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To most eyes Leah Carrollton might appear the dutiful debutante, but it takes Devon Marshall less than a minute to feel the enormous pull of a kindred, rebellious soul. At their first meeting, Devon and Leah are about to acknowledge the amazing connection between them when her brother steps in and clarifies their identities. As members of the rival Carrollton and Marshall families, the two can never mix. However, Devon has never met a woman he couldn't seduce, and a bet--with a bit of bravado mixed in--leads him straight to Leah and a scandal that turns the ton upside down.
With a fast-moving story line, strong plot twists, and a good dose of drama, Cathy Maxwell brings a fresh take to the regency genre. Devon has depth beyond that of the usual romance rake, and Leah is neither the stereotypical naive waif nor the spunky but idiotic go-getter. Their realistic character flaws and mature reactions make Leah and Devon a couple you can truly root for. Keep an eye out for future works by Cathy Maxwell. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien
Book Description
Leah Carrollton had dreams of meeting—and marrying—the perfect man. Then a scandalous affair ended in abandonment, and she left London rather than face her disgrace. With no one to turn to, Leah ran away to the country. Abruptly Devon Marshall, Viscount Huxhold, strides into her life, enveloping her in his strong embrace and offering her a chance to recapture what she'd lost.
Heir to one of England's most honorable titles, Devon has spent his life breaking the rules—and giving Leah and her fatherless child his name is just one more way to flaunt convention. But Devon discovers Leah tantalizes him as no other woman ever has, making him long for all the sweet bliss that marriage has to offer. But can a marriage made in scandal become a happily-ever-after affair?
Leah Carrollton had dreams of meeting—and marrying—the perfect man. Then a scandalous affair ended in abandonment, and she left London rather than face her disgrace. With no one to turn to, Leah ran away to the country. Abruptly Devon Marshall, Viscount Huxhold, strides into her life, enveloping her in his strong embrace and offering her a chance to recapture what she'd lost.
Heir to one of England's most honorable titles, Devon has spent his life breaking the rules—and giving Leah and her fatherless child his name is just one more way to flaunt convention. But Devon discovers Leah tantalizes him as no other woman ever has, making him long for all the sweet bliss that marriage has to offer. But can a marriage made in scandal become a happily-ever-after affair?Leah Carrollton had dreams of meeting—and marrying—the perfect man. Then a scandalous affair ended in abandonment, and she left London rather than face her disgrace. With no one to turn to, Leah ran away to the country. Abruptly Devon Marshall, Viscount Huxhold, strides into her life, enveloping her in his strong embrace and offering her a chance to recapture what she'd lost.
Heir to one of England's most honorable titles, Devon has spent his life breaking the rules—and giving Leah and her fatherless child his name is just one more way to flaunt convention. But Devon discovers Leah tantalizes him as no other woman ever has, making him long for all the sweet bliss that marriage has to offer. But can a marriage made in scandal become a happily-ever-after affair?
Customer Reviews:
Zzzzzzz.......2005-08-19
I read this as an unabridged audiobook. I rarely say this but in this case I almost wished it were abridged as it went on for what seemed like an eternity.
This is historical romance ALA Romeo and Juliet. The couple meet, instantly connect but are forced apart when their identities are revealed.
Fast forward to the future. Leah, the former debutante, is now heavily pregnant and apparently destitute having spurned Devon months earlier (cuz of the fued and all). Devon is on the way to visit his dying grandfather when he just so happens to stumble across Leah. Hmmmm, my oh my, what an unexpected coincidence! Leah falls in an attempt to run from Devon and goes into labor (oops, did I forget to mention she was pregnant and ruined?).
Devon sticks around and helps her deliver the child that is not his.
The past between these two is explained away so quickly my head was spinning. Here's what happened when we weren't looking: Devon and Leah's brother dueled, her brother was permanently disabled as a result (serves him right, if you ask me) and Leah refuses to leave with Devon when he declares his love. Instead, she decides to do what is best for her family and tries to snag the richest man in town who, as her luck would have it, happens to be a raving lunatic. Then she thinks for a minute and realizes she doesn't want to be tied to a loon and runs off with a handsome rake who impregnates her and conveniently dies. She's on her own now, and even has calluses, when Devon comes upon her. Why this chick who supposedly wants to save her family from poverty so badly that she runs off the love of her life decides to do these nitwitted things is completely beyond my comprehension. This glossed over section really marred my enjoyment of the book.
Fortunately, Devon is a charming, stand-up guy and was the only reason I continued to read on.
Still as it went on and on (kind of like this review) I found it tedious, dull and dowright boring. This (and the zillion others just like it) is the reason I've bought only a small handful of romances the past few years . . . To sum it up I didn't feel any emotional attachment to the story at all and didn't particularly like any of the choices made by the heroine and would not re-read it.
This book really got stronger with each page!!.......2005-05-19
It started a little slow for me - I did not expect to get so drawn in as I was by these two Leah and Devon. But by the time he had birthed her baby and willed them both to live - and they did I was so caught up in Devon. What a warm, sentimental caring man this rake turned out to be. And, did I say forgiving, because he certainly had more than most men to forgive of Leah. Of course at that point you do not realize how important being a father to baby Ben is to Devon. These two people just might have been destined to be together - their families at odd for years - and this baby brings them together. This really is a several hanky book by the end. Leah and Devon are a special couple and you really do feel their passion and their love!!
Tedious.......2005-02-18
This book took forever to get to the point of things. I found that very frustrating. Leah seemed lovely, but like the hero, it was hard to get to know her well.
Such Potential, but fell short..........2005-02-18
I'm sorry to say, this book just wasn't that interesting. It started out promising but fizzled quickly.
A Wonderful Hero but a Mediocre Story.......2004-05-27
Beautiful debutante, Leah Carrollton, could have any man she wanted. But the selection found in London ballrooms was dull and unappealing. That is, until she met Devon Marshall, Viscount Huxhold, who was most appealing indeed. Devon shared the same regard for the lovely Leah, and since her family had been pressing her to pick a husband of means to offset their financial situation, Devon seemed perfect. But Leah's brother would not even consider a union between the two, since the Carrollton and Marshall families were old enemies. Leah was forced to end her relationship with Devon, and he left London soon afterward. A distraught Leah exercised poor judgment, and ran off with a notorious scoundrel who ruined her and left her pregnant. She then fled London for the countryside to bear her child alone.
Some months later, while traveling through the English countryside, Devon discovers a very pregnant Leah living in squalor. Before much could be spoken between the two, Leah went into labor. After assisting with the difficult delivery, Devon married her and claimed the child as his own. But old secrets and hurts still exist between the two. Will they be able to get past their problems, and rediscover their love for each other?
I'm beginning to think Cathy Maxwell is a writer whose work I'm just not really drawn to. I found her story in the anthology TWO FOR TEA quite good, so I sought out more of her titles. Next I read THE WEDDING WAGER, which I also found to be very satisfying. But the last two books I've read by her, this one and its prequel MARRIED IN HASTE, were horribly average. This story started off well, and I very much enjoyed the hero saving the heroine from her less than perfect living situation. Then he even went so far as to claim her fatherless child as his own. In fact, the hero of this book is a wonderful, charming, and honorable man, and his character is the best part of this story. Not that I found Leah unlikable; she was just okay. But after they married, the story seemed forced, lost momentum, and ceased to be as interesting. I did finish the book, but overall it just wasn't that special or memorable for me. I have one other novel by this author already in my possession, so I'll probably read it. However, if its not better than these last two, I'm most likely done reading Ms. Maxwell's work.
Book Description
With the dazzling blend of romance, humor, and poignant storytelling that has made her one of the world's best-loved authors, Johanna Lindsey presents the passionate Regency-era tale of an earl's daughter who dares to pose as the wife of a deadly mercenary in order to save her former guardian.
Lady Margaret Landor first met Sebastian Townshend as a child, when he caught her peeking into her older sister's engagement ball. Tall, dashing, and charming, Sebastian was one of the most sought-after bachelors in Kent and cut a romantic figure she would not soon forget. Never did she dream that one day she would be living at his family's magnificent estate with Sebastian's father, the eighth Earl of Edgewood, as her guardian--while Sebastian is banished from his family due to the tragic results of a duel.
When life at Edgewood takes a sinister turn with the earl suffering a suspicious number of life-threatening accidents, Margaret wonders if Sebastian's younger brother and his wife have grown impatient to inherit the earldom. Setting out to find the one man she believes can set the situation to rights, she discovers that Sebastian Townshend has forged a new identity for himself on the continent.
Now known as The Raven, a deadly mercenary, notorious for accomplishing any mission no matter how seemingly impossible, he has vowed never to return to England. Not until Margaret meets his outrageous monetary demands does Sebastian agree to return home, reluctantly posing as her husband in order to facilitate his return to society. When he learns she cannot afford to pay his fee, he suggests a scandalous trade.
As Margaret and Sebastian work to uncover the intrigue at his father's estate, a fierce passion blooms that neither of them anticipated and neither can resist. But can Margaret persuade Sebastian to abandon the dark path he believes is his fate and claim the life--and love--he deserves? Breathtaking in scope and wondrously passionate, Marriage Most Scandalous is Johanna Lindsey at her finest.
Download Description
"With the dazzling blend of romance, humor, and poignant storytelling that has made her one of the world's best-loved authors, Johanna Lindsey presents the passionate Regency-era tale of an earl's daughter who dares to pose as the wife of a deadly mercenary in order to save her former guardian. Lady Margaret Landor first met Sebastian Townshend as a child, when he caught her peeking into her older sister's engagement ball. Tall, dashing, and charming, Sebastian was one of the most sought-after bachelors in Kent and cut a romantic figure she would not soon forget. Never did she dream that one day she would be living at his family's magnificent estate with Sebastian's father, the eighth Earl of Edgewood, as her guardian--while Sebastian is banished from his family due to the tragic results of a duel. When life at Edgewood takes a sinister turn with the earl suffering a suspicious number of life-threatening accidents, Margaret wonders if Sebastian's younger brother and his wife have grown impatient to inherit the earldom. Setting out to find the one man she believes can set the situation to rights, she discovers that Sebastian Townshend has forged a new identity for himself on the continent. Now known as The Raven, a deadly mercenary, notorious for accomplishing any mission no matter how seemingly impossible, he has vowed never to return to England. Not until Margaret meets his outrageous monetary demands does Sebastian agree to return home, reluctantly posing as her husband in order to facilitate his return to society. When he learns she cannot afford to pay his fee, he suggests a scandalous trade. As Margaret and Sebastian work to uncover the intrigue at his father's estate, a fierce passion blooms that neither of them anticipated and neither can resist. But can Margaret persuade Sebastian to abandon the dark path he believes is his fate and claim the life--and love--he deserves? Breathtaking in scope and wondrously passionate, Marriage Most Scandalous is Johanna Lindsey at her finest. "
Customer Reviews:
A B+ Lindsey novel (A--).......2007-03-18
I really enjoyed Sebastian. He's the best thing about the book, though I enjoyed Margaret as well. Margaret seemed contemporary, which was probably why I could relate to her. I loved her innocence, her courage, nurturing components of her personality, and her compassion for not only the Townshends, but every other character in the story. But Sebastian is the character that makes this story a compelling read. That being said, the story's premise is incredibly lame. But the convoluted mystery - a real stretch - does not detract from the human dignity of the secondary characters Douglas and Abbie, and the magnitude of the shattered family that is the Townshends. Anyone who has experienced dysfunction within family will be able to relate to the tragedy of this story.
I also loved the way Lindsey wove the easy wealth of the upper class families into the setting. I fell into the fascinating world. I felt like Margaret both had a circle of friends, a comfortable social circle, and yet still had a certain distance from the social expectations of her class - a loner who didn't cultivate easy friendships.
For some reason, I found the idea that Margaret is willing to have pre-marital sex very believable, whereas, in another Lindsey Recency romance, The Heir, I didn't buy it at all. I think it is because Margaret is believably independently wealthy, and believably naive about societies tolerance of scandal. Whereas in The Heir, Duncan takes Sabrina's virginity in a way that majorly detracts from the story. It didn't seem in character for either one of them to go so far, given the times depicted in the story. Duncan seemed too gentlemanly to compromise Sabrina in such a way, while in this book, -Sebastian seems agonizingly torn between two personalities, and willing to throw his reputation overboard in compromising Margaret's integrity.
Did I say I loved Sebastian? The scenes with his father are riveting. The idea that The Raven wouldn't be able to lie to his father; the fact that his father can get his attention just by saying his name - these scenes 'showed' Sebastian to be a nobleman who was twisted, hurt, and hardened by the circumstances that drove him from his home and family, but at bottom a nobleman nonetheless. You root for his reconciliation more than you root for him to hook up with Margaret (because that seems like such a fore-gone conclusion).
One note about Lindsey's style of writing. It makes me crazy that Lindsey does so much 'telling' in her books. She tells you what you're supposed to think about the characters, instead of letting you figure it out for yourself. But that is the genre. So if you can accept that, then you have an enjoyable story here.
Zero stars -- don't waste your money.......2007-01-06
I enjoy romance novels, and understand that their plots can be somewhat farfetched at times, but this was ridiculous. The final climax and revelations of her idiotically convoluted plot were as unrewarding as they were cynical in their ridicule of the gullibility of the reader. This plot was not Swiss cheese -- it was so full of holes it could double as a fish net. Certainly not sufficient reward for plowing through almost 400 pages, only a few enjoyable moments to the good. And the Publisher's Weekly review above was right that "the protagonists are really modern characters in Regency guise." The tone went beyond 'tongue-in-cheek' to cynical. This was my first Lindsey novel, and it will certainly be my last.
Really Enjoyed this Book.......2006-12-31
This is my third Johanna Lindsey book and after being disappointed by "The Heir" I have to say I couldn't put this one down. I really liked our heroine Meg, and will be having lovely dreams about our hero, Sebastian. I actually found myself laughing out loud, smiling widely to myself, and at the end I gasped and cried. Although the mystery was great, I found parts of it a little unbelievable. I did enjoy the romantic parts so much I found myself rereading them when I was finished. My only complaint would be that I find Ms. Lindsey's stories, while very entertaining, don't have enough romance/love scenes for me. I want more dirt!
Where was the romance????.......2006-10-01
This was a good and well written story. The plot was intricate yet not overly complicated. But where was the romance????????????????
I really wanted to like Sebastian and Margaret, and I did. However there really wasn't any romance, chemistry, or tenderness in this story at all.
And the love scenes were so bland and lacking. I was shocked and very disappointed. What has happened to Johanna Lindsey????
I gave the story three stars because it was very well written mystery....
Intriguing and "sigh" worthy. .......2006-09-30
This was the JL book I had ever read and I was not dissapointed. Needless to say, I picked it up and started reading it and then could not put it down until I was at the last page. I admit, I was a bit unsure at first at reading the summary and opening to a few random pages that didn't seem to catch my interest, but I'm a firm believer that you are never to judge a book by its cover (nor a bad review!) because if its been printed and in your hand, you owe it justice to read it to find out for yourself. I love books, its a passion of mine so its no surprise that I thought the book was delicious, as I honestly can say I have never read a 'bad' book.
Now, it does take a few chapters to get into an interesting bit, the beginning is a bit bland to use a word. But once the romance starts to kindle, you won't be able to put it down until you know what happens next.
Let's be honest, we don't read these books because of how they end, we KNOW how they are going to end. The guy always gets his girl and there is always some struggle before that, but its the HOW that makes the books worth reading, we all want that romance for ourselves and we want diversity in how romance can be.
Average customer rating:
- Just like the magazine
- Good Book
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Cosmo Confessions: Hundreds of Absolutely Shameful, Scandalous, and Sexy Real-Life Tales!
The Editors of Cosmopolitan
Manufacturer: Hearst
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1588164675 |
Customer Reviews:
Just like the magazine.......2007-09-21
A longer version of the shameful stories portion of the mag. So if ya like that part, no reason why you won't like this book. It's a quick read though, not as long as I originally thought.
Good Book.......2007-09-02
I love this book. I bring it to the beach with me everytime I go and I end up laughing so hard I get weird looks from the people around me.
Average customer rating:
- Well-written, interesting characters.
- Mmm ... Good
- charming and fast moving narrative
- Her Scandalous Marriage
- He's supposed to marry her off but decides that he might need to keep her.
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Her Scandalous Marriage
Leslie Lafoy
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 0312347707
Release Date: 2006-05-02 |
Book Description
The illegitimate daughter of a decadent Lord, the lovely Caroline Dutton has worked hard to become a successful London dressmaker and is content to answer to no man. That is until a devastatingly handsome Duke walks into her shop with the most outrageous demand.The new Duke of Ryland cursed his fate and his philandering great uncle. To collect his inheritance, he must turn the old Duke's three by-blow offspring into proper ladies and marry them off. Two are mere children, but Caroline Dutton is all woman-a headstrong beauty he can't help wanting to seduce.Now ensconced in Ryland's country estate, Caroline is being called a Lady and readied for the marriage mart during the next London season. Her dowry is large, her past overlooked, and her prospects bright.... except she is breathlessly, madly drawn to the one man who is sweeping her toward scandal-and the sweet satisfaction her heart demands.
Customer Reviews:
Well-written, interesting characters........2007-08-13
I liked this book-- well-written, fast-paced, good characters, good plot. It made me want to read other titles by the same author.
Mmm ... Good .......2006-09-22
Her Scandalous Marriage by Leslie Lafoy was a amusing and exciting novel. Both main characters came from humble beginnings and now are thrown into the society world as Duke and Daughter of a Duke. They are two strong loving characters who fight the world before them -- and find out what really counts in the end. This book has lots of humor, great love scenes and view into the society world.... If you enjoy this genre I would also check out The Lady Lies The Lady Killer and The Lady's Code by Samantha Saxon
charming and fast moving narrative.......2006-08-12
This was a charming and fast moving start to what I hope will be a trilogy. I have one comment on the ignorant idea that ALL women in the 19th century were virgins until they were married. . . this heroine was from a different class position and not constantly guarded. Like many women throughout history she had premarital sex with someone she was committed to. . .This does not make her promiscuous.
Her Scandalous Marriage.......2006-07-23
Caroline Dutton is happily working in her dress shop when Drayton MacKenzie enters and tells her she has to close up shop and come live with him. Drayton explains that Caroline's father, Geoffrey, asked Drayton upon his deathbed to take care of Caroline and her two stepsisters and to make them into ladies suitable for good marriages. Caroline is an illegitimate child and she was ignored by her father all of her life. She does not want to leave her business, nor does she want money or marriage.
Drayton has his work cut out for him. Not only is Caroline fiercely independent, but she is gorgeous and he is very attracted to her. Caroline thinks Drayton is infuriating, condescending and easily the most handsome man she has ever met.
Drayton gathers Caroline's two younger sisters, Fiona and Simone. They are about as far from ladies as one could get. Drayton realizes that this is an even bigger undertaking than he thought.
Caroline and Drayton can't keep their hands off each other, but a marriage between them is not suitable. Drayton receives advice from his friends regarding his new duties as a duke, but on his own, Drayton must decide what to do about his growing feelings for Caroline. He soon discovers that the burden he was given turns out to be a blessing.
Her Scandalous Marriage is a romantic delight. Caroline and Drayton compliment each other so well. They are attractive, witty, kind, and very passionate. The enjoyment they found in each other's company is endearing. Fiona is adorable and Simone is outrageous. I eagerly look forward to reading their stories. Her Scandalous Marriage is a love story about two people who should not have fallen in love, but did. It is very romantic.
Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
He's supposed to marry her off but decides that he might need to keep her........2006-07-14
In order to access his great uncle's inheritance, Drayton MacKenzie has been given the task of finding the man's three illegitimate daughters. Finding them is easy; turning them into marriageable ladies of the English ton may be a bit more difficult.
Drayton MacKenzie never expected to become the new Duke of Ryland. He was content being in the army. When Drayton is notified of his great uncle's demise and his new status, he reluctantly begins his transformation from simple soldier to haughty duke. His transformation will be a piece of cake, right? Definitely, not. Drayton is thrown for a loop with what he is told he must do in order to gain monies needed to run the various dead duke's estates.
Caroline Dutton is satisfied with her life and her dress shop. She is dependent only on herself and Caroline likes it that way. She is content with her lot in life; that is, until a rude, opinionated duke walks into her shop and completely upsets the balance in her life as well as her hormones.
Per his late uncle's will, Drayton has been given the task of finding the old man's three children. He finds the oldest and when he comes in contact with Caroline, he is instantly attracted to her. The fact that she doesn't seem impressed with him intrigues Drayton all the more. It takes a lot of smooth talking, but Drayton finally convinces a reluctant Caroline to help him fulfill the terms of her father's will. Together they set out to find Caroline's other half sisters. Once that is accomplished, Drayton figures the rest will fall into place. He could not be more wrong; especially where Caroline is concerned. Drayton doesn't count on their mutual attraction to each other nor does he count on falling in love and wanting to keep her for himself.
HER SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE by Leslie LaFoy is a saucy, romantic tale of two outsiders trying to fit into English society. They don't count on falling in love with each other and that made HER SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE all the more endearing. I liked Caroline's vitality and her loyalty to family, even family she didn't know she had. I found myself grinning at the antics of the other two sisters as well as Drayton's reactions to the sisters themselves.
Overall, HER SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE by Leslie LaFoy is a delightful read that kept me entertained. Full of humor and love, it held my attention from first to last word. I can't wait to see if Ms. LaFoy gives the two sisters their own stories!
****Natasha Smith for Romance Junkies
Book Description
Heart of a Warrior:
Brittany Callaghan thinks she's dreaming when a blond, nearly seven-feet-tall Nordic god shows up on her doorstep in her tiny California town. She is taken aback when Dalden, a spectacular Viking who is a long way from home, needs her help - and is willing to pay for it. Dalden is a warrior to the depths of his soul - a man who will fight fearlessly and relentlessly for what he wants. And now, what he wants most of all is Brittany . . .
The Pursuit:
What was to be a grand adventure for Melissa MacGregor - an escape from the wilds of her Scottish home into the whirl of the London social scene - seems to pale before the promise in the passionate gaze of Lincoln Ross Burnett. But Melissa's stifling, disapproving uncles are now determined to rob the Viscount Cambury of his newfound happiness. Yet he is equally resolved to confront the peril . . .
Marriage Most Scandalous:
Lady Margaret Landor pays a visit to a ruined castle in the north of France, intent on hiring the Raven to investigate suspicious occurrences back in England. But she can barely conceal her shock upon meeting the handsome killer face to face - for the Raven is none other than her former neighbor, Sebastian Townshend. As they uncover the intrigue, a love begins to blossom that neither Sebastian nor Margaret anticipated - and that neither of them can resist.
Customer Reviews:
A Scandalous Marriage: A poker game leads to passionate romance.......2007-05-30
Charlotte Ramsey was born an heiress but that didn't stop her from trying to make her own way in the world even if it meant marrying a man her family scorned. When Damien Wynter catches a glimpse of Charlotte at her family's home, watch out! It's two weeks until her wedding to Mark but Damien knows how to play poker. When it comes to Charlotte, he is playing to win. When her marriage plans go up in smoke, Charlotte hears the tick of her biological clock resonating like a huge bell tower ringing off the hours. Charlotte certainly knows how to play poker and work the percentages of chance. The question is who is the better poker player and can the game lead Charlotte to what she never found before?
Okay, Damien Wynter is definitely in that Alpha male category I hate --- so why then do I love Emma Darcy and this book? I just love the way Emma Darcy writes her heroines! They are not these thin anorexic women and in this romance Darcy dared to write a romance where the heroine (at least in her own eyes) is plain and not given this model-like appearance. It is the heroine's spirit and intelligence that electrifies. She may rebel against her father, but no one has anything on Charlotte Ramsey. When the going gets tough and she faces a challenge, she knows how to play poker with daring and gusto! Emma Darcy's heroines certainly are not submissive today when it comes to these Alpha Males...this heroine may bluff submissiveness but playing poker is no game for shrinking violets and she plays to win.
I did like Emma Darcy's The Playboy Boss's Chosen Bride a bit better than this one just because I liked the hero a bit better. Nevertheless, the heroine is classic Darcy: intellegent and spunky and more than a pretty appearance.
Back To The Drawing Board .......2007-05-03
I have to say I was highly unimpressed by this lastest work of Emma Darcy's. I think its the fastest book I have ever read for a number of reasons. One because I couldn't relate to these "SUPER" wealthy characters Charlotte and Damien I thought Charlotte was a bit whiney and naive, about really knowning her "orginal" fiance's character although the author portrayed her as a intelligent take no nonsense kinda "gal", she didn't come across as such to me. Damien of course was the typical harlequin alpha-male "see woman" "want woman" "get woman" mentality of course he gets the girl for the exercising of his determination, and least not for get his GQ cover looks and mega bucks status. The only saving grace of this book as that the author gave you a glimpse of the inner workings of the hero in this book. After that there is just to much inconsistancies, the storyline is rushed. Damien becomes the subsitute stand-n fiance for Charlotte so she won't loose face over the fact that she jilted her "orginal" fiance because finally figuring out he was a gold-digger and a social climber (although all the other characters figured this out from the word "go") It takes his refusal or rather under duress refusal to sign a pre-nuptiual agreement. Enter's Damien who wants her for himself and is willing to marry her and give her what she wants which is security and oops did I forget a baby all in the bargain. After that I can honestly say I didn't enjoy this book at all I skipped so many pages its a miracle I even got the plot. The author seemed as if she didn't enjoy writing this book, the plot was rushed and the characters as a whole didn't leave you believing they were actually in love with one another or that they even grew to understand one another to let like, understanding and eventually love develop.....
Customer Reviews:
Last in a 3-part series, I loved this series........2006-03-27
On the back cover: "WANTED: ONE WIFE. PRICE: TWO MILLION DOLLARS. Self-made and every inch a bachelor, Sydney entrepreneur Mike Stone has one month to get married--or he'll lose a business deal worth billions! He's confident he can find a bride for the right price... Natalie Fairlane, owner of the Wives Wanted dating agency, is appalled by her new client's proposition! But the fee Mike is willing to pay is very tempting. Plus, offering herself up for the job has nothing to do with how wickedly sexy she finds him...no, nothing at all!"
I really liked the characters of Mike & Natalie. They both had issues, and as happens so often in life, they kind of backed into love when they didn't expect it to happen.
This is the last in a 3-part series, and I recommend readers get the first two books and read them in succession, to get the full effect as it is meant to be. The little tidbits thrown in about the previous characters, now downgraded into secondary characters, will mean more then. Those two books are: #1, Richard's story, "Bought: One Bride." #2, Reece's story: "The Tycoon's Trophy Wife." I recommend them all. They are each different, so it is rather a challenge to choose a favorite. I love amnesia stories, which Reece's story has. I enjoyed how sweet a man Richard was in book #1. This last book here, with Mike having the coldest attitude of the 3 men, was great too, because all 3 stories culminated in this book, and I liked Natalie's tough attitude. All 3 books are very sexy!
Wives Wanted...if I weren't already married, I'd be making a bee-line for Natalie's dating service, that's for sure ;)
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The Ashley Madison Diaries: My Secret Journey into the Scandalous World of Infidelity
Sharon Sharalike
Manufacturer: Burman Books, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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To Love, Honor, and Betray: The Secret Life of Suburban Wives
ASIN: 0973909757 |
Book Description
Written by an actual member of the cheaters' meet-up website www.ashleymadison.com, this tell-all account from the world of online infidelity is a fascinating slice of relationship voyeurism. The author delves into her own cheating adventures, as well as those of her fellow online thrillseekers, providing compelling details of the day-to-day lives of people in unhappy relationships, and the risks they take in pursuit of pleasure.
Customer Reviews:
Trite and slight - with glimmerings.......2003-12-15
I cannot help but agree with all the remarks already made regarding this very slight tale. Julius, Lord Claredon and Victoria Mallory are too much the caricatures, the cardboard cutouts, to be anything much more than irritating. He is more interesting than her by a whisker. Her petulance is just too much. A nice juicy murder with her as victim? There is a good deal of charm in the author's writing, and her stories are often entertaining. Alas not here.
predictable.......2003-05-13
Yet another regency with a rake who is obsessed by a wife who is a shrew and vastly immature. There is no earthly reason why Lord Claredon, Julius, would find Victoria mallory attractive. Her personality fails on all accounts. Debbie Raleigh takes great pains to paint a vivid picture of all the attractive physical qualities of Julius. And also lets the reader in on why perhaps Victoria is such a managing female. But no rake of Julius's stamp would take Victoria barring him from the marriage bed. Pages of the story are devoted to Julius lusting after his wife, going crazy at the sway of her walk. How stupid. Again, her personality, her over the top poor treatment of him lends the reader to ask what in the world would he find attractive about her to begin with? She is not an incredible beauty, he notes. Just a silly ploy by the writer to keep her heroine a virgin.
fussy and silly.......2003-05-13
Yet another married, virgin bride. It is just not believable that any noble would marry and have no plans to having an heir. Any regency gal who was raised in the Ton would know that is almost her primary role. Both Victoria and Claredon would know that any marriage not comsumated would not be binding or legal. I wait for the day when some smart regency writer will incorporate that certain truth into a much better story. Also - Victoria's constant anger towards Claredon was overdone. He did not know who she was when he went to her room; she was the one using a false name and he did marry her. She was the real problem. Again, regency authors try to make their chits feisty, like that is supposed to make them interesting or smart when all it does is make you want to cringe!
a brilliant end to a charming trilogy.......2003-03-20
When the rakish Lord Claredon is found in Miss Victoria Mallory's bedroom (he had made his way into the room thinking that it was her cousin's), they are forced to marry in order to avert a scandal. It result is not a happy one. Victoria had made up her mind to marry the gentle and romantic Thomas Stice, and angry and bitter about her thwarted dreams has been taking her resentment out on her new husband. The situation is hardly any better for Clarendon either. Although something of a rake, Claredon had always believed that he would one day marry the lady of his dreams and lead a happy and contented life as a faithful and worthy husband. But while he is not at all happy about being forced into marriage, neither can he deny that the fiery and strong-minded Victoria does fascinate him quite a lot. But how to get his prickly and angry wife to lower her guard and give their marriage a chance? Help, unexpectedly comes from two different fronts. First, Victoria's old parish priest, Vicar Humbly, comes for a visit, and gently (and subtly) begins to counsel the couple; and secondly, the physical threat from a masked villain pushes Victoria and Claredon to reexamine their relationship, and come to some rather startling conclusions...
This is the third and final installment in the Marriage trilogy, and really fits right in with the other two novels in the series. Like "A Proper Marriage" & "A Convenient Marriage," "A Scandalous Marriage" is a thoughtful novel that focuses on an unhappy marriage, but, thanks largely to the authour's light touch, the book is not heavy going at all. Debbie Raleigh does a first rate job of fleshing out the characters of both principal characters and of showing us both Victoria's and Claredon's anger and frustration about the state they find themselves in. I liked that she had Claredon realize first that theirs was a marriage that was meant to be, and that if Victoria were to give things a chance, that they might actually achieve the happiness and contentment that each was looking for. Also nicely done was how the authour paced things so that Victoria's change of heart towards Claredon didn't feel forced or hurried. "A Scandalous Marriage" tied the trilogy up nicely, and lived up to the expectations raised in the first two. Definitely a novel worth the read.
Customer Reviews:
As Far As Matrimonial Prospects Were Concerned..........2004-12-01
Lucy Bliss was told she'd make an excellent Clergyman's wife.
Her mother, however, had loftier aspirations for her lovely younger sister Belinda. Belinda would marry a duke. More specifically, the Duke of Wardshire. Lucy was truly horrified. "Lucifer" Wardshire! Why, he was rumored to be as wicked as the devil, with orgies and mistresses - and worse!
As the London Season unfolded, Lucy couldn't decide who was more abominable, her vulger mama or the arrogant yet disconcertingly handsome duke. No matter, Lucy vowed to go to any lengths to protect her sister, even if her mission should take her into the very arms of the devilish duke himself...
A FUNNY AND CAPTIVATING NOVEL!!.......1999-04-22
I never really like reading historical romances until I read this novel that made my mind change. It's my first time reading this type of novel, one of the best entertaining story so far besides those modern love stories. And I'm looking forwards to read more stories like this especially written by Marion Chesney...
A HILARIOUS AND ROMANTIC STORY!.......1999-03-26
I JUST LOVE READING MARION CHESNEY'S NOVELS! YOU CAN NEVER GET TIRED FROM READING HER NOVELS! I THINK THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF HER MOST FUNNIEST AND ROMANTIC STORY I'D EVER READ! IF YOU EVER READ THIS MS.CHESNEY, PLEASE CONTINUE TO WRITE MORE HISTORICAL ROMANTIC NOVELS! YOUR NOVELS HELP ME MORE LEARN ABOUT GREAT BRITAIN'S HISTORY.
A HILARIOUS AND ROMANTIC STORY!.......1999-03-26
I JUST LOVE READING MARION CHESNEY'S NOVELS! YOU CAN NEVER GET TIRED FROM READING HER NOVELS! I THINK THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF HER MOST FUNNIEST AND ROMANTIC STORY I'D EVER READ! IF YOU EVER READ THIS MS.CHESNEY, PLEASE CONTINUE TO WRITE MORE HISTORICAL ROMANTIC NOVELS! YOUR NOVELS HELP ME MORE LEARN ABOUT GREAT BRITAIN'S HISTORY.
A HILARIOUS AND ROMANTIC STORY!.......1999-03-26
I JUST LOVE READING MARION CHESNEY'S NOVELS! YOU CAN NEVER GET TIRED FROM READING HER NOVELS! I THINK THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF HER MOST FUNNIEST AND ROMANTIC STORY I'D EVER READ! IF YOU EVER READ THIS MS.CHESNEY, PLEASE CONTINUE TO WRITE MORE HISTORICAL ROMANTIC NOVELS! YOUR NOVELS HELP ME MORE LEARN ABOUT GREAT BRITAIN'S HISTORY.
Books:
- Absolutely, Positively Alexander
- Access 2007: The Missing Manual
- Adele & Simon
- Against The Rules
- Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Beyond Bullet Points: Using Microsoft PowerPoint to Create Presentations That Inform, Motivate, and Inspire (Bpg-Other)
- Big Red Barn Board Book (rpkg)
- Blindsight
- Blood of Roses
- Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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The Marriage Contract
Married in Haste
Falling in Love Again (Avon Romantic Treasure)
Because of You (Avon Romantic Treasure)
The Lady Is Tempted
