savvyliterate's reviews
634 reviews

A not-so-merry widow… The widowed Marchioness of Folkestone is notorious for her parties, her art collection, and her utter disregard for the rules. But Ellie Claiborne knows her destruction is near. The new marquess is her first lover – the man whose sculpted body and sardonic grin haunt her every time she picks up her paintbrush. If he ever returns to claim his inheritance, her heart won’t survive seeing him again. A man determined to destroy her... Nicholas Claiborne hasn’t stepped foot in England since watching Ellie marry his cousin. He has no use for the gorgeous, heartless girl who betrayed him, or the title she abandoned him for. But when his business in India turns deadly, Nick must return to London to uncover a murderer – and take revenge on the woman he couldn’t force himself to forget. A love they can’t escape… Nick hates Ellie’s transformation from sweet debutante to jaded seductress. Ellie despises him for leaving her behind. Still, the sparks between them reignite the passion that should have been their destiny. As their demands of each other turn darker and a potential killer closes in, they must decide whether to guard the fragile remnants of their hearts — or find a way to fall in love all over again.

She never wanted marriage... When a friend is forced to consider a marriage of convenience, Lady Amelia Staunton is determined to rescue her. But her plans trap her in an illicit seduction, and Amelia must marry him herself. Malcolm's all-consuming kisses and devilish humor might make up for her lost freedom, but she believes he will force her to abandon the Gothic romances she yearns to write. Since she can't escape him, she must distract him from her secret... He isn't looking for love... A powerful autocrat with a well-hidden rebellious streak, Malcolm MacCabe doesn't need another beautiful mistress - he needs an obedient wife. Obedience is not one of Amelia's virtues. But he's too enthralled by her wit and passion to let her go - even if it means risking the political reputation he is building to save his clan. Their hearts can't survive the scandal... Despite their intentions, every wicked embrace binds them together. But as their conflicting desires combust into insatiable hunger and unavoidable ruin, they must decide whether to pursue their personal destinies alone - or fight for the love that could destroy them both.

This book was immensely beautiful. I read it as a recommendation from Dear Author that addressed the subject of a hero with a learning disability. In this case, Jess had oxygen cut off to his brain at birth, and the result caused him to become simple-minded. I love how there's no pandering to him at all. The book examines everything from both the hero and heroine's points of view. She never feels pity for him, and there's a range of genuine emotions throughout the town regarding Jess and his role there. The moment when Jess and Althea are finally able to declare what they're feeling for each other is extremely beautiful, and I find myself going back to re-read that part a good number of times. This is such an excellent book, and I am very glad that I bought it.

I was recommended this book based on two things: How kind the author is to her fans, and the lovesong to bibliophiles everywhere. It doesn't disappoint at any level, and I loved both the hero and heroine, along with the book-buying culture of the era.