A Lady Awakened (Blackshear Family, #1)

Dec 30, 2011 Jill rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance-european, 2011-4-5-5-stars

4.5 stars

Debut

"I understand you to have just proposed to engage me as your whore." He gave one last cough. "Is that correct?"

Disapproval thinned her lips again. "The better analogy is to a stud animal. My concern is only with the issue. I have no expectation of pleasure."

For Martha Russell her ten month marriage was both unfulfilling and unfruitful. Without an heir her estate will be given over to her late husband's brother, a man whose past crimes against servants has gone unpunished but not fo...more

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Jan 05, 2013 Kathleen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, series-opener, historical-rom, regency

★ Thanks to Jill for recommending this début novel. I closed the book with a deeply satisfied sigh, but at first I totally disliked the heroine. It's not to everyone's taste.

A Lady Awakened is book 1 of the Blackshear Family series. The writing style is witty and light (I chuckled several times), balanced by sad, painful, or poignant sections. The plot includes several heartwarming story lines. The romance includes a LOT of sex, progressing from cold, quick sex to blast-furnace love scenes. ツ

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Jan 05, 2013 cEe beE rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fab-faves, epic-love, my-kinda-hero, spirited-heroine, 5-star-reads

The first FIVE star book of the year for me. A Lady Awakened is an exquisitely beautiful story and masterfully written filled with a cast of unforgettable characters.

I especially loved the deliberate slow progession of the relationship between young widow Martha Russell and banished London lothario, Theo Mirkwood from business arrangement, to partnership, then friendship and finally love. The dialogue was deliciously funny and witty! I LOVE everything about this book!

Cecilia Grant, I am your ne...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Kinga rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sexy-and-lovely

Here is the wonderful premise of this: A recently widowed Martha Russell will lose her estate and her much valued independence unless she proves she is carrying an heir to her late husband. Only she isn’t. Therefore she needs to get pregnant fast.
Enter Theo Mirkwood, an exiled good-for-nothing playboy. Martha decides to strike a deal with him - he is going to fornicate with her every day for a month and she is going to pay him a certain amount of money. It seems like the book will just be a lon...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Caz rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-5-stars, kindle, romance-regency, favourites

I don't think I've ever read a romance novel like this, which should be a recommendation in itself, seeing as so many of them follow one of the "standard" plots. You know the sort of thing - hero and heroine hate each other on sight but gradually fall in love; hero/heroine has to marry money to restore the family fortunes and gradually fall in love, etc.

The gradual falling in love bit DOES happen, but it's done in such an original manner. The heroine is a widow who wants desperately to remain in...more

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Jan 07, 2012 Sarah (The Brazen Bookworm) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Full review published here: http://www.brazenbookworm.com/2012/01...

Holy amazingness, I loved this book. I can't remember the last time I read a debut that I enjoyed as much as A Lady Awakened, and I wish I could start it over again for the first time so I could savor it. As it was, I just couldn't put it down. Everything about this book was utterly wonderful - the characters, the romance, the setting, the resolution, the writing. Initially, I was unsure I could get behind the premise - a widow...more

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May 02, 2013 Miranda Davis rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Miranda by: Jill, Mary

Masterful. Lapidary precision in creating the two main characters. Spare, evocative language, though one must become accustomed to it. Each is profoundly affected by the other in a situation utterly antithetical to anything either would've ever sought under normal circumstances. She's a strictly proper widow who needs a pregnancy pronto to forestall a predatory brother from inheriting the estate. He's a baronet's heir who is exiled to the country to mend his ways and who considers sex his greate...more Masterful. Lapidary precision in creating the two main characters. Spare, evocative language, though one must become accustomed to it. Each is profoundly affected by the other in a situation utterly antithetical to anything either would've ever sought under normal circumstances. She's a strictly proper widow who needs a pregnancy pronto to forestall a predatory brother from inheriting the estate. He's a baronet's heir who is exiled to the country to mend his ways and who considers sex his greatest skill. She proposes to buy his seed over the course of a month - a pregnancy might produce a legitimate heir - and he agrees. Their regard for each other develops slowly despite this inauspicious beginning. Their business-like trysts play out with sly, biting wit, and slight, seismic rumblings eventually lead to more.

In terms of history, I don't think I've read a better blending of historical context and fictional events in a Regency. The highly stylized manner of her self-reflection also reinforced a feeling of constraint and the weight of propriety that felt appropriate given the time and her rigid, remote character.

Speaking of which, despite all the author's literary restraint and stunning craft, I have to admit I found Martha to be an uptight, relentlessly preachy killjoy beyond bearing for most, no almost all, of the book. Yes, I know there were glimpses of something else warmer but...As far as I can tell, Theo simply decided he found her off-putting demeanor charming, challenging and arousing. And she does mean well, that was made abundantly clear. Then there's Theo, the charming ne'er do well, who finds admirable purpose beyond being the widow's stud. I liked him from the first, throughout and to the end. The best explanation for why he tried so hard with her was this: "No [woman's] lust...was so gratifying to a man as the lust that blossomed only after esteem had taken root."

But this is what I admired most about the story: I felt disgust for her, as he must've, when he was toiling away and she lay there night after night. Until finally, he let slip he "may as well be swiving a propped-up corpse." I agreed with him. I wondered, just as she did, whether or not he would return. When he appeared the following day, she reacted by loosening up and giving a tiny morsel more of herself, and I understood her desire to reward him for honoring their bargain. I felt his frustration and incomprehension over a woman resisting physical pleasure on principle; I understood her resisting pleasure from an act as dishonorable as it was necessary, (such a killjoy). I understood, but as I say, I didn't much like her rigidity in all things. And that is what makes her such an extraordinary creation, she is someone I don't particularly like -- as a person. However, it was a beautifully told story of two unlikely people finding love together.(less)

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May 12, 2012 Mary B. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, romance-historical-european, print-books-i-own, heroine-non-virgin-historical, part-of-a-series

I enjoyed parts of this, but disliked others.

Theo is a man who has been sent to his family's country estate in Sussex to 'reform' in a sense. For the most part, he is unremarkable. I read him as a character who has a serious lack of self-esteem, although he generally puts up a good front of confidence.

Martha is a recent widow who cares very deeply about the humanity of all people, which the author portrays in her selfless care and concern for the education and well-being of her servants, tenan...more I enjoyed parts of this, but disliked others.

Theo is a man who has been sent to his family's country estate in Sussex to 'reform' in a sense. For the most part, he is unremarkable. I read him as a character who has a serious lack of self-esteem, although he generally puts up a good front of confidence.

Martha is a recent widow who cares very deeply about the humanity of all people, which the author portrays in her selfless care and concern for the education and well-being of her servants, tenants and their families. She is very proper, and even a bit stuffy. Indeed, this is a perfect example of an starchy-heroine-gets-unstarched. When her husband leaves her without heir and without a dower to support herself, she is devastated. Not for her own lack of support (she has an invitation to go and live with her brother), but because without an heir, her husband's estate will fall into the hands of his younger brother, a man remembered in the area for his predatory actions towards the female servants of the house. Martha resolves that, one way or another, she must protect the people for whom she cares so deeply. One way she sets about to accomplish this is to get with child - in the hopes it might be a son - who she can pass of as her late husband's issue. Then she learns about her new neighbor, who has a slight reputation for his wantonness. And this very proper widow makes a very improper proposition.

And so begins a very odd relationship between Theo and Martha, which slowly unfolds and develops very naturally and realistically.

This author puts us deeply into the characters' psyches - letting us read their thoughts and feelings as if we were thinking and feeling them ourselves. This, interspersed with Theo's slow ascent towards a greater understanding of himself, and his realization of his capability as a landowner and farmer. And Martha's ascent into a greater understanding of herself as a woman and a lover.

Truly, this story shows how two partners can fulfill in one another each one's missing parts. Martha provides Theo with her strengths - intellectual companionship and the practical advice he needs to run his estates. Theo provides Martha with his strengths - awakening her to the joy that can be had from loosening her stays (literally and figuratively), and showing her that there is nothing wrong with needing and wanting another person.

The romance itself was beautiful. I almost rated this three stars, but in retrospect, I have little to criticize in the execution of this story. Primarily, it is laborious to get through. And while the writing was excellent, it didn't seem to have the smooth flow that I tend to enjoy in a well-written romance. Plus, there were lengthy technical passages that got a tad boring. I admit, there were parts I had skim through simply because I was completely bored with them.

All in all, I wouldn't read this one again. Time will tell if it is a memorable read or not. (less)

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Oct 04, 2012 Willowfaerie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, regency

This book has the novelty of having two likable people, full of goodwill, who both act in a mature way, and fall in love with each other. I actually have a lot of good thoughts for it because of that. It’s also well written.

On the other hand though, I thought it was kind of dull.

The basic story is about a young widow, Martha, who will be left with little money if she does not have a son. Her late husband has left the house and estate to his lecherous brother-in-law who is known for pouncing on...more This book has the novelty of having two likable people, full of goodwill, who both act in a mature way, and fall in love with each other. I actually have a lot of good thoughts for it because of that. It’s also well written.

On the other hand though, I thought it was kind of dull.

The basic story is about a young widow, Martha, who will be left with little money if she does not have a son. Her late husband has left the house and estate to his lecherous brother-in-law who is known for pouncing on servant girls and getting them pregnant. Martha is horrified at the thought of someone abusing the servants. So being very practical, she comes up with a plan. She decides to ask her neighbor’s playboy son, Theo, to be her gigolo for a month in the hopes that he will get her pregnant.

Theo is surprisingly not insulted by this and agrees, simply because he’s super randy and he thinks she’s hawt. This begins their odd relationship.

Since they are strangers and Martha is frigid, their sex is quite awkward. Martha’s kind of bossy too, lying on the bed, stiff as a board with her legs open, telling him to hurry up. Consequently, Theo is somewhat unnerved by her. So of course they fall in love. How could they not? LOL

Theo is a super nice beta guy. He sort of lacks self confidence, which at first Martha crushes, and then she builds up. I think of him as wanting a woman to mother him, so he’s attracted to Martha who scolds him all the time. Martha needs Theo because she’s way too uptight and needs to get laid.

I didn’t mind Martha, although I can see why some reviewers said they didn’t like her. I think she’s kind of fascinating, and I love how pragmatic she is. She sees herself as a very moral person, yet her questionable actions don’t portray her like that at all. Here is a woman who married an older, wealthy man she didn’t love (for practical reasons.) Then she decides to commit fraud by passing off another man’s child as her late husband’s, (to save the servant girls from a lecher.) Then she hires a gigolo to get her pregnant. Obviously, in Martha’s eyes, the end justifies the means, which makes her not very moral at all. I liked her determination, but I think she's fooling herself if she thinks her motives are completely altruistic.

These characters are well rounded. I think their attraction to each other makes perfect sense, and their romance is sweet. They both go through a nice character arc. I was rather touched by the sweet ending.

This book has so little suspense though. The villain is weak, and doesn’t show up until the end of the book. There’s no sexual tension, since both Martha and Theo had sex from the beginning. I didn’t feel a sense of danger or dread. There’s no secret intrigue or mystery. In fact, very little happens.

Not to mention, the book felt very modern, with modern point-of-views. Consequently, I never did get that cool feeling of being transported back in time.

I’m giving it three stars.

Since I see all the positive reviews, I’m thinking maybe I’m just not into Regency Romance. Are all Regency books this slow? It may be awhile before I try another. I must admit though, the second book in this series looks better than this one.
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May 09, 2012 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: european-historical, romance, historical, 4-stars, netgalley-first-reads-arcs, reviewed-on-blog, debut-novels

Originally posted on my blog: http://feministfairytalereviews.blogs...

A Lady Awakened is the debut novel for historical romance author Cecilia Grant. While there were some flaws to the story, the writing style and characters were amazingly detailed and I see great things in Cecilia Grant's future as a historical romance author. This story had an intriguing premise, well-drawn characters, and plenty of sensuality.

At first glance, the plot seems to be reminiscient of many romance novel stories t...more Originally posted on my blog: http://feministfairytalereviews.blogs...

A Lady Awakened is the debut novel for historical romance author Cecilia Grant. While there were some flaws to the story, the writing style and characters were amazingly detailed and I see great things in Cecilia Grant's future as a historical romance author. This story had an intriguing premise, well-drawn characters, and plenty of sensuality.

At first glance, the plot seems to be reminiscient of many romance novel stories that have been published over the years. You have the proper widow, the charming scoundrel, the evil heir apparent, and the effort to keep the inheritance with the widow through dishonest means. But, what Grant does it take this seemingly formulaic plot and gives it depth and a realistic voice.

The hero, Theo, is a typical nineteenth century rake who has been sent to the country as punishment by his father. When he meets Martha and hears her plan, he is intrigued by her bluntness and is even a little attracted to her. Over the course of their relationship, Theo discovers the truth behind Martha's proper facade and falls in love with her. Theo is a fabulous hero. He is charming and handsome, but flawed in the way many young men of his time were. Despite his obvious spoiled nature, Theo is very sympathetic as he shows Martha and the readers how much he is willing to change. He takes his responsibilities in the country very seriously though most of that is inspired by Martha's suggestions.

Martha is a little harder to understand at first which was part of the reason I loved her. The reader's first impression of her is this proper widow who is protective of her lifestyle and willing to cheat a man out of his inheritance. She gives off a very cold personality which is showcased through her early interactions with Theo. But, like Theo, the reader learns to look deeper into Martha's character and discover the wonderful woman hiding inside. I really admired Martha and her willingness to do anything to help those she cares about. She is a unique character in the world of historical romance and I applaud Ms. Grant for introducing such a fascinating heroine.

As a couple, Martha and Theo were an intereresting mix. This was definitely an opposites attract type of romance which is one of my personal favorites. I loved reading about their interactions and how their views of each other changed over the course of the book. I also thought the way their relationship developed from strangers to friends to lovers was pretty realistic and appropriately slow. This was a very mature romance and was depicted wonderfully. I will warn readers that there is a significant amount of sex scenes in this book due to the plot. These vary in the hotness factor throughout the book, but I thougth it was a nice way to portray the changing relationship of Martha and Theo.

