledges his life to save her when she falls victim to a desperate man.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1995
About the author
Susan Johnson
262 books582 followersAnd it all began rather serendipitously. Long ago, as they say, in another time, when fast food hadn't reached our area and the only shopping was what the feed mill offered, I was reading a book that annoyed me .
My husband was lying beside me in bed, watching TV. Turning to him, I sort of petulantly said, "How the hell did this book get published?"
"If you think you're so smart," he replied, with one eye still on the TV, "why don't you write a book?"
So I did. And very badly.
I've since learned how to do, he said, she said, and a great variety of other adverb heavy, sometimes lengthy explanations of why my characters are saying what they're saying, along with finally coming to an understanding of what things like POV means. Point of View for you non-writers}.
Although, I still don't fully comprehend why it matters if you switch POV and I cavalierly disregard it as much as possible. So while my technical skills have hopefully improved, what hasn't changed is my great joy in writing. There's as much pleasure today in listening to my characters talk while I type as fast as I can, as there was the first time I put dialogue to paper--in long-hand, then, in my leather bound sketch-book.
My husband was lying beside me in bed, watching TV. Turning to him, I sort of petulantly said, "How the hell did this book get published?"
"If you think you're so smart," he replied, with one eye still on the TV, "why don't you write a book?"
So I did. And very badly.
I've since learned how to do, he said, she said, and a great variety of other adverb heavy, sometimes lengthy explanations of why my characters are saying what they're saying, along with finally coming to an understanding of what things like POV means. Point of View for you non-writers}.
Although, I still don't fully comprehend why it matters if you switch POV and I cavalierly disregard it as much as possible. So while my technical skills have hopefully improved, what hasn't changed is my great joy in writing. There's as much pleasure today in listening to my characters talk while I type as fast as I can, as there was the first time I put dialogue to paper--in long-hand, then, in my leather bound sketch-book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Want to Read
December 28, 2012
The Braddock-Black series, book 4 of 5.
US EDITION SERIES INFO
Braddock-Black series
Book 4
Formats: Kindle & paperback in both US/UK
The Braddock-Black family saga, started in book 1 with its matriarch Jon Hazard Black; an Absarokee Indian chief, Harvard educated attorney, rich and successful business man, land & mine owner, gorgeous and sexy playboy meeting the beyond rich heiress Blaze Braddock. Together they have amassed fortune and power, equally respected AND hated and so their story continues with the next generation.
Susan Johnson aka C.C. Gibbs, is published by different publishers in the US and UK, hence the different titles and covers.
These are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: (Year 1865)
Blaze (US) / Burning Touch (UK)
Book 2: (Year 1889)
Silver Flame (US) / A Seductive Flame (UK)
Book 3: (Year 1891)
Forbidden (US) / Forbidden Pleasure (UK)
Book 4: (Year 1896)
Brazen (US) / Rapture (UK)
Book 5: (Year 1888)
Force of Nature (US only)
Kit Braddock (half-brother of book 1) and Countess Angela de Grae’s story year 1896
We first met Kit in book 2.
Book blurb:
When American adventurer Kit Braddock first lays eyes on Countess Angela de Grae, notorious society beauty and lover to the Prince of Wales, he feels there's something different about her. Beneath her sparkling exterior, Countess Angela is secretly distraught. As the two become more intimate, Kit learns of Angela's impossible situation and secret heartache, and finds himself drawn ever more forcefully towards her. When one night of reckless pleasure between the two turns the tables completely, Kit may be forced to pledge his very life for the woman he has come to adore.
Be sure to join CCGibbsFANS here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
Want to Read
January 29, 2014
The Braddock-Black series, book 4 of 5.
UK EDITION SERIES INFO
Braddock-Black series
Book 4
Formats: Kindle & paperback in both US/UK
The Braddock-Black family saga, started in book 1 with its matriarch Jon Hazard Black; an Absarokee Indian chief, Harvard educated attorney, rich and successful business man, land & mine owner, gorgeous and sexy playboy meeting the beyond rich heiress Blaze Braddock. Together they have amassed fortune and power, equally respected AND hated and so their story continues with the next generation.
Susan Johnson aka C.C. Gibbs, is published by different publishers in the US and UK, hence the different titles and covers.
These are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: (Year 1865)
Blaze (US) / Burning Touch (UK)
Book 2: (Year 1889)
Silver Flame (US) / A Seductive Flame (UK)
Book 3: (Year 1891)
Forbidden (US) / Forbidden Pleasure (UK)
Book 4: (Year 1896)
Brazen (US) / Rapture (UK)
Book 5: (Year 1888)
Force of Nature (US only)
Kit Braddock (half-brother of book 1) and Countess Angela de Grae’s story year 1896
We first met Kit in book 2.
Book blurb:
When American adventurer Kit Braddock first lays eyes on Countess Angela de Grae, notorious society beauty and lover to the Prince of Wales, he feels there's something different about her. Beneath her sparkling exterior, Countess Angela is secretly distraught. As the two become more intimate, Kit learns of Angela's impossible situation and secret heartache, and finds himself drawn ever more forcefully towards her. When one night of reckless pleasure between the two turns the tables completely, Kit may be forced to pledge his very life for the woman he has come to adore.
Be sure to join CCGibbsFANS here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
November 23, 2008
Brazen is my favorite Susan Johnson book. It's classic Susan Johnson - erotic historical romance with extremeley handsome, wealthy & arrogant hero and a beyond beautiful heroine. The author's historical romances tend to follow the same pattern, and as such, after reading half a dozen or so of her books, she fell off my TBR list. But I consider this book her best work. I loved it. I read it ages ago, and still think of it as an amazing book with scorching hot sex scenes and great emotion, and still recommend it to readers looking for a hot historical romance. Kit Braddock defines 'yummy' and I liked how the author didn't pair him with a virginal, innocent young miss. Angela holds her own against Kit, and the dynamic makes for a great romance.
October 12, 2011
This book really annoyed me through most of it. The beginning was fine, but once they started sleeping together it got really bad. The dude kept a harem on board his ship but he got mad that she had a few sex toys lying around and had slept with other guys before him? But then he's with her and he's fine with her past, but she says she wont marry him so he suddenly gets mad about her past again. And the girl, who's married to an abusive jerk, refuses to divorce him because shes afraid the Queen of England might not like it. But the worst part was the end, for some reason romance novelists think they need to make the end of their books have completely out of place peril. The girl is kidnapped by the husband and he threatens to kill her because he wants ALL of her money instead of the huge amounts she already gives him. The sex scenes were probably the best part of the book and I hate saying that because I like to have a good story, but it just wasn't that good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2016
THIS BOOK IS FIRE. COUNTESS DE GRAE IS FIRE. THE BEST HR I'VE READ. Finished in less than 24 hours.
February 24, 2012
3.5 out of 5 stars
Like the second book in the Braddock Black series (Forbidden), this story is intelligently written with characters and dialogue that go beyond the usual love/hate relationship between the hero and heroine.
The hero, Kit Braddock, is a wealthy playboy and adventurer who falls in love with Countess Angela de Grae. The problem? She's married with two children to a sadistic earl. Angela is also one of the most beautiful women in Europe and has had her share of lovers and experience in the bedroom.
While I can appreciate an author that writes something other than the usual "The Virgin and the Manwhore" type of historical romance, sometimes it's hard reading Susan Johnson books because heroes in love often MAKE love to other women after falling for the heroines in the book.
Still, an entertaining enough read, though it could have used some more villainy (a common complaint with me). Though I was happy with how Kit dealt with the evil husband in such a badass way.
Like the second book in the Braddock Black series (Forbidden), this story is intelligently written with characters and dialogue that go beyond the usual love/hate relationship between the hero and heroine.
The hero, Kit Braddock, is a wealthy playboy and adventurer who falls in love with Countess Angela de Grae. The problem? She's married with two children to a sadistic earl. Angela is also one of the most beautiful women in Europe and has had her share of lovers and experience in the bedroom.
While I can appreciate an author that writes something other than the usual "The Virgin and the Manwhore" type of historical romance, sometimes it's hard reading Susan Johnson books because heroes in love often MAKE love to other women after falling for the heroines in the book.
Still, an entertaining enough read, though it could have used some more villainy (a common complaint with me). Though I was happy with how Kit dealt with the evil husband in such a badass way.
April 30, 2009
This was surely an unconventional romance novel. The hero Kit Braddock was younger than the heroine Countess Angela de Grae who was as sexually knowledgeable as her lover. Besides she was married and had two children. And the era was different, too. Mostly romance novels take place in the Regency period or earlier. The story here starts in 1896. I commend Johnson for the historical background information you get including the various contraception methods possible at the time and the divorce laws and practices. For anyone who is interested in the Victorian era this is a treat, for Johnson gives an accurate picture of food, manners, behavior, arranged marriages and the Victorian double standard (which resembles the double standard of other romance novel authors who display the Victorian moral codex uncritically in their stories).
Not sappy and sweet, but passionate and demanding, this is what sets ”Brazen” different from the run-of-the-mill romance novels. When Kit realizes his feelings run deeper than purely carnal pleasures, he would rather live without Angela than share her with an abusive husband. He is relentless in his pursuit of her. Their emotions and passionate encounters are splendidly displayed for the readers’ perusal. Angela is a mature woman and is without the simpering lines of a weak virgin. She knows what she wants and his name is Kit. Likewise, Kit is a man who is accustomed to getting what he wants and having Angela on his terms is top on his list.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title Brazen (Braddock-Black #4)
Author Susan Johnson
Reviewed By Purplycookie
Not sappy and sweet, but passionate and demanding, this is what sets ”Brazen” different from the run-of-the-mill romance novels. When Kit realizes his feelings run deeper than purely carnal pleasures, he would rather live without Angela than share her with an abusive husband. He is relentless in his pursuit of her. Their emotions and passionate encounters are splendidly displayed for the readers’ perusal. Angela is a mature woman and is without the simpering lines of a weak virgin. She knows what she wants and his name is Kit. Likewise, Kit is a man who is accustomed to getting what he wants and having Angela on his terms is top on his list.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title Brazen (Braddock-Black #4)
Author Susan Johnson
Reviewed By Purplycookie
January 18, 2010
Couldn't get past the seventh chapter
October 15, 2010
One of the few SJ novels that I really like. Besides the hero is red-haired, all too rare in novels. However, be warned that the erotica in this one is pretty heavy, so not for the prudish or young.
August 29, 2018
No one to blame but myself for picking this one up.
November 29, 2012
"Brazen is about the passionate relationship between Countess Angela De Grae and American playboy Kit Braddock."
“VERY hot read! I like the intense scenes between Angela and Kit but in the end, it really didn't seem likely that Kit would change his playboy ways. He'd always be special to Angela, and he was good for sex, but he didn't qualify as being good enough to completely be publicly part of her world. Plus she had some major flaws herself; she was rich; SPOILED; and controlling - which ultimately lead to all the fights and many breakups they had. You just can't teach an old dog new tricks. I let my sister borrow it years ago and I haven't seen it since so I can't remember the ending.”
“VERY hot read! I like the intense scenes between Angela and Kit but in the end, it really didn't seem likely that Kit would change his playboy ways. He'd always be special to Angela, and he was good for sex, but he didn't qualify as being good enough to completely be publicly part of her world. Plus she had some major flaws herself; she was rich; SPOILED; and controlling - which ultimately lead to all the fights and many breakups they had. You just can't teach an old dog new tricks. I let my sister borrow it years ago and I haven't seen it since so I can't remember the ending.”
May 24, 2013
I read this as a "palate cleanser" between two heavy WWII books...I generally think Susan Johnson's books are a decent escape...but the writing in this one was completely overwrought, it didn't even sound like her usual style. The dialogue was awful, half the time it didn't even make sense. Or in the (made up) words of Baby May, "Me tinked da talky pawts was wedikleeus."
October 6, 2012
I adored the first three Braddock-Black books (Blaze, Silver Flame, Forbidden) more. Chronologically this is the last in the series, and still very enjoyable. Kit Braddock falls hard and never really looks back. Characters were a little less developed than prior books and just less depth.
February 11, 2010
This was the first romance book that I have ever read. I love this book and its one of my all time favorites
August 6, 2012
It was very slow and I wish it had more substance like Rosemary Rogers old books. I guess the hunt is still on for a good author who writes like the old days and not this fluff and marshmallow stuff.
September 22, 2015
3.5 stars. An erotic historical romance that's entertaining and decadently lush.
December 18, 2022
There’s lots and lots of sex here, so there’s that. Both the male and female main characters are sexual adventurers with lots of experience in the bedroom, and after a brief attempt to deny themselves they are soon having discussions about birth control and sex toys while naked and panting. This is all very titillating but these two are so caught up in sex there’s no real relationship here, though the author tries to convince us there is. After Kit has repeatedly sworn to protect Angela and her children from her abusive husband, he professes his love and proposes marriage. Then, after she says she can’t divorce her husband to marry him, he sulks, packs up, and abandons her to her abuser. Sooner or later, she ends up in a brothel catering to female clients. So much for love.
If you read romance novels for sex, you might like this. I, however, found the two main characters jaded, brittle, selfish, and unrelatable, and the book lacking in romance.
If you read romance novels for sex, you might like this. I, however, found the two main characters jaded, brittle, selfish, and unrelatable, and the book lacking in romance.
January 24, 2020
I have loved this series. I go really really long stretches between reading it but the stories are great and the characters are too. The author provides such great background info about her research after the book that I found fascinating as well. Kit was lovable and Angela was a great match for him. Totally enjoyed this all the way through.
November 9, 2017
Brazen
Although I have given this book five stars, I have some issues with it. The storyline was great. The excessive amount of sex almost killed it. And I like Susan Johnson's writing. Oh, well, in to the next one.
Although I have given this book five stars, I have some issues with it. The storyline was great. The excessive amount of sex almost killed it. And I like Susan Johnson's writing. Oh, well, in to the next one.
May 20, 2018
It wasn't bad. I like the way she portrays the sex scenes far better than any other writer! I only wish she gave a little more buildup towards the two lead characters jumping in bed together.
June 23, 2019
Need a break from Johnson, can't enjoy the books anymore, but don't know what to replace her with.
May 26, 2022
Susan Johnson writes some of the best historical romance novels. Perfect beach read!
November 16, 2017
DNF. This took place in 1896.
Kit was a wealthy American ( diamonds & shipping) who
kept friends with benefits on his yacht. Angela was a
voluptuous English beauty countess, separated from her
pedophile husband. She counted the Prince of Wales as a
prior conquest.
I lost interest in this story, a 1st for one of Susan's books.
Susan is way more capable than this book indicated. Most
characters herein lacked morals & had an agenda. IE H
said to h "I came here to be serviced" & her reply was
"men are all alike, (they) use a scorecard." Sorry to say the
sexiest this book got was the sexy cover.
Kit was a wealthy American ( diamonds & shipping) who
kept friends with benefits on his yacht. Angela was a
voluptuous English beauty countess, separated from her
pedophile husband. She counted the Prince of Wales as a
prior conquest.
I lost interest in this story, a 1st for one of Susan's books.
Susan is way more capable than this book indicated. Most
characters herein lacked morals & had an agenda. IE H
said to h "I came here to be serviced" & her reply was
"men are all alike, (they) use a scorecard." Sorry to say the
sexiest this book got was the sexy cover.
September 11, 2015
I thought I've found new Judith McNaught so I was beyond myself. Unfortunately, that is impossible. There was too much sex for 500 pages. And when all is about him screwing her vice versa, my interest is back to my fridge.
October 20, 2008
Hero is younger than the heroine...great twist.
Want to Read
July 1, 2010HAWT
June 5, 2012
Great Read
May 11, 2014
3.5 Stars
March 30, 2016
The sex was wild but the romance felt really underdeveloped
May 4, 2008
Book 4 in Braddock series. Great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews