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Improper Relations
by
Juliana Ross (Goodreads Author)
Dorset, 1858
When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified--but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.
The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something a...more
When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified--but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.
The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something a...more
ebook, EPUB eBook DRM free
Published
April 2012
by Carina Press
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3.5 stars
After the death of her husband, Hannah Bell is left penniless with neither family nor home. She begs her husband’s aunt, Augusta, Marchioness of Dorchester to take her in as her companion. Alfred (Leo) Wraxhall, second son of the Marquess of Dorchester is considered a lazy, dissolute rake, a drinker and a gambler. But to Hannah he has always appeared intelligent, funny and kind, even though they move in different circles. When Hannah spies Leo having sex with a maid in the library one d...more
view all 18 comments
This was a fun short story featuring Hannah and Leo. Hannah had been taught that a wife's duty was basically to just tolerate her husband. She had never experienced any personal pleasure from sex and didn't even know it was possible. When Leo offers to teach her a thing or two, she realizes she wants to know everything.
This was a quick, easy read told from Hannah's point of view. The story flowed smoothly, the characters were likable, and the sex scenes were sensual. I think the author did a gr...more
This was a quick, easy read told from Hannah's point of view. The story flowed smoothly, the characters were likable, and the sex scenes were sensual. I think the author did a gr...more
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: April 23, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://julianaross.com
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Hot
My biggest issue with this novella is that I’m just not a big fan of “blunt” or “crude” language in romances, nor do I care for anatomy lessons during lovemaking. It’s simply not a writing style that appe...more
Expected Release Date: April 23, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://julianaross.com
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Hot
My biggest issue with this novella is that I’m just not a big fan of “blunt” or “crude” language in romances, nor do I care for anatomy lessons during lovemaking. It’s simply not a writing style that appe...more
I will shamelessly admit that I started reading Improper Relations because of its beautiful and sensually suggestive cover, and let me tell you that this is a little gem of story you shouldn't miss out on!
I have heard that there are several historical romances exploring the trope of initiation of the young and clueless widow into the pleasures of the flesh, but I haven't read any such novels yet so I can't compare them to Improper Relations. I can only tell you that this book is an extrordinary...more
I have heard that there are several historical romances exploring the trope of initiation of the young and clueless widow into the pleasures of the flesh, but I haven't read any such novels yet so I can't compare them to Improper Relations. I can only tell you that this book is an extrordinary...more
Oh boy, was this a hot one! Juliana Ross got the fire started quickly in this debut novella.
Hannah, having been stuck unnoticed in the library while her late husband's cousin dallies the maid, realizes quickly that she is very much uneducated in the art of sex and pleasure. Leo, knowing Hannah was there all along, proposes an arrangement of "lessons" for Hannah benefit. Of course she says yes! Who wouldn't? Leo is perfectly rakish and misunderstood all in one handsome package!
The sex scenes are...more
Hannah, having been stuck unnoticed in the library while her late husband's cousin dallies the maid, realizes quickly that she is very much uneducated in the art of sex and pleasure. Leo, knowing Hannah was there all along, proposes an arrangement of "lessons" for Hannah benefit. Of course she says yes! Who wouldn't? Leo is perfectly rakish and misunderstood all in one handsome package!
The sex scenes are...more
Juliana Ross’s debut, Improper Relations is too short but oh so good. This historical romance is on the spicier side with a poor, plain widow who knows nothing of passion until she spies her late husband’s cousin, Leo, the black sheep of the family, and a maid getting down and dirty in the library. The widow, Hannah is turned on by Leo and wants to experience the passion the maid apparently has enjoyed. Leo knows Hannah was watching and he’s more than willing to introduce her to sex, all types o...more
“Tell me what this feels like,” he demanded.
How should I answer? “It’s very nice,” I said,which seemed to fit the moment.
“Nice? That’s all you have to say? Nice?”
“I beg your pardon---”
“It’s more than goddamn nice,” he growled. “It’s bloody perfect, that’s what it is.”
Wowsa. That was a hot one. This novella is set in England in the year 1858. We meet Hannah who is widowed and a companion to her late husband's aunt. One day in the library she witnesses the passion between her cousin (by marriage)...more
How should I answer? “It’s very nice,” I said,which seemed to fit the moment.
“Nice? That’s all you have to say? Nice?”
“I beg your pardon---”
“It’s more than goddamn nice,” he growled. “It’s bloody perfect, that’s what it is.”
Wowsa. That was a hot one. This novella is set in England in the year 1858. We meet Hannah who is widowed and a companion to her late husband's aunt. One day in the library she witnesses the passion between her cousin (by marriage)...more
Actual rating: 2.5 stars, a cross between "It was okay" and "I like it." So I guess, "I kind of liked it."
I appreciate this ebook because it is a straightforward smut romp, and doesn't pretend to be anything else.
I despise it when clearly smutty books are wrapped up in flimsy, transparent plots and a host of painfully one-dimensional characters who justify their present libido with deep emotional scars from the past. It's cliche, hard to pull off in literature, and kind of an offensive blanket...more
I appreciate this ebook because it is a straightforward smut romp, and doesn't pretend to be anything else.
I despise it when clearly smutty books are wrapped up in flimsy, transparent plots and a host of painfully one-dimensional characters who justify their present libido with deep emotional scars from the past. It's cliche, hard to pull off in literature, and kind of an offensive blanket...more
Review also found @Darkest Addictions' Book Reviews
Maybe I'm just a modern kinda girl, but my only issue with this book was that it was set in the 1800's. The way the characters spoke kind of put me off a little, not in a bad way, and they were too proper, I know the irony of the title doesn't escape my notice x]
Improper Relations, is a short story about a young woman named Hannah, who lives with her late husband's aunt, Augusta. One day while in the library, Augusta's youngest son, Leo comes i...more
Maybe I'm just a modern kinda girl, but my only issue with this book was that it was set in the 1800's. The way the characters spoke kind of put me off a little, not in a bad way, and they were too proper, I know the irony of the title doesn't escape my notice x]
Improper Relations, is a short story about a young woman named Hannah, who lives with her late husband's aunt, Augusta. One day while in the library, Augusta's youngest son, Leo comes i...more
Improper Relations by Juliana Ross
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Hannah is a widow that has been living with her husband’s aunt and helping her because she has no other family. She leads a simple life with very few needs or desires until she spies her cousin Leo and the maid in the library. When he offers Hannah a chance to see what has been missing from her life, will she take him up on his offer?
Hannah is shocked when she sees Leo and the maid...more
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Hannah is a widow that has been living with her husband’s aunt and helping her because she has no other family. She leads a simple life with very few needs or desires until she spies her cousin Leo and the maid in the library. When he offers Hannah a chance to see what has been missing from her life, will she take him up on his offer?
Hannah is shocked when she sees Leo and the maid...more
Having read many historical romance stories, I'm so happy to finally have an author step off the train and take a dive right down the alley!
This story is a bit of a comedy for me, seeing as Leo is not afraid to speak about sex and how to properly perform various activities that provide each partner passion.
So many times it's such an unspoken subject.
Poor Hannah...you just can't help but love her character. Her husband dies, leaves her nothing, now she has to be a companion to his aunt.
Then to to...more
This story is a bit of a comedy for me, seeing as Leo is not afraid to speak about sex and how to properly perform various activities that provide each partner passion.
So many times it's such an unspoken subject.
Poor Hannah...you just can't help but love her character. Her husband dies, leaves her nothing, now she has to be a companion to his aunt.
Then to to...more
This was the first time I ever read a historical romance. And I must say, I was very pleased with it! The very plain-jane Hanna is a tucked away as a Lady's companion in her dearly departed husbands family. We see Hanna transform into something much more after she's caught spying on her husband's cousin with a maid in the library. Hanna goes from thinking relations with a man are to be endured with tightly closed eyes waiting for it to end to something much more mutually pleasurable at the direc...more
4 stars/5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Juliana Ross’s Improper Relations is a quick naughty romp through late 19th century England. Following her husband’s death Hannah has nowhere to go, no money and no one but her late husband’s family to take her. Hannah has resigned herself to the knowledge that she will spend the rest of her days as the unpaid companion to her late husband’s mother. While Hannah is not happy in her position she does have a roof over head, a place to sleep, and the large family lib...more
Source: NetGalley
Juliana Ross’s Improper Relations is a quick naughty romp through late 19th century England. Following her husband’s death Hannah has nowhere to go, no money and no one but her late husband’s family to take her. Hannah has resigned herself to the knowledge that she will spend the rest of her days as the unpaid companion to her late husband’s mother. While Hannah is not happy in her position she does have a roof over head, a place to sleep, and the large family lib...more
“Improper relations” è finito nelle cose da leggere perché mi ha colpito tantissimo la copertina e perché dai lo ammetto non dico mai di no ad una romance, e chi mi segue lo sa benissimo.
Hannah è nella biblioteca della magione di famiglia, quando improvvisamente becca il cugino di suo marito Leo, che ci dà dentro con una serva. Assolutamente imbarazzata, ma anche intrigata dalla situazione, Hannah rimane incantata ad osservare, fino a quando Leo non le fa presente che l’ha vista e le propone una...more
Hannah è nella biblioteca della magione di famiglia, quando improvvisamente becca il cugino di suo marito Leo, che ci dà dentro con una serva. Assolutamente imbarazzata, ma anche intrigata dalla situazione, Hannah rimane incantata ad osservare, fino a quando Leo non le fa presente che l’ha vista e le propone una...more
I received this book from NetGalley and quite enjoyed it, here's why:
I normally read romance that are historical and have a long storyline before getting to anything that is highly romantic. So this was not a typical romance read for me because this story went from 0 to 60 right away. It was interesting to me because I love historical romances and the backstory on Hannah was one that was realistic. She was a widow who had been left penniless and was living with her husband's family as an unpaid...more
I normally read romance that are historical and have a long storyline before getting to anything that is highly romantic. So this was not a typical romance read for me because this story went from 0 to 60 right away. It was interesting to me because I love historical romances and the backstory on Hannah was one that was realistic. She was a widow who had been left penniless and was living with her husband's family as an unpaid...more
Okay, so call me old fashioned, but I like a little bit of story line to go along with the sex scenes in books. Juliana Ross's novella Improper Relations had elements of such a story, but the overall work was just too short for any development.
As the poor relation who has come to live with the wealthy aunt of her late husband, Hannah spends much of her time alone, slipping from one room to the next. In one such moment, she spies her husband’s rogue cousin, Leo, having sex with one of the househo...more
As the poor relation who has come to live with the wealthy aunt of her late husband, Hannah spends much of her time alone, slipping from one room to the next. In one such moment, she spies her husband’s rogue cousin, Leo, having sex with one of the househo...more
I don't read too many novellas because usually I feel the characterizations are lacking--there are only so many pages to get the gist of a character. Mostly it's just plot plot plot. But I got an email from Netgalley about their new steamy books, and this one peaked my interest--I'm a sucker for historical romance. Just squeeze as much sex into 60 (kindle) pages as you can, writer!
*ahem* Anyhoo--I think this is juliana ross's first book, and you know what? It was pretty good! My issue with nove...more
*ahem* Anyhoo--I think this is juliana ross's first book, and you know what? It was pretty good! My issue with nove...more
Hannah was taught to believe there could never be pleasure in the marriage bed, to submit to her husband's desires-- whatever those could be. And her marriage to her late husband only proved right all the wrongs she was taught. Imagine that!
One day in the library she witnesses Leo, her cousin by marriage, having sex with one of the maids. She is too enthralled to even make any noise, instead she feeds her eyes with what she sees. Talk about a "proper" woman watch something like that, ha!
To her s...more
One day in the library she witnesses Leo, her cousin by marriage, having sex with one of the maids. She is too enthralled to even make any noise, instead she feeds her eyes with what she sees. Talk about a "proper" woman watch something like that, ha!
To her s...more
A quiet night in the library for Hannah changed her life when she caught her sexy cousin(by marriage) pleasuring one of the maids. Being mortified by their debachery yet intrigued at the same time. Cousin Leo, then insists that he teach Hannah the sex can be enjoyable. Knowing only pain and discomfort in relation to sex, Hannah quite the skeptic until Leo shows her pleasure like no other. But Hannah never expected to fall for him. Now their secret affair is starting to become too much for her, e...more
Super-quick read. The back matter tells us our author has a doctoral thesis about British social history. I rather wish I'd read that instead of this novella.
It's just so hard to achieve the proper balance when writing for the shorter form, and I don't think this work achieves it. Oh, there's an awful lot of telling, not showing (and then, and then, and then....) and little character development. And, truly, this is a shame because I think these characters could be engaging if more fully fleshe...more
It's just so hard to achieve the proper balance when writing for the shorter form, and I don't think this work achieves it. Oh, there's an awful lot of telling, not showing (and then, and then, and then....) and little character development. And, truly, this is a shame because I think these characters could be engaging if more fully fleshe...more
Improper Relations starts with an improbable scenario of a young widow risking her reputation and livelihood by succumbing to the seduction of her cousin through marriage. Unwittingly Hannah witnesses a tryst between the marquis' second son, Leo, and Ida the maid. Instead of making her presence known, she watches and confronts Cousin Leo in a very direct discussion.
So begins Hannah's education to the pleasures of the flesh.
The continued seduction itself is a very clinical business. They never...more
So begins Hannah's education to the pleasures of the flesh.
The continued seduction itself is a very clinical business. They never...more
Every now and then, I find that I just fancy a nice little smutty novella to clear the decks between books, or when I don't feel like reading a full-length book. I also find that historical romance novellas cut out a lot of the pointless "filling" that full lengths sometimes resort to. You know, all that tea-drinking and endless descriptions of clothing, that, quite frankly drive me nuts. I started this one, provided by netgalley, after finishing up another book, and I was too tired to figure ou...more
Review written for www.books-n-kisses.com
Hannah happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, or is it? When she sees her cousin-by-marriage having sex with one of the maids she finds herself curious. She never knew sex could be like what she is watching. As a widow she has had little experience, and those experiences were lacking to say the least, so when Leo offers to show her that sex is enjoyable for both people involved she can not do anything but offer her body to the experience.
This...more
Hannah happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, or is it? When she sees her cousin-by-marriage having sex with one of the maids she finds herself curious. She never knew sex could be like what she is watching. As a widow she has had little experience, and those experiences were lacking to say the least, so when Leo offers to show her that sex is enjoyable for both people involved she can not do anything but offer her body to the experience.
This...more
This review is based on the unabridged audio version narrated by Victoria McGloven.
I thought this book would be just the short, slutty read I was in the mood for. Despite a story that consists of not much more than one sexual encounter after another, I find myself sadly unsatisfied. The premise was fine. The writing was fine. But something was lacking. Where was the passion, the lust, the drowning in physical sensation? The sexual encounters in this story had none of that. Rather they came acros...more
I thought this book would be just the short, slutty read I was in the mood for. Despite a story that consists of not much more than one sexual encounter after another, I find myself sadly unsatisfied. The premise was fine. The writing was fine. But something was lacking. Where was the passion, the lust, the drowning in physical sensation? The sexual encounters in this story had none of that. Rather they came acros...more
Hannah was left with a hefty amount of debt by her deceased husband with no one to truly turn to but her late husband’s family as unpaid companion.
Hannah goes to the library everyday for some solitude but that was suddenly invaded upon when she heard noises of someone coming in. It wasn’t just one person but two, Leo and Ida, one of the maids.
Leo is one of her deceased husband’s cousin known for his rakish wild behaviors.
What surprised Hannah more was when she saw them having relations and it a...more
Hannah goes to the library everyday for some solitude but that was suddenly invaded upon when she heard noises of someone coming in. It wasn’t just one person but two, Leo and Ida, one of the maids.
Leo is one of her deceased husband’s cousin known for his rakish wild behaviors.
What surprised Hannah more was when she saw them having relations and it a...more
Wasn't expecting this book to be told from the 1800's but in a way it works well.
When Hannah Bell lost her husband, she had no other family and no money to go anywhere. Begging for a job as a companion to her husband's Aunt, she was able to get by with room and board.
While her Aunt napped during the day, Hannah liked to spend some time in the Library. It was quiet and peaceful and she enjoyed the solitude. That is until one afternoon when Cousin Leo came in. She expected him to leave quickly,...more
When Hannah Bell lost her husband, she had no other family and no money to go anywhere. Begging for a job as a companion to her husband's Aunt, she was able to get by with room and board.
While her Aunt napped during the day, Hannah liked to spend some time in the Library. It was quiet and peaceful and she enjoyed the solitude. That is until one afternoon when Cousin Leo came in. She expected him to leave quickly,...more
I enjoyed this really quick read. I only wish it were longer so you got to see more of the main pair but for such a short read it was HOT!
Hannah is a woman of her times- i.e. believing that sex is just something that is her duty to her husband and that no pleasure is to be gained from it on her part. She witnesses Leo, her late husband's cousin, and a maid in the library enjoying a quick afternoon delight and is extremely interested in what transpired.
Leo... now what to say about Leo... he's de...more
Hannah is a woman of her times- i.e. believing that sex is just something that is her duty to her husband and that no pleasure is to be gained from it on her part. She witnesses Leo, her late husband's cousin, and a maid in the library enjoying a quick afternoon delight and is extremely interested in what transpired.
Leo... now what to say about Leo... he's de...more
Jun 14, 2012
nicole
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
netgalley,
e-book,
ebook,
erotica,
fiction,
read-in-2012,
2012,
historical-fiction,
historical-romance
I received Improper Relations as a galley from NetGalley.
As a lover of historical erotica, but not a huge fan of short stories, I was pleasantly surprised by this short story by Juliana Ross.
Often times, the foundation for a relationship is overlooked in short stories, but the relationship between Leo and Hannah is believable due to obvious his debauched ways as well as her existing acquaintance with his family (as a widowed cousin and now companion to Leo's mother).
The "lessons" Leo teaches Han...more
As a lover of historical erotica, but not a huge fan of short stories, I was pleasantly surprised by this short story by Juliana Ross.
Often times, the foundation for a relationship is overlooked in short stories, but the relationship between Leo and Hannah is believable due to obvious his debauched ways as well as her existing acquaintance with his family (as a widowed cousin and now companion to Leo's mother).
The "lessons" Leo teaches Han...more
I wanted to like this because I'd heard a lot of great things about it, but I found myself really struggling to finish it. The writing isn't bad, I want to make that clear right off. Juliana Ross is obvious a skilled writer and I mean no disrespect to her talent with my rating. However this book was burdened with three things that made it difficult for me to enjoy it (SPOILERS):
1) First person narrative in historical romance. This was SO jarring for me. I write in the first person and I actually...more
1) First person narrative in historical romance. This was SO jarring for me. I write in the first person and I actually...more
*** Originally Posted @ SinfulReads - Rating 3.5 of 5***
REVIEW: I am becoming a big fan of Historical Romance/Erotic. I was so pleased to have found a short and entertaining read when I came across Improper Relations. This very short, entertaining and spicy read that will make you laugh, and sometimes shiver.
Though the story is short, it is filled with intense characters and an interesting plot. It makes you wonder how women, sexual desires and needs were perceived during those times when women...more
REVIEW: I am becoming a big fan of Historical Romance/Erotic. I was so pleased to have found a short and entertaining read when I came across Improper Relations. This very short, entertaining and spicy read that will make you laugh, and sometimes shiver.
Though the story is short, it is filled with intense characters and an interesting plot. It makes you wonder how women, sexual desires and needs were perceived during those times when women...more
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An editor by profession but an historian by inclination, Juliana Ross has an abiding interest (one might even say obsession) in British social history that first took root when she studied at the University of Oxford. She graduated with a doctorate in modern history and has since used her 350-page thesis, variously, as a paperweight, booster seat and flower press.
Juliana lives in Toronto, Canada,...more
More about Juliana Ross...
Juliana lives in Toronto, Canada,...more
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