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The Ten #1
Entwined
After returning from war all but totally blind by a would-be assassin's hand, Nathan Oriel spends his days in bitterness and isolation. Until Isobel MacLeod--caught in his steely embrace one fateful night--shatters his world with her Scottish temper, her pride, and her courage.
Isobel, by her own admission a woman of too much brain and too little beauty, is a spinster devoted to keeping her wayward family out of trouble. To Nathan, however, she is beauty, hope, and salvation in one tempestuous package, and he is not above blackmail to coerce her into his world.
Shaken by Nathan's raw passion and fierce determination, Isobel's own defenses and stubborn pride begin to crumble. But can she trust this enigmatic man enough to give him what he wants most dearly of all . . . her love?
From the Paperback edition.
Isobel, by her own admission a woman of too much brain and too little beauty, is a spinster devoted to keeping her wayward family out of trouble. To Nathan, however, she is beauty, hope, and salvation in one tempestuous package, and he is not above blackmail to coerce her into his world.
Shaken by Nathan's raw passion and fierce determination, Isobel's own defenses and stubborn pride begin to crumble. But can she trust this enigmatic man enough to give him what he wants most dearly of all . . . her love?
From the Paperback edition.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
16 people are currently reading
1837 people want to read
About the author
Emma Jensen
24 books38 followersEmma Jensen is a bestselling author who has won both a Rita and a Reviewer's Choice Award for her Regencies. She grew up in San Francisco and among the vines of the California wine country. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, with degrees in nineteenth-century literature, sociology, and public policy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 15, 2009
This is a beautiful and very underrated romance novel. I fell in love with the story from the first page. This was my first read by Emma Jensen, who doesn't write anymore. I could not be more saddened by that fact. A great talent has been lost to the literary world.
Entwined is the story of the relationship between Isobel, who is a tall, ungainly spinster with carrot red hair, and an unfashionably curvaceous body, and Nathan, Duke of Oriel, who was badly injured in the midst of his spy work for the government. He is now scarred and blinded. Instead of Nathan being a mean, embittered jerk as a result, he is a very wonderful man. He realizes very quickly what a jewel that Isobel is (in fact, he runs into her when she goes into his office to return money her drunken father stole, and is very captivated by her womanly physique). Although he hires her initially as his secretary and personal assistant (she is the only one who knows he's blind), he offers her marriage very soon afterwards. It was easy to fall in love with both of these characters because of their good hearts and unique personalities.
I have a weakness for less-than-perfect characters, so I was so glad that this book was listed on the All About Romance Special Title Listing for Beauty is in the Eye and also Less Than Perfect. I made a note to grab this at the used bookstore, and I am so glad I did. If you are a reader who loves a good marriage of convenience book where two people come together for a common purpose, and initially are not in love, but fall deeply for each other and find togetherness and a wonderful future, you would love this book. There are no big misunderstandings or foolishness. There is a spy plot, but the relationship between Nathan and Isobel is what captured and kept my interest. They face the world as a team, and it's so wonderful how deeply Nathan and Isobel care for each other and take care of each other. The term 'help-mate' is wonderfully exemplified by this couple in this novel.
It's been a while since I read this book (and I really should pull it out for a reread), but I really love this story, and I consider it a favorite out of the many historical romances I've read. It might be hard to find, but it is definitely worth the read.
Entwined is the story of the relationship between Isobel, who is a tall, ungainly spinster with carrot red hair, and an unfashionably curvaceous body, and Nathan, Duke of Oriel, who was badly injured in the midst of his spy work for the government. He is now scarred and blinded. Instead of Nathan being a mean, embittered jerk as a result, he is a very wonderful man. He realizes very quickly what a jewel that Isobel is (in fact, he runs into her when she goes into his office to return money her drunken father stole, and is very captivated by her womanly physique). Although he hires her initially as his secretary and personal assistant (she is the only one who knows he's blind), he offers her marriage very soon afterwards. It was easy to fall in love with both of these characters because of their good hearts and unique personalities.
I have a weakness for less-than-perfect characters, so I was so glad that this book was listed on the All About Romance Special Title Listing for Beauty is in the Eye and also Less Than Perfect. I made a note to grab this at the used bookstore, and I am so glad I did. If you are a reader who loves a good marriage of convenience book where two people come together for a common purpose, and initially are not in love, but fall deeply for each other and find togetherness and a wonderful future, you would love this book. There are no big misunderstandings or foolishness. There is a spy plot, but the relationship between Nathan and Isobel is what captured and kept my interest. They face the world as a team, and it's so wonderful how deeply Nathan and Isobel care for each other and take care of each other. The term 'help-mate' is wonderfully exemplified by this couple in this novel.
It's been a while since I read this book (and I really should pull it out for a reread), but I really love this story, and I consider it a favorite out of the many historical romances I've read. It might be hard to find, but it is definitely worth the read.
January 23, 2012
From beginning to end, this book just completely captivated me.
A brief summary (which I'm not very good at, generally, so bear with me):
Nathan Paget, Marquess of Oriel, is a member of an elite, clandestine team of spies known only as "The Ten." He is prepared to leave the Peninsula and return to England (and his fiance) when he and his best friend are attacked.
The attack costs Nathan his sight (although he somehow manages to keep this fact a secret from everyone) and causes some damage to his leg. It also costs him his fiance, who breaks the engagement when she learns he may be disabled permanently. Nathan becomes a recluse for months, hiding away in his country estate, managing to fool everyone about his loss of sight. All except one...
Isobel MacLeod is the eldest daughter of an alcoholic Scottish widower, who also happens to be The Marquess of Oriel's secretary. Isobel has resigned herself to spinsterhood (as she has never been a great beauty like her sisters) and has dedicated her life to caring for her two drunken gambling brothers, and her often drunk father, as well as acting as mother to her two little sisters.
Isobel and Nathan meet when she attempts to return a hefty sum of money that her father stole from his boss. When Isobel realizes Nathan is blind (a fact he has successfully hidden from everyone else), he realizes that he needs her. He offers her marriage in exchange for her silence and her assistance. A marriage of convenience soon blossoms into mutual respect, which soon becomes a burning passion and a love that both Isobel and Nathan never believed they would ever have.
The romance is the primary plot and is supported by a mystery subplot surrounding the attack that led to Nathan's disability, and the possibility that an assassin is picking of "The Ten" one by one.
Review:
From their first meeting, there was an immediate chemistry and spark between the hero and the heroine, and it was a true delight to watch them interact. Emma Jensen managed to create a perfect tortured, scarred, and brooding hero WITHOUT making him a total jerk, and actually shows early on in the story that Nathan is a very deep and loving man. My heart ached for Nathan, who really only wanted so desperately to be loved. He is smitten with Isobel very early in the book, which immediately endeared me to him. Isobel is a true delight, as well: intelligent, witty, and strong.
One of the most interesting factors of this book was how humorous it was. The conversations between the hero and heroine were truly funny, and you could see a real companionship developing between them. The way this author was able to combine both laugh out loud humor with heart-wrenching emotion really impressed me. The secondary characters were also very well-rounded and vivid, especially the hero's and heroine's family members.
5 stars, all the way. Highly HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who loves marriage of convenience plots, tortured/disabled/scarred heroes, and romance with social class differences.
The only downside is that this book is NOT yet available as an ebook or Kindle book. What the heck is that about!? Either way, it's totally worth it to seek out the paperback. Completely and totally worth it. I highly recommend that you do!
A brief summary (which I'm not very good at, generally, so bear with me):
Nathan Paget, Marquess of Oriel, is a member of an elite, clandestine team of spies known only as "The Ten." He is prepared to leave the Peninsula and return to England (and his fiance) when he and his best friend are attacked.
The attack costs Nathan his sight (although he somehow manages to keep this fact a secret from everyone) and causes some damage to his leg. It also costs him his fiance, who breaks the engagement when she learns he may be disabled permanently. Nathan becomes a recluse for months, hiding away in his country estate, managing to fool everyone about his loss of sight. All except one...
Isobel MacLeod is the eldest daughter of an alcoholic Scottish widower, who also happens to be The Marquess of Oriel's secretary. Isobel has resigned herself to spinsterhood (as she has never been a great beauty like her sisters) and has dedicated her life to caring for her two drunken gambling brothers, and her often drunk father, as well as acting as mother to her two little sisters.
Isobel and Nathan meet when she attempts to return a hefty sum of money that her father stole from his boss. When Isobel realizes Nathan is blind (a fact he has successfully hidden from everyone else), he realizes that he needs her. He offers her marriage in exchange for her silence and her assistance. A marriage of convenience soon blossoms into mutual respect, which soon becomes a burning passion and a love that both Isobel and Nathan never believed they would ever have.
The romance is the primary plot and is supported by a mystery subplot surrounding the attack that led to Nathan's disability, and the possibility that an assassin is picking of "The Ten" one by one.
Review:
From their first meeting, there was an immediate chemistry and spark between the hero and the heroine, and it was a true delight to watch them interact. Emma Jensen managed to create a perfect tortured, scarred, and brooding hero WITHOUT making him a total jerk, and actually shows early on in the story that Nathan is a very deep and loving man. My heart ached for Nathan, who really only wanted so desperately to be loved. He is smitten with Isobel very early in the book, which immediately endeared me to him. Isobel is a true delight, as well: intelligent, witty, and strong.
One of the most interesting factors of this book was how humorous it was. The conversations between the hero and heroine were truly funny, and you could see a real companionship developing between them. The way this author was able to combine both laugh out loud humor with heart-wrenching emotion really impressed me. The secondary characters were also very well-rounded and vivid, especially the hero's and heroine's family members.
5 stars, all the way. Highly HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who loves marriage of convenience plots, tortured/disabled/scarred heroes, and romance with social class differences.
The only downside is that this book is NOT yet available as an ebook or Kindle book. What the heck is that about!? Either way, it's totally worth it to seek out the paperback. Completely and totally worth it. I highly recommend that you do!
August 4, 2010
3.75 Stars
When Isobel MacLeod breaks into Lord Oriel's house, it is to put back the money her good natured, but drunken, useless father stole from him. However, Nathan, Lord Oriel catches her, and offers an unusual proposal.
This was a really lovely romance between the fiery haired, practical Isobel, who believes herself to be plain and unappealing and Nathan, who has come back from war with many scars and a disability that he keeps secret. They were both such likable characters and I enjoyed watching them fall in love. What I enjoyed most about the romance was the slow build, you could see their growing affection for one another it doesn't all happen straight away. And although they are passionate with eachother, you can also see their friendship aswell.
There was also a mystery and intrigue element to this book as someone is trying to kill Nathan. Although this seems a small part of the book, it does act as a catalyst for a couple of events between Isobel and Nathan.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the men in Isobel's family. I don't care how patient and loving you are, three selfish alcholics in one family is too much. No one could cope with that with such affection and good grace. Or maybe that is just me showing a selfish strea!. But when ever her brothers or fathers did something stupid (yet again) and she just forgave them, it bugged me.
But I really enjoyed this book, it was a sweet romance with two interetsing characters. I will definately be seeking more of Emma Jensen's books out.
When Isobel MacLeod breaks into Lord Oriel's house, it is to put back the money her good natured, but drunken, useless father stole from him. However, Nathan, Lord Oriel catches her, and offers an unusual proposal.
This was a really lovely romance between the fiery haired, practical Isobel, who believes herself to be plain and unappealing and Nathan, who has come back from war with many scars and a disability that he keeps secret. They were both such likable characters and I enjoyed watching them fall in love. What I enjoyed most about the romance was the slow build, you could see their growing affection for one another it doesn't all happen straight away. And although they are passionate with eachother, you can also see their friendship aswell.
There was also a mystery and intrigue element to this book as someone is trying to kill Nathan. Although this seems a small part of the book, it does act as a catalyst for a couple of events between Isobel and Nathan.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the men in Isobel's family. I don't care how patient and loving you are, three selfish alcholics in one family is too much. No one could cope with that with such affection and good grace. Or maybe that is just me showing a selfish strea!. But when ever her brothers or fathers did something stupid (yet again) and she just forgave them, it bugged me.
But I really enjoyed this book, it was a sweet romance with two interetsing characters. I will definately be seeking more of Emma Jensen's books out.
December 10, 2021
3,5
It's truly refreshing to read an enjoyable romance story without some big (and stupid) misunderstanding that spans over 200 pages and gets resolved on the final page. I'm not usually a big fan of spy plots but I can live with this one.
It's truly refreshing to read an enjoyable romance story without some big (and stupid) misunderstanding that spans over 200 pages and gets resolved on the final page. I'm not usually a big fan of spy plots but I can live with this one.
Read
March 1, 2019Had to shelf this one too..... really not in the mood I guess to read about idiotic family members. I may pick this one back up later on when I'm in a different frame of mind. But for now DNF
February 12, 2013
The 2 main characters were pretty good, but the other characters were bad, especially the heroine's father and brothers who were just too stupid to live. The spy plot made no sense at all. It just seemed to be a device to put the hero in some sort of peril so he would have to do heroic deeds and discover the friend he thought had died (so the friend could be the hero in the next installment of the series).
The emphasis on the heroine's "plainness" was overdone, unnecessary and unbelievable. Good grief - a woman's beauty or lack of it is NOT determined by a slightly imperfectly-shaped nose or less than perfect eyes!
Finally, for me the love story itself was poorly done - so much more could have been made of it, considering the characters and the situation of the hero and heroine. Instead it seemed like the day after Nathan discovered Isobel breaking into his library and her father's theft of his money, he wanted to marry her and that was that as far as his love story was concerned.
The emphasis on the heroine's "plainness" was overdone, unnecessary and unbelievable. Good grief - a woman's beauty or lack of it is NOT determined by a slightly imperfectly-shaped nose or less than perfect eyes!
Finally, for me the love story itself was poorly done - so much more could have been made of it, considering the characters and the situation of the hero and heroine. Instead it seemed like the day after Nathan discovered Isobel breaking into his library and her father's theft of his money, he wanted to marry her and that was that as far as his love story was concerned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2010
Oh boy.... what can I say about this incredible historical romance book?
Let me start telling you that it's not a boring one. I started yesterday and was obligated to keep reading. The writing is perfect and will never tire you.
The main characters are so charming!
If you are used to stupid girls that talk about hair and dress this heroine is not for you. Isobel MacLeod is Scotch, never be in "the city" (London) and has the responsibility of the house (her mother death left her, the oldest, as the female that rule a house of 2 sisters, 2 brothers and the father). She speak English and Gaelic, and is not a lady as all womans of that time. She is brave, don't care about society rules (in the country such thing doesn't exist) and the last thing she search is a husband.
The hero is what you want to find in a romance. He is rich (veeeeeeeeery rich), tormented (veteran of the Napoleonic war, and badly injured) and has a high sense of honor.
The story is addicting!
I can say a little (or will spoil the fun of this book).
Lord Oriel was raised in a society that don't forgive weakness, so back from war he don't go meet his family, but stay at their country mansion. There he can recover, and obviously, keep living in deception. Everyone can see his leg injure, so using a can to walk he can disguise his great weakness... he is blind. He will fool everyone, but Isobel (yes, I told you before... she is a kick ass lady!). After some facts (I can say more) they will agree to a arranged marriage. He need her sight, she need to provide for her family (and defend her father honor), so the marriage is done!
So, with this quick start the story became also funny (when they go to London, and she will meet his family) and mysterious (someone is trying to kill Lord Oriel, and he want to investigate).
The romance is, well, romantic
Sorry, but true... it's not a old and boring romantic story, but a well constructed with a perfect timing that they main characters fall in love. Forget long piano playing scenes where the heroine of historical romance play Mozart... no, she play "The march of the MacLeoid" at the Duke's house (after her sister-in-law finished Mozart, so yeah, bored everyone) and Oriel laugh his ass off (I would too!). So tell me, how can two vivid characters as Isobel and Oriel could be syrupy?
I recommend this book to all historical romance readers that seek a great and funny story.
Enjoy it!
Let me start telling you that it's not a boring one. I started yesterday and was obligated to keep reading. The writing is perfect and will never tire you.
The main characters are so charming!
If you are used to stupid girls that talk about hair and dress this heroine is not for you. Isobel MacLeod is Scotch, never be in "the city" (London) and has the responsibility of the house (her mother death left her, the oldest, as the female that rule a house of 2 sisters, 2 brothers and the father). She speak English and Gaelic, and is not a lady as all womans of that time. She is brave, don't care about society rules (in the country such thing doesn't exist) and the last thing she search is a husband.
The hero is what you want to find in a romance. He is rich (veeeeeeeeery rich), tormented (veteran of the Napoleonic war, and badly injured) and has a high sense of honor.
The story is addicting!
I can say a little (or will spoil the fun of this book).
Lord Oriel was raised in a society that don't forgive weakness, so back from war he don't go meet his family, but stay at their country mansion. There he can recover, and obviously, keep living in deception. Everyone can see his leg injure, so using a can to walk he can disguise his great weakness... he is blind. He will fool everyone, but Isobel (yes, I told you before... she is a kick ass lady!). After some facts (I can say more) they will agree to a arranged marriage. He need her sight, she need to provide for her family (and defend her father honor), so the marriage is done!
So, with this quick start the story became also funny (when they go to London, and she will meet his family) and mysterious (someone is trying to kill Lord Oriel, and he want to investigate).
The romance is, well, romantic
Sorry, but true... it's not a old and boring romantic story, but a well constructed with a perfect timing that they main characters fall in love. Forget long piano playing scenes where the heroine of historical romance play Mozart... no, she play "The march of the MacLeoid" at the Duke's house (after her sister-in-law finished Mozart, so yeah, bored everyone) and Oriel laugh his ass off (I would too!). So tell me, how can two vivid characters as Isobel and Oriel could be syrupy?
I recommend this book to all historical romance readers that seek a great and funny story.
Enjoy it!
January 9, 2022
I tried to be really nice with my rating.. but in the end I knew I would be letting it off easy if I wasn't completely honest. This is one of those books that I would recommend to others and I would still be interested in reading more from this series but would still rate as "it was okay".
The positives: the hero and heroine relationship was written beautifully, with major play on words and meaning and analogies that flowed very nicely. the hero was HR version of Beast and the heroine was the HR version of Belle so if you liked beauty and the beast then you'll like these two (which I do). The book is written well, so it gives me hope to read more from this author in the future.
The negatives: a very major issue I had was with the heroine's attitude toward her family... the father and brothers acted like idiots and took severe advantage of her but she just kept patting them on the head and letting them off the hook, but when the hero does something small she's on his back about it until he shapes up.. which tells me she can whip them into shape if she wanted to but she doesn't-- huh? I don't understand why she allows the men in her family to keep spending money while they pretty much live in poverty. she annoyed the crap outta me cuz then they took advantage of her husband and she just lets them go! what??!! The worst is when
The hero was a character I was confused by a little because from our perspective we always saw him as a woobie but our heroine keeps thinking he's got a cold and angry side. We don't actually get into the hero's head when he's not in a good mood so I never understood why she thought he was a cold person. Sure he forced her to work for him, but that's kinda weird, not evil if you think about it, and he never really does anything mean so I just don't see it.
I dunno... I dunno what to do with this story, but I do know I will read more from this series/author:)
The positives: the hero and heroine relationship was written beautifully, with major play on words and meaning and analogies that flowed very nicely. the hero was HR version of Beast and the heroine was the HR version of Belle so if you liked beauty and the beast then you'll like these two (which I do). The book is written well, so it gives me hope to read more from this author in the future.
The negatives: a very major issue I had was with the heroine's attitude toward her family... the father and brothers acted like idiots and took severe advantage of her but she just kept patting them on the head and letting them off the hook, but when the hero does something small she's on his back about it until he shapes up.. which tells me she can whip them into shape if she wanted to but she doesn't-- huh? I don't understand why she allows the men in her family to keep spending money while they pretty much live in poverty. she annoyed the crap outta me cuz then they took advantage of her husband and she just lets them go! what??!! The worst is when
The hero was a character I was confused by a little because from our perspective we always saw him as a woobie but our heroine keeps thinking he's got a cold and angry side. We don't actually get into the hero's head when he's not in a good mood so I never understood why she thought he was a cold person. Sure he forced her to work for him, but that's kinda weird, not evil if you think about it, and he never really does anything mean so I just don't see it.
I dunno... I dunno what to do with this story, but I do know I will read more from this series/author:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2016
3.5 stars.
I really like the romance in this book. Interaction between Nathan and Isobel was filled with witty conversation and growing attraction. The falling in love was believable, because they were intrigued with each other personalities as well as physically.
The spy thing was a nice mystery although the red herring was a bit obvious.
What dampened this book for me is Isobel's father and brothers. At first it was fun and giggles reading about their drunken antics, but it gone sour fast. Especially, the callous way they're dealing with Nathan's request to trade Jamie with Isobel. They're giving her away with only half hearted attempt on challenging Nathan on a duel. They don't care about her well being and reputation, only set about saving their own asses. They're selfish and shameless. And Isobel always find excuses to forgive them. Not cool. I mean yes they're family, but they're adults, let them be held responsible for their actions.
Otherwise, it's a nice journey of finding love. And Nathan was adorable.
I really like the romance in this book. Interaction between Nathan and Isobel was filled with witty conversation and growing attraction. The falling in love was believable, because they were intrigued with each other personalities as well as physically.
The spy thing was a nice mystery although the red herring was a bit obvious.
What dampened this book for me is Isobel's father and brothers. At first it was fun and giggles reading about their drunken antics, but it gone sour fast. Especially, the callous way they're dealing with Nathan's request to trade Jamie with Isobel. They're giving her away with only half hearted attempt on challenging Nathan on a duel. They don't care about her well being and reputation, only set about saving their own asses. They're selfish and shameless. And Isobel always find excuses to forgive them. Not cool. I mean yes they're family, but they're adults, let them be held responsible for their actions.
Otherwise, it's a nice journey of finding love. And Nathan was adorable.
February 5, 2014
4.5 stars
Beautiful story and excellent writing. Nathan, the Marquess of Oriel returns from a war assignment practically blind. He meets Isobel, a Scottish redhead who is fiery but warm-hearted. Both characters were witty and it was great to watch them interact and fall in love.
A great regency romance between two wonderful characters, no stupid misunderstandings, and a mysterious spy plot.
Beautiful story and excellent writing. Nathan, the Marquess of Oriel returns from a war assignment practically blind. He meets Isobel, a Scottish redhead who is fiery but warm-hearted. Both characters were witty and it was great to watch them interact and fall in love.
A great regency romance between two wonderful characters, no stupid misunderstandings, and a mysterious spy plot.
November 23, 2017
3.5 stars or B-
June 27, 2009
A fun read, one that kept me interested. When Isobel MacLeod sneaks into the home of Nathan Paget, the Marquis of Oriel's home to return the purse that her father took from Oriel's desk, she finds herself face to face with a very unhappy Marquis. Upon observing him she discovers his secret that his vision isn't what it should be after an attack on the Peninsula. He is determined to keep it quiet and at first fires her father from his secretary position and instead hires her instead. When he realizes the damage it is doing to her reputation, he convinces her to marry him. At first he plans to keep her at arms length as his secretary and thinks she will be useful to him to help him regain his place in society once again. Then it turns to the typical she has feeling for him, he for her, but neither know what the other is thinking and neither dare to tell the other until danger brings them together. I liked the conclusion-it wasn't hurried and finished with no loose ends, but still made it possible for secondary characters in the book to have their own story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2016
There was nothing terrible about this book. It was just sort of blah. I never got that engaged with the characters, didn't find the spy plot all that interesting, and thought the fact that the almost completely blind hero managed to get around London as easily as he did was unbelievable, as was the fact that no one he interacted with other than the heroine ever figured out that he couldn't see. At least my prediction that the book would end with the hero regaining his sight due to a second blow to the head was wrong! Giving this three full stars feels a little generous. It was more of a 2.5 star book for me.
May 11, 2020
Really liked it! Here’s why:
- The heroine is supposed to be plain, but it’s not mentioned fifty thousand times and she really grows into herself.
- There is some cattiness between women, but it’s very slim compared to the shared love between other women.
- The hero is v sweet. We love a kind man with a good heart.
- The heroine herself is so fun!
- The heroine is supposed to be plain, but it’s not mentioned fifty thousand times and she really grows into herself.
- There is some cattiness between women, but it’s very slim compared to the shared love between other women.
- The hero is v sweet. We love a kind man with a good heart.
- The heroine herself is so fun!
July 12, 2016
I don't know Jensen's other work but in this book, at least, she did a great job of mixing even amounts of drama and humor and smart writing. When I didn't enjoy the story I enjoyed just reading it because the characters were so charming.
July 20, 2022
3 stars
Idk what it was about this book just couldnt hold my interest. I had to work really hard to finish the book because chemistry just wasnt there between the characters.
Also the hero's wanting to marry the heroine appeared to happen just overnight.. i didnt get it. Was it just because she figured out he was blind? Or she was smart so could manage his estates well and read him poetry ? That was his only criteria for a wife? He apparently knew a lot about her from her father (he kept mentioning it) but I failed to see what made him want to marry her within the first day of her coming to work for him.
And then after marriage also failed to hold my interest
Idk what it was about this book just couldnt hold my interest. I had to work really hard to finish the book because chemistry just wasnt there between the characters.
Also the hero's wanting to marry the heroine appeared to happen just overnight.. i didnt get it. Was it just because she figured out he was blind? Or she was smart so could manage his estates well and read him poetry ? That was his only criteria for a wife? He apparently knew a lot about her from her father (he kept mentioning it) but I failed to see what made him want to marry her within the first day of her coming to work for him.
And then after marriage also failed to hold my interest
October 26, 2023
oh how I love romance.
December 12, 2021
Solid 4 stars!
RTC ...
RTC ...
February 5, 2015
A surprisingly wonderful read. You wouldn't know it by the summary but spies, plots and murder are the bases of this book.
Nathan is returning home, weather from a spy mission or from being in the army is not quite made clear though we do know that he is a spy of sorts, when he and his close friend are attacked. While Nathan survives the attack he has lost most of his eye site and his best friend is dead as well. Fast forward six months Nathan after finally returning home once recovering from his attack has retreated to the country and sequestered himself where no one will discover his lack of site. And seeing as his fiance had left him when she heard that he might be less than whole this proves to be a easy task, until he catches Isobel trying to return a money pouch that her father, his secretary, had stolen earlier that day.
Isobel has her hands full between managing a house with 6 mouths to feed. Her task isn't made easy with a father that drinks away his money and two brothers that lose money in cards they do not have to begin with. Upon discovering that her father had stolen from his employer she attempts to return the money only to be caught by Nick. After their second meeting in just a few hours Isobel discovers that Nick is blind.
In an attempt to keep his secret safe Nick makes a bargain to hire Isobel as his secretary to replace her father, and what starts as as job as a secretary quickly becomes an offer of marriage. Two weeks later they are off to London and Isobel is making quite the splash, while Nick is somehow managing to hide that he is blind(well mostly blind). But someone seems to be trying to kill Nick and while they haven't succeeded as of yet another man (a spy) has ended up dead and the question at hand becomes who you can trust.
Add in a visit from Isobel's brothers and Nick's nemesis of sorts who it seems is out to truly get Nick and not playing around as he used to. And whats this he is a Spy as well?
Lots of fun, mystery and a sharp witted female lead ensures for a fun read. I highly recommend it!
Nathan is returning home, weather from a spy mission or from being in the army is not quite made clear though we do know that he is a spy of sorts, when he and his close friend are attacked. While Nathan survives the attack he has lost most of his eye site and his best friend is dead as well. Fast forward six months Nathan after finally returning home once recovering from his attack has retreated to the country and sequestered himself where no one will discover his lack of site. And seeing as his fiance had left him when she heard that he might be less than whole this proves to be a easy task, until he catches Isobel trying to return a money pouch that her father, his secretary, had stolen earlier that day.
Isobel has her hands full between managing a house with 6 mouths to feed. Her task isn't made easy with a father that drinks away his money and two brothers that lose money in cards they do not have to begin with. Upon discovering that her father had stolen from his employer she attempts to return the money only to be caught by Nick. After their second meeting in just a few hours Isobel discovers that Nick is blind.
In an attempt to keep his secret safe Nick makes a bargain to hire Isobel as his secretary to replace her father, and what starts as as job as a secretary quickly becomes an offer of marriage. Two weeks later they are off to London and Isobel is making quite the splash, while Nick is somehow managing to hide that he is blind(well mostly blind). But someone seems to be trying to kill Nick and while they haven't succeeded as of yet another man (a spy) has ended up dead and the question at hand becomes who you can trust.
Add in a visit from Isobel's brothers and Nick's nemesis of sorts who it seems is out to truly get Nick and not playing around as he used to. And whats this he is a Spy as well?
Lots of fun, mystery and a sharp witted female lead ensures for a fun read. I highly recommend it!
January 21, 2022
Great story. Plays off of Beauty and the Beast, but fairly descriptive
Man. I loved this story. Someone recommended Emma Jensen to me and this was a really fantastic read. Characters were very well-written, witty dialog, and there's a touch of mystery throughout the story. This is a marriage of convenience of sorts which I always love.
The Ten are a group of elite British spies. Someone is out to kill all of The Ten. Nathan is one of the Ten and he's miserable after being injured and his best friend dying. He has become a beast of sorts. Enter Isobel who basically gets bartered by her dad to Nathan. I really enjoyed the story, but not the content.
Content: This has pretty descriptive sex in it. Maybe some will say that's okay since the characters are married but not my thing.
Language: There's a little language. No f-bombs. Just a handful of swears.
Religious: No
Happy reading!
Man. I loved this story. Someone recommended Emma Jensen to me and this was a really fantastic read. Characters were very well-written, witty dialog, and there's a touch of mystery throughout the story. This is a marriage of convenience of sorts which I always love.
The Ten are a group of elite British spies. Someone is out to kill all of The Ten. Nathan is one of the Ten and he's miserable after being injured and his best friend dying. He has become a beast of sorts. Enter Isobel who basically gets bartered by her dad to Nathan. I really enjoyed the story, but not the content.
Content: This has pretty descriptive sex in it. Maybe some will say that's okay since the characters are married but not my thing.
Language: There's a little language. No f-bombs. Just a handful of swears.
Religious: No
Happy reading!
October 3, 2015
I hated that her siblings were able to get away with being so irresponsible and she was always forgiving of their behaviour but the minute she was angry with Nathan she ran off. Her brothers and father really suffered no consequences for their actions during the book and Isobel was always all "boys will be boys" about them.
Also, I pretty much figured .
Also, I pretty much figured .
November 8, 2010
This was a very sweet Beauty & the Beast story, with a heroine who isn't quite a beauty, and a beast who's far from being beastly. While lacking angst, this was a touching romance between two imperfect characters who were perfect for each other. I loved the fact that Nathan didn't deny the feelings he had for his wife and that there weren't any meaningless misunderstandings (which, don't get me wrong, is a favorite theme of mind) creating unecessary problems... 5stars for a sweet and easy HR!
December 21, 2021
This was such a brilliant read. Every single character leapt off the page, the story flowed easily, the couple had loads of chemistry and it was a sweet romance with lots of pining and the pair working together to overcome an outside adversary (a trope I love <3). It also had references to Beauty and the Beast, which is another favourite of mine. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
November 27, 2020
The story was nice. The romance was more of a partnership than anything else which I enjoyed. Would have been a 4-5 stars simply because I enjoyed the story except for side characters.
