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Rakes of London #2
Lord Scandal
Published in 2020 as Scandal Incarnate by Isobel Carr with two all new chapters and updated editing.
A Shocking Scandal. . .
The last thing the Portrait Divorcée needs is to have her name connected to that of the equally infamous Brimstone. But the infuriating rake has made it very clear that he's bent on nothing less than her complete surrender. Rich widows take lovers. Poor divorcées become mistresses. And those with powerful families tread carefully, lest they incite their family's wrath, a tragic outcome she's all too familiar with. . .
Is Well Worth The Pleasure. . .
Gabriel Angelstone, the handsome scourge of the ton, has taken one of life's lessons to heart: Love ruins everything. But the irresistible challenge of seducing Imogen Mowbray, a woman whose past is every bit as scandalous as his own, quickly has him rethinking that conclusion. Perhaps the only women worth loving are the fallen ones. . .
A Shocking Scandal. . .
The last thing the Portrait Divorcée needs is to have her name connected to that of the equally infamous Brimstone. But the infuriating rake has made it very clear that he's bent on nothing less than her complete surrender. Rich widows take lovers. Poor divorcées become mistresses. And those with powerful families tread carefully, lest they incite their family's wrath, a tragic outcome she's all too familiar with. . .
Is Well Worth The Pleasure. . .
Gabriel Angelstone, the handsome scourge of the ton, has taken one of life's lessons to heart: Love ruins everything. But the irresistible challenge of seducing Imogen Mowbray, a woman whose past is every bit as scandalous as his own, quickly has him rethinking that conclusion. Perhaps the only women worth loving are the fallen ones. . .
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2008
4 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Kalen Hughes
3 books20 followersNom de plume
Advice from many of my published friends, as well as witnessing a few stalker-ish incidents, led me to go with a pen name. So, my middle name and the last name I grew up with (my wonderful step-father's) have been combined to form my fabulous new identity.
Overeducated & Under-employable
My parents are both book crazy, and my godmother is a writer. With a start like that, scribbling down stories just came naturally. I have a BA in philosophy, with minors in history and creative writing (Hollins College) and an MFA in creative writing (San Francisco State University). Combine all that with $3.25 and you can buy a spicy chai at my favorite coffee shop.
Walking the Walk
I grew up immersed in the lively reenactor community on the West Coast. Since the age of three I’ve been involved in various living history events from the Middle Ages to the Roaring 20s. I’ve made and worn clothing from the 12th century on up (including the period specific underwear!). Top of page
Why Romance?
I wrote my first romance novel in response to a challenge from a close friend. We'd recently read the same romance novel and were annoyed by the lack of historical accuracy in it, so we decided to see if we could do better. I finished that first novel in about six months and was hooked. I can't promise that my book is error-free, but I can swear that I did my absolute best to make it so.
The Call
I was lucky enough to final in the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart contest the first time I entered and everything has just unfolded from there as if it were meant to be. I met my now editor while standing in the pit waiting for the awards ceremony to start. She liked my dress and we got to chatting. That brief chat led to a request for a submission, which led to a sale.
Contests
The manuscript that was to become Lord Sin got 2s and 3s in the Golden Heart. Yes, you heard me right: 2s and 3s (and one 8). Obviously it did not get into the hands of the “right” judges. Lord Sin has gone on to win a Romantic Times K.I.S.S. Award for the hero and to be nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award.
My other finished manuscript (which has gone on to become Lord Scandal, my June 2008 release) finaled in the Golden Heart the same year Lord Sin crashed and burned. Previously, that same manuscript got a 37 and a 57 (out of 100) in its only other contest outing and garnered a judge’s comment that I’ll treasure forever: I loathe everything about your hero. This is the same hero about whom the Coffee Time Romance reviewer just said: I could not keep from wishing I was the person Gabriel wanted.
Clearly you can’t please all of the people all of the time, so it’s best in my opinion to be true to yourself, your vision, and your voice. So, don’t give up, and don’t let ‘em get you down. Success is—after all—the greatest revenge.
Advice from many of my published friends, as well as witnessing a few stalker-ish incidents, led me to go with a pen name. So, my middle name and the last name I grew up with (my wonderful step-father's) have been combined to form my fabulous new identity.
Overeducated & Under-employable
My parents are both book crazy, and my godmother is a writer. With a start like that, scribbling down stories just came naturally. I have a BA in philosophy, with minors in history and creative writing (Hollins College) and an MFA in creative writing (San Francisco State University). Combine all that with $3.25 and you can buy a spicy chai at my favorite coffee shop.
Walking the Walk
I grew up immersed in the lively reenactor community on the West Coast. Since the age of three I’ve been involved in various living history events from the Middle Ages to the Roaring 20s. I’ve made and worn clothing from the 12th century on up (including the period specific underwear!). Top of page
Why Romance?
I wrote my first romance novel in response to a challenge from a close friend. We'd recently read the same romance novel and were annoyed by the lack of historical accuracy in it, so we decided to see if we could do better. I finished that first novel in about six months and was hooked. I can't promise that my book is error-free, but I can swear that I did my absolute best to make it so.
The Call
I was lucky enough to final in the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart contest the first time I entered and everything has just unfolded from there as if it were meant to be. I met my now editor while standing in the pit waiting for the awards ceremony to start. She liked my dress and we got to chatting. That brief chat led to a request for a submission, which led to a sale.
Contests
The manuscript that was to become Lord Sin got 2s and 3s in the Golden Heart. Yes, you heard me right: 2s and 3s (and one 8). Obviously it did not get into the hands of the “right” judges. Lord Sin has gone on to win a Romantic Times K.I.S.S. Award for the hero and to be nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award.
My other finished manuscript (which has gone on to become Lord Scandal, my June 2008 release) finaled in the Golden Heart the same year Lord Sin crashed and burned. Previously, that same manuscript got a 37 and a 57 (out of 100) in its only other contest outing and garnered a judge’s comment that I’ll treasure forever: I loathe everything about your hero. This is the same hero about whom the Coffee Time Romance reviewer just said: I could not keep from wishing I was the person Gabriel wanted.
Clearly you can’t please all of the people all of the time, so it’s best in my opinion to be true to yourself, your vision, and your voice. So, don’t give up, and don’t let ‘em get you down. Success is—after all—the greatest revenge.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 14, 2008
What a great read! Yes, I took a break from erotica and paranormal books and picked this one up...I'm so glad I did. "Lord Scandal" by Kalen Hughes is a steamy, historical break from the real world and a fine way to spend a couple of hours.
Imogen is infamous...she's 'the Portrait Divorcee' and has been living a meagre, miserable life since her husband literally threw her out. After meeting the Countess of Somercote (whose story is apparently told in Highes' first book "Lord Sin") and being taken under her wing, Imogen is living a quiet, comfortable life in the unused dower house. But the Countess has a plan. She plans to reintroduce Imogen to society. No problem, she has plenty of supporters and Imogen certainly has no intention of causing any scandal. Enter our rake, umm...hero.
Gabriel is also infamous. They call him Lord Brimstone and he rollicks through life leaving a veritable sea of pleased ladies behind him. He doesn't believe in love, but lust? Ah, lust is what makes life wonderful. And now poor Imogen has caught his eye.
Poor Imogen? What I wouldn't give to be Imogen!! This hero is one hot tasty dish. Imogen just can't seem to stay away from him. And he is falling further and further under her spell, all the while telling himself it's just because she's new, less jaded, more natural, so open, fun to be with, or whatever other reason he can come up with other than the truth. But is there any hope for a future for these two? The infamous Portrait Divorcee and Lord Brimstone?
I loved the interaction between these two. I believed in Imogen's seemingly helpless attraction to Gabriel and his deepening interest. The growth of their feelings was portrayed realistically and gradually. And the sex? Whew! ***fanning wildly***, if Hughes improves any, she may need to put a warning on her covers. I liked this one so much, I'm off to get the first book "Lord Sin" which tells the Countess' story. I'll be sure and let y'all know how that one turns out!
Imogen is infamous...she's 'the Portrait Divorcee' and has been living a meagre, miserable life since her husband literally threw her out. After meeting the Countess of Somercote (whose story is apparently told in Highes' first book "Lord Sin") and being taken under her wing, Imogen is living a quiet, comfortable life in the unused dower house. But the Countess has a plan. She plans to reintroduce Imogen to society. No problem, she has plenty of supporters and Imogen certainly has no intention of causing any scandal. Enter our rake, umm...hero.
Gabriel is also infamous. They call him Lord Brimstone and he rollicks through life leaving a veritable sea of pleased ladies behind him. He doesn't believe in love, but lust? Ah, lust is what makes life wonderful. And now poor Imogen has caught his eye.
Poor Imogen? What I wouldn't give to be Imogen!! This hero is one hot tasty dish. Imogen just can't seem to stay away from him. And he is falling further and further under her spell, all the while telling himself it's just because she's new, less jaded, more natural, so open, fun to be with, or whatever other reason he can come up with other than the truth. But is there any hope for a future for these two? The infamous Portrait Divorcee and Lord Brimstone?
I loved the interaction between these two. I believed in Imogen's seemingly helpless attraction to Gabriel and his deepening interest. The growth of their feelings was portrayed realistically and gradually. And the sex? Whew! ***fanning wildly***, if Hughes improves any, she may need to put a warning on her covers. I liked this one so much, I'm off to get the first book "Lord Sin" which tells the Countess' story. I'll be sure and let y'all know how that one turns out!
November 9, 2008
I enjoyed this book, but came away a bit disappointed. I had read several reviews that said great things, but I didn't come away with the same wonderful impression of the book that some others did. When I finished the book, I had a slight feeling of disatisfaction because the hero and heroine never voiced their love for one another. They were obviously in love, and the hero called her "love" a few times, but in a romance book I want the main characters to vocally express their love for one another. I did really like the protectiveness that the hero showed for the heroine, but I felt that she didn't ever realize the significance of his actions. When he was taking steps to assure that she wouldn't be a social pariah, she believed he was damaging her future instead.
Gabriel Brimstone encounters an attractive young woman when he attends the house party of his best friend, Georgianna. He immediately decides that he would like to have the woman, Imogen Mowbray, in his bed, but she rebuffs his advances. Imogen is atttracted to Gabriel Brimstone, but as a woman who was accused of adultery and divorced by her husband, she has lived for four years as an outcast and is just now being accepted in very limited social circles. She doesn't want to risk society's or her family's ire by an association with Gabriel. As the house party progresses, Imogen's attraction to Gabriel grows, and she decides to risk an affair. The opportunity to be together at the house party doesn't happen, but they encounter one another a few weeks later and begin an affair. As rumors begin to circulate about the two, Imogen is worried and reject's Gabriel's attempts to secure her future. Imogen's ex-husband insults her in public and Gabriel must take actions to stop the man's damaging talk of Imogen amd then make Imogen see that they belong together.
If possible, I would have given this book a 3.5. I thought that too much of the book focused on the times that Gabriel and Imogen were not together. I would have liked to see more interaction and dialogue between them. The situation that caused Imogen's husband to divorce her was never thoroughly explained, and although it wasn't difficult to figure out basically what happened, I would have liked to know more. Although Gabriel owned the portrait that caused Imogen's fall from grace in the eyes of society, he never told her during the course of the book. I would have liked to see her reaction to his ownership of this portrait. This book wasn't bad, but it just didn't all come together for me in an entirely satisfactory manner.
