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Captive Hearts #1
Captive
She was a gorgeous rebel.
Defying all the rules, daring to speak her mind, Charlotte Edgerton declared her independence before she even entered the Earl of Denbigh's home. Her new guardian immediately made her a prisoner in her own room—until she agreed to learn the lady-like arts. Furious, she complied. Anything to buy her freedom from Denbigh. She'd even marry a man she didn't love to get away from her domineering guardian. In fact, love was the furthest thing from her mind...
He was the Earl who vowed to tame her.
Lionel Morgan, Earl of Denbigh, had been betrayed at the altar by another woman and vowed that no female would ensnare him again. Then Charlotte Edgerton burst into his life. Denbigh wasn't prepared for this headstrong American—or the passions she inspired on first sight. He knew only that he had to civilize her, present her at court, and Almack's, and then marry her off to the highest bidder. It wasn't until he nearly lost her that he realized the truth: She'd somehow reversed their roles and become the captor of his heart.
Defying all the rules, daring to speak her mind, Charlotte Edgerton declared her independence before she even entered the Earl of Denbigh's home. Her new guardian immediately made her a prisoner in her own room—until she agreed to learn the lady-like arts. Furious, she complied. Anything to buy her freedom from Denbigh. She'd even marry a man she didn't love to get away from her domineering guardian. In fact, love was the furthest thing from her mind...
He was the Earl who vowed to tame her.
Lionel Morgan, Earl of Denbigh, had been betrayed at the altar by another woman and vowed that no female would ensnare him again. Then Charlotte Edgerton burst into his life. Denbigh wasn't prepared for this headstrong American—or the passions she inspired on first sight. He knew only that he had to civilize her, present her at court, and Almack's, and then marry her off to the highest bidder. It wasn't until he nearly lost her that he realized the truth: She'd somehow reversed their roles and become the captor of his heart.
373 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1996
92 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Joan Johnston
126 books752 followersJoan Johnston (born Little Rock, Arkansas) is a best-selling American author of over forty contemporary and historical romance novels.
Johnston was the third of seven children born to an Air Force sergeant and his music-teacher wife. She received a B.A. in theatre arts from Jacksonville University in 1970, then earning an M.A. in theatre from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1971. She received a law degree (with honors) at the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. For the next five years, Johnston worked as an attorney, serving with the Hunton & Williams firm in Richmond, Virginia, and with Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey in Miami. She has also worked as a newspaper editor and drama critic in San Antonio, Texas, and as a college professor at Southwest Texas Junior College, Barry University, and the University of Miami.
Johnston is a member of the Authors Guild, Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, and Florida Romance Writers. She has two children and one grandchild, and divides her time between two homes, in Colorado and Florida.
Awards
* Paperbook Book Club of America's Book Rak Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best Western Historical Series Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best New Western Writer
* Romantic Times' Best Historical Series Award (twice)
* The Maggie (twice)
* Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist for The Disobedient Bride
Johnston was the third of seven children born to an Air Force sergeant and his music-teacher wife. She received a B.A. in theatre arts from Jacksonville University in 1970, then earning an M.A. in theatre from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1971. She received a law degree (with honors) at the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. For the next five years, Johnston worked as an attorney, serving with the Hunton & Williams firm in Richmond, Virginia, and with Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey in Miami. She has also worked as a newspaper editor and drama critic in San Antonio, Texas, and as a college professor at Southwest Texas Junior College, Barry University, and the University of Miami.
Johnston is a member of the Authors Guild, Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, and Florida Romance Writers. She has two children and one grandchild, and divides her time between two homes, in Colorado and Florida.
Awards
* Paperbook Book Club of America's Book Rak Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best Western Historical Series Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best New Western Writer
* Romantic Times' Best Historical Series Award (twice)
* The Maggie (twice)
* Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist for The Disobedient Bride
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 11, 2012
This was a pretty cute book. My rating is more like 3.5 stars just because some of the trope-y stuff was tedious. It was kind of like she threw in too many tropes and I started to get annoyed. I mean, I don't mind a few tropes in every book because, what the heck. I'm a romance reader. What am I supposed to expect? But at some point it's overdose.
Putting that aside, I liked that you really got two stories for the price of once, since it's not only Charlotte the hellion's story, but also her friend Olivia's story with the reformed-rake Duke of Braddock. I liked Olivia's story better than Charlotte...because I liked Olivia better than Charlotte.
If Charlotte had been a little less annoying it would have been a solid four stars. I just can't stand the hellion, sassy young lady running around in trousers and being reckless on horses, and their hips are outlined by the tight pants which turns on the hero and he insists she behave like a lady and put on a dress even though he secretly lusts for her, blah blah blah, read it a billion times. Okay, that kind of turned into a rant. Can't stand sassy tomboy heroines! My personal issue, lol.
But overall both stories were well told and it had a satisfying ending. Not the best book ever but a pretty good book.
Putting that aside, I liked that you really got two stories for the price of once, since it's not only Charlotte the hellion's story, but also her friend Olivia's story with the reformed-rake Duke of Braddock. I liked Olivia's story better than Charlotte...because I liked Olivia better than Charlotte.
If Charlotte had been a little less annoying it would have been a solid four stars. I just can't stand the hellion, sassy young lady running around in trousers and being reckless on horses, and their hips are outlined by the tight pants which turns on the hero and he insists she behave like a lady and put on a dress even though he secretly lusts for her, blah blah blah, read it a billion times. Okay, that kind of turned into a rant. Can't stand sassy tomboy heroines! My personal issue, lol.
But overall both stories were well told and it had a satisfying ending. Not the best book ever but a pretty good book.
April 3, 2014
This is the first novel I have read by Joan Johnston. I found this book extremely entertaining, with great characters, wonderful humor and a strong believable story line.
The heroine of this story is an American named Charlie, Charlotte Edgerton. Charlie's first meeting with her new guardian was racing on her horse wearing men's clothing, resulting in her new guardian immediately making her a prisoner in her own room—until she agreed to learn the lady-like arts. She has declared her independence, and will fight the Earl every step of the way for her freedom. Needless to say the Earl is furious and is determined to tame her and marry her off and rid himself of his wild, unladylike ward. And Charlie will agree to anything to buy her freedom from Denbigh including marring a man she didn't love to get away from her domineering guardian. The Earl, Lionel Morgan, Earl of Denbigh, after being betrayed at the altar by another woman vowed that no female would ensnare him again. Then Charlie burst into his life. Denbigh wasn't prepared for this headstrong American—or the passions she inspired on first sight. He knew only that he had to civilize her, present her at court, and Almack's, and then marry her off to the highest bidder. It wasn't until he nearly lost her that he realized the truth: She'd somehow reversed their roles and become the captor of his heart.
This novel contains a secondary love story of the Earl's sister Livie which is very heart warming.
I was very satisfied with the romance and would recommend it to readers.
The heroine of this story is an American named Charlie, Charlotte Edgerton. Charlie's first meeting with her new guardian was racing on her horse wearing men's clothing, resulting in her new guardian immediately making her a prisoner in her own room—until she agreed to learn the lady-like arts. She has declared her independence, and will fight the Earl every step of the way for her freedom. Needless to say the Earl is furious and is determined to tame her and marry her off and rid himself of his wild, unladylike ward. And Charlie will agree to anything to buy her freedom from Denbigh including marring a man she didn't love to get away from her domineering guardian. The Earl, Lionel Morgan, Earl of Denbigh, after being betrayed at the altar by another woman vowed that no female would ensnare him again. Then Charlie burst into his life. Denbigh wasn't prepared for this headstrong American—or the passions she inspired on first sight. He knew only that he had to civilize her, present her at court, and Almack's, and then marry her off to the highest bidder. It wasn't until he nearly lost her that he realized the truth: She'd somehow reversed their roles and become the captor of his heart.
This novel contains a secondary love story of the Earl's sister Livie which is very heart warming.
I was very satisfied with the romance and would recommend it to readers.
December 16, 2015
This book felt so random. Like emotions were developed out of no where. The main guy was just happy and seemed unaffected by anything of his past.
March 6, 2022
Lionel “Lion” (loved that) Morgan, Earl of Denbigh has his hands full with his new ward, American Charlotte Edgerton. He tries to keep the wild girl under control and teach her how a proper English lady should act, but Charlie refuses to let him squash her bright-eyed, spirited view and love of life. Even though he has sworn off love after being jilted at the alter, he finds himself falling for Charlie. I loved how he affectionately referred to Charlie as “baggage”. Denbigh’s sister Olivia and his arch enemy Braddock provide an interesting secondary love story. I enjoyed this cute love story and expect to read this author more it the future.
April 10, 2017
Uhmm la historia gira en torno a Charlotte, quien a mi parecer hace todo el trabajo, ella se enamora, ella le da una oportunidad, ella lo cambia, ella busca la manera de ganarse el corazón de él y a pesar de todo no se rinde pufff un protagonista no tan protagonista ;D
March 16, 2017
Disappointed. I expected more from this author. It was a bit silly and unrealistic.
November 29, 2014
Overall Rating: 4.15
Action: 2.0 / Emotion: 3.0 / Romance: 4.5 / Sensuous: 2.0 / Suspense: 2.0 // Historical Flavor: 4.0 // Laughter: 1 / Giggle: 1 // Tears: 1 / Teary: 0
Captive: 4.15:
Since Joan Johnston is a favorite author it comes as no surprise that upon reading Captive, the first book in The Captive Hearts Quartet, for the third time, it was to find it an enjoyable, entertaining, simplistic read.
Hero: 3.50:
Lionel "Lion" Morgan, Earl of Denbigh: Lion came across as the typical lord that is usually featured in Regency Romance Novels -- handsome, well-built, capable, arrogant, determined that things be done his way. He wasn't exactly prepared for the heroine that was dropped in his lap.
Heroine: 2.50:
Charlotte "Charlie" Edgerton: There were so many things to like about Charlie -- her beauty, her friendliness, her sense of equality, her spontaneity, her willingness to help, but her age (seventeen) was reflected in some of her immature actions, which made her a less than perfect heroine.
Secondary Hero: 3.50:
Reeve Somers, Duke of Braddock: Reeve and his story were way under-developed compared to the interest that he generated. Reeve was another typical fascinating alpha lord. Even though his intentions were not honorable, it would have been nice if he had been given more page time in the book.
Secondary Heroine: 4.50:
Lady Olivia "Livy" Morgan: Olivia was another under-developed major secondary character that was incredibly intriguing. It was easy to identify with Livy and wish that she could have spent more time with Reeve in the book.
Story Line: 3.50:
The storyline -- the guardian falling for his ward -- always presents intriguing possibilities and Johnston did a great job drawing the reader into the story with the prologue, but Charlie's juvenile actions were detracting. Were it not for Reeve and Livy and their small sub-romance, the story would not have been as interesting.
Action: 2.00:
As is typical in a Regency Romance, there were not many opportunities to present actions scenes in the book. The story, did, however, move at a steady pace.
Emotion: 3.00:
Johnston is a good storyteller and she was able to connect the reader to the characters enough to bring forth a few tears and laughs. But the emotional connection to the characters was not deeply felt.
Romance: 4.50:
The feeling of romance, the awareness that passed between Lion and Charlie and also between Reeve and Livy was ever-present during the telling of their stories.
Suspense: 2.00:
There was a slight degree of suspense to the story in that {1} would Charlie ever be able to pierce the barrier around Lion's heart, and {2} would Reeve succeed in instigating a duel with Lion.
Sensuous: 2.00:
Johnston did a great job of adding sensuality, passion and heat to the seduction scenes between Lion and Charlotte. However, it was thanks to the romance that developed between Reeve and Olivia that the reader was entertained with the sizzle and spice in a well-written lovemaking scene.
Historical Flavor: 4.00:
Johnston did a great job of taking the reader back to 1814 in England. The historical descriptions, mannerisms and language felt authentic.
Secondary Characters: 3.00:
In most of Johnston's books, she introduces very interesting and well-developed secondary characters that really aid in the telling of the story. In Captive, however, the secondary characters (besides Reeve and Olivia) really didn't stand out in this book.
A more in-depth, detailed, spoiler-ridden review of Captive appears at Wolf Bear Does Books.
Action: 2.0 / Emotion: 3.0 / Romance: 4.5 / Sensuous: 2.0 / Suspense: 2.0 // Historical Flavor: 4.0 // Laughter: 1 / Giggle: 1 // Tears: 1 / Teary: 0
Captive: 4.15:
Since Joan Johnston is a favorite author it comes as no surprise that upon reading Captive, the first book in The Captive Hearts Quartet, for the third time, it was to find it an enjoyable, entertaining, simplistic read.
Hero: 3.50:
Lionel "Lion" Morgan, Earl of Denbigh: Lion came across as the typical lord that is usually featured in Regency Romance Novels -- handsome, well-built, capable, arrogant, determined that things be done his way. He wasn't exactly prepared for the heroine that was dropped in his lap.
Heroine: 2.50:
Charlotte "Charlie" Edgerton: There were so many things to like about Charlie -- her beauty, her friendliness, her sense of equality, her spontaneity, her willingness to help, but her age (seventeen) was reflected in some of her immature actions, which made her a less than perfect heroine.
Secondary Hero: 3.50:
Reeve Somers, Duke of Braddock: Reeve and his story were way under-developed compared to the interest that he generated. Reeve was another typical fascinating alpha lord. Even though his intentions were not honorable, it would have been nice if he had been given more page time in the book.
Secondary Heroine: 4.50:
Lady Olivia "Livy" Morgan: Olivia was another under-developed major secondary character that was incredibly intriguing. It was easy to identify with Livy and wish that she could have spent more time with Reeve in the book.
Story Line: 3.50:
The storyline -- the guardian falling for his ward -- always presents intriguing possibilities and Johnston did a great job drawing the reader into the story with the prologue, but Charlie's juvenile actions were detracting. Were it not for Reeve and Livy and their small sub-romance, the story would not have been as interesting.
Action: 2.00:
As is typical in a Regency Romance, there were not many opportunities to present actions scenes in the book. The story, did, however, move at a steady pace.
Emotion: 3.00:
Johnston is a good storyteller and she was able to connect the reader to the characters enough to bring forth a few tears and laughs. But the emotional connection to the characters was not deeply felt.
Romance: 4.50:
The feeling of romance, the awareness that passed between Lion and Charlie and also between Reeve and Livy was ever-present during the telling of their stories.
Suspense: 2.00:
There was a slight degree of suspense to the story in that {1} would Charlie ever be able to pierce the barrier around Lion's heart, and {2} would Reeve succeed in instigating a duel with Lion.
Sensuous: 2.00:
Johnston did a great job of adding sensuality, passion and heat to the seduction scenes between Lion and Charlotte. However, it was thanks to the romance that developed between Reeve and Olivia that the reader was entertained with the sizzle and spice in a well-written lovemaking scene.
Historical Flavor: 4.00:
Johnston did a great job of taking the reader back to 1814 in England. The historical descriptions, mannerisms and language felt authentic.
Secondary Characters: 3.00:
In most of Johnston's books, she introduces very interesting and well-developed secondary characters that really aid in the telling of the story. In Captive, however, the secondary characters (besides Reeve and Olivia) really didn't stand out in this book.
A more in-depth, detailed, spoiler-ridden review of Captive appears at Wolf Bear Does Books.
August 1, 2016
Well, I liked this book in total, but there some annoying things, that reduces rating only to 3 stars. Most of it - I hated Charlie. She was immature, at some point even dumb, though author wanted to look her bold, defying social and rank custom. After some things she done I wanted to agree with hero that she was bird-wited.
I loved Lion. He was level headed, a bit cold, but he was hard to blame after his tragedy.
What I missed-I didn't felt that love comming. I love when in book sprakles fly but love comes step by step. Here it was one day I hate, the second hm probably I love.
But book was easy to read. Very good for vacation relax.
I loved Lion. He was level headed, a bit cold, but he was hard to blame after his tragedy.
What I missed-I didn't felt that love comming. I love when in book sprakles fly but love comes step by step. Here it was one day I hate, the second hm probably I love.
But book was easy to read. Very good for vacation relax.
July 26, 2022
You know what, I liked this so much that I was willing to overlook the fact that they like basically didn't bone :))
And the side couple did. Bro. What is up with that. I read HR for 1 couple at a time. I have mild adhd, I can't concentrate on too much and I honestly can't get my emotions to give more than a little fuck to more than 1 couple at a time.
But her writing is great. God, old school writing just hits different. It's filled with barbs, banter, wit...I love it. But brooo that Earl has some whack self-restraint. Kudos to him.
And the side couple did. Bro. What is up with that. I read HR for 1 couple at a time. I have mild adhd, I can't concentrate on too much and I honestly can't get my emotions to give more than a little fuck to more than 1 couple at a time.
But her writing is great. God, old school writing just hits different. It's filled with barbs, banter, wit...I love it. But brooo that Earl has some whack self-restraint. Kudos to him.
September 2, 2015
Years before I read Ms. Johnston’s western romances and loved them, so I thought I’d also love her Regency historical romances too and started with this one. This love story between Charlotte (an unruly American in London) and Lion (an English Lord hurt so deeply in the past he is afraid to love again) was just like I thought it would be: full of high jinks, humor, angst and romance. I loved it and recommend it.
Want to read
June 8, 2009#1 in the Captive Hearts Series.
October 5, 2010
A great storty of a spirited female!
December 5, 2022
Lion has a ward Charlottes and he fall in love with her .
August 27, 2018
A SOLID 2.5 STARS!
THIS WAS A VERY POOR RENDITION ON AN ARISTOCRAT MEETS WARD TROUPE. IT DIDNT EVEN MEET MY EXPECTATIONS AND THE CHARACTERS WERE BARELY 3D.
OUR HERO has turned aloof and arrogant after his fiancee jilted him and committed suicide. We won't know the reason why until later and I cannot say I was very sorry for her death...because if she was alive...there won't be this story now. Anyways, the hero wasn't much of a hero in a literal sense, he was terribly flawed and I'm not talking about physical issues. The author wrote him out to be quite an obnoxious man in more than one ways, he's high handed and not in the way that I usually enjoy it. Maybe because this is an old book, so the heroes don't come out as genuinely warm or caring, yes he was mainly motivated by lust but there was no emotional event that binds the hero to our heroine, that indicates their relationship is real love. More like real lust. He was often fighting with the heroine instead, if not he's stealing kisses and then going back to faulting her for her recklessness.
OUR HEROINE is an adventuress and a radical thinker because of her American heritage. After her father's death she finds herself with an English guardian who wants absolutely nothing to do with her. The feeling of dislike was mutual. While I was looking forward to the idiom of there is a fine line between love and hate, the events the characters were thrown into didn't define that meaning at all. In fact, it was all very shallow and knocking the surface. Our heroine may or may not have acted too rashly to the point of sheer stupidity that I just didn't want to like her that much anymore.
OVERALL this sad attempt at a story that should be filled with sexual angst, emotional drama and real love. I was sorely disappointed because I rather enjoyed Johnston's Texan writings.
THIS WAS A VERY POOR RENDITION ON AN ARISTOCRAT MEETS WARD TROUPE. IT DIDNT EVEN MEET MY EXPECTATIONS AND THE CHARACTERS WERE BARELY 3D.
OUR HERO has turned aloof and arrogant after his fiancee jilted him and committed suicide. We won't know the reason why until later and I cannot say I was very sorry for her death...because if she was alive...there won't be this story now. Anyways, the hero wasn't much of a hero in a literal sense, he was terribly flawed and I'm not talking about physical issues. The author wrote him out to be quite an obnoxious man in more than one ways, he's high handed and not in the way that I usually enjoy it. Maybe because this is an old book, so the heroes don't come out as genuinely warm or caring, yes he was mainly motivated by lust but there was no emotional event that binds the hero to our heroine, that indicates their relationship is real love. More like real lust. He was often fighting with the heroine instead, if not he's stealing kisses and then going back to faulting her for her recklessness.
OUR HEROINE is an adventuress and a radical thinker because of her American heritage. After her father's death she finds herself with an English guardian who wants absolutely nothing to do with her. The feeling of dislike was mutual. While I was looking forward to the idiom of there is a fine line between love and hate, the events the characters were thrown into didn't define that meaning at all. In fact, it was all very shallow and knocking the surface. Our heroine may or may not have acted too rashly to the point of sheer stupidity that I just didn't want to like her that much anymore.
OVERALL this sad attempt at a story that should be filled with sexual angst, emotional drama and real love. I was sorely disappointed because I rather enjoyed Johnston's Texan writings.
January 20, 2021
This seems to be a season of not finishing books. I started this one immediately after my last Regency DNF, because the series was recommended, and I always start at the beginning.
So, prologue - our hero is left waiting at the alter by his betrothed. This was a love match, so, of course, not only is his heart broken, but he's surprised and mystified. His betrothed, it turns out, has a dark secret. So she runs away and kills herself, leaving behind a burnt piece of an explanation letter.
I can forgive her actions. Distraught people do stupid things. It happens. But...
Chapter one (this is as far as I got), our hero has travelled back to his estate because he's been getting letters of complaint from his neighbours about his ward. We discover that he hasn't been there for about 6 months, he's never met the young lady who's his ward, and his young, sister lives there.
1. He's brought his mistress with him. Yes, she's a widow, not a courtesan, but, still. It's completely unacceptable.
2. His sister (and now the ward) is living there, from what I could tell, alone. Obviously, there are servants, but again, not acceptable.
3. The ward was born and raised in the U.S. She's never been to England and doesn't know anyone there. Why on earth would her father have done this to her? Especially given that he decided to leave England for the States.
Nope, don't buy any of it. Which is too bad, because this author can put words together in a very readable way.
So, prologue - our hero is left waiting at the alter by his betrothed. This was a love match, so, of course, not only is his heart broken, but he's surprised and mystified. His betrothed, it turns out, has a dark secret. So she runs away and kills herself, leaving behind a burnt piece of an explanation letter.
I can forgive her actions. Distraught people do stupid things. It happens. But...
Chapter one (this is as far as I got), our hero has travelled back to his estate because he's been getting letters of complaint from his neighbours about his ward. We discover that he hasn't been there for about 6 months, he's never met the young lady who's his ward, and his young, sister lives there.
1. He's brought his mistress with him. Yes, she's a widow, not a courtesan, but, still. It's completely unacceptable.
2. His sister (and now the ward) is living there, from what I could tell, alone. Obviously, there are servants, but again, not acceptable.
3. The ward was born and raised in the U.S. She's never been to England and doesn't know anyone there. Why on earth would her father have done this to her? Especially given that he decided to leave England for the States.
Nope, don't buy any of it. Which is too bad, because this author can put words together in a very readable way.
March 21, 2017
I really wanted to like this book and just can't seem to finish it. Not because it's at a standstill (though it is) It's because the story is equally divided into two. One about Lord brother and Charlotte "Charlie" and the other about his enemy and his sister, Olivia. Much to my dismay, I didn't know they would consume such a portion of the book. Why do authors do this? There is a distinction between a main character and a supporting character.
I would still finish if the intended main couple (Charlotte and Lord you name it) were more interesting but most of their conversations are consumed of talk of his sister with his enemy-- boring! This leaves no time for chemistry. None. Charlie is too been-there-done-that of a heroine. I think authors definition of "tough" needs to be broadened-- not just fit the pants wearing, poor manners version of heroine.... I am so disappointed because the plot could have been amazing. I did like the grandparents if that counts for anything-- and the butler!
I would still finish if the intended main couple (Charlotte and Lord you name it) were more interesting but most of their conversations are consumed of talk of his sister with his enemy-- boring! This leaves no time for chemistry. None. Charlie is too been-there-done-that of a heroine. I think authors definition of "tough" needs to be broadened-- not just fit the pants wearing, poor manners version of heroine.... I am so disappointed because the plot could have been amazing. I did like the grandparents if that counts for anything-- and the butler!
August 12, 2019
Charlotte Edgerton is from America. Upon her father's death she is made a ward of the Earl of Denbigh - Lionel Morgan. Lion had been left at the altar and then found his fiance just in time to have her die in his arms from a drug overdose because she was pregnant with another man's child. Lion duels the other and kills him. Now a year later, he trust no woman, especially Charlie who defies all the rules. They're attracted, but he fights it and she tries to bring him around. Lion has a crippled sister Olivia, that Charlie gets to London where she's attracted to the brother of the man Lion killed. He's out for revenge, not knowing why Lion really dueled with the brother. He seeks his revenge by seducing Olivia, but they fall in love too. Charlie finally gets all of the truth out so all can be happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2020
I dislike Charlotte, too childish and contradicting. What is it with authors who like hellion as their heroine but going too far crazy, that the heroine always sound spoilt, childish, stubborn, selfish? The first few pages with Charlotte, and I thought she was a 5 years old child or a teenager in modern life instead of a 17 years old in the late 18 or early 19 century? (No time line) Her behaviour is so out of any girl during that time period. And she believed in equality, treated servants like friends but she was an heiress, her father had sugarcane plantation. Sugarcane plantation has slaves during that time period so she who got her richness from employing slaves, treated servants like friends?
July 18, 2023
I quite enjoyed this book and read it in only a day. I found the main two characters a regency era retelling of “The Taming of the Shrew.” Although I didn’t see much in the building of their romance other than physical attraction, it also works as a “enemies to lovers” storyline. However, I think this book greatly excels in its platonic and familial relationships as well as its mystery! I loved the grandparents and that we, as an audience, got to see so much of Livy’s story — it was almost two books in one! There is some physical intimacy in this book but it is not as recurrent or drawn out as some other books are. I think I would like her other books as well.
December 29, 2019
Good
An american ward go head to head with her guairdian an earl. Lionel aka Lion has an ward from america and she is a minx independent with a sharp tongue goal marry her quickly .As the battle of wills fire off some where a little more is going on in his head and heart for the lass.
An american ward go head to head with her guairdian an earl. Lionel aka Lion has an ward from america and she is a minx independent with a sharp tongue goal marry her quickly .As the battle of wills fire off some where a little more is going on in his head and heart for the lass.
January 1, 2020
The book really wasn’t great. I’m not going to read another book by this author any time soon.
Also, how was his grandmother in love with her father? It doesn’t make sense. The grandmother waited until her father was married to her mother before marrying the grandfather, so Charlotte’s parents waited at least 30 years after marrying to have her? It just doesn’t make sense.
Also, how was his grandmother in love with her father? It doesn’t make sense. The grandmother waited until her father was married to her mother before marrying the grandfather, so Charlotte’s parents waited at least 30 years after marrying to have her? It just doesn’t make sense.
April 10, 2024
Thrilling from the first word
I have enjoyed this book for the passion and captivation it started off with from the first word. You never want to stop reading. Charlotte is so free spirited and I love the character. I hope all the books have this much energy.
I have enjoyed this book for the passion and captivation it started off with from the first word. You never want to stop reading. Charlotte is so free spirited and I love the character. I hope all the books have this much energy.
November 21, 2017
Love it
Oh my... this was a fantastic book and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Quick read
Oh my... this was a fantastic book and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Quick read
January 3, 2020
Great story
I was captivated from the first words. This story had great characters and was so funny. All the characters were great. It also had two love stories.
I was captivated from the first words. This story had great characters and was so funny. All the characters were great. It also had two love stories.
April 15, 2020
Didn't expect to find two romances in one book, but it was a pretty good read.
May 17, 2020
Good but wish for more intimacy
January 21, 2021
Fun regency era love story with a twist
September 2, 2021
Couldn't get over the age gap and other problematic elements
November 6, 2022
Pretty standard bodice ripper. The overuse of the words “chit” and “bird witted” drove me nuts.
December 14, 2025
I was excited and then disappointed
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