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Merry Widows #1
In the Thrill of the Night
Meet the Merry Widows, a secret society of respectable ladies...with some scandalous ideas...
Assured of both money and position, none of the give friends who form the Merry Widows need ever marry again. But they have no intention of forsaking physical passion for the rest of their lives. So they make a daring pact- each will consider taking a lover for the pure pleasure of it.
Marianne Nesbitt adored her late husband, David, but the racy reminiscences of the Merry Widows make her wonder if she missed something special. Might she find it now through a love affair? Uncertain how to go about it, she asks Adam Cazenove, an old friend and notorious rake, to tutor her in the arts of seduction.
The brazen request turns Adam's world upside down. He never imagined his best friend's very proper and exceedingly attractive widow would seek out a lover. If not for his recent betrothal, he would jump at the chance to warm her bed. Since he cannot bear the thought of another man doing so, he foils her every attempt at seduction. Until one night of unintended passion changes everything,
Assured of both money and position, none of the give friends who form the Merry Widows need ever marry again. But they have no intention of forsaking physical passion for the rest of their lives. So they make a daring pact- each will consider taking a lover for the pure pleasure of it.
Marianne Nesbitt adored her late husband, David, but the racy reminiscences of the Merry Widows make her wonder if she missed something special. Might she find it now through a love affair? Uncertain how to go about it, she asks Adam Cazenove, an old friend and notorious rake, to tutor her in the arts of seduction.
The brazen request turns Adam's world upside down. He never imagined his best friend's very proper and exceedingly attractive widow would seek out a lover. If not for his recent betrothal, he would jump at the chance to warm her bed. Since he cannot bear the thought of another man doing so, he foils her every attempt at seduction. Until one night of unintended passion changes everything,
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
95 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Candice Hern
32 books248 followersCandice Hern is the award-winning, bestselling author of historical romance novels set during the English Regency period. Her books have won praise for the "intelligence and elegant romantic sensibility" (Romantic Times) as well as "delicious wit and luscious sensuality (Booklist). Candice's award-winning website (www.candicehern.com) is often cited for its Regency World pages, where readers interested in the era will find an illustrated glossary, a detailed timeline, illustrated digests of Regency people and places, articles on Regency fashion, research links, and much more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 12, 2013
What. The. Fuck. What the fuck.
This book is called In the Thrill of the Night.
but a more accurate title would be: Regency Date Rape. Or maybe: Lord Rapist. (actually I don't even think he's a lord)
So the story is:
Marianne Nesbitt is a widow to David Nesbitt, who was best friends with Adam Casenove. The three were very close for years until David's death. Adam and Marianne have remained best friends. Adam, a consumate rake, has finally decided to settle down and gets betrothed to Clarissa, a giggly young beauty who is all wrong for him. Meanwhile, Marianne and a group of her friends, all widows, have made a pact to each take a lover. Marianne has never been with anyone but David, because they were betrothed since childhood. She has been mourning David for 2 years. She tells Adam about her plan to take a lover and enlists his help. Adam, who is in denial about his feelings for her, pretends to help but then ruins each potential hook-up. So... All good up until this point. The things that Adam does to put off each potential lover are truly hilarious.
It's really a shame about this book, because up until I was actually enjoying the book. It was funny and sweet. The overall message of the book is actually great: you should let go of the past and not wrap it around yourself like a cocoon. Don't let it define your life and prevent you from living.
That being said, I just can't get over the
This book is called In the Thrill of the Night.
but a more accurate title would be: Regency Date Rape. Or maybe: Lord Rapist. (actually I don't even think he's a lord)
So the story is:
Marianne Nesbitt is a widow to David Nesbitt, who was best friends with Adam Casenove. The three were very close for years until David's death. Adam and Marianne have remained best friends. Adam, a consumate rake, has finally decided to settle down and gets betrothed to Clarissa, a giggly young beauty who is all wrong for him. Meanwhile, Marianne and a group of her friends, all widows, have made a pact to each take a lover. Marianne has never been with anyone but David, because they were betrothed since childhood. She has been mourning David for 2 years. She tells Adam about her plan to take a lover and enlists his help. Adam, who is in denial about his feelings for her, pretends to help but then ruins each potential hook-up. So... All good up until this point. The things that Adam does to put off each potential lover are truly hilarious.
It's really a shame about this book, because up until I was actually enjoying the book. It was funny and sweet. The overall message of the book is actually great: you should let go of the past and not wrap it around yourself like a cocoon. Don't let it define your life and prevent you from living.
That being said, I just can't get over the
July 31, 2017
Una buena idea pero no bien explotada.
La química entre los protagonistas me pareció que apareció demasiado tarde. Y cosas poco creíbles.
