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Jewels of the Ton #3
Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend
She Wants Him...
She Wants Him Not...
Lily Dawson, dubbed the Countess of Charm by the Prince Regent himself, plays the role of the courtesan flawlessly while her real purpose is spying in the service of the Crown. Her mission now is to seduce a duke to test his true loyalties. She'll do it, even though the man she really wants is Andrew Booth-Payne, Earl of Darlington—the duke's son.
Andrew is furious when he finds himself rivaling his father for Lily's attention. When he uncovers Lily's mission, Andrew is faced with impossible choices. It seems he is destined to betray either his family, his country, or the longings of his own heart...
She Wants Him Not...
Lily Dawson, dubbed the Countess of Charm by the Prince Regent himself, plays the role of the courtesan flawlessly while her real purpose is spying in the service of the Crown. Her mission now is to seduce a duke to test his true loyalties. She'll do it, even though the man she really wants is Andrew Booth-Payne, Earl of Darlington—the duke's son.
Andrew is furious when he finds himself rivaling his father for Lily's attention. When he uncovers Lily's mission, Andrew is faced with impossible choices. It seems he is destined to betray either his family, his country, or the longings of his own heart...
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First published March 4, 2014
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About the author
Shana Galen
98 books1,548 followersShana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
March 6, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed Galen's Lord & Lady Spy series, so I (through one of those Amazon Kindle recommendations, I think?) ended up getting kicked into this series. Which...eh. Not as good, in my opinion.
In all fairness, I started out with the second book, If You Give a Rake a Ruby, so maybe the first book was amazing or something.
But the second book was cute enough and it made me want to find out who the Big Bad was bad enough that I grabbed up this one fairly quickly afterward.
Annnnnd...?
Yeah, it was a tad rushed and disappointing. The Big Reveal not the lovebirds falling for each other. <--that was ok
It felt like (once it finally happened) that it wasn't really given the proper run-down. I wanted a few tidbits about the how and whys of the whole thing.
Alas, it was not to be.
But that's ok. Kinda.
Because the romance wasn't badly done. I wasn't thrilled that it was one of those where the girl was madly in love with a guy who didn't know (previously) that she existed. It's just not my favorite trope. Whatever, you can't have it all.
I didn't like And maybe that tainted this book for me a bit.
Overall? This was decent. I wouldn't run out and shove this series in anyone's face, though. If you're looking for a fun regency spy series (<--I think it's regency?) I'd recommend Lord and Lady Spy.
In all fairness, I started out with the second book, If You Give a Rake a Ruby, so maybe the first book was amazing or something.
But the second book was cute enough and it made me want to find out who the Big Bad was bad enough that I grabbed up this one fairly quickly afterward.
Annnnnd...?
Yeah, it was a tad rushed and disappointing. The Big Reveal not the lovebirds falling for each other. <--that was ok
It felt like (once it finally happened) that it wasn't really given the proper run-down. I wanted a few tidbits about the how and whys of the whole thing.
Alas, it was not to be.
But that's ok. Kinda.
Because the romance wasn't badly done. I wasn't thrilled that it was one of those where the girl was madly in love with a guy who didn't know (previously) that she existed. It's just not my favorite trope. Whatever, you can't have it all.
I didn't like And maybe that tainted this book for me a bit.
Overall? This was decent. I wouldn't run out and shove this series in anyone's face, though. If you're looking for a fun regency spy series (<--I think it's regency?) I'd recommend Lord and Lady Spy.
December 12, 2024
Sapphires are an earl's best friend follows Lily ,who masquerades as a courtesan but isn't actually one and Andrew, who is the Earl of Darlington. Lily is acting as a spy for her best friend's betrothed Fitzhugh. Her role is to seduce Andrew's father the Duke of Darlington who is suspected of being a traitor to the crown. Obviously Lily isn't attracted to the old duke in any way but she knows she has to do what is best for the crown. So she pretends to be interested in him when she is really in love with his son Andrew. However Andrew has been in love with Lily's friend Juliette for a long time and he has barely noticed Lily. However he begins to pay a lot more attention to her when he sees the way she is behaving, especially around his father (he gets jealous of his father when she is with him). It's not before Andrew and Lily share a few kisses. However Lily is still attempting to seduce Andrew's father and this causes issues between her and Andrew. At the same time of all of these events sinister things are taking place and they are putting Lily and Andrew in danger. Will they be able to survive the risks to their lives and get their happily ever after?
I did like this book but it's definitely my least favorite in the trilogy. I loved When you give a duke a diamond and If you give a rake a ruby and this book just didn't hit the same. I also much preferred the couples in those novels to the one in this novel. I couldn't really feel Andrew and Lily's connection. This was also slower paced than the previous novels and most of the events in it took place in Andrew's ancestral home so Andrew and Lily didn't move around as much as the other couples. However I did love Lily. She was amazing and definitely the best part of the novel. I admired her strength so much. I would recommend this series for sure.
I did like this book but it's definitely my least favorite in the trilogy. I loved When you give a duke a diamond and If you give a rake a ruby and this book just didn't hit the same. I also much preferred the couples in those novels to the one in this novel. I couldn't really feel Andrew and Lily's connection. This was also slower paced than the previous novels and most of the events in it took place in Andrew's ancestral home so Andrew and Lily didn't move around as much as the other couples. However I did love Lily. She was amazing and definitely the best part of the novel. I admired her strength so much. I would recommend this series for sure.
July 17, 2014
As with Shana's other Jewels of the Ton books, I really, really enjoyed this one, despite that When You Give a Duke a Diamond remains my favorite of the series. In this tale, we see the transformation of Darlington from a friendly, affable young man in the first book, to a moody, brooding alpha hero in this book, one who is bent on uncovering all of Lily's secrets. And Lily was just a wonderful heroine, full of intelligence and spirit, with a sad past yet remains stubborn to her cause. I enjoyed their cat-and-mouse game with each other, and their sacrifice for each other at the end just made me cry.
Shana Galen has secured a place on my auto-buy with this book!
*Review copy complimentary of the publisher for an honest review
Mini review~
Shana Galen has secured a place on my auto-buy with this book!
*Review copy complimentary of the publisher for an honest review
Mini review~
March 19, 2018
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
—Confucius
September 11, 2018
I am so loving this series!!
Lily is my favorite of the three courtesans so far.
Lily Dawson
We finally got some closure in regards to Lucifer. Yep, he reappears and we finally find out who the traitor is.
The ending however was rushed. There was no wrap up with the three Diamonds and how they all faired going forward with society. That might be my only complaint about this book. I wanted a little more...which I believe to be the ultimate compliment to a writer. I wasn't ready for the story to end....sighs
Lily is my favorite of the three courtesans so far.
Lily Dawson
We finally got some closure in regards to Lucifer. Yep, he reappears and we finally find out who the traitor is.
The ending however was rushed. There was no wrap up with the three Diamonds and how they all faired going forward with society. That might be my only complaint about this book. I wanted a little more...which I believe to be the ultimate compliment to a writer. I wasn't ready for the story to end....sighs
February 28, 2014
Lily, ever since she was a little girl, admired her father for his profession and so she followed his footsteps and now works as a spy for the government. Lily has been called on a new mission, to seduce the Duke, Andrew's father and find out what secrets he is hiding and if he is a traitor. She knows that she will have one obstacle, Andrew. Lily has loved Andrew for years but he has never returned the sentiment, but has always had a interest in one of her closest friend. Now she is forced to handle him so that she can gain the trust of his father even though seducing him is the last thing she wants to do. Andrew, is outraged at Lily seducing his father, when it is clear they both share a passionate desire for each other. He doesn't understand her purpose, and doubts her real reason for coming to their estate. As Lily comes close to finding what she is looking for, she finds that there is one person she can't let go of, a man whom she loves more fiercely than ever. But a danger lurks ahead, will Lily and Andrew be able to work together and bring down the enemy that would destroy them and England?
Sapphires Are An Earl's Best Friend is the third in the series, and we see the last Jewel have her story. From the beginning of the story, Lily always fascinated me. She is the most mysterious of all three, and so I was very excited to read her book. Shana Galen is a favored author of mine, from her older works to her latest one, I feel like she just keeps getting better. I was given a copy of this ARC in return of a honest review from Sourcebooks and Netgalley. I was really thrilled to be able to get a chance to read this one, since I have adored every book of this series. It was very thrilling at times to get into this story, and it didn't take much effort to get fully into it. The story starts off with a quick pace so it really draws the reader in quickly. The chemistry between Lily and Andrew is instantaneous and boy the fireworks....I loved the tension between these two lively characters. They never let up, its just one thing after another. I felt like I was caught up in a whirlwind of emotion whenever these two souls collide. Haha. Oh boy, did I enjoy myself in this one. There was times when I felt the consistency to the story was a bit lacking, that I didn't feel in the previous two books. Saying that however, I immensely enjoyed myself, and there was quite a bit of powerful elements to this story that made it into a winning romance of a read.
I felt like there was nothing held back and it was full blast most of the way. The characters were very engaging, and quite a few times I will admit I laughed, but then there was a couple instances where I needed a tissue, since there was some raw emotion displayed that reaches out to the reader in a very personal way. At first I didn't know what to expect from the blurb, however as you read further into the story, you start to see complicated issues and a bit of drama. There was a hint of true depth and insight into these characters, that pull you like magnets. I felt drawn to both Lily and Andrew, and the way the author writes this story, I felt as if I could feel what they were feeling in the "moment".The side characters were a wonderful additional spicy flavor to the story. I really liked Andrew's sister (she was charming and like able). I did enjoy the way the story turns out, although there were a couple times I felt like I didn't receive a couple of 'satisfying'answers of questions that I was asking in my mind as I read this story. And maybe that was the author's intent, use my imagination and all that nonsense, frankly I would have preferred the answers LOL. Oh well.
Overall a stunning display of romance, suspense, thrills and anticipations, sensual desires, and the magic of true love. A story that will take you places you only can dream of. A book to enrich and captivate and is beyond memorable!!! SPARKLING GEM!!
Sapphires Are An Earl's Best Friend is the third in the series, and we see the last Jewel have her story. From the beginning of the story, Lily always fascinated me. She is the most mysterious of all three, and so I was very excited to read her book. Shana Galen is a favored author of mine, from her older works to her latest one, I feel like she just keeps getting better. I was given a copy of this ARC in return of a honest review from Sourcebooks and Netgalley. I was really thrilled to be able to get a chance to read this one, since I have adored every book of this series. It was very thrilling at times to get into this story, and it didn't take much effort to get fully into it. The story starts off with a quick pace so it really draws the reader in quickly. The chemistry between Lily and Andrew is instantaneous and boy the fireworks....I loved the tension between these two lively characters. They never let up, its just one thing after another. I felt like I was caught up in a whirlwind of emotion whenever these two souls collide. Haha. Oh boy, did I enjoy myself in this one. There was times when I felt the consistency to the story was a bit lacking, that I didn't feel in the previous two books. Saying that however, I immensely enjoyed myself, and there was quite a bit of powerful elements to this story that made it into a winning romance of a read.
I felt like there was nothing held back and it was full blast most of the way. The characters were very engaging, and quite a few times I will admit I laughed, but then there was a couple instances where I needed a tissue, since there was some raw emotion displayed that reaches out to the reader in a very personal way. At first I didn't know what to expect from the blurb, however as you read further into the story, you start to see complicated issues and a bit of drama. There was a hint of true depth and insight into these characters, that pull you like magnets. I felt drawn to both Lily and Andrew, and the way the author writes this story, I felt as if I could feel what they were feeling in the "moment".The side characters were a wonderful additional spicy flavor to the story. I really liked Andrew's sister (she was charming and like able). I did enjoy the way the story turns out, although there were a couple times I felt like I didn't receive a couple of 'satisfying'answers of questions that I was asking in my mind as I read this story. And maybe that was the author's intent, use my imagination and all that nonsense, frankly I would have preferred the answers LOL. Oh well.
Overall a stunning display of romance, suspense, thrills and anticipations, sensual desires, and the magic of true love. A story that will take you places you only can dream of. A book to enrich and captivate and is beyond memorable!!! SPARKLING GEM!!
March 4, 2014
This story is truly about perceptions and reading between the lines, do not always believe what you hear or see. Not everything is as it seems. This book has it all; action, suspense, romance, steamy scenes, sexual tension, humor, sadness and mystery.
I really enjoyed Lily’s brave nature. She is a woman that doesn’t let action pass her by, she gets right into the middle of it. She is fierce and takes control. Lily’s backstory is heart-breaking but I admire her determination and strength to do better and help anyway she can. She is my kind of heroine.
Andrew, Lord Darlington (love that name) is a great hero. I love when he truly sees Lily for who she really is and not what the world thinks she is. It’s the best a-ha moment I’ve read in a while and he is in awe of her. Andrew has many secrets that you learn throughout the story and they are interesting. He may be “the Darling of the Ton” but he truly is a serious trustworthy man.
This was a great story to end the series. I enjoyed the mystery that was unfolding during the book. Ms. Galen provides another great historical romance! I recommend this book and series for anyone who enjoys a great suspenseful historical romance.
*Received an advance copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
March 4, 2014
There has never been a doubt that men are stubborn. Darlington is just that, stubborn as a mule. Determined and he will not give in. Will not listen to his true heart. His true heart is aware of the right woman for him.
Oh, don't be fooled. She does not make it easy for him. She is just as stubborn. And will not give an inch.
The story of Lily and Darlington is a roller coaster. This way and that.
Nearly the end of the wonderful series Shana Galen has put together. There is nothing like best friends.
Friends that never fail. Nothing like unconditional love.
The jewels, fun romantic exciting reading.
I give it 5 stars because I feel like Lily got her happy ending. As it should be.
Oh, don't be fooled. She does not make it easy for him. She is just as stubborn. And will not give an inch.
The story of Lily and Darlington is a roller coaster. This way and that.
Nearly the end of the wonderful series Shana Galen has put together. There is nothing like best friends.
Friends that never fail. Nothing like unconditional love.
The jewels, fun romantic exciting reading.
I give it 5 stars because I feel like Lily got her happy ending. As it should be.
January 4, 2014
I really enjoyed Lily's story, there was plenty of action and lots of romance. The chemistry between Lily and Andrew was undeniable. The plot had me reeled in from the beginning and kept me wondering if the duke was guilty or not. There were plenty of twists to keep me interested till the very end.
November 6, 2021
andrew is such a cunt i will kill him myself
February 26, 2014
Whenever I'm looking for historical romance with a touch of daring and dash on the lighter side, I can count on this author to see me through. It's been a while since I picked up one of her books and the catchy title and gorgeous jewel-tone cover caught my eye. This was a book that got up to all sorts of high jinks and really can't be taken seriously as a historical if the reader is to have any enjoyment in this story.
I was aware going into this that I was picking up the third book in a series that from what I could tell had moderate ties to each other. Thus I was prepared to feel my way through the world building and ongoing storyline. I managed to get up to speed eventually, but it wasn't easy and it was a tad spoilerish so I would definitely recommend reading these in order.
With that all covered, I entered the story meeting precocious and intrepid, Lily Dawson, one of the three fabulous courtesan Diamonds who hit the Ton by storm. Lily is dubbed the Countess of Charm for her winning ways with even the Prince Regent himself. She is the last of her threesome since the other two married and became respectable. This leaves her feeling left out and uncertain of her own future. But she still has her work. She is the only one who can fulfill an important mission because Lily is more than she seems. She is a trained spy and for this mission, she must seduce a duke so he will let her close enough to discover evidence that he is the traitor and assassin who is killing off and selling information about England's spy network. There is just one barrier to her scheme. Lily has been in love with the Earl of Darlington even while he trailed around after her friend and barely noticed her existence. The Duke is his father and she is about to bring heartbreak and shame to an already grieving household who just endured the death of the duchess.
Darlington has no idea what Lily is up to, but he will not let her succeed with his father. The duchess hasn't even been dead a year and the duke has surrounded himself with a fast crowd determined to embarrass the family and sully the duchess' good name. Darlington was always one for a good time himself, but now he has become the responsible one determined to care for the dukedom and the family name. He tries several times to intercept Lily from sinking her claws into the duke. He doesn't know if she is looking for a protector, a husband or just money, but he'll do what he has to do. He fails and finds her at the duke's house party, but now he begins to discover several things. Lily is behaving oddly and not like a loose woman just after what she can gain. She's up to something. There is also the fact that now he finds his motives for keeping her from the duke include the desire to keep her for himself.
The story follows a twisting plot of nothing is what it seems to the end even while an unlikely romance develops. Lily's feelings for Darlington cause her to lose focus on her mission and his emerging feelings for her cause him no end of confusion as he tries to figure out what is going on.
Truthfully, the spy/action part of the plot is light stuff and its meant to be. I wanted to laugh every time she said she could handle things and she was trained. She had some impressive moves and she was smart and brave, but she really was in over her head. She gets rescued several times by Darlington even though she is convinced that she was handling things just fine. He catches her out a few times and sees right through her ploys so she's not that good at the spying part though she has her shining moments like when she tracked down one of the villains. Her thing as a courtesan is a bit on the thin side too. This is one of those fake-courtesan stories though at least she really is a fallen woman by the standards of the day. Her story is very sad and this just endeared her too me because she didn't let her circumstances beat her. I did feel that she was in a tough spot having to act the part of who she was not for the sake of her work for the country, but I was a little impatient with her attitude that Darlington should 'know I'm not really that kind of girl and how dare he think the worst of me when I'm rubbing up against his recently widowed father like I'm in heat'. The only way he could know the truth since she put on a big act was if he had developed ESP. Fortunately, this direction of her thoughts was not pushed too much and she was able accept that this was the downside to espionage work and she saw where he was coming from a little too when she pushed past the pain of the past when he didn't notice her.
This leads me to the fun part of this piece. Darlington and Lily's intrigues were hilarious and fun. I loved the way these two started out plotting against each other, sneaking around for their nefarious purposes, sharing stolen moments and finally grudgingly working together. It is while Darlington seeks to figure out Lily's motives that he gets a good look at what was under his nose all this time. He sees what he felt for her friend wasn't the real deal and that his feelings for Lily are the real deal. He has been forced to grow up and accept responsibility since his mother died and in so doing he has grown up when it comes to relationships too. He is a natural protector and even when he had no reason to trust Lily, he does and he defends her honor in spite of her reputation. I loved seeing that. Lily has had a hard life. She made some poor decisions, but she owns them and has made the best of her life. I love that about her. She felt unworthy of Darlington, but it is obvious that she truly is worthy. They are so passionate that they can't seem to help themselves half the time.
Now, I definitely want to go back and read the other two stories. I'm also crossing my fingers that Flynn, one of the side characters, gets his story. This one was just a fun reading jaunt that delivered on the capers, passion and moments of excitement that I've come to enjoy about this author's work. Light historical romance lovers should pick this one up- and probably start at the beginning of the series unlike me.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for my honest review thoughts.
I was aware going into this that I was picking up the third book in a series that from what I could tell had moderate ties to each other. Thus I was prepared to feel my way through the world building and ongoing storyline. I managed to get up to speed eventually, but it wasn't easy and it was a tad spoilerish so I would definitely recommend reading these in order.
With that all covered, I entered the story meeting precocious and intrepid, Lily Dawson, one of the three fabulous courtesan Diamonds who hit the Ton by storm. Lily is dubbed the Countess of Charm for her winning ways with even the Prince Regent himself. She is the last of her threesome since the other two married and became respectable. This leaves her feeling left out and uncertain of her own future. But she still has her work. She is the only one who can fulfill an important mission because Lily is more than she seems. She is a trained spy and for this mission, she must seduce a duke so he will let her close enough to discover evidence that he is the traitor and assassin who is killing off and selling information about England's spy network. There is just one barrier to her scheme. Lily has been in love with the Earl of Darlington even while he trailed around after her friend and barely noticed her existence. The Duke is his father and she is about to bring heartbreak and shame to an already grieving household who just endured the death of the duchess.
Darlington has no idea what Lily is up to, but he will not let her succeed with his father. The duchess hasn't even been dead a year and the duke has surrounded himself with a fast crowd determined to embarrass the family and sully the duchess' good name. Darlington was always one for a good time himself, but now he has become the responsible one determined to care for the dukedom and the family name. He tries several times to intercept Lily from sinking her claws into the duke. He doesn't know if she is looking for a protector, a husband or just money, but he'll do what he has to do. He fails and finds her at the duke's house party, but now he begins to discover several things. Lily is behaving oddly and not like a loose woman just after what she can gain. She's up to something. There is also the fact that now he finds his motives for keeping her from the duke include the desire to keep her for himself.
The story follows a twisting plot of nothing is what it seems to the end even while an unlikely romance develops. Lily's feelings for Darlington cause her to lose focus on her mission and his emerging feelings for her cause him no end of confusion as he tries to figure out what is going on.
Truthfully, the spy/action part of the plot is light stuff and its meant to be. I wanted to laugh every time she said she could handle things and she was trained. She had some impressive moves and she was smart and brave, but she really was in over her head. She gets rescued several times by Darlington even though she is convinced that she was handling things just fine. He catches her out a few times and sees right through her ploys so she's not that good at the spying part though she has her shining moments like when she tracked down one of the villains. Her thing as a courtesan is a bit on the thin side too. This is one of those fake-courtesan stories though at least she really is a fallen woman by the standards of the day. Her story is very sad and this just endeared her too me because she didn't let her circumstances beat her. I did feel that she was in a tough spot having to act the part of who she was not for the sake of her work for the country, but I was a little impatient with her attitude that Darlington should 'know I'm not really that kind of girl and how dare he think the worst of me when I'm rubbing up against his recently widowed father like I'm in heat'. The only way he could know the truth since she put on a big act was if he had developed ESP. Fortunately, this direction of her thoughts was not pushed too much and she was able accept that this was the downside to espionage work and she saw where he was coming from a little too when she pushed past the pain of the past when he didn't notice her.
This leads me to the fun part of this piece. Darlington and Lily's intrigues were hilarious and fun. I loved the way these two started out plotting against each other, sneaking around for their nefarious purposes, sharing stolen moments and finally grudgingly working together. It is while Darlington seeks to figure out Lily's motives that he gets a good look at what was under his nose all this time. He sees what he felt for her friend wasn't the real deal and that his feelings for Lily are the real deal. He has been forced to grow up and accept responsibility since his mother died and in so doing he has grown up when it comes to relationships too. He is a natural protector and even when he had no reason to trust Lily, he does and he defends her honor in spite of her reputation. I loved seeing that. Lily has had a hard life. She made some poor decisions, but she owns them and has made the best of her life. I love that about her. She felt unworthy of Darlington, but it is obvious that she truly is worthy. They are so passionate that they can't seem to help themselves half the time.
Now, I definitely want to go back and read the other two stories. I'm also crossing my fingers that Flynn, one of the side characters, gets his story. This one was just a fun reading jaunt that delivered on the capers, passion and moments of excitement that I've come to enjoy about this author's work. Light historical romance lovers should pick this one up- and probably start at the beginning of the series unlike me.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for my honest review thoughts.
August 1, 2015
Shana Galen writes an engaging spirited story, with characters popping off pages pulling me into the mire of their lives. And I jumped right in!
Lily Lawson, as a child was a dreamer, loved stories where magic could take her anywhere. Her special wish was to be invisible, a trait she wishes she could have had in her profession. This girl turned into a beautiful young woman, but her naiveté cost her dearly. Would she be strong enough, able enough, to surpass that past?
She had learned her lesson and then some. I truly enjoyed learning about Lily. She turned a bleak existence with grave circumstances, with the hand of fate, into a life few would be strong enough to lead. She was a beauty with a very charming way about her, known as the Countess of Charm. She was also a courtesan which excluded her from Polite Society but not their beds. Of course, she was disowned by her family. The author kept giving snippets of her past so I could piece together parts of it, but not fully. That left me with more questions and with a piqued curiosity. Not all was as it seemed. Great writing!
I liked its fast-paced plot, twists and surprises with evil lurking around the corner. As a reader, I was aware danger hovered, but I didn't know where or when the danger would strike. Or for that matter, who would deliver the blow.
Andrew was the type of hero who didn't know he cared for Lily. He emotionally reacted to her and later his intellect engaged. A bit hard-headed, but a charmer in his own right. Only recently life for Andrew had become very uncomfortable. His father, after his mother's passing, had started chasing skirts and one in particular -- Lily's!
An exciting, adventurous story all around with a suspenseful edge and attention-grabbing characters kept me thoroughly entrenched. I would highly recommend this read to a Regency romance lover who enjoys her heroines strong, opinionated, clever and intelligent.
Lily Lawson, as a child was a dreamer, loved stories where magic could take her anywhere. Her special wish was to be invisible, a trait she wishes she could have had in her profession. This girl turned into a beautiful young woman, but her naiveté cost her dearly. Would she be strong enough, able enough, to surpass that past?
She had learned her lesson and then some. I truly enjoyed learning about Lily. She turned a bleak existence with grave circumstances, with the hand of fate, into a life few would be strong enough to lead. She was a beauty with a very charming way about her, known as the Countess of Charm. She was also a courtesan which excluded her from Polite Society but not their beds. Of course, she was disowned by her family. The author kept giving snippets of her past so I could piece together parts of it, but not fully. That left me with more questions and with a piqued curiosity. Not all was as it seemed. Great writing!
I liked its fast-paced plot, twists and surprises with evil lurking around the corner. As a reader, I was aware danger hovered, but I didn't know where or when the danger would strike. Or for that matter, who would deliver the blow.
Andrew was the type of hero who didn't know he cared for Lily. He emotionally reacted to her and later his intellect engaged. A bit hard-headed, but a charmer in his own right. Only recently life for Andrew had become very uncomfortable. His father, after his mother's passing, had started chasing skirts and one in particular -- Lily's!
An exciting, adventurous story all around with a suspenseful edge and attention-grabbing characters kept me thoroughly entrenched. I would highly recommend this read to a Regency romance lover who enjoys her heroines strong, opinionated, clever and intelligent.
September 4, 2016
Fabulous!
Sapphires Are An Earl's Best Friend is the last book in Shana Galen's Jewels of the Ton series. In my opinion , Ms. Galen saved the best for last! Sapphires is filled with adventure, romance and intrique.
Lily Dalton is the heroine of Sapphires Are An Earl's Best Friend and is the most memorable and multi-faceted character Shana Galen has created. Lily is a courtesan known as The Countess of Charm. In truth, Lily is a spy working for the Crown. Lily's life has not been easy and she has made many heart breaking decisions. She owns her decisions and has learned from them. In Sapphires, Lily must use her charm and ingenuity to uncover the identity of both Artemis, a well-known traitor, and bring the evil Lucifer to justice.
Lily has been infatuated with Andrew Booth Payne, the Earl of Darlington, for years. Darlington has barely noticed Lily as he been in love with Lily's friend Juliette, who is now very happily married. Darlington is incensed when he learns that his newly widowed father is interested in Lily and beside himself when she shows up at Duke's home for a house party.
I grew to love Darlington as the story progressed. Darlington was obsessed that his father would dally or protect or maybe marry....a courtesan.....it drove him crazy! Darlington's obsession with Lily led to some humorous moments and compromised her investigation. Lily was forced to divulge the reason she was at the house party. Darlington needs to make a decision about his past and move toward his future.
Shana Galen is known for her fast paced adventure novels. Sapphires' plot had several unexpected twists and turns as Lily and Darlington struggle to solve the mystery of the identity of the traitor Artemis and bring Lucifer to justice. The ending caught me by surprise and was very rewarding.
I am looking forward to Shana's next series!
Sapphires Are An Earl's Best Friend is the last book in Shana Galen's Jewels of the Ton series. In my opinion , Ms. Galen saved the best for last! Sapphires is filled with adventure, romance and intrique.
Lily Dalton is the heroine of Sapphires Are An Earl's Best Friend and is the most memorable and multi-faceted character Shana Galen has created. Lily is a courtesan known as The Countess of Charm. In truth, Lily is a spy working for the Crown. Lily's life has not been easy and she has made many heart breaking decisions. She owns her decisions and has learned from them. In Sapphires, Lily must use her charm and ingenuity to uncover the identity of both Artemis, a well-known traitor, and bring the evil Lucifer to justice.
Lily has been infatuated with Andrew Booth Payne, the Earl of Darlington, for years. Darlington has barely noticed Lily as he been in love with Lily's friend Juliette, who is now very happily married. Darlington is incensed when he learns that his newly widowed father is interested in Lily and beside himself when she shows up at Duke's home for a house party.
I grew to love Darlington as the story progressed. Darlington was obsessed that his father would dally or protect or maybe marry....a courtesan.....it drove him crazy! Darlington's obsession with Lily led to some humorous moments and compromised her investigation. Lily was forced to divulge the reason she was at the house party. Darlington needs to make a decision about his past and move toward his future.
Shana Galen is known for her fast paced adventure novels. Sapphires' plot had several unexpected twists and turns as Lily and Darlington struggle to solve the mystery of the identity of the traitor Artemis and bring Lucifer to justice. The ending caught me by surprise and was very rewarding.
I am looking forward to Shana's next series!
March 17, 2014
I should have written this review two days ago...oh well.
Lily is a courtesan...but not really. She is a spy for the Crown and she has also been taught by the Countess of Sinclair to sort of be a courtesan. Her reputation is forever in the gutter but at least her body is clean. She knows she can be charming, but she also know she is not as pretty as the two other famous courtesans (previous books). Also she has been in love with Andrew for ages.
Andrew is the son of a duke. A duke who wants Lily. He also just lost his duchess. So Andrew is not happy, but who can blame him. Sure he is a bit mad at Lily at times then but again, who can blame him?
These two had great chemistry. She has once pined for him, he had pined for her friend. Now they argue and you know I love a good banter.
There is also the mystery part when Lily needs to find out if the Duke is a traitor. So it will get a bit suspenseful in the end, and of course these two will argue and get a bit passionate too.
Lily is a courtesan...but not really. She is a spy for the Crown and she has also been taught by the Countess of Sinclair to sort of be a courtesan. Her reputation is forever in the gutter but at least her body is clean. She knows she can be charming, but she also know she is not as pretty as the two other famous courtesans (previous books). Also she has been in love with Andrew for ages.
Andrew is the son of a duke. A duke who wants Lily. He also just lost his duchess. So Andrew is not happy, but who can blame him. Sure he is a bit mad at Lily at times then but again, who can blame him?
These two had great chemistry. She has once pined for him, he had pined for her friend. Now they argue and you know I love a good banter.
There is also the mystery part when Lily needs to find out if the Duke is a traitor. So it will get a bit suspenseful in the end, and of course these two will argue and get a bit passionate too.
December 19, 2013
I highly recommend this book! SAPPHIRES ARE AN EARL'S BEST FRIEND by Shana Galen is the last book in the Jewels of the Ton trilogy. This story is about Lily, the Countess of Charm. Lily, Juliette, and Fallon, known as The Three Diamonds, were the most sought after courtesans in London. Juliette and Fallon are happily married now. Lily is feeling a little lost and lonely, but she has a job to do. She is really a spy, and her assignment is to expose a murderer and traitor to the crown. Unfortunately, Lily's quarry is the father of the man she loves. Lily has been madly in love with the Earl of Darlington for years. The bad news is , Darlington is in love with Juliette. This book is sexy, thrilling, emotional, and full of surprises.
August 5, 2016
Don't judge a book by it's cover. That's a lesson that Andrew needs to learn when he looks at lily. Society thinks of her as a cortesean. So does Andrew, but nothing can be further from the truth. And as they uncover the secrets Andrew's family has been hiding, they'll find themselves in more and more danger. Whether it's from each other or those that are commiting treason.
Lily and Andrew are great characters. Both wanting to do what is right, and at the same time protect their past and what they love most. With Shana Galen being one of my favorite authors, it's hard not to read a novel with certain expectations. But Ms. Galen never leaves me dissatisfied.
Lily and Andrew are great characters. Both wanting to do what is right, and at the same time protect their past and what they love most. With Shana Galen being one of my favorite authors, it's hard not to read a novel with certain expectations. But Ms. Galen never leaves me dissatisfied.
April 4, 2014
I so wanted to like this book, and I did like the plot. Or I liked it as far as I read it. But I had to give up about 1/2 way through because of the characterization. The author keeps telling the reader that the hero has certain characteristics, such as charming and witty, but we never see them. Not once in the entire first half of the book. I simply couldn't get past it, even though I read the first two books in the trilogy.
September 22, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lily has loved Andrew forever, but he has always admired her friend Juliette. Her job sends her to his father's house party. In the course of her investigation, she needs his help. Is Andrew involved in the plot or not? While solving the mystery, they become close. Andrew finally wakes up to the fact that Lily is the one he truly wants. Now he just has to convince her of that while keeping her safe. Or is she keeping him safe? Wonderful wrap up to the trilogy.
March 2, 2014
I liked this right up to the end. Felt like SG wasn't sure how to end it. Or rather it didn't feel finished to me. Maybe we will see a Christmas novella with all the jewels with their mens.
August 30, 2017
Meh.
Too many subplots, secrets and intreagues to my tastes.
Shana Galen does like her spira and agents, but the vad written better.
Perhaps I was just not in the mood for this one.
Too many subplots, secrets and intreagues to my tastes.
Shana Galen does like her spira and agents, but the vad written better.
Perhaps I was just not in the mood for this one.
January 9, 2024
Very much not for me. A rare case where I really did not like the love interest, and the writing was not good enough to make me forget how contrived the plot was - I gave up and skimmed to the end.
February 19, 2014
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
In Book Three of Shana Galen's Jewels of the Ton Series, we learn Lily's story. The least "Beautiful" of the three Lily has a wonderfully dark and depressing story to share. Which is a brilliant end to Sin's (Lord Sinclair) girls. In a world where everything and I mean everything is based on speculation and reputation. Three women managed to make it work for them. Abandoned, betrayed, alone.. each has their own story and one common denominator. They were rescued from their own personal hell by Lord Sinclair and his wife. When gossip and speculation decided to make their relationship into something sleazy, the Countess came up with a brilliant plan. Run with it. Let the world think what they want. Live on what society expects.. feed off their frenzy. And these three women did exactly that. Three of the most fashionable impures, Courtesans of the ton. Except were they? Or was it all smoke and mirrors? Let gossip run rampant.. and build a life on it.
Lily Dawson had a secret life.. Ok the woman had several secret lives.. She had no clue how to be a courtesan because really, she had never been one. She came from a strong and loving family, that is until she screwed up at sixteen and they threw her out! And her father was a spy.. years later Lily works the same dark alleys and dangerous twists and turns her father did. She uses her position as one of the top courtesans in England to gather information for the crown. To get glimpses into those accused of treason as well as those who are spying against the crown. After all who would worry about what a whore would hear? Lily has her greatest task in front of her, discover if the Duke of Ravenscroft was the man who sold the names of England's top operators. Lily finds herself walking a risky tightrope, making promises she has no intention of keeping. Life would be an awful lot easier if the Duke wasn't the father of the man she has been in love with for years.
Andrew Booth-Payne, Earl of Darlington is something of a hypocrite. The Darling of the ton, a rogue to be sure. Always with an Opra Dancer on hand. But now, just months after his mother's death his father is driving him insane. Refusing to accept that his jerkwad of a father would actually instill a courtesan into his life to replace the mother he adored. Honestly? What is the man thinking? Never matter that dear old Darling has had a serious thing for another of the Jewels no way is this one going to ruin his life or his family's reputation. Only the more he gets to know Lily the more he finds he rather likes her. And that his family is doing a fine job of ruining their own reputation.
Another dark and edgy book about power, greed and corruption and how those who fight the good fight can eventually overcome evil. Andrew begins as a rather two dimensional character but slowly emerges from his caricature cocoon as a fully developed rather likable man. A man we can believe someone like Lily would fall in love with. Something more than a charismatic, social fluff. His transformation makes this book extremely enjoyable. From the beginning we believe in Lily. We know she has secrets but we also know that she has overcome them. That she is a remarkable woman. Andrew on the other hand, not so much. He has to become! And Shana Galen writes it perfectly. A fitting ending to this wonderful series!
Dark and edgy maybe but not so unbelievable as a pure rainbows and sugar cane book would have been. Life is messy and Ms Galen shows us how we can believe in love even amongst the mess. Well Done!!!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on March 4, 2014
In Book Three of Shana Galen's Jewels of the Ton Series, we learn Lily's story. The least "Beautiful" of the three Lily has a wonderfully dark and depressing story to share. Which is a brilliant end to Sin's (Lord Sinclair) girls. In a world where everything and I mean everything is based on speculation and reputation. Three women managed to make it work for them. Abandoned, betrayed, alone.. each has their own story and one common denominator. They were rescued from their own personal hell by Lord Sinclair and his wife. When gossip and speculation decided to make their relationship into something sleazy, the Countess came up with a brilliant plan. Run with it. Let the world think what they want. Live on what society expects.. feed off their frenzy. And these three women did exactly that. Three of the most fashionable impures, Courtesans of the ton. Except were they? Or was it all smoke and mirrors? Let gossip run rampant.. and build a life on it.
Lily Dawson had a secret life.. Ok the woman had several secret lives.. She had no clue how to be a courtesan because really, she had never been one. She came from a strong and loving family, that is until she screwed up at sixteen and they threw her out! And her father was a spy.. years later Lily works the same dark alleys and dangerous twists and turns her father did. She uses her position as one of the top courtesans in England to gather information for the crown. To get glimpses into those accused of treason as well as those who are spying against the crown. After all who would worry about what a whore would hear? Lily has her greatest task in front of her, discover if the Duke of Ravenscroft was the man who sold the names of England's top operators. Lily finds herself walking a risky tightrope, making promises she has no intention of keeping. Life would be an awful lot easier if the Duke wasn't the father of the man she has been in love with for years.
Andrew Booth-Payne, Earl of Darlington is something of a hypocrite. The Darling of the ton, a rogue to be sure. Always with an Opra Dancer on hand. But now, just months after his mother's death his father is driving him insane. Refusing to accept that his jerkwad of a father would actually instill a courtesan into his life to replace the mother he adored. Honestly? What is the man thinking? Never matter that dear old Darling has had a serious thing for another of the Jewels no way is this one going to ruin his life or his family's reputation. Only the more he gets to know Lily the more he finds he rather likes her. And that his family is doing a fine job of ruining their own reputation.
Another dark and edgy book about power, greed and corruption and how those who fight the good fight can eventually overcome evil. Andrew begins as a rather two dimensional character but slowly emerges from his caricature cocoon as a fully developed rather likable man. A man we can believe someone like Lily would fall in love with. Something more than a charismatic, social fluff. His transformation makes this book extremely enjoyable. From the beginning we believe in Lily. We know she has secrets but we also know that she has overcome them. That she is a remarkable woman. Andrew on the other hand, not so much. He has to become! And Shana Galen writes it perfectly. A fitting ending to this wonderful series!
Dark and edgy maybe but not so unbelievable as a pure rainbows and sugar cane book would have been. Life is messy and Ms Galen shows us how we can believe in love even amongst the mess. Well Done!!!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on March 4, 2014
September 20, 2014
Yup, definitely 5 stars:)
*ARC received from publisher for an honest review
posted on ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com
What a fantastic story! This is what I call a can’t –put-it-down type of book. I loved this story for so many different reasons! 1) The characters were very interesting 2) It was packed with action 3) the writing was fantastic!
This is the third story of Jewels of the ton. There are two previous works about “The Three Diamonds”., Juliette (the Duchess of Dalliance) Fallon (the Marchioness of Mystery) and Lily Dawson (The Countess of Charm). Lily is a fallen women. Society knows her as a very celebrated courtesan. In reality she is a sapphire –gun-packing spy. Lily was a fantastic character. She was very strong and also “charming”. She is on mission from the Crown. Her mission is a big one. She has to uncover the identity of Artemis, one of the most dangerous traitors to the English Crown (I would of never guessed the true identity in a million years). She also has to bring Lucifer, a sinister traitor and murder to justice. One of the key suspects is the Duke of Darlington. This puts Lily in a very difficult position because the Duke is the father of the man she loves-Andrew Booth-Payne. Lily has always loved Andrew and has had her heart broken numerous times because of his infatuation (I thought more of obsession) with her good friend Juliette (the Duchess of Dalliance).
Lily puts her charm to work and leads the Earl of Darlington to believe that now that he is a widower she wants to fill his deceased wife’s spot, making her Andrew’s stepmother. Because of her mingling into the Duke’s life Andrew begins to pay a lot of attention to Lily. He begins to see her for who she is, well at first for who he thinks she is. Although Lily ultimately has to confess to Andrew the real nature of her work there are still other secrets that Lily must keep because life’s depend on it.
I must confess that I did not care for Andrew at the beginning of the story. I really disliked how he overlooked Lily and was very focused on Juliette. But this also became a very endearing quality because the author showed how Andrew began to really see Lily and ultimately fall in love with her. I loved that Lily was a very strong female character but Andrew was her Achilles heel. She finally has Andrew’s attention but at what cost? Can she complete her mission without her heart getting in the way?
This story was original, the bad guys were very bad. The action scenes actually had me holding my breath. I wanted to smack Andrew a couple of times and was constantly cheering for Lily. Lily is far from perfect and is pretty but not to Andrew’s taste. He is so focused on the type of women he likes he has overlooked Lily for many years. Lily is tough and takes no prisoners whether it be in the tearoom or chasing after Lucifer, himself, she can hold her own. The only fault I had was not reading the previous to books because this last part of the trilogy answered a lot of questions that were brought up in the first two books. I also missed out on being introduced to Andrew and his Juliette obsession. Other readers would probably find this story more rewarding by reading the previous two but this is still a very worthwhile story. Both Fallon and Juliette play parts in this book and they seem just as interesting as Lily, the Countess of Charm. You cannot go wrong with this book! Bravo Shana Galen!
*ARC received from publisher for an honest review
posted on ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com
What a fantastic story! This is what I call a can’t –put-it-down type of book. I loved this story for so many different reasons! 1) The characters were very interesting 2) It was packed with action 3) the writing was fantastic!
This is the third story of Jewels of the ton. There are two previous works about “The Three Diamonds”., Juliette (the Duchess of Dalliance) Fallon (the Marchioness of Mystery) and Lily Dawson (The Countess of Charm). Lily is a fallen women. Society knows her as a very celebrated courtesan. In reality she is a sapphire –gun-packing spy. Lily was a fantastic character. She was very strong and also “charming”. She is on mission from the Crown. Her mission is a big one. She has to uncover the identity of Artemis, one of the most dangerous traitors to the English Crown (I would of never guessed the true identity in a million years). She also has to bring Lucifer, a sinister traitor and murder to justice. One of the key suspects is the Duke of Darlington. This puts Lily in a very difficult position because the Duke is the father of the man she loves-Andrew Booth-Payne. Lily has always loved Andrew and has had her heart broken numerous times because of his infatuation (I thought more of obsession) with her good friend Juliette (the Duchess of Dalliance).
Lily puts her charm to work and leads the Earl of Darlington to believe that now that he is a widower she wants to fill his deceased wife’s spot, making her Andrew’s stepmother. Because of her mingling into the Duke’s life Andrew begins to pay a lot of attention to Lily. He begins to see her for who she is, well at first for who he thinks she is. Although Lily ultimately has to confess to Andrew the real nature of her work there are still other secrets that Lily must keep because life’s depend on it.
I must confess that I did not care for Andrew at the beginning of the story. I really disliked how he overlooked Lily and was very focused on Juliette. But this also became a very endearing quality because the author showed how Andrew began to really see Lily and ultimately fall in love with her. I loved that Lily was a very strong female character but Andrew was her Achilles heel. She finally has Andrew’s attention but at what cost? Can she complete her mission without her heart getting in the way?
This story was original, the bad guys were very bad. The action scenes actually had me holding my breath. I wanted to smack Andrew a couple of times and was constantly cheering for Lily. Lily is far from perfect and is pretty but not to Andrew’s taste. He is so focused on the type of women he likes he has overlooked Lily for many years. Lily is tough and takes no prisoners whether it be in the tearoom or chasing after Lucifer, himself, she can hold her own. The only fault I had was not reading the previous to books because this last part of the trilogy answered a lot of questions that were brought up in the first two books. I also missed out on being introduced to Andrew and his Juliette obsession. Other readers would probably find this story more rewarding by reading the previous two but this is still a very worthwhile story. Both Fallon and Juliette play parts in this book and they seem just as interesting as Lily, the Countess of Charm. You cannot go wrong with this book! Bravo Shana Galen!
April 9, 2014
Perfect finale to the trilogy!
Asked by Warrick Fitzhugh to investigate the loyalty of the Duke of Ravenscroft and if he was whom Fitzhugh believed, the notorious Artemis the Assassin, find the proof. Lily Dawson, the last remaining unattached member of the Three Diamonds was embarking on a mission that might cost her more than her lost reputation and her precarious place in society if she falls prey to Artemis or Lucifer – it might cost her life.
Andrew, the Earl of Darlington, or as he’s known in London – the Darling of the Ton – is determined to make sure the courtesan – the Countess of Charm – Lily Dawson does not manage a proposal from his father, the Duke of Ravenscroft. Fearing such carelessness on his father’s part may destroy his family’s reputation and mar the sacred memory of his dead mother he confronts Lily, and orders her to stay away from his father. When she flatly refuses and starts to make a scene, he kisses her mouth shut, which starts a need and desire for her on his part that confuses and angers him. Vying for the affections of a well-known fallen woman while competing against his own father is most certainly, not what Andrew wishes for himself, or his family, but he’s beginning to see Lily in a new light and soon discovers she's not all she appears to be.
SAPPHIRES ARE AN EARL’S BEST FRIEND, book three of the Jewels of the Ton series by Shana Galen is the perfect ending to a fabulous series. Even though it wasn’t my favorite of the three books, that's reserved for Fallon's story, Andrew and Lily were worth the wait. Shana kept me seeking a contented happily-ever-after for them even as they argued, questioned each other’s motives and activities, wandered in the woods and rain, getting muddy, wet, and nearly killed even as they slowly began to trust each other.
Shana Galen is brilliant at making us fall in love with her characters, their stories, their pains, heartaches, and triumphs. Each of the Three Diamonds had a story of sacrifice, romance, and intrigue built around the beautiful woman’s secret and the man who would come to know the truth about the notorious courtesan. Lily’s story is no different in that respect except that her story may have the darkest most heart-aching secret of the three women. Not as action-driven from the beginning as IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY. Or as banter and teaser driven as WHEN YOU GIVE A DUKE A DIAMOND. But honestly, SAPPHIRES ARE AN EARL’S BEST FRIEND is perfection in that it satisfactorily resolves the mystery of Lucifer and Artemis, while allowing Lily the chance to win Darlington’s love that has gone unrequited for far too long.
I highly recommend reading SAPPHIRES ARE AN EARL’S BEST FRIEND, book three of the Jewels of the Ton series by Shana Galen especially if you’ve read the first two but even if you haven’t. I believe that this fabulous trilogy should be read in its proper order, but if you truly don’t have the opportunity to do so, go ahead and start here or anywhere, but do read them all eventually. You won’t be sorry - you’ll just fall in love.
***Bought this one for my own reading because I had to know! :-)
Asked by Warrick Fitzhugh to investigate the loyalty of the Duke of Ravenscroft and if he was whom Fitzhugh believed, the notorious Artemis the Assassin, find the proof. Lily Dawson, the last remaining unattached member of the Three Diamonds was embarking on a mission that might cost her more than her lost reputation and her precarious place in society if she falls prey to Artemis or Lucifer – it might cost her life.
Andrew, the Earl of Darlington, or as he’s known in London – the Darling of the Ton – is determined to make sure the courtesan – the Countess of Charm – Lily Dawson does not manage a proposal from his father, the Duke of Ravenscroft. Fearing such carelessness on his father’s part may destroy his family’s reputation and mar the sacred memory of his dead mother he confronts Lily, and orders her to stay away from his father. When she flatly refuses and starts to make a scene, he kisses her mouth shut, which starts a need and desire for her on his part that confuses and angers him. Vying for the affections of a well-known fallen woman while competing against his own father is most certainly, not what Andrew wishes for himself, or his family, but he’s beginning to see Lily in a new light and soon discovers she's not all she appears to be.
SAPPHIRES ARE AN EARL’S BEST FRIEND, book three of the Jewels of the Ton series by Shana Galen is the perfect ending to a fabulous series. Even though it wasn’t my favorite of the three books, that's reserved for Fallon's story, Andrew and Lily were worth the wait. Shana kept me seeking a contented happily-ever-after for them even as they argued, questioned each other’s motives and activities, wandered in the woods and rain, getting muddy, wet, and nearly killed even as they slowly began to trust each other.
Shana Galen is brilliant at making us fall in love with her characters, their stories, their pains, heartaches, and triumphs. Each of the Three Diamonds had a story of sacrifice, romance, and intrigue built around the beautiful woman’s secret and the man who would come to know the truth about the notorious courtesan. Lily’s story is no different in that respect except that her story may have the darkest most heart-aching secret of the three women. Not as action-driven from the beginning as IF YOU GIVE A RAKE A RUBY. Or as banter and teaser driven as WHEN YOU GIVE A DUKE A DIAMOND. But honestly, SAPPHIRES ARE AN EARL’S BEST FRIEND is perfection in that it satisfactorily resolves the mystery of Lucifer and Artemis, while allowing Lily the chance to win Darlington’s love that has gone unrequited for far too long.
I highly recommend reading SAPPHIRES ARE AN EARL’S BEST FRIEND, book three of the Jewels of the Ton series by Shana Galen especially if you’ve read the first two but even if you haven’t. I believe that this fabulous trilogy should be read in its proper order, but if you truly don’t have the opportunity to do so, go ahead and start here or anywhere, but do read them all eventually. You won’t be sorry - you’ll just fall in love.
***Bought this one for my own reading because I had to know! :-)
April 16, 2018
This one had a bit more intrigue- I enjoyed it!
December 5, 2020
This felt kind of 'run of the mill', and I wasn't entirely sold on a fair amount of it. A lot of events happened because they were convenient for the story rather than because they were likely or believable. The heroine comes into the story already 'loving the hero from afar', but he's hardly aware of her at all, and I'm just not sure that that can be more than an infatuation really. They can't actually know each other that well. The hero was largely an ass, though I suppose he grew on me some by the end. He gives her some definite reasons *not* to like him though, and not all that many *to* like him for most of the book, so when she just can't help still 'love' the cad despite everything, it makes her seem a little weak willed, rather than romantic. He had a deep hole to dig his way out of and I'm not sure he ever impressed me enough to make up for that completely. A large chunk of the book he is selfish and bossy and possessive, and like I said, just doesn't have all that much off-setting those qualities. The heroine's skills really fluctuated, sometimes she seemed wholly unsuited to her work, and I would think, 'well, she's a volunteer, she hasn't necessarily been well trained', and then other times she's practically James Bond, lol. Despite all these complaints I didn't hate it and was willing to see where the story went, so it wasn't quite below 3 stars.
March 24, 2014
2.5 Stars (rounded up for Goodreads)
I feel like I should have enjoyed this story more than I did. The Jewels of the Ton series has been a favorite of mine since book one and I was ready to see Lily get her man (both the criminal and her Hero). Sadly both pursuits seemed almost anticlimactic, leaving me with more a wish for things that could have been rather than the enjoyment of what I got.
I did like seeing Lily as a capable agent in her fighting skills; however placing her on a mission where her feelings would cloud her judgment was just a poor plot device. Her superior (the hero of book two) would have known that Lily couldn’t be 100% removed from the case when the love of her life was indirectly involved! It didn’t help that her investigations all seemed to turn up dead ends until the hero gets involved and suddenly all the pieces fall into place. In the other books I was invested in the search for the Diamonds in the Rough or in capturing the criminal Lucifer. In this one, the gravity seemed lost.
It probably didn’t help that for a good portion of the story I disliked Darlington. He’s petulant and angry at the world for way too long and seems to excel at playing the blame game. How DARE his father act like a debauched rogue when his sainted mother is barely in her grave! She was the ONLY one who could love him (besides all his friends, the women who want him or the beautiful courtesan who hangs on his every word). I hated how he gets angry at Lily because he suddenly realizes that she’s attractive to him. WTF! I don’t think the turnaround in his feelings was true enough for me accept that he’ll battle all the gossip and unfolding family scandal to keep Lily by his side for eternity. If this was real life he’d be dumping her so fast to find the most scandal-free woman to make his bride.
I feel like I should have enjoyed this story more than I did. The Jewels of the Ton series has been a favorite of mine since book one and I was ready to see Lily get her man (both the criminal and her Hero). Sadly both pursuits seemed almost anticlimactic, leaving me with more a wish for things that could have been rather than the enjoyment of what I got.
I did like seeing Lily as a capable agent in her fighting skills; however placing her on a mission where her feelings would cloud her judgment was just a poor plot device. Her superior (the hero of book two) would have known that Lily couldn’t be 100% removed from the case when the love of her life was indirectly involved! It didn’t help that her investigations all seemed to turn up dead ends until the hero gets involved and suddenly all the pieces fall into place. In the other books I was invested in the search for the Diamonds in the Rough or in capturing the criminal Lucifer. In this one, the gravity seemed lost.
It probably didn’t help that for a good portion of the story I disliked Darlington. He’s petulant and angry at the world for way too long and seems to excel at playing the blame game. How DARE his father act like a debauched rogue when his sainted mother is barely in her grave! She was the ONLY one who could love him (besides all his friends, the women who want him or the beautiful courtesan who hangs on his every word). I hated how he gets angry at Lily because he suddenly realizes that she’s attractive to him. WTF! I don’t think the turnaround in his feelings was true enough for me accept that he’ll battle all the gossip and unfolding family scandal to keep Lily by his side for eternity. If this was real life he’d be dumping her so fast to find the most scandal-free woman to make his bride.
