Awakening Amelia

Diable Delamere #3

by Kate Pearce

A forgotten man…
When widowed Amelia Smith takes a fallen soldier into her household, she is shocked to discover he has no idea who he is. Determined to help him recover his memory, she embarks on a journey that will change and endanger them both.

An unconventional lady...
Working out whom and what he is brings back painful memories to ‘Marco’. The only constant in his life is his burning desire to take revenge on those who tried to steal everything from him. As his memories return, he needs Amelia Smith’s calm good sense more than he ever anticipated.

Can a relationship begun in such an unorthodox fashion blossom into love? Especially when the lady is hiding secrets of her own…

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Fiction

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2015

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.

She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.

Reviews

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this story, and my knowledge of the author's other works immediately made me assume that this was going to be an erotic historical romance. It isn't - instead it's a lovely, thoughtful and interesting story (with some sexy love scenes) of widowed Amelia, who finds a soldier in the street suffering from amnesia. She cares for him, and as he slowly regains his memory, a mystery remains - who is he, what really happened to him, and how did he end up back in England. Along the way, Amelia and Marco find themselves falling for each other, and when they arrange a marriage of convenience, it soon turns to more. I really enjoyed the story as it moved at a good pace, with the romance and the drama intertwined. Actually I had a hard time putting it down, because I wanted to know about Marco's past as much as he did! Amelia has her own secrets that gradually get revealed too, and the two of them were really a perfect match by the time all was said and done. It's a heartwarming tale of love found, and a sexy and entertaining read. 4 stars.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.

[Mahayana Dugast · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to say about this, other than it was entertaining as I laughed a lot. The tale was good enough, but the terms as used to describe the meant-to-be-love scenes were... well, written in pornographic terms it seemed to me, at least for the era it was written in. It was odd but comical because of that, and since I value laughing, I shall give it 4 stars. It's Christmas after all! :-)))

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A widow and a wounded warrior with amnesia are an unlikely couple but in this book, set in the early 1800’s, it just might be perfect for them to end up together. Amelia Smith has loved and lost Matthew, her husband, in war and has set out to help other soldiers in need as she has the opportunity to do so. One of the soldiers she helps ends up being much more than either one of them realized when she found him unconscious in the street and took him home with her.

This is a story of two strong people that have suffered and lost much, are drawn to the strength they see in one another and make a choice based on attraction and mutual need. I loved both characters, loved how they worked together to strengthen one another and the fact that they seemed like real people – people I admired and would like to know.

Thank you to the author for the copy of this book to read and review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying that I'm not going repeat what the story is about because I assume you will already have read the blurb above before checking out the reviews. That being said, I have to tell you that I absolutely LOVED this book!! The whole series actually (which I started yesterday and finished this afternoon. That's 3.5 books in 2 days!! A new record for me :) ) I literally could not put it down because I had to find out what happened next.
If you're like me and you like your hero's strong, yet vulnerable, then Marcus was written for you to perfection by Ms. Pearce. Tortured by war and a loss of memory yet still strong enough to stand up to his adversaries he is written very well. Amelia, the heroine, is his perfect match. She also suffered a loss during war but learned to be strong and independent to overcome the tragedy. I have a feeling I will be reading their story over and over again.
Well written characters, both main and secondary. Strong story line with nothing left hanging in the conclusion. It's also has some very steamy love scenes! Although it has an epilogue, which I really like, I wish it had been longer and gave more of a closing story to characters from the previous books. That is really the only downside to this. The epilogue is good, don't get me wrong, I just like a longer one :) This book could be read as a stand alone but will be more enjoyable if you read them in order. My opinion only.
#1 Educating Elizabeth (Gervase & Elizabeth)
#2 Redeeming Jack (Jack & Carys)
#2.5 Loving Michael (Michael & Angelique) NOVELLA
This book has a quick paced, easy to read fast flowing story line with no lag at all. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author :)

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Amelia Smith , a widow who lost her husband during the war and has made it her mission in life to lend a helping hand to soldiers who need it. So when she happens to come by a soldier, Marco , unconscious in the street, she immediately goes into caretaker mode and takes him home.

Now you guys already know this is a romance story so it's gonna get sexy. Although not as erotic as Kate's usual works, Marco and Amelia still gave off plenty of sparks :) Amelia is such a beautiful soul ... gah, I just didn't want this story to end!

The suspense of the story is quite addictive. You can't help but be completely invested. As Marco and Amelia both search for answers of his past, you will be right there with them ... wanting badly to know the who what when of it all! Kate created characters in Amelia and Marco that were absolutely perfect for one another. Both with baggage. Both searching for answers. Both just incredibly suited for one another. Both developing and growing thru each other towards a well deserved HEA!

I absolutely LOVED this story and I highly recommend it! It should be noted that altho the story of Amelia and Marco can be read as a standalone, there are intertwined characters thru this entire series and I highly recommend you start from the beginning with Educating Elizabeth, which introduces the suspenseful arc that flows thru all 4 stories in this series.

Copy provided by the author for review

[Glittergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted when I was given a free copy of this book by Kate for a review...

I love everything I have ever read written by Kate Pearce. This book was no exception. Kate's historic books are rich in history, characterization and sensuality. She teases our senses and creates visions that will stay with you long after the story has ended. I really didn't want to let go of these two people as they fit so well together and completed each other. They both needed each other and I am so glad they found each other in Kate's imagination.

This is the conclusion of the Diable Delamere series with Amelia Smith who is the widow of a fallen war soldier she defied her family and married. She's back in England living had to mouth with her late husband's aunt as her family disowned her when she married. She finds an unconscious man in the village that appears to be a war veteran. He finally wakes with no memory of who he is or how he got there. The story unfolds as Amelia and Marco/Marcus finds clues to his history and in the process he "awakens" Amelia to getting on with her life as she's been treading water with kind and lonely Aunt Betty. The intrigue and mystery of this story kept me reading. I had read #2.5 Loving Michael and this story drove me to read #1 Educating Elizabeth which I discovered I already on my Nook in the A Taste Of Scandal Box Set. I'll have to get #2 Redeeming Jack as these two stories are intertwined in the conclusion of the series in this book.

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book exudes what I have come to know and love about Kate Pearce. All of the questions that I have been asking about since the beginning of the Diable De La Mer series are answered. It helps if you have read the others as religiously as I have, but not totally necessary. I absolutely love Amelia and Marco and how through all their trials and tribulations they still come back to each other. I mean seriously isn't that what love is all about?
The book begins with something as a regency reader seems very familiar, a sick soldier returning from war. And the heroine compelled to nurse him back to health. It turns out that Amelia needs him as much as he needs her. Independently they are survivors and their own people, but together they are so much more and a force to be reckoned with.

Can't wait for a new series!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Although it isn't necessary, it is probably a good idea to read the other books in the series first just to give the reader a better understanding of what is going on. The book moved at a fast pace. It was not too caught up in what the characters were wearing, eating, etc. as most historical romances seem to be. It was all about the story, which I think was the reason it flowed so fast. I found it hard to put down. I enjoyed watching the relationship evolve between Amelia and Marcus. The author was able to bring not only this book to an end but also managed to answer a lot of questions from the entire series. However, even though the story came full circle, I was a little disappointed at the ending. I would have liked the storyline with Captain Fury explored more. Other than that, it was a great read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awakening Amelia is the 3rd book in the Diable Delamere series by Kate Pearce. I highly recommend reading at least the first book in the series, Educating Elizabeth, in order to get acquainted with the back story.

In typical Kate Pearce style, this story has an intriguing plot with excellent character development. I fell in love with both Amelia and Marcus. Even though Amelia was a very independent, no-nonsense kind of woman, I enjoyed how she showed Marcus her soft side without being made to look weak. The author also did a great job portraying Marcus' character as a strong hero despite his amnesia and a very loving, caring man.

All in all this was a great addition to the Diable Delamere series and I cannot wait to back up a step and read both Jack and Michael's stories.

ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical romance. Amelia lost her husband during the war she finds a soldier unconscious in the street and takes him home to care for him. When the soldier wakes up he has no memory of who he is. They begin the journey of finding out who he is and what happened to him and end up growing closer in the process. Will the secrets they reveal keep them together or tear them apart? This read has plenty of suspense and drama with some steamy love scenes. Loved the story as well as the characters a great read!

[~~ Angie ~~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring...

I'm sorry, but this book was horribly boring! I wanted so much to happen! The first few chapters had me hooked, then it just went down hill.....VERY FAST!

We never find out about the (h) stolen money from her in laws, the (H) has memory loss and we never find out when it started-or what exactly happened.

He goes home with (h) to claim his title and that he's alive - then goes to
London....does he ever give the title to his brother?

No passion, no long sweet kisses, no sensual love making. B.o.r.i.n.g!!!

Heat Level: Ice Cold

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I've read over 300 books in 17 months and have to say I really loved this series by Kate Pearce. All 3 books were very enjoyable and a recommend read. I wish she had more of the genre.

[Patricia Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I love anything that Kate Pearce writes. I recommend all of her books to you. Marcos and Amelia story was so touching and I hope that there is more to come.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great installment in the Diable Delamere series. Amelia Smith's husband died during the Napoleonic Wars. She has taken it upon herself to aid other soldiers who have returned either injured or in need of help. One day, she and her aunt come across an injured soldier laying on the side of the road. They take him home and nurse him back to health, but he doesn't remember who he is or what has happened. Slowly, he begins to remember a few things and eventually they find out that he is Major Marcus Stortford, but he is also Viscount Stortford. He has been missing for five years and his family and friends didn't know if he was dead or alive while he was being held prisoner.

Now that he is back in England and trying to reclaim his identity, he and Amelia become close and she helps him work through the issues facing him.

I really enjoyed this book and it includes some of the characters from the first two books in the series.

[Susan Liberty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awakening Amelia by Kate Pearce is outstanding! Finally, we’re at the end of the Diable Delamere series, and we found out who was behind the espionage! And thankfully, Captain Fury’s true identity was uncovered. Lol, of course, Amelia Smith and (Marco) Major Marcus Stalford’s love story was fantastic. Yes, it was steamy to the max.


All the characters were well developed. I loved Aunt Betty: she added to the flavor of the story. The settings were cleverly crafted, and the intrigue was off the charts good.


Awakening Amelia was an excellent read. That said, in my opinion, reading the first two books is a must to get the full effect of the story. Five Stars!

[♏Vanessa♏ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 🌟 This story was quite entertaining and I was hooked on the many mysteries, the steam and needed to find out how it would end.
It didn’t disappoint, even if a few things were guessed correctly there was much I didn’t see coming.
In here 2 lonely and scared by the passed souls find each other by accident and they help each other to move forward.
Very worthy of every second spent listening to it.
Great narration too.

[Purpleallison Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lacked the convoluted plotlines of the previous 2 books, so it was a much more straightforward romance story that took its time getting to the sex. Which I didn't mind. I didn't like how often Marcus talked over Amelia, but his care and understanding of her made up for that. The reunion of Marcus and Jack was satisfying. The fate of Captain Fury was a bit of a letdown though.

[Emma Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t mean to pick up another in this series but there’s a really good storyline running through them. This one was particularly sweet, it wasn’t a raunchy romance book - the relationship between Marcus and Amelia is far more central. I loved the unravelling of the storyline as they worked out who he was.

A lovely historical fiction.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great romance

Great romance with lots of suspense and depth of characters when read in conjunction with the other two in the series. The sex in this book did not take over the story as in the first book.

[Silvia Prego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

Great collection of books. The plot is very good and the characters amazing! It was great to learn about their lives and their struggles. Rea enjoyed reading the 4 books! Maybe Captain Fury will come back to Britain?!... Who knows?

[Patrizia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kate Pearce, quando vuole, è capace di farti venire la pelle d'oca, con i suoi 'romance' pieni di tensione, o con le sue storie erotiche.
Ma questo libro è, decisamente, 'flat'. Della serie, alla fine, ho apprezzato solo il primo volume.

[Karen Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the relationship between the hero and the heroin. I wasn't too crazy about the cloak and dagger parts. Over all not bad.

[Kbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible Catalogue

AUDIOBOOK: Read
6hrs 3min 2 & 3 February 2021

Narrator: Julie Maisey does a pretty good job
Liked it. But there are still doors open to really end this series.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia and Marcus had some trouble experiences in the Napoleon War.
She lost her husband and he was a prisoner.

[rubywednesday · Rating 2 out of 5]

fine for a free audiobook but a had a LOT of weaknesses and a few questionable features

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened via Audible

Nice conclusion to the saga

[Jean Matlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sexy book..recommend

[Senorita · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ ch. 9. Not terrible, but too boring to continue. Tried several times.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice steamy historical romance novel set in the regency era.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this story Captain Fury was a disappointment.