I only had a few issues with this book, but most of these can be solved through experience as a writer. There were a lot of historical details in this book on subjects such as tenant schooling and land use. While I love seeing the results of author's research, the plot did start to get bogged down by too many details. I loved the romance and wanted to concentrate on that more than the future of the school on Martha's land. Also, I would have liked for the "villain" to have been in the story a little longer. He had a fabulously evil reputation built up that fell a little flat by the end.

All in all, this was a well-written debut and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Grant's work. I am particularly intrigued by the prospect of finding out more about Martha's brother who was stationed at Waterloo in A Gentleman Undone.

Book provided to me through a Goodreads's First Reads giveaway! Thanks!

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Jan 30, 2012 Kathryn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Martha Russell finds herself a widow and at risk of losing her home. Unless she can conceive a child within thirty days, her evil brother-in-law will inherit and she will be put out of her home. Martha comes up with a daring plan to secure her future.

Having provided a summary of the plot above, I must say that this book certainly presented an ethical dilemma for me. No matter how difficult the author tries to paint the Martha as the heroine, it seems her ethics are lacking in the matter. You wi...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Jess the Romanceaholic rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read

This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceahlic

Expected Release Date: December 27, 2011
Publisher: Random House Publishing
Imprint: Bantam
Author’s Website: http://ceciliagrant.com/
My Source for This Book: Won in a contest
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy

Martha Russell has a problem. Her husband has died in a riding accident, and as she never managed to conceive, she will soon be turned out of her home with nothing more than...more

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Dec 12, 2011 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, historical-romance, first-reads, 4-stars

So forget how stereotypical the book's blurb makes the book sound, and ignore that the book's title makes the lady in question seem like an object, an empty vessel for someone else to act upon. That's not the case with this book, really! The awakenings that happen (the heroine's AND the hero's) are dependent on one another, and the character development is earned over the course of the book.

What's exceptional about this book is the attentiveness paid to the main characters. Neither Martha nor Th...more So forget how stereotypical the book's blurb makes the book sound, and ignore that the book's title makes the lady in question seem like an object, an empty vessel for someone else to act upon. That's not the case with this book, really! The awakenings that happen (the heroine's AND the hero's) are dependent on one another, and the character development is earned over the course of the book.

What's exceptional about this book is the attentiveness paid to the main characters. Neither Martha nor Theo is shoehorned into the role of romantic heroine or hero, which is an excellent thing given how far both of them are from stock romance characters. Their relationship, and their romance, grows organically, and it didn't feel constrained by the stock romantic trajectory. It's definitely a romance, and the must-get-pregnant storyline is a very familiar one, but it's the characters (and the commitment Grant makes to staying true to these finicky, prickly, imperfect characters) that made this book so unique and enjoyable for me. Whether a reader likes Martha from the get-go might be an indication as to whether the book will be enjoyed or not. Cold, stiff, formal Martha who straightens her back and embarks on a virtuous cause that will, nonetheless, likely destroy her own virtue? I loved her from the first chapter! Especially because it was clear she wasn't the stock version of a martyred, long-suffering, golden-hearted romantic heroine. The girl had plans and plots and machinations going on in her head, and she was overbearing and critical and not the nicest person, despite all her do-gooder-ness! I LOVED that. But I can see why other readers might be impatient by the slow burn of the story and the romantic development, especially because the book is full of the characters' other pursuits, not just their sexual/romantic one. Martha's determination to start a school for the local young ladies, and Theo's reluctant education (and then ambitions) as a landowner receive a lot of attention, and I felt it all necessary for their character development (and interesting, to boot), but if a reader wants JUST a romance, distilled, that reader might find the book difficult to trudge through.

The writing was fine, and at times, especially in the book's beginning, that I felt like I was reading a classic novel. (Only, of course, a classic novel in which a woman's sexuality was not demonized, and a happy ending guaranteed. So. Not really like a classic novel at all, except in the delightfully formal turns of phrase, and the focus on the whole world of the characters, not just the romance.) The sex scenes, especially the actively underwhelming (or straight up BAD) sex at the beginning, were awesome! I love scenes of awful sex, and these came completely in character and with good humor (for the readers; the characters found it all unamusing of course): "Good God. Had he ever met with such a pair of recalcitrant nipples in his life?" Hee!

I wasn't that engaged by how the book, ended, however. Vague-ish spoilers under the cut. (view spoiler)

Definitely a good read, though, and definitely exciting to find a unique sort of historical romance, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading Cecilia Grant's next release.

Note: I received a review copy of this book for free from the publisher via the First Reads program here at Goodreads.(less)

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Jan 07, 2012 willaful rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: stud-service-womb-service, sexy-beta, high-maintenance-heroine

Reading this made me realize that one of my favorite things to happen in a historical romance is for the main characters to be forced together in an unusual way that unexpectedly fosters true intimacy. In A Lady Awakened, what initially brings Theo and Martha together is sex -- unwanted, unpleasant sex. Martha, a proper lady to her very core, feels forced to rent her feckless neighbor Theo’s services as a stud so that she can quickly produce an heir, and save her late husband’s estate from going...more Reading this made me realize that one of my favorite things to happen in a historical romance is for the main characters to be forced together in an unusual way that unexpectedly fosters true intimacy. In A Lady Awakened, what initially brings Theo and Martha together is sex -- unwanted, unpleasant sex. Martha, a proper lady to her very core, feels forced to rent her feckless neighbor Theo’s services as a stud so that she can quickly produce an heir, and save her late husband’s estate from going to a man known for abusing his female servants. Theo, at first happy to oblige, soon finds that servicing a woman who is disgusted by his best efforts is deeply disheartening.

I’m really making this sound good, aren’t I? Well, while Martha and Theo are meeting each other secretly for sex, they are also slowly getting to know each other. And while Martha’s high principles begin to infect Theo with an interest in his land and his dependents, Theo begins to make Martha aware that there’s more to him than she realized -- and that there can be more to sex than procreation.

A Lady Awakened initially seemed a slightly misleading title, because Martha is not a stranger to either sexual desire or sexual pleasure, on her own. She’s at first unbelieving she could have pleasure with a partner, and then unwilling to compromise her ethically shady position any further by receiving it. What eventually wins Martha over is not Theo’s studly skills in the bedroom, but his increasingly stellar qualities as a person:

“Serious, conscientious, and seeking her opinion: he could have had anything he wanted of her in that moment. She pressed her lips together. Generosity demanded generosity in return. ‘Think on it. Sleep on it. You’ll make the right choice.’

She felt his pleasure as surely as though his skin was shuddering against hers. He was all but a virgin in this, the experience of being taken seriously. Perhaps no woman--no one at all--had ever gazed at him with quiet faith and encouraged him to believe in his own abilities.”

I love the emotional symmetry here: Martha, who needs so much to be taken seriously by men herself, discovering that this is something she can give to a man, who needs it as much as she does. That realization of the possibility of reciprocity between a couple, sexually and emotionally, is Martha’s true awakening.

This is a leisurely told story, with more information about daily estate life than is currently popular in historical romance, but I never found it boring. Martha’s cold affect made it harder to passionately love the story and the ending is not entirely satisfying, but it was a very interesting and rewarding read, and a promising debut.
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Sep 02, 2011 Jan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, stars5, favorites, z-2011, historical-romance

This was a glorious book. I won the ARC after a contest on the podcast hosted by Jane of Dear Author and Sarah of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. They both were gushing about it like crazy, and thus I was very excited when I won.

Excitement like that is always a smidge dangerous, because it can raise expectations too high. So when it arrived in my mailbox I was a little anxious - what if I wouldn't like it? But I shouldn't have feared, because this turned out to be the perfect book for me. Like it w...more

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Dec 03, 2011 April rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, vine, for-review

A Lady Awakened is Cecelia Grant’s debut. Martha Russell, main character, is newly widowed. If she does not have a son, Martha will lose her estate to her brother in law who is the type to have his way with the help. Lucky for Martha, there is new blood in her country village, Theo Mirkwood. Martha offers Theo a business proposal – one month of doing it in exchange for money. You see, if she is impregnated within the month, she can pass the baby off as her husband’s and keep the estate.

Read the ...more

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Dec 30, 2012 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: library, historical

4.5 stars
Don't tell my boss but I had to finish the last 50 pages surreptitiously at my desk this morning. I really loved this, although Martha's antipathy was daunting and lasted longer than I expected. Worth the wait - so nicely done, actually, and Theo is just adoooooorable.

My only other quibble, and it's not really anything more than an observation: this seemed Victorian rather than Regency.

I loved the estate management stuff - I didn't think it was too much at all.

Listened to the audio 12...more

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Jul 23, 2012 Christy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-meetup, own-it-book, jeannie-s

August
3, maybe 3.5 stars
Well written but too slow and too unlikeable a heroine for me to love this book. It also seemed out of character that she should be in the habit of pleasuring herself when she was so cold in most other ways. Things definitely picked up in the final quarter of the book, but it was a bit too late. Finally, I'm not convinced that all would turn out well for these two. No matter the good motivations behind it, what they did was sort of monstrous and I'm not sure it would ha...more

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Nov 12, 2011 Virginia Campbell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

"A Lady Awakened", by Cecelia Grant, is a wonderfully involving, character-driven romance. Actually, both the lady and the gentleman are "awakened", each in their own way, and each to the delight of the reader. Practical-minded young widow, Martha Russell, must begat a child within a timely manner. The child must appear to be the heir of her unlamented late husband or else the Russell estate and its holdings will revert to Mr. Russell's lascivious brother. In order to keep her home and ensure th...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Kagama-the Literaturevixen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, bad-akward-in-bed, giving-heroine-a-baby

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 3.5

Our heroine is Martha Russell or Widow Russell as she has become after the death of her older husband. She doesnt mourn him as such but his passing has created a problem since they didnt have any children and the estate is set to be inherited by her brother in law.

The brother in law is a piece of work and no one looks forward to the prospect of him taking ownership

So the heroine decides that to prevent this she will get pregnant and pass off the child as her dead husbands.

She sets her sights...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Tamara Allen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, romance

After I finished this novel, I mentioned to a friend that Cecilia Grant single-handedly brought me back to reading m/f romance. I had all but stopped reading it several years ago when I grew to like m/m better. M/f seemed to have a sameness about it with its stereotypical alphas and damsels in distress. And too many m/fs were wallpapery and so full of melodrama, I never felt I was reading about real people.

This novel is different. Fresh and sweet and memorably romantic. Theo and Martha (a name I...more After I finished this novel, I mentioned to a friend that Cecilia Grant single-handedly brought me back to reading m/f romance. I had all but stopped reading it several years ago when I grew to like m/m better. M/f seemed to have a sameness about it with its stereotypical alphas and damsels in distress. And too many m/fs were wallpapery and so full of melodrama, I never felt I was reading about real people.

This novel is different. Fresh and sweet and memorably romantic. Theo and Martha (a name I thought ordinary and will now never again see in the same light) are two real people of their time period. This novel does what I adore best in historical romances; it offers a varied and vivid cast of characters led by a couple who are utterly real in their world (in fact I was already weaving a romance for Mr. Atkins in my head. He needs one!) I could visualize everyone, right down to the thoughtful footman at the end, and they were all creatures of their time, but accessible as human beings with needs and hopes I understood.

I've seen a few mixed reviews for this novel, some stating that Martha is not a likeable or sympathetic character. This is a novel that demands insightful reading. Martha's history and her situation make her complex and fascinating. She is not the bland, whiny drama queen I'd grown so sick of in m/f. She is real and iron-willed and yearning to accomplish (very believably in context with the period) a little more than the expected role of wife and mother. She's also incredibly vulnerable to the right sort of man, and that was Theo to a t. Theo is a fabulous creation, a perfect fit for Martha, but not at the start. They grow and change together as they struggle to understand each other, just the way people do in real life, and they do it in a historical context that made me feel as if I were there, living it with them.

I could go on endlessly about this book and I appear to be in danger of doing so here, but I don't think I can do it justice. The writing style itself I loved because it has a nice lyrical flow while at the same time being happily unburdened by flowery, overwrought prose or too-archaic language. The writing's just as accessible as the characterization, and it pulls you along and treats you to the loveliest tidbits of fresh non-cliched descriptions along the way. I especially liked the descriptions of the land and the interiors of Martha's home, and the way Theo and Martha saw each other, both physically and emotionally.

Another thing I loved about this book is the process of Theo and Martha's coming together, brought about by each being in possession, both personally and emotionally, of what the other desperately needs (and I'm referring to much more than the baby Martha feels compelled to produce.)

I loved the way Martha and Theo came to appreciate certain qualities in each other, invariably those qualities they themselves lacked. I loved the *way* they fell in love. It just rang so true. The way they basically rescue each other by bringing out the best in each other--God, how much I love that in stories. Both of them have their faults and they both just bloom like roses by the story's end. Even the intimate scenes, which I usually can't really get into, I enjoyed in this one. They were humorous at times, awkward, tension-filled, and later on, romantic--and a few times, oh my God, hot (especially one scene that just left me in awe with how beautifully it was written)--and just always with a true to life quality that made Theo and Martha all the more real in my head. So this book was supremely satisfying for me in just about every way.(less)

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Jan 21, 2013 Vivian rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone who wants to be a terrific writer, and romance readers in particular

If you're a writer or novelist, or want to be one, read this book. Wallow in the deft phrasing, the clever use of body language, the magnificent scene setting and insightful character development, the application of what fiction writers call GMC.

The only reason I gave this 4 instead of 5 stars is that I just don't like the characters. And I've been trying to, I really have. Unlike some other reviewers, I think the author did a great job of showing understandable and "empathize-able" motives for...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Liz B rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, historicalfiction, romance

This is an outstanding example of a "what if" story. Take a situation that seems implausible and make it utterly plausible for the reader: What if a woman desperately needs to conceive a child after the death of her husband? Take a profoundly unethical act--attempting to subvert a succession--and make it justifiable and even admirable. Create two characters who are seemingly opposite and completely believable--the rigidly moral and hardworking Martha and the lazy, handsome, feckless Theo--and as...more

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Sep 14, 2012 Booklover, Indianapolis rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, u-k-historicals-1700s-1800s

(Sept.) This is probably closer to a 2.5* read for me. Talk about dry - and clinical - and plodding - and draggy (took me three days to read, which is twice what a book like this and this length should take me). Not just the sex, although for over 200 pages there is sex almost every few pages (it seemed that way anyway) and each time was so blah - ok, I get that Martha was not supposed to enjoy it, but 8 or 9 or 10 times - I got it after the first few. At only 21, Martha hadn't suffered a bad ch...more

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Aug 27, 2012 Mara rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: those who like their historicals unusual

Recommended to Mara by: Mrs. Giggles, AnimeJune

Shelves: historical, romance, rakes-hoes-and-other-tools, you-think-you-so-smart

This was more of a 4.5 star story, due to an ending that could have been better, but I was so impressed with how the author wrote some of the scenes, that I decided to round up the grade.

First of all, the heroine was a total cold fish. And I loved it. A large number of romance readers holds their heroines to a higher standard than they do heroes - heroes can be total tools, but if a heroine isn't perfect, the story cannot be salvaged. Please. I loved the early scenes between Martha and Theo, wh...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Jennifer McQuiston rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you missed Cecilia Grant’s incredible debut A Lady Awakened, you quite simply need to be boxed about the ears. Rectify that travesty immediately, please. Prepare yourself, though. Your expectations of romance and courtship are about to be turned upside down. The first half of the book has some of the most gut-wrenchingly awkward intercourse you are ever going to read. And it is going to make you howl with laughter, even as you cringe for the train wreck unfolding masterfully before your eyes....more If you missed Cecilia Grant’s incredible debut A Lady Awakened, you quite simply need to be boxed about the ears. Rectify that travesty immediately, please. Prepare yourself, though. Your expectations of romance and courtship are about to be turned upside down. The first half of the book has some of the most gut-wrenchingly awkward intercourse you are ever going to read. And it is going to make you howl with laughter, even as you cringe for the train wreck unfolding masterfully before your eyes.

A Summary for A Lady Awakened: Mrs. Martha Russell is a most pragmatic sort of female whose husband has just kicked off without an heir, leaving the country estate to Mr. Russell’s philandering, servant-abusing brother. Martha feels responsible for protecting the people she holds in her charge, and realizes she and her currently empty womb are the remedy to the problem. If she produces an heir in a timely fashion, said smarmy brother will be held at bay and the virtue of the servants and the farmers’ wives will be safe. Enter Theo Mirkwood, a young rake who has been cut off and banished to the country for frivolous excess (a.k.a. the stud who agrees to fill said empty womb. For pay.) Theo’s willing to take on the needs of the pretty widow, and concludes this will be a pleasurable interlude for his country penance. Only, Theo quickly discovers Mrs. Russell isn’t interested in anything close to pleasure.

With this setup, one’s interest is definitely piqued. However, what makes A Lady Awakened such an incredible story is how deeply the characters are drawn, how sympathetic they seem despite their truly horrific choices. Ms. Grant’s voice is stellar, perfectly capturing the humor and disgust of the necessary intimacy that must occur, with horrifying frequency, to a woman who is absolutely convinced of her martyrdom and determined to not enjoy the process of getting there. And Theo’s character evolution from a man used to taking his own pleasure, to a man determined to deliver hers, is subtle yet stunning.

Cannot recommend enough!(less)

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Apr 17, 2012 Alyssa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Alyssa by: Smart Bitches Trashy Books

Shelves: historical-romance

This is actually a four-and-a-half star review. I wish Goodreads would let readers add that extra half star.

For me, the biggest treat in reading A Lady Awakened was discovering the highly detailed, utterly convincing world of nineteenth-century landed gentry Grant creates. (The setting, to be honest, felt more Victorian than regency, from its intense focus on propriety to the details of the heroine's dress and furnishings, but that in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the story.) Cecilia Gra...more This is actually a four-and-a-half star review. I wish Goodreads would let readers add that extra half star.

For me, the biggest treat in reading A Lady Awakened was discovering the highly detailed, utterly convincing world of nineteenth-century landed gentry Grant creates. (The setting, to be honest, felt more Victorian than regency, from its intense focus on propriety to the details of the heroine's dress and furnishings, but that in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the story.) Cecilia Grant creates vivid characters--not just prim-and-proper Martha and feckless Theo, her heroine and hero, but also three-dimensional secondary characters like an attractive vicar and a dour laborer's wife.

The plot is sure to draw the reader in: with her husband newly dead, widowed do-gooder Martha has a matter of weeks to produce a pregnancy or relinquish her home (and thus her power to protect and assist her servants and tenants) to the estate's heir presumptive, Martha's dastardly brother-in-law. When rakish Theo lands in the neighborhood, banished there by his father to rusticate until he acquires some sense of responsibility, Martha sees him as the answer to her prayers. Summoning Theo to her, she proposes that they have sex until he impregnates her. Theo is bored enough, young enough, and attracted enough to Martha to accept. He initially views her frigid demeanor as a challenge, but Martha's determination to view each sexual encounter as a distasteful chore to be endured with as little participation as possible quickly demoralizes him. The sex scenes are alternately funny and painful to read (in a dramatically satisfying way, that is), until finally poor Theo snaps and Martha is forced to re-evaluate her approach.

Cecilia Grant has a wonderful voice, a graceful prose style, and a deft hand for drawing the reader in emotionally. I agree with other reviewers that Martha initially seems puritanical and cold, but I see that as an intentional feature rather than a flaw. My only complaint with the story is that the eventual resolution of the brother-in-law threat seems a bit contrived (I won't spoil it except to say it involves a number of secondary characters in a scene I found implausible), and that's why I couldn't give the story a full five stars. But I enjoyed Cecilia Grant's writing and can definitely forgive a bump or two in the road when the rest of the ride is otherwise so enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next book in the Blackshear series.(less)

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Mar 23, 2012 Rima Jean rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: in-love

I've never been a fan of Regency Era romance. I don't like Jane Austen (I know, gasp). It's difficult for me to find dandies attractive, even when they're supposed to be "manly."

This book changed my mind. Determined to protect her estate and tenants from her rapist brother-in-law, widow Martha Russell must produce an heir soon enough to claim he was fathered by her deceased husband. Her new neighbor, Theophilius Mirkwood, has been banished to the countryside for his rakish ways—but a rake is jus...more

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Feb 08, 2012 Danielle added it

Review By Lynelle

A Lady Awakened is the debut novel by Cecilia Grant. Our heroine is Martha Russell, who has recently become a widow. Due to the fact that she had no children with her late husband she is to be lose her home and her brother-in-law is to inherit the estate. There are several factors that play in Martha not wanting to lose the estate, so she comes up with a plan to try and become pregnant and pass it off as her late husband’s heir. Enter in our hero Theo.

I was confused on my feeli...more Review By Lynelle

A Lady Awakened is the debut novel by Cecilia Grant. Our heroine is Martha Russell, who has recently become a widow. Due to the fact that she had no children with her late husband she is to be lose her home and her brother-in-law is to inherit the estate. There are several factors that play in Martha not wanting to lose the estate, so she comes up with a plan to try and become pregnant and pass it off as her late husband’s heir. Enter in our hero Theo.

I was confused on my feelings about Martha. On one hand she is very caring about her tenants and puts theirs needs on the top of her list and the only thing she really wants for herself (besides get pregnant) is to not be cast out of her home to live as a dependant with her brother and his wife. On the other hand, Martha I felt was “mechanical” or rigid and all business, and shows very little emotion. I realize some people are programmed this way (she’s not a romantic person), but that’s not the type of character I want to read about.

Theo I liked more and I thought he was charming and found that he had a good heart. He has been banished to the country because he was lazy and indulged too much in his entertainments, i.e. women and gambling. His father hoped for him to learn about land management and to be more serious and to think beyond himself. At first he’s bored and has absolutely no interest in anything but as he meets his tenants and learned to importance of his station, he slowly learns to think of and care for others.

For me, this book just moved too slowly. It was hard for me to get the motivation to keep reading. Although over all I liked the story and the development of the characters, I wasn’t swept away with it. The lack of emotion that Martha showed really bothered me and each time Martha and Theo had sex, it was so blah. Maybe I’m just more used to faster paced stories with action and more conflict *shrug* All I know is that I WANT the passion and the love and the desire and I just felt this story was lacking all those things that I enjoy in a romance.(less)

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Jan 26, 2012 Brianne rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved the characters of this book - there was so much depth to many of them, not just the hero and heroine. Here is a tale of landed gentry and a peer of the realm who are doing something for the people whom they are responsible for. There is clear growth on the part of both the hero and heroine. The 'big conflict' comes almost 60 pages before the ending so there is real meat to the solving of the problem and moving on from to There is not an easy fix and definite sacrifices are going to be ma...more

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A Lady Awakened (Blackshear Family #1)

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