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Thorne Brothers #1
My Steadfast Heart
Colin Thorne kept a wall around his heart no one had ever breached. His two younger brothers were lost to him, perhaps forever, and now a dark mission of revenge had brought the ruthless ship captain to England.
Penniless aristocrat Mercedes Leydon was beautiful...and desperate. Colin Thorne was claiming the estate of her dissolute uncle, the Earl of Weybourne, as payment for a gambling debt. She was treated as a servant at Weybourne Park, but it was home to her and the earl's children. Now Mercedes would use anything—lies, promises—even her own body—to stop Thorne from destroying their lives.
A man consumed by the fires of vengeance. A woman determined never to love. An unexpected passion that could damn them both...
Penniless aristocrat Mercedes Leydon was beautiful...and desperate. Colin Thorne was claiming the estate of her dissolute uncle, the Earl of Weybourne, as payment for a gambling debt. She was treated as a servant at Weybourne Park, but it was home to her and the earl's children. Now Mercedes would use anything—lies, promises—even her own body—to stop Thorne from destroying their lives.
A man consumed by the fires of vengeance. A woman determined never to love. An unexpected passion that could damn them both...
413 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1997
167 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
Jo Goodman
60 books479 followersTo find characters to illustrate my first family saga, I cut out models from the Sears catalogue. I was in fourth grade, but it was a start. In seventh grade I wrote a melodrama about two orphan sisters, one of whom was pregnant. There was also a story about a runaway girl with the unlikely name of Strawberry and one about mistaken identities and an evil blind date. My supportive, but vaguely concerned parents, sighed with relief when I announced I was going to write children's books. They bought me an electric typewriter and crossed their fingers, but somehow PASSION'S BRIDE came out. No one was really surprised.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
January 19, 2013
Convoluted plot with too many supporting (unimportant) characters who just add to the confusion. I lost interest with the hero, Colin midway through the story with his perplexing attraction for Mercedes. Her vain efforts for self-preservation were actually self-destructive. Too frustrating to read and DNF.
September 19, 2018
MY STEADFAST HEART by Jo Goodman brings back memories of my favorite historical romance books of the 80s/90s, without too much of the “bodice ripper” attitudes that would seem overbearing to romance readers today.
Why was this book in Dorine’s TBR? Jo Goodman is one of my favorite historical western romance writers. I was curious how a different historical era would compare from this talented author, especially since it was written in 1997. Most books I loved back then don’t stand the test of time with my bossy self today. I can’t get past the men’s attitudes toward women, as well as how women accepted their fate and loved the men anyways. “We’ve come a long way” surely describes my growth as a reader, as well as a woman.
The Prologue seized me when three brothers are separated by the orphanage that takes them in after their parents’ death. I love, love, love orphanage stories. The first line, “They came for the baby first,” is the best first sentence I’ve read in years. It piqued my curiosity and I was in for the full ride from that moment. The brothers’ stories are what grabbed me, but it was Colin and Mercedes’ predicaments that kept me reading.
Colin grew up on a ship after leaving the orphanage and eventually became a captain. He’s known for his speed and he isn’t surprised when someone wagers against him. When the earl loses, he challenges Colin to a duel for cheating him. Mercedes is the earl’s poor relation and is convinced by his normal cruel methods to try to stop Colin from showing up at the duel location by any means possible.
MY STEADFAST HEART has everything I love in a historical romance novel. The children add a great dynamic to Mercedes’s story, as well as warranting Colin’s developing feelings for her and her family due to his own troubled past. I loved their conflicts and how they resolved the problems they faced.
The villains are extra nasty and added that creep-factor that makes you root for Mercedes, hoping Colin will be the one to save her from her current life. Mercedes seems weak at first, but her strengths help Colin in the end. Colin wasn’t always my favorite because he was a jerk to Mercedes, at first, but he ended up being the perfect man for her.
I could tell this was an early Goodman novel because it’s easy to recognize the 90s romances when comparing them to today’s books. There is an abundance of sexual encounters with some of the usual purple prose that makes me giggle. It’s not as riveting as her westerns, but it’s much more riveting than other books written during this time. I’ve tried to go back and read my favorites without success. I gobbled this book up without hesitation or feeling creeped-out by the alpha male insensitivity. It’s good story-telling and the series promises to be very intriguing with some unexpected heroes.
I enthusiastically look forward to book two in the THORNE BROTHERS series. The hero captured my curiosity, and I can’t wait to see how Goodman redeems him. MY STEADFAST HEART by Jo Goodman was a perfect choice from my TBR for our historical challenge. It reminds me what I loved about those stories written in the 90s and made me realize there are still great books to discover that stand the test of time.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Digital copy obtained for free from an Amazon Kindle promotion.
Why was this book in Dorine’s TBR? Jo Goodman is one of my favorite historical western romance writers. I was curious how a different historical era would compare from this talented author, especially since it was written in 1997. Most books I loved back then don’t stand the test of time with my bossy self today. I can’t get past the men’s attitudes toward women, as well as how women accepted their fate and loved the men anyways. “We’ve come a long way” surely describes my growth as a reader, as well as a woman.
The Prologue seized me when three brothers are separated by the orphanage that takes them in after their parents’ death. I love, love, love orphanage stories. The first line, “They came for the baby first,” is the best first sentence I’ve read in years. It piqued my curiosity and I was in for the full ride from that moment. The brothers’ stories are what grabbed me, but it was Colin and Mercedes’ predicaments that kept me reading.
Colin grew up on a ship after leaving the orphanage and eventually became a captain. He’s known for his speed and he isn’t surprised when someone wagers against him. When the earl loses, he challenges Colin to a duel for cheating him. Mercedes is the earl’s poor relation and is convinced by his normal cruel methods to try to stop Colin from showing up at the duel location by any means possible.
MY STEADFAST HEART has everything I love in a historical romance novel. The children add a great dynamic to Mercedes’s story, as well as warranting Colin’s developing feelings for her and her family due to his own troubled past. I loved their conflicts and how they resolved the problems they faced.
The villains are extra nasty and added that creep-factor that makes you root for Mercedes, hoping Colin will be the one to save her from her current life. Mercedes seems weak at first, but her strengths help Colin in the end. Colin wasn’t always my favorite because he was a jerk to Mercedes, at first, but he ended up being the perfect man for her.
I could tell this was an early Goodman novel because it’s easy to recognize the 90s romances when comparing them to today’s books. There is an abundance of sexual encounters with some of the usual purple prose that makes me giggle. It’s not as riveting as her westerns, but it’s much more riveting than other books written during this time. I’ve tried to go back and read my favorites without success. I gobbled this book up without hesitation or feeling creeped-out by the alpha male insensitivity. It’s good story-telling and the series promises to be very intriguing with some unexpected heroes.
I enthusiastically look forward to book two in the THORNE BROTHERS series. The hero captured my curiosity, and I can’t wait to see how Goodman redeems him. MY STEADFAST HEART by Jo Goodman was a perfect choice from my TBR for our historical challenge. It reminds me what I loved about those stories written in the 90s and made me realize there are still great books to discover that stand the test of time.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Digital copy obtained for free from an Amazon Kindle promotion.
May 9, 2016
Jo Goodman is quickly becoming one of my go to authors for a great read! This one was no exception. That first chapter is a tear jerker as it sets up the boys future books. Colin was the oldest and did his best to protect his brothers and he did to the point of starving himself. Uniquely enough him finding his brother's isn't the focus of the book, the focus of the book is his and Mercedes relationship. Colin Thorne, a ship's captain made a bet that he could do a Boston run in a certain number of hours. Mercedes's uncle bet against him and lost. But we aren't talking just money, we are talking an entire estate.
Of course, not only would Mercedes lose her home, but so would 4 other children and too many others to count. It becomes up to Mercedes to save everybody from the wicked Mr. Thorne. But is it her uncle's cruel threats and physical intimidation that makes her go to Thorne or something else. I loved this book, because although there was constant threat to Mercedes in one form or another, the entire book was devoted to her and Colin falling in love and the focus very rarely strayed from that. Colin was always her champion, whether she wanted him to be or not. There were a lot of emotional twists and turns in this one, where you weren't sure who was in league with the bad guys and who was the good guy in disguise. Colin did end up finding one brother and Decker and I wasn't really surprised at the ending on that aspect and thought it was a neat twist. I am already reading Decker's book, I just couldn't resist.
Of course, not only would Mercedes lose her home, but so would 4 other children and too many others to count. It becomes up to Mercedes to save everybody from the wicked Mr. Thorne. But is it her uncle's cruel threats and physical intimidation that makes her go to Thorne or something else. I loved this book, because although there was constant threat to Mercedes in one form or another, the entire book was devoted to her and Colin falling in love and the focus very rarely strayed from that. Colin was always her champion, whether she wanted him to be or not. There were a lot of emotional twists and turns in this one, where you weren't sure who was in league with the bad guys and who was the good guy in disguise. Colin did end up finding one brother and Decker and I wasn't really surprised at the ending on that aspect and thought it was a neat twist. I am already reading Decker's book, I just couldn't resist.
October 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, even though I wanted to chase some sense into Mercedes at times. I love it when both a hero and heroine are broken and build each other up again. I enjoyed the cousins, and I love how Collin meshed into the family dynamic. It’s not explicitly said, but I think Colin and Mercedes might be distantly related. Like they would be far enough removed from each other that it would probably be fine by even today’s standards, but it’s still a weird detail. I liked them enough though that it wasn’t too distracting for me. I enjoyed the mystery, and I am excited to read the next book.
May 4, 2015
Didn't read much of this one and mostly flipped through it, because I knew the "I've been abused; train me to accept strangers' for petting zoo" trope and convoluted pirate hero with a soft-spot for orphans and precious bundles, was thick an' potent, but I will say for the LOLz, the children and twins attacking the big burly secondary hero is imprinted in my mind forever like some mini-bar fight. Pretty funnah. :>
November 29, 2021
This review is of “My Steadfast Heart”, book #1 of 3 in the “Thorne Brothers” series by Jo Goodman (a pseudonym used by Joanne Dobrzanski). Published by Zebra/Kensington (March 1997).
The book begins in London, 1820. Colin Thorne, 8 at the time who will grow up to become the hero of the book, watches his younger brothers Decker and Greyson get adopted while he is not. (The boys became orphans after their parents were killed by highwaymen). Colin is later adopted by an American ship’s captain.
Fast forward to 1841. Colin, now 29 and captain of his own ship, the Remington Mystic, is back in London. He receives a visit from Mercedes Leyden, the heroine of the book, who is trying to stop a duel between Colin and her uncle, Wallace Leyden, Earl of Weybourne, over a bet the earl lost to Colin. The duel never happens, however, as Weybourne doesn’t show.
As they spend time together, Mercedes and Colin become lovers and eventually marry. Multiple Leyden family secrets are revealed and Mercedes and Colin discover that they have a tragic connection to each other that neither knew about.
In the end, more secrets are revealed, Mercedes is able to put her personal demons to rest, and she and Colin have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: With “My Steadfast Heart”, Ms. Goodman has created a fascinating concept involving a man separated from his brothers as children, who, now that they are all adults, tries to find them. There’s a lot of places to go with this storyline.
The best part of the book, for me, is Colin. He is a good, honorable man, which can be surprising given all he has endured in his relatively young life.
Downside: Unfortunately, Ms. Goodman chose, with the first book in the series, to go to a place which is overly complicated and overly wordy. The book’s storylines go in so many different directions that it’s hard to tell what is going on, and more importantly, why I as a reader should care about any of it.The writing style Ms. Goodman uses here feels like she was asked to write a book to a word count and did her very best to meet it.
Although I liked Colin a lot, I didn’t have the same level of affection for Mercedes. Although I understood some of her behavior, I didn’t find her as likeable. She is also a woefully underdeveloped character, as are the supporting characters, who add nothing to the book at all.
Sex: The love scenes are good. They are not erotic nor graphic, but strike a good balance between love, sex, romance and the physical act of making love.
Violence: Assault, battery, stabbing, shooting and killing all take place during “My Steadfast Heart”. The violence is not graphic.
Bottom Line: There are some good elements in “My Steadfast Heart”, but the laborious writing style Ms. Goodman uses and the overall complexity of the story brings the grade down a bit. 2.57 stars.
Hero: Colin Thorne, 29. Golden-blonde hair, brown eyes. Captain, the Remington Mystic.
Heroine: Mercedes Leyden, 24. Dark brown hair, blue-gray eyes. Caretaker, Weybourne Park.
Location: London, England. Time frame: 19th Century.
Tropes: Historical Romance.Regency England Separated families. Ship’s Captain.
The book begins in London, 1820. Colin Thorne, 8 at the time who will grow up to become the hero of the book, watches his younger brothers Decker and Greyson get adopted while he is not. (The boys became orphans after their parents were killed by highwaymen). Colin is later adopted by an American ship’s captain.
Fast forward to 1841. Colin, now 29 and captain of his own ship, the Remington Mystic, is back in London. He receives a visit from Mercedes Leyden, the heroine of the book, who is trying to stop a duel between Colin and her uncle, Wallace Leyden, Earl of Weybourne, over a bet the earl lost to Colin. The duel never happens, however, as Weybourne doesn’t show.
As they spend time together, Mercedes and Colin become lovers and eventually marry. Multiple Leyden family secrets are revealed and Mercedes and Colin discover that they have a tragic connection to each other that neither knew about.
In the end, more secrets are revealed, Mercedes is able to put her personal demons to rest, and she and Colin have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: With “My Steadfast Heart”, Ms. Goodman has created a fascinating concept involving a man separated from his brothers as children, who, now that they are all adults, tries to find them. There’s a lot of places to go with this storyline.
The best part of the book, for me, is Colin. He is a good, honorable man, which can be surprising given all he has endured in his relatively young life.
Downside: Unfortunately, Ms. Goodman chose, with the first book in the series, to go to a place which is overly complicated and overly wordy. The book’s storylines go in so many different directions that it’s hard to tell what is going on, and more importantly, why I as a reader should care about any of it.The writing style Ms. Goodman uses here feels like she was asked to write a book to a word count and did her very best to meet it.
Although I liked Colin a lot, I didn’t have the same level of affection for Mercedes. Although I understood some of her behavior, I didn’t find her as likeable. She is also a woefully underdeveloped character, as are the supporting characters, who add nothing to the book at all.
Sex: The love scenes are good. They are not erotic nor graphic, but strike a good balance between love, sex, romance and the physical act of making love.
Violence: Assault, battery, stabbing, shooting and killing all take place during “My Steadfast Heart”. The violence is not graphic.
Bottom Line: There are some good elements in “My Steadfast Heart”, but the laborious writing style Ms. Goodman uses and the overall complexity of the story brings the grade down a bit. 2.57 stars.
Hero: Colin Thorne, 29. Golden-blonde hair, brown eyes. Captain, the Remington Mystic.
Heroine: Mercedes Leyden, 24. Dark brown hair, blue-gray eyes. Caretaker, Weybourne Park.
Location: London, England. Time frame: 19th Century.
Tropes: Historical Romance.Regency England Separated families. Ship’s Captain.
February 14, 2016
Did not finish. I kept finding myself saying, 'Huh?', re-reading a section, and remaining absolutely unenlightened. For example, Mercedes (a jarringly anachronistic name, particularly paired with her cousin, Britton) lives with her uncle, who's in possession of the family estate because when Mercedes' father died, the estate was entailed and couldn't be left to her. Fair enough - logical and plausible. But then the uncle loses the estate in a wager, with no mention of how that might happen to an entailed property. Similarly, there's casual talk of the estate and title being destined for a cousin, because the uncle has decided his own eldest son, Britton, is actually not his son. Now, I'm not sure what the legalities of inheritance were at the time, but I'm pretty confident that an earl can't disinherit his heir (born in wedlock) simply by saying it - and that an entail couldn't easily be broken. In fact, I think entails could only be broken with input from the heir - which couldn't possibly be forthcoming when said heir is a young child. Nor do I think it would be legal for someone claiming to have won an earl's property in a wager to simply move in after said earl goes missing.
After wasting far too much effort trying to twist the events into a logical plot, I realised that I really didn't care about any of the characters enough to finish the book.
After wasting far too much effort trying to twist the events into a logical plot, I realised that I really didn't care about any of the characters enough to finish the book.
January 26, 2014
This is a reissue of a 1997 book.
While I wouldn't call this a "light" book by any means, it's a quicker, lighter read than many of Jo Goodman's other books. The heroine, Mercedes has endured years of the truly awful abuse of her uncle and the creepy attentions of his "friend" when the hero appears. Colin falls hard and fast for Mercedes, and much of the book is about how he proves himself to her.
As with all of Jo Goodman's books, this is well-written, with strong, well-developed characters. I really liked both Colin and Mercedes. So, while not as angst-ridden as many Goodman books, My Steadfast Heart isn't a frothy, rainbows-and-puppies read, either. It's more of a settle-into-the-couch for several hours when you won't be bothered sort of book.
While I wouldn't call this a "light" book by any means, it's a quicker, lighter read than many of Jo Goodman's other books. The heroine, Mercedes has endured years of the truly awful abuse of her uncle and the creepy attentions of his "friend" when the hero appears. Colin falls hard and fast for Mercedes, and much of the book is about how he proves himself to her.
As with all of Jo Goodman's books, this is well-written, with strong, well-developed characters. I really liked both Colin and Mercedes. So, while not as angst-ridden as many Goodman books, My Steadfast Heart isn't a frothy, rainbows-and-puppies read, either. It's more of a settle-into-the-couch for several hours when you won't be bothered sort of book.
June 6, 2017
Lady Mercedes Leyden fell in status after her father, the Earl of Weybourne, and mother were murdered. She now acts as the governess/poor relation to her cousins in her home. Her uncle, the new earl, can only be described as criminally insane. He sends Mercedes to an inn ALONE to speak to Colin Thorne, the man her uncle has challenged to a duel. Mercedes is supposed to make sure the duel doesn't happen by persuading Colin to not show up. Caring nothing for her welfare, the earl has instructed Mercedes to give Colin her innocence if it will sway him and kill him if necessary. What a coward! Her uncle is a jackass!
Colin is also a survivor. His parents were murdered by highway men in the same manner Lady Mercedes lost her family. His two younger brothers were adopted shortly after they were placed in Cunnington's Workhouse for Foundlings and Orphans. Colin has sworn an oath to find his brothers. He also seeks to avenge his parents' deaths.
As heroes and heroines go, neither Colin nor Mercedes would be at the top of my list. Nevertheless, in a world full of romance books that recycle the same twenty tropes, their story is unique, and I found admirable qualities in each of them. Mercedes is far more complex than she needs to be. Sometimes, I liked her. Sometimes, I couldn't stand her. The reasons why she did some of the things she did were not always clear to me. At times, it seems like it would have been easier for her to be forthcoming with Colin, but I suppose she didn't know who she could trust. Men hadn't exactly been honorable toward her. Colin's character made more sense to me. Colin wanted what was his. He was frank and didn't split hairs. The only time I cringed was during the first sexual encounter. It really seemed kind of rapey to me. I don't like to see men take advantage of women. I also don't like to see sex used as a means to subdue and control a woman.
This novel was fast-paced and full of twists. Jo Goodman is a talented writer who knows how to weave an interesting tale. Once I began this book, I did not put it down until I finished it. My Steadfast Heart is the first of three books about the Thorne Brothers. After reading Colin's story, I look forward to learning about the fates of Decker and Greydon Thorne.
Colin is also a survivor. His parents were murdered by highway men in the same manner Lady Mercedes lost her family. His two younger brothers were adopted shortly after they were placed in Cunnington's Workhouse for Foundlings and Orphans. Colin has sworn an oath to find his brothers. He also seeks to avenge his parents' deaths.
As heroes and heroines go, neither Colin nor Mercedes would be at the top of my list. Nevertheless, in a world full of romance books that recycle the same twenty tropes, their story is unique, and I found admirable qualities in each of them. Mercedes is far more complex than she needs to be. Sometimes, I liked her. Sometimes, I couldn't stand her. The reasons why she did some of the things she did were not always clear to me. At times, it seems like it would have been easier for her to be forthcoming with Colin, but I suppose she didn't know who she could trust. Men hadn't exactly been honorable toward her. Colin's character made more sense to me. Colin wanted what was his. He was frank and didn't split hairs. The only time I cringed was during the first sexual encounter. It really seemed kind of rapey to me. I don't like to see men take advantage of women. I also don't like to see sex used as a means to subdue and control a woman.
This novel was fast-paced and full of twists. Jo Goodman is a talented writer who knows how to weave an interesting tale. Once I began this book, I did not put it down until I finished it. My Steadfast Heart is the first of three books about the Thorne Brothers. After reading Colin's story, I look forward to learning about the fates of Decker and Greydon Thorne.
June 30, 2015
This was a solid historical romance that had a really thick plot - in fact, it was almost too thick. I was ready for the story to end and I think at least 50 pages could have been chopped off and I would have enjoyed the story all the more for it.
With that being said, I really did enjoy this book and it was well worth my time to read it. But I wanted more emotion from Colin and Mercedes. They were both cautious and wary of trusting by nature, and that came across in their characters. It made it difficult for me to fully connect with them.
This is a very intricate story with a lot of stuff going on in the sidelines and a lot of secondary characters that play a significant role in the story. I personally loved Mercedes cousins - especially the twins - so their contribution to the story was enjoyable for me. If you prefer a romance with H/h front and center and together most of the time, then this isn't the book for you.
I will say the author kept me on my toes and kept surprising me with more layers to the complex history of the H/h. Kudos for that. She also has a lovely writing style that is fluid and engaging.
With that being said, I really did enjoy this book and it was well worth my time to read it. But I wanted more emotion from Colin and Mercedes. They were both cautious and wary of trusting by nature, and that came across in their characters. It made it difficult for me to fully connect with them.
This is a very intricate story with a lot of stuff going on in the sidelines and a lot of secondary characters that play a significant role in the story. I personally loved Mercedes cousins - especially the twins - so their contribution to the story was enjoyable for me. If you prefer a romance with H/h front and center and together most of the time, then this isn't the book for you.
I will say the author kept me on my toes and kept surprising me with more layers to the complex history of the H/h. Kudos for that. She also has a lovely writing style that is fluid and engaging.
March 4, 2013
I found myself asking why the hero (Colin) found the heroine (Mercedes) attractive? She did beats him over the head multiple times, ties him up, lies to him, and that's attractive? Too many wtf moments and just way too much. . . everything. I totally skipped the loves scenes because they were written in real time. Yeah, a hour of *ahem*. . . It just went on and on and on.
The plot kept changing and the reason I read to the end was to find out who really done it.
I'm not sure if I am going to bother picking up the next book in the series.
The plot kept changing and the reason I read to the end was to find out who really done it.
I'm not sure if I am going to bother picking up the next book in the series.
January 23, 2018
Colin Thorne's parents were murdered in a carriage attack when he was 8 in front of him. No one comes forward to claim his brothers 5 mo and 4 or him at the work house. They are split up with Colin going on a ship to America. He becomes a clipper captain and very successful. Thru a wager, he meets Mercedes Leydon, the niece of the man he has a duel scheduled with. Mercedes runs the estate and tries to protect it and her four cousins from her vicious uncle. He disappears before the duel, and Colin takes over the estate. He and Mercedes become reluctant lovers and eventually fall in love and marry. The real culprits are uncovered as are the murderers of both Mercedes and Colin's parents (her uncle). They also find his 4 year old brother Decker at the end, setting up a sequel.
August 5, 2015
“My Steadfast Heart” is the first book in the Thorne Brothers Trilogy and I found it to be a thoroughly well-written romance story.
The story opens with Colin Thorne and his two younger brothers, Decker and Grey, finding themselves in a workhouse after their parents are murdered during a roadside robbery. Colin is taken in by the captain of a ship and ends up in Boston where he eventually becomes a ship’s captain himself. The story pauses here and picks up again some years later when Colin has arrived, with his ship, back in London. One night he is challenged to a duel by a local aristocrat, the Earl of Weybourne, who has lost money gambling with Colin. The night before the duel he is confronted by Mercedes Leyden whose uncle, the local aristocrat Weybourne, has sent her to Colin’s boarding house to stop him, by any means necessary, from showing up for the duel. What follows will throw Mercedes and Colin together through a complicated series of events involving robbery, trickery and murder. Will they fall in love and make a life together or will Colin catch the next ship and return to the states where another eligible young lady waits? You’ll have to read to find out.
I really enjoyed this story even though romance is not my usual cup of tea. Jo Goodman has created some wonderful characters who were truly likable and believable. Of course, there is a bad guy among them who will do anything in his power to thwart Colin and Mercedes. The author has done a great job of balancing descriptions of the surroundings with interactions between characters in a way that keeps you interested in the story from beginning to end. If you enjoy historical romances than you should definitely try this one out.
Happy Reading!
The story opens with Colin Thorne and his two younger brothers, Decker and Grey, finding themselves in a workhouse after their parents are murdered during a roadside robbery. Colin is taken in by the captain of a ship and ends up in Boston where he eventually becomes a ship’s captain himself. The story pauses here and picks up again some years later when Colin has arrived, with his ship, back in London. One night he is challenged to a duel by a local aristocrat, the Earl of Weybourne, who has lost money gambling with Colin. The night before the duel he is confronted by Mercedes Leyden whose uncle, the local aristocrat Weybourne, has sent her to Colin’s boarding house to stop him, by any means necessary, from showing up for the duel. What follows will throw Mercedes and Colin together through a complicated series of events involving robbery, trickery and murder. Will they fall in love and make a life together or will Colin catch the next ship and return to the states where another eligible young lady waits? You’ll have to read to find out.
I really enjoyed this story even though romance is not my usual cup of tea. Jo Goodman has created some wonderful characters who were truly likable and believable. Of course, there is a bad guy among them who will do anything in his power to thwart Colin and Mercedes. The author has done a great job of balancing descriptions of the surroundings with interactions between characters in a way that keeps you interested in the story from beginning to end. If you enjoy historical romances than you should definitely try this one out.
Happy Reading!
May 8, 2017
This book falls into the old, depressing, stiflingly sexist tropes of Regency fiction. First, it infantilizes the female lead, only giving her the roles of crying, being trapped and kidnapped and threatened and beaten, believing obvious lies, and being shocked to discover what has long been obvious to the reader, the children in the story, and the male lead. Second, it avers that men are justified in hiding important secrets from women because the women wouldn't be able to comprehend or deal with the truth, that coerced sex work is secretly romantic, and that true love starts with sexual assault. And do I have to point out that it is not empowerment when the female lead goes from being physically abused by her guardian to being protected and sheltered by a man who promises not to beat her and yet manipulates her into sex and continually denies her her own agency - and somehow she likes it.
We can do better, people.
We can do better, people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2016
Well, I do miss some historic novels between all the YA, or the contemporary and all the angst.
I liked this story, so im looking to read the next two. I did think that the book was sometimes full if unnecessary details. on the other hand, with not enough details on the love scenes.
All in all. Cute, nice and easy read.
I liked this story, so im looking to read the next two. I did think that the book was sometimes full if unnecessary details. on the other hand, with not enough details on the love scenes.
All in all. Cute, nice and easy read.
May 2, 2015
High angst, quasi-old school historical romance, complete with mistaken identities and being accused of crimes that were not committed. I was pretty into it.
September 18, 2024
I loved this book and was shocked to see it was originally published in 1997, as the male MC lacked many of the more unpleasant characteristics I associate with men in historical romance in that era. That is, he actually cares about his partner's wellbeing and comfort and safety -- both physically and emotionally. He seems to regard her as a human being right from the jump, not just after he falls in love with her.
The setup is elaborate and if you don't like lots of characters and plot, this is probably going to frustrate you. Goodman is setting up a story of three brothers separated at a young age when their parents were murdered. This is the story of Colin, the oldest brother. Although he went to sea at a young age, he never stopped hoping to find his younger brothers. After he wins a wager with an earl over his ship's speed, he comes into possession of a large manor. The only issue is that there's people IN the manor still - Mercedes, the niece of the earl, who was also orphaned at a young age. Her life is dedicated to trying to create some sense of peace and order for her young cousins, as they're all terrorized by the mercurial, violent, and heavy drinking earl. He's truly a repellant character. In Mercedes, Goodman has created an absolutely heartrending portrayal of someone who is thriving as best she can in abusive conditions with few options. Her stillness and careful nature come directly from trying to avoid catching negative attention from her uncle and when she and Colin come together, it's clear how the scars of both their pasts make their path to love rocky. She doesn't trust him - why would she? The men she knows most intimately are violent and manipulative. He doesn't trust her because he suspects she's working for her uncle's interests. While they often make decisions that are "bad," they're all very explicable given their past and I find that much more emotionally engaging and interesting than a book with two MCs who have it together and don't have to overcome their pasts to trust.
I loved the layers and layers of plot here, as well as all the setup for subsequent books (I always enjoy a series more when I already "know" the MCs from previous books). I can't wait to continue this series.
The setup is elaborate and if you don't like lots of characters and plot, this is probably going to frustrate you. Goodman is setting up a story of three brothers separated at a young age when their parents were murdered. This is the story of Colin, the oldest brother. Although he went to sea at a young age, he never stopped hoping to find his younger brothers. After he wins a wager with an earl over his ship's speed, he comes into possession of a large manor. The only issue is that there's people IN the manor still - Mercedes, the niece of the earl, who was also orphaned at a young age. Her life is dedicated to trying to create some sense of peace and order for her young cousins, as they're all terrorized by the mercurial, violent, and heavy drinking earl. He's truly a repellant character. In Mercedes, Goodman has created an absolutely heartrending portrayal of someone who is thriving as best she can in abusive conditions with few options. Her stillness and careful nature come directly from trying to avoid catching negative attention from her uncle and when she and Colin come together, it's clear how the scars of both their pasts make their path to love rocky. She doesn't trust him - why would she? The men she knows most intimately are violent and manipulative. He doesn't trust her because he suspects she's working for her uncle's interests. While they often make decisions that are "bad," they're all very explicable given their past and I find that much more emotionally engaging and interesting than a book with two MCs who have it together and don't have to overcome their pasts to trust.
I loved the layers and layers of plot here, as well as all the setup for subsequent books (I always enjoy a series more when I already "know" the MCs from previous books). I can't wait to continue this series.
May 20, 2019
This book is a very solid 3.5 stars for me because the writing is wonderful, the characters and setting are deep and fascinating but some of the plotting and romance choices didn't work for me.
To begin with, this book contains explicit discussions and depictions of domestic violence, child abuse, threats of sexual violence, violence and dubious consent. It doesn't pull away from showing the difficult parts of the era such as workhouses.
The heart of this story is Colin and Mercedes, two people who have closed themselves off to protect themselves from violence and neglect in their lives. Their first major interactions are uncomfortable in terms of treading a tricky line of power and violence. This holds true through the first part of the book until they're able to finally trust each other. Because of these early interactions and then later more intimate scenes that feel transactional, I didn't completely believe in what I was shown. Colin, the hero is a ship's captain and he has many points of ordering Mercedes and the author didn't do enough work to show how this would feel different to her than the control her abusive relative exerted on her. I felt like I needed to have seen more showing how they were building trust and intimacy instead of being told.
The choice of subject matter and how it was presented reminded me of Mary Balogh but closer to the darkness that comes into Meredith Duran's and some of Loretta Chase's. I do feel that these other authors do a better job of pacing, but I'm curious to read more of Goodman's books.
To begin with, this book contains explicit discussions and depictions of domestic violence, child abuse, threats of sexual violence, violence and dubious consent. It doesn't pull away from showing the difficult parts of the era such as workhouses.
The heart of this story is Colin and Mercedes, two people who have closed themselves off to protect themselves from violence and neglect in their lives. Their first major interactions are uncomfortable in terms of treading a tricky line of power and violence. This holds true through the first part of the book until they're able to finally trust each other. Because of these early interactions and then later more intimate scenes that feel transactional, I didn't completely believe in what I was shown. Colin, the hero is a ship's captain and he has many points of ordering Mercedes and the author didn't do enough work to show how this would feel different to her than the control her abusive relative exerted on her. I felt like I needed to have seen more showing how they were building trust and intimacy instead of being told.
The choice of subject matter and how it was presented reminded me of Mary Balogh but closer to the darkness that comes into Meredith Duran's and some of Loretta Chase's. I do feel that these other authors do a better job of pacing, but I'm curious to read more of Goodman's books.
February 17, 2020
An American ship captain is set for a duel (in the 1840s?) with an English earl, due to said captain's winning a bet and said earl calling him a liar. The night before the duel, Colin Thorne is visited by a young woman, the earl's niece, who first tries to talk him out of duelling, and then tries to stab him. When the earl never shows up for the duel, and then goes missing, suspicion falls on Colin, and he's forced to remain at the estate, where his fascination with Mercedes Leyden grows along with his suspicions of her.
Marked down for Old Skool sexual sort-of-consent, without any acknowledgement of the power relationship between the male and female protagonists, a bit surprising for 1997, the book's original pub date. Also annoying: the continual lack of communication between the Colin and Mercedes; both had major trauma in their pasts that made them wary, but Colin's immediate jumping to conclusions seemed excessive. AND the constant head-hopping. Goodman likes to include multiple points of view, but in her later books, she learned to avoid multiple POV shifts per scene.
Marked down for Old Skool sexual sort-of-consent, without any acknowledgement of the power relationship between the male and female protagonists, a bit surprising for 1997, the book's original pub date. Also annoying: the continual lack of communication between the Colin and Mercedes; both had major trauma in their pasts that made them wary, but Colin's immediate jumping to conclusions seemed excessive. AND the constant head-hopping. Goodman likes to include multiple points of view, but in her later books, she learned to avoid multiple POV shifts per scene.
July 19, 2021
Copyright 1997. This is the first in the series about 3 brothers who became orphans at a young age when their parents were murdered by highwaymen. I actually read the 2nd book first & had a hard time finding this one. This is a reread, but many years ago.
So, the amount of coincidence in this story is alarming. So many points of the story rely on it. Saying that, I really enjoyed it! JG is a good storyteller & a good writer. The H/h are great & the villains are really evil.
There's no rape, but some physical & emotional abuse to the heroine (not by the hero). I guess you could say the heroine hurts the hero physically, but she was put in a corner.
One thing I've noticed about JG romances is they frequently start out with the hero screwing some other woman. It's pretty annoying actually.
So, the amount of coincidence in this story is alarming. So many points of the story rely on it. Saying that, I really enjoyed it! JG is a good storyteller & a good writer. The H/h are great & the villains are really evil.
There's no rape, but some physical & emotional abuse to the heroine (not by the hero). I guess you could say the heroine hurts the hero physically, but she was put in a corner.
One thing I've noticed about JG romances is they frequently start out with the hero screwing some other woman. It's pretty annoying actually.
October 18, 2019
Historical English romance with a rich merchant finds love with the poor orphaned Earl's daughter.
Mr. Colin Thorne is having a good time with the sexy servant at the inn when he is rudely interrupted by the strong Lady Mercedes Leydon who is out on a mission for her evil uncle the Earl. She is supposed to kill Colin Thorne before he can get to the duel against her uncle. This first night was rally crazy although the whole story is crazy and improbable. There is a lot of imposter stories and bribing people to do things and then bribing again to change everything. There is a HEA, but it is also total fluff. There should be a warning because there is lots of flashbacks to childhood physical abuse with Mercedes and her cousins.
416 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Mr. Colin Thorne is having a good time with the sexy servant at the inn when he is rudely interrupted by the strong Lady Mercedes Leydon who is out on a mission for her evil uncle the Earl. She is supposed to kill Colin Thorne before he can get to the duel against her uncle. This first night was rally crazy although the whole story is crazy and improbable. There is a lot of imposter stories and bribing people to do things and then bribing again to change everything. There is a HEA, but it is also total fluff. There should be a warning because there is lots of flashbacks to childhood physical abuse with Mercedes and her cousins.
416 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
April 1, 2022
It was doing okay and I was certain I would be giving the book 3 stars, but the later development of just falls apart as if there was a hurry to insert more story lines and wrap this part up
The idea was nice, development not so much
the author tries to put the H/h in situations that breed miscommunication but the behavior (of the heroine mainly) just feel forced and out of place
the heroe treats her badly in numerous points of the story but the heroine continues to talk to him as if nothing happened
watching constellations, sharing family stories and what not
not to mention the heavy body betrayal trope ...
that one really annoys me
the author doesnt give the character time to be angry and hurt
she is immediately horny
and that is not convincing at all and makes her stupid
The idea was nice, development not so much
the author tries to put the H/h in situations that breed miscommunication but the behavior (of the heroine mainly) just feel forced and out of place
the heroe treats her badly in numerous points of the story but the heroine continues to talk to him as if nothing happened
watching constellations, sharing family stories and what not
not to mention the heavy body betrayal trope ...
that one really annoys me
the author doesnt give the character time to be angry and hurt
she is immediately horny
and that is not convincing at all and makes her stupid
September 5, 2018
I am disappointed in this book. I was so excited about the premise of the separated brothers but about half way through this book became convoluted. I never felt the love or chemistry between the MCs. The small detour with her sister at 84% Into story was strange. I also don't think the author had a good handle on the rules of entailment and inheritance. You can't win an entailed estate in a wager. I will read the next one and hope for better. I loved her western books, but this one was lacking.
December 31, 2024
Was all in on this book until page 400. When an author starts to throw things in there that don’t make a bit of sense, that’s when the book needs to end. And that occurred at page 400. For example, with all that has transpired between Mercedes and Marcus, how does it make any sense that she would agree to go with him under the guise of visiting his ailing father? On another note, for all the effort Marcus went to search for his brothers, his reaction to finding out who his brother is was extremely underwhelming.
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October 30, 2020We have read this book five times now. Love the twisting plot, the family and their characters and the interaction they share with each other. The plot kept changing and kept us guessing.
The relationship between Thorne and Mercedes was unique. Their dialogue and interplay is so intriguing.
Classy, romantic, enriching and transports us to another world.
Thank you for all those Authors that are brave enough to share their talent with us. We are privileged.
The relationship between Thorne and Mercedes was unique. Their dialogue and interplay is so intriguing.
Classy, romantic, enriching and transports us to another world.
Thank you for all those Authors that are brave enough to share their talent with us. We are privileged.
September 12, 2023
The plot is interesting and it adds to the romance. Enjoyed the rollercoaster. Always like it when the main characters communicate like adults and cut thru the misunderstanding bs. Granted there are still a lot of prejudice and predetermined notions etc that influences the mcs choices, but I still like fact that they dont fall into the misunderstanding trope.
January 30, 2017
I could not continue to waste my time on this poorly written and poorly plotted book. The heroine was a lying manipulator and not someone worth relating to. I kept going for 52% of the book, thinking it had to get better, but it just got worse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2019
Romance and Mystery
The author plays fairly with her clues in this ever twisting mystery enclosed by a romance. The hero’s initial violence (not rape) toward the heroine, as well as her uncle’s abuse may be disturbing to some.
The author plays fairly with her clues in this ever twisting mystery enclosed by a romance. The hero’s initial violence (not rape) toward the heroine, as well as her uncle’s abuse may be disturbing to some.
August 20, 2023
August 2023
Brilliant story very fast paced although the characters could be very confusing at times particularly Mercedes she appeared to have multiple images I guessed quite early about the thief intricate plot and very good ending
Brilliant story very fast paced although the characters could be very confusing at times particularly Mercedes she appeared to have multiple images I guessed quite early about the thief intricate plot and very good ending
December 8, 2024
This was a rollercoaster. My hod the characters are so well developed and I just want to declare that the plot kept givingg. Colin was a sweetheart who kept making me gasp and mercedes was giving me a reason to have a stroke with every revelation and reaction.
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