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Book Club Belles Society #2
Sinfully Ever After
Teaching scandalous young men a lesson? This is not your typical book club...
To Rebecca Sherringham, all men are open books—read quickly and forgotten. Perhaps she's just too practical for love. The last thing she needs is another bore around—especially one that's supposed to be dead.
Captain Lucius "Luke" Wainwright turns up a decade after disappearing without a trace. He's on a mission to claim his birthright, and he's not going away again until he gets it. But Becky and the ladies of the village Book Club Belles Society won't let this rogue get away with his sins. He'll soon find that certain young ladies are accustomed to dealing with villains.
To Rebecca Sherringham, all men are open books—read quickly and forgotten. Perhaps she's just too practical for love. The last thing she needs is another bore around—especially one that's supposed to be dead.
Captain Lucius "Luke" Wainwright turns up a decade after disappearing without a trace. He's on a mission to claim his birthright, and he's not going away again until he gets it. But Becky and the ladies of the village Book Club Belles Society won't let this rogue get away with his sins. He'll soon find that certain young ladies are accustomed to dealing with villains.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 2, 2014
31 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 7, 2015
2.5 stars
I thought the second half was better but the romance between our couple never fully developed. I see what the author was trying to do, two gruff individuals battling to not fall in love, but the execution failed. Rebecca our heroine was frosty for far too long.
I thought the second half was better but the romance between our couple never fully developed. I see what the author was trying to do, two gruff individuals battling to not fall in love, but the execution failed. Rebecca our heroine was frosty for far too long.
December 3, 2014
4.5 stars
I thought this historical romance would be 'different', based on what I read in the blurb. I'll admit I peeked at some reviews online to see what people were saying, and some kinda put me off reading this book, because they said the heroine was not nice and the hero had whatever came his way coming...It sounded more like a 'taming of the shrew' than a historical romance I wanted to sink my teeth into...
Good thing I decided to ignore whatever preconceived idea I might've taken with me when I started this story, because I absolutely loved it and it kept me riveted for the whole time! I've found it very hard lately to find a book that makes me want to read beyond 50 pages, or else, a book that I want to pick up again after having to put it down to get on with real life, always asking myself, 'do I really want to?' and then sighing and going, 'no, not gonna be a big loss.' NOT the case with this story!
First things first, that blurb is terribly misleading, so don't base yourself on that for a feel of the book. Luke is a Colonel in the story, and he is definitely a scoundrel and a rake but he is not out to win his family fortune by any means (which would've made him a total arse, btw) and I found him extremely lovable, the kind of mischief-laden man that makes you smile even as you're scolding his impertinence and lack of 'proper' decorum. Refreshing, to have a hero so not into all things proper but nevertheless an honest and honourable man.
Now, Becky, the heroine... Yes, she is brash, and sounds a tad too modern for the times. Not your average, typical historical heroine. She gets involved into hare-brained adventures when younger, and as a 'mature' woman almost on the shelf, she does not want marriage and certainly not a man to tie her down.
And to me, that was the lovely conflict in this story - Luke wants Becky but she doesn't because she wants to keep to her life as she knows it (nothing stubborn on her part; I totally got it that she'd had enough to wiping men's messes in their wake, namely her brother's and her father's). Luke will not take no for an answer and he sets out to win her over. Nothing about getting his fortune by all means, Becky being an idiot for rejecting Luke and his courting, or even for the Book Club Belles Society setting out to teach Luke a lesson.
Yes, Becky does not read like the typical, simpering historical miss just looking for the right man to marry, but did all young women in that time aspire to this, and this alone? Many must've had spirit, a mind of their own, despite the times not being conducive to such mindsets. Becky read real to me, because she doesn't sound cliche and Ms. Fresina makes her bold characterization work for her, in a sympathetic manner where we end up cheering on Becky instead of going, 'she's not what a historical girl should be'. That's exactly what attracts Luke to her, and I loved this aspect of the story.
Ms. Fresina also writes with pointed wit and a good touch of humour; her writing is flowing and vivacious and a total joy to read. I definitely recommend this book to you if you like your historicals off the beaten track. Luke and Becky will remain in my mind as one of the couples I most cheered for in a book!
I thought this historical romance would be 'different', based on what I read in the blurb. I'll admit I peeked at some reviews online to see what people were saying, and some kinda put me off reading this book, because they said the heroine was not nice and the hero had whatever came his way coming...It sounded more like a 'taming of the shrew' than a historical romance I wanted to sink my teeth into...
Good thing I decided to ignore whatever preconceived idea I might've taken with me when I started this story, because I absolutely loved it and it kept me riveted for the whole time! I've found it very hard lately to find a book that makes me want to read beyond 50 pages, or else, a book that I want to pick up again after having to put it down to get on with real life, always asking myself, 'do I really want to?' and then sighing and going, 'no, not gonna be a big loss.' NOT the case with this story!
First things first, that blurb is terribly misleading, so don't base yourself on that for a feel of the book. Luke is a Colonel in the story, and he is definitely a scoundrel and a rake but he is not out to win his family fortune by any means (which would've made him a total arse, btw) and I found him extremely lovable, the kind of mischief-laden man that makes you smile even as you're scolding his impertinence and lack of 'proper' decorum. Refreshing, to have a hero so not into all things proper but nevertheless an honest and honourable man.
Now, Becky, the heroine... Yes, she is brash, and sounds a tad too modern for the times. Not your average, typical historical heroine. She gets involved into hare-brained adventures when younger, and as a 'mature' woman almost on the shelf, she does not want marriage and certainly not a man to tie her down.
And to me, that was the lovely conflict in this story - Luke wants Becky but she doesn't because she wants to keep to her life as she knows it (nothing stubborn on her part; I totally got it that she'd had enough to wiping men's messes in their wake, namely her brother's and her father's). Luke will not take no for an answer and he sets out to win her over. Nothing about getting his fortune by all means, Becky being an idiot for rejecting Luke and his courting, or even for the Book Club Belles Society setting out to teach Luke a lesson.
Yes, Becky does not read like the typical, simpering historical miss just looking for the right man to marry, but did all young women in that time aspire to this, and this alone? Many must've had spirit, a mind of their own, despite the times not being conducive to such mindsets. Becky read real to me, because she doesn't sound cliche and Ms. Fresina makes her bold characterization work for her, in a sympathetic manner where we end up cheering on Becky instead of going, 'she's not what a historical girl should be'. That's exactly what attracts Luke to her, and I loved this aspect of the story.
Ms. Fresina also writes with pointed wit and a good touch of humour; her writing is flowing and vivacious and a total joy to read. I definitely recommend this book to you if you like your historicals off the beaten track. Luke and Becky will remain in my mind as one of the couples I most cheered for in a book!
January 22, 2024
This was good. Loved the heroine.
November 21, 2014
Sinfully Ever After is the second book in this series, and the first book I have ever read from this author. Now some of you may wonder why I gave it a lower rating, well I wish I could say that I fell in love with this one, but frankly I had a hard time keeping up with this one. Now I will say that there were some aspects I really enjoyed, but the consistency was way off, and had a hard time keeping focus on the story. The beginning started out good, in my mind at the time, I was excited, thinking this story would capture me completely, until I met the heroine and I didn't like her very well. I really had a tough time with her character, mostly because she treats Luke horribly. When they first meet, they cross words and Rebecca comes to Luke with good intentions, wanting him to save her brother's foolhardy action, and Rebecca ends up owing Luke a kiss, now skip ahead five years. Rebecca is twenty too years old, and Luke is thirty seven. This is a bit of a may and december romance. They are about fifteen years apart. Now for some of us that may seem like a huge distance, but not really. If you look at the time period, these type of marriage were very common. My own grandmother had a thirteen year distance with my grandfather. So it is more realistic than we think.
The story is about Luke coming home after being thought dead by his brother, having made his own way in the world, fought in the war, and has come back with a injured leg and a faithful companion of a dog who never leaves his side. When he comes to his home, to his brother, and to the daughter he has never known, he meets up with Rebecca, a lovely mature woman who is still unmarried, and owes him a kiss. The moment they kiss, his life changes, but Rebecca has high expectations from a man, and the last thing she wants is a rake. When Luke finds that he feels a pull to Rebecca, he endeavors to change his behavior and show her that he can be a true gentleman...well Rebecca is more stubborn than a mule. Rebbeca is very picky, and knows exactly what she wants. She is already being courted by another man that fits every bill, except he doesn't keep her up at night dreaming of his kisses, or the desire he stirs in her.
What I liked was the way this story was so lighthearted and full of wit and humor. I can almost imagine that Jayne Fresina has a great sense of humor, because you can see it come through in the story and the writing style. What I didn't feel in this story, was the connection between Rebecca and Luke, at least not fully. At times I felt it, but it was a bit scattered throughout the book, and at times I had a difficult time keeping up with it, and the flow felt a bit off. I enjoyed the set up, and some of the scenes were quite engaging and fun. I loved the sense of a sweet and playful romance that comes through...but it just didn't fully come through for me. I would love to read the first book though, because I am just aching to read Luke's brothers story. Overall a enjoyable pastime in this cooler weather with a steaming cup of cocoa on hand. FUN AND PLAYFUL!!
The story is about Luke coming home after being thought dead by his brother, having made his own way in the world, fought in the war, and has come back with a injured leg and a faithful companion of a dog who never leaves his side. When he comes to his home, to his brother, and to the daughter he has never known, he meets up with Rebecca, a lovely mature woman who is still unmarried, and owes him a kiss. The moment they kiss, his life changes, but Rebecca has high expectations from a man, and the last thing she wants is a rake. When Luke finds that he feels a pull to Rebecca, he endeavors to change his behavior and show her that he can be a true gentleman...well Rebecca is more stubborn than a mule. Rebbeca is very picky, and knows exactly what she wants. She is already being courted by another man that fits every bill, except he doesn't keep her up at night dreaming of his kisses, or the desire he stirs in her.
What I liked was the way this story was so lighthearted and full of wit and humor. I can almost imagine that Jayne Fresina has a great sense of humor, because you can see it come through in the story and the writing style. What I didn't feel in this story, was the connection between Rebecca and Luke, at least not fully. At times I felt it, but it was a bit scattered throughout the book, and at times I had a difficult time keeping up with it, and the flow felt a bit off. I enjoyed the set up, and some of the scenes were quite engaging and fun. I loved the sense of a sweet and playful romance that comes through...but it just didn't fully come through for me. I would love to read the first book though, because I am just aching to read Luke's brothers story. Overall a enjoyable pastime in this cooler weather with a steaming cup of cocoa on hand. FUN AND PLAYFUL!!
December 2, 2014
Duller than an unpolished Petoskey stone in Lake Superior
January 14, 2015
I really liked the hero in this story! Luke is a great blend of mischievous scoundrel with a healthy dose of honor and a dash of gruff, but charming demeanor. Rebecca, the heroine, is quite headstrong and demanding, almost to the point of being a little too modern sometimes, but compliments Luke very well, even if she wasn’t exactly kind to him at the beginning. Watching these two battle it out was very entertaining. Rebecca’s insistence that she does not need a man, especially a man like Luke, and Luke’s determination to win her over created this great back-and-forth conflict that held my attention through most of the story. (Believe me, when you read as many historical romances as I do, it’s difficult to keep my attention since they can sometimes blend together.) I attribute much of that enjoyment to Ms. Fresina’s witty dialogue and refreshing ability to write a spirited heroine that can simultaneously be bold and progressive without coming across as a modern transplant in a historical setting.
It took a while for me to connect with these two because I felt their “romance” was a little off. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why I got this feeling – perhaps because I didn’t feel the characters changed all that much for one another? I didn’t see how Luke and Rebecca made each other better people just from knowing the other. I also felt there were times where the line between Regency and modern day idiosyncrasies blurred a bit too much
One thing I don’t see often, but really enjoyed seeing in this book was the age gap between Luke and Rebecca. I think it is fairly unique in this genre. Luke is almost 40 in this story and Rebecca is in her early 20s – a December/May romance. This is certainly an accurate reflection of marriages of the time period, but I also liked seeing this age gap because this still happens today. I have friends married to men and women over 10 years their senior and more than once have heard about their struggle to not get “those looks” when they are out in public or the lack of representation in the media. So to see this December/May romance play out in such a sweet, accepting way made me love this story all the more!
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It took a while for me to connect with these two because I felt their “romance” was a little off. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why I got this feeling – perhaps because I didn’t feel the characters changed all that much for one another? I didn’t see how Luke and Rebecca made each other better people just from knowing the other. I also felt there were times where the line between Regency and modern day idiosyncrasies blurred a bit too much
One thing I don’t see often, but really enjoyed seeing in this book was the age gap between Luke and Rebecca. I think it is fairly unique in this genre. Luke is almost 40 in this story and Rebecca is in her early 20s – a December/May romance. This is certainly an accurate reflection of marriages of the time period, but I also liked seeing this age gap because this still happens today. I have friends married to men and women over 10 years their senior and more than once have heard about their struggle to not get “those looks” when they are out in public or the lack of representation in the media. So to see this December/May romance play out in such a sweet, accepting way made me love this story all the more!
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 2, 2014
An unconventional hero and heroine for historical romance, we're not looking at the creme de la creme of society here, but instead a young woman who is struggling to keep her father comfortable, and man over a decade older who has to reform his crude, blunt-edged ways.
I really enjoyed this story. It's in that vein of gentler romance, with the threats more of a social/reputation-based nature, and that felt appropriate to the story.
Captain Luke Wainwright is rather direct and coarse, and that was unusual. It took me a while to warm up to him, but ultimately i felt he and Rebecca were a good fit.
Luke's stubbornness when it comes to Rebecca was quite charming, I thought. Certainly she doesn't give him much reason to hope that she's going to come around to really caring for him, so his decision to stick it out is all the more admirable (or bullheaded, I suppose!).
The supporting cast of characters is pretty deep in this series. The other Belles are present and accounted for - and I'm quite looking forward to Diana's story (as though she's currently engaged to a rather lackluster fellow, it seems she'll become entangled with Rebecca's absent brother). Plus I can only hope that Mrs. Kenton gets what's coming to her for sticking her nose in all over the place in a future novel in the series....
For my complete review, and others like this, see To Each Their Own Reviews
Received in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. It's in that vein of gentler romance, with the threats more of a social/reputation-based nature, and that felt appropriate to the story.
Captain Luke Wainwright is rather direct and coarse, and that was unusual. It took me a while to warm up to him, but ultimately i felt he and Rebecca were a good fit.
Luke's stubbornness when it comes to Rebecca was quite charming, I thought. Certainly she doesn't give him much reason to hope that she's going to come around to really caring for him, so his decision to stick it out is all the more admirable (or bullheaded, I suppose!).
The supporting cast of characters is pretty deep in this series. The other Belles are present and accounted for - and I'm quite looking forward to Diana's story (as though she's currently engaged to a rather lackluster fellow, it seems she'll become entangled with Rebecca's absent brother). Plus I can only hope that Mrs. Kenton gets what's coming to her for sticking her nose in all over the place in a future novel in the series....
For my complete review, and others like this, see To Each Their Own Reviews
Received in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2020
I didn't like this as much as the first book, mostly because the inconsistent voice of the male lead was really distracting. I couldn't work out there kind of person he was, and couldn't understand how two people who spoke so *incredibly* differently could have been raised in the same household (male lead and his brother). Also bubbies is a stupid word.
March 5, 2017
Library Kindle e-book
February 9, 2023
This delightful Regency skips the usual trappings. Instead of London and the Ton, we get a small Buckinghamshire village. Instead of debutantes, we get the well-travelled daughter of an officer who is used to managing her eccentric family. Instead of the polished aristocrat around town, we get an assumed dead for more than a decade former officer with crude manners, bad spelling, and a scruffy dog.
Our protagonists meet five years apart. The second time they are in the village and meet by chance. She thinks he has come to find her. He has refused to intrude on his brother’s home. The busybody wife of the vicar spots them unchaperoned in Becky’s kitchen; the colonel swears they are engaged to protect Becky’s reputation. Lots of confusion. Lots of confrontations. More suitors, more misunderstandings.
This second in a series provides a delightful growth of respect and appreciation leading to their HEA. Recommended for all readers of historical romance who enjoy character and friendship before fashion and artistocracy.
Readalikes:
Grace Burrowes’ historical romances; Amanda Quick’s historical romances; Mary Balogh – Someone Perfect; Martha Waters – To Have and to Hoax; Vivienne Lorret – Lord Holt Takes a Bride; Loretta Chase – A Duke in Shining Armor; Julia Quinn – Just Like Heaven; Jane Ashford – Last Gentleman Standing; Cathy Maxwell – The Match of the Century; Lenora Bell – How the Duke Was Won; Christi Caldwell – Someone Wanton His Way Comes.
