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Somebody #2
Somebody To Love
- The hero of this book is the brother of the heroine from Kate Rothwell's debut novel, Somebody Wonderful.
Above All Others
Everything Griffin Calverson ever touched turned to gold, but his worldly success has only isolated him. Despite his millions, he is essentially alone and sworn to remain so—until he meets Araminta Woodhall, whose sultry beauty sets his heart on fire. Griffin loves her beyond all reason—though by the rules of his social circle, they cannot marry. But Araminta will not agree to be merely his mistress.
Against All Odds
Raised in humble circumstances, Araminta has grown strong in the face of adversity—her courage and pride have always gotten her through. But Griffin Calverson may be her only weakness—and her only refuge in an unforgiving world. She can't seem to tell him goodbye...and she will settle for nothing less than all his love.
Above All Others
Everything Griffin Calverson ever touched turned to gold, but his worldly success has only isolated him. Despite his millions, he is essentially alone and sworn to remain so—until he meets Araminta Woodhall, whose sultry beauty sets his heart on fire. Griffin loves her beyond all reason—though by the rules of his social circle, they cannot marry. But Araminta will not agree to be merely his mistress.
Against All Odds
Raised in humble circumstances, Araminta has grown strong in the face of adversity—her courage and pride have always gotten her through. But Griffin Calverson may be her only weakness—and her only refuge in an unforgiving world. She can't seem to tell him goodbye...and she will settle for nothing less than all his love.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
13 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rothwell
23 books162 followersAlso writes as Summer Devon.
Subscribe to the Kate Rothwell/Summer Devon newsletter here. She'll only email you when there's a new release and she absolutely will never ever give away your email address to anyone.
Subscribe to the Kate Rothwell/Summer Devon newsletter here. She'll only email you when there's a new release and she absolutely will never ever give away your email address to anyone.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 21, 2020
I didn't care for this one. I only made it to chapter 7. I didn't like the hero, he was just too arrogant for me.
May 22, 2015
Araminta Woodhall knows she is a curiosity. It is late 1800s in New York City. She is a mixed-race female with "Negro blood' whose culinary creations are unparalleled. She works as the chef in a men's gambling establishment headed by an unsavory character named Linder Kane.
She is only working for Kane long enough to save enough money to open her own restaurant. But even that would not have convinced her to stay since she really can not abide the man. However she feels protective of Kane's mistress. A young woman he beats and terrorizes and whose reasons for staying with Kane form a bit of a mystery.
Kane loves to serve his guests her glorious food and will often have her come to take a curtsey so they can take a look at his very lovely 'curiosity'. During one of these 'come take a bow' evenings, Araminta is surprised to see Griffin Calverson, the brother of her former employer and good friend.
Griffin is a man of power and means in New York City. It is obvious he has some rivalry going on with Kane, a man who himself is connected to the powerful yet corrupt Tammany Hall.
Griffin is just as surprised to see Araminta and wastes no time in trying to convince her to leave, hinting that something dangerous is in the offing.
But Araminta won't leave without Olivia and Olivia has her reasons for staying.
And during all this Araminta and Griffin start to give into their attraction for each other.
I admit I was attracted to this book in the first place because of Araminta being a woman of color. It is rare to find a historical romance that takes place in this time/place, but rarer still for the heroine to be non-white.
The book was technically well written and Araminta and Griffin's romance was engaging. The two had really good on page chemistry. However, the book didn't necessarily 'sing' for me and I was a little disappointed in how Araminta's status as a woman of color seemed sometimes to be almost wallpaper.
This is not to say the author ignores it completely. She doesn't. In fact there a couple of places in the story where the fact of Araminta's race is used rather well, quite nuanced in fact. But sometimes while reading I wondered why even make her part black because there were times while reading I could easily forget that Araminta isn't just your run of the mill white heroine in a historical romance novel. There were times when I had to wonder "Would a non-white person react that way in that space?' Since this is a historical romance set in the late 1800s, I am forced to wonder about that. Also because Araminta seems to be the only non white person in the entire book. She doesn't seem to even cross paths just to nod a greeting with other persons of color.
To give the author credit, though, when we do get reminded that Araminta is a WOC navigating spaces that would not be normally welcoming to her, we get tantalizingly close to something really interesting.
Araminta is British. She is the granddaughter of a man of the wealthy merchant class from Englad who only acknowledged her on his death bed. She also well travelled. Because of her background and training and of course her accent, Araminta retains her 'curiosity' status. She carries herself with the bearing of the queen. And in some cases I think this extends to her a sort of 'color invisibility' so much so that Araminta herself sometimes gets lulled into a sense of false security. Until she gets reminded forcefully that she is a woman 'with Negro blood'.
There is also a really good scene where Araminta admits, almost defiantly, that sometimes she gets mistaken for Italian and she allows people think that. Griff somewhat curiously and somewhat judgingly wonders why she would deny her heritage like that. I thought this was a well done scene because of course Araminta would allow herself to pass. If she could be admitted to the rarified place that white people at that time are accepted why wouldn't she? And of course Griff just doesn't get it because he is steeped in his own white male privilege. It is just a small conversation that just nips at the tip of the iceberg of something a little deeper. And the author lets it stop there. I almost wish she had delved into the conversation a but more. But then again, I am kind of glad she just left it there.
This isn't the only place where Araminta and Griffin seem a bit at cross purposed wrt to her race. Griff offers Araminta a position as his mistress. She of course believes it is because a man of his stature can't marry a mixed-race woman. Griff otoh has no problems with her race, he just has no intention of marrying anyone. Frankly I would have liked it better if the thought had given him pause even for just a minute or two. Would've felt more realistic, imo.
Overall this was an easy read and generally well done historical romance.
She is only working for Kane long enough to save enough money to open her own restaurant. But even that would not have convinced her to stay since she really can not abide the man. However she feels protective of Kane's mistress. A young woman he beats and terrorizes and whose reasons for staying with Kane form a bit of a mystery.
Kane loves to serve his guests her glorious food and will often have her come to take a curtsey so they can take a look at his very lovely 'curiosity'. During one of these 'come take a bow' evenings, Araminta is surprised to see Griffin Calverson, the brother of her former employer and good friend.
Griffin is a man of power and means in New York City. It is obvious he has some rivalry going on with Kane, a man who himself is connected to the powerful yet corrupt Tammany Hall.
Griffin is just as surprised to see Araminta and wastes no time in trying to convince her to leave, hinting that something dangerous is in the offing.
But Araminta won't leave without Olivia and Olivia has her reasons for staying.
And during all this Araminta and Griffin start to give into their attraction for each other.
I admit I was attracted to this book in the first place because of Araminta being a woman of color. It is rare to find a historical romance that takes place in this time/place, but rarer still for the heroine to be non-white.
The book was technically well written and Araminta and Griffin's romance was engaging. The two had really good on page chemistry. However, the book didn't necessarily 'sing' for me and I was a little disappointed in how Araminta's status as a woman of color seemed sometimes to be almost wallpaper.
This is not to say the author ignores it completely. She doesn't. In fact there a couple of places in the story where the fact of Araminta's race is used rather well, quite nuanced in fact. But sometimes while reading I wondered why even make her part black because there were times while reading I could easily forget that Araminta isn't just your run of the mill white heroine in a historical romance novel. There were times when I had to wonder "Would a non-white person react that way in that space?' Since this is a historical romance set in the late 1800s, I am forced to wonder about that. Also because Araminta seems to be the only non white person in the entire book. She doesn't seem to even cross paths just to nod a greeting with other persons of color.
To give the author credit, though, when we do get reminded that Araminta is a WOC navigating spaces that would not be normally welcoming to her, we get tantalizingly close to something really interesting.
Araminta is British. She is the granddaughter of a man of the wealthy merchant class from Englad who only acknowledged her on his death bed. She also well travelled. Because of her background and training and of course her accent, Araminta retains her 'curiosity' status. She carries herself with the bearing of the queen. And in some cases I think this extends to her a sort of 'color invisibility' so much so that Araminta herself sometimes gets lulled into a sense of false security. Until she gets reminded forcefully that she is a woman 'with Negro blood'.
There is also a really good scene where Araminta admits, almost defiantly, that sometimes she gets mistaken for Italian and she allows people think that. Griff somewhat curiously and somewhat judgingly wonders why she would deny her heritage like that. I thought this was a well done scene because of course Araminta would allow herself to pass. If she could be admitted to the rarified place that white people at that time are accepted why wouldn't she? And of course Griff just doesn't get it because he is steeped in his own white male privilege. It is just a small conversation that just nips at the tip of the iceberg of something a little deeper. And the author lets it stop there. I almost wish she had delved into the conversation a but more. But then again, I am kind of glad she just left it there.
This isn't the only place where Araminta and Griffin seem a bit at cross purposed wrt to her race. Griff offers Araminta a position as his mistress. She of course believes it is because a man of his stature can't marry a mixed-race woman. Griff otoh has no problems with her race, he just has no intention of marrying anyone. Frankly I would have liked it better if the thought had given him pause even for just a minute or two. Would've felt more realistic, imo.
Overall this was an easy read and generally well done historical romance.
October 14, 2015
This review is for those people who have read the first book SOMEBODY WONDERFUL. Some may consider this review contains spoilers so beware. Maybe my hopes were too high when I read the sequel.
This is the story of Timona's brother Griffin and her best friend Araminta. Reared in England, she was straight forward in her views and gutsy. A chef, the food she prepared was unparallel in taste; her plans were to open a restaurant. When SOMEBODY WONDERFUL ended the reader was left with Araminta, a "champion of children", living in Minnesota. You were also left with the impression that Araminta disliked and "had no patience" with Timona's brother.
Ms. Rothwell had an interesting idea. It is in the early 1880's and like those in SOMEBODY WONDERFUL, one of the leading characters came from a background that society normally shunned. Griffin was a wealthy noble and headed several large businesses in New York City. An alpha male, he is loyal to his immediate family but can be abrupt and cold with others. In his mid thirties, his past has caused him some demons and he has no plans for marriage.
Araminta is living there now and works for Griffin's opposition. Her grandfather was white but her skin is the color of "dark clover honey", others think of her as exotic-looking. She had a loving mother but times were tough while growing up. Her father was a butler who died shortly after her birth.
When they meet at her employer's mansion "her insides melted into jelly". Hello? Did I miss something? When did she develop a huge attraction to the man and, an even bigger question, WHY? The bulk of the book was the story of Araminta falling in love and Griffin, wanting Araminta, but as his mistress. There was a secondary story about Griffin's rival Kane and his dirty works.
I thought the story was dry and not all that interesting. I probably would have stopped reading except I kept hoping it would get better. There were many sexual situations but, I felt, they were absent of passion. The characters lacked depth and something was missing. The ending was too pat. Sometimes when I finish a story I can't believe the hero and heroine will be together in five years. This was one of those stories and just not my cup of tea.
This is the story of Timona's brother Griffin and her best friend Araminta. Reared in England, she was straight forward in her views and gutsy. A chef, the food she prepared was unparallel in taste; her plans were to open a restaurant. When SOMEBODY WONDERFUL ended the reader was left with Araminta, a "champion of children", living in Minnesota. You were also left with the impression that Araminta disliked and "had no patience" with Timona's brother.
Ms. Rothwell had an interesting idea. It is in the early 1880's and like those in SOMEBODY WONDERFUL, one of the leading characters came from a background that society normally shunned. Griffin was a wealthy noble and headed several large businesses in New York City. An alpha male, he is loyal to his immediate family but can be abrupt and cold with others. In his mid thirties, his past has caused him some demons and he has no plans for marriage.
Araminta is living there now and works for Griffin's opposition. Her grandfather was white but her skin is the color of "dark clover honey", others think of her as exotic-looking. She had a loving mother but times were tough while growing up. Her father was a butler who died shortly after her birth.
When they meet at her employer's mansion "her insides melted into jelly". Hello? Did I miss something? When did she develop a huge attraction to the man and, an even bigger question, WHY? The bulk of the book was the story of Araminta falling in love and Griffin, wanting Araminta, but as his mistress. There was a secondary story about Griffin's rival Kane and his dirty works.
I thought the story was dry and not all that interesting. I probably would have stopped reading except I kept hoping it would get better. There were many sexual situations but, I felt, they were absent of passion. The characters lacked depth and something was missing. The ending was too pat. Sometimes when I finish a story I can't believe the hero and heroine will be together in five years. This was one of those stories and just not my cup of tea.
January 12, 2022
The magic didn’t continue from book one. The subplot, which could have and should have been more intriguing, wittered away to an aside, when it could have been more rousing.
The plot of the story also held promise - Ariante had more personality and fire in book one and Griffin came across as more impressive.
Something was missing in this, but I can’t put my finger on it. It could be that the cast of supporting characters were not as fully rounded out, or as endearing as the previous characters (but given who they were, I guess that endearing would not have sat well).
The plot of the story also held promise - Ariante had more personality and fire in book one and Griffin came across as more impressive.
Something was missing in this, but I can’t put my finger on it. It could be that the cast of supporting characters were not as fully rounded out, or as endearing as the previous characters (but given who they were, I guess that endearing would not have sat well).
October 23, 2019
I enjoyed the story.
I enjoyed the story. I would love to read more of Griffin and Amarita. I would love to see how they settle down.
I enjoyed the story. I would love to read more of Griffin and Amarita. I would love to see how they settle down.
December 6, 2020
Loved it lol
December 8, 2020
I didn't care for this one. I only made it to chapter 7. I didn't like the hero, he was just to arrogant for me.
April 17, 2021
I loved the premise of this story but also had to skip raunchy romance scenes. Free on Audible
April 20, 2021
I loved the characters and the plot. It’s original and emotional. I am glad I found this book on Audible Plus. Happy reading and listening!
November 5, 2021
I tried to finish the book because the narration is good but it felt too long and I DNF.
May 17, 2022
Love this story.
Read
September 29, 2022this was either 2021 or beginning of 2022 - who knows
October 22, 2022
Quick romance listen.
November 6, 2020
Audible Catalogue
AUDIOBOOK: Read 1 & 2 November 2020
9hrs 34min
Narrator: Stephanie Cannon does a good job
Liked this one too. Cute little series.
AUDIOBOOK: Read 1 & 2 November 2020
9hrs 34min
Narrator: Stephanie Cannon does a good job
Liked this one too. Cute little series.
February 24, 2024
*4.5 stars
February 28, 2017
I posted a review on audible and actually thought I had posted one here so I guess it's floating in space. I listened to the audible version and totally feel that both the author and the narrator did a masterful job. The plot was from a different angle than the usual, so I really enjoyed that creativity. I loved listening to it until the very last paragraph.
July 11, 2009
With this second book (after "Somebody wonderful"), Rothwell managed again to provide a outstanding romance book. In this love story between the stern powerful Griffin (Tamina's brother) and the proud energetic Araminta, is nothing conventual. Not the historic background (NY at end of the 19. century) and not the looks of the protagonists.
Araminta is a mulatto kitchen chef and Griffin's description reminded me of a young Robert Redford (never thought I could find a moustache that nice). ;)
This book has drama, romance and wit.
I can't wait with what Rothwell will come up next!
Araminta is a mulatto kitchen chef and Griffin's description reminded me of a young Robert Redford (never thought I could find a moustache that nice). ;)
This book has drama, romance and wit.
I can't wait with what Rothwell will come up next!
Read
July 19, 2008A tender romance
November 14, 2009
Really good piece, especially dealing with prejudice and mixed-race.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews