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Engaged in Sin
Beneath the cover of darkness, passion plays by its own rules.
Lovely, poised Anne Beddington is in a desperate situation: on the run for a crime she didn’t commit. Anne understands the wicked games she must play to survive—she has perfected her silky voice, practiced her feathery caress—but has she sufficiently mastered the art of seduction to become the mistress of the notorious Duke of March, Devon Audley? War has left him a recluse, but Anne is penniless, alone, and needs a powerful gentleman’s protection. Anne has learned how to pleasure a man, yet when this sinfully handsome duke insists that intimate delights must be a two-way street, Anne cannot deny his sensual promise.
Anne’s delicate hands hold a healing touch, but it’s her gentle kindness that opens the duke’s eyes to the beauty around him and to a family who need him. Still, Anne is a mystery, and Devon intends to spend endless hours uncovering her secrets. When he finds out the terrible truth about the devious plot to brand her a villainess and endanger her life, saving Anne becomes his salvation. She has shown Devon how to live and love again. Now he will prove the power of his passion.
Lovely, poised Anne Beddington is in a desperate situation: on the run for a crime she didn’t commit. Anne understands the wicked games she must play to survive—she has perfected her silky voice, practiced her feathery caress—but has she sufficiently mastered the art of seduction to become the mistress of the notorious Duke of March, Devon Audley? War has left him a recluse, but Anne is penniless, alone, and needs a powerful gentleman’s protection. Anne has learned how to pleasure a man, yet when this sinfully handsome duke insists that intimate delights must be a two-way street, Anne cannot deny his sensual promise.
Anne’s delicate hands hold a healing touch, but it’s her gentle kindness that opens the duke’s eyes to the beauty around him and to a family who need him. Still, Anne is a mystery, and Devon intends to spend endless hours uncovering her secrets. When he finds out the terrible truth about the devious plot to brand her a villainess and endanger her life, saving Anne becomes his salvation. She has shown Devon how to live and love again. Now he will prove the power of his passion.
425 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
23 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Page
54 books433 followersSharon Page is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous novels of historical and erotic romance. She is a two-time, consecutive winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, winner of the Golden Quill and the Colorado Award of Excellence, and a multiple finalist for the Daphne Du Maurier Award. She has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and is a four-time finalist.
Married with two children, Sharon Page holds an industrial design degree and has worked for many years for a structural engineering firm. When not writing, she enjoys reading with her children, downhill skiing, and mountain biking. Writing romance has long been her dream and she is thrilled to share her stories.
Married with two children, Sharon Page holds an industrial design degree and has worked for many years for a structural engineering firm. When not writing, she enjoys reading with her children, downhill skiing, and mountain biking. Writing romance has long been her dream and she is thrilled to share her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 25, 2021
Warning: heroine was molested by her cousin when she was younger
This is a new-to-me-author. The story started out well, but as the story progresses, one has to suspend belief and ignore the historical inaccuracies. Like, a sex swing during this era? What would that even look like?
This book is more on the steamy/erotic side. While reading the sample for the ebook, by chapter 2, the H was already OH, YEAH! I couldn't purchase the ebook fast enough with my $5 Amazon credit. lol
One of the things I didn't like was the heroine faking her moans and pleasures during the sex scenes because that was how she's been doing it for 5 years as a prostitute, exclusive to a few clients only. She's in hiding because she killed her madam (boss) at the brothel. As a result, she lies a lot, which I also didn't like, but I guess it's natural since she was scared and she didn't know if she could fully trust the hero. As the story progresses, the heroine ends up doing so many wondrous things that it got tiring and unbelievable. (You can read Karen's review for a list of those wondrous things.) Is there anything she can't do? I agree with most of her review about the book.
There was a moment that reminded me of Pretty Woman.
I wouldn't mind reading more books by this author. At least one more.
This is a new-to-me-author. The story started out well, but as the story progresses, one has to suspend belief and ignore the historical inaccuracies. Like, a sex swing during this era? What would that even look like?
This book is more on the steamy/erotic side. While reading the sample for the ebook, by chapter 2, the H was already OH, YEAH! I couldn't purchase the ebook fast enough with my $5 Amazon credit. lol
One of the things I didn't like was the heroine faking her moans and pleasures during the sex scenes because that was how she's been doing it for 5 years as a prostitute, exclusive to a few clients only. She's in hiding because she killed her madam (boss) at the brothel. As a result, she lies a lot, which I also didn't like, but I guess it's natural since she was scared and she didn't know if she could fully trust the hero. As the story progresses, the heroine ends up doing so many wondrous things that it got tiring and unbelievable. (You can read Karen's review for a list of those wondrous things.) Is there anything she can't do? I agree with most of her review about the book.
There was a moment that reminded me of Pretty Woman.
I wouldn't mind reading more books by this author. At least one more.
December 18, 2016
So far, I've enjoyed every Sharon Page I've read- and this book was by far the best.
The unusual love story between a courtesan running away from hard times and a blind duke suffering from PTSD kept me engaged from starting to the end.
From the way Anne brings Devon out of his shell, makes him experience life; to their passionate encounters- all were well written and TBH, sexy!
I liked how the author distinguished clearly between the love he has for Roselyn vs for Anne.
The side characters- from Sebastian to Caro played their parts very well.
Absolutely adored the quiet strength of Anne. From peerage, to life of a courtesan, then to a mistress- we see her in all shades- and then finally falling in love.
Devon too, was a sweet but amazing hero- and I loved his relentless pursuit for Anne.
I love me some angst and this book provided me with it in adequate quantities.
Crazily wonderful ending- different yet lovely!
Safe read
5/5
The unusual love story between a courtesan running away from hard times and a blind duke suffering from PTSD kept me engaged from starting to the end.
From the way Anne brings Devon out of his shell, makes him experience life; to their passionate encounters- all were well written and TBH, sexy!
I liked how the author distinguished clearly between the love he has for Roselyn vs for Anne.
The side characters- from Sebastian to Caro played their parts very well.
Absolutely adored the quiet strength of Anne. From peerage, to life of a courtesan, then to a mistress- we see her in all shades- and then finally falling in love.
Devon too, was a sweet but amazing hero- and I loved his relentless pursuit for Anne.
I love me some angst and this book provided me with it in adequate quantities.
Crazily wonderful ending- different yet lovely!
Safe read
5/5
December 13, 2011
Meet Devon Audley, the handsome, rakish, yet reclusive Duke of March. Since a head injury fighting Bonaparte rendered him blind, he's shunned company of any kind. He's slowly drinking himself to death in a vain attempt to blunt his violent rages and escape his horrific nightmares... as well as his crushing remorse.
Enter Anne Beddington, a.k.a. Annie Black, a.k.a. Cerise, impoverished daughter of a viscount who has been forced by her straitened circumstances into prostitution. For the last five years, she's been a virtual slave in a low brothel, at the mercy of a sadistic bodyguard and a cruel, greedy madam who beats her girls regularly. Anne thinks she's just accidentally killed her evil madam and is desperate for a place to hide out (and acquire funds for her escape) far from London before the Bow Street Runners snaffle her for murder. When she overhears one of Devon's friends trying to hire a fellow ladybird to pleasure Devon out of his funk, Anne decides the duke's distant estate would be a perfect hiding place. She is determined to make herself his mistress... once she figures out just what mistressing entails (her instruction from her friend is to always agree with him and flatter him, which Anne utterly fails at, but that works out fine anyway).
I started out liking these characters, particularly Devon (how can you not like a handsome, sexy, wounded warrior?), but my ability to believe in them (particularly Sexy Saint Anne, as I started to think of her) and to swallow the overstuffed plot eventually crumbled under the weight of kitchen sink syndrome-- "if putting a few things in is good, putting EVERYTHING in must be even BETTER!" Anne is somehow (after five YEARS in a brothel?) still a naive innocent and a soft-hearted people person, while also a talented mistress. (Also amazingly, not diseased.) That's already a little bit of a stretch, but I could have gotten past that. However, the author continues to heap on the wonders this woman can perform. In the course of the book, she: rescues innocents from the clutches of her madam, wins a place as Devon's mistress, overcomes the trauma of childhood sex abuse, has her first orgasm, teaches Devon to accept his blindness, reconciles him with his family, reconciles his sister with her husband, delivers her sister's baby, (accidentally) restores Devon's sight, rescues a young boy from forced prostitution (and successfully counsels him free of the trauma that caused), finds a way to free Devon of his guilt, discovers the true murderer, escapes a burning building, reunites with her long-lost great-grandmother (becoming heir to a fortune in the process), has the option to be restored to Society (and turns it down), and-- here was the real kicker that finally sent me over the edge with laughter-- gets married WHILE HAVING A BABY. (And the whole time, she's carrying on with "I am not worthy!" protestations.) This woman doesn't deserve to be restored to Society and married to a duke, she deserves to be canonized (doubtless after healing all of London of the plague and then dying of a romantic wasting disease herself).
The sex was appropriately steamy, but even that got to be a little over the top-- it was as though, in order to prove how much of a sexy rake Devon was, the author mined a Victorian naughty book for every variation on the act she could find. None of them are particularly eyebrow-raising or out of the norm taken singly (well, except the "in a swing" one, which had me trying to figure out how it was anatomically possible), but the sheer number of variations got in the way. It felt more like they were reading their way methodically through a manual than being adventurously lustful together.
It starts well, but less really would have been more for the plot.
Enter Anne Beddington, a.k.a. Annie Black, a.k.a. Cerise, impoverished daughter of a viscount who has been forced by her straitened circumstances into prostitution. For the last five years, she's been a virtual slave in a low brothel, at the mercy of a sadistic bodyguard and a cruel, greedy madam who beats her girls regularly. Anne thinks she's just accidentally killed her evil madam and is desperate for a place to hide out (and acquire funds for her escape) far from London before the Bow Street Runners snaffle her for murder. When she overhears one of Devon's friends trying to hire a fellow ladybird to pleasure Devon out of his funk, Anne decides the duke's distant estate would be a perfect hiding place. She is determined to make herself his mistress... once she figures out just what mistressing entails (her instruction from her friend is to always agree with him and flatter him, which Anne utterly fails at, but that works out fine anyway).
I started out liking these characters, particularly Devon (how can you not like a handsome, sexy, wounded warrior?), but my ability to believe in them (particularly Sexy Saint Anne, as I started to think of her) and to swallow the overstuffed plot eventually crumbled under the weight of kitchen sink syndrome-- "if putting a few things in is good, putting EVERYTHING in must be even BETTER!" Anne is somehow (after five YEARS in a brothel?) still a naive innocent and a soft-hearted people person, while also a talented mistress. (Also amazingly, not diseased.) That's already a little bit of a stretch, but I could have gotten past that. However, the author continues to heap on the wonders this woman can perform. In the course of the book, she: rescues innocents from the clutches of her madam, wins a place as Devon's mistress, overcomes the trauma of childhood sex abuse, has her first orgasm, teaches Devon to accept his blindness, reconciles him with his family, reconciles his sister with her husband, delivers her sister's baby, (accidentally) restores Devon's sight, rescues a young boy from forced prostitution (and successfully counsels him free of the trauma that caused), finds a way to free Devon of his guilt, discovers the true murderer, escapes a burning building, reunites with her long-lost great-grandmother (becoming heir to a fortune in the process), has the option to be restored to Society (and turns it down), and-- here was the real kicker that finally sent me over the edge with laughter-- gets married WHILE HAVING A BABY. (And the whole time, she's carrying on with "I am not worthy!" protestations.) This woman doesn't deserve to be restored to Society and married to a duke, she deserves to be canonized (doubtless after healing all of London of the plague and then dying of a romantic wasting disease herself).
The sex was appropriately steamy, but even that got to be a little over the top-- it was as though, in order to prove how much of a sexy rake Devon was, the author mined a Victorian naughty book for every variation on the act she could find. None of them are particularly eyebrow-raising or out of the norm taken singly (well, except the "in a swing" one, which had me trying to figure out how it was anatomically possible), but the sheer number of variations got in the way. It felt more like they were reading their way methodically through a manual than being adventurously lustful together.
It starts well, but less really would have been more for the plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2014
DNF
My shelf just about say's it all,except more sex than fluff and was waiting for SOME sort of a story to happen? At page 65..hit the wall.
My shelf just about say's it all,except more sex than fluff and was waiting for SOME sort of a story to happen? At page 65..hit the wall.
September 28, 2021
1 sad, lonely star!
There were 10 stories in this book for the price of one and NOT in a good way!
Please be prepared for a looooong review.
Trigger Warnings:
- Molestation, attempted rape
- Child abuse (physical & sexual - not described in detail)
- Prostitution
- PTSD
The Plot
Devon, the Duke of March, is a war hero, blinded in a battle and has secluded himself in his hunting lodge, drinking away his nightmares. Anne/ Annie/ Annalise/ Cercie, a courtesan, shows up at Devon's door, claiming to have been sent by the Duke's friend. She wants to be his mistress & he wants nobody around, but after some push-pull, he agrees. Anne has secrets aplenty and she is running away from something/ someones like the hounds of hell are after her, making Devon & Anne's journey to HEA rife with difficulty.
My Thoughts
- This is my first book from this author and it is going to be the last.
- I did not enjoy her writing style. The POVs shifted so abruptly, it was confusing. The flow of the story was also abrupt, the language was mostly historically accurate but sometimes jumped into modern text!
- The word "whore" was mentioned so many times, it grated on my nerves.
- The characters had potential but failed to be likeable or relatable or even mildly interesting.
- The chemistry between H/h was bland, so were the sensual encounters (shocking considering she was a courtesan).
- The villain did not get his due, since his plot fizzled out between the many other sub-plots.
- The central trope of "mistress turned lover turned wife" was interesting enough since we don't get a lot of this in the HR genre, the revenge sub-plot had potential which was summarily destroyed by adding no less than 10 sub-sub-plots!
The many problems of the many plots
- Sometimes simplicity in a story can work wonders, unfortunately, we had no such luck with this book. Looked like the author felt the need to overcomplicate the plot by trying to include a multi-faceted approach to her heroine in an attempt to make the book more interesting I guess, but it had an opposite effect.
- The book could have ended with any of these sub-plots listed below (it didn't, no points for guessing). I have never in my life, have wanted a book to end, as badly as I did with this one. Spoilers ahead:
- The author could have picked 1 or 2 of these, unluckily she picked ALL of them!
The Hero
Devon had potential, a Duke, war hero, blind, PTSD, rich, handsome, did I mention Duke? Regrettably, he failed to inspire anything! Maybe I just don't have the energy to think back...either way, meh! His emotions were all over the place, it's the writing style, structurally speaking, there was nothing wrong with the character.
Do you want to read about a blind hero? Try - Romancing the Duke
The Heroine
Anne should be sainted. If you read the spoiler, you would know why! As a reader, there was a lot of her to digest, her character was an emotional assault of social messaging about women who have experienced sexual & emotional abuse.
My Recommendation
I thought I was reading a love story but, it had such dark and disturbing undertones, it completely took away from the romance of it all. There is nothing wrong with social messaging, provided it is done right and the reader is not bombarded with it, alas no such luck with this book.
I do not recommend this book. Sorry!
There were 10 stories in this book for the price of one and NOT in a good way!
Please be prepared for a looooong review.
Trigger Warnings:
- Molestation, attempted rape
- Child abuse (physical & sexual - not described in detail)
- Prostitution
- PTSD
The Plot
Devon, the Duke of March, is a war hero, blinded in a battle and has secluded himself in his hunting lodge, drinking away his nightmares. Anne/ Annie/ Annalise/ Cercie, a courtesan, shows up at Devon's door, claiming to have been sent by the Duke's friend. She wants to be his mistress & he wants nobody around, but after some push-pull, he agrees. Anne has secrets aplenty and she is running away from something/ someones like the hounds of hell are after her, making Devon & Anne's journey to HEA rife with difficulty.
My Thoughts
- This is my first book from this author and it is going to be the last.
- I did not enjoy her writing style. The POVs shifted so abruptly, it was confusing. The flow of the story was also abrupt, the language was mostly historically accurate but sometimes jumped into modern text!
- The word "whore" was mentioned so many times, it grated on my nerves.
- The characters had potential but failed to be likeable or relatable or even mildly interesting.
- The chemistry between H/h was bland, so were the sensual encounters (shocking considering she was a courtesan).
- The villain did not get his due, since his plot fizzled out between the many other sub-plots.
- The central trope of "mistress turned lover turned wife" was interesting enough since we don't get a lot of this in the HR genre, the revenge sub-plot had potential which was summarily destroyed by adding no less than 10 sub-sub-plots!
The many problems of the many plots
- Sometimes simplicity in a story can work wonders, unfortunately, we had no such luck with this book. Looked like the author felt the need to overcomplicate the plot by trying to include a multi-faceted approach to her heroine in an attempt to make the book more interesting I guess, but it had an opposite effect.
- The book could have ended with any of these sub-plots listed below (it didn't, no points for guessing). I have never in my life, have wanted a book to end, as badly as I did with this one. Spoilers ahead:
- The author could have picked 1 or 2 of these, unluckily she picked ALL of them!
The Hero
Devon had potential, a Duke, war hero, blind, PTSD, rich, handsome, did I mention Duke? Regrettably, he failed to inspire anything! Maybe I just don't have the energy to think back...either way, meh! His emotions were all over the place, it's the writing style, structurally speaking, there was nothing wrong with the character.
Do you want to read about a blind hero? Try - Romancing the Duke
The Heroine
Anne should be sainted. If you read the spoiler, you would know why! As a reader, there was a lot of her to digest, her character was an emotional assault of social messaging about women who have experienced sexual & emotional abuse.
My Recommendation
I thought I was reading a love story but, it had such dark and disturbing undertones, it completely took away from the romance of it all. There is nothing wrong with social messaging, provided it is done right and the reader is not bombarded with it, alas no such luck with this book.
I do not recommend this book. Sorry!
February 12, 2015
The plot is okay. But why I feel like I'm reading Fifty Shades of Grey in Historical Romance's version?
Why I like to read HR? Maybe because I want to imagine that period of time. But this novel,hmm...can you just give me something logic to imagine?
1. I wonder HOW a courtesan can still stay naive and innocent when she is in brothel for five years. She said she is 'the little duchess', the men need to pay high price to get her. Madam Sin teaches the women how to please a man but Anne doesn't have any idea how to please the duke. It's really funny but weird at the same time.
2. From a viscount daughter turns to be a courtesan then a duke's mistress. She just...what? 20 years old but suddenly she become the hero of the story. She said her mother - a viscount wife, was a seamstress but sometime help to give birth women around them. So she learned from it. XD So now, Anne can add 'midwife' in her resume huh? I like to read a lady from know nothing, struggle to live, and then become someone. But like I said above, please give me something logic. When you give me all in one, I don't like it.
3. Isn't a duke is a man with power? But I don't feel it in this duke. Even when he is not blind anymore. I don't feel it.
To give 3 stars is too much. To give 2 stars is too little. So I give 2.5. I think it's enough for the story.
Why I like to read HR? Maybe because I want to imagine that period of time. But this novel,hmm...can you just give me something logic to imagine?
1. I wonder HOW a courtesan can still stay naive and innocent when she is in brothel for five years. She said she is 'the little duchess', the men need to pay high price to get her. Madam Sin teaches the women how to please a man but Anne doesn't have any idea how to please the duke. It's really funny but weird at the same time.
2. From a viscount daughter turns to be a courtesan then a duke's mistress. She just...what? 20 years old but suddenly she become the hero of the story. She said her mother - a viscount wife, was a seamstress but sometime help to give birth women around them. So she learned from it. XD So now, Anne can add 'midwife' in her resume huh? I like to read a lady from know nothing, struggle to live, and then become someone. But like I said above, please give me something logic. When you give me all in one, I don't like it.
3. Isn't a duke is a man with power? But I don't feel it in this duke. Even when he is not blind anymore. I don't feel it.
To give 3 stars is too much. To give 2 stars is too little. So I give 2.5. I think it's enough for the story.
Want to read
January 31, 2016Recommended by Tami
January 31, 2021
This story was very heartfelt and although on the surface it is a historical romance, there were a lot of powerful messages in the profound situations some of the characters had gone through and currently going through.
I was riveted when I began to realize the magnitude of this message hidden in this story.
This author writes a compelling and empathetic story of people who have to fight their way through life; who’s path is filled with such horrors that they usually break a person down. But the main character is the embodiment of someone who has been through the fire and came out stronger than ever before and who deserves every happiness.
I am going to read more from this author.
Happy reading!
I was riveted when I began to realize the magnitude of this message hidden in this story.
This author writes a compelling and empathetic story of people who have to fight their way through life; who’s path is filled with such horrors that they usually break a person down. But the main character is the embodiment of someone who has been through the fire and came out stronger than ever before and who deserves every happiness.
I am going to read more from this author.
Happy reading!
November 9, 2011
Anne Beddington is a fallen woman on the run. Having recently bashed her evil matron over the head with a fire iron, she and the three young girls she was intent on rescuing, seek refuge away from the brothel. Anne takes her fellow courtesan's advice and seeks out a protector. She sets her sights on Devon Audley, the Duke of March. Recently returned from war, March suffered an injury that left him blind and battered both physically and emotionally. Anne whittles her way into his favor through sexual prowess, and before long these two end up becoming closer and closer, attaching in a manner befitting a duke and his mistress.
First thing's first, I was excited for this book because IT'S SHARON PAGE, ya'll! (I said that in my Paula Dean voice BTW). When I think Sharon Page I think "lush raunch." Engaged in Sin is classified a a historical romance, though it toes the line into erotica at times, a common "risk" anytime a courtesan theme is used. I was expecting a bit more push toward story over sex. Did that happen. Ehr...not sure. What story there was had me rolling my eyes.
And that totally broke my heart.
I really wanted to like this book. Really. I did. As the book progressed I couldn't help but think what a horrible whore Anne made - she was just so...ignorant. I mean, yes - there would be a degree of ignorance when you're kidnapped off the street and forced to work as a prostitute. But really...the limits she goes to convince Devon she's pleasing him when in fact she's incredibly detached and awkward was just...blurg. I didn't buy it her ignorant take on it. As for our hero, Devon. *sigh* Let me just get this out - it irritates the snot out of me when heroes nickname their heroines ridiculous names right off the bat. The culprit here? Angel. He calls her angel NONSTOP. From the moment he meets her - stark naked, drunk, and in the fit of a violent nightmare recalling the war. I mean, REALLY? UUUGGGHHH! I wanted to tear my hair out. Page does this in her other books as well, but it seemed to fit those characters more for the tone of the novel, and thus it didn't bother me...as much. *eyelid twitches*
I was hoping for a well written, raunchy historical. What I got was a raunch fest (I approve) with ridiculously bizarre leading characters and a manufactured plot. I was really, well, bummed. I may or may not have pouted when I finished.
Engaged in Sin by Sharon Page, 425 pgs , 11/1/11
Rating: C-
Romance: 2/5 Raunch: 4.5/5
First thing's first, I was excited for this book because IT'S SHARON PAGE, ya'll! (I said that in my Paula Dean voice BTW). When I think Sharon Page I think "lush raunch." Engaged in Sin is classified a a historical romance, though it toes the line into erotica at times, a common "risk" anytime a courtesan theme is used. I was expecting a bit more push toward story over sex. Did that happen. Ehr...not sure. What story there was had me rolling my eyes.
And that totally broke my heart.
I really wanted to like this book. Really. I did. As the book progressed I couldn't help but think what a horrible whore Anne made - she was just so...ignorant. I mean, yes - there would be a degree of ignorance when you're kidnapped off the street and forced to work as a prostitute. But really...the limits she goes to convince Devon she's pleasing him when in fact she's incredibly detached and awkward was just...blurg. I didn't buy it her ignorant take on it. As for our hero, Devon. *sigh* Let me just get this out - it irritates the snot out of me when heroes nickname their heroines ridiculous names right off the bat. The culprit here? Angel. He calls her angel NONSTOP. From the moment he meets her - stark naked, drunk, and in the fit of a violent nightmare recalling the war. I mean, REALLY? UUUGGGHHH! I wanted to tear my hair out. Page does this in her other books as well, but it seemed to fit those characters more for the tone of the novel, and thus it didn't bother me...as much. *eyelid twitches*
I was hoping for a well written, raunchy historical. What I got was a raunch fest (I approve) with ridiculously bizarre leading characters and a manufactured plot. I was really, well, bummed. I may or may not have pouted when I finished.
Engaged in Sin by Sharon Page, 425 pgs , 11/1/11
Rating: C-
Romance: 2/5 Raunch: 4.5/5
March 24, 2013
Enjoyed the book. Well-developed characters and interesting plot. The story kept me interested and wondering about the results. A gently-bred young woman and her mother are forced from their home after her father dies and an unscrupulous cousin inherits the title. Alone, with no other relatives willing to help, Anne and her mother, turn to the London stews just barely surviving. When her mother dies and nowhere else to go, Anne is forced into prostitution. Escaping the brothel and wanted for murder of the madam, Anne flees London and winds up as the mistress of a reclusive duke, blinded and battle-scarred from fighting at Waterloo. As Anne helps the duke begin to heal, her past catches up to her forcing her to run.
November 25, 2011
I think this was a really well thought out story with relatable/likeable characters. I loved Anne and Devon's relationship and how much she helped him though his post war injuries. Many times in this book I felt the story stalled and dragged out in places. That didn't stop me from reading on and being more that satisfied with how the story progressed.
July 3, 2013
Really sweet hero and heroine with a big portion of bedroom activities. The side story about the bitter nature of prostitution is certainly thought-provoking but one can argue that it takes away from the main characters.
December 10, 2012
Loved it.
September 24, 2013
I really love this book and i found the conflict quite logical. I also like the way the author revealed the heroine's past as you go along the storyline.
February 28, 2014
3.50 - 4 Stars
December 19, 2014
Took me 2 days to read this. A long book, and I nearly didn't finish it - nearly gave up, but kept with it.
It was an ok read - have read better & worse.
It was an ok read - have read better & worse.
May 11, 2012
3 stars – Historical Romance
June 24, 2017
This is certainly better than the first Sharon Page book I read which was just embarrassing. That was a take on And Then There Were None. This one is a lesser version of Teresa Medeiro's Yours Until Dawn (published 7 years earlier in 2004). There's still a governess-like character who guides a blind aristocrat through living with his new impairment only for him to But the changes from Medeiro's story are for the worse. Without the prior relationship keeping the H/h together, Page has had to substitute in a thriller plot with evil cousins and murderous madams. Oh right, the heroine is a prostitute. I don't think Page really worked through her issues with climaxing but I'll say at least the heroine as a prostitute who didn't understand the pleasure of sex was more believable than her other character of the virgin who took to it way too quickly. There is plenty of sex in the story but it's relatively plot driven since Anne/Cerise uses it as everything from a distraction to an attempt at healing the duke. The writing isn't unreadable but it still has a curious flatness. There's a lot of telling instead of showing and even though there's an attempt to develop the characters they never come across as real people. There's always the feeling they're just little paper dolls Page is manipulating at her whim.
October 26, 2022
I would have given a higher rating if it wasn’t for the floppy twisted ending. Devon gave up so easily once Anne rejected his proposal. And what is that rushed wedding declaration during her contraction? Can it be more ridiculous?
Also, was second proposal really necessary? It feels forced and it did not help reattribute or display Devon’s sincerity.
I do however love that Devon managed to recover his eyesight over falling from a cliff running after her.
This story is pure fictional it made me laugh.
Good entertainment though, a great love story? Not so much.
Also, was second proposal really necessary? It feels forced and it did not help reattribute or display Devon’s sincerity.
I do however love that Devon managed to recover his eyesight over falling from a cliff running after her.
This story is pure fictional it made me laugh.
Good entertainment though, a great love story? Not so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2024
The book certainly had an interesting plot. Duke falls in love with his mistress, who was a member of the aristocracy. It also shows the seedy side of London its criminal side and the abuse of wealthy individuals. The central character of Anne was courageous and despite her situation had a code of honor. While Devon the Duke grew on you. He too had a certain code of honor. But the amount of sex in the book was too much in my opinion. It was like being hit over the head by it. Hence the four stars.
March 22, 2018
3.5 stars- This book started out well enough. I liked the plot and the chemistry between the two main characters.
My dislikes *spoilers below*
-I didn’t like how Devon’s blindness was just instantly cured. I didn’t like the way Anne left him and made no effort to see him again when she was pregnant. It felt selfish that she’d try to hide his child from him.
My dislikes *spoilers below*
-I didn’t like how Devon’s blindness was just instantly cured. I didn’t like the way Anne left him and made no effort to see him again when she was pregnant. It felt selfish that she’d try to hide his child from him.
January 25, 2024
I read this book many years ago and decided to read it again. It reminded me of all the reasons I loved it.
I do believe that towards the ending the author just wanted to wrap up the plot and we just lost a lot of the sweetness that I enjoyed with the characters.
All the same it was a great read! Very spicy and I loved the characters.
If you want some spice. Read this
I definitely would be reading this again. Time to buy that paperback!!! 😂😂😂❤️❤️
I do believe that towards the ending the author just wanted to wrap up the plot and we just lost a lot of the sweetness that I enjoyed with the characters.
All the same it was a great read! Very spicy and I loved the characters.
If you want some spice. Read this
I definitely would be reading this again. Time to buy that paperback!!! 😂😂😂❤️❤️
June 30, 2023
Anne e Devon
A heroína e boazinha demais e foge muito p o meu gosto, o herói e perfeito demais TB, chegam a parecer esteriótipos de comercial de margarina... Mesmo assim e interessante e cheio de reviravoltas, muitas cenas hot numa escala de no máximo 3 🔥 cada.
A heroína e boazinha demais e foge muito p o meu gosto, o herói e perfeito demais TB, chegam a parecer esteriótipos de comercial de margarina... Mesmo assim e interessante e cheio de reviravoltas, muitas cenas hot numa escala de no máximo 3 🔥 cada.
May 14, 2017
Delicious!
September 17, 2021
I did not finish this book. It feels strange to say the writing was good but the characters were terrible. I hope you know what I mean. Like, I just couldn't like Anne.
November 21, 2012
An historical romance novel set in 1815 with a crusading zeal.
My Take
Page is an engaging author and as whiny as I usually get when an historical storywriter doesn't pay attention to the story's time period, I actually enjoyed this, although I'm not sure if it's the writing or Page's do-good spirit that caught me. It certainly cracked me up how very inept Anne is at the harlot business. She hasn't a clue and yet she's a successful prostitute? Guys, this is so not flattering to y'all...
Page does tend to leap about and pull in some odd twists, but since they are questions about which I've always wondered, I'm being hypocritical enough to let them go.
I'm rather surprised there is no one in his household who can read. Who does the accounts?
Our Anne is a very caring person and she's more interested in incorporating what she learned with how her blind grandfather coped than with doing a better job of faking her orgasms when she's with the duke. She's also quite gung-ho about the evils of prostitution and providing women without family or spousal support with a better way of making a living.
The Story
As a result of a misplaced poker, Anne Beddington has had to flee London and seek a hiding place from the Bow Street Runners and an overheard conversation sends her to the Duke of March's hunting box. It seems his friend thinks bedding a woman will cure his blindness.
Now if only this innocent can entice his grace into keeping her.
The Characters
Anne Beddington, alias Cerise, alias Annalise Black, is a lady with a life-threatening problem. She's too innocent to understand and god knows how she muddled through life at a whorehouse. Millicent was Anne's mother. Lady Julia is Anne's remorseful great-grandmother. Kat Tate is a courtesan friend of Anne's who will do almost anything to help her.
Devon Audley, the Duke of March, was blinded at Waterloo and is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of events at the battle. Treadwell is the butler at his hunting box. Lady Rosalind Marchant was the woman he had fallen in love with, the reason he went off to war. Tristan de Gray is the fifth Earl of Ashton and March's friend.
Caroline, Devon's pregnant sister, has run away from her husband, the Earl of Cavendish. Other sisters include Lizzie and Win as well as his mother, the duchess who is quite insistent that he get married to a respectable woman.
Mr. Wynter was a Bow Street Runner and is now engaged by the duke as an investigator. Captain Tanner's widow and son Thomas are the subject of a search by the duke. Sir John Laurence is the current magistrate at Number 10, Bow Street.
Madame Sin, a.k.a., Mrs. Meadows, ran a whore house in London with Mick Taylor as a bouncer. Sebastian Beddington, Viscount Norbrook, is Anne's salacious cousin with his own designs upon Anne.
The Cover
The cover is pink. A stately-ish home set back from the street with lush gardens in front creates a background that will have you wondering which gated community this is set in while the half-dressed couple embracing...and the pink...definitely clues you in that this is a romance.
The title is true for both parties are Engaged in Sin.
My Take
Page is an engaging author and as whiny as I usually get when an historical storywriter doesn't pay attention to the story's time period, I actually enjoyed this, although I'm not sure if it's the writing or Page's do-good spirit that caught me. It certainly cracked me up how very inept Anne is at the harlot business. She hasn't a clue and yet she's a successful prostitute? Guys, this is so not flattering to y'all...
Page does tend to leap about and pull in some odd twists, but since they are questions about which I've always wondered, I'm being hypocritical enough to let them go.
I'm rather surprised there is no one in his household who can read. Who does the accounts?
Our Anne is a very caring person and she's more interested in incorporating what she learned with how her blind grandfather coped than with doing a better job of faking her orgasms when she's with the duke. She's also quite gung-ho about the evils of prostitution and providing women without family or spousal support with a better way of making a living.
The Story
As a result of a misplaced poker, Anne Beddington has had to flee London and seek a hiding place from the Bow Street Runners and an overheard conversation sends her to the Duke of March's hunting box. It seems his friend thinks bedding a woman will cure his blindness.
Now if only this innocent can entice his grace into keeping her.
The Characters
Anne Beddington, alias Cerise, alias Annalise Black, is a lady with a life-threatening problem. She's too innocent to understand and god knows how she muddled through life at a whorehouse. Millicent was Anne's mother. Lady Julia is Anne's remorseful great-grandmother. Kat Tate is a courtesan friend of Anne's who will do almost anything to help her.
Devon Audley, the Duke of March, was blinded at Waterloo and is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of events at the battle. Treadwell is the butler at his hunting box. Lady Rosalind Marchant was the woman he had fallen in love with, the reason he went off to war. Tristan de Gray is the fifth Earl of Ashton and March's friend.
Caroline, Devon's pregnant sister, has run away from her husband, the Earl of Cavendish. Other sisters include Lizzie and Win as well as his mother, the duchess who is quite insistent that he get married to a respectable woman.
Mr. Wynter was a Bow Street Runner and is now engaged by the duke as an investigator. Captain Tanner's widow and son Thomas are the subject of a search by the duke. Sir John Laurence is the current magistrate at Number 10, Bow Street.
Madame Sin, a.k.a., Mrs. Meadows, ran a whore house in London with Mick Taylor as a bouncer. Sebastian Beddington, Viscount Norbrook, is Anne's salacious cousin with his own designs upon Anne.
The Cover
The cover is pink. A stately-ish home set back from the street with lush gardens in front creates a background that will have you wondering which gated community this is set in while the half-dressed couple embracing...and the pink...definitely clues you in that this is a romance.
The title is true for both parties are Engaged in Sin.
November 28, 2015
Miss Page has once again proved to be one of the best erotic-romance writers.
CONTAINS SPOILERS
I must say this book wasn't as sexually intimidating as some of her other books like Sin. It was emotional, thrilling and wonderfully put together.
This book follows the story of Anne, forced to turn to prostitution due to circumstances,and on the run from a false accusation of murder. She tries to seduce the Duke of March into keeping her as his Mistress until she is able to earn enough money to leave England.
I was apprehensive when I first started the book. But as I read, I realized it was simply beautiful.
Anne is a strong, albeit, a broken woman who is in desperate search of some security. She does not have false notions of some knight in shiny white armor and relies on herself to achieve all the security she wants.
The Duke is blind and wallows in self-pity for quite some time of the book. I like it that, the Duke is not shown as a powerful, arrogant hero who just sweeps her off her feet. He is genuinely broken by war, has nightmares, and hates the fact that he has to rely on somebody to even walk without. He has temper tantrums and refuses to see his family because he is ashamed. Anne helps him to come out of his own shell.
This again isn't one of those books where they both desperately fall in love in the third chapter. She becomes his mistress and stays as one for a long time. All he feels is a fierce sense of protection and thankfulness towards her.
There were 3 things I found disconcerting.
The first - In the beginning of the book she is shown as a very insecure, desperate and a pitiable creature and suddenly when the duke's sister goes into labor, she is shown to possess enormous courage and presence of mind, even if it is said she had witnessed her mother had assist in childbirths, she herself has never done before and for a person who hasn't. And after that she is continued to be shown as a very fierce character.
The second - I expected more fury and mistrust from the duke when he found out about her lies and betrayal. But he did not and rushes to save her. I am not sure whether to find this sweet or a flaw in the book.
The third - I found it quite unbelieving and unnecessary for Anne's long lost great-grandmother to suddenly come out of nowhere ans stake a claim on her. The move was justified form all angles and I even found it nice. Bit, it just seemed unnecessary and the story would have gone great without its addition. Moreover, in the end it was not clear on whether she was announced to be the great-and-the-only-grand-daughter of the very powerful Countess Something.
And it was quite long.
Apart from these, the story moved very nicely. And apart from the romance there was the mystery of the actual murderer, and so many other side thrillers that gave the book more depth.
All the secondary characters seemed very original. I loved the duke's mother the best. She was a strong character and played a major role, along with the duke's sisters', in bringing both of them together.
Once again Miss page has proven to be the best, but not the best of her works.
March 20, 2012
This was our independent pick for our book club pick for March. This scored 3 1/2 stars but I rounded it down because I feel the story just dragged on a bit too much.
Characters - I really liked Anne and Devon. She's been dealt a hard hand in life but she hasn't let it get her down and she's determined in all that she does (though at times I wanted to smack her and tell her to back down on the stubbornness). Devon has also been dealt a hard hand, he went off to war and was blinded, he doesn't want to face the world now and has locked himself away. Together they work, Anne helps Devon out of his funk and Devon shows Anne that she doesn't have to be strong all the time. (1 Star)
Plot - Another reviewer mentioned this story suffers from the kitchen sink syndrome. There was just too much going on with this story. The first half or so of this book was great. But as soon as they return to London it's like every other plot device she could through in got added. Did we need all that stuff with the dead friend's son or the numerous times Anne runs off, or the last 60 or so pages? It just felt like way too much going on.(1/2 Star)
Setting/Accuracy - Everything was going good in this department until we hit the sex swing. That just threw me for a loop. I don't know the history behind them and they very well could of been around then but it just didn't work for me (1/2 Star)
Genre - It worked as a Regency era historical. The only complaint I had was about the decision of two ladies running off to London with no protection, but it wasn't completely unheard of or unthinkable. (1 Star)
That extra something - This started out with that little something special. Anne was a prostitute and Devon was blind. That's right was, he got his sight back. I think the story still would have been great if he stayed blind and didn't have those kitchen sink elements in it! (1/2 Star)
Characters - I really liked Anne and Devon. She's been dealt a hard hand in life but she hasn't let it get her down and she's determined in all that she does (though at times I wanted to smack her and tell her to back down on the stubbornness). Devon has also been dealt a hard hand, he went off to war and was blinded, he doesn't want to face the world now and has locked himself away. Together they work, Anne helps Devon out of his funk and Devon shows Anne that she doesn't have to be strong all the time. (1 Star)
Plot - Another reviewer mentioned this story suffers from the kitchen sink syndrome. There was just too much going on with this story. The first half or so of this book was great. But as soon as they return to London it's like every other plot device she could through in got added. Did we need all that stuff with the dead friend's son or the numerous times Anne runs off, or the last 60 or so pages? It just felt like way too much going on.(1/2 Star)
Setting/Accuracy - Everything was going good in this department until we hit the sex swing. That just threw me for a loop. I don't know the history behind them and they very well could of been around then but it just didn't work for me (1/2 Star)
Genre - It worked as a Regency era historical. The only complaint I had was about the decision of two ladies running off to London with no protection, but it wasn't completely unheard of or unthinkable. (1 Star)
That extra something - This started out with that little something special. Anne was a prostitute and Devon was blind. That's right was, he got his sight back. I think the story still would have been great if he stayed blind and didn't have those kitchen sink elements in it! (1/2 Star)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2016
You probably won't like this if a) historical accuracy is very important to you b) you don't like "too many sex scenes"
About b) Page is known to write erotic historical romances so I wasn't surprised by the "number". Still, I felt that the sex scenes weren't gratuitous but a reflection of the characters' desperation and evolution as characters. In the beginning, Anne used sex to manipulate Devon, but the act eventually changed to a true expression of her care for Devon, whom she was helping to cope with his blindness. For Devon, initially sex was just a drug, a way to forget the horrors of war and his disability. And he did use Anne like a tool for that purpose; eventually he felt guilty about it and became determined to not treat Anne like an object, but to give her pleasure instead of being selfish at just having his needs met only.