Pace: Moderately paced
Character: Likeable; Spirited
Storyline: Character-driven
Writing style: Engaging; Repartee
Tone: Steamy; Upbeat
Frame: Hawcombe Prior, Buckinghamshire; Regency
Themes: Life in Small Towns; Opposites attract
Our protagonists meet five years apart. The second time they are in the village and meet by chance. She thinks he has come to find her. He has refused to intrude on his brother’s home. The busybody wife of the vicar spots them unchaperoned in Becky’s kitchen; the colonel swears they are engaged to protect Becky’s reputation. Lots of confusion. Lots of confrontations. More suitors, more misunderstandings.
This second in a series provides a delightful growth of respect and appreciation leading to their HEA. Recommended for all readers of historical romance who enjoy character and friendship before fashion and artistocracy.
Readalikes:
Grace Burrowes’ historical romances; Amanda Quick’s historical romances; Mary Balogh – Someone Perfect; Martha Waters – To Have and to Hoax; Vivienne Lorret – Lord Holt Takes a Bride; Loretta Chase – A Duke in Shining Armor; Julia Quinn – Just Like Heaven; Jane Ashford – Last Gentleman Standing; Cathy Maxwell – The Match of the Century; Lenora Bell – How the Duke Was Won; Christi Caldwell – Someone Wanton His Way Comes.
Pace: Moderately paced
Character: Likeable; Spirited
Storyline: Character-driven
Writing style: Engaging; Repartee
Tone: Steamy; Upbeat
Frame: Hawcombe Prior, Buckinghamshire; Regency
Themes: Life in Small Towns; Opposites attract
June 14, 2017
Rebecca has always taken care of her father and brother and doesn't want or need another man to take care of. Her brother unfortunately has a penchant for trouble and tries to convince her to bring their last family heirloom to pay off his gambling debts. Rebecca shows up alright and meets the man he owes but instead of taking her heirloom he gives her a card with an IOU a kiss on it which he tells her to pay later. 3 years later Lucius Wainwright or "lucky Luke" comes into town to see his brother. Rebecca thinks he is there to collect on her debt but he has other things in mind. I loved this book.
August 1, 2019
the most curious, and most outright sexually charged of the series
found it somewhat disconcerting that Luke was already in her crotch the first time he met her
and she was ok with that, also was somewhat disturbed by the gutter adjectives of female and male parts, had to remember he was 37 and a rake
his lust to affection and love for rebecca was well done, her feelings crept up, interaction with family not sufficient, wanted more of that story but
an ending that was more than satisfying
left some frayed ends, but it is on my re-read list
one complaint, hated, hated hated the repetition of lucky luke
found it somewhat disconcerting that Luke was already in her crotch the first time he met her
and she was ok with that, also was somewhat disturbed by the gutter adjectives of female and male parts, had to remember he was 37 and a rake
his lust to affection and love for rebecca was well done, her feelings crept up, interaction with family not sufficient, wanted more of that story but
an ending that was more than satisfying
left some frayed ends, but it is on my re-read list
one complaint, hated, hated hated the repetition of lucky luke
June 29, 2021
Jayne Fresina is starting to become one of my new favourite authors. I love her writing style, her witty characters, the naughtiness in the dialogue, and this book had all of that and more. I'm quickly falling in love with this village of characters and can't wait to read both the rest of the Book Club Belles books as well as the authors other works. Very highly recommend her stories.
December 5, 2021
3.5 stars
This is similar Sense and Sensibility. The Book Club Belles Society are reading the book together and it is quoted throughout the book.
I enjoyed the story and the characters, they were nicely developed. I liked seeing Lucius, Luke, grow and realize what was important in his life. Of all the characters, he was the most interesting and complex.
I think the author has the potential to create wonderful stories of her own without sticking so closely to another story. She gave her characters more depth than the story she was following.
Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in anyway.
This is similar Sense and Sensibility. The Book Club Belles Society are reading the book together and it is quoted throughout the book.
I enjoyed the story and the characters, they were nicely developed. I liked seeing Lucius, Luke, grow and realize what was important in his life. Of all the characters, he was the most interesting and complex.
I think the author has the potential to create wonderful stories of her own without sticking so closely to another story. She gave her characters more depth than the story she was following.
Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in anyway.
May 20, 2018
3.50
Gostei do livro e das personagens no entanto penso que a autora usa linguagem que não se usava nessa época, bem como demasiadas situações comprometedoras para a jovem.
Gostei do livro e das personagens no entanto penso que a autora usa linguagem que não se usava nessa época, bem como demasiadas situações comprometedoras para a jovem.
June 25, 2018
A good regency (I think!) read with a strong female lead and a returned somewhat battered irresponsible leading man who has come home. I liked both of the maincharacters in this story.
October 19, 2018
Not as good, or as fun, or as funny, as the first one in the series.
May 15, 2019
I really like the main character. She was a strong woman and the author did not change her viewpoint on things.
Read
August 28, 2020This entire series is ridiculous, with outlandish characters who speak and behave both anachronistically and inconsistently. But, it’s fast paced mostly enjoyable reading if you can overlook all that
September 15, 2021
Interesting enough to read and be entertained slightly by. Not really anything of quality.
April 24, 2020
The sharp differences between Luke and Darius were jarring, and this “hero” seemed plucked out of an entirely different series/time period. Neither main character was really like able and the story dragged to an unsurprising and anticlimactic finish. Many historical romances are predictable, that’s what makes them leisure reading for me, but this was truly bad. The first in the series was so much better, but I don’t think I can be bothered to try the third based on how Sherrington behaved in the first book.
December 31, 2014
Previously reviewed at The Good, The Bad and The Unread:
I’m less familiar with the plot of Sense and Sensibility than I am with that of Pride and Prejudice, but I was still looking forward to seeing what Jayne Fresnia and her Book Club Belles made of the former, after loving Fresnia’s treatment of the latter. Once again we find ourselves in the little village of Hawcombe Prior, this time shortly before Christmas, although the events leading to the main romance plot were set in motion in a different time and place altogether.
Five years ago, Becky Sherringham offered to trade a kiss for her brother’s latest gambling debts, rather than pay them with her mother’s music box. However, the man to whom the debt was owed considered her too young and so scribbled a badly-spelled IOU on the back of a playing card – a card that Becky has held onto ever since. Now, in the run up to Christmas, the village gossips are agog with the news that Lucky Luke, the brother of recently-married Darius Wainwright has returned after being presumed dead for more than a decade. Luke is the rightful heir to all the property Darius thought was his – but only if he can prove he has mended his philandering ways by settling down – and is also assumed to be the father of Darius’ young ward.
Becky has a habit of rescuing waifs and strays – she already rescued her long-term crush, Charles, after he had a fall: a reversal of one of the plot threads in Sense and Sensibility – and she takes pity of Luke and his dog when she finds them out in the snow, even before recognising Luke as the man she nearly kissed five years earlier. She insists on repaying her debt to Luke, and is spotted engaging in such unseemly behaviour by a local busybody.
Luke tries to salvage Becky’s reputation by claiming that they are engaged, but she’s having none of it, believing that he is too old, and that Charles is far more suitable husband material. Not that she’s looking for a husband, anyway – she has enough problems taking care of her father and brother to take on any more feckless men.
Becky is a great heroine, standing up for what she believes in and unafraid to state her mind – even when it appears that those she cares for have betrayed her. She also has strong opinions on the relationships of others, and tries to find more suitable matches for those she believes to be making unsuitable choices. There’s also a great subplot about missing belongings to complement the ongoing story arc about the treasure that may have been hidden by the former owner of Darius’ house. On top of that, I love the roles played by the pets once again – both Sir Mortimer Grubbins and Luke’s dog, Unnecessary.
All in all a great addition to the series, and I’m looking forward to finding out which Austen classic gets the Book Club Belles treatment next.
I’m less familiar with the plot of Sense and Sensibility than I am with that of Pride and Prejudice, but I was still looking forward to seeing what Jayne Fresnia and her Book Club Belles made of the former, after loving Fresnia’s treatment of the latter. Once again we find ourselves in the little village of Hawcombe Prior, this time shortly before Christmas, although the events leading to the main romance plot were set in motion in a different time and place altogether.
Five years ago, Becky Sherringham offered to trade a kiss for her brother’s latest gambling debts, rather than pay them with her mother’s music box. However, the man to whom the debt was owed considered her too young and so scribbled a badly-spelled IOU on the back of a playing card – a card that Becky has held onto ever since. Now, in the run up to Christmas, the village gossips are agog with the news that Lucky Luke, the brother of recently-married Darius Wainwright has returned after being presumed dead for more than a decade. Luke is the rightful heir to all the property Darius thought was his – but only if he can prove he has mended his philandering ways by settling down – and is also assumed to be the father of Darius’ young ward.
Becky has a habit of rescuing waifs and strays – she already rescued her long-term crush, Charles, after he had a fall: a reversal of one of the plot threads in Sense and Sensibility – and she takes pity of Luke and his dog when she finds them out in the snow, even before recognising Luke as the man she nearly kissed five years earlier. She insists on repaying her debt to Luke, and is spotted engaging in such unseemly behaviour by a local busybody.
Luke tries to salvage Becky’s reputation by claiming that they are engaged, but she’s having none of it, believing that he is too old, and that Charles is far more suitable husband material. Not that she’s looking for a husband, anyway – she has enough problems taking care of her father and brother to take on any more feckless men.
Becky is a great heroine, standing up for what she believes in and unafraid to state her mind – even when it appears that those she cares for have betrayed her. She also has strong opinions on the relationships of others, and tries to find more suitable matches for those she believes to be making unsuitable choices. There’s also a great subplot about missing belongings to complement the ongoing story arc about the treasure that may have been hidden by the former owner of Darius’ house. On top of that, I love the roles played by the pets once again – both Sir Mortimer Grubbins and Luke’s dog, Unnecessary.
All in all a great addition to the series, and I’m looking forward to finding out which Austen classic gets the Book Club Belles treatment next.
December 6, 2014
The second in the Book Club Belles Society, the set-up is simple. The five young ladies that are met in the story are reading the newly released Pride and Prejudice, and setting out to find their own Darcy. In this book, we are following Rebecca’s story, and I will say from the get-go that she was not a favorite of mine. In fact, she reminds me very much of Emma, another Austen character that is difficult to like.
Rebecca is spoilt and demanding, very forthright and judgmental, and often far too modern in her speech and approach for the purported time of the story. She has an overinflated sense of self that is far less a defense mechanism than one would hope: she truly believes that her standards and desires for the ‘right man’ are both appropriate and achievable.
Luke has been gone for several years: after crossing swords some five years earlier after Rebecca’s brother behaved poorly, he had left house and home to make his own way in the world. After years of silence and his own brother thinking him dead, Luke has returned with an injury from the war, a faithful if slightly disreputable dog, and a solid grounding in the life of a rake. Rebecca is both intrigued and disparaging of Luke, she refuses to ‘settle’ for a rake, and she expects never to allow him to cross her mind.
Of course Luke wants to be the man for her: frankly I never quite felt the connection between them. Rebecca never really softened or compromised from her rather rigid stance and belief that she deserved the ‘top shelf’, and Luke struggled to become what she wanted and needed. This alone was incredibly strange, as he was a man of near forty, in an age where men held all the cards: least of all for a chit of just 22, with an overinflated sense of self-import.
Interactions were clever and well-written, but this story ‘feels’ very 21st century even though it is meant to be Regency-era, with language, behavior and customs that fit that day. For me, I found those incongruities preyed on the story premise: it felt lighthearted and modern, with Regency references and customs pulling me away from the story rather than fitting in while feeling appropriate and needed.
I have a very conflicted sense of this story: not as fun or well-presented as the first, while hoping that the feel of the era will return in the next story. I am sure that part of the problem comes from the heroine who had, for me, no redeeming features and engendered no empathy. A mixed story that is set in the Regency era, but seems to forget the place and time to deliver a modern feeling romance with some lovely moments and dialogue.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
December 3, 2014
For such a small town, Hawcombe Prior is certainly full of lively characters! These Book Club Belles seem to find themselves in the middle of the most interesting situations, and, as a group of independent, well-read women, they definitely have an interesting view on how life should be managed. In Jayne Fresina's latest installment, she puts a splendid spin on Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, bringing the tale to life right before our eyes. Although there are some noticeable differences from the original, there's enough familiar territory to make me wax nostalgic for Marianne and Colonel Brandon.
Perhaps one of the best, most enjoyable correlations for me is the role of Rebecca to that of Marianne. Rebecca definitely has a romantic nature, wanting to believe in true love, however she's just cynical enough to believe it'll never happen to her. I find that she definitely portrays the sensibility intended in this retelling, and perhaps this gives her character a bit of an edge. Many historical readers might take exception to this kind of forthright, brash heroine, but for me Fresina's writing captures the very spirit and essence originally planned. Rebecca's character grows, changes and flourishes right along with her attachments and involvement with Charles Clarendon and Luke Wainwright. By the end, I feel she's a much more likable, less stolid individual who has the sense to embrace all she's been given.
If you're familiar with Austen's work, you'll appreciate the care Fresina takes to integrate many details from the classic. I mean, she even manages to incorporate the dead leaves and the lock of hair. Just brilliant! Sometimes in retellings or adaptations, very specific references of this nature are missing or lost. By including them, I feel Fresina shows respect for Austen's masterpiece while displaying gratitude for the opportunity to give it her own unique twist. I admire many things about Jayne Fresina's stories, and her ability to take something old and make it new again is among them. I was never bored during Sinfully Ever After despite my basic expectations for how the story would end; the drama as it unfolds in Hawcombe Prior is, as always, highly entertaining.
This review can also be found at www.3chicksafterdark.com.
Perhaps one of the best, most enjoyable correlations for me is the role of Rebecca to that of Marianne. Rebecca definitely has a romantic nature, wanting to believe in true love, however she's just cynical enough to believe it'll never happen to her. I find that she definitely portrays the sensibility intended in this retelling, and perhaps this gives her character a bit of an edge. Many historical readers might take exception to this kind of forthright, brash heroine, but for me Fresina's writing captures the very spirit and essence originally planned. Rebecca's character grows, changes and flourishes right along with her attachments and involvement with Charles Clarendon and Luke Wainwright. By the end, I feel she's a much more likable, less stolid individual who has the sense to embrace all she's been given.
If you're familiar with Austen's work, you'll appreciate the care Fresina takes to integrate many details from the classic. I mean, she even manages to incorporate the dead leaves and the lock of hair. Just brilliant! Sometimes in retellings or adaptations, very specific references of this nature are missing or lost. By including them, I feel Fresina shows respect for Austen's masterpiece while displaying gratitude for the opportunity to give it her own unique twist. I admire many things about Jayne Fresina's stories, and her ability to take something old and make it new again is among them. I was never bored during Sinfully Ever After despite my basic expectations for how the story would end; the drama as it unfolds in Hawcombe Prior is, as always, highly entertaining.
This review can also be found at www.3chicksafterdark.com.
March 6, 2015
There was something off about this book. I waffled between utter disgust coupled with boredom and slight interest. I give this a 1.5 instead of a 2. I wish Goodreads offered a .5 option...
First of all, it's bothered me for two books now that Sarah Wainwright is accepted so blithely by even the small society in Hawkcombe Prior. While I don't know that much about the lives of people in small villages in the early 1800s, I still find it hard to believe she wouldn't be shunned because she's illegitimate. Granted, I liked the fact that she was accepted but it didn't seem believable.
Secondly, there was something rather unappealing about Luke. It wasn't his age (I liked that he was an older hero). He just seemed so rude sometimes, and not in a way that I found "secretly charming." I didn't wholly dislike him, though. In fact, despite the fact I knew he wasn't going to to end up with Mrs. Makepiece, I started rooting for her instead of Becky.
Which leads me to my third problem with the book - the supposed "heroine" Becky. She was completely rude to Luke, to the point that I was actually experiencing secondhand embarrassment over her behavior. I am completely baffled as to why Luke is continually drawn to someone so off-putting. The age difference between the two characters was never more evident than when Becky was acting like a spoiled brat; however, it's not as though Luke was particularly mature either. I just don't see how either one of them are going to get any happiness out of their marriage.
There were three things that kept this book from being a total one star - the parallels to Sense and Sensibility (which were nicely done without being too over the top), Becky's slight maturity by the end of the book which made her see that Charles was a total douche canoe, and
I think I will read the third in the series - if there is a third. I don't know how Diana (or is it Diane - see, the book couldn't keep my interest very well) couldn't get her book with parallels, I expect, to Persuasion.
First of all, it's bothered me for two books now that Sarah Wainwright is accepted so blithely by even the small society in Hawkcombe Prior. While I don't know that much about the lives of people in small villages in the early 1800s, I still find it hard to believe she wouldn't be shunned because she's illegitimate. Granted, I liked the fact that she was accepted but it didn't seem believable.
Secondly, there was something rather unappealing about Luke. It wasn't his age (I liked that he was an older hero). He just seemed so rude sometimes, and not in a way that I found "secretly charming." I didn't wholly dislike him, though. In fact, despite the fact I knew he wasn't going to to end up with Mrs. Makepiece, I started rooting for her instead of Becky.
Which leads me to my third problem with the book - the supposed "heroine" Becky. She was completely rude to Luke, to the point that I was actually experiencing secondhand embarrassment over her behavior. I am completely baffled as to why Luke is continually drawn to someone so off-putting. The age difference between the two characters was never more evident than when Becky was acting like a spoiled brat; however, it's not as though Luke was particularly mature either. I just don't see how either one of them are going to get any happiness out of their marriage.
There were three things that kept this book from being a total one star - the parallels to Sense and Sensibility (which were nicely done without being too over the top), Becky's slight maturity by the end of the book which made her see that Charles was a total douche canoe, and
I think I will read the third in the series - if there is a third. I don't know how Diana (or is it Diane - see, the book couldn't keep my interest very well) couldn't get her book with parallels, I expect, to Persuasion.
December 20, 2014
Book two of the Book Club Belles Society is just as good as the first book. Really I think I liked it more than the first one. Rebecca Sherringham is a strong character; she is strong in her attitude with a rake brother like hers and an absentminded headstrong father she needs to be to stand up to them. She has had to deal with more than her fair share of gambling reprobates because of her brother and her opinion of men is not very complementary. Captain Lucas “Lucky Luke” Wainwright is supposed to be dead, until he shows up at the doors of his lawyers looking for his inheritance. Shocked to find his upstanding and proper brother married and living in a quaint little village in the home their great uncle left him he goes off to settle thing with him never expecting to find Rebecca.
Years past Rebecca made a deal with a gambler known as Lucky Luke in exchange for her brothers vows she owes him a kiss. He lets her go saying he will collect someday. Now back to the present Rebecca has no idea Lucky Luke is Lucas Wainwright her best friends new back from the dead brother-in-law. Their debt collecting kiss got out of control and was witnessed by the town gossip and now Rebecca finds herself engaged to Luke, despite her many protests. Luke spends the book trying to convince everyone Rebecca in particular he really doesn’t want his title back he is willing to sign it all over. It also takes Rebecca most of the book and several amusing antics to realize and accept the truth of her feelings for Lucas.
In this book the Book Club Belles Society are reading Sense and Sensibility and you can see the similarities and parallels between their book and what’s happening to them as in the first one. I enjoyed the book and I look forward to see what to other girls will get themselves in to and what Austin book will be their corresponding story.
Years past Rebecca made a deal with a gambler known as Lucky Luke in exchange for her brothers vows she owes him a kiss. He lets her go saying he will collect someday. Now back to the present Rebecca has no idea Lucky Luke is Lucas Wainwright her best friends new back from the dead brother-in-law. Their debt collecting kiss got out of control and was witnessed by the town gossip and now Rebecca finds herself engaged to Luke, despite her many protests. Luke spends the book trying to convince everyone Rebecca in particular he really doesn’t want his title back he is willing to sign it all over. It also takes Rebecca most of the book and several amusing antics to realize and accept the truth of her feelings for Lucas.
In this book the Book Club Belles Society are reading Sense and Sensibility and you can see the similarities and parallels between their book and what’s happening to them as in the first one. I enjoyed the book and I look forward to see what to other girls will get themselves in to and what Austin book will be their corresponding story.
December 11, 2014
This is book 2 in the Book Club Belles Society series.
After having taken care of her father and brother for years, Rebecca Sherringham believes that she knows all there is to know about men. Having met Captain Lucius "Luke" Wainwright several years earlier, and having an indecent conversation with him, she thinks she has him figured out.
Coming to town to claim the inheritance that is rightfully his, Luke never imagined that he would see the girl that owed him a kiss as a forfeit for her brother's debt. He also never thought to be thoroughly intrigued by her.
What happens when two people who don't have much use for the opposite sex, start to find themselves falling in love?
I really like the ladies in the Book Club Belles Society and have enjoyed reading their HEAers. The ladies are not part of the ton, so it is a nice change from typical story placed during this time period.
Fresina has brought together two unlikely people for Sinfully Ever After. Rebecca really doesn't think much of men. After having to take care of her father and brother for so many years, so really doesn't have any use for them. Luke is known as the love them and leave them type of guy.Why settle down with one woman when you can have many. This definitely led to an interesting story.
I can't wait to read more about the Book Club Belles Society and eagerly await the next book in the series.
Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
After having taken care of her father and brother for years, Rebecca Sherringham believes that she knows all there is to know about men. Having met Captain Lucius "Luke" Wainwright several years earlier, and having an indecent conversation with him, she thinks she has him figured out.
Coming to town to claim the inheritance that is rightfully his, Luke never imagined that he would see the girl that owed him a kiss as a forfeit for her brother's debt. He also never thought to be thoroughly intrigued by her.
What happens when two people who don't have much use for the opposite sex, start to find themselves falling in love?
I really like the ladies in the Book Club Belles Society and have enjoyed reading their HEAers. The ladies are not part of the ton, so it is a nice change from typical story placed during this time period.
Fresina has brought together two unlikely people for Sinfully Ever After. Rebecca really doesn't think much of men. After having to take care of her father and brother for so many years, so really doesn't have any use for them. Luke is known as the love them and leave them type of guy.Why settle down with one woman when you can have many. This definitely led to an interesting story.
I can't wait to read more about the Book Club Belles Society and eagerly await the next book in the series.
Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
December 2, 2014
This book is one of those fabulous, wintertime reads that just makes you want to curl up in your favorite reading spot and become lost in the unfolding pages of one of the best historical novels of the year.
When I first saw this book listed for review I read the summary, debated quietly over whether or not the book was right for me and then I skipped over it. A few days later the book was back and I gave in and selected it for review. I'm happy that I did. I think what makes this book such a grand read is the fact that it varies from previous historical novels that I have been reading this year. It's always a great thing when a book can stand on its own without the need for suggestion of similar authors of the genre.
Fresina created a novel that blossomed into a romantic and humorous love story. I love a good romance and that was exactly what I was given between Luke and Becky. Their love story is the kind of romance that I look for whenever I am reading a romantic-themed book.
(To read more of this novel please visit the link below:
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev... )
All copyrights belong to NOR whom I wrote this review for. It cannot be copied nor shared. Per company policy I am only allowed to post a few short paragraphs of my review outside of the NOR website.
When I first saw this book listed for review I read the summary, debated quietly over whether or not the book was right for me and then I skipped over it. A few days later the book was back and I gave in and selected it for review. I'm happy that I did. I think what makes this book such a grand read is the fact that it varies from previous historical novels that I have been reading this year. It's always a great thing when a book can stand on its own without the need for suggestion of similar authors of the genre.
Fresina created a novel that blossomed into a romantic and humorous love story. I love a good romance and that was exactly what I was given between Luke and Becky. Their love story is the kind of romance that I look for whenever I am reading a romantic-themed book.
(To read more of this novel please visit the link below:
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev... )
All copyrights belong to NOR whom I wrote this review for. It cannot be copied nor shared. Per company policy I am only allowed to post a few short paragraphs of my review outside of the NOR website.
January 20, 2016
Not what I've come to expect from Jayne Fresina. I normally love her books. The characters in this one were nothing special and I never saw the connection. The steam level was almost nonexistent and the few loves scenes were so brief and lackluster that it left me wondering if they were even actually attracted to each other.
I could have done without so many references to Marianne Dashwood, a character I have never been able to stand as she was a frivolous, stuck up, brainless girl. The opposite of Rebecca. Luke also reminded me nothing of Colonel Brandon with the exception of them both being Colonels. The author just tried too hard force the whole "Sense and Sensibility" parallels.
However, I think the thing that bothered me most was that the book went on and on and ON about the age difference. Luke was so "OLD" and Becky so "YOUNG". Please. He was 37 not 67 and she was 22 not 12. Yeah there is a gap but not uncommon for the time period. Actually not even totally unheard of for our own time period. It grated on my nerves the entire book to the point I couldn't enjoy the rest. It ruined it for me.
Even though this one was a flop for me I look forward to reading Nate and Diana's book. Although I hope Diana will start to show some personality in that one as she was a total dud in this book that's for sure.
I could have done without so many references to Marianne Dashwood, a character I have never been able to stand as she was a frivolous, stuck up, brainless girl. The opposite of Rebecca. Luke also reminded me nothing of Colonel Brandon with the exception of them both being Colonels. The author just tried too hard force the whole "Sense and Sensibility" parallels.
However, I think the thing that bothered me most was that the book went on and on and ON about the age difference. Luke was so "OLD" and Becky so "YOUNG". Please. He was 37 not 67 and she was 22 not 12. Yeah there is a gap but not uncommon for the time period. Actually not even totally unheard of for our own time period. It grated on my nerves the entire book to the point I couldn't enjoy the rest. It ruined it for me.
Even though this one was a flop for me I look forward to reading Nate and Diana's book. Although I hope Diana will start to show some personality in that one as she was a total dud in this book that's for sure.
May 21, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised that Sinfully Ever After had striking similarities to Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibilities, one being an older hero smitten with a much younger heroine who was fixated on a man not worthy of her. While I am especially fond of smitten heroes, Captain Luke was just a bit too rough around the edges for me to warm up to him. Furthermore, Rebecca was much more practical than Austen's Marianne was and annoyingly strong-willed. There is also the whole idea of a young teen having enough gumption to take on a man almost twice her age. That part just didn't feel true.
Their meet-up several years later put Rebecca at a more acceptable age and temperament, but honestly, was the tabletop seduction necessary the first evening of their reunion?
I wasn't thrilled with this book. While at times entertaining, I found it was also a little irritating and inconsistent. Without revealing the laundry list of Captain Luke's supposed sins against whomever, I just didn't think they were a big deal. What was so wrong with him?
I opted for three stars only because I did enjoy certain parts even if my enthusiasm was only lukewarm. However, I do believe I've had my fill of the Book Club Belles series.
Their meet-up several years later put Rebecca at a more acceptable age and temperament, but honestly, was the tabletop seduction necessary the first evening of their reunion?
I wasn't thrilled with this book. While at times entertaining, I found it was also a little irritating and inconsistent. Without revealing the laundry list of Captain Luke's supposed sins against whomever, I just didn't think they were a big deal. What was so wrong with him?
I opted for three stars only because I did enjoy certain parts even if my enthusiasm was only lukewarm. However, I do believe I've had my fill of the Book Club Belles series.
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