While I loved the heroine I absolutely hated her male relations. I think the fact that the author was trying to portray them as lovable oafs was just ridiculous. They were all always passed out drunk or close to it. They stole, they gambled away money that wasn't theirs, spent money the family didn't have dressing nice all while the female relations are wearing rags. They were all useless and the girls were doing everything and handling every problem they caused and I didn't appreciate the author trying to make it seem like that was ok and that they were good characters.
Also the ending where the heroine leaves the hero all because she found out he wasn't completely blind and could see vague shapes and colors when a room is well lit? Ridiculous. Though I wouldn't have minded it quite as much if it wasn't directly after the couple had helped her passed out drunk brothers to bed after they drank all the heros liquor and gambled away the equivalent of 30,000 pounds today of the heros money all while the heroine is making excuses for them basically saying "boys will be boys" about grown men. But the hero is a bad guy and she leaves him because he can see vague shapes and colors sometimes?
I removed two stars just for that. It was just too ridiculous and really angered me.
While I loved the heroine I absolutely hated her male relations. I think the fact that the author was trying to portray them as lovable oafs was just ridiculous. They were all always passed out drunk or close to it. They stole, they gambled away money that wasn't theirs, spent money the family didn't have dressing nice all while the female relations are wearing rags. They were all useless and the girls were doing everything and handling every problem they caused and I didn't appreciate the author trying to make it seem like that was ok and that they were good characters.
Also the ending where the heroine leaves the hero all because she found out he wasn't completely blind and could see vague shapes and colors when a room is well lit? Ridiculous. Though I wouldn't have minded it quite as much if it wasn't directly after the couple had helped her passed out drunk brothers to bed after they drank all the heros liquor and gambled away the equivalent of 30,000 pounds today of the heros money all while the heroine is making excuses for them basically saying "boys will be boys" about grown men. But the hero is a bad guy and she leaves him because he can see vague shapes and colors sometimes?
I removed two stars just for that. It was just too ridiculous and really angered me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2017
Nathan Oriel comes back from the war badly injured in mind and body, and is determined to withdraw from everything to do with Society. Isobel's father works as Nathan's secretary, but succumbs to temptation to steal when he drinks- as usual. Isobel goes to return the money, but is caught by Nathan. In payment, she begins to take over her father's job, but soon finds herself in a different kind of relationship. Nathan, in turn, struggles with the results of his time as a spy in Napoleon's France only to find that the danger he experienced there has followed him home.
September 12, 2024
Disappointing. Very juvenile & bland writing, and a very poor portrayal of a blind person. It wasn't realistic or believable at all, that no one figured it out except for the female lead. Blind six months, not all his life, but he can act and pretend his way through most things. No, don't believe it. I was completely unimpressed with the characters and the the insta lust/love. The villain was also extremely obvious and it made the male lead look very stupid. I regret spending money on this book.
August 27, 2022
When I started Entwined I was hopeful I had found an unexpected gem. I liked Izzy and Nathan, Nathan’s family, the many humorous moments, and the swoon worthy explanation of the title, but alas, the expression, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts," cannot be applied here. The narrative seemed choppy and uninspired.
February 17, 2023
I'm trying to clear my 2022 review backlist and cannot remember anything. I think this is the story of the chick who climbs through his window to return shit that her father stole but he catches her even though he's blind lmao. And then somehow they end up married.
I remember the writing is not fantastic. Kinda all over the place - too many characters and at times very cheesy.
I remember the writing is not fantastic. Kinda all over the place - too many characters and at times very cheesy.
March 22, 2025
Wonderful characters with rich histories that are well thought out and developed. A bit of spy mixed with beauty and the beast in a regency setting. This is a wonderful read with unexpected twists and details. I cant recommend it highly enough. I wish this would be released on audiobook THAT is how much i loved it....i would like to hear it again and again!
March 31, 2025
One of my all time favorite reads!
A smart yet feminine lead with a flawed yet still wonderfully compelling male love interest. A wonderful mystery underlying an intriguing plot and a second to NONE love story.
I love this story so much i WISH it would be done on audiobook format by someone ... anyone so i could indulge in listening to it many times over.
A smart yet feminine lead with a flawed yet still wonderfully compelling male love interest. A wonderful mystery underlying an intriguing plot and a second to NONE love story.
I love this story so much i WISH it would be done on audiobook format by someone ... anyone so i could indulge in listening to it many times over.
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