The only issue I have with this book is a). Yet, I also understood that I wasn't reading this for historical accuracy, but was instead reading this like a fairytale - a fantasy, so I wasn't expecting much.
Still, I felt the ending was a tad too pat and rushed. Some tiny bit of reailsm could've been injected. Perhaps Anne and Devon could retire to the country and lead a quiet life instead of trying their way into the ton. (Which wouldn't have worked in real life.)
The social consequences of Devon marrying Anne would've been devastating for the family. If King Edward had to abdicate to marry Wallis Simpson in the more 'enlightened times' of the early 20th century, I can't imagine what the consequences would've been for Devon in the early 1800s. Perhaps even the British King would step in and order a halt to it.
Still, like I said, I didn't read this for accuracy, but to escape into a wistful universe where love like this is possible, and Page did her job well. Who am I to complain, really?
About b) Page is known to write erotic historical romances so I wasn't surprised by the "number". Still, I felt that the sex scenes weren't gratuitous but a reflection of the characters' desperation and evolution as characters. In the beginning, Anne used sex to manipulate Devon, but the act eventually changed to a true expression of her care for Devon, whom she was helping to cope with his blindness. For Devon, initially sex was just a drug, a way to forget the horrors of war and his disability. And he did use Anne like a tool for that purpose; eventually he felt guilty about it and became determined to not treat Anne like an object, but to give her pleasure instead of being selfish at just having his needs met only.
The only issue I have with this book is a). Yet, I also understood that I wasn't reading this for historical accuracy, but was instead reading this like a fairytale - a fantasy, so I wasn't expecting much.
Still, I felt the ending was a tad too pat and rushed. Some tiny bit of reailsm could've been injected. Perhaps Anne and Devon could retire to the country and lead a quiet life instead of trying their way into the ton. (Which wouldn't have worked in real life.)
The social consequences of Devon marrying Anne would've been devastating for the family. If King Edward had to abdicate to marry Wallis Simpson in the more 'enlightened times' of the early 20th century, I can't imagine what the consequences would've been for Devon in the early 1800s. Perhaps even the British King would step in and order a halt to it.
Still, like I said, I didn't read this for accuracy, but to escape into a wistful universe where love like this is possible, and Page did her job well. Who am I to complain, really?
July 20, 2012
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lovely, poised Anne Beddington is in a desperate situation: on the run for a crime she didn't commit. Anne understands the wicked games she must play to survive—she has perfected her silky voice, practiced her feathery caress—but has she sufficiently mastered the art of seduction to become the mistress of the notorious Duke of March, Devon Audley? War has left him a recluse, but Anne is penniless, alone, and needs a powerful gentleman's protection. Anne has learned how to pleasure a man, yet when this sinfully handsome duke insists that intimate delights must be a two-way street, Anne cannot deny his sensual promise.
Anne's delicate hands hold a healing touch, but it's her gentle kindness that opens the duke's eyes to the beauty around him and to a family who need him. Still, Anne is a mystery, and Devon intends to spend endless erotic hours uncovering her secrets. When he finds out the terrible truth about the devious plot to brand her a villainess and endanger her life, saving Anne becomes his salvation. She has shown Devon how to live and love again. Now he will prove the power of his passion.
REVIEW:
Ms. Page is fabbbb-uuuulous! I was so damn hooked in this book, it was take-out night every night until finished!
The characters, the action, the steam, the comedy – all of it builds up to equal A+ work. Ms. Page does a phenomenal job at building characters and creating tension to get your heart pumping. This read was full of every thing you could ask for in a book and even then, it left you wanting more.
If you are looking for a book that gives you the happy ending with a whole lot of work in between, then this is the one for you. Five out of five stars for a job well done!
Lovely, poised Anne Beddington is in a desperate situation: on the run for a crime she didn't commit. Anne understands the wicked games she must play to survive—she has perfected her silky voice, practiced her feathery caress—but has she sufficiently mastered the art of seduction to become the mistress of the notorious Duke of March, Devon Audley? War has left him a recluse, but Anne is penniless, alone, and needs a powerful gentleman's protection. Anne has learned how to pleasure a man, yet when this sinfully handsome duke insists that intimate delights must be a two-way street, Anne cannot deny his sensual promise.
Anne's delicate hands hold a healing touch, but it's her gentle kindness that opens the duke's eyes to the beauty around him and to a family who need him. Still, Anne is a mystery, and Devon intends to spend endless erotic hours uncovering her secrets. When he finds out the terrible truth about the devious plot to brand her a villainess and endanger her life, saving Anne becomes his salvation. She has shown Devon how to live and love again. Now he will prove the power of his passion.
REVIEW:
Ms. Page is fabbbb-uuuulous! I was so damn hooked in this book, it was take-out night every night until finished!
The characters, the action, the steam, the comedy – all of it builds up to equal A+ work. Ms. Page does a phenomenal job at building characters and creating tension to get your heart pumping. This read was full of every thing you could ask for in a book and even then, it left you wanting more.
If you are looking for a book that gives you the happy ending with a whole lot of work in between, then this is the one for you. Five out of five stars for a job well done!
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