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In the Garden of Temptation (The Garden #1)
by
Cynthia Wicklund (Goodreads Author)
Adam Stanford always does the right thing, but when he meets Catherine Bourgeault honor and gentlemanly conduct are forgotten. He'll risk his reputation and all he holds dear to possess this amazing woman. However, what seems like a straightforward effort to purloin another man's wife is fraught with deceit and the dark secrets of a demented man who'll do anything to save...more
Kindle Edition, 248 pages
Published
October 31st 2010
(first published September 2010)
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I'll admit I was not expecting too much from this book--a cheapie on Kindle. But it was the first historical romance in a long time that kept me up reading til I finished it in the wee hours!
It had a dark sort of plot, which reminded me of Mary Balogh, who is one of my absolute favorites and an auto-buy. It actually put me in mind of The Secret Pearl, which is one of my all-time favorite HR's.
Catherine, the heroine, has been sold off to a much older man by her father. Her husband is a very flawe...more
It had a dark sort of plot, which reminded me of Mary Balogh, who is one of my absolute favorites and an auto-buy. It actually put me in mind of The Secret Pearl, which is one of my all-time favorite HR's.
Catherine, the heroine, has been sold off to a much older man by her father. Her husband is a very flawe...more
Maybe it's unfair to give the book such a low rating, since I didn't finish it. I mean, it didn't leave me hurling my Kindle against the wall in disgust, screaming, "This book is nothing but a vile piece of shit!" But on the other hand...I didn't finish it. I love a good bodice-ripper, but this one just didn't do it for me.
Let me start with the style issues...
The whole thing just felt very stilted, from the opening sex scene to all the dialogue. And not just between the romantically-involved ch...more
Let me start with the style issues...
The whole thing just felt very stilted, from the opening sex scene to all the dialogue. And not just between the romantically-involved ch...more
It is not easy to find your way in the wide ocean of historical romances.
Too many authors, too many blogs recommending readings.....
Sometimes you are simply lucky and you collide with interesting products by pure chance.
I appreciated this story very much, it's gothic, it's well written, it doesn't lack of the necessary psychological thickness.
A summary? Catherine is the naive and lovely wife, unfortunately married to the dark Baron Edgar (Edgar is often a name full of forebodings, isn't it?)....more
Too many authors, too many blogs recommending readings.....
Sometimes you are simply lucky and you collide with interesting products by pure chance.
I appreciated this story very much, it's gothic, it's well written, it doesn't lack of the necessary psychological thickness.
A summary? Catherine is the naive and lovely wife, unfortunately married to the dark Baron Edgar (Edgar is often a name full of forebodings, isn't it?)....more
Lady Catherine Bourgeault has been stuck in a loveless marriage for the past 7 years and has often felt lonely. Her husband has always been odd but lately his behavior has been growing increasingly worrisome. He invites men to their house for visits and demands that she is to wear dresses that he has selected, dresses that leave no room for modesty. She is constantly humiliated. Then Baron Bourgeault brings Adam Stanford, Earl of Ashworth, to their home under the guise of selling his pride pair...more
I got this free for my kindle, and while it was not a keeper, it was worth a read. There was a disconnect with the characters that the author never overcomes. I never quite believed their feelings.
To carry on an affair, they must feel extreme passion (and, later, love) for each other. Although words to that effect were there, I just didn't believe that their feelings had escalated so fast. I don't think the author ever showed me what it was about the other that each felt so inexplicably drawn t...more
To carry on an affair, they must feel extreme passion (and, later, love) for each other. Although words to that effect were there, I just didn't believe that their feelings had escalated so fast. I don't think the author ever showed me what it was about the other that each felt so inexplicably drawn t...more
Not nearly as racy as its cover art implies, this is a well-written romance that explores themes most romance novels wouldn't touch.
The setting is bleak. 24 year old Catherine is locked in a frigid, emotionally abusive marriage with a man who can't even touch her due to a debilitating mental issue that prevents him from having physical human contact. Enter our hero, the mid-30s, rich, and good-looking Earl Ashford, who unwittingly stumbles into a plot that ultimately leads to him and Catherine f...more
The setting is bleak. 24 year old Catherine is locked in a frigid, emotionally abusive marriage with a man who can't even touch her due to a debilitating mental issue that prevents him from having physical human contact. Enter our hero, the mid-30s, rich, and good-looking Earl Ashford, who unwittingly stumbles into a plot that ultimately leads to him and Catherine f...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Catherine is married to the Baron Bourgeault, stuffed away in the crumbling castle of his estate, paraded in front of male after male in the attempt of her husband to get her to sleep with one of them and provide him with an heir. Along comes Adam, Earl of Ashworth, who becomes a victim to the demented plan of the Baron. Adam is willing to throw away everything to steal Catherine away from the Baron.
I really had a lot of problems morally with the whole story line of this book - so personally, it...more
I really had a lot of problems morally with the whole story line of this book - so personally, it...more
Nov 02, 2012
Cristina Contilli
added it
EBOOK KINDLE
“What do you think?” she asked.
The earl, still astride, cast his gaze slowly around the tiny glen as he studied the scenery. He then turned his attention to Catherine but did not speak. A suggestive grin broke the calm of his expression as he continued to watch her.
“More beautiful than I could have imagined,” he murmured.
Simple statement that, but it held a wealth of meaning. Catherine dropped her arms while staring back in fascination. Her mouth fell open and her breathing quickened...more
“What do you think?” she asked.
The earl, still astride, cast his gaze slowly around the tiny glen as he studied the scenery. He then turned his attention to Catherine but did not speak. A suggestive grin broke the calm of his expression as he continued to watch her.
“More beautiful than I could have imagined,” he murmured.
Simple statement that, but it held a wealth of meaning. Catherine dropped her arms while staring back in fascination. Her mouth fell open and her breathing quickened...more
Apr 22, 2011
Joan Reeves
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone who loves a deeply emotional, poignant romance
Shelves:
romance,
joan-s-keeper-shelf
Writers sometimes believe so strongly in the worth of a story that they don't give up, and that's a very good thing for readers because In the Garden of Temptation is a gem worthy of a place on your keeper shelf. Thankfully, eBook reader devices, like my Kindle on which I downloaded In the Garden of Temptation, Book 1 of The Garden Series, make the size of a keeper shelf immense. Let me tell you about this story.
NO SPOILERS
It's hard to tell what this story is about without revealing some neat tw...more
NO SPOILERS
It's hard to tell what this story is about without revealing some neat tw...more
Este livro surpreendeu-me bastante. Aquilo que eu julguei que fosse um livro erótico sem qualquer tipo de conteúdo, revelou ser um bom romance histórico repleto de “história” e personagens bem trabalhadas.
As personagens não nos são atiradas aos calhas, mas a sua informação também não nos é despejada assim que as conhecemos. A autora vai nos apresentando o seu background aos poucos, durante o desenrolar da trama.
Numa sociedade onde apenas as aparências importam, um homem compra a sua esposa para...more
As personagens não nos são atiradas aos calhas, mas a sua informação também não nos é despejada assim que as conhecemos. A autora vai nos apresentando o seu background aos poucos, durante o desenrolar da trama.
Numa sociedade onde apenas as aparências importam, um homem compra a sua esposa para...more
I loved there story.
You know how sometimes you pick up a historical romance and you find your self almost reading the same as the last. Not 100% the same by any means.
Well I was pleasantly surprised that in the Garden of Temptation,
It was nothing like the other’s I have read.
I’m a big fan of historical romance.
This story of Adam and Catherine was such a good one. Catherine finds her self-married to a vulgar of a man. Not by choice, well not her's but that of her fathers.
After years she stil...more
I thought this was a wonderful free read. I can understand why some people thought it was a bit disturbing but I think those same reasons made the book amazing.
In this historical romance (1806) you get a severely disturbed Lord, a chivalrous Hero, and a well liked Heroine. Really that level of crazy and chivalry only work in historical romances. The story kept a great pace (full of suspense)and I didn't want to put it down.
I didn't see the cover until writing this review and it does seem a bit...more
In this historical romance (1806) you get a severely disturbed Lord, a chivalrous Hero, and a well liked Heroine. Really that level of crazy and chivalry only work in historical romances. The story kept a great pace (full of suspense)and I didn't want to put it down.
I didn't see the cover until writing this review and it does seem a bit...more
I got this free from Amazon.
This book was so dumb. It is not worth reading at all. The female character is married to a big loser who can't use his words and express his feelings like a freakin 4 year old. He is verbally and physically abusive and she can't stand being around him.
All the while, he is apparently in love with her but shows in a very disturbing way. He welcomes other lords or titled young men to his home to seduce his wife. What?
I didn't finish this book. I skimmed it but then lo...more
This book was so dumb. It is not worth reading at all. The female character is married to a big loser who can't use his words and express his feelings like a freakin 4 year old. He is verbally and physically abusive and she can't stand being around him.
All the while, he is apparently in love with her but shows in a very disturbing way. He welcomes other lords or titled young men to his home to seduce his wife. What?
I didn't finish this book. I skimmed it but then lo...more
Are we idiots? That's a question for the author because we must be idiots to actually believe Lady Catherine didn't know or even consider the thought that her husband was trying to PIMP her out to other men. It was so freaking obvious. I knew right away what he was doing. and why he was doing it. Also,I didn't like the fact the author didn't even try to initially development chemistry between Lady Catherine and the hero Lord of Ashworth...no she just let them drive into some meaningless quickie...more
Originally posted on Book-o-Craze
Well, I haven't read many books taht take place in the 17th century, and therefore using that language, but that was a good beginning.
This book didn't provide an extraordinary read, but I liked it.
The story was well-thought and very well planned from a psychological perspective, what with all the traumas suffered by some characters.
And, very importantly, there was a happy ending. Yay!
Oh, and it was also written in a nice way.
I'm not sure, though, whether I'm goin...more
Well, I haven't read many books taht take place in the 17th century, and therefore using that language, but that was a good beginning.
This book didn't provide an extraordinary read, but I liked it.
The story was well-thought and very well planned from a psychological perspective, what with all the traumas suffered by some characters.
And, very importantly, there was a happy ending. Yay!
Oh, and it was also written in a nice way.
I'm not sure, though, whether I'm goin...more
Without hesitate 5 stars awarded to this exceptionally well written story.
I fell in love with the main characters from the start, and empathised with their plight .... for me this demonstrates that it is well written.
Poor lady, she was just a pawn in her twisted husband's sordid life.
This book comes highly recommended. For me it was another free Amazon purchase, but I would have been more than happy to have paid hold card cash for it, and will actively seek out more by her.
In case I didn’t ment...more
I fell in love with the main characters from the start, and empathised with their plight .... for me this demonstrates that it is well written.
Poor lady, she was just a pawn in her twisted husband's sordid life.
This book comes highly recommended. For me it was another free Amazon purchase, but I would have been more than happy to have paid hold card cash for it, and will actively seek out more by her.
In case I didn’t ment...more
I... have no idea what to say about this one.
The characters were poorly developed. The plot was... baffling... until about the mid-way point and then extremely predictable and kind of bordered on the absurd. The explanation for Edgar's behaviour was grasping at straws, at best. (According to my daughter, my reaction was "REALLY?!? REALLY?? THAT's how you explain it?? Thank God I'm at the end of this damned book.")
I've tried to find...any... reason to justify a second star but I can't come up wi...more
The characters were poorly developed. The plot was... baffling... until about the mid-way point and then extremely predictable and kind of bordered on the absurd. The explanation for Edgar's behaviour was grasping at straws, at best. (According to my daughter, my reaction was "REALLY?!? REALLY?? THAT's how you explain it?? Thank God I'm at the end of this damned book.")
I've tried to find...any... reason to justify a second star but I can't come up wi...more
Set in 1806, I must say the elite in this era were all hypocrites. They shunned divorce for fear of being snubbed by society yet they engaged in extra marital affairs without shame! All very pretentious people, most of them.
Lady Catherine Bourgeault was married to a Baron, who was a lot older than her. Through the baron’s secret maneuvering, she engaged in an affair with Adam Stanford, the Earl of Ashworth, a young, single, handsome, wealthy and prominent gentleman. Although the baron was not pl...more
Lady Catherine Bourgeault was married to a Baron, who was a lot older than her. Through the baron’s secret maneuvering, she engaged in an affair with Adam Stanford, the Earl of Ashworth, a young, single, handsome, wealthy and prominent gentleman. Although the baron was not pl...more
I generally prefer paranormal romance books, and have never been a huge fan of historical ones; however, this one managed to find its way onto my kindle and I decided to give a shot.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The characters were well written, and, although predictable at times and bleak in nature, the plot was intriguing. I liked how, despite Baron Bourgeault being the despicable, demented 'villain' that he was, I was still able to feel a small sense of pity for the man by the end of the tal...more
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The characters were well written, and, although predictable at times and bleak in nature, the plot was intriguing. I liked how, despite Baron Bourgeault being the despicable, demented 'villain' that he was, I was still able to feel a small sense of pity for the man by the end of the tal...more
This was the first historical romance I have read in quite a while and like most of the other reviewers I got it as a free download on my kindle. I was skeptical at first but I really enjoyed this book. I read some of the other reviews and I understand their displeasure and even slightly agree but I honestly overall liked this read. I feel like it could have made more historical references but I liked the plot (unique) and the characters (interesting and the main ones likable). I also liked how...more
Sep 06, 2012
Emily
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Adult Women
Recommended to Emily by:
ebook on Amazon
I found this ebook on Amazon, and I'm so glad I came across it. It was such a refreshing romance, and supremely sensual.
I loved every page, and quickly fell in love with Adam and Cat. What a fascinating love story; I simply couldn't get enough.
I highly recommend this book to those who love historical romances.
I can't wait to dive into the other books in this series.
I've found a new favorite author. Cynthia Wicklund is an amazing storyteller, and superbly talented.
I loved every page, and quickly fell in love with Adam and Cat. What a fascinating love story; I simply couldn't get enough.
I highly recommend this book to those who love historical romances.
I can't wait to dive into the other books in this series.
I've found a new favorite author. Cynthia Wicklund is an amazing storyteller, and superbly talented.
This was a decent if slightly uneven story. There was a lot of "veiled reference that is obviously important but we'll leave you guessing" in the early part of the book. While sometimes a good way to do the narrative hook, if used too much in one book, it ceases to be intriguing and becomes annoying.
I generally liked the characters, although I did find the "challenge that almost kept them apart" to be somewhat unbelievable.
Overall though, it was an enjoyable read, especially for free. It was sig...more
I generally liked the characters, although I did find the "challenge that almost kept them apart" to be somewhat unbelievable.
Overall though, it was an enjoyable read, especially for free. It was sig...more
Rating clarification: 1.5
Every so often I like to take a break from heavier reading and just read something quick and mindless. A good historical romance usually fits the bill.
I have to say that even with my low expectations of these types of books, this book was more annoying than anything. The characters were uninteresting and there was no humor, suspense, or really anything that enjoyable.
I hardly ever give books such a low score and honestly it's not like I hated the book, but there was just...more
Every so often I like to take a break from heavier reading and just read something quick and mindless. A good historical romance usually fits the bill.
I have to say that even with my low expectations of these types of books, this book was more annoying than anything. The characters were uninteresting and there was no humor, suspense, or really anything that enjoyable.
I hardly ever give books such a low score and honestly it's not like I hated the book, but there was just...more
After finishing this historical romance novel I feel quite refreshed. I thought it was a lovely read; possibly an adult fairytale. The story was easy to follow with some really nice characters in Lord Ashworth and Lady Bourgeault. Their friends, Lady Richards and Lord Wimberley, are also great, caring characters.
The Baron Borgeault and Lady Ashworth are quite hideous, hateful characters, especially the baron. From the offset the baron is an unlikeable character and as I read more my feelings tow...more
The Baron Borgeault and Lady Ashworth are quite hideous, hateful characters, especially the baron. From the offset the baron is an unlikeable character and as I read more my feelings tow...more
This is the first book in the series, and the best. It was definitely a romance novel in that is was over the top and had a damsel in distress that needed to be rescued by the dashing hero. Which is exactly what happened, in an offbeat kind of way. The ending is predictable, as everything happens precisely how you imagine it would have to end. But that just adds to the satisfaction. Overall, it was good enough to make me read the other three books even though each of them has pretty much the exa...more
I generally don't like to read about infidelity because I figure you should just get a divorce/break-up with the partner if you are interested in someone else. Those people are just wimpy cowards to hide their disrespect from the people that their are supposed to be 'in love' with. But I do understand that it was almost impossible to divorce before the 20th century and even if you could get a legal divorce the two people were 'ruined' and unacceptable to 'good' society so it was much like a soci...more
It's always refreshing to find an author who isn't afraid to keep the details in her work, thanks to the writer for this. This is a very well-planned story and the end result is a satisfied feeling one only gets when ending a really good book where the reader is left without questions. Well.. maybe one or two.. such as where they have lived as of late and missing out on the wedding... but that is what imagination is for I suppose. No loose ends in this story that's for sure. Highly recommended.
I'm pretty sure I got this as a freebie, so to be honest I didn't expect much. But the story got me wrapped up right away, and had enough suspense and sustenance to keep me reading right through the end. Don't let the cover deceive you, this isn't really a smut novel. Sure, it has a few steamy scenes, but they're tastefully done so your imagination is left to put it all together.
Bottom line, I would recommend this book. It was a fun, easy read that I finished in two days' time.
Bottom line, I would recommend this book. It was a fun, easy read that I finished in two days' time.
Definitely more of a darker and sinister tragic love story... probably the oddest book I've read. Story was a bit disjointed and kind of bizarre. I was thinking that I was going to be reading something akin to the adult version of the secret garden story but was wondering where/when the garden was going to come into play! I'm a sucker for a magical fantasy garden love story...so ended up being disappointed on that point! But still read it through and thought it interesting.
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“It’s very difficult sometimes to put into words one’s feelings, especially when one
is not quite certain what those feelings are. (Catherine)”
—
4 people liked it
is not quite certain what those feelings are. (Catherine)”
“Love cannot stifle nor can it dictate. Either of those circumstances will turn a tender feeling into something ugly (Adam Ashworth).”
—
2 people liked it
More quotes…
Dec 05, 2012 06:28pm