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The Hellions of Havisham #2
Deseos ocultos del conde
Una noche de verano, años atrás, Edward Alcott había cedido a la tentación de besar a lady Julia Kenney en un jardín oscuro.
Después de que la dama se hubiera casado con el hermano gemelo de Edward, el conde de Greyling, esa pasión que ella había despertado en él debía permanecer entre las sombras del jardín. Sin embargo, cuando la tragedia les golpeó con fuerza, y para honrar el juramento hecho a su hermano moribundo, Edward debía fingir ser Greyling hasta que la condesa diera a luz a su bebé.
Tras el regreso de su esposo, después de un viaje de dos meses de duración, Julia lo encontró cambiado. Más descarado, audaz, y mucho más travieso, aunque limitara sus encuentros a unos simples besos. Cada día que pasaba, ella se sentía más enamorada de él.
Para Edward, los rescoldos del deseo, que habían prendido aquella noche de hacía tantos años, recobraron vida con suma rapidez. Se moría por ser su esposo en toda su plenitud. Pero, si ella descubriera el engaño, lo despreciaría, y las leyes inglesas le impedían casarse con la viuda de su hermano. Aun así, sabía que debía arriesgarlo todo y revelar sus secretos si quería optar a recibirlo todo.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2016
414 people are currently reading
6487 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Heath
92 books4,404 followersAlso writes Young Adult under Rachel Hawthorne, Jade Parker, and with her son as J.A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,112 reviews
July 29, 2024
A boring earl goes on a safari with his identical twin brother and gets killed by a gorilla. The gorilla also dies, which seems extremely unfair. As he lay dying from his Gorilla Wounds, he asks his brother to pose as him so his pregnant wife doesn’t miscarry from grief. The brother, who is an idiot, agrees. Perhaps I’m in the minority but I feel quite confident that if my partner was replaced by a doppelgänger I would notice, but maybe that’s why Julia is a countess and I’m not. There are several moments where Edward seriously considers doing the right thing and telling his wife/sister-in-law that he isn’t his brother, but then he just doesn’t because absolutely everything is a Future Edward Problem if you do it right. Julia eventually figures out what’s going on and we are treated to this line: “He’d been so lost in desire, so lost in the heat of her, that he had forgotten he was supposed to be partially deaf” which I think is just fantastic. This book is basically the Keira Knightley/Andrew Lincoln storyline from Love, Actually but with a twin brother and Harambe.
April 19, 2021
[4.5 🌟]
This was disgustingly romantic and it could’ve easily gone the other way since the plot is pretty wild. But Lorraine Heath weaved this story so almost perfectly, my heart was beyond happy and grieving throughout it all.
I’m trying to calm down but my Amazon basket is full of Lorraine Heath’s books now, so yes, I highly recommend this.
This was disgustingly romantic and it could’ve easily gone the other way since the plot is pretty wild. But Lorraine Heath weaved this story so almost perfectly, my heart was beyond happy and grieving throughout it all.
I’m trying to calm down but my Amazon basket is full of Lorraine Heath’s books now, so yes, I highly recommend this.
November 21, 2021
GIVE ME ALL THE ANGST. When I started this book, I knew that I was going to love it. Edward's twin brother dies on a trip with him, and he promised his brother he would take his place in order to protect his wife. Edward and Julia do not have a good relationship, but she has miscarried three times and is pregnant with another child. In order to protect her health, Edward comes home and pretends he's the Earl and her husband. There is so much angst because Edward has secretly loved Julia for years, but he acts like he hates her in order to keep her away. Some people might not like how close he gets to Julia as his brother, but I really loved how he couldn't help himself and feel even more deeply in love with Julia. Then, I really loved Julia's character and how she had to grapple with loving both Edward and his brother. That's honestly all I need to say about this book. I loved it as much as I thought I would!
Oh, this also takes place in the winter/during Christmastime! Which was an added bonus!
Oh, this also takes place in the winter/during Christmastime! Which was an added bonus!
May 1, 2016
3.5 Agonizing Stars!
She pressed a finger to his lips. He stilled, his eyes searching hers.
"If you kiss me, I'll be lost," she told him.
"I'll find you, lead you back."
Well that was all sorts of angsty! I've been looking forward to Edward and Julia's story ever since I finished reading the first book in this series, personally I felt it was quite difficult to judge Julia, Edward and Albert from what I learned in the Falling Into Bed With a Duke book but if I'm going to be honest I would say that Julia seemed to be quite the controlling wife, Albert was a bit of a drip and Edward was misunderstood.
The Earl Takes All, starts of with Edward pretending to be his brother burying himself (yes I know quite confusing). I kinda felt bad for the guy since there was quite a bad turn out at his funeral and very few kind words to be said. Of course Edward's friends Lock and Ashe never fell for it but the rest of London did, including Julia.
Like I said this was quite an angsty book, Edward constantly had to deny himself, had to live through the shame of wanting his dead brother's wife and also go through the pain of losing his brother. A brother that he loved dearly.
Now before you call Julia stupid, trust me she wasn't and because I don't want to spoil I will say that she dealt with everything in the best way she could have. This is going to be a short review so if you're planning on reading this book be prepared for a well of emotions, sexual tension and angst. Bucket loads of it.
"Most are lucky to be loved once. Why should I be fortunate enough to be loved twice, to have happiness twice? I'm afraid fate will snatch it away if I reach for it again."
"So I'll be denied because you don't trust fate? Fate can go to the devil, Julia. Place your trust in me."
Final thoughts? While Falling Into Bed With a Duke was indeed my favourite (Lord Ashe *swoons*), I did enjoy this angsty little read. I'm a sucker for forbidden love, and this book definitely made it onto my list of forbidden reads!
She pressed a finger to his lips. He stilled, his eyes searching hers.
"If you kiss me, I'll be lost," she told him.
"I'll find you, lead you back."
Well that was all sorts of angsty! I've been looking forward to Edward and Julia's story ever since I finished reading the first book in this series, personally I felt it was quite difficult to judge Julia, Edward and Albert from what I learned in the Falling Into Bed With a Duke book but if I'm going to be honest I would say that Julia seemed to be quite the controlling wife, Albert was a bit of a drip and Edward was misunderstood.
The Earl Takes All, starts of with Edward pretending to be his brother burying himself (yes I know quite confusing). I kinda felt bad for the guy since there was quite a bad turn out at his funeral and very few kind words to be said. Of course Edward's friends Lock and Ashe never fell for it but the rest of London did, including Julia.
Like I said this was quite an angsty book, Edward constantly had to deny himself, had to live through the shame of wanting his dead brother's wife and also go through the pain of losing his brother. A brother that he loved dearly.
Now before you call Julia stupid, trust me she wasn't and because I don't want to spoil I will say that she dealt with everything in the best way she could have. This is going to be a short review so if you're planning on reading this book be prepared for a well of emotions, sexual tension and angst. Bucket loads of it.
"Most are lucky to be loved once. Why should I be fortunate enough to be loved twice, to have happiness twice? I'm afraid fate will snatch it away if I reach for it again."
"So I'll be denied because you don't trust fate? Fate can go to the devil, Julia. Place your trust in me."
Final thoughts? While Falling Into Bed With a Duke was indeed my favourite (Lord Ashe *swoons*), I did enjoy this angsty little read. I'm a sucker for forbidden love, and this book definitely made it onto my list of forbidden reads!
September 18, 2016
I'm sure this is going to be a "marmite" book, but I loved it and gave it an A at AAR.
I’ve been desperate to read The Earl Takes All since I finished Falling Into Bed with a Duke, the first book in Lorraine Heath’s Hellions of Havisham Hall series. Even though at that point no synopsis had been published, I had an inkling of where this story might be going – which says a lot for Ms Heath’s ability to bury hints and subtext in whichever story she happens to be telling at the time – and I have been really, REALLY curious as to how she was going to pull off such a difficult premise.
Edward Alcott, younger – by an hour – twin brother of Albert, the Earl of Greyling, was introduced to readers in the previous book as a bit of a scoundrel. Although physically identical to his brother, Edward is completely different in temperament, and while it’s clear they share a strong bond of affection, it’s also clear that Albert is perhaps a little disappointed in his scapegrace brother. The biggest bone of contention between them, however, is that Edward just can’t get on with Albert’s wife, Julia, and in fact, makes a point of being unpleasant or outrageous whenever she is around.
But now, Albert is dead, killed while he, Edward and their close friend Viscount Locksley are in Africa on safari. With his dying breath, Albert exhorts Edward to “be me” – needing him to take care of Julia, who is expecting their baby. But he asks more than that Edward should provide financially for his widow – Albert wants his brother to take his place as Julia’s husband, believing that news of his death could cause her to lose the baby they both want so desperately. Edward can do nothing other than agree, and after a long and arduous journey, he arrives back in England ready to carry out his brother’s final wishes until after his child is born.
It’s not long before Edward realises the enormity of the task he has taken on. Not only does he have to take great care not to give himself away, which is difficult because he doesn’t know all that much about his brother’s relationship with Julia; he also has to take on the responsibilities of an earldom, which turn out to be far more detailed and numerous than he expected. Complicating things still further, Edward also has to contend with his long-banked desire for Julia and with Julia’s bewilderment at her husband’s strange reluctance to get physically or emotionally close to her.
Edward’s intention has always been to tell Julia the truth after the birth of her baby, but as time progresses and he comes to know the witty, generous and sensual woman that she really is, he finds himself racing well past desire and headlong into love with her. When she discovers the truth, she’s going to despise him more than she ever did – but what if he doesn’t tell her?
For her part, Julia has discovered things she never knew about herself during her husband’s four month absence. She missed him dreadfully of course, but also liked having her own space and being able to do what she liked when she liked. She feels she has changed somewhat since he has been away and learned to relish her independence, but Albert has changed, too. She puts some of that down to his mourning for his brother, and suggests that perhaps they have to learn how to be a couple again. Even so, there is more to the changes in her husband than those wrought by grief; he is more daring, more spontaneous, his kisses are more intoxicating than ever, and incredibly, she finds herself even more deeply in love than before.
While I loved The Earl Takes All, I can see that it might be the sort of book that readers will react to strongly and will either love or hate. The fact that the hero spends half the book deceiving the heroine is difficult to get to grips with, even though Edward’s motivations are understandable and he continually questions his decisions. He is torn between duty and desire and while the situation he is in is certainly an unusual one, his emotions and inner conflict feel very real. I understand why some might find the initial premise problematic, and indeed, Lorraine Heath set herself quite the challenge. As she says in her author’s note, she had to make sure that readers didn’t fall in love with Albert before she killed him off; and also, she had to contend with the English marriage laws at the time, which did not allow a woman to marry her late husband’s brother. (This law wasn’t changed until 1921). She also has to convincingly turn Edward from the reprobate we met in the previous book into a responsible and compassionate man. Before, he was given to hard drinking, gambling and womanizing, and his relationship with Julia was a very difficult one; he seemed to resent her for taking his brother away from him, and made no bones about showing that resentment. But even then, Ms Heath managed to convey the sense that here was a man who wasn’t quite what he seemed, and also to plant the idea that there was more behind Edward’s dislike of his brother’s wife than he let on.
What she does very skilfully here is to show readers the real Edward while not making him into an entirely different person. The old, roguish Edward is still there under the surface, but the ‘new’ Edward is a man who has never been tested before who rises to the challenge and discovers he’s more than up to it; and he is ultimately revealed to be a truly swoonworthy hero.
Emotions run high in this book right from the first page, and again, I realise that won’t suit everyone, but for me, it’s like catnip. We watch Edward struggling with his grief for his brother and his feelings for Julia; Julia devastated by grief and guilt when she learns the truth; both of them coming to terms with what it will mean if they want to be together, and Julia coming to fully understand the magnitude of the sacrifice that Edward is willing to make for her. It’s complex, it’s messy and Ms Heath handles it all with confidence and sensitivity, never negating the truth of Julia’s feelings for one brother even as she is falling for the other.
This author’s ability to explore the gamut of human emotions is what draws me to her books time and again, and I admit that I was choked up on several occasions while reading this one. My one criticism is that perhaps it’s a bit of a stretch to believe that Julia wouldn’t have known it wasn’t Albert who had returned from Africa, but that really is a minor point and isn’t something I found myself dwelling on because the story is so well set-up. The Earl Takes All is an angsty, gorgeously sensual and beautifully developed romance, the chemistry between the leads is scorching hot and the emotions are real and leap off the page. It’s definitely going onto my keeper shelf.
I’ve been desperate to read The Earl Takes All since I finished Falling Into Bed with a Duke, the first book in Lorraine Heath’s Hellions of Havisham Hall series. Even though at that point no synopsis had been published, I had an inkling of where this story might be going – which says a lot for Ms Heath’s ability to bury hints and subtext in whichever story she happens to be telling at the time – and I have been really, REALLY curious as to how she was going to pull off such a difficult premise.
Edward Alcott, younger – by an hour – twin brother of Albert, the Earl of Greyling, was introduced to readers in the previous book as a bit of a scoundrel. Although physically identical to his brother, Edward is completely different in temperament, and while it’s clear they share a strong bond of affection, it’s also clear that Albert is perhaps a little disappointed in his scapegrace brother. The biggest bone of contention between them, however, is that Edward just can’t get on with Albert’s wife, Julia, and in fact, makes a point of being unpleasant or outrageous whenever she is around.
But now, Albert is dead, killed while he, Edward and their close friend Viscount Locksley are in Africa on safari. With his dying breath, Albert exhorts Edward to “be me” – needing him to take care of Julia, who is expecting their baby. But he asks more than that Edward should provide financially for his widow – Albert wants his brother to take his place as Julia’s husband, believing that news of his death could cause her to lose the baby they both want so desperately. Edward can do nothing other than agree, and after a long and arduous journey, he arrives back in England ready to carry out his brother’s final wishes until after his child is born.
It’s not long before Edward realises the enormity of the task he has taken on. Not only does he have to take great care not to give himself away, which is difficult because he doesn’t know all that much about his brother’s relationship with Julia; he also has to take on the responsibilities of an earldom, which turn out to be far more detailed and numerous than he expected. Complicating things still further, Edward also has to contend with his long-banked desire for Julia and with Julia’s bewilderment at her husband’s strange reluctance to get physically or emotionally close to her.
Edward’s intention has always been to tell Julia the truth after the birth of her baby, but as time progresses and he comes to know the witty, generous and sensual woman that she really is, he finds himself racing well past desire and headlong into love with her. When she discovers the truth, she’s going to despise him more than she ever did – but what if he doesn’t tell her?
For her part, Julia has discovered things she never knew about herself during her husband’s four month absence. She missed him dreadfully of course, but also liked having her own space and being able to do what she liked when she liked. She feels she has changed somewhat since he has been away and learned to relish her independence, but Albert has changed, too. She puts some of that down to his mourning for his brother, and suggests that perhaps they have to learn how to be a couple again. Even so, there is more to the changes in her husband than those wrought by grief; he is more daring, more spontaneous, his kisses are more intoxicating than ever, and incredibly, she finds herself even more deeply in love than before.
While I loved The Earl Takes All, I can see that it might be the sort of book that readers will react to strongly and will either love or hate. The fact that the hero spends half the book deceiving the heroine is difficult to get to grips with, even though Edward’s motivations are understandable and he continually questions his decisions. He is torn between duty and desire and while the situation he is in is certainly an unusual one, his emotions and inner conflict feel very real. I understand why some might find the initial premise problematic, and indeed, Lorraine Heath set herself quite the challenge. As she says in her author’s note, she had to make sure that readers didn’t fall in love with Albert before she killed him off; and also, she had to contend with the English marriage laws at the time, which did not allow a woman to marry her late husband’s brother. (This law wasn’t changed until 1921). She also has to convincingly turn Edward from the reprobate we met in the previous book into a responsible and compassionate man. Before, he was given to hard drinking, gambling and womanizing, and his relationship with Julia was a very difficult one; he seemed to resent her for taking his brother away from him, and made no bones about showing that resentment. But even then, Ms Heath managed to convey the sense that here was a man who wasn’t quite what he seemed, and also to plant the idea that there was more behind Edward’s dislike of his brother’s wife than he let on.
What she does very skilfully here is to show readers the real Edward while not making him into an entirely different person. The old, roguish Edward is still there under the surface, but the ‘new’ Edward is a man who has never been tested before who rises to the challenge and discovers he’s more than up to it; and he is ultimately revealed to be a truly swoonworthy hero.
Emotions run high in this book right from the first page, and again, I realise that won’t suit everyone, but for me, it’s like catnip. We watch Edward struggling with his grief for his brother and his feelings for Julia; Julia devastated by grief and guilt when she learns the truth; both of them coming to terms with what it will mean if they want to be together, and Julia coming to fully understand the magnitude of the sacrifice that Edward is willing to make for her. It’s complex, it’s messy and Ms Heath handles it all with confidence and sensitivity, never negating the truth of Julia’s feelings for one brother even as she is falling for the other.
This author’s ability to explore the gamut of human emotions is what draws me to her books time and again, and I admit that I was choked up on several occasions while reading this one. My one criticism is that perhaps it’s a bit of a stretch to believe that Julia wouldn’t have known it wasn’t Albert who had returned from Africa, but that really is a minor point and isn’t something I found myself dwelling on because the story is so well set-up. The Earl Takes All is an angsty, gorgeously sensual and beautifully developed romance, the chemistry between the leads is scorching hot and the emotions are real and leap off the page. It’s definitely going onto my keeper shelf.
May 4, 2018
Reseña completa: http://masromance.blogspot.com.es/201...
No es una novela perfecta, pero me ha gustado mucho y aunque debería ser un 4.5, se lleva las 5 que luego a final de año casi ninguna las tiene
No me he llevado grandes sorpresas. Lo cierto es que al saber de esta pareja en la novela anterior, me imaginé bastante la historia y sabía que Edward era un farsante.
Es el argumento de amor odio, una pareja que se lleva como mil demonios que termina enamorándose, pero con el complejo tema de ella ser su cuñada viuda. Esa originalidad me ha gustado mucho. Ella como personaje me ha resultado bastante lineal, lo cierto es que sus sentimientos me han costado creer, pero él es tan tan tan adorable que la entiendo.
Creo que la autora ha exagerado al personaje de él, sobre todo cierto pasaje que no me ha colado, pero es tan tan tan adorable que es imposible que no te pases toda la novela con una sonrisa.
Todo es bonito, esas frases, esas decisiones, esa templanza.
Pero sobre todo creo que al final la seriedad de ambos es lo que hace que consigas creerte la historia. Tenía mucha curiosidad por la forma en la que la autora iba a sortear el tema legal y me ha convencido. Nunca he entendido esa ley cuando en otras culturas es justamente al contrario.
Si alguien lo sabe, me encantaría una explicación ;)
Una lectura de lo más recomendable
Esta serie me está encantando!!! Quiero más de Lorraine Heath ♥♥
No es una novela perfecta, pero me ha gustado mucho y aunque debería ser un 4.5, se lleva las 5 que luego a final de año casi ninguna las tiene
No me he llevado grandes sorpresas. Lo cierto es que al saber de esta pareja en la novela anterior, me imaginé bastante la historia y sabía que Edward era un farsante.
Es el argumento de amor odio, una pareja que se lleva como mil demonios que termina enamorándose, pero con el complejo tema de ella ser su cuñada viuda. Esa originalidad me ha gustado mucho. Ella como personaje me ha resultado bastante lineal, lo cierto es que sus sentimientos me han costado creer, pero él es tan tan tan adorable que la entiendo.
Creo que la autora ha exagerado al personaje de él, sobre todo cierto pasaje que no me ha colado, pero es tan tan tan adorable que es imposible que no te pases toda la novela con una sonrisa.
Todo es bonito, esas frases, esas decisiones, esa templanza.
Pero sobre todo creo que al final la seriedad de ambos es lo que hace que consigas creerte la historia. Tenía mucha curiosidad por la forma en la que la autora iba a sortear el tema legal y me ha convencido. Nunca he entendido esa ley cuando en otras culturas es justamente al contrario.
Si alguien lo sabe, me encantaría una explicación ;)
Una lectura de lo más recomendable
Esta serie me está encantando!!! Quiero más de Lorraine Heath ♥♥
lost-interest
November 21, 2015After reading the first book I knew this was going to happen, but I wished it was just my imagination...*sighs*
I'm really sad because she's killing Grey. I would have prefered she'd killed Julia and let Grey be happy with another woman. I'm so disappointed I don't think I can read this book. Sorry, but no.
I'm really sad because she's killing Grey. I would have prefered she'd killed Julia and let Grey be happy with another woman. I'm so disappointed I don't think I can read this book. Sorry, but no.
July 11, 2022
Updating to add a star and to say THE EPILOGUE BROKE ME AGAIN 🤧😭 oh and I think Lorraine heroes all have things for feet
_________
✨THE WINNER TAKES IT ALLLLLLL✨
This one started off slow but by the end I was a blubbering mess—Lorraine had absolutely no reason to go that hard 🥺🤧 I want to read the rest of the series and then I’m assuming the kids have books too (plz lord plz)
At the request of his dying brother Albert, Edward pretends to be his now-dead twin so Albert’s wife’s labor goes smoothly so clearly there is going to be DRAMA but seriously this was a LOT. A good a lot but a lot nonetheless. It totally tugged on my heartstrings and Edward’s character growth was… bananas.
It reminded me of When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn with even more drama. It was utterly romantic: the angst, the pining, the love. I’m so glad I knew it was a romance though because if this was a movie I would have been absolutely terrified that the ending wouldn’t have been a happy one. I seriously had no clue how Edward was gonna pull it off but the ol boy pulled off a miracle.
As I was reading the ending I realized it probably made the book a five-star read so keep that in mind. The only reason I went to four stars is that the beginning dragged and I wanted to set it down a few times. I was expecting it to be streamier though, just with that build up. I loved the dirty talk but it didn’t always transfer into what I thought I was going to get. Still got though just mega slow burn.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
_________
✨THE WINNER TAKES IT ALLLLLLL✨
This one started off slow but by the end I was a blubbering mess—Lorraine had absolutely no reason to go that hard 🥺🤧 I want to read the rest of the series and then I’m assuming the kids have books too (plz lord plz)
At the request of his dying brother Albert, Edward pretends to be his now-dead twin so Albert’s wife’s labor goes smoothly so clearly there is going to be DRAMA but seriously this was a LOT. A good a lot but a lot nonetheless. It totally tugged on my heartstrings and Edward’s character growth was… bananas.
It reminded me of When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn with even more drama. It was utterly romantic: the angst, the pining, the love. I’m so glad I knew it was a romance though because if this was a movie I would have been absolutely terrified that the ending wouldn’t have been a happy one. I seriously had no clue how Edward was gonna pull it off but the ol boy pulled off a miracle.
As I was reading the ending I realized it probably made the book a five-star read so keep that in mind. The only reason I went to four stars is that the beginning dragged and I wanted to set it down a few times. I was expecting it to be streamier though, just with that build up. I loved the dirty talk but it didn’t always transfer into what I thought I was going to get. Still got though just mega slow burn.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
March 18, 2018
Ya subí la reseña al blog!!!
http://www.virivillarreal.com/2018/03...
Sorry, no me da tiempo para copiarla aquí. :(
...........................................................................................................................
«Te amo. Y quiero ser tu esposo.»
¡Al carajo todo! Odio a las personas, a la sociedad y al mundo. Bye.
Mi reseña ya que no ande tan hormonal. Les adelanto que ME ENCANTÓ.
http://www.virivillarreal.com/2018/03...
Sorry, no me da tiempo para copiarla aquí. :(
...........................................................................................................................
«Te amo. Y quiero ser tu esposo.»
¡Al carajo todo! Odio a las personas, a la sociedad y al mundo. Bye.
Mi reseña ya que no ande tan hormonal. Les adelanto que ME ENCANTÓ.
June 22, 2018
ME ENCANTOOOOOÓ!!!
Venía no muy convencida con este libro por el triángulo amoroso pero al final me conquistó.
Tengo sentimientos encontrados con esta historia porque por una parte la historia de amor me gustó mucho pero por otra me dio mucha penita Albert no se merecía lo que pasó y a pesar de todo sigo diciendo que Edward se merecía otra mujer y no tener la sombra de su hermano just saying
La historia es agridulce tenemos a dos hermanos gemelos que hacen un viaje a África pero sólo uno regresa vivo y es Edward, por lo tanto Albert el conde de Grayling ha muerto pero éste le hace prometer a su hermano que se hará pasar por él y cuidará a su esposa que está embarazada para que no pierda al bebé ya que anteriormente ha tenido tres abortos y así lo hace.
En el libro anterior vemos que Edward no se lleva ben con su cuñada pero todo tiene un porque está enamorado de ella así que la petición de su hermano va a ser muy difícil porque por una parte quiere sucumbir a sus deseos pero no quiere traicionar a su hermano y sobre todo que las atenciones no son precisamente para él sino de para hermano fallecido.
En cuanto a Julia al principio no me convencía mucho sobre todo que no entendía como no pudo reconocer que no era su esposo. En cuanto a la cuestión amorosa la autora me la supo vender muy bien porque yo no veía como podía enamorarse de su cuñado cuando estás tan enamorada de otro pero como digo la autora nos la supo vender porque no tuvo necesidad de avillanara a Albert sino que Edward le daba cosas que no sabía que necesitaba como ser ella misma no esforzarse para ser mejor y sobre todo libertad.
Para mí Edward es un GRAN personaje, lo conocimos como un libertino, embaucador que le encanta la bebida y la aventura, pero todo era una farsa, él es un amor conquistó mi corazoncito de pollo, se comportó de la manera más perfecta, se sacrificó, amó él es personaje.
Y luego está la otra parte donde ellos no pueden casarse por culpa de las leyes inglesas donde no te puedes casar con un familiar aunque no sea consanguíneo y parecía que no había solución y futuro para ellos a pesar de amarse tanto pero la solución a la que recurrió la autora parecía muy sencilla pero creo que era factible además que yo y mi intuición ya sabía que esa era a mitad de la historia.
Un personaje que me ha conquistado y que ha sido un factor importante para que nuestros protagonistas sean felices es el Marqués y no veo que vaya hacer para que su hijo encuentre la felicidad y creo que va ser muy triste su desenlace. Ya lo quiero leer.
Pd: por cierto las portada en español por primera vez son mucho más bonitas que las originales.
Venía no muy convencida con este libro por el triángulo amoroso pero al final me conquistó.
Tengo sentimientos encontrados con esta historia porque por una parte la historia de amor me gustó mucho pero por otra me dio mucha penita Albert no se merecía lo que pasó y a pesar de todo sigo diciendo que Edward se merecía otra mujer y no tener la sombra de su hermano just saying
La historia es agridulce tenemos a dos hermanos gemelos que hacen un viaje a África pero sólo uno regresa vivo y es Edward, por lo tanto Albert el conde de Grayling ha muerto pero éste le hace prometer a su hermano que se hará pasar por él y cuidará a su esposa que está embarazada para que no pierda al bebé ya que anteriormente ha tenido tres abortos y así lo hace.
En el libro anterior vemos que Edward no se lleva ben con su cuñada pero todo tiene un porque está enamorado de ella así que la petición de su hermano va a ser muy difícil porque por una parte quiere sucumbir a sus deseos pero no quiere traicionar a su hermano y sobre todo que las atenciones no son precisamente para él sino de para hermano fallecido.
En cuanto a Julia al principio no me convencía mucho sobre todo que no entendía como no pudo reconocer que no era su esposo. En cuanto a la cuestión amorosa la autora me la supo vender muy bien porque yo no veía como podía enamorarse de su cuñado cuando estás tan enamorada de otro pero como digo la autora nos la supo vender porque no tuvo necesidad de avillanara a Albert sino que Edward le daba cosas que no sabía que necesitaba como ser ella misma no esforzarse para ser mejor y sobre todo libertad.
Para mí Edward es un GRAN personaje, lo conocimos como un libertino, embaucador que le encanta la bebida y la aventura, pero todo era una farsa, él es un amor conquistó mi corazoncito de pollo, se comportó de la manera más perfecta, se sacrificó, amó él es personaje.
Y luego está la otra parte donde ellos no pueden casarse por culpa de las leyes inglesas donde no te puedes casar con un familiar aunque no sea consanguíneo y parecía que no había solución y futuro para ellos a pesar de amarse tanto pero la solución a la que recurrió la autora parecía muy sencilla pero creo que era factible además que yo y mi intuición ya sabía que esa era a mitad de la historia.
Un personaje que me ha conquistado y que ha sido un factor importante para que nuestros protagonistas sean felices es el Marqués y no veo que vaya hacer para que su hijo encuentre la felicidad y creo que va ser muy triste su desenlace. Ya lo quiero leer.
Pd: por cierto las portada en español por primera vez son mucho más bonitas que las originales.
September 17, 2021
4.5 stars ...
Yes, that is how I sort of felt prior to starting this book... disaster ... how will this work? But work it did. I loved it. As I was nearing the end I was thinking to myself "Mmmm, I don't really love it as much as book one." But then we got an Epilogue ... now, if an Epilogue makes me cry tears of joy, of course I am going to love it. And I did. Suspend the disbelief a bit and enjoy ...
I am not saying much about the story ... better off just reading or listening to it (wasn't a huge fan of the audible but it was "free" on my trusty SCRIBD so I alternated between the two).
I see some mixed reviews for the third book but I am sure I will check it out at some stage ...
"I can see nothing but disaster if you follow this course."
Yes, that is how I sort of felt prior to starting this book... disaster ... how will this work? But work it did. I loved it. As I was nearing the end I was thinking to myself "Mmmm, I don't really love it as much as book one." But then we got an Epilogue ... now, if an Epilogue makes me cry tears of joy, of course I am going to love it. And I did. Suspend the disbelief a bit and enjoy ...
... then he headed down the stairs into the lonely emptiness that was now his life.
I am not saying much about the story ... better off just reading or listening to it (wasn't a huge fan of the audible but it was "free" on my trusty SCRIBD so I alternated between the two).
"To new beginnings."
I see some mixed reviews for the third book but I am sure I will check it out at some stage ...
January 29, 2021
This was DELICIOUS. So much angst!!! And longing, and passion. Ohmyheck I died and went to romance reader heaven.
May 17, 2016
Such a sweet, if slightly unbelievable, romance!
You can read the synopsis says, so I'll not repeat what it says, but the slightly unbelievable part was exactly the premise: Edward pretending to be Albert in order to preserve the health of Julia and her unborn baby and his hope that that baby be a boy and the heir.
As we can understand since the very beginning, it's not just a noble act since Edward has been in love with Julia since he first kissed her. And even then he was pretending being Albert!
But, Edward's love is such a beautiful thing to read! He pretended one thing or the other for most of his life that nobody really knows the real Edward! He was a rake, a rude, grumpy person, a devil-may-care, a womanizer... All in order for Julia and Albert never to discover his real feelings, because he deeply loved not only Julia, but also his twin!
So he's now in a very precarious situation: if he confess Julia could loose the baby and he will fail the promise to his brother - if he doesn't confess Julia will hate him when she finds out! He feels doomed... poor guy...
Julia is also an interesting woman: she love her husband deeply and is happy with how he changed during the trip to Africa. He's different. He's more passionate, more indulgent, more free and she loves him more than ever. But he's also strange in some ways, but she think it is due to the death of his dear twin brother.
His friends (almost brothers) are aware of his deceit since the beginning and are pressing Edward to confess, but when he explains they'll help him, but not forever. This burden is added to Edward's too... poor guy (I repeat)...
The time until Julia finds out is wonderfully described and full of tender and passionate moments from both Julia and Edward's POV. I loved it!
Obviously, when Julia descover that all hell comes loose! She's furious, she's overwhelmed by grief, she feels cheated, she feels betrayed... And she reacts accordingly.
But when Edward accepts everything she throw at him as his due, she starts thinking about thier time together and slowly sees that it was not all his fault and that he did it also because of love. For her and for his brother.
This is a beautiful, romantic story for all of us how love true romance! Very recommended!
You can read the synopsis says, so I'll not repeat what it says, but the slightly unbelievable part was exactly the premise: Edward pretending to be Albert in order to preserve the health of Julia and her unborn baby and his hope that that baby be a boy and the heir.
As we can understand since the very beginning, it's not just a noble act since Edward has been in love with Julia since he first kissed her. And even then he was pretending being Albert!
But, Edward's love is such a beautiful thing to read! He pretended one thing or the other for most of his life that nobody really knows the real Edward! He was a rake, a rude, grumpy person, a devil-may-care, a womanizer... All in order for Julia and Albert never to discover his real feelings, because he deeply loved not only Julia, but also his twin!
So he's now in a very precarious situation: if he confess Julia could loose the baby and he will fail the promise to his brother - if he doesn't confess Julia will hate him when she finds out! He feels doomed... poor guy...
Julia is also an interesting woman: she love her husband deeply and is happy with how he changed during the trip to Africa. He's different. He's more passionate, more indulgent, more free and she loves him more than ever. But he's also strange in some ways, but she think it is due to the death of his dear twin brother.
His friends (almost brothers) are aware of his deceit since the beginning and are pressing Edward to confess, but when he explains they'll help him, but not forever. This burden is added to Edward's too... poor guy (I repeat)...
The time until Julia finds out is wonderfully described and full of tender and passionate moments from both Julia and Edward's POV. I loved it!
Obviously, when Julia descover that all hell comes loose! She's furious, she's overwhelmed by grief, she feels cheated, she feels betrayed... And she reacts accordingly.
But when Edward accepts everything she throw at him as his due, she starts thinking about thier time together and slowly sees that it was not all his fault and that he did it also because of love. For her and for his brother.
This is a beautiful, romantic story for all of us how love true romance! Very recommended!
January 5, 2018
Well done, Heath. Well done. I would say that this is a rounding up situation, as the narrator is not 5-star worthy, but I do believe the story is, and I prefer to give credit to the author. This was just so very well plotted. It is very rare, in my experience, where I feel that some part of the story was not rushed, was not fully explored as it NEEDED to be. This one did a very good job at giving the story time to breathe and progress as needed. The pacing was spot-on. I was very happy when they seemed to have arrived at a solution to their quandary of being together, and Heath continued the story to explore the ramifications of that seemingly best-fit solution (turns out it wasn't). So many authors would have just left it there. Finally, kudos to Heath for writing a story that was surely discouraged. The premise was off-putting that I wasn't thrilled with the thought of reading/listening to it, but it was very much worth it.
In terms of romance, the hero and heroine were a couple I was certainly rooting for. They were likable and seemed perfect for each other, but since central to the story was the preceding death of a beloved brother and husband, there was plenty of grief and guilt involved. It would not be the story to turn to if you are looking for a happy escape romance read. It still had romance, especially later in the novel, but it did take some time to get there.
All in all, I am just enormously pleased with the way this was plotted, with tidbits mentioned early on coming to play later, with answering all of my burning questions, that this story deserves the five-star rating.
In terms of romance, the hero and heroine were a couple I was certainly rooting for. They were likable and seemed perfect for each other, but since central to the story was the preceding death of a beloved brother and husband, there was plenty of grief and guilt involved. It would not be the story to turn to if you are looking for a happy escape romance read. It still had romance, especially later in the novel, but it did take some time to get there.
All in all, I am just enormously pleased with the way this was plotted, with tidbits mentioned early on coming to play later, with answering all of my burning questions, that this story deserves the five-star rating.
June 30, 2021
I am in the minority here and am giving the book 3.5 * and rounding up as I think it was me and not the author. I just could NOT get past the plot device of taking his dead twins place. I tried to suspend belief that a husband whose wife has had 3 miscarriages would go off with his brother to Africa and leave his pregnant wife alone with the servants. Then to top it all off the brother (Edward) comes back to take the husbands place as his brothers (Albert) dying request unbeknownst to the wife. Then he had a complete character transplant.
September 19, 2021
5 STARS
Fantastic! Loved it. And I have to say, I was totally unprepared for it. I will not say much about the story, because I think it's best to tackle this one blind. I do recommend reading this series in order. One thing I will say though, is that LH hit it out of the park with Edward Alcott. I completely fell in love with his character. A true rogue. His seduction of Julia just leaves you breathless.
There were so many points in this story that I really had no clue how she was going to pull off a HEA. Such a romantic story... farfetched yes, but still very well done. Great series so far. Dying to start Locke's story.
“It must be so odd to have someone look exactly like you.” Lady Sarah gave Julia a pointed look.
“Did you ever confuse them?”
“No,” she lied. “The more one was around them, the easier it was to tell them apart.”
Fantastic! Loved it. And I have to say, I was totally unprepared for it. I will not say much about the story, because I think it's best to tackle this one blind. I do recommend reading this series in order. One thing I will say though, is that LH hit it out of the park with Edward Alcott. I completely fell in love with his character. A true rogue. His seduction of Julia just leaves you breathless.
There were so many points in this story that I really had no clue how she was going to pull off a HEA. Such a romantic story... farfetched yes, but still very well done. Great series so far. Dying to start Locke's story.
April 27, 2016
This was me while I was reading it :D
May 22, 2022
If you are thinking the story sounds too wild for you keep reading...
This plot IS wild. I picked the book up wanting to try Lorraine Heath and was hesitant when this was the only book of hers on my shelf. I picked it up despite my hesitation and I'm so glad I did! LH somehow put her characters in such a morally questionable situation, but developed them to a point where you are empathizing with them and were on their side through every decision. This was full of angst and I highly recommend it! Edward was a freaking dream and he would do literally anything for Julia because of his love for her... over all a great read and I can't wait to get more LH!!!
This plot IS wild. I picked the book up wanting to try Lorraine Heath and was hesitant when this was the only book of hers on my shelf. I picked it up despite my hesitation and I'm so glad I did! LH somehow put her characters in such a morally questionable situation, but developed them to a point where you are empathizing with them and were on their side through every decision. This was full of angst and I highly recommend it! Edward was a freaking dream and he would do literally anything for Julia because of his love for her... over all a great read and I can't wait to get more LH!!!
April 1, 2018
El primer libro me encantó, pero este ha sido muy agridulce. Jamás comprenderé porque las autoras de romántica usan este tipo de tramas, una cosa es cuando al difunto no lo hemos conocido, pero en este caso (al igual que en la saga de Monica McCarty "La guardia de los Highlanders") al pico del triángulo amoroso lo conocíamos y yo personalmente le había cogido mucho cariño y me ha costado muchísimo creerme esta historia y empatizar con Julia. Espero con ganas el libro de Locke tras este pequeño bache en la serie.
Reseña completa muy pronto en el blog: https://misscherrybooks.blogspot.com.es
Reseña completa muy pronto en el blog: https://misscherrybooks.blogspot.com.es
March 27, 2018
Lo ha vuelto a hacer. Lorraine Heath ha vuelto a conquistarme con esta novela.
Y ha vuelto a saltarse la estructura habitual del género romántico con sus 2 giros, uno al principio de la historia y otro hacia el final, como ya hizo en la entrega anterior de esta serie. La autora traslada el primer giro a la mitad de la novela, creando así una tensión constante que engancha sin remedio y hace muy difícil parar de leer al final de cada capítulo. También sitúa en esta primera mitad la mayor parte del erotismo y momentos tórridos de la pareja protagonista, lo que para las lectoras como yo, que nos gusta el sexo explícito (con elegancia) en las novelas, supone un enganche aún mayor a la historia que nos cuenta, pues la disfrutamos más así, que si tenemos que esperar a la página 200 para algo más que un beso.
La historia se basa en un tema habitual en la romántica y que da mucho juego: los gemelos. Y la autora sabe jugarlo de un modo magistral. Quizá no original en el hecho de la suplantación, pero sí en cómo lo desarrolla y lo resuelve, en cómo conduce a los protagonistas para que el amor que él ya sentía se fortalezca, y el que ella confunde, nazca y crezca sobre una base sólida. Una historia de amor preciosa, y no solo de amor romántico, sino también de amor fraternal, de amistad y de los lazos familiares que se forjan sin ser consanguíneos; me refiero a ese personaje mayor que ya salió en la primera entrega, el hombre que se convierte en el padre de los gemelos cuando pierden al suyo y que tiene un reducido papel en ambas novelas en cuanto a presencia en el texto, pero cuyo peso real es enorme. La autora ha vuelto a hacerlo, ha vuelto a emocionarme con unas cuantas palabras de este personaje y con su actitud en una sola escena. Estos detalles son lo que convierten una buena novela en una excelente.
Algo que no ha vuelto a hacer la autora (y agradezco) es bajar el ritmo de la historia en la segunda mitad de la novela, como ocurría en la anterior entrega. En esta, lo mantiene al mismo nivel, sigue enganchándonos a la lectura y no desfallece en ningún momento, al contrario. Desde ese primer giro, la novela va creciendo y creciendo, los pequeños conflictos se unen al principal y conducen a un clímax de aplauso que logra que caigamos rendidas a los pies del protagonista masculino, del que ya nos hemos ido enamorando con cada página del libro.
Una novela maravillosa, muy buena técnicamente y con un estilo narrativo impecable donde el diálogo alterna en perfecto equilibrio con la narración. Imprescindible para las lectoras de romántica histórica y me atrevo a recomendarla incluso a las que no os guste este subgénero, porque es una historia de Amor de verdad y muy centrada en la pareja.
Y ha vuelto a saltarse la estructura habitual del género romántico con sus 2 giros, uno al principio de la historia y otro hacia el final, como ya hizo en la entrega anterior de esta serie. La autora traslada el primer giro a la mitad de la novela, creando así una tensión constante que engancha sin remedio y hace muy difícil parar de leer al final de cada capítulo. También sitúa en esta primera mitad la mayor parte del erotismo y momentos tórridos de la pareja protagonista, lo que para las lectoras como yo, que nos gusta el sexo explícito (con elegancia) en las novelas, supone un enganche aún mayor a la historia que nos cuenta, pues la disfrutamos más así, que si tenemos que esperar a la página 200 para algo más que un beso.
La historia se basa en un tema habitual en la romántica y que da mucho juego: los gemelos. Y la autora sabe jugarlo de un modo magistral. Quizá no original en el hecho de la suplantación, pero sí en cómo lo desarrolla y lo resuelve, en cómo conduce a los protagonistas para que el amor que él ya sentía se fortalezca, y el que ella confunde, nazca y crezca sobre una base sólida. Una historia de amor preciosa, y no solo de amor romántico, sino también de amor fraternal, de amistad y de los lazos familiares que se forjan sin ser consanguíneos; me refiero a ese personaje mayor que ya salió en la primera entrega, el hombre que se convierte en el padre de los gemelos cuando pierden al suyo y que tiene un reducido papel en ambas novelas en cuanto a presencia en el texto, pero cuyo peso real es enorme. La autora ha vuelto a hacerlo, ha vuelto a emocionarme con unas cuantas palabras de este personaje y con su actitud en una sola escena. Estos detalles son lo que convierten una buena novela en una excelente.
Algo que no ha vuelto a hacer la autora (y agradezco) es bajar el ritmo de la historia en la segunda mitad de la novela, como ocurría en la anterior entrega. En esta, lo mantiene al mismo nivel, sigue enganchándonos a la lectura y no desfallece en ningún momento, al contrario. Desde ese primer giro, la novela va creciendo y creciendo, los pequeños conflictos se unen al principal y conducen a un clímax de aplauso que logra que caigamos rendidas a los pies del protagonista masculino, del que ya nos hemos ido enamorando con cada página del libro.
Una novela maravillosa, muy buena técnicamente y con un estilo narrativo impecable donde el diálogo alterna en perfecto equilibrio con la narración. Imprescindible para las lectoras de romántica histórica y me atrevo a recomendarla incluso a las que no os guste este subgénero, porque es una historia de Amor de verdad y muy centrada en la pareja.
April 5, 2018
En realidad 4’5 estrellas. Me ha encantado esta historia, me ha llegado a lo más hondo, y admito, cuando leí la sinopsis que le tenía un miedo espantoso.
En el primer libro, lo único que sabíamos de Edward y de su cuñada, Julia, es que se odiaban, no podían permanecer juntos en la misma habitación. Todo debido a una broma que Edward le gastó a Julia, cuando estaba prometida a su hermano gemelo, Albert. Ese beso quedó grabado en la memoria de ambos para siempre, y era un recordatorio de lo que no podría ser nunca.
Tras varios años de matrimonio, y con varios abortos a cuestas, por fin Julia está llevando un embarazo a buen puerto. Al inicio del mismo, y antes de que Julia y Albert se convirtieran en padres, Edward persuadió a su gemelo para una última expedición en África. Dicho viaje trajo una de las desgracias más espantosas a las que podrían enfrentarse. Albert convenció a Edward en su última voluntad de que éste se hiciera pasar por él a su regreso a Inglaterra, hasta que naciera el hijo que Julia estaba esperando, por el bien de Julia, y por su heredero.
De modo que la vuelta a Inglaterra de Edward se convierte en un auténtico engaño, él se hace pasar por Albert, en público y en privado, mientras que debe fingir que quien está en el féretro es él mismo, el granuja y sinvergüenza para quien nadie tiene una buena palabra u opinión sobre él. Solamente sus mejores amigos, Ashe y Locke, se dan cuenta de su engaño, y aunque no les gusta, deciden guardarle el secreto por el bien del heredero de Albert.
El engaño no es tan fácil como parece, sobre todo de cara al romance. Albert y Julia siempre fueron un matrimonio modelo, se querían, dormían juntos, y eran perfectos el uno para el otro. Pero a la vuelta de su esposo, Julia reconoce que Albert ha cambiado, tantos meses separados, y con un vientre demasiado abultado, sabe que no está especialmente atractiva para atraer de nuevo a su esposo al lecho. Sabe que está pasando un momento difícil; acaba de perder a su gemelo y es normal que guarde las distancias. Aunque poco a poco, este matrimonio comenzará a conocerse de nuevo, y Julia se dará cuenta de que no conocía tan bien a su esposo como creía, y a medida que pasa el tiempo, no puede evitar que le guste mucho más su esposo ahora, de lo que le gustaba antes.
De una manera resumida, esto es más o menos lo que puedo contar sobre el argumento de “Deseos ocultos del conde”. Es increíble cómo ha conseguido la autora crear un argumento tan enrevesado, contarlo de una manera tan simple y directa, y que a la vez le quede bien y sin que parezca forzado o inverosímil. Realmente no es una historia fácil, tenemos a una viuda embarazada, que no sabe que lo es, y a un hermano gemelo haciéndose pasar por el otro ¿No sería lógico que su propia esposa supiera diferenciar a uno de otro? ¿Es que realmente no quería tanto a su esposo como para diferenciarlo de su hermano al que odiaba? ¿O realmente no quería admitir que a quien había perdido era al gemelo acertado?
Pues no, no es fácil, y no lo es sobre todo cuando la verdad de la condición de Edward vaya saliendo a la luz y nuestros protagonistas se vayan enamorando, cuando llegue el momento en que Julia traiga a su hijo al mundo, y cómo se complican las cosas cuando el engaño de Albert y Edward llegue a cotas más elevadas. Si algo sabe Edward, es que quiere a Julia y al pequeño que lleva dentro, y no quiere perder a ninguno de los dos.
A pesar de todo, y de la dificultad de éste romance, debo admitirlo, me ha encantado. No pensaba que esta historia podría gustarme tanto con la complicación de semejante argumento. Sabía que sería triste, que echaría de menos a Albert. Que conocimos a los gemelos en el primer libro de la serie, y que Albert y Julia tenían un matrimonio próspero, también que Edward estaba en secreto enamorado de su cuñada, y lo ocultaba con su carácter de libertino disipado.
El problema es que llegamos a este libro tras saber todo lo anterior ¿Y cómo puede prosperar un romance entre estos dos personajes? Primero porque se odian, y segundo porque son cuñados y las leyes inglesas no permiten que un hombre se case con la viuda de su hermano. Este detalle era lo que me hacía chirriar la historia, pero creo que la escritora con mucho ingenio, ha sabido dar con la solución para todo lo que ocurre en este libro, engaño incluido.
En cuanto a los personajes, me han gustado mucho más de lo que pensaba. Creía que con Julia tendría más problemas, pero lo cierto es que no, es una mujer sencilla y muy tolerante, ama profundamente y su afecto es realmente sincero. Y Edward es todo un amor, su fachada de libertino no es nada más que eso, una fachada que da a la sociedad, pero debajo se esconde un hombre íntegro y bueno, que en el fondo sabe lo que quiere, y que puede demostrar que es mucho más de lo que el resto de la sociedad piensa.
Por último, destacaría el detalle de los cuentos infantiles, ha sido muy bonito y ha escondido un simbolismo muy poético sobre los personajes del libro y su carácter.
De modo que a mí me ha convencido. A pesar de mis miedos y mis reticencias. He disfrutado de una historia maravillosa de segundas oportunidades, y aunque admito que no ha sido una novela perfecta, creo que merece la pena. Sólo nos toca esperar a la historia de Locke para concluir esta serie que ha empezado muy fuerte.
En el primer libro, lo único que sabíamos de Edward y de su cuñada, Julia, es que se odiaban, no podían permanecer juntos en la misma habitación. Todo debido a una broma que Edward le gastó a Julia, cuando estaba prometida a su hermano gemelo, Albert. Ese beso quedó grabado en la memoria de ambos para siempre, y era un recordatorio de lo que no podría ser nunca.
Tras varios años de matrimonio, y con varios abortos a cuestas, por fin Julia está llevando un embarazo a buen puerto. Al inicio del mismo, y antes de que Julia y Albert se convirtieran en padres, Edward persuadió a su gemelo para una última expedición en África. Dicho viaje trajo una de las desgracias más espantosas a las que podrían enfrentarse. Albert convenció a Edward en su última voluntad de que éste se hiciera pasar por él a su regreso a Inglaterra, hasta que naciera el hijo que Julia estaba esperando, por el bien de Julia, y por su heredero.
De modo que la vuelta a Inglaterra de Edward se convierte en un auténtico engaño, él se hace pasar por Albert, en público y en privado, mientras que debe fingir que quien está en el féretro es él mismo, el granuja y sinvergüenza para quien nadie tiene una buena palabra u opinión sobre él. Solamente sus mejores amigos, Ashe y Locke, se dan cuenta de su engaño, y aunque no les gusta, deciden guardarle el secreto por el bien del heredero de Albert.
El engaño no es tan fácil como parece, sobre todo de cara al romance. Albert y Julia siempre fueron un matrimonio modelo, se querían, dormían juntos, y eran perfectos el uno para el otro. Pero a la vuelta de su esposo, Julia reconoce que Albert ha cambiado, tantos meses separados, y con un vientre demasiado abultado, sabe que no está especialmente atractiva para atraer de nuevo a su esposo al lecho. Sabe que está pasando un momento difícil; acaba de perder a su gemelo y es normal que guarde las distancias. Aunque poco a poco, este matrimonio comenzará a conocerse de nuevo, y Julia se dará cuenta de que no conocía tan bien a su esposo como creía, y a medida que pasa el tiempo, no puede evitar que le guste mucho más su esposo ahora, de lo que le gustaba antes.
De una manera resumida, esto es más o menos lo que puedo contar sobre el argumento de “Deseos ocultos del conde”. Es increíble cómo ha conseguido la autora crear un argumento tan enrevesado, contarlo de una manera tan simple y directa, y que a la vez le quede bien y sin que parezca forzado o inverosímil. Realmente no es una historia fácil, tenemos a una viuda embarazada, que no sabe que lo es, y a un hermano gemelo haciéndose pasar por el otro ¿No sería lógico que su propia esposa supiera diferenciar a uno de otro? ¿Es que realmente no quería tanto a su esposo como para diferenciarlo de su hermano al que odiaba? ¿O realmente no quería admitir que a quien había perdido era al gemelo acertado?
Pues no, no es fácil, y no lo es sobre todo cuando la verdad de la condición de Edward vaya saliendo a la luz y nuestros protagonistas se vayan enamorando, cuando llegue el momento en que Julia traiga a su hijo al mundo, y cómo se complican las cosas cuando el engaño de Albert y Edward llegue a cotas más elevadas. Si algo sabe Edward, es que quiere a Julia y al pequeño que lleva dentro, y no quiere perder a ninguno de los dos.
A pesar de todo, y de la dificultad de éste romance, debo admitirlo, me ha encantado. No pensaba que esta historia podría gustarme tanto con la complicación de semejante argumento. Sabía que sería triste, que echaría de menos a Albert. Que conocimos a los gemelos en el primer libro de la serie, y que Albert y Julia tenían un matrimonio próspero, también que Edward estaba en secreto enamorado de su cuñada, y lo ocultaba con su carácter de libertino disipado.
El problema es que llegamos a este libro tras saber todo lo anterior ¿Y cómo puede prosperar un romance entre estos dos personajes? Primero porque se odian, y segundo porque son cuñados y las leyes inglesas no permiten que un hombre se case con la viuda de su hermano. Este detalle era lo que me hacía chirriar la historia, pero creo que la escritora con mucho ingenio, ha sabido dar con la solución para todo lo que ocurre en este libro, engaño incluido.
En cuanto a los personajes, me han gustado mucho más de lo que pensaba. Creía que con Julia tendría más problemas, pero lo cierto es que no, es una mujer sencilla y muy tolerante, ama profundamente y su afecto es realmente sincero. Y Edward es todo un amor, su fachada de libertino no es nada más que eso, una fachada que da a la sociedad, pero debajo se esconde un hombre íntegro y bueno, que en el fondo sabe lo que quiere, y que puede demostrar que es mucho más de lo que el resto de la sociedad piensa.
Por último, destacaría el detalle de los cuentos infantiles, ha sido muy bonito y ha escondido un simbolismo muy poético sobre los personajes del libro y su carácter.
De modo que a mí me ha convencido. A pesar de mis miedos y mis reticencias. He disfrutado de una historia maravillosa de segundas oportunidades, y aunque admito que no ha sido una novela perfecta, creo que merece la pena. Sólo nos toca esperar a la historia de Locke para concluir esta serie que ha empezado muy fuerte.
February 8, 2017
Once again, Lorraine Heath enchanted me with this beautifully written and deeply emotional love story. It takes an exceptional writer to make such a challenging and potentially unpopular plot line work and, although I know some readers will disagree, I think she does this brilliantly.
“Do you know what I think, Allie? I think the weasel— who is supposed to be the villain of our tale— may just turn out to be the hero.”
For me, the success of this book hinged on Ms Heath’s ability to make me see Edward as a worthy hero and Julia’s words to her daughter echo my thoughts precisely (the weasel reference makes sense when you read the book).
Edward has always accepted his place as the second son without ever being envious or jealous of Albert. He is happy receiving an allowance and living a life free of responsibility. Early on, we learn that Edward has had feelings for Julia ever since they first met, but he loved his brother too much to do anything to hurt him. So he was willing to cultivate a disreputable reputation in order to protect Albert and Julia from any potential gossip.
I felt so much sympathy for Edward. He is caught between a rock and a hard place. He must fulfil the promise he made to his brother knowing just how devastating it will be when he has to admit the truth to Julia.
In manner, thought, and deed, he had to become the Earl of Greyling. At least until Julia delivered the heir.
Then he would be obliged to do what he did best: give her another reason to hate him by revealing the truth, breaking her heart, and shattering her world.
Constantly thrown into intimate situations with Julia, Edward struggles to keep his passion for her in check. I could feel his torment…to know that everything Julia did, said or felt wasn’t for him but for the man she thought he was.
Edward shows his true colours in so many ways. He has never wanted responsibility, but he steps up to oversee the running of his late brother’s estate, even before he officially becomes the Earl of Greyling. He shows his care and compassion when he personally looks after Mrs Lark and her family even at risk to himself. Who could not fail to love a man who is so gentle and tender with his little niece.
Nanny was sitting in a chair with a lamp burning low and a book in her hands. Not Alberta. She wasn’t holding Alberta.
Edward was. Lying on Nanny’s bed, his eyes closed, Alberta on his chest, her knees tucked beneath her so her tiny bum was sticking up in the air. Pillows formed a barrier on either side of his body so if she rolled she wouldn’t roll far. Not that Julia thought she was likely to move at all. One of his large hands was splayed over her back, holding her in place.
Julia see changes in her husband and puts these down to the effects of travelling with his friends. He has become more forceful, more determined and more attentive, all of which makes him more appealing and she finds herself falling more madly in love with him.
His touches came more frequently, his interest in her more intense. He seemed to care about every aspect of her. She thought she’d loved him as much as it was possible to love any man. Strange to realize that she loved him a little bit more each day.
Although she missed Albert, in his absence Julia has changed becoming more independent, more confident and making her own decisions. I love that she is not as prim and proper as she appears. She has always wanted to be sexually imaginative but feared her rather upright husband would be appalled.
I was just waiting for the moment that Julia discovers Edward’s deception and, when she does, I could feel all her pain and the subsequent scene in the mausoleum is so heart-breaking. At this point, it was impossible to imagine how their relationship could ever be salvaged but Ms Heath gradually brings them back together again. There is still one apparently insurmountable obstacle to overcome, but I found that Ms Heath’s note at the end of the book, in which she highlights her research into this particular aspect, not only provides some interesting historical background but also a believable path to Edward and Julia’s Happy Ever After.
I love the idea of Julia’s whimsical creatures and I also enjoyed seeing Ashe, Minerva and Locke. For those of you who love Epilogues, there is a lovely heart-warming one
MY VERDICT: Lorraine Heath weaves a complex, captivating and beautiful love story. Highly recommended!
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
The Hellions of Havisham series so far (click on the book covers for more details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
“Do you know what I think, Allie? I think the weasel— who is supposed to be the villain of our tale— may just turn out to be the hero.”
For me, the success of this book hinged on Ms Heath’s ability to make me see Edward as a worthy hero and Julia’s words to her daughter echo my thoughts precisely (the weasel reference makes sense when you read the book).
Edward has always accepted his place as the second son without ever being envious or jealous of Albert. He is happy receiving an allowance and living a life free of responsibility. Early on, we learn that Edward has had feelings for Julia ever since they first met, but he loved his brother too much to do anything to hurt him. So he was willing to cultivate a disreputable reputation in order to protect Albert and Julia from any potential gossip.
I felt so much sympathy for Edward. He is caught between a rock and a hard place. He must fulfil the promise he made to his brother knowing just how devastating it will be when he has to admit the truth to Julia.
In manner, thought, and deed, he had to become the Earl of Greyling. At least until Julia delivered the heir.
Then he would be obliged to do what he did best: give her another reason to hate him by revealing the truth, breaking her heart, and shattering her world.
Constantly thrown into intimate situations with Julia, Edward struggles to keep his passion for her in check. I could feel his torment…to know that everything Julia did, said or felt wasn’t for him but for the man she thought he was.
Edward shows his true colours in so many ways. He has never wanted responsibility, but he steps up to oversee the running of his late brother’s estate, even before he officially becomes the Earl of Greyling. He shows his care and compassion when he personally looks after Mrs Lark and her family even at risk to himself. Who could not fail to love a man who is so gentle and tender with his little niece.
Nanny was sitting in a chair with a lamp burning low and a book in her hands. Not Alberta. She wasn’t holding Alberta.
Edward was. Lying on Nanny’s bed, his eyes closed, Alberta on his chest, her knees tucked beneath her so her tiny bum was sticking up in the air. Pillows formed a barrier on either side of his body so if she rolled she wouldn’t roll far. Not that Julia thought she was likely to move at all. One of his large hands was splayed over her back, holding her in place.
Julia see changes in her husband and puts these down to the effects of travelling with his friends. He has become more forceful, more determined and more attentive, all of which makes him more appealing and she finds herself falling more madly in love with him.
His touches came more frequently, his interest in her more intense. He seemed to care about every aspect of her. She thought she’d loved him as much as it was possible to love any man. Strange to realize that she loved him a little bit more each day.
Although she missed Albert, in his absence Julia has changed becoming more independent, more confident and making her own decisions. I love that she is not as prim and proper as she appears. She has always wanted to be sexually imaginative but feared her rather upright husband would be appalled.
I was just waiting for the moment that Julia discovers Edward’s deception and, when she does, I could feel all her pain and the subsequent scene in the mausoleum is so heart-breaking. At this point, it was impossible to imagine how their relationship could ever be salvaged but Ms Heath gradually brings them back together again. There is still one apparently insurmountable obstacle to overcome, but I found that Ms Heath’s note at the end of the book, in which she highlights her research into this particular aspect, not only provides some interesting historical background but also a believable path to Edward and Julia’s Happy Ever After.
I love the idea of Julia’s whimsical creatures and I also enjoyed seeing Ashe, Minerva and Locke. For those of you who love Epilogues, there is a lovely heart-warming one
MY VERDICT: Lorraine Heath weaves a complex, captivating and beautiful love story. Highly recommended!
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
The Hellions of Havisham series so far (click on the book covers for more details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
September 5, 2019
** Contains mature themes **
This is the second book in series entitled: 'A Hellions of Havisham' featuring Lord Edward Alcott and Lady Julia Kenney Alcott in another twist of fate based in the historical Regency era. This series contains such unique storylines that they cannot fail to impress unless of course the reader is entirely opposed to the sensual content.
One summer night, Edward Alcott gives in to temptation and kisses Lady Julia Kenney in a dark garden. However, the passion she stirs within him is best left in the shadows as she weds his twin, the Earl of Greyling. But when tragedy strikes, to honor the vow he makes to his dying brother, Edward must pretend to be Greyling until the countess delivers her babe.
Lorraine Heath is a very accomplish storyteller. The storyline in the first book of 'The Hellions of Havisham' became increasingly enticing poignant scenes that made it difficult to put it down. Inside this story you will find passion, deception, and acceptance in the cards life dealt these individuals. Each book in the series is a stand-alone and deliver unique and unexpected H.E.A.'s.
After her husband returns from a four-month sojourn, Julia finds him changed. Bolder, more daring, and more wicked—even if he does limit their encounters to kisses. With each passing day, she falls more deeply in love.
For Edward, the embers of desire sparked on that long-ago night are quickly rekindled. He yearns to be her husband in truth. But if she discovers his ruse, she will despise him—and English law prevents him from marrying his brother’s widow. Yet he must dare to risk everything and reveal his secrets if he is to truly take all.
This is NOT a clean series. Although not clean and wholesome, the sexual scenes are not as descriptive as some other books out there. Those who actually prefer steamy to clean and sweet might not view it as flawed. So if you like a sex-free book this is not it. If you enjoy their inclusion in your reads, jump into this book.
If you prefer clean and sweet reads, avoid this book. It is not fair to an author when readers provide bad reviews about steamy scenes if they know they are included in advance. I have been guilty of this offense myself. It takes a lot of time and effort for an author to research and write each book. And there are readers who prefer the material included in this one to a clean and wholesome read. However, I actually prefer the latter. However, due to this aspect, I recommend it with reservations.
..
November 12, 2021
3.75 stars
A solid journey through the rise and fall of an atypical romance, but I need more plot! Reading The Earl Takes All was a constructive experience in further defining my preference in reading historical romance—turned out when a novel focuses solely on the relationship between the hero and the heroine (as if they were living in a vacuum), I'll eventually get bored. And I definitely got bored with this at around the 80% mark, and just skimmed the end.
There's no denying Lorraine Heath could write relationship filled with meaningful minutiae (hero's deaf right ear, heroine's passion for illustration, hero's passion for storytelling, etc.), and there were countless tender moments (Switzerland!), but the novel also felt extremely repetitive and claustrophobic; beyond the rare appearances of the 3 other characters from the series, we didn't have any meaty subplots or memorable secondary characters to 'palette cleanse'. I would've love to see the fake identity trope further explored beyond just in the eyes of the wife.
I'm obviously in the minority on this, as the majority of romance readers love witnessing a burgeoning relationship filled with intense, microscopic details; but for me I also need to be immersed in the fictional world, which is often accomplished through a layered plot lines, a cast of memorable secondary characters, and not making eating strawberry tarts a highlight of the story.
Historical romances I did enjoy: Ravished by Amanda Quick, Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale, Honeytrap by Aster Glenn Gray, and Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy.
***Ravished by Romance Book Club | November 2021 Selection***
A solid journey through the rise and fall of an atypical romance, but I need more plot! Reading The Earl Takes All was a constructive experience in further defining my preference in reading historical romance—turned out when a novel focuses solely on the relationship between the hero and the heroine (as if they were living in a vacuum), I'll eventually get bored. And I definitely got bored with this at around the 80% mark, and just skimmed the end.
There's no denying Lorraine Heath could write relationship filled with meaningful minutiae (hero's deaf right ear, heroine's passion for illustration, hero's passion for storytelling, etc.), and there were countless tender moments (Switzerland!), but the novel also felt extremely repetitive and claustrophobic; beyond the rare appearances of the 3 other characters from the series, we didn't have any meaty subplots or memorable secondary characters to 'palette cleanse'. I would've love to see the fake identity trope further explored beyond just in the eyes of the wife.
I'm obviously in the minority on this, as the majority of romance readers love witnessing a burgeoning relationship filled with intense, microscopic details; but for me I also need to be immersed in the fictional world, which is often accomplished through a layered plot lines, a cast of memorable secondary characters, and not making eating strawberry tarts a highlight of the story.
Historical romances I did enjoy: Ravished by Amanda Quick, Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale, Honeytrap by Aster Glenn Gray, and Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy.
***Ravished by Romance Book Club | November 2021 Selection***
January 29, 2025
Such a remarkable novel! 👑🔥🙌
Reading this book was a complete delight! The premise is interesting, love me a good twin switch trope. The MMC is my favorite type of a romance hero, so misunderstood yet great!
The writing was easy to follow, but rich. Somewhere along the way, I realized this was my first book by this author, but definitely won't be my last👉👈
Reading this book was a complete delight! The premise is interesting, love me a good twin switch trope. The MMC is my favorite type of a romance hero, so misunderstood yet great!
The writing was easy to follow, but rich. Somewhere along the way, I realized this was my first book by this author, but definitely won't be my last👉👈
do-not-read
December 5, 2015So, the good, decent twin is killed off and the deflowering, manwhore twin gets to survive and have an HEA? No, thanks.
(And this is the brother who posed as his twin and kissed the h, Julia, without her consent when she was being courted by his twin. Ugh.)
(And this is the brother who posed as his twin and kissed the h, Julia, without her consent when she was being courted by his twin. Ugh.)
March 12, 2021
What a ride. How does Heath pull of these stories? Oh sure, go ahead and pretend to be your dead twin brother, his wife will never ever know. It is for their unborn baby! Well she did it and with aplomb. I live-tweeted this one with #bHeath21, so check that out for details!
September 23, 2016
Edward and his twin brother Albert Alcott, Earl of Greyling, are on an expedition in Africa when tragedy strikes. Albert is attacked by a gorilla and while he lies dying, he makes Edward promise to protect his wife Julia and their unborn child by assuming his identity. Julia has been through three miscarriages already, and there is the fear that any further grief may cause another miscarriage. Edward, grief stricken himself and full of guilt because he caused the gorilla to charge and kill Albert, accepts.
Julia and Edward have a difficult history. When she was engaged to his brother, Edward and Julia shared a passionate kiss at a ball, with Julia assuming it was her betrothed Albert. Right after the kiss, Edward lets her know that she kissed him and not Albert, which causes bad blood between these two. They don't bicker openly but it's generally known that there's no love lost between them; Albert certainly knows about the animosity between them but not the reason. Years pass, Albert dies, and Edward, now having assumed his brother's identity, returns with Albert's body.
Julia, seven months pregnant, is over the moon to see her 'husband' back sound and safe. Thankfully, the author decided for Julia and Albert to have a happy marriage, by the way. Over the course of time, she sees little changes here and there, finds his behaviour odd and becomes more and more insecure. Edward is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He's a total mess, really. He's had - repressed - feelings for Julia ever since the kiss and now has to make sure that nothing upsets Julia that may cause a miscarriage, and in order to do so he has to not only assume the role of the earl, but also resume - at least to a certain degree - his duties as a husband. At least until the baby is born. That's when he's going to tell Julia the truth about Albert.
Let the drama unfold. Obviously, these two have a strong attraction for each other; Edward constantly trying to do right by her and his brother; Julia finding the changes in 'Albert' appealing, etc. What happens when he tells Julia what really happened? How will he explain her all the lies he's told her? How will she take it? Are her feelings for Albert or for Edward? And then, of course, the fact that even if there's a slight chance that Julia might reciprocate Edward's feelings, once the truth is out, he can't marry his brother's widow under English law.
(Yay! I actually managed to write a plot summary for a change. More or less, anyway)
Caz said (she wrote a brilliant review. Go, read it!), in one of my status updates, that Lorraine Heath does a wonderful job in pulling off this premise and the resulting complications, and she's right. The author doesn't take short cuts or an easy way out. Not that I could see any possible short cuts in the first place with such a complex plot. The author gives her characters - or at least one of them - plenty of space to explore their feelings for each other and their situation. There's quite a bit of angst involved. Death, grief, guilt, the birth of a child, illness. She also creates a vivid picture of the time. There's no 21st century modernism in her story. And when I was finished with the book, I thought that the issues Edward and Julia faced, were satisfactorily resolved. (Just a tiny side note here: Ms Heath can write beautiful epilogues.)
And yet, I was in a bit of dilemma right from the first page: I don't like fake identity stories, which is why it took me so long to pick up this book. In my opinion, this particular trope always takes the balance between the main characters out of the equation, thus creating one weak - or weaker - character. And in this case, I found it completely unnecessary because the second set up of the book is brilliant already.
To give this story a broader scope: Henry VIII, in pursuit of an heir, broke with Rome and changed a whole country's religion based on one little passage in the Bible saying God would punish those who marry their sister/brother-in-law. That's the loophole he used to get his marriage of over 20 years to Katherine of Aragon who had been briefly married to his brother, declared null and void. Sorry for my extremely shortened version here.
It took almost another 400 years before Parliament lifted the ban on marriages between in-laws. This is the situation Edward and Julia find themselves in, once they acknowledge their feelings, and I loved how the author picked up an issue that I had not come across yet in a Historical Romance. Ms Heath explains in her Author's Note how it used to be before the law changed and how she tackled the problem. The implications are heavy. Not only do Edward and Julia have to deal with the issue of a dead brother/husband who was loved by them both and the overwhelming feeling of betrayal both carry. There's also the certain social fallout that a couple had to face under such circumstances.
Now, one would assume that this setup alone is enough to create a compelling story line. Not in this case, though.
Sadly, Ms Heath decided to throw the fake identity trope into the mix. In the first half, Julia thinks it's her husband Albert who's back from the expedition. Despite the slight changes she notices in his personality, she's completely unaware she's dealing with his brother. The whole focus in the first half of the book is on Edward impersonating Albert and the problems that come along with it; how he deals with his guilt and his love for Julia. Additionally, we see Edward's constant self-flagellation, not only because he lusts after his brother's widow, but also because of the dissolute life he used to live and what a sad impression he has left, as everybody assumes him to be dead. All this takes a huge chunk out of Julia's character development, though. Everything is about Edward and his strange behaviour. Julia was not really present to me in the first half. Yes, she was all understanding, nice, warm, welcoming. That still didn't mean I understood why Edward was in love with her in the first place. I simply couldn't see it. I understand instantaneous attraction, but falling in love believably is a process, in my opinion, that needs a solid character foundation which I couldn't see in Julia.
And there, I haven't even mentioned the usual problems I always have with Lorraine Heath's books:
*The constant comparison of the heroine to the women of the hero's past.
*The endless repetitions of creamy skins, slender necks, etc. but the almost non-existent mentioning of character traits that set the heroine apart.
*The sometimes sterile development of the romance between the main characters with almost cringe-worthy purple prose in some places. I'm talking some dialogues here that didn't feel natural at all.
But let's get back to the fake identity. What this trope did do is create drama once Julia accidentally learns the truth. Of course it is then heartbreaking when she finds out that the husband she so deeply loved has been dead for months. Of course it causes a huge conflict between her and Edward. Of course Edward was made to grovel for another third of the book. But it felt so forced, so unnecessary.
Why not take that initial kiss, kill off her husband and let their already existing attraction for each other develop without the pretence? Once Albert and Julia are married, any relationship between Edward and Julia is - supposedly - doomed anyway. The fact that under English law they couldn't get married would have caused enough heartbreak for a whole book. If Ms Heath wanted to write a more dramatic story, the drama was already there. Why make Edward pretend to be his dead brother and waste half of the book with him trying to conceal his deceit and come to terms with it, thus almost marginalising Julia?
Luckily, the story picks up after Julia finds out the truth. It's then that I saw Julia develop as a character. A strong woman with a backbone who takes her time to heal and reflect. It's then that both Edward and Julia look at what can or cannot be done. It's then that I actually started to believe in their romance. The last 20% were particularly well done and redeemed the story somewhat.
I will read the next instalment, purely because I still believe - despite my reservations - Lorraine Heath writes interesting stories. It didn't come as a surprise that, although I was struggling with the first half, I still felt compelled to continue reading. I wanted to know how Ms Heath would make this plot line, that I thoroughly dislike, work. Funny enough, before I started writing this review, I went through my review of the previous book of this series. And hello! I had completely forgotten that Falling Into Bed with a Duke had another take of the fake identity trope, just that in that case it was the heroine masking herself. And I didn't like it there either. Let's hope that the next one will not have it.
Julia and Edward have a difficult history. When she was engaged to his brother, Edward and Julia shared a passionate kiss at a ball, with Julia assuming it was her betrothed Albert. Right after the kiss, Edward lets her know that she kissed him and not Albert, which causes bad blood between these two. They don't bicker openly but it's generally known that there's no love lost between them; Albert certainly knows about the animosity between them but not the reason. Years pass, Albert dies, and Edward, now having assumed his brother's identity, returns with Albert's body.
Julia, seven months pregnant, is over the moon to see her 'husband' back sound and safe. Thankfully, the author decided for Julia and Albert to have a happy marriage, by the way. Over the course of time, she sees little changes here and there, finds his behaviour odd and becomes more and more insecure. Edward is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He's a total mess, really. He's had - repressed - feelings for Julia ever since the kiss and now has to make sure that nothing upsets Julia that may cause a miscarriage, and in order to do so he has to not only assume the role of the earl, but also resume - at least to a certain degree - his duties as a husband. At least until the baby is born. That's when he's going to tell Julia the truth about Albert.
Let the drama unfold. Obviously, these two have a strong attraction for each other; Edward constantly trying to do right by her and his brother; Julia finding the changes in 'Albert' appealing, etc. What happens when he tells Julia what really happened? How will he explain her all the lies he's told her? How will she take it? Are her feelings for Albert or for Edward? And then, of course, the fact that even if there's a slight chance that Julia might reciprocate Edward's feelings, once the truth is out, he can't marry his brother's widow under English law.
(Yay! I actually managed to write a plot summary for a change. More or less, anyway)
Caz said (she wrote a brilliant review. Go, read it!), in one of my status updates, that Lorraine Heath does a wonderful job in pulling off this premise and the resulting complications, and she's right. The author doesn't take short cuts or an easy way out. Not that I could see any possible short cuts in the first place with such a complex plot. The author gives her characters - or at least one of them - plenty of space to explore their feelings for each other and their situation. There's quite a bit of angst involved. Death, grief, guilt, the birth of a child, illness. She also creates a vivid picture of the time. There's no 21st century modernism in her story. And when I was finished with the book, I thought that the issues Edward and Julia faced, were satisfactorily resolved. (Just a tiny side note here: Ms Heath can write beautiful epilogues.)
And yet, I was in a bit of dilemma right from the first page: I don't like fake identity stories, which is why it took me so long to pick up this book. In my opinion, this particular trope always takes the balance between the main characters out of the equation, thus creating one weak - or weaker - character. And in this case, I found it completely unnecessary because the second set up of the book is brilliant already.
To give this story a broader scope: Henry VIII, in pursuit of an heir, broke with Rome and changed a whole country's religion based on one little passage in the Bible saying God would punish those who marry their sister/brother-in-law. That's the loophole he used to get his marriage of over 20 years to Katherine of Aragon who had been briefly married to his brother, declared null and void. Sorry for my extremely shortened version here.
It took almost another 400 years before Parliament lifted the ban on marriages between in-laws. This is the situation Edward and Julia find themselves in, once they acknowledge their feelings, and I loved how the author picked up an issue that I had not come across yet in a Historical Romance. Ms Heath explains in her Author's Note how it used to be before the law changed and how she tackled the problem. The implications are heavy. Not only do Edward and Julia have to deal with the issue of a dead brother/husband who was loved by them both and the overwhelming feeling of betrayal both carry. There's also the certain social fallout that a couple had to face under such circumstances.
Now, one would assume that this setup alone is enough to create a compelling story line. Not in this case, though.
Sadly, Ms Heath decided to throw the fake identity trope into the mix. In the first half, Julia thinks it's her husband Albert who's back from the expedition. Despite the slight changes she notices in his personality, she's completely unaware she's dealing with his brother. The whole focus in the first half of the book is on Edward impersonating Albert and the problems that come along with it; how he deals with his guilt and his love for Julia. Additionally, we see Edward's constant self-flagellation, not only because he lusts after his brother's widow, but also because of the dissolute life he used to live and what a sad impression he has left, as everybody assumes him to be dead. All this takes a huge chunk out of Julia's character development, though. Everything is about Edward and his strange behaviour. Julia was not really present to me in the first half. Yes, she was all understanding, nice, warm, welcoming. That still didn't mean I understood why Edward was in love with her in the first place. I simply couldn't see it. I understand instantaneous attraction, but falling in love believably is a process, in my opinion, that needs a solid character foundation which I couldn't see in Julia.
And there, I haven't even mentioned the usual problems I always have with Lorraine Heath's books:
*The constant comparison of the heroine to the women of the hero's past.
*The endless repetitions of creamy skins, slender necks, etc. but the almost non-existent mentioning of character traits that set the heroine apart.
*The sometimes sterile development of the romance between the main characters with almost cringe-worthy purple prose in some places. I'm talking some dialogues here that didn't feel natural at all.
But let's get back to the fake identity. What this trope did do is create drama once Julia accidentally learns the truth. Of course it is then heartbreaking when she finds out that the husband she so deeply loved has been dead for months. Of course it causes a huge conflict between her and Edward. Of course Edward was made to grovel for another third of the book. But it felt so forced, so unnecessary.
Why not take that initial kiss, kill off her husband and let their already existing attraction for each other develop without the pretence? Once Albert and Julia are married, any relationship between Edward and Julia is - supposedly - doomed anyway. The fact that under English law they couldn't get married would have caused enough heartbreak for a whole book. If Ms Heath wanted to write a more dramatic story, the drama was already there. Why make Edward pretend to be his dead brother and waste half of the book with him trying to conceal his deceit and come to terms with it, thus almost marginalising Julia?
Luckily, the story picks up after Julia finds out the truth. It's then that I saw Julia develop as a character. A strong woman with a backbone who takes her time to heal and reflect. It's then that both Edward and Julia look at what can or cannot be done. It's then that I actually started to believe in their romance. The last 20% were particularly well done and redeemed the story somewhat.
I will read the next instalment, purely because I still believe - despite my reservations - Lorraine Heath writes interesting stories. It didn't come as a surprise that, although I was struggling with the first half, I still felt compelled to continue reading. I wanted to know how Ms Heath would make this plot line, that I thoroughly dislike, work. Funny enough, before I started writing this review, I went through my review of the previous book of this series. And hello! I had completely forgotten that Falling Into Bed with a Duke had another take of the fake identity trope, just that in that case it was the heroine masking herself. And I didn't like it there either. Let's hope that the next one will not have it.
August 12, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Many years ago, Edward and Julia shared a passionate kiss in a garden once upon a time, but despite the passion they felt...it went no where
when Julia married his brother and twin, the Earl of Greyling. For years, both Edward and Julia have been avoiding the truth and acting like they hate each other when in reality that is far from the truth. But when Edward and his brother go on a trip, his brother dies trying to save his life and asks one final request: Be the Earl of Greyling, until Julia gives birth. At first, Edward is resistant to the idea of keeping such a secret from Julia, but he won't risk her losing her child. But as Edward tries to act the part of a loving and dutiful husband, he can't deny what changes between them. But will Julia despise Edward when the truth is revealed?
The Hero
Edward, has always had to act the wild and crazy of the brothers to hide his true feelings from Julia. He would never betray his brother by attempting anything, and even though Edward hid it well over the years, his brother saw right through him and always attempted to make him feel welcome no matter the circumstance. Edward is the type of person that does what it takes and is willing to suffer the consequences. He is loyal, strong and committed. It was quite interesting to see such a "bad boy" type end up being so honorable in the end. It definitely wasn't an aspect I was expecting but thoroughly enjoyed.
The Heroine
Julia is a character that I truly enjoyed seeing through the story. I did admire so many things about her. She is kind and gracious and affectionate. I love how true she was to herself and her commitments in life. She hasn't had a easy time of it, but she is quite loyal to her husband. And yeah when the truth is revealed, we see a different side to Julia. Fiery and passionate and very angry. Which is quite understandable, but we see how she handles grief, and wow I felt like I could relate with her on many levels. Because she isn't miss perfect, as she appears to be in the beginning of the story. We see her vulnerabilities and her strengths. The author really balanced that out.
Plot and Story Line
I have no idea why it took me so long to read this, mostly due to the set up of the story with our hero posing as our heroines dead husband. It really threw me off from picking it up even though Heath is one of my favorites, I honestly didn't know what to expect from this. So thank goodness for library books---hooyah. I had a blast of a time with this book and was so different from anything else I have read from this author. Not exactly in a positive or negative way--just very different. I definitely had to keep an open mind while reading this book. We see the way these two handle the situation they find themselves in. I honestly don't blame the hero in the beginning...at all. Because we see how tormented he is by agreeing with his brothers dying wish. I can understand the reasons behind it. What I didn't agree with, was seeing how he kept lying to her...long after she has her baby. It was quite interesting to see the way that these two handled their differences and even though for a little while...its pretty tense while they work through their issues but once they resolve it---their relationship just grows in such a beautiful way and I was cheering for both of them. It was heartbreaking at times, lighthearted and freeing in others and simply a well balanced romance that has me eager for more.
The Cover
What a beautiful cover...I just ADORE her dress. You rarely see black in romance covers, and it fits the theme of the story so well. And FYI I just had to share the stepback. So gorgeous and what a tender sexy pose. It has such a solemn but vibrant feel to it.
Overall View
The Earl Takes All is a creative romance that will take you down a different route...a tale of sacrifice, devotion and love.
Click On Image For Buy Link
[foogallery id="23147"]
Summary
Many years ago, Edward and Julia shared a passionate kiss in a garden once upon a time, but despite the passion they felt...it went no where
when Julia married his brother and twin, the Earl of Greyling. For years, both Edward and Julia have been avoiding the truth and acting like they hate each other when in reality that is far from the truth. But when Edward and his brother go on a trip, his brother dies trying to save his life and asks one final request: Be the Earl of Greyling, until Julia gives birth. At first, Edward is resistant to the idea of keeping such a secret from Julia, but he won't risk her losing her child. But as Edward tries to act the part of a loving and dutiful husband, he can't deny what changes between them. But will Julia despise Edward when the truth is revealed?The Hero
Edward, has always had to act the wild and crazy of the brothers to hide his true feelings from Julia. He would never betray his brother by attempting anything, and even though Edward hid it well over the years, his brother saw right through him and always attempted to make him feel welcome no matter the circumstance. Edward is the type of person that does what it takes and is willing to suffer the consequences. He is loyal, strong and committed. It was quite interesting to see such a "bad boy" type end up being so honorable in the end. It definitely wasn't an aspect I was expecting but thoroughly enjoyed.
The Heroine
Julia is a character that I truly enjoyed seeing through the story. I did admire so many things about her. She is kind and gracious and affectionate. I love how true she was to herself and her commitments in life. She hasn't had a easy time of it, but she is quite loyal to her husband. And yeah when the truth is revealed, we see a different side to Julia. Fiery and passionate and very angry. Which is quite understandable, but we see how she handles grief, and wow I felt like I could relate with her on many levels. Because she isn't miss perfect, as she appears to be in the beginning of the story. We see her vulnerabilities and her strengths. The author really balanced that out.
Plot and Story Line
I have no idea why it took me so long to read this, mostly due to the set up of the story with our hero posing as our heroines dead husband. It really threw me off from picking it up even though Heath is one of my favorites, I honestly didn't know what to expect from this. So thank goodness for library books---hooyah. I had a blast of a time with this book and was so different from anything else I have read from this author. Not exactly in a positive or negative way--just very different. I definitely had to keep an open mind while reading this book. We see the way these two handle the situation they find themselves in. I honestly don't blame the hero in the beginning...at all. Because we see how tormented he is by agreeing with his brothers dying wish. I can understand the reasons behind it. What I didn't agree with, was seeing how he kept lying to her...long after she has her baby. It was quite interesting to see the way that these two handled their differences and even though for a little while...its pretty tense while they work through their issues but once they resolve it---their relationship just grows in such a beautiful way and I was cheering for both of them. It was heartbreaking at times, lighthearted and freeing in others and simply a well balanced romance that has me eager for more.
The Cover
What a beautiful cover...I just ADORE her dress. You rarely see black in romance covers, and it fits the theme of the story so well. And FYI I just had to share the stepback. So gorgeous and what a tender sexy pose. It has such a solemn but vibrant feel to it.
Overall View
The Earl Takes All is a creative romance that will take you down a different route...a tale of sacrifice, devotion and love.
Click On Image For Buy Link
[foogallery id="23147"]
March 24, 2018
Edward Alcott besó a Julia Kenney, la prometida de su hermano Albert hace años y quedó enamorado de ella, tuvo que esconder sus sentimientos para no dañar a su hermano.
Ahora su hermano ha muerto y él debe cumplir su juramento, esconder su identidad y fingir ser el conde de Greyling hasta que Julia tenga a su bebé. Todo será más difícil cuando despierte ese amor de nuevo, Edward sabe que las leyes impiden que se case con su cuñada y además Julia lo odiará cuando descubra el secreto.
No había leído nada de esta autora, “Deseos ocultos del conde” ha sido la primera novela de esta autora que he devorado, me ha encantado tanto la forma de narrar y describir y la historia que seguro repetiré con alguna otra novela.
Ya desde un primer momento me gustó Edward a pesar de que lo tachen de sinvergüenza, Julia al principio no tanto, ni siquiera Albert. La trama es adictiva, nos metemos en el papel de Edward como Albert y vivimos con él el engaño y también nos vamos enamorando de su complicado personaje y también un poco de Julia (aunque al principio no me hiciera mucha gracia). La historia tiene su cosilla, nos tendrá en un sinvivir constante, deseando que haya una solución posible para esta pareja que poco a poco nos va robando el corazón. Porque en esta novela tendremos momentos dulces, intensos pero otros también emotivos. La narración nos va llevando a distintos momentos y situaciones, pasando por todos los estados de ánimo y con un final para el infarto. Por cierto me gustó ese epílogo que no puede ser mejor, ahí se desbordaron mis lágrimas contenidas.
En definitiva, la historia está muy bien planteada, el tema de las leyes sobre los matrimonios y la consanguinidad no sueles verlo en muchas de estas novelas y a mí por solo eso ya me atrapó en la sinopsis y porque Edward no fuera el primer candidato, por todo esto y más ya caí como una mosca a la miel y ha sido un acierto, me ha gustado muchísimo esta historia. Repetiré con Lorraine, jeje.
Ahora su hermano ha muerto y él debe cumplir su juramento, esconder su identidad y fingir ser el conde de Greyling hasta que Julia tenga a su bebé. Todo será más difícil cuando despierte ese amor de nuevo, Edward sabe que las leyes impiden que se case con su cuñada y además Julia lo odiará cuando descubra el secreto.
No había leído nada de esta autora, “Deseos ocultos del conde” ha sido la primera novela de esta autora que he devorado, me ha encantado tanto la forma de narrar y describir y la historia que seguro repetiré con alguna otra novela.
Ya desde un primer momento me gustó Edward a pesar de que lo tachen de sinvergüenza, Julia al principio no tanto, ni siquiera Albert. La trama es adictiva, nos metemos en el papel de Edward como Albert y vivimos con él el engaño y también nos vamos enamorando de su complicado personaje y también un poco de Julia (aunque al principio no me hiciera mucha gracia). La historia tiene su cosilla, nos tendrá en un sinvivir constante, deseando que haya una solución posible para esta pareja que poco a poco nos va robando el corazón. Porque en esta novela tendremos momentos dulces, intensos pero otros también emotivos. La narración nos va llevando a distintos momentos y situaciones, pasando por todos los estados de ánimo y con un final para el infarto. Por cierto me gustó ese epílogo que no puede ser mejor, ahí se desbordaron mis lágrimas contenidas.
En definitiva, la historia está muy bien planteada, el tema de las leyes sobre los matrimonios y la consanguinidad no sueles verlo en muchas de estas novelas y a mí por solo eso ya me atrapó en la sinopsis y porque Edward no fuera el primer candidato, por todo esto y más ya caí como una mosca a la miel y ha sido un acierto, me ha gustado muchísimo esta historia. Repetiré con Lorraine, jeje.
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