Gabriel Brimstone encounters an attractive young woman when he attends the house party of his best friend, Georgianna. He immediately decides that he would like to have the woman, Imogen Mowbray, in his bed, but she rebuffs his advances. Imogen is atttracted to Gabriel Brimstone, but as a woman who was accused of adultery and divorced by her husband, she has lived for four years as an outcast and is just now being accepted in very limited social circles. She doesn't want to risk society's or her family's ire by an association with Gabriel. As the house party progresses, Imogen's attraction to Gabriel grows, and she decides to risk an affair. The opportunity to be together at the house party doesn't happen, but they encounter one another a few weeks later and begin an affair. As rumors begin to circulate about the two, Imogen is worried and reject's Gabriel's attempts to secure her future. Imogen's ex-husband insults her in public and Gabriel must take actions to stop the man's damaging talk of Imogen amd then make Imogen see that they belong together.
If possible, I would have given this book a 3.5. I thought that too much of the book focused on the times that Gabriel and Imogen were not together. I would have liked to see more interaction and dialogue between them. The situation that caused Imogen's husband to divorce her was never thoroughly explained, and although it wasn't difficult to figure out basically what happened, I would have liked to know more. Although Gabriel owned the portrait that caused Imogen's fall from grace in the eyes of society, he never told her during the course of the book. I would have liked to see her reaction to his ownership of this portrait. This book wasn't bad, but it just didn't all come together for me in an entirely satisfactory manner.
March 9, 2010
Imogen, the Portrait Divorcee, is living in the dowager house of her friend Lady Somercote. George, Lady Somercote, has invited guests (including her friend Gabriel) over for a party. Imogen and Gabriel meet at the beginning of the party and become attracted to one another. Gabriel immediately decides to use his time at the house party to seduce her, while Imogen decides to avoid him because she can't handle any more scandal. George is working to restore Imogen among the ton after she had been cast out for being divorced on the grounds of adultery. What follows is a game of hot and cold with Gabriel pursuing Imogen.
There was nothing wrong with the writing in this book, although it took me awhile to adjust to the abrupt way the scenes were cut, but I just couldn't ever immerse myself in the story. I never felt any depth to the characters so the storyline fell rather flat for me. I didn't like that so much time was spent on secondary characters (who I gather were the stars of a previous book) when I craved more details of why Imogen and Gabriel even liked each other beyond sex.
I think the major problem I had with the story was Imogen. I just didn't like her. She came across as rather whiny and melodramatic. It seemed like every chapter there was something new for her to have a minor drama about. I was also very bothered by her interactions with Gabriel. She wanted him but she didn't want scandal (which is understandable). She decides to have sex with him anyway but then doesn't let him know. She seemed to expect him to read her mind and sweep her off her feet so she wouldn't ever have to admit aloud that she wanted him. It seemed as though if he made all the moves she could justify it to herself because he seduced her. It just bothered me immensely.
I also didn't understand the little drama with her brother. One confrontation and he backed down? That was it? After seeing that it seemed comical that she would be afraid of him at all. It ended up giving me the impression that the drama was included only to manufacture a reason for Imogen to deny Gabriel.
Also, the separation at the end between Imogen and Gabriel made me shake my head. Can she never stick around and face a problem? Must she always be so weak that she needs to run away so she won't let her desire for Gabriel sweep her away? I just wanted to shake her and tell her to grow a backbone. Then when he finally catches up... nothing? It's like she never had a reason for leaving. It was baffling.
Overall I never got a sense of any real love between the main characters. All I felt was lust and even that fell flat for me. I have no doubt that this book will find fans. I think it's just a matter of taste and this story just didn't have a flavor I liked.
There was nothing wrong with the writing in this book, although it took me awhile to adjust to the abrupt way the scenes were cut, but I just couldn't ever immerse myself in the story. I never felt any depth to the characters so the storyline fell rather flat for me. I didn't like that so much time was spent on secondary characters (who I gather were the stars of a previous book) when I craved more details of why Imogen and Gabriel even liked each other beyond sex.
I think the major problem I had with the story was Imogen. I just didn't like her. She came across as rather whiny and melodramatic. It seemed like every chapter there was something new for her to have a minor drama about. I was also very bothered by her interactions with Gabriel. She wanted him but she didn't want scandal (which is understandable). She decides to have sex with him anyway but then doesn't let him know. She seemed to expect him to read her mind and sweep her off her feet so she wouldn't ever have to admit aloud that she wanted him. It seemed as though if he made all the moves she could justify it to herself because he seduced her. It just bothered me immensely.
I also didn't understand the little drama with her brother. One confrontation and he backed down? That was it? After seeing that it seemed comical that she would be afraid of him at all. It ended up giving me the impression that the drama was included only to manufacture a reason for Imogen to deny Gabriel.
Also, the separation at the end between Imogen and Gabriel made me shake my head. Can she never stick around and face a problem? Must she always be so weak that she needs to run away so she won't let her desire for Gabriel sweep her away? I just wanted to shake her and tell her to grow a backbone. Then when he finally catches up... nothing? It's like she never had a reason for leaving. It was baffling.
Overall I never got a sense of any real love between the main characters. All I felt was lust and even that fell flat for me. I have no doubt that this book will find fans. I think it's just a matter of taste and this story just didn't have a flavor I liked.
March 27, 2011
3 1/2 stars. Some nice things in here. Loved the reason why her ex-husband threw her to the curb. Gracious, we are lucky to be modern women! The story grabbed me, but didn't squeeze tight enough to remember much of it other than the heroine was a bit wishy-washy.
October 20, 2022
Boring. Shallow character development. DNF
July 14, 2010
3.5 stars
A “scandal”, as always blown out of proportion by the Ton, leads Imogen Mowbray to a life in poverty when her husband divorces her and her family wash their hands from her. Meeting Georgianna (George), Lady Somercote, changes her life in many ways she never could have imagined.
Gabriel Angelstone (love that name!!) has scandal written all over him. He is the great-grandson of a Duke and grandson of a Turkish Pasha. Combined with his exotic charisma and his loose behavior with women this makes him a welcome subject of the Ton's gossip and now he finds himself adding fuel to the fire by pursuing the epitome of scandal: Imogen.
Gabriel and Imogen are drawn to each other but they are both reluctant to acknowledge their feelings. Their attraction is instant and their love grows slowly but deeply. However they are not willing to give in to it, Imogen because she fears scandal will be tied to her name again now that she's trying to get her life back together and avoid any more scandal. Gabriel is reluctant because he's content with his flirtations and affairs and he's not the marrying kind.
Although I enjoyed both the main characters I do have the feeling they could have been fleshed out a bit more in terms of background and depth. I would have liked to see them more rounded. Both Gabriel past and Imogen's so-called scandal relied a bit too much on the reader's imagination to fill in the blanks.
But overall I liked their characters and their story. I loved it when Gabriel stood up for Imogen and confronted first her brother and then her ex-husband. A true knight in shining armor.
Again there's a multitude of secondary characters: family, friends, society-members and children. They definitely give the book more body and provide reference for the main characters but it's hard to keep track of them all throughout the book and it's a bit confusing trying to get the connections between them and the main characters. But this is really minor point since despite their great numbers they don't take the focus away from Gabriel and Imogen.
Imogen's family (her parents and brother) are just horrible, they are cold-hearted, society-ruled snobs.
One prominently present secondary character is George (the heroine from book 1, LORD SIN). She not only plays a crucial part in both Imogen and Gabriel's lives but also in their decisions towards each other. I did not expect her to have such a big supporting role after her own book and it was a nice and pleasant surprise. She was as wonderful a secondary character in this book as she was a heroine in her own. It was a bonus to see how her life continued after having her HEA (happily ever after).
With LORD SCANDAL, from the first scene I was thrown back into the sentiment I had when I closed LORD SIN: a sentiment of satisfaction, enjoyment and recognition. Though the overall story didn't have the impact on me that the first book had, I still indulged in a beautiful historical love story. Rich in detail and description, pure and simple in characters and plot.
There were some very little errors (if I can call them that) but the only one worth mentioning is that Imogen's brother is called Richard at one moment (p. 146) and later in the book his name is Robert (p.236).
The love scenes are original and refreshing in a simple way. In this case the phrase "less is more" certainly applies. There's a lot of variation in them and they absolutely fit Kalen Hughes' writing style that is equally refreshing and unique.
She has a keen eye for historical detail and the habits and ways of the time-period her stories take place in. This is something you notice in her books immediately and is the reason I hope there will be more wonderful installments in this Rakes of London series. It's certainly not a question of finding heroes because in George's environment there are enough intriguing bachelors left who need the firm hand of a lady to keep them straight. I have my suspicions as to who will be the main characters in the next book, but I'll have to wait till it comes out to see if my guess is right.
Kalen Hughes’ LORD SCANDAL provided me with a rich and great written novel of acceptation, redemption, soul mates and subtle matchmaking that kept me entertained and enthralled to the very last satisfying page.
Quote:
After years on the town he could tell when a woman was ripe to fall en when she wasn't. Miss Mowbray had already fallen. She was just lying there, waiting for someone to pick her up.
A “scandal”, as always blown out of proportion by the Ton, leads Imogen Mowbray to a life in poverty when her husband divorces her and her family wash their hands from her. Meeting Georgianna (George), Lady Somercote, changes her life in many ways she never could have imagined.
Gabriel Angelstone (love that name!!) has scandal written all over him. He is the great-grandson of a Duke and grandson of a Turkish Pasha. Combined with his exotic charisma and his loose behavior with women this makes him a welcome subject of the Ton's gossip and now he finds himself adding fuel to the fire by pursuing the epitome of scandal: Imogen.
Gabriel and Imogen are drawn to each other but they are both reluctant to acknowledge their feelings. Their attraction is instant and their love grows slowly but deeply. However they are not willing to give in to it, Imogen because she fears scandal will be tied to her name again now that she's trying to get her life back together and avoid any more scandal. Gabriel is reluctant because he's content with his flirtations and affairs and he's not the marrying kind.
Although I enjoyed both the main characters I do have the feeling they could have been fleshed out a bit more in terms of background and depth. I would have liked to see them more rounded. Both Gabriel past and Imogen's so-called scandal relied a bit too much on the reader's imagination to fill in the blanks.
But overall I liked their characters and their story. I loved it when Gabriel stood up for Imogen and confronted first her brother and then her ex-husband. A true knight in shining armor.
Again there's a multitude of secondary characters: family, friends, society-members and children. They definitely give the book more body and provide reference for the main characters but it's hard to keep track of them all throughout the book and it's a bit confusing trying to get the connections between them and the main characters. But this is really minor point since despite their great numbers they don't take the focus away from Gabriel and Imogen.
Imogen's family (her parents and brother) are just horrible, they are cold-hearted, society-ruled snobs.
One prominently present secondary character is George (the heroine from book 1, LORD SIN). She not only plays a crucial part in both Imogen and Gabriel's lives but also in their decisions towards each other. I did not expect her to have such a big supporting role after her own book and it was a nice and pleasant surprise. She was as wonderful a secondary character in this book as she was a heroine in her own. It was a bonus to see how her life continued after having her HEA (happily ever after).
With LORD SCANDAL, from the first scene I was thrown back into the sentiment I had when I closed LORD SIN: a sentiment of satisfaction, enjoyment and recognition. Though the overall story didn't have the impact on me that the first book had, I still indulged in a beautiful historical love story. Rich in detail and description, pure and simple in characters and plot.
There were some very little errors (if I can call them that) but the only one worth mentioning is that Imogen's brother is called Richard at one moment (p. 146) and later in the book his name is Robert (p.236).
The love scenes are original and refreshing in a simple way. In this case the phrase "less is more" certainly applies. There's a lot of variation in them and they absolutely fit Kalen Hughes' writing style that is equally refreshing and unique.
She has a keen eye for historical detail and the habits and ways of the time-period her stories take place in. This is something you notice in her books immediately and is the reason I hope there will be more wonderful installments in this Rakes of London series. It's certainly not a question of finding heroes because in George's environment there are enough intriguing bachelors left who need the firm hand of a lady to keep them straight. I have my suspicions as to who will be the main characters in the next book, but I'll have to wait till it comes out to see if my guess is right.
Kalen Hughes’ LORD SCANDAL provided me with a rich and great written novel of acceptation, redemption, soul mates and subtle matchmaking that kept me entertained and enthralled to the very last satisfying page.
Quote:
After years on the town he could tell when a woman was ripe to fall en when she wasn't. Miss Mowbray had already fallen. She was just lying there, waiting for someone to pick her up.
March 7, 2012
I’m going to say this up front, I think Kalen Hughes might be among the brightest new authors out there. In her second novel, Lord Scandal, she demonstrates a veteran deftness with characterization, description, and dialog. Lord Scandal is the story of Imogen Mowbray, the portrait divorcee, who was summarily divorced by her husband, a rising star in British politics, when she had a mildly scandalous portrait painted.
Allegations of adultery and licentiousness followed her for ages, and she was divorced by her husband and disowned by her family. Her life takes a drastic change when she meets Lady George Somercote, who invites her to move into the dowager house on her estate. George runs with a bit of a fast crowd, including the scourge of the ton, Gabriel Angelstone. It is when George decides to throw a house party for that fast crowd that Imogen’s life begins to change.
Imogen and Gabriel meet one day in the garden. They begin a verbal jousting match filled with quotations from Shakespeare. He flirts wildly with her as she tries at first to gently set him aside, and then a little more forcefully, finally culminating in her stomping on his boot when he kisses her. Gabriel, completely unaccustomed to women not throwing themselves at him, is both offended and intrigued. He resolves to capture his “garden nymph” immediately and sets out on a campaign to seduce her. Imogen, no wilting flower herself, realizes she is being seduced and yet feels helpless against his pull. She decides to engage in a torrid affair with Gabriel that will end at the conclusion of the party.
But at the end of the party, both Imogen and Gabriel are still strongly attracted and can’t seem to stop thinking about each other. When George decides that she and her cousin will reintroduce Imogen to the ton and help her regain her respectability, she takes Imogen back to London with her. For Imogen to regain her social stature, she has to remain completely respectable, which of course means she must stay away from Gabriel. But can Imogen fight her attraction for Gabriel? And will he respect her wishes?
I liked almost every single aspect of this book. The dialog sparkles with intelligence and wit. Ms. Hughes has created two immensely likable characters that are smart and funny. The secondary characters do a seamless job of adding description without detracting from the main romance. Only one thing jarred me on occasion, and that’s the rapidly changing points of view. I know that head hopping is something some readers are very sensitive to. It did not detract from my enjoyment of the book at all, but readers sensitive to it may find Ms. Hughes’ style not to their taste. All in all though, this was a terrific book, and I think that Ms. Hughes is an author to watch.
*REVIEW ORIGINALLY POSTED AT ROMANCE NOVEL TV
Allegations of adultery and licentiousness followed her for ages, and she was divorced by her husband and disowned by her family. Her life takes a drastic change when she meets Lady George Somercote, who invites her to move into the dowager house on her estate. George runs with a bit of a fast crowd, including the scourge of the ton, Gabriel Angelstone. It is when George decides to throw a house party for that fast crowd that Imogen’s life begins to change.
Imogen and Gabriel meet one day in the garden. They begin a verbal jousting match filled with quotations from Shakespeare. He flirts wildly with her as she tries at first to gently set him aside, and then a little more forcefully, finally culminating in her stomping on his boot when he kisses her. Gabriel, completely unaccustomed to women not throwing themselves at him, is both offended and intrigued. He resolves to capture his “garden nymph” immediately and sets out on a campaign to seduce her. Imogen, no wilting flower herself, realizes she is being seduced and yet feels helpless against his pull. She decides to engage in a torrid affair with Gabriel that will end at the conclusion of the party.
But at the end of the party, both Imogen and Gabriel are still strongly attracted and can’t seem to stop thinking about each other. When George decides that she and her cousin will reintroduce Imogen to the ton and help her regain her respectability, she takes Imogen back to London with her. For Imogen to regain her social stature, she has to remain completely respectable, which of course means she must stay away from Gabriel. But can Imogen fight her attraction for Gabriel? And will he respect her wishes?
I liked almost every single aspect of this book. The dialog sparkles with intelligence and wit. Ms. Hughes has created two immensely likable characters that are smart and funny. The secondary characters do a seamless job of adding description without detracting from the main romance. Only one thing jarred me on occasion, and that’s the rapidly changing points of view. I know that head hopping is something some readers are very sensitive to. It did not detract from my enjoyment of the book at all, but readers sensitive to it may find Ms. Hughes’ style not to their taste. All in all though, this was a terrific book, and I think that Ms. Hughes is an author to watch.
*REVIEW ORIGINALLY POSTED AT ROMANCE NOVEL TV
January 22, 2012
Loved it, finished it in a little over 24 hours! Gabriel is a dream, and Imogen is a sweetheart. I wanted them both to succeed the whole way through. I even adored the side characters, especially George.
The sex was HOT and sweet all at once, and the romance wasn't too grossly saccharine. I appreciated it all.
I liked Imogen's acceptance of her wants, however improper they were. I disliked how she was so damn stubborn in telling Gabriel what the hell the problem was when things got serious. Just tell him, damn you woman!! LOL I would've loved to have read more description of Gabriel's body and voice. I couldn't get an image of him in my head. I just imagined John Barrowman. ;-D
The sex was HOT and sweet all at once, and the romance wasn't too grossly saccharine. I appreciated it all.
I liked Imogen's acceptance of her wants, however improper they were. I disliked how she was so damn stubborn in telling Gabriel what the hell the problem was when things got serious. Just tell him, damn you woman!! LOL I would've loved to have read more description of Gabriel's body and voice. I couldn't get an image of him in my head. I just imagined John Barrowman. ;-D
June 10, 2015
Surprisingly good. Historical, great cast of secondary characters, likable heroine and hero. A few minor quibbles - surprised that the hero had no baggage about this background. A nice amount of angst and nice to see a heroine enjoy herself, match the hero's appetites. Also liked that the ending was happy, but not perfectly neat - the heroine was marginally accepted back into society, but not completely, and she was ok with that.
February 2, 2013
A rake falls for a divorced woman. Imogen's first husband has divorced her for political gain. She is cast out of polite society and lives in a guest house of a friend. When this friend throws a party Gabriel sees her and thinks she is available and willing to have an affair. Although she agrees to the arrangement it is he who can't seem to let go.
July 14, 2012
Regency, Gabriel is a Lord and a irrestible rake and Immogene is divorced. They meet at mutual friend "George" a tiltled woman's week long retreat. The story was drawn out and difficult to get into. I wasn't feeling the love.
Read
October 1, 2008Couldn't finish it.
October 8, 2008
Yes it is a dirty book, but I just can't stop thinking about it.
June 3, 2009
As with the first book in this series, Lord Sin, great girl "stroke material." Lots of well written, hot, sex scenes.
Read
January 9, 2010Amazon preorder,Amazon received
November 6, 2011
It was ok but nothing special. It had very little drama and it was hard for me to feel the connection between them.
Want to read
January 18, 2012Kindle Freebie
February 14, 2012
Sexy and sweet non-virginal Georgian romance.
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