Helpful Score: 3
This book was very well written. The writer does a great job drawing you into the lives (the pasts, emotions, struggles, and thoughts) of the main characters. The opening paragraphs are so vivid and pull you into the scene and the book immediately. "She was exquisite, a sin to be indulged in and never repented. The sound of her laughter, rich and full, a siren's song, caught at his soul." Who could lay down a book that starts out like that? I couldn't. I stayed up all night to finish it.
The story is about a man working to find his way back to the wife he used and betrayed. He realizes too late how much he loves, wants and needs her, even more than the revenge he initially sought to obtain. He does everything in his power to prove to her he is a changed man. He has to dig deep to remember the things that are special to her and gives these things to her, which is in direct contrast to the selfish and arrogant way he has always lived his life. He has always treated and thought of others as his inferiors and has always used them only to further his own desires. He has to face his past demons and overcome them in order to keep her because she will accept nothing less. She has devoted her life to doing everything in her power to force him to give her a divorce. In the end, he has to decide whether he will continue to hang on to her for his own selfish satisfaction or whether he is willing to sacrifice his desires to grant her the much fought for freedom from him that she seeks. Very satisfying and rich story.
The story is about a man working to find his way back to the wife he used and betrayed. He realizes too late how much he loves, wants and needs her, even more than the revenge he initially sought to obtain. He does everything in his power to prove to her he is a changed man. He has to dig deep to remember the things that are special to her and gives these things to her, which is in direct contrast to the selfish and arrogant way he has always lived his life. He has always treated and thought of others as his inferiors and has always used them only to further his own desires. He has to face his past demons and overcome them in order to keep her because she will accept nothing less. She has devoted her life to doing everything in her power to force him to give her a divorce. In the end, he has to decide whether he will continue to hang on to her for his own selfish satisfaction or whether he is willing to sacrifice his desires to grant her the much fought for freedom from him that she seeks. Very satisfying and rich story.
Karen H. (warbler43) -
This is the third book by Ashley March that I read and I have to say, I enjoyed the other books more than this one. The story was well told and well written, but I was bothered by what I consider to be the omission of a glaring fact. Philip, the duke, married Charlotte, his duchess, as revenge against her brother Ethan, who eloped with Joanna, the woman to whom the duke was engaged. Within days of marrying Charlotte, Philip took up again with his mistress and pretty much left Charlotte alone. Charlotte, hurt by Philips actions, left him and began to live it up in high stylein other words, trying to create every sort of scandal she could think of to force the duke to divorce her. In spite of the rumors of Charlottes multiple lovers, he didnt divorce her.
Suddenly, after three years of living apart, Philip kidnaps Charlotte and takes her to his estate. His intent is to try and win her back and have a true marriage with her. This is where I think a major fact was omitted. Nowhere does the author tell us why he suddenly decided he wanted her back; why it took him three years to come to his decision. Its just left hanging out there.apart for 3 years now he wants to resume the marriage. Of course Charlotte doesnt want to. She still feels betrayed by his actions so soon after their marriage.
Without telling anymore of the story, they do, eventually, reach their HEA. Overall, I did enjoy this story and look forward to reading more by this author.
Suddenly, after three years of living apart, Philip kidnaps Charlotte and takes her to his estate. His intent is to try and win her back and have a true marriage with her. This is where I think a major fact was omitted. Nowhere does the author tell us why he suddenly decided he wanted her back; why it took him three years to come to his decision. Its just left hanging out there.apart for 3 years now he wants to resume the marriage. Of course Charlotte doesnt want to. She still feels betrayed by his actions so soon after their marriage.
Without telling anymore of the story, they do, eventually, reach their HEA. Overall, I did enjoy this story and look forward to reading more by this author.
I agree with the reviewer that this book was well written, in the sense of having a good prose style and excellent use of sensory imagery. If you like erotic historical fantasies, this author is a good choice. If you prefer things more grounded in credible events, with believable character motivations and genuine period ambience, then ... not so much. It also seemed to me that whenever a bit of story was about to creep in, another overheated no-sex-yet scene appeared instead, such that by the time the couple finally got back together, I really didn't care.
Marjana K. (kalynnick) -
LOVE it! I can't wait to read another book by this new author!