June 12, 2014
The last book in the Jewels of the Ton series does not disappoint the reader. As expected, Ms. Galen creates a vivid image of a time long forgotten. From the glittering ball rooms of Ton to the bowels of the decrepit section of London. In this book we are reacquainted with our heros and heroines from her first two books briefly, but this book is about Lily and Andrew.
Lily has loved Andrew from the moment she first set eyes on him, but his heart was set on another, her friend and fellow diamond, Juliette. Now with Juliette married there may be hope for her yet, but Andrew still pines for Juliette. Lily has no time for this. She is on a mission to find the traitor who holds the lives of the crowns five best spies in his hand, the infamous Artemis, her suspect, the Duke of Ravenscroft. As London’s last famous courtesan, she sets out to catch his attention. Only then can she gain access to his home, his private chambers and seek out the evidence she needs. There is only one problem, Andrew.
Andrew is still mourning his mother’s death as well as the loss of the love he never had, Juliette. Add to it his father’s latest scandal, choosing a life of debauchery when he should be in mourning. What makes it worse is that the one who seems to be vying for his attention is the last remaining Diamond, Lily. Andrew will do whatever it takes to thwart her plans, including kidnapping. However with every turn, Lily consistently surprises him in ways he never suspected her capable of. There seems to be more to this woman than meets the eye and he is determined to learn her secrets.
This is a story of intrigue, suspense, humor, sexual tension and love. The final of the series does not disappoint the reader, unless it is with the knowledge that you are saying good bye to a great cast of characters, where the women are no spineless damsels in distress. Well done Ms. Galen.
Lily has loved Andrew from the moment she first set eyes on him, but his heart was set on another, her friend and fellow diamond, Juliette. Now with Juliette married there may be hope for her yet, but Andrew still pines for Juliette. Lily has no time for this. She is on a mission to find the traitor who holds the lives of the crowns five best spies in his hand, the infamous Artemis, her suspect, the Duke of Ravenscroft. As London’s last famous courtesan, she sets out to catch his attention. Only then can she gain access to his home, his private chambers and seek out the evidence she needs. There is only one problem, Andrew.
Andrew is still mourning his mother’s death as well as the loss of the love he never had, Juliette. Add to it his father’s latest scandal, choosing a life of debauchery when he should be in mourning. What makes it worse is that the one who seems to be vying for his attention is the last remaining Diamond, Lily. Andrew will do whatever it takes to thwart her plans, including kidnapping. However with every turn, Lily consistently surprises him in ways he never suspected her capable of. There seems to be more to this woman than meets the eye and he is determined to learn her secrets.
This is a story of intrigue, suspense, humor, sexual tension and love. The final of the series does not disappoint the reader, unless it is with the knowledge that you are saying good bye to a great cast of characters, where the women are no spineless damsels in distress. Well done Ms. Galen.
March 24, 2014
Sapphires are an Earl's Best Friend was one of my most anticipated books to read this year. But...it fell flat.
The story was okay, and I was really excited because the killers were going to be unfolded. But the characters were another story.
Lily and Darlington were presented to be charming, the most charming couple of the three couples, in fact, but I couldn't relate to them at all. They didn't feel charming; they seemed like characters I've read a hundred times from other regency romance books. And it felt like they couldn't control their sexual desires, with Lily and Andrew falling all over each other chance they get, despite Lily's avowals and repeated, 'we shouldn't do this'.
And Andrew seemed so selfish; his sister Emma should have been out of harm's way but he was too busy over Lily. Emma already told him that their mother was 'cold' and 'different' but he never even asked why. He never asked about his sisters, if they were okay, it was all about him, and his desires, and Juliette then Lily.
The Earl of Darlington's troubles were very grave and heavy, but in the end, I feel like those were just skimmed over. And uh, that sex will heal a person who had to face something as terrible as treason. After three books of trying to locate Artemis, the unveiled culprits and other killers did not feel as important in the third book as they were in the first two books. That was disappointing, because there wasn't even any huge action or confrontation. The admission only happened over a few pages, then wham bam he's dead.
I finished Sapphires are an Earl's Best Friend feeling put out. It was okay, it just wasn't didn't amaze me as much as I thought it would. I do have to give props to the cover thought; it's gorgeous.
The story was okay, and I was really excited because the killers were going to be unfolded. But the characters were another story.
Lily and Darlington were presented to be charming, the most charming couple of the three couples, in fact, but I couldn't relate to them at all. They didn't feel charming; they seemed like characters I've read a hundred times from other regency romance books. And it felt like they couldn't control their sexual desires, with Lily and Andrew falling all over each other chance they get, despite Lily's avowals and repeated, 'we shouldn't do this'.
And Andrew seemed so selfish; his sister Emma should have been out of harm's way but he was too busy over Lily. Emma already told him that their mother was 'cold' and 'different' but he never even asked why. He never asked about his sisters, if they were okay, it was all about him, and his desires, and Juliette then Lily.
The Earl of Darlington's troubles were very grave and heavy, but in the end, I feel like those were just skimmed over. And uh, that sex will heal a person who had to face something as terrible as treason. After three books of trying to locate Artemis, the unveiled culprits and other killers did not feel as important in the third book as they were in the first two books. That was disappointing, because there wasn't even any huge action or confrontation. The admission only happened over a few pages, then wham bam he's dead.
I finished Sapphires are an Earl's Best Friend feeling put out. It was okay, it just wasn't didn't amaze me as much as I thought it would. I do have to give props to the cover thought; it's gorgeous.
February 20, 2017
Trigger warning for attempted rape.
Actually, there's a kidnapping/assault (organized and paid for by the "hero" of the story") which results in the heroine being taken out of the city and held at gunpoint while three men argue over who will be the first to rape her before they murder her. The hero is then indignant that Lily isn't falling over herself to in gratitude for his "rescue"-- especially because the entire situation was his fault, since she would never have been in any danger if he hadn't hired thugs to kidnap her and "get her out of the way." He also doesn't seem to care that her servants were seriously injured in the attack, and shows no remorse at all.
There are also two more incidents in which men attempt to rape either the heroine or the hero's fifteen year old sister.
I really liked Lily, the heroine, but honestly the fact that she was a renowned courtesan and for some reason also sexually inexperienced really infuriated me. I can understand her not being a courtesan in truth, and I don't even mind that. But to imply that Lily managed to have some sexual experience (enough to beget a child) but was somehow supposed to be "untouched" so that the asshole hero can be the one responsible for her sexual awakening was ridiculous. Why can't a woman have experienced sexual pleasure before her One True Love? And why the hell would Lily still love a guy who constantly belittled and slut-shamed her?
Actually, there's a kidnapping/assault (organized and paid for by the "hero" of the story") which results in the heroine being taken out of the city and held at gunpoint while three men argue over who will be the first to rape her before they murder her. The hero is then indignant that Lily isn't falling over herself to in gratitude for his "rescue"-- especially because the entire situation was his fault, since she would never have been in any danger if he hadn't hired thugs to kidnap her and "get her out of the way." He also doesn't seem to care that her servants were seriously injured in the attack, and shows no remorse at all.
There are also two more incidents in which men attempt to rape either the heroine or the hero's fifteen year old sister.
I really liked Lily, the heroine, but honestly the fact that she was a renowned courtesan and for some reason also sexually inexperienced really infuriated me. I can understand her not being a courtesan in truth, and I don't even mind that. But to imply that Lily managed to have some sexual experience (enough to beget a child) but was somehow supposed to be "untouched" so that the asshole hero can be the one responsible for her sexual awakening was ridiculous. Why can't a woman have experienced sexual pleasure before her One True Love? And why the hell would Lily still love a guy who constantly belittled and slut-shamed her?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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