La química entre los protagonistas me pareció que apareció demasiado tarde. Y cosas poco creíbles.
May 11, 2018
I am re-reading all my 5 star rated romance novels. There are 60 on my shelf. This is book 12.
(Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Widow, Mistaken Identity, Unrequited Love)
This is how my 12th re-read held up.
It’s solid. It lacks a bit of banter and some sass. I’m a huge fan of sass.
**********
- "What a pity you waited until I had betrothed myself to another woman. Otherwise, I would have been happy to provide you with all the pleasure you could possibly imagine."
**********
On Goodreads this book has no description so that’s the only reason why I am including it here:
(Meet the Merry Widows – a group of respectable ladies with a secret pact that is anything but respectable! The five friends who act as patronesses of charity balls are assured of money and position. None are interested in marrying again. But they have no intention of forsaking physical passion for the rest of their lives. Instead, they make a daring pact to seek out lovers for the pure pleasure of it.
Marianne Nesbitt adored her late husband, David, but the racy reminiscences of the Merry Widows make her wonder if she missed something special. Might she find it now through a love affair? Uncertain how to go about it, she asks Adam Cazenove, an old friend and notorious rake, to help find a suitable man for her.
The brazen request turns Adam's world upside down. He never imagined his best friend's very proper and exceedingly attractive widow would seek out a lover. If not for his recent betrothal to a young beauty, he would jump at the chance to warm Marianne's bed. Since he cannot bear the thought of another man doing so, he foils her every attempt at seduction.
Until one night of unintended passion changes everything.)
- “We pledged ourselves to find lovers, you know. Not husbands."
- "Your idiotic objections have become quite tiresome. I am keeping Lord Aldershot on the list despite his big feet."
He groaned. "If you must.”
- "What topics of conversation are sure to please her?
“Well," Adam said, "I can tell you that she has always been intrigued by manly pursuits. I never knew a woman who so enjoyed hearing all the details of a mill, or a cockfight."
"You're joking," Denney said as he removed his coat in preparation for his own sparring match.
"I cannot believe we are speaking of the same woman."
- "You have always been a part of my life, and I will miss you when you are married."
"My dear Marianne." Without thought or premeditation, he bent down and kissed her.
The instant their lips touched, a fireball of heat scorched his lungs.
She felt it, too, for she uttered a soft moan and kissed him back.
**********
The re-read gets a 3.75-4.
(Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Widow, Mistaken Identity, Unrequited Love)
This is how my 12th re-read held up.
It’s solid. It lacks a bit of banter and some sass. I’m a huge fan of sass.
**********
- "What a pity you waited until I had betrothed myself to another woman. Otherwise, I would have been happy to provide you with all the pleasure you could possibly imagine."
**********
On Goodreads this book has no description so that’s the only reason why I am including it here:
(Meet the Merry Widows – a group of respectable ladies with a secret pact that is anything but respectable! The five friends who act as patronesses of charity balls are assured of money and position. None are interested in marrying again. But they have no intention of forsaking physical passion for the rest of their lives. Instead, they make a daring pact to seek out lovers for the pure pleasure of it.
Marianne Nesbitt adored her late husband, David, but the racy reminiscences of the Merry Widows make her wonder if she missed something special. Might she find it now through a love affair? Uncertain how to go about it, she asks Adam Cazenove, an old friend and notorious rake, to help find a suitable man for her.
The brazen request turns Adam's world upside down. He never imagined his best friend's very proper and exceedingly attractive widow would seek out a lover. If not for his recent betrothal to a young beauty, he would jump at the chance to warm Marianne's bed. Since he cannot bear the thought of another man doing so, he foils her every attempt at seduction.
Until one night of unintended passion changes everything.)
- “We pledged ourselves to find lovers, you know. Not husbands."
- "Your idiotic objections have become quite tiresome. I am keeping Lord Aldershot on the list despite his big feet."
He groaned. "If you must.”
- "What topics of conversation are sure to please her?
“Well," Adam said, "I can tell you that she has always been intrigued by manly pursuits. I never knew a woman who so enjoyed hearing all the details of a mill, or a cockfight."
"You're joking," Denney said as he removed his coat in preparation for his own sparring match.
"I cannot believe we are speaking of the same woman."
- "You have always been a part of my life, and I will miss you when you are married."
"My dear Marianne." Without thought or premeditation, he bent down and kissed her.
The instant their lips touched, a fireball of heat scorched his lungs.
She felt it, too, for she uttered a soft moan and kissed him back.
**********
The re-read gets a 3.75-4.
May 19, 2010
What a fun, entertaining, and wonderful friends-turned-lovers story this is! I read this book in one sitting and was entertained the entire time. I spent most of the time with a silly grin on my face as I watched Marianne and Adam try to be interested in other people while it was obvious that they only had eyes for each other.
The beginning of the book and the ending are the greatest...the middle lags just a bit as you the reader are patiently waiting for these two to "get it" and finally admit their feelings for one another.
I'm a big sucker for best friends who become lovers. I guess it's what I hope for all romances...that there would be depth of feeling...not just passion. This book had this element..and more. I would also recommend When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn, but this one ranked right up there. Merry Widows...Bring It On!
The beginning of the book and the ending are the greatest...the middle lags just a bit as you the reader are patiently waiting for these two to "get it" and finally admit their feelings for one another.
I'm a big sucker for best friends who become lovers. I guess it's what I hope for all romances...that there would be depth of feeling...not just passion. This book had this element..and more. I would also recommend When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn, but this one ranked right up there. Merry Widows...Bring It On!
March 19, 2017
Best friends to lovers story which I normally enjoy, but unfinishable following their inevitable first sexual encounter. Best friends for years yet she can't recognise him as the as the same man who whispered sweet words of passions while holding her in his embrace. The morning after, she laid languidly in bed enjoying the lingering scent of her lover, again not connecting him with her friend whom she'd see in close proximity on a frequent basis. In addition, she is rather condescending to the young lady he had chosen for his wife, and our so called hero, dishonoured himself, his fiancé and the heroine by humping the latter in the darkness, while committed to someone else. Not to mention he divulges her secrets to his male best friend without a moment's hesitation.
November 14, 2011
“In the Thrill of the Night” by Candice Hern. (Sigent Eclipse, $6.99, 304 pages)
As the trustees of the Benevolent Widows Fund, Mrs. Marianne Nesbitt and her fellows have sworn to never allow family or society to pressure them to marry again. Marianne will remain a respectable widow, in control of her own finances and life, thank you very much. Her late husband was the love of her life, and she can’t imagine another in his place. She certainly can’t imagine another man in her bed.
That’s all well and fine until Lady Gosforth announces that she has taken a lover. What’s more, she believes the other trustees should consider doing the same. It has proved most exhilarating. As women in control of their destinies, why should they not allow themselves the comforts of a man’s body?
Marianne is shocked, but intrigued. The conversation of the other trustees leads her to believe that her ideal marriage may have been somewhat lackluster in the bedroom. Thus she compiles a list of possible candidates for a lover, and takes it to her best friend, the not-so-subtly named Adam Cazenove, for a vetting.
Adam was Marianne’s husband’s best friend, and he included Marianne in his affections upon her marriage. He made a death-bed promise to look after her, and he has. When confronted with her plan, he’s shocked. Angry even. It just isn’t right. Of course, neither is it fair that she deny herself sexual pleasure for the rest of her life, but still.
One after another, Adam dismisses the names on Marianne’s list. This one has a mistress and five children. That one treats his horses badly. Eventually, there are only three possibles left. Failing to think of anything bad enough about them, he resorts to giving the gentlemen advice designed to put Marianne off post haste. Drat it all, if he hadn’t just gotten himself engaged, he’d do the honors himself.
Marianne soon finds herself wishing he would anyway. Ah, well. Timing and all.
“In the Thrill of the Night” involves a high-spirited Wodehousian house party, and a glimpse into the rarified regency society world through the lens of Marianne and Adam’s atypical friendship. Hern brings uncommon warmth to her exploration of Marianne’s resistance to sacrificing the rest of her life to her husband’s memory. It takes considerable courage for her to embrace her new path, and Hern doesn’t stint on showing that.
An accomplished writer with a sharp eye for character, Hern also possesses a great sense of fun that leaves a smile after the book is finished. All in all, “In the Thrill of the Night” is delightful.
As the trustees of the Benevolent Widows Fund, Mrs. Marianne Nesbitt and her fellows have sworn to never allow family or society to pressure them to marry again. Marianne will remain a respectable widow, in control of her own finances and life, thank you very much. Her late husband was the love of her life, and she can’t imagine another in his place. She certainly can’t imagine another man in her bed.
That’s all well and fine until Lady Gosforth announces that she has taken a lover. What’s more, she believes the other trustees should consider doing the same. It has proved most exhilarating. As women in control of their destinies, why should they not allow themselves the comforts of a man’s body?
Marianne is shocked, but intrigued. The conversation of the other trustees leads her to believe that her ideal marriage may have been somewhat lackluster in the bedroom. Thus she compiles a list of possible candidates for a lover, and takes it to her best friend, the not-so-subtly named Adam Cazenove, for a vetting.
Adam was Marianne’s husband’s best friend, and he included Marianne in his affections upon her marriage. He made a death-bed promise to look after her, and he has. When confronted with her plan, he’s shocked. Angry even. It just isn’t right. Of course, neither is it fair that she deny herself sexual pleasure for the rest of her life, but still.
One after another, Adam dismisses the names on Marianne’s list. This one has a mistress and five children. That one treats his horses badly. Eventually, there are only three possibles left. Failing to think of anything bad enough about them, he resorts to giving the gentlemen advice designed to put Marianne off post haste. Drat it all, if he hadn’t just gotten himself engaged, he’d do the honors himself.
Marianne soon finds herself wishing he would anyway. Ah, well. Timing and all.
“In the Thrill of the Night” involves a high-spirited Wodehousian house party, and a glimpse into the rarified regency society world through the lens of Marianne and Adam’s atypical friendship. Hern brings uncommon warmth to her exploration of Marianne’s resistance to sacrificing the rest of her life to her husband’s memory. It takes considerable courage for her to embrace her new path, and Hern doesn’t stint on showing that.
An accomplished writer with a sharp eye for character, Hern also possesses a great sense of fun that leaves a smile after the book is finished. All in all, “In the Thrill of the Night” is delightful.
December 16, 2020
This was a very well researched historical romance. There was a lot of period detail woven into the plot and the descriptions which was nice and a lovely departure from the usual historical romances I've been reading lately.
I've never read this author before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but my overall impression was positive. On the one hand a lot of it was refreshing - no alpha-hole hero, no stupid heroine, genuine consequences to actions (not just convenient set-ups for shagging sessions), real emotions, closely followed relationship development, authentic language etc.
BUT, there was no plot. I know, these sort of books never really do have a plot and it's not the plot that we read these books for anyway. Still, I found that in this particular book, this was a little bit of a problem:
It was all a veneer to a good story, that could have been developed, gone deeper and been, therefore, much more satisfying. I liked the heroine ok, but I was just given a hint of her real character. I would have liked for her to have other problems and conflicts to content with, not just the memory of her husband and her feelings for his best friend. I liked the hero quite well, too, though again, all they ever did was think and act around this one issue. The side-characters were a bit more useful than sequel-bait side characters usually are, but again, they could have done and said more, if more was happening. In other words, my frustration with this book stemmed from my conviction that the author seemed capable of more, but didn't deliver. Her knowledge of the period and her handling of the emotions of the characters all could have used more things happening and conflict and actual drama. As a result of this lack, there were moments were she overnarrated, and the dialogue went down to the level of ping-ponging: "how are you?" "I'm well and you?" "I'm good too, what a lovely dress" etc. all stemming from the main issue which is that nothing was happening. Light-hearted banter does not seem to be this author's forte, but when things went really dramatic the dialogue and the emotions felt so much more real than the entire book. It was, however, only a brief moment, and I could have used a proper plot, build-up and then dramatic climax to the story.
I've never read this author before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but my overall impression was positive. On the one hand a lot of it was refreshing - no alpha-hole hero, no stupid heroine, genuine consequences to actions (not just convenient set-ups for shagging sessions), real emotions, closely followed relationship development, authentic language etc.
BUT, there was no plot. I know, these sort of books never really do have a plot and it's not the plot that we read these books for anyway. Still, I found that in this particular book, this was a little bit of a problem:
It was all a veneer to a good story, that could have been developed, gone deeper and been, therefore, much more satisfying. I liked the heroine ok, but I was just given a hint of her real character. I would have liked for her to have other problems and conflicts to content with, not just the memory of her husband and her feelings for his best friend. I liked the hero quite well, too, though again, all they ever did was think and act around this one issue. The side-characters were a bit more useful than sequel-bait side characters usually are, but again, they could have done and said more, if more was happening. In other words, my frustration with this book stemmed from my conviction that the author seemed capable of more, but didn't deliver. Her knowledge of the period and her handling of the emotions of the characters all could have used more things happening and conflict and actual drama. As a result of this lack, there were moments were she overnarrated, and the dialogue went down to the level of ping-ponging: "how are you?" "I'm well and you?" "I'm good too, what a lovely dress" etc. all stemming from the main issue which is that nothing was happening. Light-hearted banter does not seem to be this author's forte, but when things went really dramatic the dialogue and the emotions felt so much more real than the entire book. It was, however, only a brief moment, and I could have used a proper plot, build-up and then dramatic climax to the story.
December 4, 2025
The book is more about the heroine looking for a lover, than actually doing it with one so it doesn't fulfill the promise of the series. Worse, this guy is in my list of "Top 10 Worst Heroes." He made bad decisions after bad decisions, and just when you thought he wouldn't sink lower, he does. It was maddening!
First, he gets engaged with a young girl he doesn't know, just around the time when his really good friend (who he's unknowingly had feelings for) is leaving her mourning. This is a sophisticated man, interested in art and city living and never even thinks of checking his prospective fiancee has similar interests (spoiler alert: she doesn't.) At the same time, his friend (the heroine), decides to take a lover. He bemoans the timing - to her face! - as in "I'd love to do you but alas, now I'm engaged" and proceeds to sabotage every man who's into her, until he does something despicable, which he continues to compound with even more stupid behavior. Of course, a deux ex machina came out of nowhere to save him from his stupidity because he was hell-bent on sacrificing himself on a marriage that was doomed to disaster. And then when it seems that all obstacles are out of his way, he demands marriage from a woman who has repeatedly said she doesn't want to marry again!!!
Don't get me wrong, I think this is a worthy conflict but I seldom seen it done well because the heroine gives in very quickly. I really wish authors stopped doing this shit - if a woman says she doesn't want to marry again, I want him to actually work for it and convince her he's worth being her husband!!
Totally not recommended.
July 12, 2021
Volví a releer este libro ahora que lo encontré en físico y creo que tendría que haberme quedado con el recuerdo 💔 💔 💔
do-not-read
October 11, 2017Decided not to read as the hero sexually assaults the heroine in an awful rendition of a bed trick. Described in this review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 31, 2021
4.5
Maravillosa documentación, narración ligera y llena de tensión sexual. Sin embargo, hubo un par de cosas que me hubiera gustado que se desarrollaran de otra forma. Buenos personajes mucha química. Seguiré con la serie sin duda alguna.
Maravillosa documentación, narración ligera y llena de tensión sexual. Sin embargo, hubo un par de cosas que me hubiera gustado que se desarrollaran de otra forma. Buenos personajes mucha química. Seguiré con la serie sin duda alguna.
June 15, 2025
Found this mistakenly filed in the Science Fiction section of our big free library; must have been the title that confused people, but the thrill of the night isn't something spooky, it's a raunchy tale of a group of nineteenth century upper class widows who decide it's a good idea to find a lover. It was a bit too steamy for me -- definitely n0t your Jane Austen -- but the intrigue was amusing. It will be refiled under romance with a borrower's beware bookmark!
January 30, 2008
I was really curious about this story. It's been a while since I read a Candice Hern book, can't remember when was the last one, but a story with widows as main characters is a bit uncommon. As the widows seem ready to engage in amorous activities only make's it more interesting.
Marianne Nesbitt adored her late husband David, but the racy reminiscences of the Merry Widows make her wonder if she missed something special. Might she find it now through a love affair? Uncertain how to go about it, she asks Adam Cazenove, an old friend and notorious rake, to tutor her in the arts of seduction.
The brazen request turns Adam’s world upside down. He never imagined his best friend’s very proper and exceedingly attractive widow would seek out a lover. If not for his recent betrothal, he would jump at the chance to warm her bed. Since he cannot bear the thought of another man doing so, he foils her every attempt at seduction. Until one night of unintended passion changes everything ...
Unfortunately in the end I don't think it worked all that well, to me this seemed the perfect plot for a commedy of manners instead Hern gives us misunderstandings, one after another, between two old friends who've been forever in love with each other but are just now finding that out when he announces his engagement to another woman and she her decision to take a lover and found out what she has been missing.
I decided to take this as a comedy just the same because the lengths to which Adam goes to scare away Marianne's potencial lovers is funny and sometimes bordering on the absurd. The "event" that Hern used to bring them together didn't much please me - Adam was still engaged to another woman. But truth be told he did not try to trick Marianne and if she was unable to recognise him it wasn't really his fault. And even with how much I like to see a hero grovel I don't think this one really had a reason to be as punished as he was.
Even after all these faults I think the idea behind it still has merit and so I'm looking forward to more adventures of the Benevolent Widows.
A C+
Marianne Nesbitt adored her late husband David, but the racy reminiscences of the Merry Widows make her wonder if she missed something special. Might she find it now through a love affair? Uncertain how to go about it, she asks Adam Cazenove, an old friend and notorious rake, to tutor her in the arts of seduction.
The brazen request turns Adam’s world upside down. He never imagined his best friend’s very proper and exceedingly attractive widow would seek out a lover. If not for his recent betrothal, he would jump at the chance to warm her bed. Since he cannot bear the thought of another man doing so, he foils her every attempt at seduction. Until one night of unintended passion changes everything ...
Unfortunately in the end I don't think it worked all that well, to me this seemed the perfect plot for a commedy of manners instead Hern gives us misunderstandings, one after another, between two old friends who've been forever in love with each other but are just now finding that out when he announces his engagement to another woman and she her decision to take a lover and found out what she has been missing.
I decided to take this as a comedy just the same because the lengths to which Adam goes to scare away Marianne's potencial lovers is funny and sometimes bordering on the absurd. The "event" that Hern used to bring them together didn't much please me - Adam was still engaged to another woman. But truth be told he did not try to trick Marianne and if she was unable to recognise him it wasn't really his fault. And even with how much I like to see a hero grovel I don't think this one really had a reason to be as punished as he was.
Even after all these faults I think the idea behind it still has merit and so I'm looking forward to more adventures of the Benevolent Widows.
A C+
October 24, 2012
I still remember the plot, and considering I read the book 3 years ago,it is quite a feat. "In the Thrill of the Night" is a fast paced, fun weekend read.
Marianne, a new widow, wants to explore the forbidden world of illicit liaisons that Victorian widows are allowed. Her best friend of sorts is her former husband's best friend, Adam. I loved the camaraderie between the two from the start. There is no awkwardness between the two, and the way Adam jumps balconies to have a midnight cuppa & chat with Marianne is a very bff thing to do.
When Marianne proposes her plan of finding out "suitors" to have an affair with, Adam is taken aback. He has, after all, had feelings for her before the marriage.
The ending scenes with the Regency house party and the confusion that ensues is hilarious & one of the most memorable scenes out of a romance novel.
Marianne, a new widow, wants to explore the forbidden world of illicit liaisons that Victorian widows are allowed. Her best friend of sorts is her former husband's best friend, Adam. I loved the camaraderie between the two from the start. There is no awkwardness between the two, and the way Adam jumps balconies to have a midnight cuppa & chat with Marianne is a very bff thing to do.
When Marianne proposes her plan of finding out "suitors" to have an affair with, Adam is taken aback. He has, after all, had feelings for her before the marriage.
The ending scenes with the Regency house party and the confusion that ensues is hilarious & one of the most memorable scenes out of a romance novel.
July 8, 2010
Book 1 of the Merry Widows series! I had to succumb to at least one trashy romance novel. Firstly, it was short. That's pretty much the main reason why I finished it. OH. And it had the best friends scenario. I love the best friends scenario, it's such a cliche but I still love it.
The main characters Marianne and Adam have been friends for years. In fact, Adam was best friends with Marianne's husband (widow) and they've stayed as such until now. Marianne with the help of the Merry Widows, a group of 5 women who have grouped together in their widowhood decide to take on lovers. And you get the ever typical scenario where Adam decides that really, he is the best one for the job. Fun series and intriguing characters, I'd be interested to pick up book 2.
The main characters Marianne and Adam have been friends for years. In fact, Adam was best friends with Marianne's husband (widow) and they've stayed as such until now. Marianne with the help of the Merry Widows, a group of 5 women who have grouped together in their widowhood decide to take on lovers. And you get the ever typical scenario where Adam decides that really, he is the best one for the job. Fun series and intriguing characters, I'd be interested to pick up book 2.
April 21, 2019
The more I think about this book, the more uncomfortable it makes me. I am a total sucker for the "friends to lovers" trope, but this book is the sort that reminds me why I don't read romance more often.
Pros: it's got a lovely sense of place and the author shows her research.
Cons: rape by fraud, emotional abuse & isolation tactics used by the "hero".
Basically the book says that a guy sabotaging your relationships and sliding into your bed when you're expecting someone else is totally okay if it's twoo luv.
No, it definitely isn't.
Pros: it's got a lovely sense of place and the author shows her research.
Cons: rape by fraud, emotional abuse & isolation tactics used by the "hero".
Basically the book says that a guy sabotaging your relationships and sliding into your bed when you're expecting someone else is totally okay if it's twoo luv.
No, it definitely isn't.
April 13, 2015
I read book #2 first and then went bass ackwards and read #1. This one wasn't as good as book #2. It took almost the whole book before the hero figured out who he really wanted and that was only because the girl he was attached to found someone else. So I felt like Merrianne was 2nd choice really. And her little game at the end of "punishing" him was really childish. I don't know if I'll read the rest of the series.
September 12, 2014
Oh my, you have to read this trilogy by Candice Hern. It's bloody perfect imo.
It doesn't get much better than this unless....perhaps Candice can come up with another trilogy of great love stories.
It doesn't get much better than this unless....perhaps Candice can come up with another trilogy of great love stories.
April 19, 2015
Even though this was a good story some parts were funny, and some parts were dry.
August 14, 2021
Come il precedente anche questo fa parte di una serie e più precisamente: The Marry Widows. Questo è il primo e devo dire che come inizio è semplicemente delizioso ma non è sicuramente il più bello.
E' ambientato soprattutto a Londra nel periodo Regency (tanto caro alla scrittrice) e più precisamente nel 1813. Tutto comincia in modo assai bizzarro e divertente in un salotto dove un gruppo di vedove decidono di trovarsi tutte un amante per sentirsi più vive.
Con questa premessa pensavo che il romanzo si sarebbe mantenuto sullo stesso tono invece è riuscito solo a strapparmi dei teneri sorrisi man mano che la storia precedeva. Ci sono stati altri momenti simpatici ma non sono riuscita a scoppiare in una fragorosa risata forse perché l'autrice ha un senso dell'humor tipicamente inglese.
La trama è molto semplice a giudicare da ciò che viene scritto nel retrocopertina invece leggendolo ci si rende conto che c'è qualcosa di leggermente diverso infatti Adam è si innamorato da sempre di Marianne ma all'inizio nega di provare questo sentimento sia all'amico Rochdale (che cerca di portarlo alla ragione con scarsi risultati) sia a se stesso. Marianne dal canto suo è così legata al passato da voler rinunciare al matrimonio con Adam (ma non vuole rinunciare a lui come amante) nonostante si scopra da sempre innamorata di lui.
Sicuramente per questo romanzo l'autrice ha svolto una ricerca accurata sugli usi e costumi dell'epoca infatti descrive i vari metodi contraccettivi o il linguaggio del ventaglio che all'epoca tutti i gentiluomini dovevano per forza conoscere. È sicuramente un libro che consiglio vivamente per cui vi auguro buona lettura.
E' ambientato soprattutto a Londra nel periodo Regency (tanto caro alla scrittrice) e più precisamente nel 1813. Tutto comincia in modo assai bizzarro e divertente in un salotto dove un gruppo di vedove decidono di trovarsi tutte un amante per sentirsi più vive.
Con questa premessa pensavo che il romanzo si sarebbe mantenuto sullo stesso tono invece è riuscito solo a strapparmi dei teneri sorrisi man mano che la storia precedeva. Ci sono stati altri momenti simpatici ma non sono riuscita a scoppiare in una fragorosa risata forse perché l'autrice ha un senso dell'humor tipicamente inglese.
La trama è molto semplice a giudicare da ciò che viene scritto nel retrocopertina invece leggendolo ci si rende conto che c'è qualcosa di leggermente diverso infatti Adam è si innamorato da sempre di Marianne ma all'inizio nega di provare questo sentimento sia all'amico Rochdale (che cerca di portarlo alla ragione con scarsi risultati) sia a se stesso. Marianne dal canto suo è così legata al passato da voler rinunciare al matrimonio con Adam (ma non vuole rinunciare a lui come amante) nonostante si scopra da sempre innamorata di lui.
Sicuramente per questo romanzo l'autrice ha svolto una ricerca accurata sugli usi e costumi dell'epoca infatti descrive i vari metodi contraccettivi o il linguaggio del ventaglio che all'epoca tutti i gentiluomini dovevano per forza conoscere. È sicuramente un libro che consiglio vivamente per cui vi auguro buona lettura.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2020
Soy fan de las novelas de Regencia, de esos libertinos casquivanos que arrasan con todo, y esperaba que el protagonista fuera así, resultó ser muy dulce. La primera mitad estuvo muy bien hecha. Disfruté de las bromas entre los dos personajes principales y me encantaron las reuniones de Las Viudas Alegres. Marianne, determinada a encontrar un amante, perdió mucho tiempo pensando solamente en sexo y no se daba cuenta de que con Adam lo podía tener todo. No me gusto Marianne, hubo algunas partes que no fueron de mi agrado, se mostró como un personaje superficial que no tenía ideas propias. Como dije, era prometedor, pero la segunda mitad falló miserablemente para mí.
March 13, 2023
I went into this expecting a traditional regency romance and got an eyeful of creamy smooth bosom and brown hairy chest :) Read only if you're ok with a lot of conversations about sex and some hot action.
Candice Hern has an engaging style of writing and contrives some interesting situations. Kudos for the research on female contraception options available at that time.
Spoiler alert: stop reading now if you don't want to know more.
Like another reviewer on GR I was also troubled by the 'getting naked and climbing into bed with a worse for drink woman while it's pitch dark in the room'. Maybe it wasn't beyond the pale behaviour in that era but it certainly jars now.
Candice Hern has an engaging style of writing and contrives some interesting situations. Kudos for the research on female contraception options available at that time.
Spoiler alert: stop reading now if you don't want to know more.
Like another reviewer on GR I was also troubled by the 'getting naked and climbing into bed with a worse for drink woman while it's pitch dark in the room'. Maybe it wasn't beyond the pale behaviour in that era but it certainly jars now.
March 12, 2019
Well, this one was funny! Loved Adam from the start and Marianne is a sweet too. The start is a bit slow though, with all the "Im only looking out for her" thing. But then it goes so well that I almost couldnt put the book down. There is a great misunderstanding that almost upset me, but its made in a way that I can overlook and enjoy as part of the plot. Thats why 4 stars. If you like When he was wicked, you"ll enjoy this too (even more if you thought Francesca a bit boring - not me though, I love that book). The end is cute, with a feeling of full circle.
July 16, 2024
No Thrill from this Story
This is my second time reading this author and I am very glad to say, I read book 2 of this series first because if I had read this one first, I maybe would have not read anything else by Lady Candice. This story was to slow and boring and certainly not enough sex. I rated it 1.5 stars only because she is a new author to me and I absolutely loved book 2 of this series.
This is my second time reading this author and I am very glad to say, I read book 2 of this series first because if I had read this one first, I maybe would have not read anything else by Lady Candice. This story was to slow and boring and certainly not enough sex. I rated it 1.5 stars only because she is a new author to me and I absolutely loved book 2 of this series.
May 26, 2018
I thought this sounded like an intriguing idea for a series but once the book got started I just couldn’t enjoy it. The only character I really liked was the duchess. Everyone else just felt off or annoying.
August 4, 2017
Me parece un buen comienzo de saga, ha habido un par de cosas que estan un poco cogidas con alfileres, pero hay escenas que me han hecho mucha gracia. Continuare con las demas viudas.
January 26, 2019
Good start to the series!
I love the idea of their ladies group! That was a fun addition. Marianne is a great heroine. Adam slightly grated on my nerves as the hero.
I love the idea of their ladies group! That was a fun addition. Marianne is a great heroine. Adam slightly grated on my nerves as the hero.
November 5, 2020
Me gustó mucho. Los romances de época siempre tienen ese tinte de "es prohibido" que los hace tan emocionante. Ahora voy. Continuar con el segundo libro de esta serie.
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November 2, 2025wird von OLT bei Anna campbel widow 1 empfohlen; aber juliet: regency date rape
January 16, 2015
He knew now that the envy he'd felt for David all those years was not only for his seemingly perfect marriage. It was for his wife. Adam knew that he had never had a serious relationship with a woman because he'd compared them all with Marianne and they had come up short.
Wow. I very much enjoyed how the author started the story, with the Benevolent widows turn to Merry widows sealed with a pact having them promised to be open minded with the idea of having a lover without forgoing their so-called independence. Their conversation was so amusing. The progress of the romance between the hero and heroine at the first part of the story was almost nonexistent. Honestly, I was getting impatient and began questioning if there would be spark between the two because at first, the hero did not give any indication even in his thoughts that he is attracted with the heroine plus his stubborn insistence the suitability of that giggling young lady as his wife, who is so good at depriving him of her attentions when there are young bucks hovering over her. And to think that they're betrothed! But my, it did get better the moment the house party held by Julian started. It's worth the wait I guess. It ended very great and I'm satisfied, that's what is important. I'm thinking of giving it 3 stars at those dragging first part but I just love the ending, with all balconies! So 4 stars it is.
I didn't felt this connected with all the characters (atleast, those whose stories I'll be reading later) for almost 2 months of reading loads of HR novels. That's why, I read the book 1 and can easily forgo reading the second book (if it's not so exciting), because the anticipation of seeing the characters happy, with their own stories, is not there. I really like these very interesting widows, especially as they have different characters. I'm so excited to know them more as each stories goes.
Wow. I very much enjoyed how the author started the story, with the Benevolent widows turn to Merry widows sealed with a pact having them promised to be open minded with the idea of having a lover without forgoing their so-called independence. Their conversation was so amusing. The progress of the romance between the hero and heroine at the first part of the story was almost nonexistent. Honestly, I was getting impatient and began questioning if there would be spark between the two because at first, the hero did not give any indication even in his thoughts that he is attracted with the heroine plus his stubborn insistence the suitability of that giggling young lady as his wife, who is so good at depriving him of her attentions when there are young bucks hovering over her. And to think that they're betrothed! But my, it did get better the moment the house party held by Julian started. It's worth the wait I guess. It ended very great and I'm satisfied, that's what is important. I'm thinking of giving it 3 stars at those dragging first part but I just love the ending, with all balconies! So 4 stars it is.
I didn't felt this connected with all the characters (atleast, those whose stories I'll be reading later) for almost 2 months of reading loads of HR novels. That's why, I read the book 1 and can easily forgo reading the second book (if it's not so exciting), because the anticipation of seeing the characters happy, with their own stories, is not there. I really like these very interesting widows, especially as they have different characters. I'm so excited to know them more as each stories goes.
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