What do you think?
Rate this book
Fitzgeralds of Dublin #1
A Scarlet Woman
Can an idealistic young doctor and a fallen woman find love when Victorian society believes they should not?
Dublin, Ireland, 1880. Tired of treating rich hypochondriacs, Dr Will Fitzgerald left his father’s medical practice and his home on Merrion Square to live and practice medicine in the Liberties. His parents were appalled and his fiancée broke off their engagement. But when Will spends a night in a brothel on the eve of his best friend’s wedding, little does he know that the scarred and disgraced young woman he meets there will alter the course of his life.
Isobel Stevens was schooled to be a lady, but a seduction put an end to all her father’s hopes for her. Disowned, she left Co Galway for Dublin and fell into prostitution. On the advice of a handsome young doctor, she leaves the brothel and enters domestic service. But can Isobel escape her past and adapt to life and the chance of love on Merrion Square? Or will she always be seen as a scarlet woman?
Please note that this novel contains sexually explicit and sensitive content and is intended for readers aged eighteen and over.
Dublin, Ireland, 1880. Tired of treating rich hypochondriacs, Dr Will Fitzgerald left his father’s medical practice and his home on Merrion Square to live and practice medicine in the Liberties. His parents were appalled and his fiancée broke off their engagement. But when Will spends a night in a brothel on the eve of his best friend’s wedding, little does he know that the scarred and disgraced young woman he meets there will alter the course of his life.
Isobel Stevens was schooled to be a lady, but a seduction put an end to all her father’s hopes for her. Disowned, she left Co Galway for Dublin and fell into prostitution. On the advice of a handsome young doctor, she leaves the brothel and enters domestic service. But can Isobel escape her past and adapt to life and the chance of love on Merrion Square? Or will she always be seen as a scarlet woman?
Please note that this novel contains sexually explicit and sensitive content and is intended for readers aged eighteen and over.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2017
212 people are currently reading
1236 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Peel
21 books167 followersLorna Peel writes historical fiction and mystery romance novels set in Ireland and the UK. She is best known for The Fitzgeralds of Dublin Series, a gritty family saga set in 19th-century Ireland. Lorna worked as a professional genealogist and tour guide for many years but now writes full time. She is passionate about history and enjoys researching her family tree and disappearing down research rabbit holes.
Visit https://lornapeel.eo.page to sign up for Lorna's newsletter and get a FREE and exclusive Fitzgeralds of Dublin Series prequel novelette, and be the first to hear Lorna's news and updates.
Amazon
BookBub
Facebook
Pinterest
Mastodon
Visit https://lornapeel.eo.page to sign up for Lorna's newsletter and get a FREE and exclusive Fitzgeralds of Dublin Series prequel novelette, and be the first to hear Lorna's news and updates.
Amazon
BookBub
Mastodon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 15, 2019
Having read Lorna Peel’s Into the Unknown
, when I saw the announcement about A Scarlet Woman, I contacted her for an ARC to read, and review, at my option. My thanks to her for sending me a copy.I’ll begin this review by saying, “Someone contact the movie makers. I want to see this story on the big screen.” This HR is one of the best I've read. As with her other book, Lorna is not trying to write a story to fit a certain mold or certain expectations, yet what she has created is a plausible realistic drama (is that an oxymoron?) within its own right. My detailed, no-spoilers review is available HERE..
Here's a link to the book-review trailer, though it's also included with my review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTJGd...
March 22, 2023
3.5 estrellas
September 6, 2017
**RATING 4.5**
A SCARLET WOMAN by Lorna Peel is a beautiful, gritty tale of love, despair, and learning to trust, set in Ireland in the 19th Century.
Isobel Stevens grew up in a harsh household where her father ruled supreme so when she finds herself seduced and abandoned, it is no surprise to find herself disowned and penniless. Heading to Dublin, Isobel will do what she must to survive but on the night she meets Dr. Will Fitzgerald, both of their lives will change forever. Finding a different way to make ends meet, Isobel and Will start a beautiful friendship that will give them both what they are missing in their lives. But life is never straightforward, and as obstacles and twists and turns try to throw them off their path, will they be able to find their way back to each other?
From the moment I saw the cover of A SCARLET WOMAN I wanted to read it and the story inside did not disappoint. With strong characters who have been through so much, plenty of historical detail to paint a picture in your mind as you read, and a love story that will melt your heart along the way, A SCARLET WOMAN by Lorna Peel is a truly engaging and compelling story. But it is also so much more than a romance as there is a raw and tough quality to the story too, as the harsh reality of what life was like for so many women at that time is portrayed. A SCARLET WOMAN by Lorna Peel is perfect for historical fiction fans.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
A SCARLET WOMAN by Lorna Peel is a beautiful, gritty tale of love, despair, and learning to trust, set in Ireland in the 19th Century.
Isobel Stevens grew up in a harsh household where her father ruled supreme so when she finds herself seduced and abandoned, it is no surprise to find herself disowned and penniless. Heading to Dublin, Isobel will do what she must to survive but on the night she meets Dr. Will Fitzgerald, both of their lives will change forever. Finding a different way to make ends meet, Isobel and Will start a beautiful friendship that will give them both what they are missing in their lives. But life is never straightforward, and as obstacles and twists and turns try to throw them off their path, will they be able to find their way back to each other?
From the moment I saw the cover of A SCARLET WOMAN I wanted to read it and the story inside did not disappoint. With strong characters who have been through so much, plenty of historical detail to paint a picture in your mind as you read, and a love story that will melt your heart along the way, A SCARLET WOMAN by Lorna Peel is a truly engaging and compelling story. But it is also so much more than a romance as there is a raw and tough quality to the story too, as the harsh reality of what life was like for so many women at that time is portrayed. A SCARLET WOMAN by Lorna Peel is perfect for historical fiction fans.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
Read
February 28, 2022A Scarlet Woman
It was way beyond racy, as the title suggests and the description warns. I thought the characters were well developed and the plot was relentless. The author delivered on the theme, "I think love is the one thing most people need." It was well paced and compelled me to keep turning pages. I would recommend A SCARLET WOMAN.
It was way beyond racy, as the title suggests and the description warns. I thought the characters were well developed and the plot was relentless. The author delivered on the theme, "I think love is the one thing most people need." It was well paced and compelled me to keep turning pages. I would recommend A SCARLET WOMAN.
August 9, 2017
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This is a very different book in many ways and I loved it! There are many things covered in the book that you normally don't see or if they are mentioned they don't play a major part in the story. I never knew what was going happen next because something was always getting in the way for them, but also bringing them closer together. Many shocking scandals, secrets, and happy endings throughout the book that keep you hooked. Their love story intertwines perfectly with everything else. Their love could withstand anything. The ending was perfect and unexpected.
Isobel is a very strong woman to have held her head high and came through everything that happened to her. I admire her doing what she had to in every situation no matter how shocking it was and that she kept her head high. She didn't let her father's words fully pull her down, but did need the right person to show her that she was worthy.
WIll did not look down on anyone and wanted to help those less fortunate no matter what. I loved the way he tended to always be thinking like a doctor and how he could talk to people so easily no matter what. He needed Isobel and much as she needed him at the time they met.
This book does touch on many subjects that might shock some readers such as abortion, some characters sexuality, strong language, and things that could be considered erotic.
This is a very different book in many ways and I loved it! There are many things covered in the book that you normally don't see or if they are mentioned they don't play a major part in the story. I never knew what was going happen next because something was always getting in the way for them, but also bringing them closer together. Many shocking scandals, secrets, and happy endings throughout the book that keep you hooked. Their love story intertwines perfectly with everything else. Their love could withstand anything. The ending was perfect and unexpected.
Isobel is a very strong woman to have held her head high and came through everything that happened to her. I admire her doing what she had to in every situation no matter how shocking it was and that she kept her head high. She didn't let her father's words fully pull her down, but did need the right person to show her that she was worthy.
WIll did not look down on anyone and wanted to help those less fortunate no matter what. I loved the way he tended to always be thinking like a doctor and how he could talk to people so easily no matter what. He needed Isobel and much as she needed him at the time they met.
This book does touch on many subjects that might shock some readers such as abortion, some characters sexuality, strong language, and things that could be considered erotic.
December 9, 2018
Ridiculous!
This book is a mess!
From what began as a very good beginning, it is a shame that it evolved into such a convoluted and ridiculous story.
Set in Victorian Era Ireland, a young doctor goes on a drinking binge with friends and ends up at a brothel where he meets a prostitute he becomes interested in. They eventually begin writing letters back and forth. The first third of the story is actually very good as the two get to know one another. If the author had stayed with this it might have been a good book.
Unfortunately this is not the case as the story, very rapidly, includes pornography (including child pornography and pedophilia), murder, syphilis, dementia, rape, domestic violence, assault, homosexuality ...... On and on and on in the most ridiculous, convoluted, overdramatic plot I've ever read! It boggles the mind! It is hard to keep up as even harder to imagine how such a good beginning turned so bad!
I wouldn't consider a recommendation. I wouldn't know where to begin!
This book is a mess!
From what began as a very good beginning, it is a shame that it evolved into such a convoluted and ridiculous story.
Set in Victorian Era Ireland, a young doctor goes on a drinking binge with friends and ends up at a brothel where he meets a prostitute he becomes interested in. They eventually begin writing letters back and forth. The first third of the story is actually very good as the two get to know one another. If the author had stayed with this it might have been a good book.
Unfortunately this is not the case as the story, very rapidly, includes pornography (including child pornography and pedophilia), murder, syphilis, dementia, rape, domestic violence, assault, homosexuality ...... On and on and on in the most ridiculous, convoluted, overdramatic plot I've ever read! It boggles the mind! It is hard to keep up as even harder to imagine how such a good beginning turned so bad!
I wouldn't consider a recommendation. I wouldn't know where to begin!
April 2, 2019
Drama, drama, drama! This story needed to remove half of its agnst plot points and just developed what they had. I was expecting a story about a soiled dove who picked herself up by her bootstraps, was able to get out of prostitution and on the way fell in love.
Further I hoped the second half of the story would be about the H and h's marriage, dealing with the demands of being a doctor and doctor's wife both physically and psychologically.
Instead this book remains superficial, thinking that drama creates depth. Basically this is a CW show translated into a book. Its exhausting yet boring to read through and at the end there is no true catharsis.
Further I hoped the second half of the story would be about the H and h's marriage, dealing with the demands of being a doctor and doctor's wife both physically and psychologically.
Instead this book remains superficial, thinking that drama creates depth. Basically this is a CW show translated into a book. Its exhausting yet boring to read through and at the end there is no true catharsis.
March 12, 2020
I wanted to like this book so bad. I read the reviews, the synopsis and made my way through the first hundred pages and told myself that I was going to learn to like it.
Alas, it fell flat for me. I just found it too depressing to think that merely two hundred years ago, being a woman absolutely sucked. Scratch that. Being anything but a white man sucked.
Alas, it fell flat for me. I just found it too depressing to think that merely two hundred years ago, being a woman absolutely sucked. Scratch that. Being anything but a white man sucked.
January 1, 2022
I thought this book started off very well, but then it became quite convoluted and more difficult to follow. However, it was well written and I would read other books by this author.
October 7, 2023
I was attracted to this book because I love historical fiction and I also love anything with British or Irish culture, so I took a chance and bought the first book in the series. Overall, I liked the book. It's fast paced, and I enjoyed Peel's direct narrative style. However, the book is far from perfect, and there are issues:
First of all, the book is very repetitive. Nearly everything that happens gets retold multiple times. Something big will happen, and then the character will go and speak to someone else and tell them everything that we just read. This happens over and over, which does get a little annoying over time. I didn't like having to reread summaries of things that I already had read. I didn't need to read every character's response to every plot point.
Second, the book is over-the-top. It was like reading a soap opera. Every single chapter, there was some big dramatic event: a death, a miscarriage, someone turns out to be gay, etc... it made it difficult to really believe the story because you never really got to live in the setting before some other dramatic event took over. Also, some of the connections were too coincidental or didn't fit with the time period, which again made it difficult to believe the story.
Third, as a gay man, Peel's portrayal of the gay community is problematic. Nearly every gay character in the story is a pedophile, pornographer or some other deviant sexual pervert. Sadly, this has been the stereotype of gay characters throughout much of literature, and it is sad that a book published in 2017 is still relying on those hurtful stereotypes. There is a last-minute gay character toward the end of the book that showed some promise as being a really good character, but sadly because it was at the end of the book, there wasn't enough time to really see his character develop in this particular story.
Fourth, there are also problems in the dynamic between the two main characters early on in the novel. Isobel, the female protagonist, asks Will to stop or says she's not interested at the time in sex, and he still pushes and continues to be sexual with her regardless of her protestations. I understand that Peel is trying to demonstrate the shyness of Isobel and how Will gradually builds her confidence, but sadly, this comes across more predatory in the beginning than tender. This does go away as you get past the opening, but it is difficult to accept Will as a hero when you know he has pushed himself on her in the past.
Finally, there are issues with point-of-view and consistency in narration. In other words, it switches between Isobel and Will's POV at random with no clear distinction, which makes some parts of the book feel choppy.
NOW... besides these issues, there is a solid storyline within the book, and there was enough interest in the characters and plot for me to set aside the issues and finish the book. As I said above, it is also a fast-paced book, so I feel like it is a quick, easy read.
This is the first book in a series... so it is possible that Peel works out many of these issues in the later novels, so I DO plan to continue the series and will read book 2 with the hope that the issues I had with this first book are reduced in the later books.
So, in the end, if you enjoy over-the-top soap opera type drama, and you can ignore some of the more problematic gender and LGBTQ issues, it's a good book.
First of all, the book is very repetitive. Nearly everything that happens gets retold multiple times. Something big will happen, and then the character will go and speak to someone else and tell them everything that we just read. This happens over and over, which does get a little annoying over time. I didn't like having to reread summaries of things that I already had read. I didn't need to read every character's response to every plot point.
Second, the book is over-the-top. It was like reading a soap opera. Every single chapter, there was some big dramatic event: a death, a miscarriage, someone turns out to be gay, etc... it made it difficult to really believe the story because you never really got to live in the setting before some other dramatic event took over. Also, some of the connections were too coincidental or didn't fit with the time period, which again made it difficult to believe the story.
Third, as a gay man, Peel's portrayal of the gay community is problematic. Nearly every gay character in the story is a pedophile, pornographer or some other deviant sexual pervert. Sadly, this has been the stereotype of gay characters throughout much of literature, and it is sad that a book published in 2017 is still relying on those hurtful stereotypes. There is a last-minute gay character toward the end of the book that showed some promise as being a really good character, but sadly because it was at the end of the book, there wasn't enough time to really see his character develop in this particular story.
Fourth, there are also problems in the dynamic between the two main characters early on in the novel. Isobel, the female protagonist, asks Will to stop or says she's not interested at the time in sex, and he still pushes and continues to be sexual with her regardless of her protestations. I understand that Peel is trying to demonstrate the shyness of Isobel and how Will gradually builds her confidence, but sadly, this comes across more predatory in the beginning than tender. This does go away as you get past the opening, but it is difficult to accept Will as a hero when you know he has pushed himself on her in the past.
Finally, there are issues with point-of-view and consistency in narration. In other words, it switches between Isobel and Will's POV at random with no clear distinction, which makes some parts of the book feel choppy.
NOW... besides these issues, there is a solid storyline within the book, and there was enough interest in the characters and plot for me to set aside the issues and finish the book. As I said above, it is also a fast-paced book, so I feel like it is a quick, easy read.
This is the first book in a series... so it is possible that Peel works out many of these issues in the later novels, so I DO plan to continue the series and will read book 2 with the hope that the issues I had with this first book are reduced in the later books.
So, in the end, if you enjoy over-the-top soap opera type drama, and you can ignore some of the more problematic gender and LGBTQ issues, it's a good book.
July 15, 2019
---3.5 Stars---
Although this book came with a warning label, I had no idea it was going to be at this level of material. I still felt overwhelmed. I’m not sure you can prepare yourself to be exposed to this kind of content. I was truly shocked and surprised to read such disturbing passages and even had to skip over several lines as it was very uncomfortable to read. I consider myself to be quite modern and accepting of all equalities – but this is totally something else. My reviews don’t contain spoilers so I don’t want to go into too much detail, but let’s just say even HBO would have blushed.
I liked that this book took place in beautiful, picturesque Dublin, Ireland in 1880 during the Victorian Era. The author does a beautiful job describing the area and time. I truly felt transported and immersed in the culture.
I love the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on the culture, customs, and traditions of Ireland in the 19th Century. The author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture.
For the most part I liked the characters, I just didn’t find them believable or realistic. There also wasn’t much depth or character development to them. They had a story/past, but it just felt flat and their involvement together seemed unlikely. I would read the passage and be like yeah that would never happen – it’s unnatural.
I liked the idea of the character arc for Isobel. I liked her wanting a better life and Will wanting to help her achieve that. I liked the fight Isobel had battle to keep striving to reach that better life. We see over the course of the book just how damaged Isobel is and it gives even stronger meaning to her recovery. However, she has just too many bubble gum and cotton candy unrealistic fillers that don’t make sense or seem unlikely, over-dramatic and inappropriate scenes, and a puzzling overly excess amount of explicit content that is not needed to fulfill her character demands. It ends up getting messy, hurts the story, and loses respect for her as a character.
There is a lot thrown into this book and a lot of roller-coaster emotions. There are very graphic explicit scenes that are so extremely detailed – it’s beyond overshare. It felt inappropriate and uncomfortable.
This book does touch on betrayal, survival, passion, suspense, trust, love, second chances, friendships, romance, drama, self-discovery, mystery, intrigue, and so much more!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
All in all, even though it wasn’t my favorite book, I still enjoyed reading it, and I would still recommend it - as long as you are OVER 18 and okay with explicit content!
**WARNING!!** Please note that this novel contains sexually explicit and sensitive content and is intended for readers aged eighteen and over.
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
Although this book came with a warning label, I had no idea it was going to be at this level of material. I still felt overwhelmed. I’m not sure you can prepare yourself to be exposed to this kind of content. I was truly shocked and surprised to read such disturbing passages and even had to skip over several lines as it was very uncomfortable to read. I consider myself to be quite modern and accepting of all equalities – but this is totally something else. My reviews don’t contain spoilers so I don’t want to go into too much detail, but let’s just say even HBO would have blushed.
I liked that this book took place in beautiful, picturesque Dublin, Ireland in 1880 during the Victorian Era. The author does a beautiful job describing the area and time. I truly felt transported and immersed in the culture.
I love the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on the culture, customs, and traditions of Ireland in the 19th Century. The author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture.
For the most part I liked the characters, I just didn’t find them believable or realistic. There also wasn’t much depth or character development to them. They had a story/past, but it just felt flat and their involvement together seemed unlikely. I would read the passage and be like yeah that would never happen – it’s unnatural.
I liked the idea of the character arc for Isobel. I liked her wanting a better life and Will wanting to help her achieve that. I liked the fight Isobel had battle to keep striving to reach that better life. We see over the course of the book just how damaged Isobel is and it gives even stronger meaning to her recovery. However, she has just too many bubble gum and cotton candy unrealistic fillers that don’t make sense or seem unlikely, over-dramatic and inappropriate scenes, and a puzzling overly excess amount of explicit content that is not needed to fulfill her character demands. It ends up getting messy, hurts the story, and loses respect for her as a character.
There is a lot thrown into this book and a lot of roller-coaster emotions. There are very graphic explicit scenes that are so extremely detailed – it’s beyond overshare. It felt inappropriate and uncomfortable.
This book does touch on betrayal, survival, passion, suspense, trust, love, second chances, friendships, romance, drama, self-discovery, mystery, intrigue, and so much more!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
All in all, even though it wasn’t my favorite book, I still enjoyed reading it, and I would still recommend it - as long as you are OVER 18 and okay with explicit content!
**WARNING!!** Please note that this novel contains sexually explicit and sensitive content and is intended for readers aged eighteen and over.
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
June 18, 2021
I guess I'll be the unpopular opinion since it has such high reviews.
I'm not a romance reader, by habit. They're not my favorite but I picked this one up because the plot seemed intriguing and I love anything about Ireland. Will Fitzgerald is an idealistic doctor, raised in an influential family in Victorian Dublin. He meets a "fallen" girl, Isobel, and against all odds, they begin a relationship.
I liked that this book took place in beautiful, picturesque Dublin, Ireland in 1880 during the Victorian Era. The author does a really wonderful job describing scenery, costuming and the overall ambience of the time to the point you feel you can see it in your mind's eye. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on the culture, customs, and traditions of Ireland in the 19th Century.
I liked the idea of the character arc for Isobel. The premise of Isobel being raised a "fallen" woman and still wanting to overcome her station in life was what intrigued me. I like that Will was the person that could help her see that dream to fruition and see past the class lines.
However, she has too many unrealistic, scenes, I guess, for lack of a better word that seem unnecessary to her story. Without giving any spoilers, this book is explicit. Pretty much the only way to be a fallen woman in Victorian times to be pregnant without being married, so I don't feel as if I'm giving anything away. Knowing that, there are situations Isobel puts herself in that I don't believe are realistic and fall in line with what she's trying to achieve with her life. In my opinion, it hurts the story, and I lose a bit of respect for her as a character.
All in all, this wasn't a favorite book of mine. I liked the grit, the show of the class systems (almost a Downton Abbey feel), the sense of survival the main character has so while I wouldn't HIGHLY recommend this, I would say it's an OK read.
It is a series, so there are many books after this if you enjoy it.
I'm not a romance reader, by habit. They're not my favorite but I picked this one up because the plot seemed intriguing and I love anything about Ireland. Will Fitzgerald is an idealistic doctor, raised in an influential family in Victorian Dublin. He meets a "fallen" girl, Isobel, and against all odds, they begin a relationship.
I liked that this book took place in beautiful, picturesque Dublin, Ireland in 1880 during the Victorian Era. The author does a really wonderful job describing scenery, costuming and the overall ambience of the time to the point you feel you can see it in your mind's eye. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on the culture, customs, and traditions of Ireland in the 19th Century.
I liked the idea of the character arc for Isobel. The premise of Isobel being raised a "fallen" woman and still wanting to overcome her station in life was what intrigued me. I like that Will was the person that could help her see that dream to fruition and see past the class lines.
However, she has too many unrealistic, scenes, I guess, for lack of a better word that seem unnecessary to her story. Without giving any spoilers, this book is explicit. Pretty much the only way to be a fallen woman in Victorian times to be pregnant without being married, so I don't feel as if I'm giving anything away. Knowing that, there are situations Isobel puts herself in that I don't believe are realistic and fall in line with what she's trying to achieve with her life. In my opinion, it hurts the story, and I lose a bit of respect for her as a character.
All in all, this wasn't a favorite book of mine. I liked the grit, the show of the class systems (almost a Downton Abbey feel), the sense of survival the main character has so while I wouldn't HIGHLY recommend this, I would say it's an OK read.
It is a series, so there are many books after this if you enjoy it.
August 12, 2019
Such great fun for a setting I love and a genre I don't usually read. I'm a huge fan of upstairs downstairs like Downton Abbey. But not big on romance. Not quite sure if that's really what this is but it's definitely a major aspect.
And if that wasn't enough, if I did read romance I normally wouldn't care for straight romance. F/F for this girl.
Yet this was utterly delightful. I assured the characters and the plot. It was emotional, often tense, and very satisfying for those of us who love this setting.
My only faults are that the author does a lot of telling me rather than showing or even telling and showing, or telling and telling again... A good editor would tighten this up to a truly good read and shorten it enough to feel a little less meandering at points.
That and it seems the stakes rise and rise then... Just kinda stop. The end is a very long wrap up that slides more into slice of life. This isn't so bad but it definitely doesn't follow a story Arc properly.
The author is good at character and emotion and many other things, but would stand to study some basics of storytelling as I've mentioned. Not than anything a good developmental editor would be great. (Copy was good. Almost no typoes and good grammar.) But those are expensive, so maybe at least some good beta readers and maybe a good author swap or two with someone with strong writing and storytelling experience.
Regardless of these picks I enjoyed the book intensely and have already downloaded him two.
Thanks for a great read in an underserved setting. And in KU to boot! Yay!
And if that wasn't enough, if I did read romance I normally wouldn't care for straight romance. F/F for this girl.
Yet this was utterly delightful. I assured the characters and the plot. It was emotional, often tense, and very satisfying for those of us who love this setting.
My only faults are that the author does a lot of telling me rather than showing or even telling and showing, or telling and telling again... A good editor would tighten this up to a truly good read and shorten it enough to feel a little less meandering at points.
That and it seems the stakes rise and rise then... Just kinda stop. The end is a very long wrap up that slides more into slice of life. This isn't so bad but it definitely doesn't follow a story Arc properly.
The author is good at character and emotion and many other things, but would stand to study some basics of storytelling as I've mentioned. Not than anything a good developmental editor would be great. (Copy was good. Almost no typoes and good grammar.) But those are expensive, so maybe at least some good beta readers and maybe a good author swap or two with someone with strong writing and storytelling experience.
Regardless of these picks I enjoyed the book intensely and have already downloaded him two.
Thanks for a great read in an underserved setting. And in KU to boot! Yay!
Read
July 29, 2019This was my first read by this author. This story was set in 19th century Ireland. Isobel and Will managed to pull me into their story in the first half of the book. The characters were developed. The story was moved along at a believable and moderate pace. You can fell the despair by Isobel and she kept facing challenges with no end in sight. She and Will had a cute bit of banter going on as well. The relationship was a necessity to Will and you can feel his determination. The author has spent time or did her research well in regards to Ireland and its scenery and customs. Both were described in vivid detail.
The author brings in several twists and issues into the story including rape, sexually transmitted disease, domestic violence and lots of sex-explicit sex. I think the way these and other topics were introduced caused the story to get away from the author at times. You no longer knew what to expect and it caused the development of the characters to cease. In addition to these elements, the story dealt with betrayal, a touch of romance amid all the sexually explicit scenes and dramatic reactions that didn't seem to quite fit.
All in all, I think this was an interesting plot that kind of got lost in the second half of the book. If you are over 18 and not easily offended by explicit content (which the book does warn you about), you should read and let me know what you think.
Note: I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
The author brings in several twists and issues into the story including rape, sexually transmitted disease, domestic violence and lots of sex-explicit sex. I think the way these and other topics were introduced caused the story to get away from the author at times. You no longer knew what to expect and it caused the development of the characters to cease. In addition to these elements, the story dealt with betrayal, a touch of romance amid all the sexually explicit scenes and dramatic reactions that didn't seem to quite fit.
All in all, I think this was an interesting plot that kind of got lost in the second half of the book. If you are over 18 and not easily offended by explicit content (which the book does warn you about), you should read and let me know what you think.
Note: I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
March 31, 2023
This book was a lot to take in.
If I had to put it in a box it would not be historical romance but probably the Irish version of South American’ s telenovelas.
I took it as a telenovela and liked all its twists and turns and the extremely high level of drama.
A lot of bad things happen in this book but what I appreciated is that it is probably more realistic than a number of HR I have read: if you go to brothels you might catch STDs; if a gently bred girl is disowned and ends up in a brothel no gentle lord will save her from that fate before her innocence is completely lost. Isobel is no gentle flower, she is a survivor, she sells her body, she steals, she lies to survive and to have a better life. This is a truly revolutionary h not the Lady Avengers of series like hell’s belles.
If I had to put it in a box it would not be historical romance but probably the Irish version of South American’ s telenovelas.
I took it as a telenovela and liked all its twists and turns and the extremely high level of drama.
A lot of bad things happen in this book but what I appreciated is that it is probably more realistic than a number of HR I have read: if you go to brothels you might catch STDs; if a gently bred girl is disowned and ends up in a brothel no gentle lord will save her from that fate before her innocence is completely lost. Isobel is no gentle flower, she is a survivor, she sells her body, she steals, she lies to survive and to have a better life. This is a truly revolutionary h not the Lady Avengers of series like hell’s belles.
August 31, 2021
This was such an odd book. The story of Will Fitzgerald and Isobel Stevens who meet in a Dublin brothel. It’s written in a very clinical, unemotional style and each complication wraps up in a couple of paragraphs. She’s a prostitute, he tells her to stop so she leaves the next day and gets a job as a parlor maid. An older man is bothering her? Never fear, a page or two later he is dead. It’s like the author couldn’t finish until she’d included and quickly resolved every possible complication. I did read it quickly, but doubt I’ll read more.
March 2, 2023
An easy read with a fast paced story. The main characters are mostly likeable and the author brings Dublin to life with her descriptions of the city. Some of the sex scenes (of which there are many!) are rather cringey though, and so many troubles befall the main characters in such a short space of time that the story isn't entirely believable. Still, I enjoyed it just enough to pick up the next in the series...
May 19, 2019
Not exactly what I expected! Ugh!
If you like really bad and at times, unnatural and repetitive dialogue, characters you don't care about, graphic sex scenes, implausible storyline, and cringe-worthy situations, then this book is for you! For me this is just erotic fan fiction and bad fan fiction at that! Not well written and history? Where was there any of that?
If you like really bad and at times, unnatural and repetitive dialogue, characters you don't care about, graphic sex scenes, implausible storyline, and cringe-worthy situations, then this book is for you! For me this is just erotic fan fiction and bad fan fiction at that! Not well written and history? Where was there any of that?
November 17, 2020
A Scarlet Woman is a gritty and highly readable novel of friendship, love and new beginnings. It's a great start to a historical saga series set in Victorian Dublin. Will and Isobel's romance gently weaves around the heartbreak and struggles of their lives and I’m looking forward to learning more about them.
September 24, 2023
It starts immediately with Will using Isobel at the brothel and it’s just an immediate turn-off to the premise that this is going to be a love story. She lies on the bed and with absolutely no touches, foreplay or prep he gets right to business despite her cries of pain. I could not get into the story after that
December 15, 2018
Dieselblackcat
I have just read her second book after tis and oh boy what a read both these books are. I bought the second book before I finished the first so I could go straight on to it. You won’t be sorry. Happy reading.
I have just read her second book after tis and oh boy what a read both these books are. I bought the second book before I finished the first so I could go straight on to it. You won’t be sorry. Happy reading.
February 16, 2019
This is NOT a historical novel! Sorry I bought a 2book set. I will not read the second book. Her story line is unbelievable, with twists and turns. I am not a price but the graphic sex in every chapter was too much!
March 10, 2019
This book has been sitting on my TBR pile for a while. I had no idea what a gem I had. Likable characters, both primary and secondary, great plot, some twists and turns. I couldn't put it down. Will definitely be reading the next in the series.
July 8, 2019
A Scarlet Woman is the first historical romance that I have in a long time as I have been pulled away from this genre and into the world of dystopia, apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic and science fiction with a twist of romance.
When I read the summary it drew me in but not too deep at first well because I was like no not historical romance but it wouldn't leave me alone I kept thinking about that summary and the more I thought about it the more it pulled me into its depth and I knew I had to read it and boy I am I glad I did.
I just had to know about that scarlet woman and Dublin, Ireland in 1880. I had to know the story behind her seduction and her father disowning her and how one man a doctor could change her world in one night. Who was this doctor and what kind of person was he? What was so charming about this man? Well for that matter what was so charming about this scarlet woman?
A Scarlet Woman is about more than one man and one woman meeting and changing each other’s lives. It is about betrayal, lies, hurt, pain, misery, love and so much more.
A Scarlet Woman will pull you into its depth and have you flipping the pages faster and faster falling into Isobel’s life as she tries so hard to overcome her past and put it behind her. It is about a woman who is trying to dig her way out of a whole that her father tossed her in and each time she grabs onto another step higher on that ladder something or someone knocks her off and she goes tumbling back down only to pick herself up and start climbing again.
I have to say that I have enjoyed stepping back into the world of historical romance and reading Isobel and Will’s story and I would very much like to continue their story in the next book of The Fitzgeralds of Dublin in A Suitable Wife.
If you are a fan of historical romance then I would highly recommend that you add A Scarlet Woman to your to be read list.
When I read the summary it drew me in but not too deep at first well because I was like no not historical romance but it wouldn't leave me alone I kept thinking about that summary and the more I thought about it the more it pulled me into its depth and I knew I had to read it and boy I am I glad I did.
I just had to know about that scarlet woman and Dublin, Ireland in 1880. I had to know the story behind her seduction and her father disowning her and how one man a doctor could change her world in one night. Who was this doctor and what kind of person was he? What was so charming about this man? Well for that matter what was so charming about this scarlet woman?
A Scarlet Woman is about more than one man and one woman meeting and changing each other’s lives. It is about betrayal, lies, hurt, pain, misery, love and so much more.
A Scarlet Woman will pull you into its depth and have you flipping the pages faster and faster falling into Isobel’s life as she tries so hard to overcome her past and put it behind her. It is about a woman who is trying to dig her way out of a whole that her father tossed her in and each time she grabs onto another step higher on that ladder something or someone knocks her off and she goes tumbling back down only to pick herself up and start climbing again.
I have to say that I have enjoyed stepping back into the world of historical romance and reading Isobel and Will’s story and I would very much like to continue their story in the next book of The Fitzgeralds of Dublin in A Suitable Wife.
If you are a fan of historical romance then I would highly recommend that you add A Scarlet Woman to your to be read list.
Read
August 27, 2020The five star ratings on this book puzzles me. I found it repetitive and childish. The behavior of the main characters in their love story are ridiculous. There is absolutely no historical fiction just sex and silly scenes.
September 24, 2020
This started off with a BANG...literally :) However, it was very choppy and up-and-down. It also got sappy and the hero gave off a super creeper vibe for a hot minute. Anyway, it lost its spark and I lost interest. I am not giving up on this author though!
September 13, 2017
intensely romantic, too much self degradation for the heroine but she finally comes to terms with her plight and it ends happily-she caught a really good guy!
February 10, 2018
Angst and love
Good enjoyable historical romance with drama, interesting different story and characters.
Will and Isobel are great intriguing characters.
Enjoyed reading
Good enjoyable historical romance with drama, interesting different story and characters.
Will and Isobel are great intriguing characters.
Enjoyed reading
July 23, 2022
Brilliant,
Absolutely loved this book from the first page to the last , couldn’t put it down , read it in a day and looking forward to starting the next one 😊
Absolutely loved this book from the first page to the last , couldn’t put it down , read it in a day and looking forward to starting the next one 😊
September 26, 2024
THIS WAS SO JUICY. Lots of twist and turns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews