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The Christies #1
Flawless
A passion this seductive is more precious than diamonds...
Sir William Christie, ruthless tycoon and notorious ladies' man, is dead. Now his four grown children have gathered for the reading of his will. What lies in store for stepsiblings Vivienne, Alexander, and twins Gareth and Gwyneth? Stunning challenges that will test their fortitude across a royal empire...and lead them to the marvelously passionate adventures of their lives.
Lady Vivienne Bancroft fled England for New York, hoping to shed the confines of her arranged marriage to unrepentant rogue Miles Durham, Viscount Bancroft—though she never forgot the fiery desire he unleashed with his slightest touch. And when the gambling man arrives on her doorstep for a little sensual revenge for her desertion, he is met with Vivienne's dilemma: She must earn her father's inheritance by profitably running a diamond business worth millions in colonial South Africa.
Swept together in an exotic undertaking filled with heated passion and hungry temptation, will Vivienne and Miles discover that the marriage vows they once made are the greatest snare—or the most treasured reward?
Sir William Christie, ruthless tycoon and notorious ladies' man, is dead. Now his four grown children have gathered for the reading of his will. What lies in store for stepsiblings Vivienne, Alexander, and twins Gareth and Gwyneth? Stunning challenges that will test their fortitude across a royal empire...and lead them to the marvelously passionate adventures of their lives.
Lady Vivienne Bancroft fled England for New York, hoping to shed the confines of her arranged marriage to unrepentant rogue Miles Durham, Viscount Bancroft—though she never forgot the fiery desire he unleashed with his slightest touch. And when the gambling man arrives on her doorstep for a little sensual revenge for her desertion, he is met with Vivienne's dilemma: She must earn her father's inheritance by profitably running a diamond business worth millions in colonial South Africa.
Swept together in an exotic undertaking filled with heated passion and hungry temptation, will Vivienne and Miles discover that the marriage vows they once made are the greatest snare—or the most treasured reward?
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 27, 2011
4 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Lofty
15 books220 followersTwo time RITA-nominated and multiple RT Reviewers' Choice-winning author Carrie Lofty has over twenty-five books to her name--or four names, to be precise. Her paranormal (as
Lindsey Piper
) and historical romances from Pocket have been described as "nuanced and superbly realized" (The Chicago Tribune) and "sexy, brutal and somehow innocent" (All About Romance).
In college, Carrie lured an unsuspecting Englishman to the Midwest, where she's kept him a happy ex-pat for more than twenty years. With two teen daughters and a master’s degree specializing in the America West, Carrie is a movie buff, Civil War museum docent, online tutor, and Halloween haunted house actor.
In college, Carrie lured an unsuspecting Englishman to the Midwest, where she's kept him a happy ex-pat for more than twenty years. With two teen daughters and a master’s degree specializing in the America West, Carrie is a movie buff, Civil War museum docent, online tutor, and Halloween haunted house actor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 3, 2012
I liked the premise behind this series, but found this story to be slow and tedious. And I never really connected with the characters.
July 29, 2011
review to come on smexybooks.com (around release date?).
I will just say that the book is beautifully written, but ultimately the flaw in Flawless is that the characters aren't given a good story, and they lost my interest. About half way through it went from being a gripping tale to overly EMO characters I wanted to whack.
Still a very interesting 1880's read set in South Africa.
I will just say that the book is beautifully written, but ultimately the flaw in Flawless is that the characters aren't given a good story, and they lost my interest. About half way through it went from being a gripping tale to overly EMO characters I wanted to whack.
Still a very interesting 1880's read set in South Africa.
February 5, 2012
3.5 Stars
This review was posted at Under The Covers
What a stunning cover! I'll admit that was the first thing that attracted me to this book. This is actually a story of a strong-willed female who has always lived by societies rules, married by them, and acted as much as possible as she thought a wife should. But her husband, not so much. But a marriage of convenience turned into love.
Vivienne Bancroft is back in New York after her dad, Sir William Christie, passed away. She is hoping that with her inheritance she will be able to leave her husband once and for all. But her dad left all of his kids with a surprise. Vivienne gets to rescue his diamond business in South Africa. If she does, she gets the money. Otherwise she gets nothing.
And who turns out to help her with this project? Yes, her husband. Viscount Bancroft knows he's done wrong in the past. He gambled, he drank, he was an embarrassment. But after his wife leaves him and he is almost sure he's lost her for good he realizes what he had and what he has to do to keep her.
So he sets out to help her in South Africa and woe her. Not that he knows anything about work himself but he manages to turn himself and his life around for the woman he loves.
The setting was very interesting, the story quite original. The pace? A bit slow. I will admit to having issues with some of the things Miles did in the past and I found myself on Vivienne's side a lot. But in the end I believe he is a changed man and that this time they have a future together. I can't wait to see what the other siblings will have to deal with.
This review was posted at Under The Covers
What a stunning cover! I'll admit that was the first thing that attracted me to this book. This is actually a story of a strong-willed female who has always lived by societies rules, married by them, and acted as much as possible as she thought a wife should. But her husband, not so much. But a marriage of convenience turned into love.
Vivienne Bancroft is back in New York after her dad, Sir William Christie, passed away. She is hoping that with her inheritance she will be able to leave her husband once and for all. But her dad left all of his kids with a surprise. Vivienne gets to rescue his diamond business in South Africa. If she does, she gets the money. Otherwise she gets nothing.
And who turns out to help her with this project? Yes, her husband. Viscount Bancroft knows he's done wrong in the past. He gambled, he drank, he was an embarrassment. But after his wife leaves him and he is almost sure he's lost her for good he realizes what he had and what he has to do to keep her.
So he sets out to help her in South Africa and woe her. Not that he knows anything about work himself but he manages to turn himself and his life around for the woman he loves.
The setting was very interesting, the story quite original. The pace? A bit slow. I will admit to having issues with some of the things Miles did in the past and I found myself on Vivienne's side a lot. But in the end I believe he is a changed man and that this time they have a future together. I can't wait to see what the other siblings will have to deal with.
November 3, 2011
Vivienne has been running from her estranged husband for over a year. He is a drunk, has a gambling problem, appears to love prostitutes and he just generally embarrasses her. She can’t be held liable in the failure of her arranged marriage, she tried, she really did. She even thought she was falling in love with Viscount Miles Bancroft. Until one night he left her alone, panting after their sexual encounter under the stairs at a gala event. She fled to America to care for her ailing father, a business tycoon with interests all over the globe. Upon his death Vivienne learns that in order to receive her inheritance she has to take over a failing business and make it thrive. Knowing her inheritance could buy the pricey divorce she needs from Miles, she readily accepts.
Miles wants revenge. Revenge on his wife for leaving him and fleeing to America. She made him appear a fool and that cannot be tolerated. Knowing she needs his help if her business venture in South Africa is going to thrive he heads that way, with intentions to make her scream his name once more. Working closely allows Miles to begin to know the woman he married. Slowly she is cracking his hardened exterior. Vivienne is feeling the sparks as well, but with the lust comes fear. Fear that her secret ancestry may finally come to light. Something she has vowed never to allow Miles to know.
I will readily admit I was skeptical when I picked this one up. In fact I wasn’t going to read it. I’m short on time this month and though the back blurb drew me in, this being a historical (which I don’t read often) made it a harder sell to me. Then I picked it up on a whim and read the first couple of pages….and was hooked. I fell completely in love with Lofty’s ability to paint a scene straight out of history and make me care, make me believe and give me a story with depth and vision. I finished all 384 pages in one afternoon and that is a feat for me!
Vivi is a complete handful and I loved how she straddled the polite English woman role with that of a outspoken, tough woman. She felt like the real deal. Often in a historical romance I get seriously annoyed with the heroine. They are way to polite, way to soft spoken and just generally annoying. Fainting over everything. Being prim and proper. I don’t like it. Hence my aversion to a lot of historical romance. Vivi felt real. She talked and acted like I would suspect a woman of that time to be. Yes she still incorporated those qualities but she was more. She was direct when she needed to be and told Miles exactly what she thought when approached.
While I found Vivi to be real, I found Miles to be rugged and misunderstood. Ok, he was misunderstood because he was horrible at talking about his feelings. He spent the first half of the book alternating between being vindictive and just downright cold at times. He was as manipulative as he was sexy. Underneath the facade though, he did care for Vivi…a lot. Constantly at war with himself over wanting to take his revenge and his need for a wanton Vivi.
These two set the pages on fire with their push and pull throughout the book. I wanted them to break down their personal walls to find some happiness. Vivi had huge trust issues and so never wanted Miles to know that she was not adopted into the Christie family as he believed. Thinking he would abandon her if he knew she was a illegitimate child and daughter of a whore.
I loved the concept of the diamond mine and thought the back drop of South Africa made for lush scenery. Not knowing much about that area myself afforded me the ability to not think, to go with the picture Carrie had painted for me. What a picture Carrie painted….complete and well rounded I didn’t have to imagine much of anything.
Flawless has a bit over everything, historical reference, erotic imagery and a story line that will suck you in and make you want to live it yourself. For just a moment in time, you too will want to be mining for diamonds in the 1800′s, working the terrain and living a life free from the constraints of this day and age. I am eagerly awaiting book two, Starlight, in July of 2012. Where we will get to read Alex Christie’s story.
I give Flawless by Carrie Lofty 4 stars!
Miles wants revenge. Revenge on his wife for leaving him and fleeing to America. She made him appear a fool and that cannot be tolerated. Knowing she needs his help if her business venture in South Africa is going to thrive he heads that way, with intentions to make her scream his name once more. Working closely allows Miles to begin to know the woman he married. Slowly she is cracking his hardened exterior. Vivienne is feeling the sparks as well, but with the lust comes fear. Fear that her secret ancestry may finally come to light. Something she has vowed never to allow Miles to know.
I will readily admit I was skeptical when I picked this one up. In fact I wasn’t going to read it. I’m short on time this month and though the back blurb drew me in, this being a historical (which I don’t read often) made it a harder sell to me. Then I picked it up on a whim and read the first couple of pages….and was hooked. I fell completely in love with Lofty’s ability to paint a scene straight out of history and make me care, make me believe and give me a story with depth and vision. I finished all 384 pages in one afternoon and that is a feat for me!
Vivi is a complete handful and I loved how she straddled the polite English woman role with that of a outspoken, tough woman. She felt like the real deal. Often in a historical romance I get seriously annoyed with the heroine. They are way to polite, way to soft spoken and just generally annoying. Fainting over everything. Being prim and proper. I don’t like it. Hence my aversion to a lot of historical romance. Vivi felt real. She talked and acted like I would suspect a woman of that time to be. Yes she still incorporated those qualities but she was more. She was direct when she needed to be and told Miles exactly what she thought when approached.
While I found Vivi to be real, I found Miles to be rugged and misunderstood. Ok, he was misunderstood because he was horrible at talking about his feelings. He spent the first half of the book alternating between being vindictive and just downright cold at times. He was as manipulative as he was sexy. Underneath the facade though, he did care for Vivi…a lot. Constantly at war with himself over wanting to take his revenge and his need for a wanton Vivi.
These two set the pages on fire with their push and pull throughout the book. I wanted them to break down their personal walls to find some happiness. Vivi had huge trust issues and so never wanted Miles to know that she was not adopted into the Christie family as he believed. Thinking he would abandon her if he knew she was a illegitimate child and daughter of a whore.
I loved the concept of the diamond mine and thought the back drop of South Africa made for lush scenery. Not knowing much about that area myself afforded me the ability to not think, to go with the picture Carrie had painted for me. What a picture Carrie painted….complete and well rounded I didn’t have to imagine much of anything.
Flawless has a bit over everything, historical reference, erotic imagery and a story line that will suck you in and make you want to live it yourself. For just a moment in time, you too will want to be mining for diamonds in the 1800′s, working the terrain and living a life free from the constraints of this day and age. I am eagerly awaiting book two, Starlight, in July of 2012. Where we will get to read Alex Christie’s story.
I give Flawless by Carrie Lofty 4 stars!
October 16, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: September 27, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Imprint: Pocket Books
Author’s Website: http://carrielofty.com/
My Source for This Book: Simon & Schuster's GalleyGrab
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, The Christies
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
Lady Vivienne Bancroft is the bastard daughter of a French can-can dancer and a powerful tycoon. Growing up in squalor only to witness her mother's execution in a French prison, she was plucked from poverty by Sir William Christie -- her biological father -- who then adopted her under the guise of charity. Raising Vivienne up as though she were a legitimate daughter, he's as ruthless and exacting towards her as he is his other three children.
Upon his death, however, his will holds a shock for his four children -- they each must take a failing business and turn it around, else they forfeit their inheritance.
With her destination set as the colonies of South Africa and the diamond mines therein, Vivienne is dismayed to discover that Viscount Bancroft, her wastrel and estranged husband, has decided that he too shall have a piece of the action in South Africa.
Miles was humiliated and furious when Vivienne abandoned their marriage back in England, no matter that it was an arranged union designed to refill the Bancroft coffers while simultaneously bestowing a title on a member of the Christie family. Deciding to have his revenge, he is determined to seduce Vivienne and capture her heart, only to abandon her at her weakest moment.
However, once reunited, the estranged lovers soon discover that the all-consuming passion and chemistry that has sparked between them from the beginning is still very much alive, and that the challenge of South Africa and the diamond business.
I'll be honest. I went into this story expecting to find that it wasn't really to my tastes. Estranged marriages are really not a favorite of mine in general, especially when it's apparent that the heroine is madly in lust with her estranged husband.
This is a perfect example of why preconceived notions should never stop you from giving a book a chance -- this book was absolutely fantastic. Everything from the setting of colonial South Africa, to Vivienne's horrible childhood, to the details behind Miles and Vivienne's estrangement, were all woven together beautifully to create a rich, powerful love story.
The sensuality was exquisite, and the setting was a wonderful complement to the love story. Miles' transformation from the wastrel of Vivienne's memory was delightful to watch, and Vivienne finally coming to trust Miles with both her trust and the secrets of her past was absolutely perfect.
While there was a slight hiccup with the pacing at the final confrontation, in the end, this book will be firmly on my keeper shelf.
Recommended for fans of estranged marriages with both parties at fault, heroines who finally let go of deep-seated trust issues, and delicious sensuality, all set against the backdrop of the South African colonies of the Victorian era.
5/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: September 27, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Imprint: Pocket Books
Author’s Website: http://carrielofty.com/
My Source for This Book: Simon & Schuster's GalleyGrab
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, The Christies
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
Lady Vivienne Bancroft is the bastard daughter of a French can-can dancer and a powerful tycoon. Growing up in squalor only to witness her mother's execution in a French prison, she was plucked from poverty by Sir William Christie -- her biological father -- who then adopted her under the guise of charity. Raising Vivienne up as though she were a legitimate daughter, he's as ruthless and exacting towards her as he is his other three children.
Upon his death, however, his will holds a shock for his four children -- they each must take a failing business and turn it around, else they forfeit their inheritance.
With her destination set as the colonies of South Africa and the diamond mines therein, Vivienne is dismayed to discover that Viscount Bancroft, her wastrel and estranged husband, has decided that he too shall have a piece of the action in South Africa.
Miles was humiliated and furious when Vivienne abandoned their marriage back in England, no matter that it was an arranged union designed to refill the Bancroft coffers while simultaneously bestowing a title on a member of the Christie family. Deciding to have his revenge, he is determined to seduce Vivienne and capture her heart, only to abandon her at her weakest moment.
However, once reunited, the estranged lovers soon discover that the all-consuming passion and chemistry that has sparked between them from the beginning is still very much alive, and that the challenge of South Africa and the diamond business.
I'll be honest. I went into this story expecting to find that it wasn't really to my tastes. Estranged marriages are really not a favorite of mine in general, especially when it's apparent that the heroine is madly in lust with her estranged husband.
This is a perfect example of why preconceived notions should never stop you from giving a book a chance -- this book was absolutely fantastic. Everything from the setting of colonial South Africa, to Vivienne's horrible childhood, to the details behind Miles and Vivienne's estrangement, were all woven together beautifully to create a rich, powerful love story.
The sensuality was exquisite, and the setting was a wonderful complement to the love story. Miles' transformation from the wastrel of Vivienne's memory was delightful to watch, and Vivienne finally coming to trust Miles with both her trust and the secrets of her past was absolutely perfect.
While there was a slight hiccup with the pacing at the final confrontation, in the end, this book will be firmly on my keeper shelf.
Recommended for fans of estranged marriages with both parties at fault, heroines who finally let go of deep-seated trust issues, and delicious sensuality, all set against the backdrop of the South African colonies of the Victorian era.
5/5 Stars
September 6, 2012
Review posted at Books to Brighten your Mood
Flawless is the first book I read written by Carrie Lofty. Granted, I was acquainted with the author before while co-writing with Ann Aguirre under the pen name Ellen Connor, so yes, I knew she was a great author, but after reading Flawless, well, I have to admit that historical romance is truly her strongest element.
Lofty's writing style is natural and straight to the point and her fresh perspective of the genre made Flawless all the more enjoyable. I mean we are talking about a historical romance book set in Cape Town, what more could I ask for something new and fresh? Granted, there are other books with similar exotic settings out there, but it's the first one for me, so I just have to say it: I was completely mesmerised by the descriptions and the way Lofty presented her story.
Instead of dealing with formal etiquette and restrictions as many other books of the genre usually do, Lofty took as to a journey far way from everything common, where people live differently and everyone has a chance to become something better or worse. She took her readers on a journey to a town where so much wealth is gathered and hope but depravity as well. That's the place where the author chose to bring her main couple together in hopes of saving their lives and maybe their marriage.
As I said, my favorite part of Flawless was easily the setting and the writing style. Carrie Lofty is just that an amazing author. The other part I truly enjoyed was that Flawless, wasn't your typical HR novel for yet another reason. Here we have some adventure woven in the plot as well and the protagonists fight for their lives and not only in a physical but also in a mental way. I don't really want to say much about the way the story unfolds, because that would spoil things, but trust me when I say that everything about Flawless screams unique and amazing!
The only complain I have here, is that for some reason, I wasn't swept off my feet with the romantic plot, not that it was bad or uninteresting, I just felt that it could have been a little better. But that's a matter of preference, so that's maybe me :)
All in all, Flawless was a fresh and interesting start to a series I will most certainly continue reading!
October 13, 2011
Summary from Goodreads:
"Lady Vivienne Bancroft fled England for New York, hoping to shed the confines of her arranged marriage to unrepentant rogue Miles Durham, Viscount Bancroft—though she never forgot the fiery desire he unleashed with his slightest touch. And when the gambling man arrives on her doorstep for a little sensual revenge for her desertion, he is met with Vivienne’s dilemma: She must earn her father’s inheritance by profitably running a diamond business worth millions in colonial South Africa. Swept together in an exotic undertaking filled with heated passion and hungry temptation, will Vivienne and Miles discover that the marriage vows they once made are the greatest snare—or the most treasured reward?"
My Thoughts:
I feel like I've read my fair share of romances this year and this is one of my favorites ones yet! What made Flawless stand out for me was the instant chemistry and attraction between the two main characters. I found myself wondering about their past relationship and wanting to see if they could find their happy ending. I loved that neither of them were who they thought they were, which left them to really discover each other throughout the novel. This enjoyment of the characters was enhanced by the setting of the story. It isn't every day that you read a romance novel set in Africa's diamond mines but this one was. I loved the unique setting and found that it really added to the story. The details that the author included helped to make me feel like I was really there while I was reading. There was a slight aspect of mystery and suspense to this book that helped keep my interest as well. But the main focus was the romance between Miles and Vivienne, and I couldn't get enough of it!
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I read another review of this book that said that the author uses lots of different settings in her stories and now I cannot wait to read more by her! This is a romance that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend!
Bottom Line: A lovely romance and one that made me an instant fan of this author!
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book as part of Gallery and Pocket Books Romance Blog Tour Group. I'm a bit late with my post though so sorry!
"Lady Vivienne Bancroft fled England for New York, hoping to shed the confines of her arranged marriage to unrepentant rogue Miles Durham, Viscount Bancroft—though she never forgot the fiery desire he unleashed with his slightest touch. And when the gambling man arrives on her doorstep for a little sensual revenge for her desertion, he is met with Vivienne’s dilemma: She must earn her father’s inheritance by profitably running a diamond business worth millions in colonial South Africa. Swept together in an exotic undertaking filled with heated passion and hungry temptation, will Vivienne and Miles discover that the marriage vows they once made are the greatest snare—or the most treasured reward?"
My Thoughts:
I feel like I've read my fair share of romances this year and this is one of my favorites ones yet! What made Flawless stand out for me was the instant chemistry and attraction between the two main characters. I found myself wondering about their past relationship and wanting to see if they could find their happy ending. I loved that neither of them were who they thought they were, which left them to really discover each other throughout the novel. This enjoyment of the characters was enhanced by the setting of the story. It isn't every day that you read a romance novel set in Africa's diamond mines but this one was. I loved the unique setting and found that it really added to the story. The details that the author included helped to make me feel like I was really there while I was reading. There was a slight aspect of mystery and suspense to this book that helped keep my interest as well. But the main focus was the romance between Miles and Vivienne, and I couldn't get enough of it!
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I read another review of this book that said that the author uses lots of different settings in her stories and now I cannot wait to read more by her! This is a romance that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend!
Bottom Line: A lovely romance and one that made me an instant fan of this author!
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book as part of Gallery and Pocket Books Romance Blog Tour Group. I'm a bit late with my post though so sorry!
September 26, 2011
Vivienne, Alexander, Gareth and Gwyneth’s father has passed away. It is now time for the reading of the will. Vivienne does not know what the will has in it as she was adopted. Luckily for Vivienne, her father loved her like his own and left her something. Actually their father left them all something, only there is a catch. Each of the siblings has to work for their fortune at different businesses. The businesses are failing and the siblings must make them successful within two years. If the siblings do so than they each will receive one million dollars but if the siblings refuse this offer than all they will receive is five hundred dollars.
Vivienne is to manage the Christie Diamond Brokerage House in Kimberley, Cape Colony in Africa. Vivienne thinks this is the perfect plan. She is stuck in a bad marriage and it costs money to keep up with her life style. She leaves her husband, Viscount Bancroft, Miles Durham behind. Vivienne should have realized that it would not be so easy to get rid of Miles. Miles plans to teach Vivienne a lesson.
Miles became even better when he adapted to his environment and got dirty. He was like Indiana Jones…rough, tall, handsome, and even carried a whip. He knew just how to get under Vivienne skin and push all the right buttons. It was entertaining. I could not wait to see what Miles would do next. Vivienne was a strong woman. This was great because if she was a wilting flower than I would not have believed that Miles and her belonged together. The build up until they both gave in was steamy. Or course this book was not just all about the romance, there was a good story line to go along with it. I can not wait to read Alexander’s story next. This book was flawless like a gem…it sparkled and shined.
Vivienne is to manage the Christie Diamond Brokerage House in Kimberley, Cape Colony in Africa. Vivienne thinks this is the perfect plan. She is stuck in a bad marriage and it costs money to keep up with her life style. She leaves her husband, Viscount Bancroft, Miles Durham behind. Vivienne should have realized that it would not be so easy to get rid of Miles. Miles plans to teach Vivienne a lesson.
Miles became even better when he adapted to his environment and got dirty. He was like Indiana Jones…rough, tall, handsome, and even carried a whip. He knew just how to get under Vivienne skin and push all the right buttons. It was entertaining. I could not wait to see what Miles would do next. Vivienne was a strong woman. This was great because if she was a wilting flower than I would not have believed that Miles and her belonged together. The build up until they both gave in was steamy. Or course this book was not just all about the romance, there was a good story line to go along with it. I can not wait to read Alexander’s story next. This book was flawless like a gem…it sparkled and shined.
June 9, 2012
Historical Romance
Flawless caught my attention when I read that it was set in South Africa in the late 1800’s right after the Boar Wars. This is an unusual setting for a historical romance. South Africa during this time was a lot like the old west with diamonds fever instead of gold fever fueling the danger.
Characters: Vivienne is a very strong female character. She has a secret that she is protecting. That secret has been a part of what molded her and added to her strengths. Miles Durham has spent his life bored. His behavior has been an effort to combat that boredom. Vivienne never bored him and now helping Vivienne he has found a purpose in life. I loved both characters. There were some really good side characters in the book. Each added strength to the story. Carrie Lofty made sure there was one strong African male in the mix. Without pounding it in the ground she used this character to show how Africans were treated during in this time period.
Plot: The whole plot revolved around the terms of Sir William Christie’s will. It made for an exciting story even without the romance. The romance part just added spice to the mix.
Writing: The choice of setting really set this story apart. The depiction of South Africa and the diamond trade was excellent. Flawless was very well written.
Tension: There was the sexual tension between Viienne and Miles but more that that there was the issue of trust. That tension fed the entire story line. Making the business prosper had added to the trust issue. Between the two I just wanted to keep reading.
The next book in the series, Starlight, is due out soon and may already be out by the time is posted. I have it on pre-order.
Pocket Books published Flawless by Carrie Lofty in 2012.
Flawless caught my attention when I read that it was set in South Africa in the late 1800’s right after the Boar Wars. This is an unusual setting for a historical romance. South Africa during this time was a lot like the old west with diamonds fever instead of gold fever fueling the danger.
Characters: Vivienne is a very strong female character. She has a secret that she is protecting. That secret has been a part of what molded her and added to her strengths. Miles Durham has spent his life bored. His behavior has been an effort to combat that boredom. Vivienne never bored him and now helping Vivienne he has found a purpose in life. I loved both characters. There were some really good side characters in the book. Each added strength to the story. Carrie Lofty made sure there was one strong African male in the mix. Without pounding it in the ground she used this character to show how Africans were treated during in this time period.
Plot: The whole plot revolved around the terms of Sir William Christie’s will. It made for an exciting story even without the romance. The romance part just added spice to the mix.
Writing: The choice of setting really set this story apart. The depiction of South Africa and the diamond trade was excellent. Flawless was very well written.
Tension: There was the sexual tension between Viienne and Miles but more that that there was the issue of trust. That tension fed the entire story line. Making the business prosper had added to the trust issue. Between the two I just wanted to keep reading.
The next book in the series, Starlight, is due out soon and may already be out by the time is posted. I have it on pre-order.
Pocket Books published Flawless by Carrie Lofty in 2012.
September 26, 2011
FLAWLESS by Carrie Lofty is a exciting historical romance set in 1880 New York City and 1881 South Africa. It is the first in a new series " The Christies". It is written with depth,details,romance,diamonds,passion,secrets, desires,second chances,family,sensuality,and love. The characters are enchanting,full of life,engaging, and will capture your heart. "The Christies" series is about four grown children (Vivienne,Alexander,twins Gareth and Gwyneth) whose father died and in order to claim their inheritance must follow their father's will exactly and hopefully unlease their adventurs and passions. "Flawless" is the first and is the story of Vivenne (Lady Vivienne Bancroft) and Miles Durham, ViscountBancroft,her estranged husband. Their adventure,passion,desires,running a diamond business in South Africa,some intrigue,a bit of suspense,and a lot of hot passion. Faced with their own secrets,and desires Mile and Vivienne must learn to trust each other before they can make their marriage work. A true test of wills and the acknowledge that their marriage vows made long ago are their greatest treasure. A must read for any historical,romance,suspense,and intrigue readers. "Flawless" will have you wanting for the next installment will turning pages. Received for review by the publisher. Details can be found at Pocket Books, a division of Simon and Schuster,Inc. and My Book Addiction and More.
June 23, 2016
This book had so much potential, but it just didn't deliver. I was excited to win Flawless in a goodreads.com First Reads giveaway and I was looking forward to reading about the South African diamond trade in the late 1800's with a romance thrown in. In my mind, I was never "taken" there. A few paragraphs of the crush of humanity at the docks, a few paragraphs about the expanse of land and sky at the Karoo, and a few more that tried (and failed) to describe the diamond mine, and the small mining town of Kimberly that supports the mine.
There was too much mental lusting that had me rolling my eyes every time "Viv took in a sharp breath"... which was every time Miles touched her...which was just about every other page.
Also the time frame didn't seem to fit. Most of the book takes place in the first 30 days of their arrival in Kimberly, but when chapters begin with "It had been two weeks since.." and others stating it had been a certain number of days since a fight or a kiss-- not to mention everything Miles and Viv do in town-- well it seems that part of the story actually took longer than 30 days.
The ending was predictable. No plot twists at all.
I gave it two stars only because I didn't give up on it and throw it across the room. I read it in two days, not because it was a page turner, but because I just wanted to be done with it and hoped something unexpected may happen at the end.
There was too much mental lusting that had me rolling my eyes every time "Viv took in a sharp breath"... which was every time Miles touched her...which was just about every other page.
Also the time frame didn't seem to fit. Most of the book takes place in the first 30 days of their arrival in Kimberly, but when chapters begin with "It had been two weeks since.." and others stating it had been a certain number of days since a fight or a kiss-- not to mention everything Miles and Viv do in town-- well it seems that part of the story actually took longer than 30 days.
The ending was predictable. No plot twists at all.
I gave it two stars only because I didn't give up on it and throw it across the room. I read it in two days, not because it was a page turner, but because I just wanted to be done with it and hoped something unexpected may happen at the end.
August 13, 2011
So much to recommend this book to me so far--an estranged couple thrown together to meet a challenge; the sparring and sizzling tension that results; a dissolute rake with the motivation to reform (the promise of redemption is a favorite theme for me); the idea of revenge that may prove to be ultimately irresistible to both parties; a wild and fascinating setting; a chance for both the hero and heroine to prove their mettle... I am enjoying this very much so far. (about halfway now...)
Now that I've finished, I can say that Ms. Lofty delivers--a very satisfying resolution for the plot and for Viv Christie and Miles Bancroft. Solid character development, scorching love scenes, Flawless has it all.
Viv's one of four siblings, and is actually an illegitimate child that her father adopted. Her real background has been kept a secret from society and is a nightmare she struggles to keep hidden. Miles is a viscount, used to the power and privilege afforded that rank.
It's a treat to see them come to know and trust each other in a shared battle to prevail. This is the first of four books (one about each of the Christie siblings) and I can't wait for them all.
Now that I've finished, I can say that Ms. Lofty delivers--a very satisfying resolution for the plot and for Viv Christie and Miles Bancroft. Solid character development, scorching love scenes, Flawless has it all.
Viv's one of four siblings, and is actually an illegitimate child that her father adopted. Her real background has been kept a secret from society and is a nightmare she struggles to keep hidden. Miles is a viscount, used to the power and privilege afforded that rank.
It's a treat to see them come to know and trust each other in a shared battle to prevail. This is the first of four books (one about each of the Christie siblings) and I can't wait for them all.
April 9, 2016
This ended up being just okay. I didn't love it, but there were things I ended up still enjoying about it. The main one being the South African setting because I love, love, LOVE finding HRs that take place outside of England. I think this aspect, as well as Carrie Lofty's strong prose helped move the story along despite the messiness here and there, particularly between the hero and heroine.
Miles had A LOT of growing up to do because at the beginning he was the worst kind of immature, bored aristocrat I rarely have any sympathy for. And I can't say I liked him all that much as a hero, especially since all he seemed to care about was getting Viv into bed. Viv meanwhile had a hell of a ton of issues concerning her past which affected her present circumstances but overall made her quite interesting. However as far as Viv and Miles as a couple? I was never fully invested in them. I did love their individual progression as characters, as well as their teamwork at making Viv's inherited brokerage business a success. But I never felt that moment when they fell in love, it always read as lust.
Miles had A LOT of growing up to do because at the beginning he was the worst kind of immature, bored aristocrat I rarely have any sympathy for. And I can't say I liked him all that much as a hero, especially since all he seemed to care about was getting Viv into bed. Viv meanwhile had a hell of a ton of issues concerning her past which affected her present circumstances but overall made her quite interesting. However as far as Viv and Miles as a couple? I was never fully invested in them. I did love their individual progression as characters, as well as their teamwork at making Viv's inherited brokerage business a success. But I never felt that moment when they fell in love, it always read as lust.
September 27, 2011
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This novel is perfect for female readers who don't enjoy weak female characters in romance novels. Vivienne is definitely a dominant, somewhat pushy woman. She is also the main character of this novel and the main draw to reading this book. In this book she even attempts to fun a profitable diamond business.
Earlier in the book, she runs away from Viscount Bancroft, to whom she was engaged. Much to her surprise, he shows up at her doorstep later on and won't leave until he talks to her. The sparks fly and one can imagine that they do more than talk. Their relationship, however, does develop at a regular pace throughout the book-sparks don't equal commitment.
Miles is the perfect hero. He is charismatic, caring, and sometimes bull-headed. Between him and Vivienne, the reader will definitely find a few things to laugh about. They pull the story together. The ending is explosive and fun to read, the reader will not be disappointed.
This novel is perfect for female readers who don't enjoy weak female characters in romance novels. Vivienne is definitely a dominant, somewhat pushy woman. She is also the main character of this novel and the main draw to reading this book. In this book she even attempts to fun a profitable diamond business.
Earlier in the book, she runs away from Viscount Bancroft, to whom she was engaged. Much to her surprise, he shows up at her doorstep later on and won't leave until he talks to her. The sparks fly and one can imagine that they do more than talk. Their relationship, however, does develop at a regular pace throughout the book-sparks don't equal commitment.
Miles is the perfect hero. He is charismatic, caring, and sometimes bull-headed. Between him and Vivienne, the reader will definitely find a few things to laugh about. They pull the story together. The ending is explosive and fun to read, the reader will not be disappointed.
March 25, 2018
This was an interesting one. The romance was great. She is the illegitimate/adopted daughter of a rich American businessman! He is a dissolute British nobleman! They are married, and due to a provision of her father’s will, must manage a business together for two years to get a million dollars! They love each other! But they have broken each other’s trust! All very well-written and compelling.
The setting was unusual, and… more difficult than I am used to. The book is set in nineteenth-century South Africa, and Lofty, to her credit, does not shy away from the issues that brings up. However, it’s not the focus of the novel - as it really couldn’t be, without making the book either incredibly inaccurate or incredibly depressing - and I found it harder to enter the suspension of disbelief zone than I usually do. I know that when I read a regency novel I’m overlooking the slave trade and sugar plantations; I know that when I read a Victorian romance novel I’m overlooking child laborers, desperate poverty, and aggressive imperialism; but the different setting made it a little harder. There are some beautiful lyrical scenery descriptions, and over all I think Lofty handled this really well, but it was still hard.
The plot and pacing got difficult towards the end: the plot got much more standard historical romance novel () which I didn’t think worked so well. The rest of the book was pretty exceptional, and then the wrap-up was just kind of “let’s throw in the kitchen sink.” I believed in the romance, and I’m glad they got their money in the end, but the rest of the book felt much more like one of those 1970s epic novels… which I love, but which generally end with people dying or something.
The setting was unusual, and… more difficult than I am used to. The book is set in nineteenth-century South Africa, and Lofty, to her credit, does not shy away from the issues that brings up. However, it’s not the focus of the novel - as it really couldn’t be, without making the book either incredibly inaccurate or incredibly depressing - and I found it harder to enter the suspension of disbelief zone than I usually do. I know that when I read a regency novel I’m overlooking the slave trade and sugar plantations; I know that when I read a Victorian romance novel I’m overlooking child laborers, desperate poverty, and aggressive imperialism; but the different setting made it a little harder. There are some beautiful lyrical scenery descriptions, and over all I think Lofty handled this really well, but it was still hard.
The plot and pacing got difficult towards the end: the plot got much more standard historical romance novel () which I didn’t think worked so well. The rest of the book was pretty exceptional, and then the wrap-up was just kind of “let’s throw in the kitchen sink.” I believed in the romance, and I’m glad they got their money in the end, but the rest of the book felt much more like one of those 1970s epic novels… which I love, but which generally end with people dying or something.
June 30, 2024
This was a 13 hrs audiobook, thankfully it was a solid book
It has a good plot, the main characters are fleshed out and the setting in Africa is a complete different scene to the other previous historical romance I read.
Despite Vivienne's triggering past I soldier on, it was used as a plot device but only at the end it wasn't dragged out and the center of it all.
The banter is okay but the spice in this book was top tier its classy ✨
I removed 1 star because it's kind of a marriage of convenience and Miles did something wrong and Viv wanted out of their marriage and there's an opportunity for groveling and angst, but my standard and expectation wasn't met, it was almost there but not quite LOL
It has a good plot, the main characters are fleshed out and the setting in Africa is a complete different scene to the other previous historical romance I read.
Despite Vivienne's triggering past I soldier on, it was used as a plot device but only at the end it wasn't dragged out and the center of it all.
The banter is okay but the spice in this book was top tier its classy ✨
I removed 1 star because it's kind of a marriage of convenience and Miles did something wrong and Viv wanted out of their marriage and there's an opportunity for groveling and angst, but my standard and expectation wasn't met, it was almost there but not quite LOL
January 6, 2018
(Teresa Siciliano)
Un buon intrattenimento * * * *
Storia d’amore e intrighi piuttosto avvincente. Certo qualche parola in più sui collegamenti di cui è capace Viv per il colpo di scena finale non avrebbe guastato. In fondo non tutte noi lettrici siamo intelligenti come lei.
Poco adatti titolo e copertina.
Un buon intrattenimento * * * *
Storia d’amore e intrighi piuttosto avvincente. Certo qualche parola in più sui collegamenti di cui è capace Viv per il colpo di scena finale non avrebbe guastato. In fondo non tutte noi lettrici siamo intelligenti come lei.
Poco adatti titolo e copertina.
February 4, 2020
Tema diverso dal solito!!! Uno di quei libri che rimane impresso nella mente.
April 27, 2020
3.5 stars
May 2, 2013
Flawless, by Carrie Lofty, is pretty darn good. Great, even.
The premise is not terribly new: William Christie, millionaire tycoon, dies. His fortune is willed back to his businesses, with one exception: his four children are put in charge of various struggling companies in their father’s business empire, and then have 2 years to bring their respective company into the black. If they succeed, they will be the primary shareholder of the business, and get a million dollar bonus. If they don’t, they get nothing. (It was unclear to me why the bonuses were given in dollars, as I was under the impression that the father was Scots and lived in England; wouldn’t it be in pounds? But I digress.)
Vivienne Christie is placed in charge of the Christie diamond brokerage in Kimberley, Cape Colony (South Africa). At the reading of her father’s will, she is confronted with another disturbing incident: the return of her wastrel husband, Miles (that’s two romances in a row with heroes named “Miles”!), Viscount Bancroft, whom she had left a year before after he embarrassed her once too often. He is determined to reunite with his wayward wife and exact a measure of revenge on her for leaving him. Overwhelmed, Vivienne escapes him again, and doesn’t see him until months later when she arrives in Cape Town.
Miles has put his time to good use: having arrived earlier than his estranged wife, he has established a household in Kimberley, made some connections, and begun to learn the rudiments of the diamond trade. Vivienne notes that the Miles that greets her in Cape Town is not the Miles she remembers, but is suspicious of his having truly changed.
Flawless is a slow burn of a book: it has more to do with the growth of Miles and Vivienne’s trust and relationship together, and the growth of their business, than it does with their lust. Don’t mistake me, there is plenty of lust, but for two-thirds of the book it goes largely unquenched. I enjoyed seeing a damaged relationship heal slowly; it was very realistic considering their history together. I also enjoyed the growth of Miles and Vivienne’s characters into the people they always wanted to be, rather the roles they were forced to play in London society. The setting was also fantastic. The diamond mines of South Africa just after the Boer war constitute a setting that I don’t think I have ever come across in a historical romance novel, which was a very nice change. Ms. Lofty holds a Master’s degree in history, and it shows.
The only detractor for me was the ‘villain’, who was fine except for the fact that his “personal investigator” discovers facts about Vivienne that he attempts to blackmail them with. All well and good, but I couldn’t imagine that Miles’ family would not have also discovered this information prior to their marriage. That, and the fact that the many unsavory persons in Kimberley never really got any comeuppance. I know it’s unrealistic to see “villains” (or even rude people) punished, but it does rankle when it doesn’t happen.
I was undecided between four and five stars on Flawless – frankly, I’d give a 4 ½ – but I think I’m just being unfair to it as I think it’s suffering from being read simultaneously with Like No Other Lover, which was absolutely amazing. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical romance, especially if they’re tired of the same-old, same-old setting, and if they’re tired of cookie-cutter heroes and heroines falling in cookie-cutter love.
The premise is not terribly new: William Christie, millionaire tycoon, dies. His fortune is willed back to his businesses, with one exception: his four children are put in charge of various struggling companies in their father’s business empire, and then have 2 years to bring their respective company into the black. If they succeed, they will be the primary shareholder of the business, and get a million dollar bonus. If they don’t, they get nothing. (It was unclear to me why the bonuses were given in dollars, as I was under the impression that the father was Scots and lived in England; wouldn’t it be in pounds? But I digress.)
Vivienne Christie is placed in charge of the Christie diamond brokerage in Kimberley, Cape Colony (South Africa). At the reading of her father’s will, she is confronted with another disturbing incident: the return of her wastrel husband, Miles (that’s two romances in a row with heroes named “Miles”!), Viscount Bancroft, whom she had left a year before after he embarrassed her once too often. He is determined to reunite with his wayward wife and exact a measure of revenge on her for leaving him. Overwhelmed, Vivienne escapes him again, and doesn’t see him until months later when she arrives in Cape Town.
Miles has put his time to good use: having arrived earlier than his estranged wife, he has established a household in Kimberley, made some connections, and begun to learn the rudiments of the diamond trade. Vivienne notes that the Miles that greets her in Cape Town is not the Miles she remembers, but is suspicious of his having truly changed.
Flawless is a slow burn of a book: it has more to do with the growth of Miles and Vivienne’s trust and relationship together, and the growth of their business, than it does with their lust. Don’t mistake me, there is plenty of lust, but for two-thirds of the book it goes largely unquenched. I enjoyed seeing a damaged relationship heal slowly; it was very realistic considering their history together. I also enjoyed the growth of Miles and Vivienne’s characters into the people they always wanted to be, rather the roles they were forced to play in London society. The setting was also fantastic. The diamond mines of South Africa just after the Boer war constitute a setting that I don’t think I have ever come across in a historical romance novel, which was a very nice change. Ms. Lofty holds a Master’s degree in history, and it shows.
The only detractor for me was the ‘villain’, who was fine except for the fact that his “personal investigator” discovers facts about Vivienne that he attempts to blackmail them with. All well and good, but I couldn’t imagine that Miles’ family would not have also discovered this information prior to their marriage. That, and the fact that the many unsavory persons in Kimberley never really got any comeuppance. I know it’s unrealistic to see “villains” (or even rude people) punished, but it does rankle when it doesn’t happen.
I was undecided between four and five stars on Flawless – frankly, I’d give a 4 ½ – but I think I’m just being unfair to it as I think it’s suffering from being read simultaneously with Like No Other Lover, which was absolutely amazing. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical romance, especially if they’re tired of the same-old, same-old setting, and if they’re tired of cookie-cutter heroes and heroines falling in cookie-cutter love.
June 25, 2012
Lofty, known for her powerful and passionate historical romances, does not disappoint with her latest release, Flawless. With exotic settings, fabulous characters and plenty of spicy romance, this novel is another winner that Lofty fans should not miss!
Sir William Christie’s death has left his children a fortune…they just have to earn it. At the reading of his will, Lady Vivienne Bancroft faces her shocking situation. She must travel to colonial South Africa to run Christie’s diamond business for a certain length of time before she is to inherit her fortune. Vivienne is up to the task, just so long as her worthless yet handsome husband stays out of her way. Of course Miles, Viscount Bancroft, would never make things that easy for Vivienne. Instead, he meets her in South Africa ready to earn his portion of the fortune. Upon first glance Vivienne realizes this is not the same over indulgent drinking and gambling husband she ran away from. Miles has given up drinking, gambling and cigar smoking not only to work with Vivienne but to seduce her as well. He wants to make her crave the passion that they once share together so when he leaves her she can feel the same agony she inflicted upon him when she ran away. Yet his plan hits a snag because Miles does the last thing he ever wanted to do…fall in love with his wife.
The premise of Flawless was truly entertaining. I adored how Vivienne was basically meeting her own husband for the first time since he had changed so drastically. On the other hand, Miles’ goal was to rid himself of his infatuation for his wife considering the circumstances in which she left him. Both characters are severely misguided by their feelings and what ensues because of this is a very fascinating and humorous plot. But you can’t blame Vivienne for being enthralled by her husband. He was truly a changed man and one that readers will love to read about. These were vices that didn’t necessarily make him a bad human being, but the certainly made him a terrible husband. To see him overcome these obsessions for Vivienne was no only dramatic, but terribly romantic.
Flawless does have great characters from the leads to the secondary cast. The one thing that became a problem for me was how long the battle between Miles and Vivienne was drawn out. It felt sometimes like the story was traveling in circles. This complaint has some pros and cons though! The drama and build up of tension led to a more gratifying conclusion when these two finally came together in a blaze of passion. In a way, it made it all worth it! While reading it though, it does become frustrating. With Vivienne and Miles, you come to adore and despise the cat and mouse game they play. Sometimes it is painful to read about an other times it is entertaining. Therein lies the true beauty of Lofty’s characters. They grab hold of your emotions and never let go.
‘The Christies’ series really starts off on a high note with Flawless and will leave you anticipating the next installment. With her previous novels and now with Flawless, I have discovered there is something magical in what Carrie Lofty writes. Her novels take you through a large range of emotions yet leaves you completely satisfied by the end. Her characters are so endearing, that as you read, you can find yourself laughing, near tears, sighing and finally smiling. Flawless continues this standar. With beautiful and descriptive prose, entertaining story lines and characters you can treasure forever, this novel is a definite keeper.
Sir William Christie’s death has left his children a fortune…they just have to earn it. At the reading of his will, Lady Vivienne Bancroft faces her shocking situation. She must travel to colonial South Africa to run Christie’s diamond business for a certain length of time before she is to inherit her fortune. Vivienne is up to the task, just so long as her worthless yet handsome husband stays out of her way. Of course Miles, Viscount Bancroft, would never make things that easy for Vivienne. Instead, he meets her in South Africa ready to earn his portion of the fortune. Upon first glance Vivienne realizes this is not the same over indulgent drinking and gambling husband she ran away from. Miles has given up drinking, gambling and cigar smoking not only to work with Vivienne but to seduce her as well. He wants to make her crave the passion that they once share together so when he leaves her she can feel the same agony she inflicted upon him when she ran away. Yet his plan hits a snag because Miles does the last thing he ever wanted to do…fall in love with his wife.
The premise of Flawless was truly entertaining. I adored how Vivienne was basically meeting her own husband for the first time since he had changed so drastically. On the other hand, Miles’ goal was to rid himself of his infatuation for his wife considering the circumstances in which she left him. Both characters are severely misguided by their feelings and what ensues because of this is a very fascinating and humorous plot. But you can’t blame Vivienne for being enthralled by her husband. He was truly a changed man and one that readers will love to read about. These were vices that didn’t necessarily make him a bad human being, but the certainly made him a terrible husband. To see him overcome these obsessions for Vivienne was no only dramatic, but terribly romantic.
Flawless does have great characters from the leads to the secondary cast. The one thing that became a problem for me was how long the battle between Miles and Vivienne was drawn out. It felt sometimes like the story was traveling in circles. This complaint has some pros and cons though! The drama and build up of tension led to a more gratifying conclusion when these two finally came together in a blaze of passion. In a way, it made it all worth it! While reading it though, it does become frustrating. With Vivienne and Miles, you come to adore and despise the cat and mouse game they play. Sometimes it is painful to read about an other times it is entertaining. Therein lies the true beauty of Lofty’s characters. They grab hold of your emotions and never let go.
‘The Christies’ series really starts off on a high note with Flawless and will leave you anticipating the next installment. With her previous novels and now with Flawless, I have discovered there is something magical in what Carrie Lofty writes. Her novels take you through a large range of emotions yet leaves you completely satisfied by the end. Her characters are so endearing, that as you read, you can find yourself laughing, near tears, sighing and finally smiling. Flawless continues this standar. With beautiful and descriptive prose, entertaining story lines and characters you can treasure forever, this novel is a definite keeper.
November 14, 2011
I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
Carrie Lofty is a solid romance writer and I’m not sure why there isn’t more buzz about her books. She writes three-dimensional, flawed characters with sexy heroes and strong-minded heroines. The road to true love is not easy in Lofty’s books but the journey is always believable emotionally
.
In Flawless, Lofty introduces us to Lady Vivienne Bancroft and her husband, Miles Durham, aka Viscount Bancroft. Due to Miles’ profligate ways, the couple are estranged, with Vivienne living at her father’s house in New York while Miles remains in London. But with the death of her father, Vivienne learns that in order to claim her inheritance, she must turn a failing diamond business into a profitable one. If she succeeds, she will inherit a million dollars – no small change, especially in the late 1800s. So off she goes to colonial South Africa only to find her husband waiting for her. Miles, it seems, has turned over a new leaf and wants nothing more than to make a go of it – with both the business and their marriage. Together, the two will need to overcome much in order to reach their happy ending. (Oh, you know they do. It is a romance, after all.)
I thought Vivienne and Miles were a well matched couple. They had great chemistry in the sack but no trust outside of the bedroom. Which makes sense since their marriage was initially a business arrangement; Vivienne was an heiress and Miles needed money. They barely knew each other when they got married and in the short time they lived under the same roof, they didn’t learn a whole lot about each other beyond the surface, partly due to Miles being a drunken party boy and partly because Vivienne had wrapped herself in a shroud of respectability in order to hide a secret past.
To be honest, Vivienne had no reason to trust Miles. When not sexing her up, he spent most of his time making a spectacle of himself so her feelings were completely understandable. However, once in South Africa, Max became a new man, finding purpose and meaning in his life. Reading about these two as they made the emotional journey towards trust and true partnership was both sexy and appealing.
I also enjoyed the setting. I don’t believe I have ever read a historical romance set in South Africa before; it was a nice change of pace from London and the same old same old. At the same time, it was hard for me to let go of the little I know about that time period in regards to indigenous Africans and the diamond trade. While I am not interested in reading about racist heroes or heroines, it was hard for me to suspend my disbelief when it came to the attitudes of Vivienne and Miles toward the African people. (Plus Vivienne was yet another heroine who is best friend with her maid.) And while her desire to help the poor people of the town was within character, her friendship with those classes was not. Vivienne had spent most of her life trying to hide from her own early childhood, so I found it hard to believe that she would be at ease with being friends with such folk. She had too much to hide.
If you can ignore those things then I think you’ll enjoy this tale. I couldn’t ignore it and still managed to enjoy the book… so that should tell you something. Lofty is a strong storyteller and there is always something fresh and enjoyable about her novels.
Carrie Lofty is a solid romance writer and I’m not sure why there isn’t more buzz about her books. She writes three-dimensional, flawed characters with sexy heroes and strong-minded heroines. The road to true love is not easy in Lofty’s books but the journey is always believable emotionally
.
In Flawless, Lofty introduces us to Lady Vivienne Bancroft and her husband, Miles Durham, aka Viscount Bancroft. Due to Miles’ profligate ways, the couple are estranged, with Vivienne living at her father’s house in New York while Miles remains in London. But with the death of her father, Vivienne learns that in order to claim her inheritance, she must turn a failing diamond business into a profitable one. If she succeeds, she will inherit a million dollars – no small change, especially in the late 1800s. So off she goes to colonial South Africa only to find her husband waiting for her. Miles, it seems, has turned over a new leaf and wants nothing more than to make a go of it – with both the business and their marriage. Together, the two will need to overcome much in order to reach their happy ending. (Oh, you know they do. It is a romance, after all.)
I thought Vivienne and Miles were a well matched couple. They had great chemistry in the sack but no trust outside of the bedroom. Which makes sense since their marriage was initially a business arrangement; Vivienne was an heiress and Miles needed money. They barely knew each other when they got married and in the short time they lived under the same roof, they didn’t learn a whole lot about each other beyond the surface, partly due to Miles being a drunken party boy and partly because Vivienne had wrapped herself in a shroud of respectability in order to hide a secret past.
To be honest, Vivienne had no reason to trust Miles. When not sexing her up, he spent most of his time making a spectacle of himself so her feelings were completely understandable. However, once in South Africa, Max became a new man, finding purpose and meaning in his life. Reading about these two as they made the emotional journey towards trust and true partnership was both sexy and appealing.
I also enjoyed the setting. I don’t believe I have ever read a historical romance set in South Africa before; it was a nice change of pace from London and the same old same old. At the same time, it was hard for me to let go of the little I know about that time period in regards to indigenous Africans and the diamond trade. While I am not interested in reading about racist heroes or heroines, it was hard for me to suspend my disbelief when it came to the attitudes of Vivienne and Miles toward the African people. (Plus Vivienne was yet another heroine who is best friend with her maid.) And while her desire to help the poor people of the town was within character, her friendship with those classes was not. Vivienne had spent most of her life trying to hide from her own early childhood, so I found it hard to believe that she would be at ease with being friends with such folk. She had too much to hide.
If you can ignore those things then I think you’ll enjoy this tale. I couldn’t ignore it and still managed to enjoy the book… so that should tell you something. Lofty is a strong storyteller and there is always something fresh and enjoyable about her novels.
October 4, 2011
I always look forward to a Carrie Lofty book because I know I’m in for an emotional love story with a rich eye to detail — as well the fact most of her stories have unusual settings and characters. The main theme of the book is the estranged couple reconciliation trope, which I really like — although I do find it can be hard to resolve because sometimes the tension and emotional aftermath can be overwrought or forced. But with Flawless, I loved how Carrie Lofty presents the love story; it really felt organic and realistic without falling into the trap of too much angst, and the romance is really multi-faceted because of this.
The characterization is also another high point to the book and both Vivienne and Miles were well developed and three dimensional with realistic flaws. For Vivienne, respectability and hiding behind a shield of societal manners is a way to distance herself from her past and the castigation of her illegitimate past. Due to this, she appears cool and aloof and Miles finds hard to breach her emotional walls. However, he also has flaws which contributed to their mistrust and separation as he escapes the threat of being emotionally intimate with Vivienne by continuing to gamble and drink. Yet this new opportunity is a great catalyst to brings them together and force them to face their fears and issues, and I loved how they each come to realise this. The romantic and sexual tension buildup from the outset of the book was truly delicious, and I loved their sparring with each other and later in the book with their partnership in the business which helped to reconcile their differences.
I especially loved Miles who really had a Joie de Vivre air around him which makes people underestimate him because of his bored, arrogant and playboy-like appearance that he uses as a cover to hide his vulnerability. Vivienne’s realisation of this was fantastic and it also helped her to realise that Miles is serious about their marriage and wanting to give their relationship a fresh start. This forces her to face up to her own fears and truths about her past.
Nonetheless, I wished the plot held more tension with the way they had to save the diamond brokerage business . It involved a cold and calculating villain and how that was resolved felt a bit anti-climatic. And I wished more time was spent on exploring and presenting the setting. I did find the first half of the book was a great set up for this but the second half diminished its focus as the romance really took centre stage which was great, but I may be a bit spoiled with other books by Carrie Lofty which really delve in historical details and places, and I missed that aspect with this book.
With Flawless, you will definitely find an unusual setting with a rich tapestry of characters and detail. I also found the prose is lush and rich and you really savour each word, because Carrie Lofty has a real gift to bringing details and characters to life. Although I did think the romance was much stronger than the historical setting which I wished that it was explored more fully. The romance between Viv and Miles was beautiful and multi-layered and I was totally caught up in their characterisation and love story. Flawless is evocative, rich and full of emotional depth, and will draw you in.
The characterization is also another high point to the book and both Vivienne and Miles were well developed and three dimensional with realistic flaws. For Vivienne, respectability and hiding behind a shield of societal manners is a way to distance herself from her past and the castigation of her illegitimate past. Due to this, she appears cool and aloof and Miles finds hard to breach her emotional walls. However, he also has flaws which contributed to their mistrust and separation as he escapes the threat of being emotionally intimate with Vivienne by continuing to gamble and drink. Yet this new opportunity is a great catalyst to brings them together and force them to face their fears and issues, and I loved how they each come to realise this. The romantic and sexual tension buildup from the outset of the book was truly delicious, and I loved their sparring with each other and later in the book with their partnership in the business which helped to reconcile their differences.
I especially loved Miles who really had a Joie de Vivre air around him which makes people underestimate him because of his bored, arrogant and playboy-like appearance that he uses as a cover to hide his vulnerability. Vivienne’s realisation of this was fantastic and it also helped her to realise that Miles is serious about their marriage and wanting to give their relationship a fresh start. This forces her to face up to her own fears and truths about her past.
Nonetheless, I wished the plot held more tension with the way they had to save the diamond brokerage business . It involved a cold and calculating villain and how that was resolved felt a bit anti-climatic. And I wished more time was spent on exploring and presenting the setting. I did find the first half of the book was a great set up for this but the second half diminished its focus as the romance really took centre stage which was great, but I may be a bit spoiled with other books by Carrie Lofty which really delve in historical details and places, and I missed that aspect with this book.
With Flawless, you will definitely find an unusual setting with a rich tapestry of characters and detail. I also found the prose is lush and rich and you really savour each word, because Carrie Lofty has a real gift to bringing details and characters to life. Although I did think the romance was much stronger than the historical setting which I wished that it was explored more fully. The romance between Viv and Miles was beautiful and multi-layered and I was totally caught up in their characterisation and love story. Flawless is evocative, rich and full of emotional depth, and will draw you in.
September 27, 2011
(This review was originally published on Book Lovers Inc)
I've heard so much good about Carrie Lofty's books that I jumped on the first occasion to review her new book. Flawless had me hooked from the first chapter. I like the estranged married couple theme and this was exactly what I needed.
Vivienne's inheritance comes with a catch. If she wants her money she has to successfully run her late adoptive father's Brokerage company in South Africa. I really like it when the inheritance has to be earned, so far it made for some of my favorite books. Viv didn't expect her estranged husband, the Viscount Bancroft to show up at the reading of the will. After running away from him a year ago all she wanted was to be left alone and live her tranquil life away from him. This new development will force her to go on an adventure in an exotic country to run the company she knows nothing about...with Miles!
Miles is a piece of Art. He knows how to play the bored and snob aristocrat. He seems to be a dilettante and when we first meet him he's drunk and smoking cigars. We are thrown in the story without knowing what happened to them and why they didn't work out. I really loved piecing things together. We first get Viv's point of view and when we finally get to Miles he doesn't come out as a nice person. He wants revenge, he wants to seduce her again and be the one leaving. Well obviously I fell for him anyway. Despite his cold facade he's a good man and there is hope from him.
I think the magic of this book comes from being set in South Africa. Wow the author really did a fantastic job there. It was exotic and intriguing. I loved how it made me feel. It was also really interesting to see how these aristocrats lived so far from London. How it wasn't that different in the end. I think I've mentioned in previous reviews how I love historical facts in my stories, well I learned a lot of things about South Africa and about the Diamond industry at that time. Seriously it was fantastic. It felt so real, loved it.
Now let's talk about Viv and Miles as a couple. It took some time for the love story to pick up but since they'd been estranged so long it was only natural. Viv's past is also filled with ghosts she's afraid to talk about. I really loved how they were together. It was stronger than them, she couldn't resist him and he couldn't help but fall for his intelligent wife. They learned to trust each other even if that was hard. The scene where Viv takes what she want was oh so very awesome. Hot and passionate with sizzling chemistry. I ended up loving Miles so bad. He changed a lot and he became reliable and just perfect. Nom.
This was my first historical romance by Carrie Lotfy but it won't be the last. I really loved reading this story about second chances, appearances and learning to trust. Let yourself be taken on a journey you won't regret. I'm really hoping there will be books about Viv's brothers and sisters.
I've heard so much good about Carrie Lofty's books that I jumped on the first occasion to review her new book. Flawless had me hooked from the first chapter. I like the estranged married couple theme and this was exactly what I needed.
Vivienne's inheritance comes with a catch. If she wants her money she has to successfully run her late adoptive father's Brokerage company in South Africa. I really like it when the inheritance has to be earned, so far it made for some of my favorite books. Viv didn't expect her estranged husband, the Viscount Bancroft to show up at the reading of the will. After running away from him a year ago all she wanted was to be left alone and live her tranquil life away from him. This new development will force her to go on an adventure in an exotic country to run the company she knows nothing about...with Miles!
Miles is a piece of Art. He knows how to play the bored and snob aristocrat. He seems to be a dilettante and when we first meet him he's drunk and smoking cigars. We are thrown in the story without knowing what happened to them and why they didn't work out. I really loved piecing things together. We first get Viv's point of view and when we finally get to Miles he doesn't come out as a nice person. He wants revenge, he wants to seduce her again and be the one leaving. Well obviously I fell for him anyway. Despite his cold facade he's a good man and there is hope from him.
I think the magic of this book comes from being set in South Africa. Wow the author really did a fantastic job there. It was exotic and intriguing. I loved how it made me feel. It was also really interesting to see how these aristocrats lived so far from London. How it wasn't that different in the end. I think I've mentioned in previous reviews how I love historical facts in my stories, well I learned a lot of things about South Africa and about the Diamond industry at that time. Seriously it was fantastic. It felt so real, loved it.
Now let's talk about Viv and Miles as a couple. It took some time for the love story to pick up but since they'd been estranged so long it was only natural. Viv's past is also filled with ghosts she's afraid to talk about. I really loved how they were together. It was stronger than them, she couldn't resist him and he couldn't help but fall for his intelligent wife. They learned to trust each other even if that was hard. The scene where Viv takes what she want was oh so very awesome. Hot and passionate with sizzling chemistry. I ended up loving Miles so bad. He changed a lot and he became reliable and just perfect. Nom.
This was my first historical romance by Carrie Lotfy but it won't be the last. I really loved reading this story about second chances, appearances and learning to trust. Let yourself be taken on a journey you won't regret. I'm really hoping there will be books about Viv's brothers and sisters.
October 25, 2011
Redonk Nutshell: Jaded spouses reunite to revive a recently inherited crumbling diamond dynasty
I fell in love with this cover. Ain't it purty? Then I fell for the premise - a regency romance set in...wait for it...SOUTH AFRICA? Score. What I got was a gritty and at times uncomfortable not-so-fluffy romance story between a husband and wife that reluctantly come together for somewhat nefarious reasons. Though of course, things don't go quite the way they plan. I very much enjoyed this book. It had a realistic emotional toil for me that rang true.
The characters are as flawed as the stones they pull from the ground. Miles Durham, our hero, is, to be blunt, an overindulgent nihilistic ass. His wife of an arranged marriage, Vivienne, left him a year prior, and Miles takes it upon himself to get her back so he can rebuild their relationship. And then leave her. You know how it goes - a typical revenge scheme, eh? Vivienne, on the other hand, has grown up in the year of her separation from her husband. She's resolved not to fall prey to his baited retorts and actions, and she's committed to finding herself stability at just about any cost. When Vivienne's father bequeaths her the task of rescuing his struggling diamond firm in South Africa, she accepts the challenge. She's stunned when upon arriving she's faced with her estranged husband. Miles has taken it upon himself to get a head start on Viv's family legacy and his own personal goals. They come to something of an agreement. After all, they both benefit if Vivienne can make her father's firm successful. What neither of them count on is genuinely falling in love with one another.
Miles and Viv's story isn't pretty. They both have some pretty serious emotional baggage to sort through. Miles's behavior and treatment is a constant haunt to Vivienne, which gives her some pretty serious trust issues. But then again, Miles really is an ass. Or at least was. It's a joy to watch Miles find a purpose to his life, and with it a reason to stick with his resolution to avoid gambling and drinking.
I very much enjoyed these two's story. The setting of South Africa is a breath of breath of fresh air in a regency romance, though it isn't necessarily pretty. In fact, it's at times downright brutal. I personally appreciated it.
If you're considering checking out regency romance and are looking for something with more substance than fluff, I'd recommend Flawless by Carrie Lofty.
Flawless by Carrie Lofty, 416 pgs, 9/27/11
Rating: B-
Romance: 3/5 Raunch: 3/5
I fell in love with this cover. Ain't it purty? Then I fell for the premise - a regency romance set in...wait for it...SOUTH AFRICA? Score. What I got was a gritty and at times uncomfortable not-so-fluffy romance story between a husband and wife that reluctantly come together for somewhat nefarious reasons. Though of course, things don't go quite the way they plan. I very much enjoyed this book. It had a realistic emotional toil for me that rang true.
The characters are as flawed as the stones they pull from the ground. Miles Durham, our hero, is, to be blunt, an overindulgent nihilistic ass. His wife of an arranged marriage, Vivienne, left him a year prior, and Miles takes it upon himself to get her back so he can rebuild their relationship. And then leave her. You know how it goes - a typical revenge scheme, eh? Vivienne, on the other hand, has grown up in the year of her separation from her husband. She's resolved not to fall prey to his baited retorts and actions, and she's committed to finding herself stability at just about any cost. When Vivienne's father bequeaths her the task of rescuing his struggling diamond firm in South Africa, she accepts the challenge. She's stunned when upon arriving she's faced with her estranged husband. Miles has taken it upon himself to get a head start on Viv's family legacy and his own personal goals. They come to something of an agreement. After all, they both benefit if Vivienne can make her father's firm successful. What neither of them count on is genuinely falling in love with one another.
Miles and Viv's story isn't pretty. They both have some pretty serious emotional baggage to sort through. Miles's behavior and treatment is a constant haunt to Vivienne, which gives her some pretty serious trust issues. But then again, Miles really is an ass. Or at least was. It's a joy to watch Miles find a purpose to his life, and with it a reason to stick with his resolution to avoid gambling and drinking.
I very much enjoyed these two's story. The setting of South Africa is a breath of breath of fresh air in a regency romance, though it isn't necessarily pretty. In fact, it's at times downright brutal. I personally appreciated it.
If you're considering checking out regency romance and are looking for something with more substance than fluff, I'd recommend Flawless by Carrie Lofty.
Flawless by Carrie Lofty, 416 pgs, 9/27/11
Rating: B-
Romance: 3/5 Raunch: 3/5
September 26, 2011
Flawless is the first book in a new series from Carrie Lofty and if it is an indication of what is to come, I think we will be in for some amazing trips to interesting locations. This first book takes us on a trip to the African diamond mines... such an exotic place to have this passionate and tension filled romance take place.
Viv is a stubborn woman who deep down just craves the love of a good man and if she can't have that then she would rather have her independence (which means she needs enough money to strike out on her own and leave her cad of a husband in the dust). Miles is a sexy lord who gives in to temptation and his vices: gambling and drinking. He's a bit of a bossy sort at times, but if he stays sober for long enough, there might be a chance for him yet. The two have a tumultuous relationship and I think the driving force is that they only have each other in this far away land so different from their own.
I would have to say their romance is a bit predictable, though it was enjoyable to read. Viv as a character grew on me as the story progressed (you really get her back story in the last 100 pages and it makes for a much more fleshed out character). And Miles – he was a bit of an ass at first, but I am glad to report that he redeems himself somewhat after realizing what he could lose.
I think one of the most interesting parts of this book is the concept of being in South Africa in the 1880s and working in a diamond brokerage. I can't even imagine what it would be like for a woman back then to suddenly find herself managing a brokerage for jewels in the middle of an unknown place. Woman were not looked upon for independence back then. Also, it was interesting learning the history and culture of this setting. How many of the rules were still followed though others were easily broken while away from the rules of England and the nobility. I loved learning about the entire process including mining and valuation of the gems. I think it would be so stressful to uproot your family on the chance of finding diamonds in a remote world you've never imagined you'd ever visit.
With that being said, I am really looking forward to reading the stories of Viv's siblings, to see if they were able to complete their assigned duties in order to earn their portion of their fathers estate. I wonder what places they will be sent to and what adventures await them all?
Viv is a stubborn woman who deep down just craves the love of a good man and if she can't have that then she would rather have her independence (which means she needs enough money to strike out on her own and leave her cad of a husband in the dust). Miles is a sexy lord who gives in to temptation and his vices: gambling and drinking. He's a bit of a bossy sort at times, but if he stays sober for long enough, there might be a chance for him yet. The two have a tumultuous relationship and I think the driving force is that they only have each other in this far away land so different from their own.
I would have to say their romance is a bit predictable, though it was enjoyable to read. Viv as a character grew on me as the story progressed (you really get her back story in the last 100 pages and it makes for a much more fleshed out character). And Miles – he was a bit of an ass at first, but I am glad to report that he redeems himself somewhat after realizing what he could lose.
I think one of the most interesting parts of this book is the concept of being in South Africa in the 1880s and working in a diamond brokerage. I can't even imagine what it would be like for a woman back then to suddenly find herself managing a brokerage for jewels in the middle of an unknown place. Woman were not looked upon for independence back then. Also, it was interesting learning the history and culture of this setting. How many of the rules were still followed though others were easily broken while away from the rules of England and the nobility. I loved learning about the entire process including mining and valuation of the gems. I think it would be so stressful to uproot your family on the chance of finding diamonds in a remote world you've never imagined you'd ever visit.
With that being said, I am really looking forward to reading the stories of Viv's siblings, to see if they were able to complete their assigned duties in order to earn their portion of their fathers estate. I wonder what places they will be sent to and what adventures await them all?
September 30, 2011
Flawless opens soon after the death of millionaire entrepreneur Sir William Christie. He leaves behind four children, including the adopted and illegitimate Lady Vivienne Bancroft. Viviene is devastated at her father's death and all the unresolved issues haunt her. But during the reading of the will, Sir William is his unconventional and unpredictable self. Each of four children are given a business and a challenge: they must make the business profitable within a year or their inheritance will be limited to five hundred pounds. If they fail or give up, they cannot receive anything else from their father's vast estate.
Vivenne had been hoping that she'd receive a legacy large enough for her to be financially independent, able to permanently avoid her husband, the dissolute and gorgeous Miles Durham, Viscount Bancroft. So, when her husband joined the family for the reading of the will and with the unusual terms of the bequest of a diamond mine in South Africa, Vivienne knew that she had to work with Miles.
This time in Africa turns Flawless into something beyond a regular historical romance. Flawless is reminiscent of a Wilbur Smith novel with the the intrigue, the emphasis on friendship, loyalty and memorable lead characters. Miles proves himself to be strong, wily, and loyal - he rises to the challenge and becomes a better man. Vivienne finds herself falling in love with him all over again. As they face danger and unexpected obstacles, Miles and Vivienne deliver an exciting and fun romance. I look forward to reading the next in the series!
ISBN-10: 1451616384 - Paperback $7.99
Publisher: Pocket Books (September 27, 2011), 416 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
Vivenne had been hoping that she'd receive a legacy large enough for her to be financially independent, able to permanently avoid her husband, the dissolute and gorgeous Miles Durham, Viscount Bancroft. So, when her husband joined the family for the reading of the will and with the unusual terms of the bequest of a diamond mine in South Africa, Vivienne knew that she had to work with Miles.
This time in Africa turns Flawless into something beyond a regular historical romance. Flawless is reminiscent of a Wilbur Smith novel with the the intrigue, the emphasis on friendship, loyalty and memorable lead characters. Miles proves himself to be strong, wily, and loyal - he rises to the challenge and becomes a better man. Vivienne finds herself falling in love with him all over again. As they face danger and unexpected obstacles, Miles and Vivienne deliver an exciting and fun romance. I look forward to reading the next in the series!
ISBN-10: 1451616384 - Paperback $7.99
Publisher: Pocket Books (September 27, 2011), 416 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
May 28, 2012
Wow, this writer is on a winning streak! Flawless had the advantage of an original setting: Cape Town late 1800s after the first Boer war. The Christies patriarch recently died and had issued his four children a challenge: they each must turn around one of his failing investments (and receive a substantial amount of money as their reward) or forfeit any inheritance. Viv and Miles's marriage is on the skids, but they decide to make another go at it for the sake of the inheritance. Through great storytelling, I was privy to the rebuilding of their marriage, how they each had their epiphanies about themselves and what they really wanted, and what they had to do to trust one another enough to reveal their secrets. Viv and Miles cared deeply for each other but they were frightened by the possibility of being hurt yet again. They each saw how the other changed and eventually came to realize that they were now different people. Scaling their walls of fear and distrust was a challenge for both of them.
The plot was more character and relationship driven instead of having some outside evil enemy or mystery to solve. Also, I got to read about some interesting history of the growing British settlements and the diamond industry in a relatively unknown part of the world, which is unique for a historical romance. There was a lot of tenderness here but never assume that it put this story to sleep. In fact, it just made me connect with Viv and Miles more. There weren't as many love scenes as I'd normally prefer, but it didn't matter; the writing won hands down. Simply put, this was an original and fascinating tale; don't miss this one--I highly recommend it. 4.5 stars
The plot was more character and relationship driven instead of having some outside evil enemy or mystery to solve. Also, I got to read about some interesting history of the growing British settlements and the diamond industry in a relatively unknown part of the world, which is unique for a historical romance. There was a lot of tenderness here but never assume that it put this story to sleep. In fact, it just made me connect with Viv and Miles more. There weren't as many love scenes as I'd normally prefer, but it didn't matter; the writing won hands down. Simply put, this was an original and fascinating tale; don't miss this one--I highly recommend it. 4.5 stars
October 22, 2011
What would you do with a fortune on the line? Would you team up with the husband you ran away from to win? Would you risk your heart being broken again to prove that you can do the job? That's exactly what our main character Vivienne had to do to earn her inheritance from her now deceased father Sir William.
This was an intriguing start to a new series. It would appear that each sibling will be give their own book - and we'll learn whether they earn their share of the money from their father. Vivienne is given the task of running a diamond brokerage in South Africa. Little does she know when she sets out on the journey that her husband Miles is waiting for her on the other side of the ocean.
These two characters have an interesting relationship. Vivienne runs away from Miles and goes to New York where her family is. He - stays in England and drinks himself into oblivion. Miles only shows up when there is money at stake and wants his share of the pie. At first I didn't like Miles! I found him selfish, annoying, pushy and walked all over Vivienne. While I know society didn't allow for independent women - I wish that Vivienne had had more backbone when we initially meet her. She does redeem herself.. thankfully.
While certain aspects of the story were predictable - the HEA is almost a given with romance novels. Ms Lofty has a way with words that had me hooked from the beginning. She is a fantastic writer and I can't wait to read more about Vivienne's siblings in her forthcoming books.
September 20, 2016
Carrie Lofty is a good writer. Alas, this time she was writing about people I just didn't like! I got 225 pages into this book and found that I didn't care what happened to them. I put the book down, read two other books, and when I picked up Flawless again--nada. No enthusiasm for continuing.
The book started as what I would call a New Style 'Old Skool' romance. There's no "forced seduction" (aka rape)--hooray! But that may be because the Vivienne and Miles are already married, though currently separated. She left him because he was a drunken douchebag, but when she lays eyes on him again (at the reading of her father's will), the mental lusting kicks in with a vengeance! He shows his asshat stripes when he mutters things like"how dare she leave me! I'll make her surrender" and besides she was always good in bed. Viv has a Big Secret (that we are in one early)that she Must Keep or all is lost. Ho-hum. Thereafter follows too many pages of he's so hot/she's so hot interspersed with the (actually very interesting) action.
I appreciate the fact that most of the action takes place is Kimberley South Africa--a booming diamond mining town--right after the first Boer War(1880-1881). Not a setting we usually encounter, that's for sure.
By the time I gave up I had already met the obligatory Zulu, the plucky English settler family, and the bad guy.
This being a romance, most of us can guess how the action is going to play out.
This has gotten some really good reviews, from people whose opinion I respect. However, I wasn't feeling the love. YMMV.
The book started as what I would call a New Style 'Old Skool' romance. There's no "forced seduction" (aka rape)--hooray! But that may be because the Vivienne and Miles are already married, though currently separated. She left him because he was a drunken douchebag, but when she lays eyes on him again (at the reading of her father's will), the mental lusting kicks in with a vengeance! He shows his asshat stripes when he mutters things like"how dare she leave me! I'll make her surrender" and besides she was always good in bed. Viv has a Big Secret (that we are in one early)that she Must Keep or all is lost. Ho-hum. Thereafter follows too many pages of he's so hot/she's so hot interspersed with the (actually very interesting) action.
I appreciate the fact that most of the action takes place is Kimberley South Africa--a booming diamond mining town--right after the first Boer War(1880-1881). Not a setting we usually encounter, that's for sure.
By the time I gave up I had already met the obligatory Zulu, the plucky English settler family, and the bad guy.
This being a romance, most of us can guess how the action is going to play out.
This has gotten some really good reviews, from people whose opinion I respect. However, I wasn't feeling the love. YMMV.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews