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For the Earl's Pleasure
Beneath every scornful smile . . . They were once cherished childhood companions, until a scandalous secret tore them apart. Now Valerian Rainewood and Abigail Smart are the fiercest of enemies. To Abigail, Rainewood is a notorious rake, hell-bent on mischief and not fit for polite society. So what if it seems as if he can seduce her with nothing but his eyes? She will not succumb. But when the earl is viciously attacked, Abigail's distress tells her that something still binds her to the wild Rainewood. Lies an unquenchable desire . . . Though the ton believes there is nothing between them, Rainewood knows the truth. Abigail tempts him the way no other woman has. Wanton lust overwhelms him whenever she is near. But keeping her too close may put her precious life in danger. He must destroy his enemies—so that with every touch he may prove to Abigail that though their past was filled with trouble, their future will be nothing but pleasure.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 30, 2009
37 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
About the author
Anne Mallory
13 books431 followersSome people have always known they wanted to write. Others fall into it and discover its inherent joy. I’m somewhere in between. As an avid reader, writing a novel had always tickled the back of my mind. There seem to be a lot of people who say, “Someday I’ll write a book.” For me, the feeling tickled, moved into an incessant knocking and finally became a dull roar. All I needed was to make that “someday” into “today.”
I’ve always considered myself a creator, so transitioning to writer was not as grueling as it might have been. From creating two minute stories for people on the street, to creating jewelry, crafts, stained glass, pottery, music, crazy art projects… the list of things I like to create (and buy all the necessary materials for) keeps getting longer amidst my family’s exasperated groans. I love to start something from scratch, and then mold and shape it into a finished project. Writing books provides a challenge I accept with relish (and a bit of hair pulling). Building a world, populating it with characters and giving them a script and satisfying ending - what more could a creative type ask for?
I’ve always loved romance novels, ever since I started sneaking them from my Mom in elementary school. I mean, what’s not to love? Rakish men and smart, feisty women, adventure and mystery, the love and loyalty between two people. Give me a roomful of romances, some Agatha Christie, some Edgar Allan Poe, the Harry Potter series and an armful of other fantasy novels, (and steady meals with chocolate) and I’m in heaven.
And heaven is what I consider a particular cottage on an inland lake in northern Michigan during the summertime. If you are headed “up north” this summer, maybe I’ll see you on the way…
Anne Bytes (or pseudo trivia)
Started writing on September 11th, 2001 as an escape from the day (needed an escape with a happy ending).
Thinks that 11pm is a perfectly normal time to begin reading a 400 page book.
Escaped from Alcatraz (story here).
Got a hole-in-one on a Par 3 and was just happy to have beaten her Dad on a hole for once. After a quick rotating hip dance, she was surprised to see her Dad still looking from the tee to the hole where the ball had bounced once and dropped in. His mouth was hanging open. Anne’s response? “What?” (In coding terms, Anne != golfer. That’s “Anne is obviously not a golfer” for you normal people).
Loves tubing (behind a boat) and roller coasters (Cedar Point, here we come!).
Loves paddleball, especially “extreme” paddleball. In the normal variety of paddleball, she helped score 432 hits with Cousins J and Mg one summer day.
Played at Carnegie Hall and was so excited she launched her violin bow across the stage when she got to the picking section of the piece. Thankfully said bow was recovered in time to start bowing once more.
Saw a Great White Shark in real life (at Monterey Bay Aquarium, thankfully).
Wrote her first (and only until Masquerading) book in sixth grade. It was a thriller/mystery centering around two sixth grade detectives. Her Mom assures her it is still well loved (read: stashed in the attic).
Began Masquerading the Marquess on Good Friday 2002, sold it on Good Friday 2003.
Considers herself a hobby collector. Friends and Family like to call her hobby “pack ratting.”
Can relate to the line in Office Space, “Um, I’m gonna need you to go ahead and come in tomorrow. So if you could be here around nine, that would be great. Oh, oh, yea… I forgot. I’m gonna also need you to come in Sunday too.”
I’ve always considered myself a creator, so transitioning to writer was not as grueling as it might have been. From creating two minute stories for people on the street, to creating jewelry, crafts, stained glass, pottery, music, crazy art projects… the list of things I like to create (and buy all the necessary materials for) keeps getting longer amidst my family’s exasperated groans. I love to start something from scratch, and then mold and shape it into a finished project. Writing books provides a challenge I accept with relish (and a bit of hair pulling). Building a world, populating it with characters and giving them a script and satisfying ending - what more could a creative type ask for?
I’ve always loved romance novels, ever since I started sneaking them from my Mom in elementary school. I mean, what’s not to love? Rakish men and smart, feisty women, adventure and mystery, the love and loyalty between two people. Give me a roomful of romances, some Agatha Christie, some Edgar Allan Poe, the Harry Potter series and an armful of other fantasy novels, (and steady meals with chocolate) and I’m in heaven.
And heaven is what I consider a particular cottage on an inland lake in northern Michigan during the summertime. If you are headed “up north” this summer, maybe I’ll see you on the way…
Anne Bytes (or pseudo trivia)
Started writing on September 11th, 2001 as an escape from the day (needed an escape with a happy ending).
Thinks that 11pm is a perfectly normal time to begin reading a 400 page book.
Escaped from Alcatraz (story here).
Got a hole-in-one on a Par 3 and was just happy to have beaten her Dad on a hole for once. After a quick rotating hip dance, she was surprised to see her Dad still looking from the tee to the hole where the ball had bounced once and dropped in. His mouth was hanging open. Anne’s response? “What?” (In coding terms, Anne != golfer. That’s “Anne is obviously not a golfer” for you normal people).
Loves tubing (behind a boat) and roller coasters (Cedar Point, here we come!).
Loves paddleball, especially “extreme” paddleball. In the normal variety of paddleball, she helped score 432 hits with Cousins J and Mg one summer day.
Played at Carnegie Hall and was so excited she launched her violin bow across the stage when she got to the picking section of the piece. Thankfully said bow was recovered in time to start bowing once more.
Saw a Great White Shark in real life (at Monterey Bay Aquarium, thankfully).
Wrote her first (and only until Masquerading) book in sixth grade. It was a thriller/mystery centering around two sixth grade detectives. Her Mom assures her it is still well loved (read: stashed in the attic).
Began Masquerading the Marquess on Good Friday 2002, sold it on Good Friday 2003.
Considers herself a hobby collector. Friends and Family like to call her hobby “pack ratting.”
Can relate to the line in Office Space, “Um, I’m gonna need you to go ahead and come in tomorrow. So if you could be here around nine, that would be great. Oh, oh, yea… I forgot. I’m gonna also need you to come in Sunday too.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
May 30, 2024
People can say historical romance isn’t cool but idk a hot ghost literally finger fucked her outside at a derby in front of everyone. Pretty cool to me!
From page one we were off to the races and then she got OFF at the races 🤠
This was a BOOK book. It’s got sexy ghost, it’s got second chance, it’s got TENSION, it’s got banter, it’s got “the man, spirit, bane of her existence who was likely to torment her for all eternity,” it’s got EVERYTHING.
4.5/5 only bc there were some unanswered things at the end—like seriously where is that doctor I want to BEAT his nasty ass—and I needed full closure since some of the themes were pretty dark and I wanted to feel like everyone was properly avenged.
From page one we were off to the races and then she got OFF at the races 🤠
This was a BOOK book. It’s got sexy ghost, it’s got second chance, it’s got TENSION, it’s got banter, it’s got “the man, spirit, bane of her existence who was likely to torment her for all eternity,” it’s got EVERYTHING.
4.5/5 only bc there were some unanswered things at the end—like seriously where is that doctor I want to BEAT his nasty ass—and I needed full closure since some of the themes were pretty dark and I wanted to feel like everyone was properly avenged.
January 2, 2012
*Originally read 9/12/10 - 9/13/10*
*4.5 Stars*
This book confirms my original supposition about this author's work: We were made for each other. She was made to write these entertaining books, and I was made to read them. :)
Before I get into my review, I would like to make one thing clear...
This is a paranormal historical romance.
There, that should help some readers out. For some reason, the publishers decided to shoot themselves, and the author, in the foot and not mention anywhere in the summary that this was a paranormal. They did this author a grave disservice, because nothing will piss a reader off faster than unfulfilled expectations. If you look at a lot of the negative reviews floating around the internet, you'll see that most of them revolve around the fact that they were expecting a straight historical and instead got something with paranormal. They didn't want it, and they weren't happy about it.
So, on to the story... I absolutely loved how this book opened up! By page three I already knew that I was going to adore Valerian and Abigail's relationship. Something happened in their past that made them what they are today. They're not friends, but they can't stay away from each other. The ton would be shocked to know that Valerian even knew Abigail existed, let alone that they spoke every single time they saw each other at an event.
Valerian has become the master of stalking Abigail and talking to her without anyone noticing. They constantly clash and throw verbal darts at each other whenever they encounter. Abigail cannot resist walking on her own at parties, knowing that he will come for her, and Valerian cannot resist coming to her and picking at her. Sounds like a fun relationship, eh? Abigail is finally beginning to tire of the game, which seems to directly influence Valerian's actions, finally revealing an association to the ton.
Something happens to Valerian which leads to big changes for Abigail. Men are suddenly popping back up hoping to court her, traits best left in the dark are brought to attention, and she finally gets the satisfaction of being believed.
The relationship and the tension between Abigail and Valerian are the best part of this book. At times the power disparity in their situations rankled, but the more I knew them, the less it did. While it was easy to see Valerian's power - he had the ton on his side. He always dangled the threat of revealing her and ruining her socially. Too bad for him he didn't understand that there were worse things she feared... But while his power was apparent, hers was more subtle. She had the absolute power to stop playing the game. He could only pick at her for as long as she would let him. The day she finally decided to stay with her crowd would have been the day she won.
He needed her to focus on him. He refused to admit to any fault on his part, but he desperately wanted to go back to the children they used to be. He couldn't stand that his confusion, and then his pride, had cut out the best thing in his life. For as much as he closed his life to her in the beginning, she closed her life to him even more. So he picked at her and provoked her constantly. Look at me. Talk to me. Think of me. Care for me... It was very sad for both of them.
Once again the author takes what I expect and twists it. I always cringe from the thought of the expected scene, but the author always changes things up so I'm left pleasantly surprised. I didn't see the identity of the ultimate villain coming. I thought I did a few times, but I could never settle on just one person. I saw plots wherever I looked, and while they did exist, they weren't what I expected.
There were a few instances of unanswered questions, and an event I really wanted to happen didn't occur. There was also a last minute social development that popped up that I felt was absolutely unnecessary, but I was very pleased with the story regardless. I cannot wait to try more of this author's work!
Edited To Add: Upon rereading this book I've found that the things that bothered me in my first read didn't bother me so much the second time around. I still wish that I could have had a bit more of a glimpse of society's reaction at the end, but because I enjoyed it a lot more the second time around, I'm increasing my rating.
*4.5 Stars*
This book confirms my original supposition about this author's work: We were made for each other. She was made to write these entertaining books, and I was made to read them. :)
Before I get into my review, I would like to make one thing clear...
This is a paranormal historical romance.
There, that should help some readers out. For some reason, the publishers decided to shoot themselves, and the author, in the foot and not mention anywhere in the summary that this was a paranormal. They did this author a grave disservice, because nothing will piss a reader off faster than unfulfilled expectations. If you look at a lot of the negative reviews floating around the internet, you'll see that most of them revolve around the fact that they were expecting a straight historical and instead got something with paranormal. They didn't want it, and they weren't happy about it.
So, on to the story... I absolutely loved how this book opened up! By page three I already knew that I was going to adore Valerian and Abigail's relationship. Something happened in their past that made them what they are today. They're not friends, but they can't stay away from each other. The ton would be shocked to know that Valerian even knew Abigail existed, let alone that they spoke every single time they saw each other at an event.
Valerian has become the master of stalking Abigail and talking to her without anyone noticing. They constantly clash and throw verbal darts at each other whenever they encounter. Abigail cannot resist walking on her own at parties, knowing that he will come for her, and Valerian cannot resist coming to her and picking at her. Sounds like a fun relationship, eh? Abigail is finally beginning to tire of the game, which seems to directly influence Valerian's actions, finally revealing an association to the ton.
Something happens to Valerian which leads to big changes for Abigail. Men are suddenly popping back up hoping to court her, traits best left in the dark are brought to attention, and she finally gets the satisfaction of being believed.
The relationship and the tension between Abigail and Valerian are the best part of this book. At times the power disparity in their situations rankled, but the more I knew them, the less it did. While it was easy to see Valerian's power - he had the ton on his side. He always dangled the threat of revealing her and ruining her socially. Too bad for him he didn't understand that there were worse things she feared... But while his power was apparent, hers was more subtle. She had the absolute power to stop playing the game. He could only pick at her for as long as she would let him. The day she finally decided to stay with her crowd would have been the day she won.
He needed her to focus on him. He refused to admit to any fault on his part, but he desperately wanted to go back to the children they used to be. He couldn't stand that his confusion, and then his pride, had cut out the best thing in his life. For as much as he closed his life to her in the beginning, she closed her life to him even more. So he picked at her and provoked her constantly. Look at me. Talk to me. Think of me. Care for me... It was very sad for both of them.
Once again the author takes what I expect and twists it. I always cringe from the thought of the expected scene, but the author always changes things up so I'm left pleasantly surprised. I didn't see the identity of the ultimate villain coming. I thought I did a few times, but I could never settle on just one person. I saw plots wherever I looked, and while they did exist, they weren't what I expected.
There were a few instances of unanswered questions, and an event I really wanted to happen didn't occur. There was also a last minute social development that popped up that I felt was absolutely unnecessary, but I was very pleased with the story regardless. I cannot wait to try more of this author's work!
Edited To Add: Upon rereading this book I've found that the things that bothered me in my first read didn't bother me so much the second time around. I still wish that I could have had a bit more of a glimpse of society's reaction at the end, but because I enjoyed it a lot more the second time around, I'm increasing my rating.
October 27, 2012
He was a magnificent animal. Dark and deadly in both looks and wit. Most would describe Valerian Danforth, Lord Rainewood, in terms of a lean strong predator,a panther or a wolf.
Personally, Abigail Smart found him to be the worst kind of bloated ass."Stupid donkey," she muttered as, all sinewy grace and confidence, he matched her step for step around the nearly empty balcony surrounding thecrowded ballroom below."Ill-tempered shrew," came the lazy reply.
Now,can ANYONE blame me for being gripped at the very beginning???
But alas!!I felt my interest slipping as the story continued and I found out Valerian to be a very,very,big SNOB.
Anyways I continued.And suddenly I found that it's not just a historical romance....it's a paranormal historical romance.
Abigail is a MEDIATOR.She can see dead people when no one else can.And of course NO ONE believes her.Specially not Valerian.
Abigail and Valerian have a past history.Once the best of friends,now they are mortal enemies of each other.(Actually both the idiots are insanely in love with each other!!)
Now the unthinkable happens...Valerian has himself become a SPIRIT.And Abigail is his only link to reality,only link to somehow find out WHAT THE HELL has happened to him.
After that the story picks up pace.There is romance,danger,humour,the green-eyed monster (ha!ha!)..........etc,etc,etc.
And I loved the end where Valerian reforms himself and claims Abigail for himself.
(Though I will warn the readers that few details in the end are muddy and not clarified!!)
Moreover I will recommend this to people who liked the movie--
JUST LIKE HEAVEN
(Just the base foundation is same.Do not expect the same storyline.)
Personally, Abigail Smart found him to be the worst kind of bloated ass."Stupid donkey," she muttered as, all sinewy grace and confidence, he matched her step for step around the nearly empty balcony surrounding thecrowded ballroom below."Ill-tempered shrew," came the lazy reply.
Now,can ANYONE blame me for being gripped at the very beginning???
But alas!!I felt my interest slipping as the story continued and I found out Valerian to be a very,very,big SNOB.
Anyways I continued.And suddenly I found that it's not just a historical romance....it's a paranormal historical romance.
Abigail is a MEDIATOR.She can see dead people when no one else can.And of course NO ONE believes her.Specially not Valerian.
Abigail and Valerian have a past history.Once the best of friends,now they are mortal enemies of each other.(Actually both the idiots are insanely in love with each other!!)
Now the unthinkable happens...Valerian has himself become a SPIRIT.And Abigail is his only link to reality,only link to somehow find out WHAT THE HELL has happened to him.
After that the story picks up pace.There is romance,danger,humour,the green-eyed monster (ha!ha!)..........etc,etc,etc.
And I loved the end where Valerian reforms himself and claims Abigail for himself.
(Though I will warn the readers that few details in the end are muddy and not clarified!!)
Moreover I will recommend this to people who liked the movie--
JUST LIKE HEAVEN
(Just the base foundation is same.Do not expect the same storyline.)
July 9, 2009
The latest book for my what did I just read files is For the Earl’s Pleasure by Anne Mallory. From the cover and synopsis you would never know this is a supernatural tale. Avon has done this once before, where they tricked this reader with Tempted by the Night by Elizabeth Boyle. The heroine in that book became invisible. There were some WTF moments in that one such as the hero having invisibosex with the invisible heroine. He has no idea what she looks like. They fight supernatural crime, fall in love, heroine becomes visible and they live happily ever after.
So is the case of For the Earl’s Pleasure where I was tricked again. I thought I was going to read about two characters who seem to hate each other but underneath their sniping and cruel words, they love each other desperately. The hero, Valerian Rainewood is a bully and so very mean to Abigail Smart. Abigail did something so horrible to Valerian when they were younger. You wouldn’t know it, at least till the middle of the book, but Abigail and Valerian used to be best of friends. Now that they are much older, Valerian seems to hate Abigail. Abigail is so afraid Valerian will tell her secret for all to known. Abigail can see ghosts and spirits. She is a regency female Haley Joel Osment from the Sixth Sense. Valerian thinks she is a freak. But that all changes when Valerian is taken captive by some crazed scientists and is drugged and has a out of the body experience that occurs through the whole book. He becomes a ghosty ghost and only Abigail can see him and talk to him.
Abigail thinks he is dead but Valerian knows he isn’t and wants her to find out where he is and why he has become Casper the ghost. He makes her travel to dark places no lady should go to for fear of her own death. Because Valerian haunts her bedroom, he sees her naked ankles and comes to the conclusion he has always loved her. They have spirit sex in her bedroom. He gets her off with his hands under her dress during a horse race in public. As long as he touches her skin, they can feel each other and the orgasm she feels are endless.
When all is said and done, I threw the book down asked myself, WTF did I just read? What was the author thinking when she wrote this story and why do I just not get it? I am surprised I can even write a synopsis about For the Earl’s Pleasure because half the time I didn’t understand what was going on. And if anyone has read this book, please explain to me what I have read.
So is the case of For the Earl’s Pleasure where I was tricked again. I thought I was going to read about two characters who seem to hate each other but underneath their sniping and cruel words, they love each other desperately. The hero, Valerian Rainewood is a bully and so very mean to Abigail Smart. Abigail did something so horrible to Valerian when they were younger. You wouldn’t know it, at least till the middle of the book, but Abigail and Valerian used to be best of friends. Now that they are much older, Valerian seems to hate Abigail. Abigail is so afraid Valerian will tell her secret for all to known. Abigail can see ghosts and spirits. She is a regency female Haley Joel Osment from the Sixth Sense. Valerian thinks she is a freak. But that all changes when Valerian is taken captive by some crazed scientists and is drugged and has a out of the body experience that occurs through the whole book. He becomes a ghosty ghost and only Abigail can see him and talk to him.
Abigail thinks he is dead but Valerian knows he isn’t and wants her to find out where he is and why he has become Casper the ghost. He makes her travel to dark places no lady should go to for fear of her own death. Because Valerian haunts her bedroom, he sees her naked ankles and comes to the conclusion he has always loved her. They have spirit sex in her bedroom. He gets her off with his hands under her dress during a horse race in public. As long as he touches her skin, they can feel each other and the orgasm she feels are endless.
When all is said and done, I threw the book down asked myself, WTF did I just read? What was the author thinking when she wrote this story and why do I just not get it? I am surprised I can even write a synopsis about For the Earl’s Pleasure because half the time I didn’t understand what was going on. And if anyone has read this book, please explain to me what I have read.
June 21, 2020
"For the Earl’s Pleasure" by Anne Mallory is a wonderful tale about child-hood sweethearts turning to enemies who are secretly madly in love with each other. A turning point makes the irresistible and arrogant rake of a earl Valerian Rainewood a ghost, and the only one who can see him is the only woman he have ever loved, the spiritful beautiful woman who searches for a husband, Abigail Smart. Old memories of longing and bitterness surfaces and these two will have to realize and confess their hearts for themselves and each other.
" He loved to taunt her, to see the anger and passion. To feel something from her after all the barren years of not having her near. A purgatory that he had created through his actions. A gawky boy on the edge of manhood unable to deal with his feelings. A man at the top of his game unable to let go of his pride."
With the paranormal element to it Mallory succeeded in making this a romantic story full of humor and wit and lots of chemistry. The full-heated bickering between Valerian and Abigail was so funny that i nearly fell off my bed!Valerian with his stubbornes and arrogance had a full charm to him, and his POV proved to be truly funny. How he after all these years had got rid of the men who were interested in Abigail was so adorable! And Abigail who had to hide her true self from the society, and i utterly despised her mother for putting her daughter through that hell. No wonder Valerian couldn`t stand her! Everyone close to them could see how they hided their inner love for each other, through Valerian`s secret caring and possessiveness and Abigails response to his heated gaze, ahh i adore these two so much, as they are absolutely perfect for each other!
“Stupid donkey,” she muttered as, all sinewy grace and confidence, he matched her step for step around the nearly empty balcony surrounding the crowded ballroom below.
“Ill-tempered shrew,” came the lazy reply.
She watched the dancers move sinuously across the parquet floor, oblivious to the drama that swirled above them—society ever unaware of the tension that gripped her around Rainewood.
He made sure of that.
“Lousy, holier-than-thou, miserable, good-for-nothing, donkey.”
“I withdraw my previous statement,” he said in a voice smoother than the best whiskey—and twice as dangerous when overly consumed. “So cruel a comparison for the shrew.”
-Abigail and Valerian
" He loved to taunt her, to see the anger and passion. To feel something from her after all the barren years of not having her near. A purgatory that he had created through his actions. A gawky boy on the edge of manhood unable to deal with his feelings. A man at the top of his game unable to let go of his pride."
With the paranormal element to it Mallory succeeded in making this a romantic story full of humor and wit and lots of chemistry. The full-heated bickering between Valerian and Abigail was so funny that i nearly fell off my bed!Valerian with his stubbornes and arrogance had a full charm to him, and his POV proved to be truly funny. How he after all these years had got rid of the men who were interested in Abigail was so adorable! And Abigail who had to hide her true self from the society, and i utterly despised her mother for putting her daughter through that hell. No wonder Valerian couldn`t stand her! Everyone close to them could see how they hided their inner love for each other, through Valerian`s secret caring and possessiveness and Abigails response to his heated gaze, ahh i adore these two so much, as they are absolutely perfect for each other!
“Stupid donkey,” she muttered as, all sinewy grace and confidence, he matched her step for step around the nearly empty balcony surrounding the crowded ballroom below.
“Ill-tempered shrew,” came the lazy reply.
She watched the dancers move sinuously across the parquet floor, oblivious to the drama that swirled above them—society ever unaware of the tension that gripped her around Rainewood.
He made sure of that.
“Lousy, holier-than-thou, miserable, good-for-nothing, donkey.”
“I withdraw my previous statement,” he said in a voice smoother than the best whiskey—and twice as dangerous when overly consumed. “So cruel a comparison for the shrew.”
-Abigail and Valerian
October 25, 2012
4 1/2 stars (rounded up to 5 stars because I loved Valerian and Abby's relationship so much that the unanswered questions didn't bother me as they should have)
March 20, 2026
5 stars
Instead of a proper review, I will just explain the two things that immediately captured my attention:
The first paragraph—
… and the promise of ghost fingerbanging. 👻
This was a wild ride from beginning to end. Anne Mallory has got herself a new fan in me!
Instead of a proper review, I will just explain the two things that immediately captured my attention:
The first paragraph—
He was a magnificent animal. Dark and deadly in both looks and wit. Most would describe Valerian Danforth, Lord Rainewood, in terms of a lean strong predator—a panther or a wolf. Personally, Abigail Smart found him to be the worst kind of bloated ass.
… and the promise of ghost fingerbanging. 👻
This was a wild ride from beginning to end. Anne Mallory has got herself a new fan in me!
July 27, 2009
This was probably one of the strangest historicals I've ever read (and believe me that's saying ALOT). As I ponder just what to say about "For the Earl's Pleasure" by Anne Mallory, I'm rather at a loss. My bet is if the setting had been contemporary, this would have been a big hit...but, at least for me, the era is all kinds of wrong for this one. Of course, she's the author, not me-so onward.
Abigail has a BIG secret...she sees ghosts. If she were not titled and searching for a husband, that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. But what peer wants a wife who may pass on her 'madness' to offspring? It's a good thing, then, that her secret is very well kept-with the exception of her former childhood friend, Lord Rainewood. Ever since that horrible day, they've been polite enemies...slashing at each other with words at every ton function they both attend. So when Lord Rainewood appears to Abigail as a spirit, you would think she wouldn't be so upset...right?
Valerian Rainewood never believed in Abigail's gift. But after his older brother died and he became the Heir, he realized that he would have to cut Abigail's friendship. How ironic that now she's the only one who can see or hear him. Valerian knows he's not dead, just being held and drugged somewhere; but he will have to learn to rely on Abigail for assistance...and her assistance will place her in grave danger.
So many questions were left unanswered. Why could Abigail see Valerian if he wasn't dead? What really happened between Abigail and the previous heir? What was Abigail's mother thinking!? There are more, but they would give the plot away and I don't want to do that. Once again, I do think this would likely have worked in a more contemporary setting, but having a society-miss-looking-for-a-husband involved in these doings was just too much of a stretch for me. The 'bad guy' seemed to almost come out of nowhere, especially for a total wacko and that always bugs me.
The relationship between the hero and heroine was very strange; not a rivalry, not friendly enemies, sometimes almost vicious. Their circles of friends were so antagonistic it's a wonder they ever spoke! Frankly, if I were Abigail, I'd have told Val to take a hike when he needed all her help. But true love must conquer all. Of course, I'm still not sure WHEN they consummated their relationship. Was it in spirit form? Does that count? Just another question I didn't get a true answer for. I usually love Anne Mallory's books, but "For the Earl's Pleasure" was an uncomfortable read; almost jarring at times. I did finish, and I am glad I did. But I'll be a bit leery the next time I see one of her works.
Abigail has a BIG secret...she sees ghosts. If she were not titled and searching for a husband, that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. But what peer wants a wife who may pass on her 'madness' to offspring? It's a good thing, then, that her secret is very well kept-with the exception of her former childhood friend, Lord Rainewood. Ever since that horrible day, they've been polite enemies...slashing at each other with words at every ton function they both attend. So when Lord Rainewood appears to Abigail as a spirit, you would think she wouldn't be so upset...right?
Valerian Rainewood never believed in Abigail's gift. But after his older brother died and he became the Heir, he realized that he would have to cut Abigail's friendship. How ironic that now she's the only one who can see or hear him. Valerian knows he's not dead, just being held and drugged somewhere; but he will have to learn to rely on Abigail for assistance...and her assistance will place her in grave danger.
So many questions were left unanswered. Why could Abigail see Valerian if he wasn't dead? What really happened between Abigail and the previous heir? What was Abigail's mother thinking!? There are more, but they would give the plot away and I don't want to do that. Once again, I do think this would likely have worked in a more contemporary setting, but having a society-miss-looking-for-a-husband involved in these doings was just too much of a stretch for me. The 'bad guy' seemed to almost come out of nowhere, especially for a total wacko and that always bugs me.
The relationship between the hero and heroine was very strange; not a rivalry, not friendly enemies, sometimes almost vicious. Their circles of friends were so antagonistic it's a wonder they ever spoke! Frankly, if I were Abigail, I'd have told Val to take a hike when he needed all her help. But true love must conquer all. Of course, I'm still not sure WHEN they consummated their relationship. Was it in spirit form? Does that count? Just another question I didn't get a true answer for. I usually love Anne Mallory's books, but "For the Earl's Pleasure" was an uncomfortable read; almost jarring at times. I did finish, and I am glad I did. But I'll be a bit leery the next time I see one of her works.
May 12, 2024
4.25 stars
Oh very much enjoyed this historical ghost story.
I didn’t know much going into it and from the beginning there is beautiful and very engaging mystery when it comes to our main couple.
Abigail and Valerian (love the name) go from enemies to conspirators, to friends and lovers.
And it’s all exciting and fun
However the book would be so much better if the resolution happened differently. If the first part of the book was exciting, fresh and mysterious the second part of the book was mostly about untangling the web of various plot lines.
Possible spoiler below
I wish we’ve got more relationship stuff when Valerian was in his body and they could interact in public.
Oh very much enjoyed this historical ghost story.
I didn’t know much going into it and from the beginning there is beautiful and very engaging mystery when it comes to our main couple.
Abigail and Valerian (love the name) go from enemies to conspirators, to friends and lovers.
And it’s all exciting and fun
However the book would be so much better if the resolution happened differently. If the first part of the book was exciting, fresh and mysterious the second part of the book was mostly about untangling the web of various plot lines.
Possible spoiler below
I wish we’ve got more relationship stuff when Valerian was in his body and they could interact in public.
June 22, 2024
how anne mallory when from making the earl Valerian Rainewood the ultimate jerkface to a romantic, simpering sop is a truly miraculous feat of romance writing. also the ghostly finger banging at the horse races? COME ON.
Abigail Smart's real fears of being labeled as insane due to her visions of ghosts (so disturbing! often fornicating?!) make Valerian's threat of exposing her secret so so so loathsome. He truly doesn't get it until he himself is a "ghost" who is really more of an in limbo spirit due to being tortured. She's the only one who can help him, and she's always captivated him anyway.
what a delight. truly dark, so weird. more like this please.
Abigail Smart's real fears of being labeled as insane due to her visions of ghosts (so disturbing! often fornicating?!) make Valerian's threat of exposing her secret so so so loathsome. He truly doesn't get it until he himself is a "ghost" who is really more of an in limbo spirit due to being tortured. She's the only one who can help him, and she's always captivated him anyway.
what a delight. truly dark, so weird. more like this please.
July 17, 2022
Probably closer to 4.5 stars, which is generally what I use on Letterboxd to note "okay, so I get why *you* don't like it, but also maybe you are wrong and I am right."
I had started this a few days ago, and then last night, at midnight, I picked it up again. I stayed up until 5am to read it. I never do this. Okay, I almost never do it, the exception is with Sherry Thomas books, who I know never to start late because I always finish them in one sitting.
There's stuff in here that generally I don't like: multiple villains! a whole lot of plot! lots of side characters, and it isn't even a part of a series, I don't think, so it was just side characters for the plot of this book! some inconsistent tone of speaking amongst characters!
But none it really mattered. I just loved Abigail and Valerian so much. Additionally--this was one of the only romance novels that I have read that I thought "oh I'd watch this movie." Maybe because all of that plot (Bridgerton has shown us that if you do an adaptation of a romance, sometimes you gotta bolster the plot aspect). But also maybe because I just want to see Valerian throw a ghost temper tantrum every time someone flirts with Abigail in front of him.
I'm really surprised there aren't more ghost regency books because so many FUN things get to happen that would never happen in most historicals--bad behavior in front of the ton + public sex the two main ones.
I don't want to talk too much about my favorite moments because they were all little moments between the couple, but heres a no context quotes I loved (so spoiler light) list of great stuff that made me do a little cheer when I read them: "Deal with this on your own," "He was used to keeping an eye out for her, that it was nearly second nature," "More than anything he wanted to be in the carriage with her," "he was looking at her as if the sun rose only with her express permission," "everything in me says that you will make me whole," "he'd called her Abby," "'I can't believe you are real,' one or both of them said," "had pictured home and her face had appeared," THE BRUSH, the COMB, "I would have run away with you myself."
also also: great stuff with Abigail's relationship to physical intimacy and how that manifests in the bedroom scenes.
I had started this a few days ago, and then last night, at midnight, I picked it up again. I stayed up until 5am to read it. I never do this. Okay, I almost never do it, the exception is with Sherry Thomas books, who I know never to start late because I always finish them in one sitting.
There's stuff in here that generally I don't like: multiple villains! a whole lot of plot! lots of side characters, and it isn't even a part of a series, I don't think, so it was just side characters for the plot of this book! some inconsistent tone of speaking amongst characters!
But none it really mattered. I just loved Abigail and Valerian so much. Additionally--this was one of the only romance novels that I have read that I thought "oh I'd watch this movie." Maybe because all of that plot (Bridgerton has shown us that if you do an adaptation of a romance, sometimes you gotta bolster the plot aspect). But also maybe because I just want to see Valerian throw a ghost temper tantrum every time someone flirts with Abigail in front of him.
I'm really surprised there aren't more ghost regency books because so many FUN things get to happen that would never happen in most historicals--bad behavior in front of the ton + public sex the two main ones.
I don't want to talk too much about my favorite moments because they were all little moments between the couple, but heres a no context quotes I loved (so spoiler light) list of great stuff that made me do a little cheer when I read them: "Deal with this on your own," "He was used to keeping an eye out for her, that it was nearly second nature," "More than anything he wanted to be in the carriage with her," "he was looking at her as if the sun rose only with her express permission," "everything in me says that you will make me whole," "he'd called her Abby," "'I can't believe you are real,' one or both of them said," "had pictured home and her face had appeared," THE BRUSH, the COMB, "I would have run away with you myself."
also also: great stuff with Abigail's relationship to physical intimacy and how that manifests in the bedroom scenes.
January 28, 2016
Now I have to admit I went into this specifically because it had a paranormal aspect and enjoyed it immensely. I was worried in the beginning, Valerian was such an ass, but his predicament, what he learns about Abigail, and what he puts her through helping him really gives him the kick in the backside to realize he's been an ass. And he really becomes the hero he needs to be.
Abigail is a great character too. She's between a rock and a hard place and she does the best she can despite the fear of what will happen if her secret gets out. She always had a spine of steel and I loved when she finally realized it.
The ending was perfect though I wish it had an epilogue. They have a tough road ahead of them and I would have loved to see how they came through it.
Abigail is a great character too. She's between a rock and a hard place and she does the best she can despite the fear of what will happen if her secret gets out. She always had a spine of steel and I loved when she finally realized it.
The ending was perfect though I wish it had an epilogue. They have a tough road ahead of them and I would have loved to see how they came through it.
January 8, 2019
Ever read a review that rips a book to shreds and think, "I have to read this NOW."
There was a scathing review about Anne Mallory's For the Earl's Pleasure because the reviewer was unaware it was a ghost story and naturally I had to read the first chapter. I didn't think I'd be the type to enjoy a ghost HR but I am so glad I made the exception for Abigail and Valerian.
This is one of my favourite vanilla HRs I have read in a long, long, long time. Abigail and Valerian are so alive, and the pull between the two characters is always there. They may pretend otherwise but as Stagen says, “A strange relationship the two of you maintain. Only those that are looking truly notice it, but we do.”
Abigail and Valerian spark with chemistry from the first page, and the ghost element only intensified their sweet and spicy relationship. It removed barriers between Abigail and Valerian with the happy result of charged conversations, daytime mischief and night sleuthing that included sneaking off at parties to steal green ledgers, masquerading as a boy and enjoying intimate moments in broad daylight with no one the wiser. The mystery is a fun adventure with credible suspects, red herrings and a few unexpected reveals are all here. The ending is a bit out of left field but it'll stand. Mallory does such a fine job with Abigail and Valerian that the constantly dangled carrot of their childhood past is not annoying. Not when Mallory has the hairbrush and comb set story or the aborted prank story to tell.
Mallory skillfully peels back the layers to their relationship. We first meet Abigail and Valerian trading insults to each other at a party, although if anyone were to look, it would not appear they were aware of each other. Later on, Valerian and his haughty set of cronies talk to Abigail and he comes off quite the snob and bully, but Mallory manages to keep him sympathetic as he transforms from closed-off and demanding heir to a person honestly re-evaluating his life decisions. Meanwhile, Abigail is sharp-tongued, holds her own and does not back down from a challenge. Or from calling Valerian donkey.
AH I LOVE IT.
This is how you write spicy vanilla HRs. I cannot wait to read more from Mallory!
There was a scathing review about Anne Mallory's For the Earl's Pleasure because the reviewer was unaware it was a ghost story and naturally I had to read the first chapter. I didn't think I'd be the type to enjoy a ghost HR but I am so glad I made the exception for Abigail and Valerian.
This is one of my favourite vanilla HRs I have read in a long, long, long time. Abigail and Valerian are so alive, and the pull between the two characters is always there. They may pretend otherwise but as Stagen says, “A strange relationship the two of you maintain. Only those that are looking truly notice it, but we do.”
Abigail and Valerian spark with chemistry from the first page, and the ghost element only intensified their sweet and spicy relationship. It removed barriers between Abigail and Valerian with the happy result of charged conversations, daytime mischief and night sleuthing that included sneaking off at parties to steal green ledgers, masquerading as a boy and enjoying intimate moments in broad daylight with no one the wiser. The mystery is a fun adventure with credible suspects, red herrings and a few unexpected reveals are all here. The ending is a bit out of left field but it'll stand. Mallory does such a fine job with Abigail and Valerian that the constantly dangled carrot of their childhood past is not annoying. Not when Mallory has the hairbrush and comb set story or the aborted prank story to tell.
Mallory skillfully peels back the layers to their relationship. We first meet Abigail and Valerian trading insults to each other at a party, although if anyone were to look, it would not appear they were aware of each other. Later on, Valerian and his haughty set of cronies talk to Abigail and he comes off quite the snob and bully, but Mallory manages to keep him sympathetic as he transforms from closed-off and demanding heir to a person honestly re-evaluating his life decisions. Meanwhile, Abigail is sharp-tongued, holds her own and does not back down from a challenge. Or from calling Valerian donkey.
AH I LOVE IT.
This is how you write spicy vanilla HRs. I cannot wait to read more from Mallory!
September 7, 2010
***4.5***
This was such an unusual book. Honestly, it is a paranormal romance that happens to be set in 19th century London. I am shocked that they didn't market it that way, because I think a lot of people would really like that. As it is now, those readers sort of have to accidentally fall into this book.
I loved it. And the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers thing doesn't usually jibe with me. But this one worked so well... Mallory played it perfectly. That enemy action really only works if you can sense the roiling, conflicted, tortured emotions below the surface.
And boy, can you.
This book is not just paranormal historical romance... it is also a mystery. And quite a suspenseful one (my nerves were jangling!). I don't want to say much in my review, because I don't want to hint at any of the twists and turns. So all I will say is that I am becoming a big big fan of Mallory. I find her books to be refreshing, energetic reads with strong characterization and fabulous banter. Seven Secrets of Seduction was fantastic, and this book definitely didn't disappoint. I will certainly be picking up more from her soon.
This was such an unusual book. Honestly, it is a paranormal romance that happens to be set in 19th century London. I am shocked that they didn't market it that way, because I think a lot of people would really like that. As it is now, those readers sort of have to accidentally fall into this book.
I loved it. And the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers thing doesn't usually jibe with me. But this one worked so well... Mallory played it perfectly. That enemy action really only works if you can sense the roiling, conflicted, tortured emotions below the surface.
And boy, can you.
This book is not just paranormal historical romance... it is also a mystery. And quite a suspenseful one (my nerves were jangling!). I don't want to say much in my review, because I don't want to hint at any of the twists and turns. So all I will say is that I am becoming a big big fan of Mallory. I find her books to be refreshing, energetic reads with strong characterization and fabulous banter. Seven Secrets of Seduction was fantastic, and this book definitely didn't disappoint. I will certainly be picking up more from her soon.
May 22, 2024
enemies to ghosts to lovers
January 15, 2022
Childhood friends to enemies to ONE OF US IS A GHOST to lovers.
March 14, 2024
My favorite thing about Anne Mallory is that with every villain reveal I'm like, wait who is that again
November 23, 2025
3.5 stars
Did not finish
March 28, 2026I can see why people didn’t like this. The paranormal aspect as a bit off-putting with the H becoming a “spirit” and following the h around. It sounds better than it was.
September 25, 2010
This was a very unique book. I could not put it down. Abby and Valerian were childhood friends, until one horrible incident tore their friendship apart. But the problem is, they can't stay apart from one another.
That is how their story opens with them at a ball, going at one another with mean hammer and tong. The insults fly fast and furious between the two. Abby is in London trying to nab a husband and Valerian, unbeknown to Abby is doing everything he can to stop it. The problem is that other people are seeing the byplay between the two and coming to their own conclusions about these two.
A horrible incident brings Abbey and Valerian closer together, but her secret, should it be revealed will ensure that she never sees polite society again, or worse be committed. But before Abby can worry about that, she has to save Valerian before they lose each other forever.
That is how their story opens with them at a ball, going at one another with mean hammer and tong. The insults fly fast and furious between the two. Abby is in London trying to nab a husband and Valerian, unbeknown to Abby is doing everything he can to stop it. The problem is that other people are seeing the byplay between the two and coming to their own conclusions about these two.
A horrible incident brings Abbey and Valerian closer together, but her secret, should it be revealed will ensure that she never sees polite society again, or worse be committed. But before Abby can worry about that, she has to save Valerian before they lose each other forever.
May 25, 2021
Loved it!! Do not be discouraged by the low rating - I think it stems from readers not realizing this was a historical romance with paranormal elements . I have read MANY historical romances and this is the first time I have read a historical that had a hero that was some form of spirit ( although he wasn't dead) and a heroine that was a medium that was helping said hero locate his body before it was too late . This reminded me of the movie "The Invisible" and it worked really well in a historical setting . Aside from a very good mystery (where's hero's body? Who took it? Why?) there is enough romance that kept me happy . Our hero/heroine were friends as children that became enemies as they grew older due to a misunderstanding . Nonetheless , they both were attracted to one another but neither wanted to admit it . Overall great read -- highly recommend .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2024
(2.5 stars)
I have been nursing this book for 2 months, which is probably enough of an explanation of how I feel about it. It had a lot of intrigue at the beginning (I mean, ghost romance is quite the set up) but I feel like it missed the mark on really focusing on the aspects I was invested in.
A bit too much awkward dual-conversations and not enough pay-off for the ruined childhood friendship and angst. I am a fiend for an angsty book but the scenes just ended too quickly to maximize on it. Plus I could not have cared less about the mystery elements or reveal of the vaguest evil plan know to man (legit: what was this man experimenting on people to even find out??)
Like, glad I read it I guess, but it was also during a reading slump so not sure if it helped or hurt. But now I can listen to it's podcast episode, which is all that really matters anyways!
I have been nursing this book for 2 months, which is probably enough of an explanation of how I feel about it. It had a lot of intrigue at the beginning (I mean, ghost romance is quite the set up) but I feel like it missed the mark on really focusing on the aspects I was invested in.
A bit too much awkward dual-conversations and not enough pay-off for the ruined childhood friendship and angst. I am a fiend for an angsty book but the scenes just ended too quickly to maximize on it. Plus I could not have cared less about the mystery elements or reveal of the vaguest evil plan know to man (legit: what was this man experimenting on people to even find out??)
Like, glad I read it I guess, but it was also during a reading slump so not sure if it helped or hurt. But now I can listen to it's podcast episode, which is all that really matters anyways!
June 15, 2018
I dig it....I can appreciate a good twist with my historical romances, and the paranormal aspect was great!
not-interested
November 14, 2019Note: This is a paranormal HR.
January 25, 2022
Well, took me a while to finish this book, but I stuck to it. There were just so many aspects of this book that I didn't like... for once the mystery was more compelling than the romance or either lead character, but the mystery keep me holding on to the end. This is a friends to enemies to lovers story with a supernatural twist... the hero spends most of the book as a ... ghost? or a sort of ghost... it's complicated, but it makes for some unusual and bizarre situations for the heroine.
The story was compelling enough, why is our hero in ghost form? Only our heroine can see, hear, and eventually feel him. Can he be saved? Who is behind all this? Those are the main reasons to read this book for me, and in the end I can't say is was completely satisfying... but that just might be due to my personal preferences.
The main couple is Valerian Danforth, Lord Rainewood and Abigail Smart. They used to be close friend in their youth, but once Val's older brother dies and he becomes the new Earl, and heir to a dukedom that all changes. Some bitter secret (to the readers) tore them apart and now they are bitter enemies. Rainewood has become one of the leaders of the ton and Abigail is merely a upstart social climber on the outskirts of polite society. None the less they are both still obsessed with other, Rainewood can't stop seeker her out at parties and she never fails to wander off alone so he can find her. They snipe and sneer at each other exchanging insults, but it seems as if each perversely enjoys it, but are unsure exactly why or what to do about it.
I just couldn't like or admire either of them... I understand that they are supposed to start out flawed and grow as the story progresses, but it never really worked for me... too many petty and childish thing happen and are said between them, especially with Rainewood. Abigail was better, but I still couldn't warm to her, I think because she still liked Rainewood, and I just couldn't see why... he is horrible to her, I can only guess that their past friendship was genuine enough that she hoped that part of him was still there, but he comes across so terrible. I understand he is under a lot of stress to find and return to his body, but he spends so much time being childish, like feeling her up when she is in front of people, and making it hard for her to look 'normal' as he constantly demands her attention, talks to her, and touches her... it was all she could do to maintain some decorum, and even so she doesn't do it well enough because people start to notice her strange behavior. So many times Rainewood would do things that were really unnecessary and counter to his goals, like he would forget himself and his situation... because of jealousy or lust. He would also force/coerce Abigail into very dangerous reputation ruining situations... I get why, but it did seem extreme, questionable and completely without much planning.
Ultimately I just couldn't warm up to the two main characters, the story was interesting enough I'll give it that. I like that since it had a mystery to it we got more development of side characters and so had many potential 'who could it be' suspects. Just wish the romance worked for me.
*** Light Fun Read
Easy and enjoyable read. Nothing really remarkable, but worth reading if you like the genre and/or author. Baseline for most books I read, they are neither good nor bad, they are simply a light fun read.
The story was compelling enough, why is our hero in ghost form? Only our heroine can see, hear, and eventually feel him. Can he be saved? Who is behind all this? Those are the main reasons to read this book for me, and in the end I can't say is was completely satisfying... but that just might be due to my personal preferences.
The main couple is Valerian Danforth, Lord Rainewood and Abigail Smart. They used to be close friend in their youth, but once Val's older brother dies and he becomes the new Earl, and heir to a dukedom that all changes. Some bitter secret (to the readers) tore them apart and now they are bitter enemies. Rainewood has become one of the leaders of the ton and Abigail is merely a upstart social climber on the outskirts of polite society. None the less they are both still obsessed with other, Rainewood can't stop seeker her out at parties and she never fails to wander off alone so he can find her. They snipe and sneer at each other exchanging insults, but it seems as if each perversely enjoys it, but are unsure exactly why or what to do about it.
I just couldn't like or admire either of them... I understand that they are supposed to start out flawed and grow as the story progresses, but it never really worked for me... too many petty and childish thing happen and are said between them, especially with Rainewood. Abigail was better, but I still couldn't warm to her, I think because she still liked Rainewood, and I just couldn't see why... he is horrible to her, I can only guess that their past friendship was genuine enough that she hoped that part of him was still there, but he comes across so terrible. I understand he is under a lot of stress to find and return to his body, but he spends so much time being childish, like feeling her up when she is in front of people, and making it hard for her to look 'normal' as he constantly demands her attention, talks to her, and touches her... it was all she could do to maintain some decorum, and even so she doesn't do it well enough because people start to notice her strange behavior. So many times Rainewood would do things that were really unnecessary and counter to his goals, like he would forget himself and his situation... because of jealousy or lust. He would also force/coerce Abigail into very dangerous reputation ruining situations... I get why, but it did seem extreme, questionable and completely without much planning.
Ultimately I just couldn't warm up to the two main characters, the story was interesting enough I'll give it that. I like that since it had a mystery to it we got more development of side characters and so had many potential 'who could it be' suspects. Just wish the romance worked for me.
*** Light Fun Read
Easy and enjoyable read. Nothing really remarkable, but worth reading if you like the genre and/or author. Baseline for most books I read, they are neither good nor bad, they are simply a light fun read.
January 26, 2026
What the plot summary doesn’t tell you is that this enemies-to-lovers historical romance is also paranormal. The MMC turns into a ghost and only the FMC can see him (and later touch him).
Look, this was otherwise fine, but I was creeped out by the MMC’s behavior. As soon as he realizes he can touch the FMC, he starts feeling her up all the time, including while she’s in public and can’t refuse or react because she legitimately fears being put into a mental asylum. Yikes.
The story also ends rather abruptly and the paranormal aspect is never fully explained.
Look, this was otherwise fine, but I was creeped out by the MMC’s behavior. As soon as he realizes he can touch the FMC, he starts feeling her up all the time, including while she’s in public and can’t refuse or react because she legitimately fears being put into a mental asylum. Yikes.
The story also ends rather abruptly and the paranormal aspect is never fully explained.
July 4, 2015
Two words: ghost sex.
So this book wasn't anything that I expected. I picked it up for this line in the synopsis: Wanton lust overwhelms him whenever she is near. Wanton lust! Overwhelming wanton lust! How could it possibly go wrong?
Perhaps the introduction of the paranormal, which isn't hinted at at all in the synopsis.
It's not that I dislike paranormal in my historical romance, it was just so... unexpected. And Valerian spent a good portion of the book as a ghost/spirit/whatever. It. You know. Ghost. Sex. Ghost sex. I expect that kind of thing from the GLA erotica I read with Kelly, not in my historical romance. Though I guess it rather takes care of the contraceptive question? OR DOES IT? Can a ghost impregnate you? Big life questions not answered in For the Earl's Pleasure.
Despite that, I did enjoy the relationship between Valerian and Abby. I'm just not sure the paranormal aspect of it hindered the development of their relationship (or rather, my enjoyment of it), especially since the end of the book raises more questions than it answers about Abby's abilities. So much of their relationship depended on her ability, and yet it was never fully explained. It almost made me want more of the animosity between Valerian and Abby throughout the book.
As an introduction to Anne Mallory -- paranormal parts aside -- it wasn't a bad one. It's just that the paranormal parts threw me enough that I perhaps spent less time taking it seriously than I could have. I would pick up another one.
So this book wasn't anything that I expected. I picked it up for this line in the synopsis: Wanton lust overwhelms him whenever she is near. Wanton lust! Overwhelming wanton lust! How could it possibly go wrong?
Perhaps the introduction of the paranormal, which isn't hinted at at all in the synopsis.
It's not that I dislike paranormal in my historical romance, it was just so... unexpected. And Valerian spent a good portion of the book as a ghost/spirit/whatever. It. You know. Ghost. Sex. Ghost sex. I expect that kind of thing from the GLA erotica I read with Kelly, not in my historical romance. Though I guess it rather takes care of the contraceptive question? OR DOES IT? Can a ghost impregnate you? Big life questions not answered in For the Earl's Pleasure.
Despite that, I did enjoy the relationship between Valerian and Abby. I'm just not sure the paranormal aspect of it hindered the development of their relationship (or rather, my enjoyment of it), especially since the end of the book raises more questions than it answers about Abby's abilities. So much of their relationship depended on her ability, and yet it was never fully explained. It almost made me want more of the animosity between Valerian and Abby throughout the book.
As an introduction to Anne Mallory -- paranormal parts aside -- it wasn't a bad one. It's just that the paranormal parts threw me enough that I perhaps spent less time taking it seriously than I could have. I would pick up another one.
December 12, 2015
So, so good! Anne Mallory's covers always look so cheesy, but she consistently creates some of my favorite stories.
The blurb doesn't tell you much about the story, so fair warning: this is a ghost story. It's written like a traditional historical romance, but with a fantastical twist.
Small synopsis: Abigail and Valerian were once childhood best friends with a budding romance until tragedy and a misunderstanding ruined their relationship. Both devastated by their loss, they feel victimized by the other and as the years go by, they ultimately turn into enemies of sort (except they still can't stay away from each other). And this is where the story starts, with Valerian and Abigail going head to head in a bitter confrontation.
The twist is that Abigail can see ghosts, or spirits as she likes to call them, and when Valerian is attacked and goes missing, his ghost/spirit comes to find Abigail as she's the only one who can help him. So the two have to stick together until they can find who attack Valerian and what they're after.
So essentially, this book is a historical romance/ghost story/murder mystery/second-chance romance, all wrapped up into one happy package. And it's definitely recommended :)
The blurb doesn't tell you much about the story, so fair warning: this is a ghost story. It's written like a traditional historical romance, but with a fantastical twist.
Small synopsis: Abigail and Valerian were once childhood best friends with a budding romance until tragedy and a misunderstanding ruined their relationship. Both devastated by their loss, they feel victimized by the other and as the years go by, they ultimately turn into enemies of sort (except they still can't stay away from each other). And this is where the story starts, with Valerian and Abigail going head to head in a bitter confrontation.
The twist is that Abigail can see ghosts, or spirits as she likes to call them, and when Valerian is attacked and goes missing, his ghost/spirit comes to find Abigail as she's the only one who can help him. So the two have to stick together until they can find who attack Valerian and what they're after.
So essentially, this book is a historical romance/ghost story/murder mystery/second-chance romance, all wrapped up into one happy package. And it's definitely recommended :)
May 28, 2024
I think that if you're going to write a paranormal historical romance, you need to title it something that at least hints at something more than a historical romance. Even still, I wasn't upset when I realized that this was paranormal. I was actually pretty excited to see a fun mix of genres.
But this was not actually a fun mix of genres. I found the discussions of asylums and doctors and "treatments" pretty horrifying, which is a result of trying to mix "I see dead people" with Regency levels of patient treatment.
I also just didn't like the romance and at the end of the day, I can look past just about anything if the romance is good. There were glimmers where I really liked this. I could feel the yearning and I love a second chance romance. I think if he had done an appropriate grovel, apologizing for all the shit he'd done, or if he'd ever felt like he'd truly lost her, it could have been saved. As it is, this just wasn't convincing.
There were numerous small copy errors (such as "towed the line" rather than "toed") which I was prepared to forgive assuming this was an indie romance. But in fact it is published by Avon over 10 years ago, so I'm less forgiving of that.
But this was not actually a fun mix of genres. I found the discussions of asylums and doctors and "treatments" pretty horrifying, which is a result of trying to mix "I see dead people" with Regency levels of patient treatment.
I also just didn't like the romance and at the end of the day, I can look past just about anything if the romance is good. There were glimmers where I really liked this. I could feel the yearning and I love a second chance romance. I think if he had done an appropriate grovel, apologizing for all the shit he'd done, or if he'd ever felt like he'd truly lost her, it could have been saved. As it is, this just wasn't convincing.
There were numerous small copy errors (such as "towed the line" rather than "toed") which I was prepared to forgive assuming this was an indie romance. But in fact it is published by Avon over 10 years ago, so I'm less forgiving of that.
October 24, 2012
Actually it's more of a 3.5 stars........would've given it 4 stars if only certain things were not missing....like an epilogue, proper explanations about certain events...or rather the reasons behind the occurrence of those events...some loose ends ..and few other things.
All in all it was different from the usual kind of historical romance and I found it to be very entertaining, sweet, funny and enjoyable......
I would recommend it to people who like reading romances and are looking for something different in the historical romance genre.
Note: It is a paranormal historical romance although it's not mentioned in the blurb.
All in all it was different from the usual kind of historical romance and I found it to be very entertaining, sweet, funny and enjoyable......
I would recommend it to people who like reading romances and are looking for something different in the historical romance genre.
Note: It is a paranormal historical romance although it's not mentioned in the blurb.
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