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The House of Rohan #0.5
The Wicked House of Rohan
A fallen woman. A most wicked plan for redemption.
Venice, 1740.
Desperate, starving, Kathleen Strong makes her way to a job interview that promises a chance at proper employment...and maybe a bite to eat. Accused of "gross immorality," she's adrift after being dismissed from her governess position, despite being entirely innocent.
That innocence is precisely what a mysterious group of debauched aristocrats finds so alluring about Miss Strong. When they propose a scandalous offer that she can't refuse...she can't refuse. But if the darkly gallant Alistair Rohan, a gentleman involved in all manner of wicked deeds himself, has anything to say about it, Kathleen can escape her disrepute in another way.
Of course, the escape route looks very similar to the group's illicit proposition itself...
Venice, 1740.
Desperate, starving, Kathleen Strong makes her way to a job interview that promises a chance at proper employment...and maybe a bite to eat. Accused of "gross immorality," she's adrift after being dismissed from her governess position, despite being entirely innocent.
That innocence is precisely what a mysterious group of debauched aristocrats finds so alluring about Miss Strong. When they propose a scandalous offer that she can't refuse...she can't refuse. But if the darkly gallant Alistair Rohan, a gentleman involved in all manner of wicked deeds himself, has anything to say about it, Kathleen can escape her disrepute in another way.
Of course, the escape route looks very similar to the group's illicit proposition itself...
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2010
184 people are currently reading
1525 people want to read
About the author
Anne Stuart
203 books2,062 followersAnne Stuart is a grandmaster of the genre, winner of Romance Writers of America's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, survivor of more than thirty-five years in the romance business, and still just keeps getting better.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
August 14, 2015
Completed Reread 8/8/15
I needed a quick palate cleanser after a less than satisfactory DNF romance. Anne Stuart always does the trick. I allowed my Kindle Text-to-Speech to read to me as I was supposed to be going to sleep early this morning, and it was lovely. I usually avoid super short romance stories because they just don't work. This is a very short story, but it manages to have everything I would want in the very short length. What a risque storyline, but pulled off excellently. Even though the hero is a debauched rake, I still wanted to run off with him. I can see why Kathleen did exactly that.
In my opinion, Anne Stuart is the Mistress of Romance! She teaches me something everytime I read her books!
Previous Review
I loved this story. Yes it was short, but it was also sweet and very well done. I'm a sucker for the plain, aging spinster meets the rake storyline, and I think Ms. Stuart always does great with it. I don't know...Not too many writers do rakes as well as I like. But, Ms. Stuart, she definitely does. A rake is mad, bad, and dangerous to know. But the best part about a rakish hero is seeing him fall in love with the one woman who makes him want to give up his debauched, profligate ways. Hard to do in such a short format, but she managed here, in my opinion. I love her use of language, and how she built the tension so well for a short story. I'm not sure what to expect about the Heavenly Host, except they are far from heavenly. I can't say too much without spoiling the story, but it met any expectations I have for Anne Stuart's writing. I'm glad to see her writing more historicals, although I love her contemporaries too. What can I say? I love her writing, period. She writes a killer short story, says Danielle, with a happy smile on her face.
I needed a quick palate cleanser after a less than satisfactory DNF romance. Anne Stuart always does the trick. I allowed my Kindle Text-to-Speech to read to me as I was supposed to be going to sleep early this morning, and it was lovely. I usually avoid super short romance stories because they just don't work. This is a very short story, but it manages to have everything I would want in the very short length. What a risque storyline, but pulled off excellently. Even though the hero is a debauched rake, I still wanted to run off with him. I can see why Kathleen did exactly that.
In my opinion, Anne Stuart is the Mistress of Romance! She teaches me something everytime I read her books!
Previous Review
I loved this story. Yes it was short, but it was also sweet and very well done. I'm a sucker for the plain, aging spinster meets the rake storyline, and I think Ms. Stuart always does great with it. I don't know...Not too many writers do rakes as well as I like. But, Ms. Stuart, she definitely does. A rake is mad, bad, and dangerous to know. But the best part about a rakish hero is seeing him fall in love with the one woman who makes him want to give up his debauched, profligate ways. Hard to do in such a short format, but she managed here, in my opinion. I love her use of language, and how she built the tension so well for a short story. I'm not sure what to expect about the Heavenly Host, except they are far from heavenly. I can't say too much without spoiling the story, but it met any expectations I have for Anne Stuart's writing. I'm glad to see her writing more historicals, although I love her contemporaries too. What can I say? I love her writing, period. She writes a killer short story, says Danielle, with a happy smile on her face.
August 13, 2018
“I want to render you unusable for Marblethorpe’s little game. I want to get in bed with you and make love to you until you weep with pleasure, and then I want to do it all over again. And the thing is, my innocent little angel, that you really want it too. You just don’t recognize it.” He pushed her hair away from her face in a gentle caress.
“You’re wrong.”
It's not every day you get the chance to read a short dark historical romance story that gives you such a pleasant surprise. It is no exaggeration to say that this novella really knocked my socks off. Honestly, I didn’t expect Anne Stuart’s HR to be as good as her RS, but this one proved me wrong. It was exceptionally good! I enjoyed every page I read and I just wish it was longer!
When I picked up this one, I thought I was going to read a dark and some kind of depressing story. But as I read further into it, I found the story lighter and sweeter than expected. I loved that while the book had a dark and somewhat oppressive atmosphere, the romance, which was the best part of this book for me, was very sweet and sensual. I couldn’t be more delighted!
This novella really did work for me in every single way. There were two lovable main characters who captured my heart the entire way through. Alistair Rohan was such an endearing anti-hero, and who would have thought! With his dark, mysterious, brooding look, I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. What can I say; I’m a total sucker for brooding heroes!
Another thing I loved about this book was that the story moved along at a cracking pace and I was pleased by how smoothly things unfolded. The exquisite romance between Alistair and Kathleen had me swooning and smiling nonstop. Their sexy time was very well-written—hot, intense, yet super sweet. The ending was wonderful, and it was absolutely the author’s style.
So, what more could I ask for?
I was over the moon after finishing this one. Oh, it was so good! If I could, I would give it more than 5 stars!
LOVED IT!
“If you lust after someone and have an absurd and overwhelming need to protect them, then the best way to deal with the situation is to marry the person.”
**The Wicked House of Rohan is a prequel to the House of Rohan series. It can be read as a standalone.
“You’re wrong.”
It's not every day you get the chance to read a short dark historical romance story that gives you such a pleasant surprise. It is no exaggeration to say that this novella really knocked my socks off. Honestly, I didn’t expect Anne Stuart’s HR to be as good as her RS, but this one proved me wrong. It was exceptionally good! I enjoyed every page I read and I just wish it was longer!
When I picked up this one, I thought I was going to read a dark and some kind of depressing story. But as I read further into it, I found the story lighter and sweeter than expected. I loved that while the book had a dark and somewhat oppressive atmosphere, the romance, which was the best part of this book for me, was very sweet and sensual. I couldn’t be more delighted!
This novella really did work for me in every single way. There were two lovable main characters who captured my heart the entire way through. Alistair Rohan was such an endearing anti-hero, and who would have thought! With his dark, mysterious, brooding look, I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. What can I say; I’m a total sucker for brooding heroes!
Another thing I loved about this book was that the story moved along at a cracking pace and I was pleased by how smoothly things unfolded. The exquisite romance between Alistair and Kathleen had me swooning and smiling nonstop. Their sexy time was very well-written—hot, intense, yet super sweet. The ending was wonderful, and it was absolutely the author’s style.
So, what more could I ask for?
I was over the moon after finishing this one. Oh, it was so good! If I could, I would give it more than 5 stars!
LOVED IT!
“If you lust after someone and have an absurd and overwhelming need to protect them, then the best way to deal with the situation is to marry the person.”
**The Wicked House of Rohan is a prequel to the House of Rohan series. It can be read as a standalone.
November 10, 2019
3.5 Short wicked read about a governess so down on her luck, that she is willing to make a deal with the devil.
May 28, 2018
Fun intro to the Rohan series that I somehow never got around to reading. Trademark Anne Stuart bad boy lusts after an honorable and upright young woman who feels disdain for him. This book though features a bit more of a mellower version of some of her deadlier heroes, and maybe I'm just getting older, but I kind of like the less cold-hearted Stuart heroes now. Alistair is still hedonistic and cynical, but when he sets eyes on Kathleen, he is left battling between wanting to bed her and wanting to take care of her. Swoon. At the story's start, Kathleen is just one step away from utter disaster, having been thrown out of her employer's home over a misunderstanding. She has gone a day and a half without food and several days sleeping in alleys, and so she is desperately in need of someone to care for her. I loved all of this, though I thought the added detail of Kathleen and Alistair actually having a history together from their youth was a bit too much of a coincidence when she accidentally shows up at his mansion. Still, a rather sweeter story from Stuart, and I raced right through it.
June 22, 2021
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: I really loved this. My only complaint is that it was too short, but now I’ll dive into the series. This prequel novella was such a tease.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It was at a very clipped pace. I loved the dark aspects of the setting and the h’s dire situation.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved the H and his brooding mystery. He’s an anti-hero until he isn’t. Would’ve loved to have seen both characters fleshed out more. Nevertheless, it was delicious.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: Alistair, oh Alistair. I want to read more!
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: ruined h, falsely accused h, damsel in distress, selling virginity, brooding rake H
* What did you think about the ending?: I loved it, but am dying to know what happens.
* What is your impression of the author?: Big fan!
* How did the book make you feel?: I really loved this. My only complaint is that it was too short, but now I’ll dive into the series. This prequel novella was such a tease.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It was at a very clipped pace. I loved the dark aspects of the setting and the h’s dire situation.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved the H and his brooding mystery. He’s an anti-hero until he isn’t. Would’ve loved to have seen both characters fleshed out more. Nevertheless, it was delicious.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: Alistair, oh Alistair. I want to read more!
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: ruined h, falsely accused h, damsel in distress, selling virginity, brooding rake H
* What did you think about the ending?: I loved it, but am dying to know what happens.
* What is your impression of the author?: Big fan!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2013
Huh??!! A little too rushed, a little too unbelievable.
I don't know if this is me getting old, but our heroes- rakes devoting themselves to chasing pleasure- had me rolling me eyes. Definitely the kind of men I'd find irresistible /sarcasm
I don't know if this is me getting old, but our heroes- rakes devoting themselves to chasing pleasure- had me rolling me eyes. Definitely the kind of men I'd find irresistible /sarcasm
December 16, 2017
After being dismissed from her job as a governess, Kathleen Strong has no money to return home to England. Desperate and starving, Kathleen arrives at an interview for a new job. But the job is not what she thinks. A group of men calling themselves the Heavenly Host wants a virgin for their nights entertainment. Alistar Rohan leads this group of aristocrats with a dark ritual on their minds.
This is a very short prequel to Anne Stuarts House of Rohan series. It was only 39 pages and reading it didn't seem to make a difference to my enjoyment of the series. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
This is a very short prequel to Anne Stuarts House of Rohan series. It was only 39 pages and reading it didn't seem to make a difference to my enjoyment of the series. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
July 21, 2010
"Strange" read. Not bad, but not good enough to tempt me into reading the series.
October 4, 2022
Nice considering the number of pages.
Read
April 9, 2020Bence daha fazla detaylandırılabilirdi. Ama bu kısa anlatım bile bana bir fikir verdi.
Sadece eskiden bir insanın sokakta kalması çok çok daha kötüymüş.
En azından günümüzde alternatifler var...
Sadece eskiden bir insanın sokakta kalması çok çok daha kötüymüş.
En azından günümüzde alternatifler var...
October 2, 2010
Well this sucked the big one. Why? Because there’s zero development and totally out of the proverbial left field comes this “I love you” (!) What the ***? I know it’s a short story and it was free on Harlequin but why bother if this is all you’re getting?
It’s starts out well with a down on her luck heroine who answers an ad for what she thinks is for a governess’ position with a family in Venice. At the interview she has a twilight zone moment when she meets a bunch of creepy guys who tell her why they want her and it’s not for any governess job either. There are some eye-popping incidents making you wonder if you’re reading erotica instead of a regency historical but there’s next to no character development, relationship development or info on what this House of Rohan is. Who are these whackjobs? The hero seems like he has potential but that fizzles fast with his I-must-be-in-love-with-you bit for absolutely no reason. The heroine could turn into one of those strong minded heroines if she had more meat to her story but she goes all doe-eyed-spastic too when he declares his “love”. Again “why?!” He’d give anyone the heebie jeebies considering the circumstances under which they met and she’s all gaga??
It was just sex for sex with gaping holes and a meager attempt at piecing together a plot. Here’s hoping that the first full-book in the trilogy is better :-/
It’s starts out well with a down on her luck heroine who answers an ad for what she thinks is for a governess’ position with a family in Venice. At the interview she has a twilight zone moment when she meets a bunch of creepy guys who tell her why they want her and it’s not for any governess job either. There are some eye-popping incidents making you wonder if you’re reading erotica instead of a regency historical but there’s next to no character development, relationship development or info on what this House of Rohan is. Who are these whackjobs? The hero seems like he has potential but that fizzles fast with his I-must-be-in-love-with-you bit for absolutely no reason. The heroine could turn into one of those strong minded heroines if she had more meat to her story but she goes all doe-eyed-spastic too when he declares his “love”. Again “why?!” He’d give anyone the heebie jeebies considering the circumstances under which they met and she’s all gaga??
It was just sex for sex with gaping holes and a meager attempt at piecing together a plot. Here’s hoping that the first full-book in the trilogy is better :-/
August 14, 2011
Reviewed for Wickedly Bookish
http://wickedlybookish.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Strong is down on her luck and in need of a new job after false rumors ruin her career as a governess. The newly established Heavenly Host, a debauched mens club, offers to pay her well and send her home to England in exchange for her virginity. Handsome rake Alistiar Rohan, founder of the club, has a slightly different proposition for her, one that she can't refuse.
I read this in preperation for the ARC copy of Shameless I recieved from Netgalley. I haven't read the previous books in the series and wanted to get a feel for the world I would be stepping into. What better way than to read a short erotic prequel to the series?
This was very short, but well planned out unlike many other short stoires. There isn't much time to set up the characters and the situation, however Anne Stuart does a remarkable job pulling you in and not letting go until the end. I loved Alistair and Kathleen's characters and hope we see more of them in the full length stories. All in all, this was a fun, quick, sultry read that I would definitely reccommend.
http://wickedlybookish.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Strong is down on her luck and in need of a new job after false rumors ruin her career as a governess. The newly established Heavenly Host, a debauched mens club, offers to pay her well and send her home to England in exchange for her virginity. Handsome rake Alistiar Rohan, founder of the club, has a slightly different proposition for her, one that she can't refuse.
I read this in preperation for the ARC copy of Shameless I recieved from Netgalley. I haven't read the previous books in the series and wanted to get a feel for the world I would be stepping into. What better way than to read a short erotic prequel to the series?
This was very short, but well planned out unlike many other short stoires. There isn't much time to set up the characters and the situation, however Anne Stuart does a remarkable job pulling you in and not letting go until the end. I loved Alistair and Kathleen's characters and hope we see more of them in the full length stories. All in all, this was a fun, quick, sultry read that I would definitely reccommend.
June 2, 2025
My Review:
This one was super cute!!! Just a spicy novella but I really liked their banter and their chemistry was fabulous. I do wish the story was a bit longer though. I believe this is the Grandfather that started everything for the Rohan's lol I would have liked to see maybe a couple chapters of them in Ireland in their HEA. But still a fun quick read that I had a fun time with. But now I am sad to be done with this family saga. I have just loved all of these books and their adventures. Now I am wanting to explore more of her work. If you know what I should read next, let me know!
This one was super cute!!! Just a spicy novella but I really liked their banter and their chemistry was fabulous. I do wish the story was a bit longer though. I believe this is the Grandfather that started everything for the Rohan's lol I would have liked to see maybe a couple chapters of them in Ireland in their HEA. But still a fun quick read that I had a fun time with. But now I am sad to be done with this family saga. I have just loved all of these books and their adventures. Now I am wanting to explore more of her work. If you know what I should read next, let me know!
January 9, 2020
#29 of 2020
I've only read one of Anne Stuart's books before. #2 in the House of Rohan series, Reckless. I loved it!!!
Although this was a short prequel to the series, I liked it very much.
It even explains how the Heavenly Host came into being, which I've wondered about while reading Reckless.
I will continue with the series sometime in the future.
I've only read one of Anne Stuart's books before. #2 in the House of Rohan series, Reckless. I loved it!!!
Although this was a short prequel to the series, I liked it very much.
It even explains how the Heavenly Host came into being, which I've wondered about while reading Reckless.
I will continue with the series sometime in the future.
June 4, 2018
2'5 🌟
No es que esté mal, es que es un relato excesivamente breve que parte de una idea con la que se podría haber hecho una buena novela romántica y erótica de enaguas. Me he quedado con las ganas de saber mucho más. Tampoco creo que unas cuantas páginas más para hacer un final algo menos precipitado y loco le hubieran venido mal.
No es que esté mal, es que es un relato excesivamente breve que parte de una idea con la que se podría haber hecho una buena novela romántica y erótica de enaguas. Me he quedado con las ganas de saber mucho más. Tampoco creo que unas cuantas páginas más para hacer un final algo menos precipitado y loco le hubieran venido mal.
June 5, 2012
2.5 stars
First of all, I had this weirdest sensation short after I started reading:
And then...
See what I mean? She was talking about the same man. The hero. I love beautiful eyes, but I believed the color of the hero's eyes just changed from piercing blue to golden color.
For an extremely short novella, it was wicked and steamy. However, everything else is blurry, from the insta-love, the identity of the characters, through the storyline. I'm not sure I can understand why this novella is included in the House of Rohan series as the prequel.
Who is Alistair Rohan? What is his connection with Francis Rohan other than the same name? Is he the cousin of Francis's father? But why we didn't hear anything about him in Ruthless? And is he supposed to be the man who started the Heavenly Host tradition?
So many things didn't make any sense. Why Kathleen Strong is wandering around the street, starving and homeless? Her whole family just died and there's nothing and no one at all left for her? Also, the 'little' coincidence between her and Alistair was too coincidental. And the ending, just like that?
I couldn't rate it higher though I pretty much enjoyed the very short romance and Anne Stuart's captivating writing. It's just too short.
First of all, I had this weirdest sensation short after I started reading:
He’d looked very much like that man, from the tousled wave of thick brown hair, the piercing blue eyes—the mouth perfect for kissing. A knight on a white stallion, come to rescue her.
And then...
She had a hard time pulling her gaze away from the man’s eyes. They were a golden color, like dark honey, and that made her think of toast and tea and rich pastries…
See what I mean? She was talking about the same man. The hero. I love beautiful eyes, but I believed the color of the hero's eyes just changed from piercing blue to golden color.
For an extremely short novella, it was wicked and steamy. However, everything else is blurry, from the insta-love, the identity of the characters, through the storyline. I'm not sure I can understand why this novella is included in the House of Rohan series as the prequel.
Who is Alistair Rohan? What is his connection with Francis Rohan other than the same name? Is he the cousin of Francis's father? But why we didn't hear anything about him in Ruthless? And is he supposed to be the man who started the Heavenly Host tradition?
So many things didn't make any sense. Why Kathleen Strong is wandering around the street, starving and homeless? Her whole family just died and there's nothing and no one at all left for her? Also, the 'little' coincidence between her and Alistair was too coincidental. And the ending, just like that?
I couldn't rate it higher though I pretty much enjoyed the very short romance and Anne Stuart's captivating writing. It's just too short.
July 13, 2010
This is a prequel to the House of Rohan series (Ruthless, Reckless, and Breathless). It is a publicity tool and very short. I got it free from eharlequin and would not have paid for it.
The story did what it was supposed to do and made me interested in the series. I was skeptical, but interested nonetheless.
The story sets up the beginning of the Heavenly Host--a group of men looking for debauchery and wanting more than what they have found so far, so they choose to make a society of members like them and willing to do anything and everything for pleasure. They are a bored and drunk group of aristocrats with nothing better to do and Alistar Rohan is their leader. Miss Kathleen Strong is in dire need of help and they are willing to help...for a price.
The story was decent. I liked the characters, but the story was so short it was difficult to really get to know them well enough. I half liked the ending, but was left wondering about a couple of things.
I've since read the first book in the series, Ruthless, and find that this prequel is unnecessary for the series. If the book is no longer free, I would not bother with it. Read the series instead.
The story did what it was supposed to do and made me interested in the series. I was skeptical, but interested nonetheless.
The story sets up the beginning of the Heavenly Host--a group of men looking for debauchery and wanting more than what they have found so far, so they choose to make a society of members like them and willing to do anything and everything for pleasure. They are a bored and drunk group of aristocrats with nothing better to do and Alistar Rohan is their leader. Miss Kathleen Strong is in dire need of help and they are willing to help...for a price.
The story was decent. I liked the characters, but the story was so short it was difficult to really get to know them well enough. I half liked the ending, but was left wondering about a couple of things.
I've since read the first book in the series, Ruthless, and find that this prequel is unnecessary for the series. If the book is no longer free, I would not bother with it. Read the series instead.
October 24, 2010
Wicked House of Rohan
This is a rather pleasant vignette. The whole premise is unsettling, as it's supposed to be, probably more because of the heroine's acceptance of the offer than because of the offer itself. There is practically no character development, but I like the plot and the scene-setting is good. You know how desperate the heroine is, you can feel it, and you know how cynical the hero is and how pathetic he is.
3 stars.
This is a rather pleasant vignette. The whole premise is unsettling, as it's supposed to be, probably more because of the heroine's acceptance of the offer than because of the offer itself. There is practically no character development, but I like the plot and the scene-setting is good. You know how desperate the heroine is, you can feel it, and you know how cynical the hero is and how pathetic he is.
3 stars.
August 18, 2010
Wicked men.
July 25, 2023
This was good, only 39 pages.
July 4, 2010
Waaaaay too short! The story was rushed and did not ring true in the least. The characters were not developed, (but how could they in such a short story)? I BOUGHT this e-book for my first read on my new Kindle, but it should definitely be free! No wonder they are letting you read it for free on another site. I wish I had done the research to find out how to read it for free before I spent my money on it. I actually wouldn't even call it a book, it was more of an excerpt with an ending! I mean why bother writing such a short book if you don't even have time to develop the characters? I guess I'm so disappointed because I was led to believe it was a real book, and I wanted my first experience with my Kindle to be a good read. The bottom line is, don't pay for this book because it's not worth it IMO.
January 19, 2015
This was a really sweet story and I wish that it were full length. It would have been nice to see Kathleen when she was younger and her crush on Alistair. I should have read this first instead of last because I remember someone mentioning a distant cousin named Alistair in one of the Rohan books, but now I cant remember what they said about him. I didn't know who he was at the time so I didn't take notice. Otherwise this can be read anytime throughout the series and doesn't affect the story.
July 8, 2010
A real quickie, pleasurable and enjoyable despite its shortness. I feel rather compelled to read the "true" trilogy.
P.S. I still wish this one was a little longer. The ending seemed a bit rushed. I missed a little more "poetry". ;)
P.S. I still wish this one was a little longer. The ending seemed a bit rushed. I missed a little more "poetry". ;)
July 27, 2022
The Wicked House of Rohan is a prequel novella for Anne Stuart’s House of Rohan series. I had read the first book in the series at the beginning of the year and really enjoyed it, so when I saw this audio was available from the library I grabbed it.
This one takes place in Venice in 1740. Kathleen is currently starving and sleeping on the streets. She was a governess who came with a family from England but somehow ended up living on the streets. At almost 30-years-old she’s been seen as a spinster anyways. Some men find her and take her in with them to their “club”. Alistair Rohan is amongst the men, him and his friends have always gotten up to no-good in the past sharing women and living life however they want. His friends decide they want a virgin for one of them to sleep with while the others watch. So they take in Kathleen as their prospect and say after the night of “tame fun”, they’ll give her money and pay her way back to England.
When Kathleen sees Alistair she realizes she knew him growing up, he was her first childhood crush and had been her brother’s friend growing up. The last time she saw him she was 15. This takes place over like a day, Kathleen is left at the house with Alistair until the others return. But Kathleen and Alistair are pulled together instead and end up sleeping with one another before the others get back. This felt like a scene from a book but not the whole story and so I wasn’t really invested in these 2. He doesn’t realize who she is until mid-thrust and the proposal was definitely something as well. Yikes. Definitely not a fav and glad I didn’t start with this as my intro to Anne Stuart. 😅
This one takes place in Venice in 1740. Kathleen is currently starving and sleeping on the streets. She was a governess who came with a family from England but somehow ended up living on the streets. At almost 30-years-old she’s been seen as a spinster anyways. Some men find her and take her in with them to their “club”. Alistair Rohan is amongst the men, him and his friends have always gotten up to no-good in the past sharing women and living life however they want. His friends decide they want a virgin for one of them to sleep with while the others watch. So they take in Kathleen as their prospect and say after the night of “tame fun”, they’ll give her money and pay her way back to England.
When Kathleen sees Alistair she realizes she knew him growing up, he was her first childhood crush and had been her brother’s friend growing up. The last time she saw him she was 15. This takes place over like a day, Kathleen is left at the house with Alistair until the others return. But Kathleen and Alistair are pulled together instead and end up sleeping with one another before the others get back. This felt like a scene from a book but not the whole story and so I wasn’t really invested in these 2. He doesn’t realize who she is until mid-thrust and the proposal was definitely something as well. Yikes. Definitely not a fav and glad I didn’t start with this as my intro to Anne Stuart. 😅
February 25, 2019
Es una historia muy cortita entre el fundador del "Ejercito celestial" y una institutriz caída en desgracia.
No está mal. Presentación, encuentro y desenlace. Pero sólo es el romance que es una especie de reencuentro.
Está bien pero yo pensaba que iba a explicar un poco más el asunto de la creación de "Ejército" y apenas se menciona en un párrafo.
No aporta nada a la serie.
Igual la escena hot está buena.
No está mal. Presentación, encuentro y desenlace. Pero sólo es el romance que es una especie de reencuentro.
Está bien pero yo pensaba que iba a explicar un poco más el asunto de la creación de "Ejército" y apenas se menciona en un párrafo.
No aporta nada a la serie.
Igual la escena hot está buena.
May 17, 2013
For some time now I've been wanting to read Anne Stuart but as usual my TBR goes on and on and sometimes the best is left for last.
Even though I only read it now, I know that I'm in for a ride with this lady's and the so called gentleman that marvelously live between this pages.
Venice, 1740.
Desperate, starving, Kathleen Strong makes her way to a job interview that promises a chance at proper employment...and maybe a bite to eat. Accused of "gross immorality," she's adrift after being dismissed from her governess position, despite being entirely innocent.
That innocence is precisely what a mysterious group of debauched aristocrats finds so alluring about Miss Strong. When they propose a scandalous offer that she can't refuse...she can't refuse. But if the darkly gallant Alistair Rohan, a gentleman involved in all manner of wicked deeds himself, has anything to say about it, Kathleen can escape her disrepute in another way.
Of course, the escape route looks very similar to the group's illicit proposition itself...
So, today our world is so messed up, we fight for our rights, we fight for a job, we keep on fighting for the right to be equal in society...
But, may I ask, what if we lived in the past, when women had no rights but only a birth status, dictated by the laws of a ruthless society that was based in social position ?
Have you imagined if you've fallen in disgrace, wronged by everyone around you and nobody believed or came in your defense ...
That is exactly what happen to Kathleen Strong. A girl alone in the beautiful city of Venice looking for a job, starving and penny less, without an option but to bend to the will of dubious gentleman that see women as their hunting ground and object of pleasure.
This character was so well written, invented in perfection and so heart-brokenly truthful to her position in the story, how I felt for her ...
Now the boys ....
A bunch of pigs, all of them, secure in their social position, well enthralled in society and plainly heartless and sadistic towards our gender. But in every story there has to be a hero, so to the romance ....
Alistair Rohan is a wicked and an alluring gentleman, probably stubborn, but way down inside in a little corner of his heart he still has some character and kindness, yes, love still resides in his heart.
I find this gentleman very appealing, a snob and a teaser, a man who challenges a woman and arouses feelings long forgotten in Kathleen.
In my eyes he is a brave man for going against all of society's cruelness and ideas, he's not afraid and he faces life right on, good for him!
This is a short novella but it's marvelously weaved, truthfully told by the voice of an author that I'm shure will not let me down once I get into this series.
I know my mind and I'll be wanting more every time I finish a book.
If you've never read this series or this author, start at the beginning and move forward, no fears ...
Even though I only read it now, I know that I'm in for a ride with this lady's and the so called gentleman that marvelously live between this pages.
Venice, 1740.
Desperate, starving, Kathleen Strong makes her way to a job interview that promises a chance at proper employment...and maybe a bite to eat. Accused of "gross immorality," she's adrift after being dismissed from her governess position, despite being entirely innocent.
That innocence is precisely what a mysterious group of debauched aristocrats finds so alluring about Miss Strong. When they propose a scandalous offer that she can't refuse...she can't refuse. But if the darkly gallant Alistair Rohan, a gentleman involved in all manner of wicked deeds himself, has anything to say about it, Kathleen can escape her disrepute in another way.
Of course, the escape route looks very similar to the group's illicit proposition itself...
So, today our world is so messed up, we fight for our rights, we fight for a job, we keep on fighting for the right to be equal in society...
But, may I ask, what if we lived in the past, when women had no rights but only a birth status, dictated by the laws of a ruthless society that was based in social position ?
Have you imagined if you've fallen in disgrace, wronged by everyone around you and nobody believed or came in your defense ...
That is exactly what happen to Kathleen Strong. A girl alone in the beautiful city of Venice looking for a job, starving and penny less, without an option but to bend to the will of dubious gentleman that see women as their hunting ground and object of pleasure.
This character was so well written, invented in perfection and so heart-brokenly truthful to her position in the story, how I felt for her ...
Now the boys ....
A bunch of pigs, all of them, secure in their social position, well enthralled in society and plainly heartless and sadistic towards our gender. But in every story there has to be a hero, so to the romance ....
Alistair Rohan is a wicked and an alluring gentleman, probably stubborn, but way down inside in a little corner of his heart he still has some character and kindness, yes, love still resides in his heart.
I find this gentleman very appealing, a snob and a teaser, a man who challenges a woman and arouses feelings long forgotten in Kathleen.
In my eyes he is a brave man for going against all of society's cruelness and ideas, he's not afraid and he faces life right on, good for him!
This is a short novella but it's marvelously weaved, truthfully told by the voice of an author that I'm shure will not let me down once I get into this series.
I know my mind and I'll be wanting more every time I finish a book.
If you've never read this series or this author, start at the beginning and move forward, no fears ...
July 22, 2011
Nice, but too short to develop characters, motivations, events, etc. It takes place in one evening.
This took me less than 20 minutes to read. It is available free as an ebook from Harlequin, but this free version does not convert to Kindle (as far as I know). I read it on my computer using Adobe Digital Editions. You can buy it for Kindle through Amazon.
It was nice. I liked it. It was like an opening scene for a book. It was too short to get into explanations, for example the lover had a change of character which was not developed. This is the teaser/prequel to the author’s series called The House of Rohan. You do NOT need to read this before reading “Ruthless,” the first book in the series. The House of Rohan is about a group of aristocrats who hold orgies. In this book the group wants to find a virgin and watch while one of them deflowers her. They place an ad. Kathleen answers the ad. She lost her job, is homeless and starving.
DATA:
Ebook story length: 24 pages (2 KB) less than 20 minutes. Swearing language: none. Sexual language: moderate/strong. Number of sex scenes: one, four pages long. Setting: 1740 Venice, Italy. Copyright: 2010. Genre: historical romance.
This took me less than 20 minutes to read. It is available free as an ebook from Harlequin, but this free version does not convert to Kindle (as far as I know). I read it on my computer using Adobe Digital Editions. You can buy it for Kindle through Amazon.
It was nice. I liked it. It was like an opening scene for a book. It was too short to get into explanations, for example the lover had a change of character which was not developed. This is the teaser/prequel to the author’s series called The House of Rohan. You do NOT need to read this before reading “Ruthless,” the first book in the series. The House of Rohan is about a group of aristocrats who hold orgies. In this book the group wants to find a virgin and watch while one of them deflowers her. They place an ad. Kathleen answers the ad. She lost her job, is homeless and starving.
DATA:
Ebook story length: 24 pages (2 KB) less than 20 minutes. Swearing language: none. Sexual language: moderate/strong. Number of sex scenes: one, four pages long. Setting: 1740 Venice, Italy. Copyright: 2010. Genre: historical romance.
May 28, 2011
Kathleen Strong is desperate and starving in Venice, Italy 1740. She doesn't have many options in seeking employment. Kathleen's previous employer dismissed her for immoral acts, a charge she of which she is entirely innocent. She arrives for her interview with her potential employer and finds herself confronted by a gallery of rogues, namely the Heavenly Host. Alistair Rohan leads this group of debauched aristocrats bent of despoiling a virgin for sport and entertainment.
The short novella is a prequel to a popular series by Anne Stuart centered on the Heavenly Host. Taken on its own Wicked House of Rohan is much too brief and the action pace is too fast. We barely learn of a prior connection between Rohan and Kathleen, a relationship that Rohan is unaware of at the outset.
The scenes between the Heavenly Host and their prize virgin are interesting, but the brevity of the book spoils the makings of a very good story. This one deserves 2 stars. Stuart is a good writer and I've read her novels before with relish. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with Wicked House of Rohan because it felt like the author was in a hurry to finish the story.
The short novella is a prequel to a popular series by Anne Stuart centered on the Heavenly Host. Taken on its own Wicked House of Rohan is much too brief and the action pace is too fast. We barely learn of a prior connection between Rohan and Kathleen, a relationship that Rohan is unaware of at the outset.
The scenes between the Heavenly Host and their prize virgin are interesting, but the brevity of the book spoils the makings of a very good story. This one deserves 2 stars. Stuart is a good writer and I've read her novels before with relish. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with Wicked House of Rohan because it felt like the author was in a hurry to finish the story.
February 21, 2022
Content: 3.5 stars
I wore a satisfied smile as I listened to the end of this whirlwind romance.
Like most of the author's heroes, Alistair is dissolute yet delicious. We're not given much insight into Alistair's psyche, but I can see why Kathleen thinks he's hero material. So no, I don't blame her for running off with him—not one bit. As for Kathleen, she is as strong as her surname implies. Thrust into desperate circumstances she does what she needs to in order to survive.
This is a short story, but the author still packs a punch with the minimal space she is working with. Words are not wasted: every one is used to maximum effect to convey the characters' thoughts and emotions. Add in a rake; a lonely, desperate spinster; potential danger; and sizzling chemistry into the mix and one shouldn't be bored.
Audiobook narration: 3.5 stars
Very good. Ms. Erickson's voice narration is easy to follow and her voice clear. She doesn't display as much range as other narrators I've heard, but she manages to captivate. I liked her portrayal of Kathleen the best.
I wore a satisfied smile as I listened to the end of this whirlwind romance.
Like most of the author's heroes, Alistair is dissolute yet delicious. We're not given much insight into Alistair's psyche, but I can see why Kathleen thinks he's hero material. So no, I don't blame her for running off with him—not one bit. As for Kathleen, she is as strong as her surname implies. Thrust into desperate circumstances she does what she needs to in order to survive.
This is a short story, but the author still packs a punch with the minimal space she is working with. Words are not wasted: every one is used to maximum effect to convey the characters' thoughts and emotions. Add in a rake; a lonely, desperate spinster; potential danger; and sizzling chemistry into the mix and one shouldn't be bored.
Audiobook narration: 3.5 stars
Very good. Ms. Erickson's voice narration is easy to follow and her voice clear. She doesn't display as much range as other narrators I've heard, but she manages to captivate. I liked her portrayal of Kathleen the best.
September 26, 2010
Too short!
I enjoyed it, but it didn't seem to set up the "Heavenly Host" club with a whole lot of detail that wasn't included in Ruthless as well. And who was Rohan? And what about her brother (his friend)? And what happened? Did they make it? And isn't this roughly the same story as Ruthless?
It sets the tone nicely for the series -- I'm going to re-read Ruthless because of it. I have to say though if I'd read this first I might have been disappointed that there is no mention of these two in Ruthless. I wanted to get to know them!
I enjoyed it, but it didn't seem to set up the "Heavenly Host" club with a whole lot of detail that wasn't included in Ruthless as well. And who was Rohan? And what about her brother (his friend)? And what happened? Did they make it? And isn't this roughly the same story as Ruthless?
It sets the tone nicely for the series -- I'm going to re-read Ruthless because of it. I have to say though if I'd read this first I might have been disappointed that there is no mention of these two in Ruthless. I wanted to get to know them!
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