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Dreaming of You
Their passion was ignited by a treachery neither of them could have ever foreseen, yet it resulted in a love that was destined to last forever…
To secure the wellbeing of her beloved family, Melody Settrington agrees to marry Charles Cavendish, the elderly Earl of Edgington, despite her reservations. However, the innocent young beauty has no idea what her new husband will demand of her, once they are legally wed. It isn’t long however, before Melody discovers that the widowed earl had a purpose in choosing her for his bride, the daughter of an impoverished country baron. Impotent and childless, Charles is in desperate need of an heir, in addition to someone he can force into going along with the heinous scheme he has concocted.
Gavin Montrose, son of the wealthy Duke of Rutherford, is as charming as he is handsome. However, unbeknownst to him, he is also the man Charles Cavendish has selected to father his heir. Abducted from the grounds of his family’s country estate, he awakens to find himself in the midst of a nightmare. Assuming that he has been abducted for ransom, Gavin is stunned to learn of his mysterious abductor’s true purpose. To gain his freedom and protect his family from harm, he must father a child he will never meet, with a woman whose name he will never know and whose face he will never see.
Desperate to safeguard the people they love, both Melody and Gavin have no choice but to go along with the insanity that has been forced upon them or suffer the unbearable consequences. Compelled to meet in absolute darkness in the bedchamber of an isolated cottage, their identities a fiercely guarded secret, they will develop a bond neither of them had anticipated and discover a passion more powerful than either of them could have possibly imagined. But dare they call it love?
Years later, when fate intervenes and Gavin and Melody’s paths inadvertently cross…
To secure the wellbeing of her beloved family, Melody Settrington agrees to marry Charles Cavendish, the elderly Earl of Edgington, despite her reservations. However, the innocent young beauty has no idea what her new husband will demand of her, once they are legally wed. It isn’t long however, before Melody discovers that the widowed earl had a purpose in choosing her for his bride, the daughter of an impoverished country baron. Impotent and childless, Charles is in desperate need of an heir, in addition to someone he can force into going along with the heinous scheme he has concocted.
Gavin Montrose, son of the wealthy Duke of Rutherford, is as charming as he is handsome. However, unbeknownst to him, he is also the man Charles Cavendish has selected to father his heir. Abducted from the grounds of his family’s country estate, he awakens to find himself in the midst of a nightmare. Assuming that he has been abducted for ransom, Gavin is stunned to learn of his mysterious abductor’s true purpose. To gain his freedom and protect his family from harm, he must father a child he will never meet, with a woman whose name he will never know and whose face he will never see.
Desperate to safeguard the people they love, both Melody and Gavin have no choice but to go along with the insanity that has been forced upon them or suffer the unbearable consequences. Compelled to meet in absolute darkness in the bedchamber of an isolated cottage, their identities a fiercely guarded secret, they will develop a bond neither of them had anticipated and discover a passion more powerful than either of them could have possibly imagined. But dare they call it love?
Years later, when fate intervenes and Gavin and Melody’s paths inadvertently cross…
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2013
292 people are currently reading
1045 people want to read
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April 29, 2025
England 1840
Gavin, the very dashing son of a Duke, was strolling the grounds of the family estate with his sister one afternoon, when three masked men approached them.
Before he could react, he was struck by an object and the next instant he crumpled to the ground unconscious.
Melody was the daughter of an impoverished country baron. Her family was in dire financial situation so when the very wealthy and powerful, recently widowed and childless Earl Charles Cavendish asked for her hand in marriage she did not object.
The Earl was old enough to be her grandfather.
The marriage was never consummated.
The couple lived at the Earl's vast country estate.
Two months after the nuptials the Earl told her :
"I have a young nobleman abducted and expect you to lay with him. I expect him to get you with child. This child will become my heir and no one will ever know that he isn't truly mine."
We later learnt that the Earl was impotent.
Shocked and in tears, Melody pleated with him not to do it, but he was adamant.
He told her that if she didn't comply, her father would spend the rest of his life in a debtor's prison and her mother and brother would become homeless.
Gavin awoke on a bed with a letter next to him. The letter said that he'd been abducted to impregnate a woman. The woman's identity was to remain a secret, as was his own.
If he did not comply his sister would pay the price with her life.
If he complied both he and his sister would be released unharmed.
The next day Melody was taken to a remote cottage.
She was led to a pitch dark room. The guard told her that he would return in an hour.
Soon Gavin realised that the woman was not a willing participant. She was also a virgin.
After the deed was completed, they had time for small talk.
Gavin and Melody developed a routine in the days that followed.
The first part of their hour together was spent in bed. The second part was spent in polite conversation which was generic and never touched on anything personal.
They were even exchanging humorous anecdotes and were having fun.
Six days later Melody had her time of the month.
The following week she resumed her visits to the cottage.
Melody found the stranger to be kind and considerate, intelligent, caring, charming and amusing.
She had come to enjoy their intimacy and conversations.
She wondered if she would have been attracted to him if she could see him.
Gavin too had begun to look forward to her daily visits. The more they talked, the more he found himself beginning to like her. It was atypical spending time with a woman he knew nothing about, including what she looked like.
Three weeks after Melody resumed her daily visits to the cottage, she knew that she was in love with the stranger, and Gavin found it troubling that he wasn't quite so eager to be free from his captivity as he had been just a few weeks before.
Another fortnight had gone by and Melody's monthlies had yet to arrive.
They both realised that their meetings would soon come to a stopping point.
The next day the Earl told Melody that the visits to the cottage had come to an end.
Melody knew that the stranger was gone, lost to her forever.
While Melody was pregnant, the Earl died.
Melody inherited his estate and a lot of money.
London 1845
Five years later.
Melody arrived at the Cavendish town house in London for the first time in her life, with her children four year old twins William and Emma.
She never forgot the father of her children. She remembered he'd told her that he was mostly living in London and wondered if he was there at that very moment. He was the reason she came to London, to find him, but it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
In all likelihood she would never find him, but she had a tiny glimmer of hope.
And there was the possibility that their paths might cross without either of them ever realising it.
She thought that she would never be able to forget his voice, but five years had passed.
Would she be able to recognise it?
4o% mark
Gavin, the very dashing son of a Duke, was strolling the grounds of the family estate with his sister one afternoon, when three masked men approached them.
Before he could react, he was struck by an object and the next instant he crumpled to the ground unconscious.
Melody was the daughter of an impoverished country baron. Her family was in dire financial situation so when the very wealthy and powerful, recently widowed and childless Earl Charles Cavendish asked for her hand in marriage she did not object.
The Earl was old enough to be her grandfather.
The marriage was never consummated.
The couple lived at the Earl's vast country estate.
Two months after the nuptials the Earl told her :
"I have a young nobleman abducted and expect you to lay with him. I expect him to get you with child. This child will become my heir and no one will ever know that he isn't truly mine."
We later learnt that the Earl was impotent.
Shocked and in tears, Melody pleated with him not to do it, but he was adamant.
He told her that if she didn't comply, her father would spend the rest of his life in a debtor's prison and her mother and brother would become homeless.
Gavin awoke on a bed with a letter next to him. The letter said that he'd been abducted to impregnate a woman. The woman's identity was to remain a secret, as was his own.
If he did not comply his sister would pay the price with her life.
If he complied both he and his sister would be released unharmed.
The next day Melody was taken to a remote cottage.
She was led to a pitch dark room. The guard told her that he would return in an hour.
Soon Gavin realised that the woman was not a willing participant. She was also a virgin.
After the deed was completed, they had time for small talk.
Gavin and Melody developed a routine in the days that followed.
The first part of their hour together was spent in bed. The second part was spent in polite conversation which was generic and never touched on anything personal.
They were even exchanging humorous anecdotes and were having fun.
Six days later Melody had her time of the month.
The following week she resumed her visits to the cottage.
Melody found the stranger to be kind and considerate, intelligent, caring, charming and amusing.
She had come to enjoy their intimacy and conversations.
She wondered if she would have been attracted to him if she could see him.
Gavin too had begun to look forward to her daily visits. The more they talked, the more he found himself beginning to like her. It was atypical spending time with a woman he knew nothing about, including what she looked like.
Three weeks after Melody resumed her daily visits to the cottage, she knew that she was in love with the stranger, and Gavin found it troubling that he wasn't quite so eager to be free from his captivity as he had been just a few weeks before.
Another fortnight had gone by and Melody's monthlies had yet to arrive.
They both realised that their meetings would soon come to a stopping point.
The next day the Earl told Melody that the visits to the cottage had come to an end.
Melody knew that the stranger was gone, lost to her forever.
While Melody was pregnant, the Earl died.
Melody inherited his estate and a lot of money.
London 1845
Five years later.
Melody arrived at the Cavendish town house in London for the first time in her life, with her children four year old twins William and Emma.
She never forgot the father of her children. She remembered he'd told her that he was mostly living in London and wondered if he was there at that very moment. He was the reason she came to London, to find him, but it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
In all likelihood she would never find him, but she had a tiny glimmer of hope.
And there was the possibility that their paths might cross without either of them ever realising it.
She thought that she would never be able to forget his voice, but five years had passed.
Would she be able to recognise it?
4o% mark
November 18, 2020
3.5 ***
This is a new author I tried and who came highly rec’ed. The story has a very original storyline but I wish it had delivered more and was more intense. The whole premise and setup sets a stage for a great burning love story but sadly it doesn’t deliver as per the initial promise. But still it was not a bad book per se.
This is a new author I tried and who came highly rec’ed. The story has a very original storyline but I wish it had delivered more and was more intense. The whole premise and setup sets a stage for a great burning love story but sadly it doesn’t deliver as per the initial promise. But still it was not a bad book per se.
July 2, 2019
4 stars
This is one of the first books I read by this author, and it inspired me to read others that I have also enjoyed.
The story line begins as many HRs do... our young, beautiful, innocent h (Melody) has been given in marriage to an older yet titled and wealthy man in exchange for her family's debts to be paid. This gentleman (term used only to describe his peerage as he is most certainly a sick individual) is unable to... um... perform, and thus, unable to produce an heir which means his estates and title would revert to a despised, good-for-nothing nephew. In order to ensure this does not happen, he acquires Melody for the purpose of breeding... but not with him as he is unable to fulfill his marital duties. Instead, he forces her (at the threat of not paying her family's debts which would leave them devastated, and most especially her beloved seemingly mentally and physically handicapped younger brother) to engage in relations with a young man he has kidnapped for this purpose. Melody is horrified that her new husband would be this cruel, not only to her but to whomever the man he abducted is, but she feels she has no choice but to comply.
Gavin is the second son of a duke, and for that reason, he is chosen by Melody's husband as he has impeccable lineage and is less likely to be "missed" as the first son and future duke would be. Gavin is abducted while strolling with his sister, and he is told that his sister is being held captive; if he does not comply with the demands, she will be killed. His family is also informed that he will be returned safely within a few months only if they do not report this to the authorities or seek him on their own.
Melody is blindfolded and brought to a remote cottage on her husband's property to meet with Gavin in pitch dark blackness where they are given 1 hour every afternoon to have intercourse until she conceives a child. They are not to exchange names or personal details or the terrible fates will befall their families. While both are obviously distraught and sickened by the depravity of Melody's husband, they feel they must do as he says for their loved ones' sakes. The first encounter is (obviously) awkward, and the next couple of sessions are similarly uncomfortable, but Gavin offers Melody the opportunity to see what it is like to enjoy sex, and she accepts. Over the course of the next several weeks, their relationship deepens, and they begin to look forward to their time together as they both feel that they are falling in love with the other. Melody hides this from her husband as she is sure that he would cease the relations and find another substitute should he learn of her fondness for the man he kidnapped, and she also hides from him once she believes she might be pregnant so that he would continue to allow her to be with Gavin. But suddenly her husband tells her one afternoon that she need not go to Gavin any longer unless she is either found to be not pregnant or miscarries. He hangs onto Gavin, who is also devastated by the news that he will not get to see the woman he has come to care for again, until it is certain that Melody is carrying the much-desired heir.
Gavin is released to return home only to wonder what has become of the woman he fell for despite the circumstances that brought them together. Melody is also consumed with thoughts of Gavin: who is he? Will she ever see him again? Would she know him if she saw him? And then her husband dies of a heart attack halfway through her pregnancy. Once her heir is born and is a few years old, she travels to London as she has been pressured to be introduced to society and knows it is in the best interest of her son and his future. Will the long-lost lovers be able to find each other again? If they do, what will happen if society learns that her heir belongs to Gavin and is thus not the true son of her husband?
What I liked:
--- Both MCs were likeable characters that were easy to become invested in because you want them to find each other and have their well-deserved HEA
--- Steamy goodness: yes please!
--- The overall story was different which made it more interesting to read to see how everything unfolded
What I didn't like as much:
--- Okay, the way they got together was effed up - while it wasn't really rape, it might as well have been regardless of how kind Gavin was about it, so this may be a trigger for some people who read this book
--- Good Lord get over yourself Gavin and listen for 2 minutes (if you read it, you will get where I am coming from here) - much too much angst created out of something that could have easily been resolved had allowed any form of explanation from Melody
Overall, a good read if you are okay with some dubious consent activity and angst.
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- no violence, but some dubious consent situations/possible trigger warning
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
This is one of the first books I read by this author, and it inspired me to read others that I have also enjoyed.
The story line begins as many HRs do... our young, beautiful, innocent h (Melody) has been given in marriage to an older yet titled and wealthy man in exchange for her family's debts to be paid. This gentleman (term used only to describe his peerage as he is most certainly a sick individual) is unable to... um... perform, and thus, unable to produce an heir which means his estates and title would revert to a despised, good-for-nothing nephew. In order to ensure this does not happen, he acquires Melody for the purpose of breeding... but not with him as he is unable to fulfill his marital duties. Instead, he forces her (at the threat of not paying her family's debts which would leave them devastated, and most especially her beloved seemingly mentally and physically handicapped younger brother) to engage in relations with a young man he has kidnapped for this purpose. Melody is horrified that her new husband would be this cruel, not only to her but to whomever the man he abducted is, but she feels she has no choice but to comply.
Gavin is the second son of a duke, and for that reason, he is chosen by Melody's husband as he has impeccable lineage and is less likely to be "missed" as the first son and future duke would be. Gavin is abducted while strolling with his sister, and he is told that his sister is being held captive; if he does not comply with the demands, she will be killed. His family is also informed that he will be returned safely within a few months only if they do not report this to the authorities or seek him on their own.
Melody is blindfolded and brought to a remote cottage on her husband's property to meet with Gavin in pitch dark blackness where they are given 1 hour every afternoon to have intercourse until she conceives a child. They are not to exchange names or personal details or the terrible fates will befall their families. While both are obviously distraught and sickened by the depravity of Melody's husband, they feel they must do as he says for their loved ones' sakes. The first encounter is (obviously) awkward, and the next couple of sessions are similarly uncomfortable, but Gavin offers Melody the opportunity to see what it is like to enjoy sex, and she accepts. Over the course of the next several weeks, their relationship deepens, and they begin to look forward to their time together as they both feel that they are falling in love with the other. Melody hides this from her husband as she is sure that he would cease the relations and find another substitute should he learn of her fondness for the man he kidnapped, and she also hides from him once she believes she might be pregnant so that he would continue to allow her to be with Gavin. But suddenly her husband tells her one afternoon that she need not go to Gavin any longer unless she is either found to be not pregnant or miscarries. He hangs onto Gavin, who is also devastated by the news that he will not get to see the woman he has come to care for again, until it is certain that Melody is carrying the much-desired heir.
Gavin is released to return home only to wonder what has become of the woman he fell for despite the circumstances that brought them together. Melody is also consumed with thoughts of Gavin: who is he? Will she ever see him again? Would she know him if she saw him? And then her husband dies of a heart attack halfway through her pregnancy. Once her heir is born and is a few years old, she travels to London as she has been pressured to be introduced to society and knows it is in the best interest of her son and his future. Will the long-lost lovers be able to find each other again? If they do, what will happen if society learns that her heir belongs to Gavin and is thus not the true son of her husband?
What I liked:
--- Both MCs were likeable characters that were easy to become invested in because you want them to find each other and have their well-deserved HEA
--- Steamy goodness: yes please!
--- The overall story was different which made it more interesting to read to see how everything unfolded
What I didn't like as much:
--- Okay, the way they got together was effed up - while it wasn't really rape, it might as well have been regardless of how kind Gavin was about it, so this may be a trigger for some people who read this book
--- Good Lord get over yourself Gavin and listen for 2 minutes (if you read it, you will get where I am coming from here) - much too much angst created out of something that could have easily been resolved had allowed any form of explanation from Melody
Overall, a good read if you are okay with some dubious consent activity and angst.
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- no violence, but some dubious consent situations/possible trigger warning
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
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July 30, 2020
Ok, so this was supposed to be my guilty-pleasure read for the day, the you-know-it’s-awfully-cheesy-but-you-still-enjoy-it kind, when you’re too tired for anything else. The book’s premise (old earl is infertile, makes his young wife bed another man to produce an heir) made me pick this up and I really enjoyed the beginning of the book, mostly because the essentially unwilling sexual encounters (on both sides) were thankfully handled well and the ensuing feelings developed in a believable way; but then I started skimming – which I NEVER do – and here is why:
I am actually weirdly disappointed (and slightly cranky) because I had high hopes for this book and it did have potential (hence the 3-star rating); it just fell flat at some point. I wish I’d continued with one of the other books I’m currently reading, tired or not.
I can understand why people enjoyed this book, though, and if you're not bothered by the issues mentioned above, it might very well be the perfect "guilty-pleasure" romance for you.
1. Even if you’ve only done it in the dark and don’t know what the other person looks like, I cannot believe you would not recognize said person’s voice after spending ample time together, while not only getting it on but actually talking, experiencing intense intimacy and finally falling in love. (The heightening of other senses when you’re deprived of one should also be considered.). Just not believable at all.
2. One giant miscommunication trope – that is based on assuming the worst of the person you’re in love with (!) – carries on for waaaay too long and then outside assistance is needed to resolve the misunderstanding and without the H groveling for emotionally mistreating the h for weeks. Sorry, I don’t care for that plot and character development.
I am actually weirdly disappointed (and slightly cranky) because I had high hopes for this book and it did have potential (hence the 3-star rating); it just fell flat at some point. I wish I’d continued with one of the other books I’m currently reading, tired or not.
I can understand why people enjoyed this book, though, and if you're not bothered by the issues mentioned above, it might very well be the perfect "guilty-pleasure" romance for you.
August 17, 2025
reread: 8/17/25
Reread: 4/21
setting: 1834 England
I just finished reading this book for maybe the 10th time.
Best describe it as : A ridiculous plot that hits all the right spots!!
Reread: 4/21
setting: 1834 England
I just finished reading this book for maybe the 10th time.
Best describe it as : A ridiculous plot that hits all the right spots!!
December 10, 2025
Some fantastic parts, some more boring parts
The beginning really hooked me and despite the fact the earl's plan seemed a bit too convoluted and lacked foresight (you might want the bluest blood but a more sensible man would select by coloring first...), I was willing to suspend my disbelief.
It's the middle that lost me.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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The beginning really hooked me and despite the fact the earl's plan seemed a bit too convoluted and lacked foresight (you might want the bluest blood but a more sensible man would select by coloring first...), I was willing to suspend my disbelief.
It's the middle that lost me.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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January 30, 2021
While the hero, second born son of a Duke is out strolling the grounds of the ancestral estate.,he is knocked on the head and rendered unconscious by the masked villains.He awakens in a darkened room,pitch black,and his sister is no where to be found.A giant of a man gives him a letter and leaves with instructions to read and obey or else his sister's life will be in jeopardy. He has been kidnapped, and the contents of the letter floors him.
The young 18 year old heroine is married to a man older than a grandfather,who is walking impaired and also penis impaired,he is impotent,only a select few knows of his malfunction.He needs an heir,his disreputable nephew will not get a penny of his vasts amounts of money nor his title and estates.So what is the old impotent codger to do? Why kiddnap a young ,strong ,pedegrieed nobleman with the most impeccable lineage to sire his heir.And so the story begins.
I liked this one,it had the feels and emotional angst that I enjoy in a story.
The heroine was appalled at what her old husband wanted her to do,but she has to think of her family and disabled brother.She goes off for her tryst with the kidnapped Lord in order to get pregnant.
He takes her virginity gently,and eventually these two have a rapport with each other and they develop feelings but dare not say it .They know each other by touch,voice and that's it.
The heroine becomes pregnant soon and the trysts end.Each are heartbroken that it ends,the Lord is set free and returns home.
The heroine finally pregnant,the old man gets his way, and then he dies leaving the heroine a widow and now soon to be Mum of twins!
In his will he makes provisions for the heroine and his heirs,very generous and the heroine is grateful...her family is now secure and not destined for the poor house.
5 years pass and the heroine and her twins go to London.They soon meet at a party,but does not recognize each other,they were always in a dark room,but certain inflections of each others voice and a tell tale scar on the hero's face give it all away soon after.
In these 5 years,the Lord has become a Duke as his father and older brother has died.
They each figure out who the other is and as pieces fall into place,they each confront and everything is out in the open.The Duke wants his children.
I felt for this couple..in essence they were put in a very difficult position..I felt like the old man"raped" the two mc's by forcing them in a situation not of their making.
Loved the epiligue where they had another son.
This is my second read by this author and I enjoyed her writing style.
The young 18 year old heroine is married to a man older than a grandfather,who is walking impaired and also penis impaired,he is impotent,only a select few knows of his malfunction.He needs an heir,his disreputable nephew will not get a penny of his vasts amounts of money nor his title and estates.So what is the old impotent codger to do? Why kiddnap a young ,strong ,pedegrieed nobleman with the most impeccable lineage to sire his heir.And so the story begins.
I liked this one,it had the feels and emotional angst that I enjoy in a story.
The heroine was appalled at what her old husband wanted her to do,but she has to think of her family and disabled brother.She goes off for her tryst with the kidnapped Lord in order to get pregnant.
He takes her virginity gently,and eventually these two have a rapport with each other and they develop feelings but dare not say it .They know each other by touch,voice and that's it.
The heroine becomes pregnant soon and the trysts end.Each are heartbroken that it ends,the Lord is set free and returns home.
The heroine finally pregnant,the old man gets his way, and then he dies leaving the heroine a widow and now soon to be Mum of twins!
In his will he makes provisions for the heroine and his heirs,very generous and the heroine is grateful...her family is now secure and not destined for the poor house.
5 years pass and the heroine and her twins go to London.They soon meet at a party,but does not recognize each other,they were always in a dark room,but certain inflections of each others voice and a tell tale scar on the hero's face give it all away soon after.
In these 5 years,the Lord has become a Duke as his father and older brother has died.
They each figure out who the other is and as pieces fall into place,they each confront and everything is out in the open.The Duke wants his children.
I felt for this couple..in essence they were put in a very difficult position..I felt like the old man"raped" the two mc's by forcing them in a situation not of their making.
Loved the epiligue where they had another son.
This is my second read by this author and I enjoyed her writing style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2014
3.5 stars. Such an unusual premise! DREAMING OF YOU is an unusual historical romance story about two people who first meet in the dark, both forced to hide their identities from each other and to secretly conceive a child so a wealthy, ruthless Earl will get his heir.
I wavered between 3 & 4 stars, but decided to 'round up' because the unusually storyline did keep me captivated and interested despite a few glaring plot holes. The characters of Gavin and Melody were interesting and likable, and I grew to really like both of them. The ending was also a nice touch, and another reason I rounded up.
But while the forced seduction felt a bit off, it was the small (but still significant) misunderstandings between the hero and heroine toward the later half of the story that kept me from giving it a higher rating.
It was the unusual storyline that I enjoyed most. It was a bit clunky, but surprisingly well done for what it was.
September 16, 2020
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dreaming of You is a tale of true love sprouting out of a soil of treachery and deceit.
• The lush Writing captivated me from the very first page. Through mere words, I was left with a whirlpool of indescribable emotions.
• The build up of the Plot was done well, although its romance-heavy as it should be, but it was easy to pinpoint what the plot was rather than lose track of it. The pacing progressed with the plot which encouraged me to finish this book in one sitting.
• The characters were so endearing. Melody and Gavin are victims to a horrible treachery, sacrificial lambs to fulfill an depraved old Duke’s wish yet even in the deep darkness they found the light to which gave life to their love.
• The Romance was steamy, passionate and emotional. The chemistry between the couple is so appealing that it kept my butterflies at a frenzy.
Dreaming of You is a tale of true love sprouting out of a soil of treachery and deceit.
• The lush Writing captivated me from the very first page. Through mere words, I was left with a whirlpool of indescribable emotions.
• The build up of the Plot was done well, although its romance-heavy as it should be, but it was easy to pinpoint what the plot was rather than lose track of it. The pacing progressed with the plot which encouraged me to finish this book in one sitting.
• The characters were so endearing. Melody and Gavin are victims to a horrible treachery, sacrificial lambs to fulfill an depraved old Duke’s wish yet even in the deep darkness they found the light to which gave life to their love.
• The Romance was steamy, passionate and emotional. The chemistry between the couple is so appealing that it kept my butterflies at a frenzy.
August 14, 2016
Omg that was such an emotional heartbreaking sweet read! Heroine was an angel and both she and hero were victims of a disgusting plan. So romantic how they found true love in a hopeless situation. Their twins were adorable and hero's grovel made me cry! Epilogue was super romantic it melted my heart! I need more books from this amazing author!
April 2, 2015
The plot of the story admittedly sounds strange. Newly married 18 yr. old Melody is being blackmailed by her old husband in exchange for assurances that her father won't go to debtor's prison and her mom and sickly brother won't be left out in the streets.
Gavin was the handsome, outgoing, second son of a duke. It is that noble bloodline that Melody's impotent husband wants to claim the offspring of their union as his heir. Gavin is threatened with the death of his sister if he doesn't comply.
What a predicament right? These two strangers must now come together to do what must be done in order to protect the ones they love. They are kept in the dark and cannot share any personal information. They don't even know their names. Oy!!!
The books shines because Melody and Gavin are genuinely amazing people. They are both kind and know that they are both victims of a terrible scheme. What started off as forced duty runs the gamut of emotions for them - first outrage, helplessness, resignation, understanding, then takes a turn for a slow friendship and companionship, and then love. What daily visits they both dreaded becomes time and space beautifully shared and guiltily cherished.
It is only years later that Melody moves to London. She's cried and dreamed and hoped and pined for the stranger she still loves. And yes i was antsy waiting for them to find each other again after all these years. How would they recognize each other? They only know how each other sounds, what their voices sound like. Would there be an obvious connection when they run into each other again? Ahhhhhhh I was all in already but at this point, I could not put the book down!
I have never read a Jennifer McNare book before this and I'm definitely circling back to check out her other books. When I talked about the book midway through with my sister, I couldn't tell her the author or even the name of the book. I don't even remember buying it...or was it free? It was in my Nook and I was in a mood for a historical romance and I gave it a try. And got sucked right back into my book heaven. An engaging historial romance that was a bit heartbreaking, some sweet, and sprinkled with hope and love for a hero and and a heroine who are so deserving of a happily ever after.
Gavin was the handsome, outgoing, second son of a duke. It is that noble bloodline that Melody's impotent husband wants to claim the offspring of their union as his heir. Gavin is threatened with the death of his sister if he doesn't comply.
“Did he honestly intend to abduct a nobleman and then expect her to lay with him, expect him to get her with child?”
What a predicament right? These two strangers must now come together to do what must be done in order to protect the ones they love. They are kept in the dark and cannot share any personal information. They don't even know their names. Oy!!!
The books shines because Melody and Gavin are genuinely amazing people. They are both kind and know that they are both victims of a terrible scheme. What started off as forced duty runs the gamut of emotions for them - first outrage, helplessness, resignation, understanding, then takes a turn for a slow friendship and companionship, and then love. What daily visits they both dreaded becomes time and space beautifully shared and guiltily cherished.
“Thank You?”
“I just realized that I have never really told you how grateful I am…for…what you’ve done for me. For making this…our time together so wonderful, when it could have been so…”
“You hardly need to thank me. Being with you like this is the one good thing that has come from this insanity. It is I who should be thanking you, for you are most certainly the only thing that has kept me sane during this madness. If not for you I might well have gone mad myself, confined to this place day after day.”
It is only years later that Melody moves to London. She's cried and dreamed and hoped and pined for the stranger she still loves. And yes i was antsy waiting for them to find each other again after all these years. How would they recognize each other? They only know how each other sounds, what their voices sound like. Would there be an obvious connection when they run into each other again? Ahhhhhhh I was all in already but at this point, I could not put the book down!
I have never read a Jennifer McNare book before this and I'm definitely circling back to check out her other books. When I talked about the book midway through with my sister, I couldn't tell her the author or even the name of the book. I don't even remember buying it...or was it free? It was in my Nook and I was in a mood for a historical romance and I gave it a try. And got sucked right back into my book heaven. An engaging historial romance that was a bit heartbreaking, some sweet, and sprinkled with hope and love for a hero and and a heroine who are so deserving of a happily ever after.
February 28, 2021
WOW A GREAT LOVE STORY!!
WOW!! what another great story by Jennifer McNare. Dreaming of You was a great story and it was a Freebie. I would have paid for this ebook. Were there problems very little and not enough to take it out of the 5 star rage. The story grips you from the beginning. Lord Gavin Montrose is kidnapped taking a stroll with his young sister Natalie. He is lead to believe that if he doesn't go along with the kidnappers plans they will kill his sister. Gavin at the time is the 2nd son of the Duke of Rutherford.
Melody Cavendish is the very young 18 yrs old new Countess of Edgington. Just married to the old Earl Charles Cavendish. He is old enough to be her grandfather and he is impotent and cannot functions sexually. Charles wants an heir of good noble blood, so he devises a way to get what he wants. Melody is forced to produce an heir with kidnapped Gavin. Gavin know this is the plot but he doesn't know who is behind it. Who would do something so despicable? The rooms are very dark and Gavin an Melody never see each other only feel. Gavin was so gentle with her during her first time having sex. Once the deed is done. They are separated never know too who the other is. This story is complex and has many twist and turns. The problems I had was I think Gavin and Melody were separated far to long. She did attempt to find him and him her. I just wish they could have got back together much sooner. The other problem I had was Gavin never spent enough time with the children, it wasn't enough relationship building. He also, was very cruel to Melody and she believed she deserved his treatment. When she didn't. It took Gavin to long to realize the truth and then the book basically ends. Also, it should have been made clear that the 2nd son born to Gavin and Melody would have gained the title of Duke and the first son born would have to keep his title as Earl as he was the Heir to that crazy Earl Edgington. The only good thing about the Earl was he left his entire fortune to his heir and a ton of money to Melody!! So he was fair in that regard.
This story is a very good and I couldn't put it down. I just kept reading until I finished. There is lots going on in this story. I Highly Recommend Dreaming of You. It seems to be a stand alone novel at this time. I wouldn't mind if it turn into a series.
WOW!! what another great story by Jennifer McNare. Dreaming of You was a great story and it was a Freebie. I would have paid for this ebook. Were there problems very little and not enough to take it out of the 5 star rage. The story grips you from the beginning. Lord Gavin Montrose is kidnapped taking a stroll with his young sister Natalie. He is lead to believe that if he doesn't go along with the kidnappers plans they will kill his sister. Gavin at the time is the 2nd son of the Duke of Rutherford.
Melody Cavendish is the very young 18 yrs old new Countess of Edgington. Just married to the old Earl Charles Cavendish. He is old enough to be her grandfather and he is impotent and cannot functions sexually. Charles wants an heir of good noble blood, so he devises a way to get what he wants. Melody is forced to produce an heir with kidnapped Gavin. Gavin know this is the plot but he doesn't know who is behind it. Who would do something so despicable? The rooms are very dark and Gavin an Melody never see each other only feel. Gavin was so gentle with her during her first time having sex. Once the deed is done. They are separated never know too who the other is. This story is complex and has many twist and turns. The problems I had was I think Gavin and Melody were separated far to long. She did attempt to find him and him her. I just wish they could have got back together much sooner. The other problem I had was Gavin never spent enough time with the children, it wasn't enough relationship building. He also, was very cruel to Melody and she believed she deserved his treatment. When she didn't. It took Gavin to long to realize the truth and then the book basically ends. Also, it should have been made clear that the 2nd son born to Gavin and Melody would have gained the title of Duke and the first son born would have to keep his title as Earl as he was the Heir to that crazy Earl Edgington. The only good thing about the Earl was he left his entire fortune to his heir and a ton of money to Melody!! So he was fair in that regard.
This story is a very good and I couldn't put it down. I just kept reading until I finished. There is lots going on in this story. I Highly Recommend Dreaming of You. It seems to be a stand alone novel at this time. I wouldn't mind if it turn into a series.
June 17, 2021
2.5 stars. I was really looking forward to reading this book based on the blurb, but it didn't live up to its promise. The premise is intriguing--our 18-year old heroine, Melody, is married off to a cruel, elderly earl old enough to be her grandfather. The earl is impotent. He comes up with a diabolical plan to kidnap and imprison Gavin (son of a duke) and force him to impregnate Melody so that he can keep the child as his heir. Melody and Gavin are forced to meet in a darkened cottage (so they never know each other's identities) until Melody gets pregnant. They fall in love in the course of their tragic and strange circumstances. They're abruptly separated once Melody conceives. 5 months into her pregnancy, the earl dies and Melody becomes a widow. The story fast forwards to 5 years later when Melody moves to London. In the interim, Melody and Gavin have tried to discover each other's identities but have been unsuccessful.
Major failings:
The book is pretty much all telling and little showing. We are told how innocent, kind, naive, gentle Melody is. How considerate, warm, funny, intelligent Gavin is. His so called humour is a travesty, though to be fair they were in bed telling each other bad puns.
"Doesn't it make you dizzy to waltz, one young lady asked of another?" Gavin began, and then paused. "Yes, she answered, but one must get accustomed to it, for it is the way of the whirled," he finished drolly.
There's very little dialogue, only about 10 percent. All the rest is description and inner monologue, a lot of which is repetitive. So the story just drags on and on. What dialogue there is is stilted and canned.
The evil and tragic nature of the story is the most compelling thing about it. But these features weren't heightened enough to make the most out of them. I don't know; it's almost like the evil wasn't made vivid enough? Again, I think the fault lies with us being told over and over again "it's diabolical, it's evil!". We know it is! Show us how depraved the whole situation is in a gripping and engrossing way.
Major failings:
The book is pretty much all telling and little showing. We are told how innocent, kind, naive, gentle Melody is. How considerate, warm, funny, intelligent Gavin is. His so called humour is a travesty, though to be fair they were in bed telling each other bad puns.
"Doesn't it make you dizzy to waltz, one young lady asked of another?" Gavin began, and then paused. "Yes, she answered, but one must get accustomed to it, for it is the way of the whirled," he finished drolly.
There's very little dialogue, only about 10 percent. All the rest is description and inner monologue, a lot of which is repetitive. So the story just drags on and on. What dialogue there is is stilted and canned.
The evil and tragic nature of the story is the most compelling thing about it. But these features weren't heightened enough to make the most out of them. I don't know; it's almost like the evil wasn't made vivid enough? Again, I think the fault lies with us being told over and over again "it's diabolical, it's evil!". We know it is! Show us how depraved the whole situation is in a gripping and engrossing way.
June 19, 2021
I am in the minority here, I liked and didn't love the book. I was able to suspend belief but it was hard to not see many holes in the plot. Still an enjoyable book just not one that I would reread.
February 5, 2023
Safety Stats
Melody
Virgin - yes
Gavin
Playboy - yes
Sex scene with OW - no
Cheating - yes
OW drama - yes
Overall, Not Safe.
Melody
Virgin - yes
Gavin
Playboy - yes
Sex scene with OW - no
Cheating - yes
OW drama - yes
Overall, Not Safe.
May 15, 2025
This one started out absolutely incredible! I mean, it had you on the edge of your seat with the notion of this innocent girl being forced to sleep with this man she'd never met before in complete darkness so neither one of them could see each other... both of them unwillingly having to participate. Then after a couple of visits, he can no longer stand the thought of her just "enduring" his touch, so he convinces her to let him show her the meaning of pleasure and gah! I just melted. It was steamy to say the least. Would have been wholeheartedly, without a doubt 5 stars!
BUT
Unfortunately, the author could not maintain this momentum. The two MC's are separated for 5 years and once they're brought back together, all the passion and tension was just gone. Then the author chose to have a very contrived misunderstanding be the wedge between them for the rest of the book and it just didn't sit right with me. The MMC chose to believe the ramblings of a man that he had already previously admitted to thinking was of poor character instead of trusting his original instincts about the FMC. Then OF COURSE he refused to just have a normal conversation with her to hash it all out, preferring instead to believe the worst about her against all rationality and treating her accordingly. It really did not work well with the plot and therefore led to a rather unsatisfying conclusion. I appreciate the HEA that they both deserved, but there were some holes and you could definitely tell that the author had a spectacular beginning idea for a story, but she just didn't know where to take it and the story suffered overall because of it. I think she should have brainstormed a little longer when developing the second part of this book.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
BUT
Unfortunately, the author could not maintain this momentum. The two MC's are separated for 5 years and once they're brought back together, all the passion and tension was just gone. Then the author chose to have a very contrived misunderstanding be the wedge between them for the rest of the book and it just didn't sit right with me. The MMC chose to believe the ramblings of a man that he had already previously admitted to thinking was of poor character instead of trusting his original instincts about the FMC. Then OF COURSE he refused to just have a normal conversation with her to hash it all out, preferring instead to believe the worst about her against all rationality and treating her accordingly. It really did not work well with the plot and therefore led to a rather unsatisfying conclusion. I appreciate the HEA that they both deserved, but there were some holes and you could definitely tell that the author had a spectacular beginning idea for a story, but she just didn't know where to take it and the story suffered overall because of it. I think she should have brainstormed a little longer when developing the second part of this book.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4!
August 8, 2013
Before I begin, I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
I’ve always had a soft spot for historical romance. I don’t know if it’s the prose or the speaking style of the time period the author describes, but it gets to me every time. I’ll admit when I read the blurb of this book, I was a bit apprehensive about reading it. Not because there’s this unique and twisted plotline, but because I just KNEW that this book would toy with my emotions and I didn’t want to be a blubbering mess after I read it. Yes, I was sobbing at times, but I waited until I was coherent enough to start writing my review.
The story begins with the sweet and lovely Melody Cavendish, who marries the ancient Charles Cavendish to secure the financial well-being of her family. Just two months into her marriage, she is blackmailed and coerced into having a baby…with another man!! Who she’ll never see or know. Forced together into cruel circumstances, Melody and Gavin make the best of their situation and slowly start to fall in love with each other. After a month or so, Melody is pregnant and Gavin is returned to his family. Though the two do search for each other, their whereabouts of one another are unknown and they can only cling to their memories. A chance encounter 5 years later shocks both Gavin and Melody as they discover each other’s identities and unwind the truth behind Charles’s nefarious plot.
From the first page to, let’s say, 40% into the book, I was constantly on the verge of tears. We’d like to believe such things don’t happen, but because it was crucial to have an heir (even though Charles already had one) in England, he hatches this wicked plot that puts both Gavin and Melody’s hearts at risk. I loved Melody’s character. There isn’t an evil bone in her body and she sacrifices SO much to protect her family.
“This was a stranger, a stranger from whom she was being forced to steal a child. This wasn’t natural, it was abhorrent, but she had no choice. To protect her family from Charles’ threats, she would do anything, even this.”
You have to understand that Melody came from an impoverished country family, so she has absolutely NO ONE to turn to. Family is what is important to her, so even though I hated that Gavin and Melody were going to do this, I definitely understood their reasoning. Besides, they were helpless to do anything to stop it. As for Gavin’s character, he is handsome but not vain, a bit flirtatious but morally sound, and overall, a responsible peer who is well-known throughout London Society. He did what he had to do to protect his sister (though she was never in danger) and tried to make Melody as comfortable as possible. I think I felt for Gavin more than Melody here because he really was stuck in a dilemma: he misses his family and society life, but he is starting to have feelings for Melody.
“Freedom meant going home, back to his life and to his family, but it also meant never holding her in his arms again, this woman who had become something to him, something special, something that he couldn’t fully identify, or perhaps didn’t wish to acknowledge he admitted.”
Melody and Gavin are both VERY strong people so yes, they survive this, but both secretly longing for each other over the years.
Thankfully, the despicable Charles Cavendish dies, leaving a pregnant Melody and her children with his land and fortune. Melody earnestly and lovingly raises her children, and at the same time, searches for Gavin. God, the search for Gavin literally tore my heart out. I am a firm believer of happy endings and though they do get their HEA, I just wished a bit sooner.
“Here in London, with the possibility, remote as it may be, that their paths might one day cross, she found it increasingly difficult to suppress that tiny glimmer of hope that had stubbornly lingered deep within the depths of her soul. The hope of one day being reunited with the man she had loved and lost.”
Yep, I was crying at this point. Like ugly crying with snot and fat tears. But that’s ok because the best books are the ones that bring out those emotions, no matter how much I didn’t want to be moved.
There was a heart attack moment when Melody and Gavin are first introduced, formally I mean. Gavin has now become the Duke of Rutherford and Melody the widowed Lady Edgington. I was on edge the entire time and furiously biting my fingernails, just waiting for the bomb to drop. With the assistance of a private investigator and through their memories of each other, Gavin and Melody do recognize one another. Gavin, however, is mad, no wait, infuriated with Melody, thinking that the entire plot was hatched by her. I definitely understood why Gavin would think that way but after months of treating Melody with disdain and brooding silence, it finally took a toll on her (and me too!!!). I was so relieved when Because Melody deeply loves Gavin, she suffers his treatment of her silently, never denying him, never saying a word against him, and when Gavin FINALLY figures out the truth, he is full of remorse and the two have a happy reunion full with declarations of love (cue the band and applause). I especially adore the ending scene, where Gavin transforms the cottage, a place filled with beautiful memories but never-ending darkness, into a glorious, idyllic retreat home for the two. So incredibly thoughtful, the notion of creating new memories on top of old ones.
As you can probably tell, I adored the heck out of this book, and up to 70% of the book, it was an angsty rollercoaster for me. I’m glad that Melody and Gavin got their HEA, as they should after so much emotional drama. I hope Jennifer writes a sequel or companion novel to this book, perhaps one of William and Emma’s story, a novella from Gavin’s POV of the time he was stuck in the cottage, or another book for Melody and Gavin?
4.5-5 STARS!!!
I’ve always had a soft spot for historical romance. I don’t know if it’s the prose or the speaking style of the time period the author describes, but it gets to me every time. I’ll admit when I read the blurb of this book, I was a bit apprehensive about reading it. Not because there’s this unique and twisted plotline, but because I just KNEW that this book would toy with my emotions and I didn’t want to be a blubbering mess after I read it. Yes, I was sobbing at times, but I waited until I was coherent enough to start writing my review.
The story begins with the sweet and lovely Melody Cavendish, who marries the ancient Charles Cavendish to secure the financial well-being of her family. Just two months into her marriage, she is blackmailed and coerced into having a baby…with another man!! Who she’ll never see or know. Forced together into cruel circumstances, Melody and Gavin make the best of their situation and slowly start to fall in love with each other. After a month or so, Melody is pregnant and Gavin is returned to his family. Though the two do search for each other, their whereabouts of one another are unknown and they can only cling to their memories. A chance encounter 5 years later shocks both Gavin and Melody as they discover each other’s identities and unwind the truth behind Charles’s nefarious plot.
From the first page to, let’s say, 40% into the book, I was constantly on the verge of tears. We’d like to believe such things don’t happen, but because it was crucial to have an heir (even though Charles already had one) in England, he hatches this wicked plot that puts both Gavin and Melody’s hearts at risk. I loved Melody’s character. There isn’t an evil bone in her body and she sacrifices SO much to protect her family.
“This was a stranger, a stranger from whom she was being forced to steal a child. This wasn’t natural, it was abhorrent, but she had no choice. To protect her family from Charles’ threats, she would do anything, even this.”
You have to understand that Melody came from an impoverished country family, so she has absolutely NO ONE to turn to. Family is what is important to her, so even though I hated that Gavin and Melody were going to do this, I definitely understood their reasoning. Besides, they were helpless to do anything to stop it. As for Gavin’s character, he is handsome but not vain, a bit flirtatious but morally sound, and overall, a responsible peer who is well-known throughout London Society. He did what he had to do to protect his sister (though she was never in danger) and tried to make Melody as comfortable as possible. I think I felt for Gavin more than Melody here because he really was stuck in a dilemma: he misses his family and society life, but he is starting to have feelings for Melody.
“Freedom meant going home, back to his life and to his family, but it also meant never holding her in his arms again, this woman who had become something to him, something special, something that he couldn’t fully identify, or perhaps didn’t wish to acknowledge he admitted.”
Melody and Gavin are both VERY strong people so yes, they survive this, but both secretly longing for each other over the years.
Thankfully, the despicable Charles Cavendish dies, leaving a pregnant Melody and her children with his land and fortune. Melody earnestly and lovingly raises her children, and at the same time, searches for Gavin. God, the search for Gavin literally tore my heart out. I am a firm believer of happy endings and though they do get their HEA, I just wished a bit sooner.
“Here in London, with the possibility, remote as it may be, that their paths might one day cross, she found it increasingly difficult to suppress that tiny glimmer of hope that had stubbornly lingered deep within the depths of her soul. The hope of one day being reunited with the man she had loved and lost.”
Yep, I was crying at this point. Like ugly crying with snot and fat tears. But that’s ok because the best books are the ones that bring out those emotions, no matter how much I didn’t want to be moved.
There was a heart attack moment when Melody and Gavin are first introduced, formally I mean. Gavin has now become the Duke of Rutherford and Melody the widowed Lady Edgington. I was on edge the entire time and furiously biting my fingernails, just waiting for the bomb to drop. With the assistance of a private investigator and through their memories of each other, Gavin and Melody do recognize one another. Gavin, however, is mad, no wait, infuriated with Melody, thinking that the entire plot was hatched by her. I definitely understood why Gavin would think that way but after months of treating Melody with disdain and brooding silence, it finally took a toll on her (and me too!!!). I was so relieved when Because Melody deeply loves Gavin, she suffers his treatment of her silently, never denying him, never saying a word against him, and when Gavin FINALLY figures out the truth, he is full of remorse and the two have a happy reunion full with declarations of love (cue the band and applause). I especially adore the ending scene, where Gavin transforms the cottage, a place filled with beautiful memories but never-ending darkness, into a glorious, idyllic retreat home for the two. So incredibly thoughtful, the notion of creating new memories on top of old ones.
As you can probably tell, I adored the heck out of this book, and up to 70% of the book, it was an angsty rollercoaster for me. I’m glad that Melody and Gavin got their HEA, as they should after so much emotional drama. I hope Jennifer writes a sequel or companion novel to this book, perhaps one of William and Emma’s story, a novella from Gavin’s POV of the time he was stuck in the cottage, or another book for Melody and Gavin?
4.5-5 STARS!!!
August 13, 2020
3.5*
Jāsaka, ka sižets vēsturiskam romānam ir viens no ērmīgākajiem, kādi redzēti. Viss notiek 19. gs. Anglijas augstākajā sabiedrībā. Jauna meitene ir apprecējusies ar vecu, impotentu vīru, kuram tomēr par katru cenu vajag mantiniekus. Tāpēc viņš izstrādā shēmu - nolaupa kāda grāfa dēlu (labi gēni taču!), iesloga pie sevis kotedžā un katru dienu uz vienu stunda sūta pie viņa savu sievu. Visapkārt valda pilnīga tumsa un jaunizceptie mīlnieki viens otru neredz, kā arī nedrīkst viens par otru neko stāstīt. Kad bērns ir ieņemts, jaunekli nogādā mājās, lai abi vairs nekad nesatiktos.
Brr. Nedaudz izklausās pēc vetārsta murgiem.
Bet pats izpildījums it ne būt nebija slikts, ja vērtē tāda sievišķīga vēsturiskā romāna ietvaros.
Jāsaka, ka sižets vēsturiskam romānam ir viens no ērmīgākajiem, kādi redzēti. Viss notiek 19. gs. Anglijas augstākajā sabiedrībā. Jauna meitene ir apprecējusies ar vecu, impotentu vīru, kuram tomēr par katru cenu vajag mantiniekus. Tāpēc viņš izstrādā shēmu - nolaupa kāda grāfa dēlu (labi gēni taču!), iesloga pie sevis kotedžā un katru dienu uz vienu stunda sūta pie viņa savu sievu. Visapkārt valda pilnīga tumsa un jaunizceptie mīlnieki viens otru neredz, kā arī nedrīkst viens par otru neko stāstīt. Kad bērns ir ieņemts, jaunekli nogādā mājās, lai abi vairs nekad nesatiktos.
Brr. Nedaudz izklausās pēc vetārsta murgiem.
Bet pats izpildījums it ne būt nebija slikts, ja vērtē tāda sievišķīga vēsturiskā romāna ietvaros.
June 12, 2015
I finished reading this book in less than 3 hours. Another new record.
Maybe I am getting a little tired of the genre, which would be truly a shame because I love romance novels so much. This is the second book in 2 days that I went through in mere hours, both of which are more than 380 pages long. I gave the first book a 1 star rating (if you are interested, the 1 star rating book was "The Perfect Bride" by Brenda Joyce) whereas this book got 2 stars from me. The difference is the premise of this book is.....original, I would say. Not something that you read about often in romance novels.
"Dreaming of you", though is the namesake of Lisa Kleypas' wonderful book, has nothing of Kleypas' warmth. Gavin, the hero in this book, was abducted with a single purpose to impregnant a woman whose name and face were never revealed to him. Melody the innocent heroine, was forced to marry an old earl and then by his design, to be impregnated by a man in darkness. After the pregnancy was confirmed, the pair, who never saw each other or knew each other's identity, was separated. Melody's husband suffered an untimely death, leaving her a rich widow with twins. Gavin was returned to his family after his imprisonment and despite his efforts to find out who his abductor was and who this woman was, never found out the truth.
Fast forward 5 years, Gavin became a duke (an extremely uncessary turn, did absolutely nothing for the story) and Melody came to London with her twin children. Of course they met and truth was revealed. Then crazy "I am so angry" and "Oh my god it is him/her" ensued. Gavin met his children for the first time, Gavin and Melody got married and of course had great sex and oh my god "I cannot let her know that I want her because she is such a conniving bitch." blah blah blah. The prince and the princess lived happily ever after.
I do not sound very inspired now, do I?
The book is unfeeling as can be. Like Brenda Joyce' The Perfect Bride, this book also has such potentials. The premise is so wonderfully original. It almost pains me to read a book with such great potentials, only to find them such disappointments. Golden oppoortunity wasted. The characters, are not attracted to each other. It is just the author said so. Because the author wrote it this way, they must be drawn to each other. No No No. This is not how a great romance novel is. You describe not just how they look, how they have sex, how they tremble in each other's presence. You illustrate a picture where two people discover love. You don't just say: there, you love each other, now say silly lines and tell the readers that you do love each other so very much and by the way show them a little skin.
In terms of reading experience, this book is another 1 star for me. But I am willing to give it 2 stars for the unusual plot. I do however wish I had also skipped this book. Major waste of time.
Maybe I am getting a little tired of the genre, which would be truly a shame because I love romance novels so much. This is the second book in 2 days that I went through in mere hours, both of which are more than 380 pages long. I gave the first book a 1 star rating (if you are interested, the 1 star rating book was "The Perfect Bride" by Brenda Joyce) whereas this book got 2 stars from me. The difference is the premise of this book is.....original, I would say. Not something that you read about often in romance novels.
"Dreaming of you", though is the namesake of Lisa Kleypas' wonderful book, has nothing of Kleypas' warmth. Gavin, the hero in this book, was abducted with a single purpose to impregnant a woman whose name and face were never revealed to him. Melody the innocent heroine, was forced to marry an old earl and then by his design, to be impregnated by a man in darkness. After the pregnancy was confirmed, the pair, who never saw each other or knew each other's identity, was separated. Melody's husband suffered an untimely death, leaving her a rich widow with twins. Gavin was returned to his family after his imprisonment and despite his efforts to find out who his abductor was and who this woman was, never found out the truth.
Fast forward 5 years, Gavin became a duke (an extremely uncessary turn, did absolutely nothing for the story) and Melody came to London with her twin children. Of course they met and truth was revealed. Then crazy "I am so angry" and "Oh my god it is him/her" ensued. Gavin met his children for the first time, Gavin and Melody got married and of course had great sex and oh my god "I cannot let her know that I want her because she is such a conniving bitch." blah blah blah. The prince and the princess lived happily ever after.
I do not sound very inspired now, do I?
The book is unfeeling as can be. Like Brenda Joyce' The Perfect Bride, this book also has such potentials. The premise is so wonderfully original. It almost pains me to read a book with such great potentials, only to find them such disappointments. Golden oppoortunity wasted. The characters, are not attracted to each other. It is just the author said so. Because the author wrote it this way, they must be drawn to each other. No No No. This is not how a great romance novel is. You describe not just how they look, how they have sex, how they tremble in each other's presence. You illustrate a picture where two people discover love. You don't just say: there, you love each other, now say silly lines and tell the readers that you do love each other so very much and by the way show them a little skin.
In terms of reading experience, this book is another 1 star for me. But I am willing to give it 2 stars for the unusual plot. I do however wish I had also skipped this book. Major waste of time.
May 6, 2013
The storyline of Dreaming of You was a charming surprise, deviating from the standard boy-meets-girl-they-fall-in-love formula. At least the way these two meet is pretty unusual.
The elderly, wicked Earl of Edgington kidnaps Gavin Monstrose, the son of a wealthy duke, and coerces him to impregnate his young wife Melody. Intent on protecting their loved ones, both Gavin and Melody agree to the mad earl's scheme. For weeks, they meet in a darkened, secluded cabin and are not allowed to divulge personal information or see each other's faces in the light of day. Despite their appalling circumstances, Gavin and Melody develop passionate feelings for each other.
Gavin is a breathtaking hero, and Melody is his perfect counterpart. They were wonderful together, and after their forced separation I was anxious to see them together again.
The author shapes the story so that it flows, delivering delightful surprises. This is the second book I read by this author, and I noted again that she uses a swift change in POV, which works great for me as I glimpse at all important times what the lead characters are thinking.
When Gavin and Melody find each other again years later, uncertainty and misunderstandings come to pass as they realize their feelings for each other are still very much alive. The secondary characters were nicely developed and the epilogue was sweet and emotional. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by this author. Complementary copy received by author for review
The elderly, wicked Earl of Edgington kidnaps Gavin Monstrose, the son of a wealthy duke, and coerces him to impregnate his young wife Melody. Intent on protecting their loved ones, both Gavin and Melody agree to the mad earl's scheme. For weeks, they meet in a darkened, secluded cabin and are not allowed to divulge personal information or see each other's faces in the light of day. Despite their appalling circumstances, Gavin and Melody develop passionate feelings for each other.
Gavin is a breathtaking hero, and Melody is his perfect counterpart. They were wonderful together, and after their forced separation I was anxious to see them together again.
The author shapes the story so that it flows, delivering delightful surprises. This is the second book I read by this author, and I noted again that she uses a swift change in POV, which works great for me as I glimpse at all important times what the lead characters are thinking.
When Gavin and Melody find each other again years later, uncertainty and misunderstandings come to pass as they realize their feelings for each other are still very much alive. The secondary characters were nicely developed and the epilogue was sweet and emotional. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by this author. Complementary copy received by author for review
October 22, 2015
This book was surprisingly good (at least for the most part). While the premise is certainly dark and had the potential to be an extreme train-wreck, I felt that the author handled the sexual slavery and their feelings very well. At first, I feared it might turn into insta-lust (in the dark) from the very beginning between them, but it didn't and I was glad for that.
I found that both Gavin and Melody were likable people. It seemed at first that he'd take his anger and resentment out on her, forcing her to just take it, but they immediately developed a companionship and he treated her with respect. As soon as he realized that she was an unwilling victim as well, he didn't shift and misplace anger. At first, Gavin and Melody decide to just make do with their situation. However, Gavin then figures that, because they're forced into this anyway, they may as well make the best of their terrible situation. Why not enjoy themselves when they have to do this anyway, yeah? From there, they grow comfortable, conversing with one another and slowly falling in love. I felt that the way the author framed their situation and their feelings, it was well done and believable.
There were a few things that I didn't like, though. I understood Gavin's feelings later on (when he misunderstood the circumstances). However, I wish that there had been more time spent on him realizing the truth and making up for it than there actually was. It's only in the last tenth of the novel that Gavin realizes the truth of their situation. It annoyed me that what I'd previously liked about the novel (him not taking his anger out on her, forcing her to just take it) is what ends up happening after they reunite. She sits back and takes his anger and disdain, happy with the scraps he throws her. He finds out the truth, apologizes and then it's all resolved. Although I know that he was a victim, too, I wish that he'd had to grovel just a bit to her.
There was also Melody's brother. What was his medical condition? I don't recall what it was...maybe I just missed it? We hear about the brother throughout the novel, yet we never actually meet him (even when she goes to visit her family--twice). We even got to meet Gavin's father and brother, neither of whom play much of a role in the story as a whole. Also, I would've liked for Melody to have found out that Gavin's was paying Nelson's medical expenses. That had the potential for conflict, but it was quickly resolved.
Lastly...their children. How was there not gossip about how Melody's children, William and Emma, look like Gavin? Everyone who sees them together immediately notes that they look alike. Society as a whole, however, is quickly forgotten about once Melody and Gavin reunite and realize who the other is.
I quite liked the beginning of the book so I was more than disappointed in how the rest of the story seemed to fizzle out.
I found that both Gavin and Melody were likable people. It seemed at first that he'd take his anger and resentment out on her, forcing her to just take it, but they immediately developed a companionship and he treated her with respect. As soon as he realized that she was an unwilling victim as well, he didn't shift and misplace anger. At first, Gavin and Melody decide to just make do with their situation. However, Gavin then figures that, because they're forced into this anyway, they may as well make the best of their terrible situation. Why not enjoy themselves when they have to do this anyway, yeah? From there, they grow comfortable, conversing with one another and slowly falling in love. I felt that the way the author framed their situation and their feelings, it was well done and believable.
There were a few things that I didn't like, though. I understood Gavin's feelings later on (when he misunderstood the circumstances). However, I wish that there had been more time spent on him realizing the truth and making up for it than there actually was. It's only in the last tenth of the novel that Gavin realizes the truth of their situation. It annoyed me that what I'd previously liked about the novel (him not taking his anger out on her, forcing her to just take it) is what ends up happening after they reunite. She sits back and takes his anger and disdain, happy with the scraps he throws her. He finds out the truth, apologizes and then it's all resolved. Although I know that he was a victim, too, I wish that he'd had to grovel just a bit to her.
There was also Melody's brother. What was his medical condition? I don't recall what it was...maybe I just missed it? We hear about the brother throughout the novel, yet we never actually meet him (even when she goes to visit her family--twice). We even got to meet Gavin's father and brother, neither of whom play much of a role in the story as a whole. Also, I would've liked for Melody to have found out that Gavin's was paying Nelson's medical expenses. That had the potential for conflict, but it was quickly resolved.
Lastly...their children. How was there not gossip about how Melody's children, William and Emma, look like Gavin? Everyone who sees them together immediately notes that they look alike. Society as a whole, however, is quickly forgotten about once Melody and Gavin reunite and realize who the other is.
I quite liked the beginning of the book so I was more than disappointed in how the rest of the story seemed to fizzle out.
December 28, 2013
Setting: Victorian England
Sensuality: PG-13
Grade: C
I'm surprised I was able to finish it. Mediocre prose. Kinda dull despite the melodramatic plot.
Sensuality: PG-13
Grade: C
I'm surprised I was able to finish it. Mediocre prose. Kinda dull despite the melodramatic plot.
June 5, 2022
Awesome book!
May 12, 2021
This was surprisingly good! Free on Amazon 😀
April 4, 2021
Unique premise that became cliched, 3 stars *SPOILERS*
As a preface to this review... I’ve been in a bear of a mood since the New Year and this has translated into a major book and book review slump. You all know how it goes! As such, this could have affected how this book went for me. However, I’m taking the fact I’m bothering to write a review as a good sign!
Anyway, on to the review... I thought this was an intriguing book. From the moment I read the book blurb I was invested. It seemed like such a fresh take on the historical genre and I was eager to see what the author would do with it. While I wouldn’t say the author hit it out of the park, I do think this is a solid effort.
1. Unique and compelling premise. As I mentioned, I found the dark premise from the blurb to be compelling. I think it was a creative idea and the author did a relatively good job of executing it.
2. Too long. This book dragged, especially in the second half. There were too many internal monologues from both the hero and heroine. I think cutting it down by about 50 or so pages would have made this a stronger book.
3. Not enough showing. With the internal monologues there wasn’t enough experiencing of emotion for the reader. This also made it hard to me to connect with the main characters as I don’t feel like I ever got to experience their emotions and thoughts in tandem with a scene, it was always after the fact upon reflection by the characters.
4. The characters. Despite not getting much emotional depth, I did actually like these two characters. I thought they were sweet and kind, both of them putting family first. Together, I thought they were also sweet. While there seemed to be affection, I would have liked to have seen a deeper intimacy past the lust for them.
5. The first half was interesting, the second half felt cliched. Here was the biggest thing I struggled with in this book. I loved the set up of the first half. It was unique and intriguing to see this connection forged by strangers in the dark. However, when I got to the second half it was filled with coincidences and felt overly cliched with the emphasis on how beautiful and amazing they both were. I felt it destroyed the connection from the first half. I thought it would have been more meaningful to continue to foster that emotional connection regardless of each others’ apparent god-like beauty. It almost made me wish one or both were “plain” looking.
To be fair, there were several obvious tropes and cliches that the author could have taken in the book but didn’t. Such as making the ex-lover vindictive or making the ousted nephew murderous so he could claim the title. So kudos for that! It was just disappointing that the originality of the beginning of the book fell flat by the middle and end. I wanted the rawness promised from the blurb to carry over in the emotional depth in the story, and it didn’t.
This book had a unique premise that promised a dark, emotional journey. Ultimately, I feel it failed to deliver. While this was a good book, the cliches and lack of emotional depth in the second half as well as the excessive use of telling through internal monologues kept it from being a winner. Would I recommend? Again, my opinion might have been influenced by my crappy mood, so I would say give it a try. Especially if you’re looking for something a bit different from the normal historical. Happy reading!
As a preface to this review... I’ve been in a bear of a mood since the New Year and this has translated into a major book and book review slump. You all know how it goes! As such, this could have affected how this book went for me. However, I’m taking the fact I’m bothering to write a review as a good sign!
Anyway, on to the review... I thought this was an intriguing book. From the moment I read the book blurb I was invested. It seemed like such a fresh take on the historical genre and I was eager to see what the author would do with it. While I wouldn’t say the author hit it out of the park, I do think this is a solid effort.
1. Unique and compelling premise. As I mentioned, I found the dark premise from the blurb to be compelling. I think it was a creative idea and the author did a relatively good job of executing it.
2. Too long. This book dragged, especially in the second half. There were too many internal monologues from both the hero and heroine. I think cutting it down by about 50 or so pages would have made this a stronger book.
3. Not enough showing. With the internal monologues there wasn’t enough experiencing of emotion for the reader. This also made it hard to me to connect with the main characters as I don’t feel like I ever got to experience their emotions and thoughts in tandem with a scene, it was always after the fact upon reflection by the characters.
4. The characters. Despite not getting much emotional depth, I did actually like these two characters. I thought they were sweet and kind, both of them putting family first. Together, I thought they were also sweet. While there seemed to be affection, I would have liked to have seen a deeper intimacy past the lust for them.
5. The first half was interesting, the second half felt cliched. Here was the biggest thing I struggled with in this book. I loved the set up of the first half. It was unique and intriguing to see this connection forged by strangers in the dark. However, when I got to the second half it was filled with coincidences and felt overly cliched with the emphasis on how beautiful and amazing they both were. I felt it destroyed the connection from the first half. I thought it would have been more meaningful to continue to foster that emotional connection regardless of each others’ apparent god-like beauty. It almost made me wish one or both were “plain” looking.
To be fair, there were several obvious tropes and cliches that the author could have taken in the book but didn’t. Such as making the ex-lover vindictive or making the ousted nephew murderous so he could claim the title. So kudos for that! It was just disappointing that the originality of the beginning of the book fell flat by the middle and end. I wanted the rawness promised from the blurb to carry over in the emotional depth in the story, and it didn’t.
This book had a unique premise that promised a dark, emotional journey. Ultimately, I feel it failed to deliver. While this was a good book, the cliches and lack of emotional depth in the second half as well as the excessive use of telling through internal monologues kept it from being a winner. Would I recommend? Again, my opinion might have been influenced by my crappy mood, so I would say give it a try. Especially if you’re looking for something a bit different from the normal historical. Happy reading!
May 23, 2025
3.5/5. I was drawn to the book after learning about the OTT plot - main characters forced to procreate in the dark, their identities hidden from one another. Procreation did not happen in one day. A friendship developed between them and then perhaps more over the many days they were shut together in the room. She eventually conceived and these meetings ended abruptly without a chance for goodbyes. Both remained haunted by the faceless voice of the other. Unfortunately, when they finally met, MMC went inexplicably nutty and the book lost me a bit at this stage.
March 22, 2024
Loved the drama and soapy plot twists. Great fast paced story. So what if it was occasionally predictable. It was a satisfying HEA with a great epilogue.
August 18, 2021
The premise reminded me of [Prisoner of My Desire] by Johanna Lindsey, which is one of my (problematic) favourites. Therefore I was predisposed to like this book and I am glad I found it.
It does not reach the heights (or lows depending on your perspective) of Johanna Lindsey but I found this quite charming. It was well written and the plot provided this different progression to the romance. The latter half wobbled a little bit for me as it became a little more typical but the first half worked very well.
There was a fairytale feel almost to the first half which I was surprised by. I was expecting something a little more adversarial in the romance which thankfully didn’t happen. I did hope for a little more interaction or banter between the couple in the latter half but still a solid 4 stars.
Thanks for to Lauren for finding this book though 👍
It does not reach the heights (or lows depending on your perspective) of Johanna Lindsey but I found this quite charming. It was well written and the plot provided this different progression to the romance. The latter half wobbled a little bit for me as it became a little more typical but the first half worked very well.
There was a fairytale feel almost to the first half which I was surprised by. I was expecting something a little more adversarial in the romance which thankfully didn’t happen. I did hope for a little more interaction or banter between the couple in the latter half but still a solid 4 stars.
Thanks for to Lauren for finding this book though 👍
December 29, 2013
Good story, bad writing.
Horrible amount of telling instead of showing. I don't like to be so much in the head of H/h. I want them to surprise me from time to time.
These two were always pondering their feelings. There were endless paragraphs depicting their internal emotional turmoil. Exhausting and not very subtle.
Horrible amount of telling instead of showing. I don't like to be so much in the head of H/h. I want them to surprise me from time to time.
These two were always pondering their feelings. There were endless paragraphs depicting their internal emotional turmoil. Exhausting and not very subtle.
August 16, 2016
well first half of plot was really good, afterwards it became boring and predictable and lost interest. Idea and plot was unique in this historical romance.
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