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Restoration #2
A Rogue's Embrace
By the king's command, Sir Richard Blythe has reluctantly agreed to wed—for that is the only way to regain his birthright. But he never expected to be smitten by the lovely bride who has been forced upon him. To own the heart and soul of Elissa Longbourne, Sir Richard would be willing to forsake all other women; yet he realizes that it will take more than a marriage vow to free the passion he sees simmering in the stubborn beauty's eyes. So the notorious nobleman sets out to tame his willful wife—one slow, luxurious kiss at a time... Elissa refuses to love her bridegroom, even though he is so maddeningly handsome that he had stolen her breath away upon her very first glance. Richard Blythe is a husband to be feared. Now he holds the key to Elissa's young son's legacy in his powerful hands. Dare a pretty widow trust a rogue such as he with her heart?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2000
About the author
Margaret Moore
226 books175 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Award-winning author Margaret Moore actually began her career at the age of eight, when she and a friend concocted stories featuring a lovely, spirited damsel and a handsome, misunderstood thief nicknamed "The Red Sheik."
Unknowingly pursuing her destiny, Margaret graduated with distinction from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. During that time, she also became a Leading Wren with the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, where she learned to use a variety of weapons and had the weepy experience of being tear-gassed.
In addition to being a wife and mother of two, she's also been an award-winning public speaker, synchronized swimmer, an archer, and studied fencing and ballroom dancing.
Margaret sold her first historical romance and the premiere book of her Warrior series, A WARRIOR'S HEART, to Harlequin Historicals® in 1991. Since that time, she's written over 25 historical romance novels and novellas. She has also written for Avon Books, as well as a young adult historical romance for HarperCollins Childrens Books. She now writes for Harlequin's new single title imprint, HQN.
Her books have been published in France, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, Korea, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, Russia, Poland and India.
Award-winning author Margaret Moore actually began her career at the age of eight, when she and a friend concocted stories featuring a lovely, spirited damsel and a handsome, misunderstood thief nicknamed "The Red Sheik."
Unknowingly pursuing her destiny, Margaret graduated with distinction from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. During that time, she also became a Leading Wren with the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, where she learned to use a variety of weapons and had the weepy experience of being tear-gassed.
In addition to being a wife and mother of two, she's also been an award-winning public speaker, synchronized swimmer, an archer, and studied fencing and ballroom dancing.
Margaret sold her first historical romance and the premiere book of her Warrior series, A WARRIOR'S HEART, to Harlequin Historicals® in 1991. Since that time, she's written over 25 historical romance novels and novellas. She has also written for Avon Books, as well as a young adult historical romance for HarperCollins Childrens Books. She now writes for Harlequin's new single title imprint, HQN.
Her books have been published in France, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, Korea, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, Russia, Poland and India.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 21, 2019
Although I did not like Sir Richard in book 1, overall, I enjoyed this story. I will probably read book 3 for Reformation next year.
September 19, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Elissa Longbourne has come to London at the King's request. Elissa is a recent widow and has been holding their lands together. Elissa has a son who is heir to those lands. When she is summoned, she is curious but also apprehensive. All she wants is to live a peaceful life and raise her son as she sees fit and not be dictated to. She is shocked to learn that the King is demanding she marry Sir Richard Blythe. Sir Richard, has been wanting his birthright, but when he went away to fight in the wars alongside the King, he lost everything due to foolish choices by his parents. He has been trying to find a way to get those lands back. So even though he would prefer to choose his own wife, is willing to marry Elissa. But Elissa hasn't played all of her cards yet, and she has an ace up her sleeve. She uses it and Richard is furious, but there is nothing he can do about it. Richard senses a passion and depth to Elissa and is determined to find the woman beneath her cold exterior. Will Elissa be able to open her heart to Richard and find a love she has always dreamed of?
The Hero
Richard Blythe, hasn't exactly had the best cards dealt to him. He was scandalized as a boy, his parents were known for their scandals and sexual adventures, and his parents used each other and it was a bitter childhood for Richard and he learned to grow up fast. But the scandal of his parents has always haunted him. He leaves the land he has always loved and went to help fight in the war. He gained friendships, one with the King whom he fought side by side with. But now Richard is determined to gain his land back when it was taken away while he was fighting for his country. Richard is such a hero, he is a warrior and has had to learn to be tough, but he also has compassion and is quite understanding. His character has a level of depth of emotion you don't see at first. We see layers beneath his warrior exterior.
The Heroine
Elissa Longbourne, married a man out of convenience and, of course, she had little choice. Her marriage wasn't exactly roses, and when her husband died, she was left with a son and a freedom she has embraced. Elissa is quite dedicated to her son and is willing to do anything to make sure he has a secure future, even if that means marrying again and giving away the freedom she has loved. Elissa's character is quite different from Richard. At first she seems a bit meek but she has a fiery nature and is quite cunning when its needed. I really enjoyed her creativity and her sense of love for her son. She is quite stubborn at times and hardheaded. At first I didn't know what to think of her character, but by the end of the story, she grew on me. I understood her reasons and even though she was a bit unfair to Richard at times, I could also understand her reasoning.
Plot and Story Line
A Rogue's Embrace is a stunning story that is definitely Margaret Moore and I fell in love with it. This book is set in the 17th century...the period of enlightenment. This is such a unique time period, and we don't see this setting very often in historical's. So I just soaked up every detail of the story. One of my favorite aspects of Margaret Moore's writing is how detailed she is, and the way she just makes a story come alive for the reader. What was most appealing was the spark between these two. They have had it from the beginning of the story, and even though they didn't like each other very much, that spark builds gradually throughout the story. There are some misunderstandings between the two, and what fireworks! Both Elissa and Richard are both proud and their personalities tend to clash. They are also so stubborn they both refuse to really listen to each other and even though sometimes it could get a bit annoying, I also felt so entertained by their antics. A Rogue's Embrace is a slow building romance, with various facets of a romantic relationship that is revealed. Stunning in historic detail, vivid in its romantic elements and quite a satisfying read!!
The Cover
I love the old classic style of the cover we have here. I love the tones of the colors, and her dress is very realistic to the time period. Then we have the beautiful estate in the background, with the pond and the swan (which adds such a classy touch). This cover may not be for everyone, but I love how real it seems.
Overall View
A Rogue's Embrace, is a beautifully written historical romance that is full of heartwarming romance moments, evidence of character growth and a love story of healing and desire.
Summary
Elissa Longbourne has come to London at the King's request. Elissa is a recent widow and has been holding their lands together. Elissa has a son who is heir to those lands. When she is summoned, she is curious but also apprehensive. All she wants is to live a peaceful life and raise her son as she sees fit and not be dictated to. She is shocked to learn that the King is demanding she marry Sir Richard Blythe. Sir Richard, has been wanting his birthright, but when he went away to fight in the wars alongside the King, he lost everything due to foolish choices by his parents. He has been trying to find a way to get those lands back. So even though he would prefer to choose his own wife, is willing to marry Elissa. But Elissa hasn't played all of her cards yet, and she has an ace up her sleeve. She uses it and Richard is furious, but there is nothing he can do about it. Richard senses a passion and depth to Elissa and is determined to find the woman beneath her cold exterior. Will Elissa be able to open her heart to Richard and find a love she has always dreamed of?
The Hero
Richard Blythe, hasn't exactly had the best cards dealt to him. He was scandalized as a boy, his parents were known for their scandals and sexual adventures, and his parents used each other and it was a bitter childhood for Richard and he learned to grow up fast. But the scandal of his parents has always haunted him. He leaves the land he has always loved and went to help fight in the war. He gained friendships, one with the King whom he fought side by side with. But now Richard is determined to gain his land back when it was taken away while he was fighting for his country. Richard is such a hero, he is a warrior and has had to learn to be tough, but he also has compassion and is quite understanding. His character has a level of depth of emotion you don't see at first. We see layers beneath his warrior exterior.
The Heroine
Elissa Longbourne, married a man out of convenience and, of course, she had little choice. Her marriage wasn't exactly roses, and when her husband died, she was left with a son and a freedom she has embraced. Elissa is quite dedicated to her son and is willing to do anything to make sure he has a secure future, even if that means marrying again and giving away the freedom she has loved. Elissa's character is quite different from Richard. At first she seems a bit meek but she has a fiery nature and is quite cunning when its needed. I really enjoyed her creativity and her sense of love for her son. She is quite stubborn at times and hardheaded. At first I didn't know what to think of her character, but by the end of the story, she grew on me. I understood her reasons and even though she was a bit unfair to Richard at times, I could also understand her reasoning.
Plot and Story Line
A Rogue's Embrace is a stunning story that is definitely Margaret Moore and I fell in love with it. This book is set in the 17th century...the period of enlightenment. This is such a unique time period, and we don't see this setting very often in historical's. So I just soaked up every detail of the story. One of my favorite aspects of Margaret Moore's writing is how detailed she is, and the way she just makes a story come alive for the reader. What was most appealing was the spark between these two. They have had it from the beginning of the story, and even though they didn't like each other very much, that spark builds gradually throughout the story. There are some misunderstandings between the two, and what fireworks! Both Elissa and Richard are both proud and their personalities tend to clash. They are also so stubborn they both refuse to really listen to each other and even though sometimes it could get a bit annoying, I also felt so entertained by their antics. A Rogue's Embrace is a slow building romance, with various facets of a romantic relationship that is revealed. Stunning in historic detail, vivid in its romantic elements and quite a satisfying read!!
The Cover
I love the old classic style of the cover we have here. I love the tones of the colors, and her dress is very realistic to the time period. Then we have the beautiful estate in the background, with the pond and the swan (which adds such a classy touch). This cover may not be for everyone, but I love how real it seems.
Overall View
A Rogue's Embrace, is a beautifully written historical romance that is full of heartwarming romance moments, evidence of character growth and a love story of healing and desire.
February 8, 2024
While I really enjoy many faces of their romantic relationship that bloomed after their arranged marriage, I really get so annoyed with how many women have been thrown in Richard’s face in this story like ughhh, enough with these wanton, scheming bitches already just to amp up the angst!
February 25, 2017
Arranged marriage in Restoration England. Mostly made me wish I were watching Restoration, but it was cute.
Want to Read
February 15, 2016388p By the king's command, Sir Richard Blythe has reluctantly agreed to wed 14for that is the only way to regain his birthright. But he never expected to be smitten by the lovely bride who has been forced upon him. To own the heart and soul of Elissa Longbourne, Sir Richard would be willing to forsake all other women; yet he realizes that it will take more than a marriage vow to free the passion he sees simmering in the stubborn beauty's eyes. So the notorious nobleman sets out to tame his willful wife 14one slow, luxurious kiss at a time...
Elissa refuses to love her bridegroom, even though he is so maddeningly handsome that he had stolen her breath away upon her very first glance. Richard Blythe is a husband to be feared. Now he holds the key to Elissa's young son's legacy in his powerful hands. Dare a pretty widow trust a rogue such as he with her heart?
Elissa refuses to love her bridegroom, even though he is so maddeningly handsome that he had stolen her breath away upon her very first glance. Richard Blythe is a husband to be feared. Now he holds the key to Elissa's young son's legacy in his powerful hands. Dare a pretty widow trust a rogue such as he with her heart?
March 25, 2015
I found myself growing to hate just about everyone in this book and I saw no reason to continue the torture.
Widow and single mother Elissa Longbourne is forced by King Charles II to marry playwright Sir Richard Blythe.
That's all I got out of the story. I don't want any more. Go away, Book. Just go away.
Widow and single mother Elissa Longbourne is forced by King Charles II to marry playwright Sir Richard Blythe.
That's all I got out of the story. I don't want any more. Go away, Book. Just go away.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews