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Historical Jewels
Indiscreet
MARRYING FOR LOVE CAN BE DIFFICULT ...
Edward, Marquess of Foye, would have been happy to continue his life as an unmarried gentleman rake, but his brother's death changes everything. As the last of his line, Edward must now marry. Heart already broken by a capricious young girl, he vows to find an older woman --- seasoned, mature ... and no threat to his feelings.
FALLING IN LOVE CAN BE DANGEROUS ...
Sabine Godard was educated by an Oxford don, and her studies became her salvation after an event in her past left her unwilling to accept the touch of any man. Though she never intended to fall in love, passion defies logic when she and Edward meet. Together they explore temptation and sensuality, healing old wounds ... until events require them to risk everything for their love.
Edward, Marquess of Foye, would have been happy to continue his life as an unmarried gentleman rake, but his brother's death changes everything. As the last of his line, Edward must now marry. Heart already broken by a capricious young girl, he vows to find an older woman --- seasoned, mature ... and no threat to his feelings.
FALLING IN LOVE CAN BE DANGEROUS ...
Sabine Godard was educated by an Oxford don, and her studies became her salvation after an event in her past left her unwilling to accept the touch of any man. Though she never intended to fall in love, passion defies logic when she and Edward meet. Together they explore temptation and sensuality, healing old wounds ... until events require them to risk everything for their love.
293 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 2, 2009
26 people are currently reading
702 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Jewel
58 books527 followersCarolyn Jewel was born on a moonless night. That darkness was seared into her soul and she became an award winning and USA Today bestselling author of historical and paranormal romance. She has a very dusty car and a Master’s degree in English that proves useful at the oddest times. An avid fan of fine chocolate, finer heroines, Bollywood films, and heroism in all forms, she has two cats and a dog. Also a son. One of the cats is his.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 12, 2011
Had some very promising aspects, but as a whole it was definitely lacking (2.5 stars)
This was my first book by Carolyn Jewel and at the beginning I was very excited, because the story seemed very promising. I especially loved that our hero is not drop-dead gorgeous (far from it!), as almost every romance hero invariably is. Edward, Marquess of Foye, is definitely not one of those heroes - quite the opposite in fact: "With a face that defined 'ill made' and a body that tended to intimidate by sheer size - he had always been prone to muscle - Foye was used to women looking past him or away from him" (p8).
Throughout, Edward remained an enjoyable hero and I found him to be a very sweet and "nice-guy" type of leading man. He's intelligent and confident, but also sensitive and vulnerable. His feelings towards Sabine never waver and really come across to the reader. I also greatly enjoyed the first few interactions between the two of them. Unfortunately, after that it went downhill ...
I did not like the huge age difference, though if not mentioned all the time one can usually overlook those (she's 23 and he's 38).
I did not like that what usually takes an entire book to sort out happened by p89 - they've declared their feelings, are in love, want to marry when possible.
I did not like that Sabine is so standoffish - understandably, due to her past - with Foye, they then kiss in the 60s (pages), and then everything for her is turned around. Granted, she already starts to be nicer towards him once she discovers that he has good intentions and that he actually objected to what was said that ended up ruining her. Still, she did a very quick 180 there.
I did not like that Sabine was sometimes extremely overemotional and melodramatic. I also didn't like her constant dialogue with herself when she's having to wear her disguise as she and Foye travel, always telling herself she has to embody this role, this is what the person would do, she can't think of herself as Sabine, on and on and ON! Got to be very exasperating.
I did not like that the subplot overshadowed the romance for most of the mid-section of the book - and it wasn't a great one to begin with. It also ends COMPLETELY anti-climactically.
I did not like that there are about 5 different ending ploys. What I'm referring to are those events in romances that catapult us towards the HEA and that set everything right in the end - sometimes it's the hero or heroine almost dying, the murderer being caught, some big secret being revealed, a realization on his or her part that they love the other, etc. Well this book had about 5 of those until all I could think was Enough already!!!
I did not like that Sabine never EVER calls the hero Edward - the most familiar she gets with him is calling him Foye. One even wonders if she knows his first name, since she never even thinks it (refers to him as such in her mind) and I'm not sure they're introduced to one another with full names.
There were more things I didn't like, but I'll stop there.
I think what would have been best was if we had pages 1-66 stayed as they were, which is at the point where Sabine has started to let her guard down and Edward is really becoming entranced and attracted to her. Then the majority of the book could have been them developing an emotional and intellectual connection, without a mystery subplot - their characters were interesting enough to be able to carry the book by themselves, no need for another story thread. Their physical connection would also of course develop and then there could be pages 67-89, with the obstacles they face being both of them making the final leap and them getting her uncle's blessing. Voila, done, it's a wrap!
Bottom Line
Unfortunately, I cannot even say that I would recommend getting this from the library (which is thankfully what I did). The author does have the ability to write intriguing characters, great chemistry, and some good dialogue, so I will be giving her another chance and hope that her other books surpass this one.
This was my first book by Carolyn Jewel and at the beginning I was very excited, because the story seemed very promising. I especially loved that our hero is not drop-dead gorgeous (far from it!), as almost every romance hero invariably is. Edward, Marquess of Foye, is definitely not one of those heroes - quite the opposite in fact: "With a face that defined 'ill made' and a body that tended to intimidate by sheer size - he had always been prone to muscle - Foye was used to women looking past him or away from him" (p8).
Throughout, Edward remained an enjoyable hero and I found him to be a very sweet and "nice-guy" type of leading man. He's intelligent and confident, but also sensitive and vulnerable. His feelings towards Sabine never waver and really come across to the reader. I also greatly enjoyed the first few interactions between the two of them. Unfortunately, after that it went downhill ...
I did not like the huge age difference, though if not mentioned all the time one can usually overlook those (she's 23 and he's 38).
I did not like that what usually takes an entire book to sort out happened by p89 - they've declared their feelings, are in love, want to marry when possible.
I did not like that Sabine is so standoffish - understandably, due to her past - with Foye, they then kiss in the 60s (pages), and then everything for her is turned around. Granted, she already starts to be nicer towards him once she discovers that he has good intentions and that he actually objected to what was said that ended up ruining her. Still, she did a very quick 180 there.
I did not like that Sabine was sometimes extremely overemotional and melodramatic. I also didn't like her constant dialogue with herself when she's having to wear her disguise as she and Foye travel, always telling herself she has to embody this role, this is what the person would do, she can't think of herself as Sabine, on and on and ON! Got to be very exasperating.
I did not like that the subplot overshadowed the romance for most of the mid-section of the book - and it wasn't a great one to begin with. It also ends COMPLETELY anti-climactically.
I did not like that there are about 5 different ending ploys. What I'm referring to are those events in romances that catapult us towards the HEA and that set everything right in the end - sometimes it's the hero or heroine almost dying, the murderer being caught, some big secret being revealed, a realization on his or her part that they love the other, etc. Well this book had about 5 of those until all I could think was Enough already!!!
I did not like that Sabine never EVER calls the hero Edward - the most familiar she gets with him is calling him Foye. One even wonders if she knows his first name, since she never even thinks it (refers to him as such in her mind) and I'm not sure they're introduced to one another with full names.
There were more things I didn't like, but I'll stop there.
I think what would have been best was if we had pages 1-66 stayed as they were, which is at the point where Sabine has started to let her guard down and Edward is really becoming entranced and attracted to her. Then the majority of the book could have been them developing an emotional and intellectual connection, without a mystery subplot - their characters were interesting enough to be able to carry the book by themselves, no need for another story thread. Their physical connection would also of course develop and then there could be pages 67-89, with the obstacles they face being both of them making the final leap and them getting her uncle's blessing. Voila, done, it's a wrap!
Bottom Line
Unfortunately, I cannot even say that I would recommend getting this from the library (which is thankfully what I did). The author does have the ability to write intriguing characters, great chemistry, and some good dialogue, so I will be giving her another chance and hope that her other books surpass this one.
April 19, 2011
This was an excellent historical romance and something a bit out of the ordinary.
In this beauty and the beast kind of story, I found the characters of Sabine and Foye fascinating and highly sympathetic, both hiding their true selves from the world, with love being the last thing on either of their minds. The chemistry between them was instense from the start and the developing romance was highly believable.
The writing and setting (early 19th century Ottoman Empire)in this novel were superbly done. I highly recommended to HR lovers looking for a great romance with an exotic setting and adventurous plot.
In this beauty and the beast kind of story, I found the characters of Sabine and Foye fascinating and highly sympathetic, both hiding their true selves from the world, with love being the last thing on either of their minds. The chemistry between them was instense from the start and the developing romance was highly believable.
The writing and setting (early 19th century Ottoman Empire)in this novel were superbly done. I highly recommended to HR lovers looking for a great romance with an exotic setting and adventurous plot.
November 16, 2009
I'm so glad to be finished with this book. It was a major disappointment for me, since I enjoyed Jewel's SCANDAL so much. I ended up skimming most of the last third of the book. Nothing happened. Most of it was
Him: "Do you really love me?"
Her: "I love you. I really, really do. Do you love me?"
Him: "I love you with all my heart, my love. Tell me you love me."
Her: "I love you. I promise I do. Do you love me? You don't have to if you don't want to."
Him: "Don't be silly. Of course I love you. But I'm worried you're going to leave me. I've been left before."
Her: "I love you. I would never leave you. Do you want me to leave? I don't have to stay just because you knocked me up."
Him: "But I love you. Please don't leave me. Do you love me?"
I could go on, but then you'd be skimming this review just like I skimmed half the book.
I wasn't taken with the plot. Yes, there was one in the beginning. Sabine goes with her uncle to Turkey even though Foye asks her not to. As expected, the Pasha ruler guy kills her uncle then intends to put Sabine in his harem. Foye has to dress her up as a boy to save her. I'm just not big on dress-up-as-a-boy plots. I kept hoping this one would have some neat twist or turn or incredible writing or something, but no. Even the "Big Confrontation" between Foye and the Pasha was mediocre. Pasha shows up, Foye says we're married, you can't touch her. Pasha leaves.
Yeah. That's the whole confrontation. It was built up over 250 pages and resolved in like a page and a half.
THEN we get to the end, where everybody dies, but doesn't die. *eye roll*
The beginning of this book was good. I loved Foye and then Sabine, but once they got together, they started getting on my nerves. They were flat all the sudden. And can I just say I hated all the love scenes? Usually, I don't hate them. They might be lackluster, but for the most part love scenes are interesting to read. The very first one in this book, though. Oh. My. God. Foye is determiend not to touch Sabine because he respects her and doesn't want to ruin her reputation (again). He keeps his distance until she wants to draw him. Then he just strips off his clothes.
Just like that. Maybe I'm too much of a pragmatist, but if I was Sabine, I'd be thinking WTF. It comes out of the blue and seems out of character. I guess it was just time for a love scene so the author forced it in there.
On the writing: It's not bad, but the prose makes me stumble. For some reason when I'm reading, I feel like I reach the end of the sentence, only Jewel has something else thrown into it. I have to read many lines twice because it just doesn't flow. It's odd. I think I noticed this in SCANDAL, but I didn't mention it in my review so it could have been a different book that tripped me up like this one did. *shrugs*
Okay. I think that's all I have to say about INDISCREET. I'm hesitant to purchase future books by this author.
Him: "Do you really love me?"
Her: "I love you. I really, really do. Do you love me?"
Him: "I love you with all my heart, my love. Tell me you love me."
Her: "I love you. I promise I do. Do you love me? You don't have to if you don't want to."
Him: "Don't be silly. Of course I love you. But I'm worried you're going to leave me. I've been left before."
Her: "I love you. I would never leave you. Do you want me to leave? I don't have to stay just because you knocked me up."
Him: "But I love you. Please don't leave me. Do you love me?"
I could go on, but then you'd be skimming this review just like I skimmed half the book.
I wasn't taken with the plot. Yes, there was one in the beginning. Sabine goes with her uncle to Turkey even though Foye asks her not to. As expected, the Pasha ruler guy kills her uncle then intends to put Sabine in his harem. Foye has to dress her up as a boy to save her. I'm just not big on dress-up-as-a-boy plots. I kept hoping this one would have some neat twist or turn or incredible writing or something, but no. Even the "Big Confrontation" between Foye and the Pasha was mediocre. Pasha shows up, Foye says we're married, you can't touch her. Pasha leaves.
Yeah. That's the whole confrontation. It was built up over 250 pages and resolved in like a page and a half.
THEN we get to the end, where everybody dies, but doesn't die. *eye roll*
The beginning of this book was good. I loved Foye and then Sabine, but once they got together, they started getting on my nerves. They were flat all the sudden. And can I just say I hated all the love scenes? Usually, I don't hate them. They might be lackluster, but for the most part love scenes are interesting to read. The very first one in this book, though. Oh. My. God. Foye is determiend not to touch Sabine because he respects her and doesn't want to ruin her reputation (again). He keeps his distance until she wants to draw him. Then he just strips off his clothes.
Just like that. Maybe I'm too much of a pragmatist, but if I was Sabine, I'd be thinking WTF. It comes out of the blue and seems out of character. I guess it was just time for a love scene so the author forced it in there.
On the writing: It's not bad, but the prose makes me stumble. For some reason when I'm reading, I feel like I reach the end of the sentence, only Jewel has something else thrown into it. I have to read many lines twice because it just doesn't flow. It's odd. I think I noticed this in SCANDAL, but I didn't mention it in my review so it could have been a different book that tripped me up like this one did. *shrugs*
Okay. I think that's all I have to say about INDISCREET. I'm hesitant to purchase future books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2012
This book hit the spot. I love regencies but this one was different enough to be fresh as it took place in the middle east. The hero is very large and very ugly. The heroine is a bluestocking with a ruined reputation. It had intensely described emotions which is a factor I love. The history seemed to be well researched and the book had a realistic feel, not just wallpaper history. Loved the hero and enjoyed the heroine although you didn't know her quite as well as much of the book was from the hero's POV. I liked it. The end was a bit of a whirlwind and could have used just a bit more development but not enough to destroy my enjoyment of this well done historical romance.
October 6, 2009
Edward, Marquess of Foye knows Miss Sabine Godard by reputation. His former friend, the Earl of Crosshaven spread some vicious rumors about her. Edward believed the Earl but after Crosshaven betrayed him, Edward figures out everything Crosshaven said about Sabine was false. That was two years ago and now Edward has come to Turkey and finally meets Sabine in person. Even though Edward doesn’t find Sabine to be beautiful, there is something special about her that strikes him, in such a way that he can’t look away at any other woman
Sabine has traveled to Turkey with her again uncle, Sir Henry Godard. The rumors about her alleged affair has scarred her deep inside and when she comes face-to-face with one of Crosshaven’s former acquaintances in that of the Marquess of Foye, she feels as if she will never escape the talk and ridicule. She tries to act indifferent to Edward because she doesn’t want to be hurt again. But Edward is the type of man who won’t be ignored and kept at arm’s length.
Both Edward and Sabine form a strange bond and then some strong feelings grow between them. Edward wants Sabine and is ready to make her his, when Sir Henry decides he and Sabine will stay on as the special guests of Nazim Pasha, who has a very deadly and infamous reputation. Against Edward’s judgment, Sabine goes with her uncle and then the unthinkable happens. Edward must find Sabine and save her from a man who will ruin her in truth.
Indiscreet is a beautifully written, almost epic type romance. The exotic setting adds to the luscious story with two stoic and breathtaking characters. Edward, at first, comes across as cold and a bit egotistical. Sabine is shown as a woman who seems so lost because of a false indiscretion that has almost ruined her life. When these two enter each other’s world, they are changed forever.
Edward is a hero, willing to sacrifice everything for the women he loves. He treats Sabine as if she is like spun gold, a woman to whom he can lose his heart. When both Edward and Sabine admit their love and come together as one, tears may fill your eyes.
Carolyn Jewel is one author of the historical romance genre that you can always count on to deliver a book with an amazing story and a romance that will blow you away. Indiscreet is a romance that brings out so many emotions; it is a must read.
Sabine has traveled to Turkey with her again uncle, Sir Henry Godard. The rumors about her alleged affair has scarred her deep inside and when she comes face-to-face with one of Crosshaven’s former acquaintances in that of the Marquess of Foye, she feels as if she will never escape the talk and ridicule. She tries to act indifferent to Edward because she doesn’t want to be hurt again. But Edward is the type of man who won’t be ignored and kept at arm’s length.
Both Edward and Sabine form a strange bond and then some strong feelings grow between them. Edward wants Sabine and is ready to make her his, when Sir Henry decides he and Sabine will stay on as the special guests of Nazim Pasha, who has a very deadly and infamous reputation. Against Edward’s judgment, Sabine goes with her uncle and then the unthinkable happens. Edward must find Sabine and save her from a man who will ruin her in truth.
Indiscreet is a beautifully written, almost epic type romance. The exotic setting adds to the luscious story with two stoic and breathtaking characters. Edward, at first, comes across as cold and a bit egotistical. Sabine is shown as a woman who seems so lost because of a false indiscretion that has almost ruined her life. When these two enter each other’s world, they are changed forever.
Edward is a hero, willing to sacrifice everything for the women he loves. He treats Sabine as if she is like spun gold, a woman to whom he can lose his heart. When both Edward and Sabine admit their love and come together as one, tears may fill your eyes.
Carolyn Jewel is one author of the historical romance genre that you can always count on to deliver a book with an amazing story and a romance that will blow you away. Indiscreet is a romance that brings out so many emotions; it is a must read.
November 15, 2009
This was the first historical I ever read and I’m a bit at a loss of words about losing my virginity in this category.
If you ask yourself why did you start a historical now? here’s my answer: The first time I saw this book I wanted to own it. Look at this wonderful cover, it distracted me mores than once from reading. Sure, I also read so many great reviews about it so I had really no other choice as to try it.
I enjoyed reading this book but I have to admit the language confused me a bit at first. After a few pages I kind of read into it and didn’t mind it. I think this will be typical for historicals so I hopefully won’t be surprised the next time I read one.
The plot is nice developed and I loved the way Ms. Jewel described Turkey. This totally sucked me in I couldn’t put the book down. I saw everything, the country and the people and felt like being in the middle of the action.
Sabine is a wonderfully kind and smart character. I loved that she is schooled and has her own opinion about nearly everything. She knows what she wants and what not. She was raised by her uncle and feels now bound to stay with him and help him the best way she can. I loved that she cares so much for him that she ignores her own longings just to make sure he is all right.
Lord Foye is a strong character, not willing to let something happen to Sabine. He knows he wants her and treasures her more than he wants to admit at first. He knows her past and doesn’t care about it. He notices from the start that Sabine is very intellectual and that she is trying to avoid falling in love. That is one thing he cannot accept so he does everything to convince her. He’s very canny and knows his way around in life. He is a real hero and won my heart real quick.
This two are a perfect couple. Their conversations are wonderful and their connection grows with every word spoken. I loved how their relationship developed and how they got to know each other- body ;) and soul.
The story was gripping, full of suspicion, treachery and lies. The whole world seems to be against our couple. The end was a bit over the top in my opinion but perhaps I’m a little skeptical there. I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read another one of Ms. Jewel’s books.
If you ask yourself why did you start a historical now? here’s my answer: The first time I saw this book I wanted to own it. Look at this wonderful cover, it distracted me mores than once from reading. Sure, I also read so many great reviews about it so I had really no other choice as to try it.
I enjoyed reading this book but I have to admit the language confused me a bit at first. After a few pages I kind of read into it and didn’t mind it. I think this will be typical for historicals so I hopefully won’t be surprised the next time I read one.
The plot is nice developed and I loved the way Ms. Jewel described Turkey. This totally sucked me in I couldn’t put the book down. I saw everything, the country and the people and felt like being in the middle of the action.
Sabine is a wonderfully kind and smart character. I loved that she is schooled and has her own opinion about nearly everything. She knows what she wants and what not. She was raised by her uncle and feels now bound to stay with him and help him the best way she can. I loved that she cares so much for him that she ignores her own longings just to make sure he is all right.
Lord Foye is a strong character, not willing to let something happen to Sabine. He knows he wants her and treasures her more than he wants to admit at first. He knows her past and doesn’t care about it. He notices from the start that Sabine is very intellectual and that she is trying to avoid falling in love. That is one thing he cannot accept so he does everything to convince her. He’s very canny and knows his way around in life. He is a real hero and won my heart real quick.
This two are a perfect couple. Their conversations are wonderful and their connection grows with every word spoken. I loved how their relationship developed and how they got to know each other- body ;) and soul.
The story was gripping, full of suspicion, treachery and lies. The whole world seems to be against our couple. The end was a bit over the top in my opinion but perhaps I’m a little skeptical there. I enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read another one of Ms. Jewel’s books.
August 28, 2010
Carolyn Jewel's Indiscreet follows Edward Marrack, the Marquess of Foye, and Sabine Goddard through the sands of Turkey and Syria during the early Regency. Foye became aware of Sabine a year prior to the start of the story, via a boast by his friend, the Earl of Crosshaven, that he had seduced Miss Goddard. As the novel opens, Foye meets Sabine and her uncle on their travels in Turkey.
Foye is surprised upon meeting Sabine. Instead of a shattered girl mourning her lost reputation, he finds a strikingly intelligent woman fiercely loyal to the uncle who raised her. Sabine also finds Foye contrary to expectation. Where she supposed him to be arrogant and waits for him to proposition her on account of her low status and reputation, she instead discovers he knows Crosshaven lied and that he is drawn, rather than repelled, by her intelligence.
Despite a fifteen year age difference and a large height discrepancy, Jewel created a romance between two equals. Their banter is smart and mature, and neither ever seems to have the upper hand on the other. Even when Foye must rescue Sabine from a deceptive pasha, the rescue depends on her competence at behaving as a boy. Yes, Foye is the rescuer, but he trusts her with so much responsibility that still they remain equals. Sabine is neither too feisty, nor too meek. She is simply capable.
Jewel also breathed fresh air into the cross-dressing mechanic. Rather than treat it as farce, she spent some time exploring Sabine's thoughts on gender and privilege. We get to see her worry about all the tiny things that could give her away, from not knowing how to mount astride a horse to realizing she had to schlep her own belongings.
As much as I enjoyed the intense rescue, I did feel that the romance was a bit short. The hero and heroine admitted their love and agreed to marry in the first third of the novel. All that separated them from their HEA was the resolution of the rescue plot. A bit more holdout, with more character and emotional development taking place during the journey, would have added a fifth star in my mind.
Foye is surprised upon meeting Sabine. Instead of a shattered girl mourning her lost reputation, he finds a strikingly intelligent woman fiercely loyal to the uncle who raised her. Sabine also finds Foye contrary to expectation. Where she supposed him to be arrogant and waits for him to proposition her on account of her low status and reputation, she instead discovers he knows Crosshaven lied and that he is drawn, rather than repelled, by her intelligence.
Despite a fifteen year age difference and a large height discrepancy, Jewel created a romance between two equals. Their banter is smart and mature, and neither ever seems to have the upper hand on the other. Even when Foye must rescue Sabine from a deceptive pasha, the rescue depends on her competence at behaving as a boy. Yes, Foye is the rescuer, but he trusts her with so much responsibility that still they remain equals. Sabine is neither too feisty, nor too meek. She is simply capable.
Jewel also breathed fresh air into the cross-dressing mechanic. Rather than treat it as farce, she spent some time exploring Sabine's thoughts on gender and privilege. We get to see her worry about all the tiny things that could give her away, from not knowing how to mount astride a horse to realizing she had to schlep her own belongings.
As much as I enjoyed the intense rescue, I did feel that the romance was a bit short. The hero and heroine admitted their love and agreed to marry in the first third of the novel. All that separated them from their HEA was the resolution of the rescue plot. A bit more holdout, with more character and emotional development taking place during the journey, would have added a fifth star in my mind.
April 13, 2025
Kobo+ Mad About Series Challenge 2024 HRBC. Tropes:Regency Romance, Foreign Country(n0t USA or UK)Knight in Shining Armor,Disguise, Erotica,Age Difference(15 yrs), Adventure.
MC's: h Sabine Godard 23, niece of Sir H Godard retired Uni Professor (King's College) left UK as she was rumored to be indiscreet & H Marquess of Foye, 38, a very tall man with an unusual face ( thinks he is a monster) recently jilted by his fiance. The story takes place in Turkey and Syria, starting out and ending in England.
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MC's: h Sabine Godard 23, niece of Sir H Godard retired Uni Professor (King's College) left UK as she was rumored to be indiscreet & H Marquess of Foye, 38, a very tall man with an unusual face ( thinks he is a monster) recently jilted by his fiance. The story takes place in Turkey and Syria, starting out and ending in England.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2014
Love this author. But I'd willingly bang my head on the door for this book. They fell in love by the second time they met. You're reading the first few chapters and all of a sudden they pine for each other. The rest of the book isn't any better, unfortunately. There is no tension to the story and this contrasts strongly with the plot. Plus, at the ending it drags terribly with a series of absurd twists.
Moreover I could not stand all the whining by the heroine. It was tiring, and also unbelievable given that you'd think her worried by something paltry as survival.
Moreover I could not stand all the whining by the heroine. It was tiring, and also unbelievable given that you'd think her worried by something paltry as survival.
August 27, 2016
Truth: I've been carrying Indiscreet by Carolyn Jewel around with me for about three weeks. So why has it taken me so long to read the book? Well, I loved Scandal. No, I mean, LOVED it. It's going in my top 3 favorite books of the year. And I was...trepiditious about reading Indiscreet. What if I didn't love it? What if Scandal was a one shot deal for me? I mean, I'm a *giant* pickwad when it comes to historical romance. I read very little of it anymore, mostly because it all seems to be more or less the same to me. But I fell in love with Scandal, truly finding Jewel's prose to be stupendous, and lush, and the story and characters fascinated me. Needless to say, I was worried about Indiscreet. I dove in slowly, but found myself completely captured by the prose and the characterization.
Sabine Godard is disgraced through no fault of her own. The Earl of Crosshaven has spread a particularly spurious piece of gossip about her that has caused her uncle, a scholar, to whisk her away from England altogether. On the night that the gossip is spread, Lord Edward Marrack is in attendance. He is repulsed by what Crosshaven has done, and realizes immediately that Sabine is utterly ruined. A year and eight months later, Sabine finds herself in Turkey traveling with her uncle, and helping him write a book. One night she meets Lord Edward, now the Marquess of Foye, while reading tea leaves to pass the time at a gathering.
Foye is an honorable man - and a giant one. He's tall (6'6") and burly and possessed of a hook nose that he fully realizes makes him intimidating to the fairer sex. But Sabine finds herself fascinated by the man's style, his intelligence, and his wit. Foye befriends Sabine's uncle, and soon the two are thrown together often. Sabine's uncle never truly believed Sabine when she said that she and Crosshaven had not committed an impropriety, but Foye knows it's not true. Sabine also has an education that would rival any man's. She's fluent in multiple languages, conversant in a number of "unladylike" topics. Foye is captivated and one night, after saving Sabine from a crush at a ball, he kisses her.
By the time they parted he was panting, and so was she. And she looked like a woman thoroughly kissed. He stared at the carved wooden ceiling while he fought for control.
She touched his face, following the line of his cheek. "I'm sorry if I've upset you."
Foye stared at her. "Upset? Upset that I've been indiscreet and ungentlemanly?"
"You haven't been." She drew in a long trembling breath while he scrubbed his hands through his hair. "Well, perhaps a bit indiscreet."
"Indiscreet. It was a good deal more than that, Miss Godard."
After that encounter, Sabine can think of little else. Every time she sees Foye, she wants him to kiss her. And he is fighting to be a man of honor. But their attraction is thorough, and soon they realize that they are destined for each other.
Sabine is an incomparable beauty, and Foye quickly realizes that she has captured the interest of a Pasha -- one who is reputed to be active in the slave trade. Unfortunately, Sabine's uncle quite likes the Pasha, and agrees that he and Sabine will travel to be guests at the Pasha's home. Foye does what he can to convince Sabine's uncle that the visit would be unwise, but her uncle is resolved. Foye can do nothing to stop her uncle, so he promises Sabine his help, and swears that he will find a way for them to be together. The Godards leave, and Foye quickly assembles a group of mercenaries and follows. When he arrives, uninvited, at the home of the Pasha, he is informed that Sabine's uncle has passed away, and Sabine is not available to see him. He immediately realizes that the Pasha is intending to either keep Sabine for his concubine, or sell her for profit. It is up to Foye to break Sabine out and get her quickly to a British consulate, where he will marry her and give her both his heart and the protection of his name. But will they be able to outrun the Pasha, who is in hot pursuit of his prize?
There is so much to recommend this book. Yet again, Carolyn Jewel shows herself to be a master with prose. The book is beautifully crafted, and while full of adventure, the book never ever strays from building the relationship between Foye and Sabine.
And Foye, what a hero. Big, brawny, and noble. I appreciated his wit, and his tremendous honor. My favorite scene between Foye and Sabine is one after he's removed her from the Pasha's home, they are on the run, fleeing with Foye's hired band of men to the British consulate. Sabine is quite an accomplished artist, and throughout the book, she expresses her wish to draw Foye. In a quiet moment, she is finally able to get her wish.
Foye looked at it for quite a while before he said anything. "My God," he whispered, "Me to the very hook in my nose. You are an artist, Sabine." He touched the page. "Did Godard know this about you? I know he discouraged you, but did he understand the extend of your talent?"
She reached over and took the sketchbook back. "He knew a great deal, Foye. But not everything. Now, since you will not let me draw you from life, I think we are done. Surely now we may sleep."
But Foye stared at her, his eyes intent. "I've lost my soul to you," he said. "My heart"
And right then is when I heaved The Big Sigh.
The book is faithfully set in the middle east and the settings are lovingly drawn by Jewel. But it is the characters who make the book shine. Sabine, both fiercely intelligent, and inexplicably drawn to Foye, and Foye, so steadfast and honorable. Their love story is compellingly drawn and completely satisfying to read. Jewel's prose continues to sparkle and it draws the reader in absolutely. I found Indiscreet to be a delight to read, and a romance to wallow in.
Final grade: A-
Sabine Godard is disgraced through no fault of her own. The Earl of Crosshaven has spread a particularly spurious piece of gossip about her that has caused her uncle, a scholar, to whisk her away from England altogether. On the night that the gossip is spread, Lord Edward Marrack is in attendance. He is repulsed by what Crosshaven has done, and realizes immediately that Sabine is utterly ruined. A year and eight months later, Sabine finds herself in Turkey traveling with her uncle, and helping him write a book. One night she meets Lord Edward, now the Marquess of Foye, while reading tea leaves to pass the time at a gathering.
Foye is an honorable man - and a giant one. He's tall (6'6") and burly and possessed of a hook nose that he fully realizes makes him intimidating to the fairer sex. But Sabine finds herself fascinated by the man's style, his intelligence, and his wit. Foye befriends Sabine's uncle, and soon the two are thrown together often. Sabine's uncle never truly believed Sabine when she said that she and Crosshaven had not committed an impropriety, but Foye knows it's not true. Sabine also has an education that would rival any man's. She's fluent in multiple languages, conversant in a number of "unladylike" topics. Foye is captivated and one night, after saving Sabine from a crush at a ball, he kisses her.
By the time they parted he was panting, and so was she. And she looked like a woman thoroughly kissed. He stared at the carved wooden ceiling while he fought for control.
She touched his face, following the line of his cheek. "I'm sorry if I've upset you."
Foye stared at her. "Upset? Upset that I've been indiscreet and ungentlemanly?"
"You haven't been." She drew in a long trembling breath while he scrubbed his hands through his hair. "Well, perhaps a bit indiscreet."
"Indiscreet. It was a good deal more than that, Miss Godard."
After that encounter, Sabine can think of little else. Every time she sees Foye, she wants him to kiss her. And he is fighting to be a man of honor. But their attraction is thorough, and soon they realize that they are destined for each other.
Sabine is an incomparable beauty, and Foye quickly realizes that she has captured the interest of a Pasha -- one who is reputed to be active in the slave trade. Unfortunately, Sabine's uncle quite likes the Pasha, and agrees that he and Sabine will travel to be guests at the Pasha's home. Foye does what he can to convince Sabine's uncle that the visit would be unwise, but her uncle is resolved. Foye can do nothing to stop her uncle, so he promises Sabine his help, and swears that he will find a way for them to be together. The Godards leave, and Foye quickly assembles a group of mercenaries and follows. When he arrives, uninvited, at the home of the Pasha, he is informed that Sabine's uncle has passed away, and Sabine is not available to see him. He immediately realizes that the Pasha is intending to either keep Sabine for his concubine, or sell her for profit. It is up to Foye to break Sabine out and get her quickly to a British consulate, where he will marry her and give her both his heart and the protection of his name. But will they be able to outrun the Pasha, who is in hot pursuit of his prize?
There is so much to recommend this book. Yet again, Carolyn Jewel shows herself to be a master with prose. The book is beautifully crafted, and while full of adventure, the book never ever strays from building the relationship between Foye and Sabine.
And Foye, what a hero. Big, brawny, and noble. I appreciated his wit, and his tremendous honor. My favorite scene between Foye and Sabine is one after he's removed her from the Pasha's home, they are on the run, fleeing with Foye's hired band of men to the British consulate. Sabine is quite an accomplished artist, and throughout the book, she expresses her wish to draw Foye. In a quiet moment, she is finally able to get her wish.
Foye looked at it for quite a while before he said anything. "My God," he whispered, "Me to the very hook in my nose. You are an artist, Sabine." He touched the page. "Did Godard know this about you? I know he discouraged you, but did he understand the extend of your talent?"
She reached over and took the sketchbook back. "He knew a great deal, Foye. But not everything. Now, since you will not let me draw you from life, I think we are done. Surely now we may sleep."
But Foye stared at her, his eyes intent. "I've lost my soul to you," he said. "My heart"
And right then is when I heaved The Big Sigh.
The book is faithfully set in the middle east and the settings are lovingly drawn by Jewel. But it is the characters who make the book shine. Sabine, both fiercely intelligent, and inexplicably drawn to Foye, and Foye, so steadfast and honorable. Their love story is compellingly drawn and completely satisfying to read. Jewel's prose continues to sparkle and it draws the reader in absolutely. I found Indiscreet to be a delight to read, and a romance to wallow in.
Final grade: A-
September 6, 2011
3.5 stars. Ah well - this one was terrific for the most part, but the ending, when they were back in England, kind of fizzled. Why on earth does Crosshaven have to make such a lame and meaningless re-appearance? And the coincidence of *both* of the main characters being believed to be dead when they arrive back in England? Too over the top for me. The last sections, after Sabine's arrival in London, felt rushed and disjointed, while the earlier sections in Ottoman Turkey went into a huge amount of detail about almost everything that happened - there could have been a better balance, IMHO. Some continuity problems at the end as well - e.g. Sabine would have to remain in mourning for her uncle for another 6 months or so, so there is no way that Foye would tell her they would be getting her a colourful new wardrobe ASAP.
On the positive side, the 2 main characters are wonderful, especially Foye, the love story is sizzling, and the setting of most of the story in Ottoman Turkey is fascinating and beautifully described.
On the positive side, the 2 main characters are wonderful, especially Foye, the love story is sizzling, and the setting of most of the story in Ottoman Turkey is fascinating and beautifully described.
big-fat-dnf
June 9, 2014It started off so well. I liked Foye and Sabine and their respective backgrounds quite a lot. But enter the conflict, and suddenly the pacing felt very off, and what was keeping them apart wasn't really enough, and well, it got in the way. So much so that I lost track of the two of them completely. Why I liked them. Why they needed each other. The heart of them got lost amid the fairly flimsy crisis. Finally I just bowed out.
December 5, 2013
Short Review: Overall, Indiscreet was a book I enjoyed; however, I found the plot a bit too simplistic. The writing is extremely well done and the characters are worth the read. If you’re new to Carolyn Jewel’s books and love historical romance, I think you’ve found yourself a new author. For those of you who loved Ms. Jewel’s first book Scandal, I’d be curious to know what you think about this one.
Long Review: A hero who is unattractive? Huh, who’d a thunk it, but in Carolyn Jewel’s latest release Indiscreet, that’s just what we have. Now I must admit that I had a hard time picturing him at first. I mean so many of the romances I read paint the hero as tall dark and handsome. They are certainly not described as: “…his nose was hooked, and the remainder of his features were set irregularly in his face, as if someone had put the parts together and then given him a hard shake before everything had quite settled into place.” No, that’s not the kind of hero I often read about. But due to Ms. Jewel’s ability to immerse the reader in the nuances of language and feeling, it wasn’t long before I got past this particular peccadillo and found myself liking the Marquess of Foye for the man he was, not the man he looked like. Well done.
Many Regency romances take place in the drawing rooms of Bath or Brighton, or on the streets of London, but this one travels from London to Constantinople to Syria and back giving the story a flavor of the exotic and a context for the hero to save the heroine. In this case for Edward, Marquess of Foye to save Sabine Godard. Again, well done.
For both Edward and Sabine, life has not been fair. They’ve both seen their share of troubles and heartache; Edward was jilted by his fiancé, and Sabine is haunted by scandal. She never thought to meet him in Turkey – as far away from a London drawing room as one can get. But there you have it. They meet, they fall in love and then trouble ensues. The trouble is rather typical of a romance plot; Sabine is kidnapped by Nazim Pasha with the intent of keeping her in his harem. Edward is bound and determined to rescue the woman he loves. Actually, it’s really not that cut and dry, and I don’t mean to make light of the plot, but the plot, in general, is a simple one. However, in the talented hands of Ms. Jewel, the plot becomes a device for us to really get to know both Edward and Sabine. And that really is the heart of this book; getting to know the motivations behind the characters and allowing us, the reader, to want to know more about them.
Ms. Jewel paints vivid pictures that unfold like a BBC television production. You can see Sabine and Edward in the market places of Turkey, you can smell the sea, hear the clatter of tea cups against their saucers, and feel the tension between the two protagonists as they get to know one another and fight to stay together. The tentativeness in Sabine’s words and thoughts due to her youth, yet the strength of her courage due to her intelligence give her credit as a heroine. Edward’s strength lies in his character, a character that is part and parcel of his station in life and his belief that power and respect are automatically due him. Together I’m not so sure they make the most likely couple, that I had a hard time believing in. And yet, I must confess, I did keep reading. I believe that is a testament to Ms. Jewell’s writing style. It is engaging.
So dear reader, if you’re looking for a Regency romance, with a Marquess who is not typical (and I mean that in the very best sense of the word), a heroine who is young and courageous, exotic travel, simple and straight forward plot devices and yes, a happy ending, might I suggest Indiscreet.
Long Review: A hero who is unattractive? Huh, who’d a thunk it, but in Carolyn Jewel’s latest release Indiscreet, that’s just what we have. Now I must admit that I had a hard time picturing him at first. I mean so many of the romances I read paint the hero as tall dark and handsome. They are certainly not described as: “…his nose was hooked, and the remainder of his features were set irregularly in his face, as if someone had put the parts together and then given him a hard shake before everything had quite settled into place.” No, that’s not the kind of hero I often read about. But due to Ms. Jewel’s ability to immerse the reader in the nuances of language and feeling, it wasn’t long before I got past this particular peccadillo and found myself liking the Marquess of Foye for the man he was, not the man he looked like. Well done.
Many Regency romances take place in the drawing rooms of Bath or Brighton, or on the streets of London, but this one travels from London to Constantinople to Syria and back giving the story a flavor of the exotic and a context for the hero to save the heroine. In this case for Edward, Marquess of Foye to save Sabine Godard. Again, well done.
For both Edward and Sabine, life has not been fair. They’ve both seen their share of troubles and heartache; Edward was jilted by his fiancé, and Sabine is haunted by scandal. She never thought to meet him in Turkey – as far away from a London drawing room as one can get. But there you have it. They meet, they fall in love and then trouble ensues. The trouble is rather typical of a romance plot; Sabine is kidnapped by Nazim Pasha with the intent of keeping her in his harem. Edward is bound and determined to rescue the woman he loves. Actually, it’s really not that cut and dry, and I don’t mean to make light of the plot, but the plot, in general, is a simple one. However, in the talented hands of Ms. Jewel, the plot becomes a device for us to really get to know both Edward and Sabine. And that really is the heart of this book; getting to know the motivations behind the characters and allowing us, the reader, to want to know more about them.
Ms. Jewel paints vivid pictures that unfold like a BBC television production. You can see Sabine and Edward in the market places of Turkey, you can smell the sea, hear the clatter of tea cups against their saucers, and feel the tension between the two protagonists as they get to know one another and fight to stay together. The tentativeness in Sabine’s words and thoughts due to her youth, yet the strength of her courage due to her intelligence give her credit as a heroine. Edward’s strength lies in his character, a character that is part and parcel of his station in life and his belief that power and respect are automatically due him. Together I’m not so sure they make the most likely couple, that I had a hard time believing in. And yet, I must confess, I did keep reading. I believe that is a testament to Ms. Jewell’s writing style. It is engaging.
So dear reader, if you’re looking for a Regency romance, with a Marquess who is not typical (and I mean that in the very best sense of the word), a heroine who is young and courageous, exotic travel, simple and straight forward plot devices and yes, a happy ending, might I suggest Indiscreet.
December 5, 2013
Really, it's a 3.5 star rating, but the ending made me happy, so I gave it a 4.
So. This book was pretty original, which is a hard thing to do in the avalanche of historical romances out there. Foye and Sabine connect early on and then must live through several days of deception in order to keep Sabine safe. I don't think she ever fully understood what danger she was in, but she did everything Foye said to do without question or complaint.
The one thing that got on my nerves was their constant questioning of the other's feelings, mostly Sabine questioning Foye of his feelings. After what seemed like the tenth time, I raged a little, but thankfully that was the last time, so the rage died.
Overall, a good book that highlights travel in the Middle East during the early 1800s. I liked Sabine and Foye -- although I thought it strange that Foye never once told Sabine to call him Edward. In fact, his first name is never mentioned past chapter two -- and might possibly re-read this in the future.
So. This book was pretty original, which is a hard thing to do in the avalanche of historical romances out there. Foye and Sabine connect early on and then must live through several days of deception in order to keep Sabine safe. I don't think she ever fully understood what danger she was in, but she did everything Foye said to do without question or complaint.
The one thing that got on my nerves was their constant questioning of the other's feelings, mostly Sabine questioning Foye of his feelings. After what seemed like the tenth time, I raged a little, but thankfully that was the last time, so the rage died.
Overall, a good book that highlights travel in the Middle East during the early 1800s. I liked Sabine and Foye -- although I thought it strange that Foye never once told Sabine to call him Edward. In fact, his first name is never mentioned past chapter two -- and might possibly re-read this in the future.
May 15, 2016
3,5'dan ...Zaman zaman sıkıldım..Fakat sonlara doğru temposu oldukça arttı. Alıp da kenar da unuttuğum bu kitabı rastlantı sonucu bulmam ile merak edip okudum. Çok muhteşem bir kitap değildi ama bu yazarın kalemini sevdim ben..
November 25, 2016
I liked this, but I feel like I should've liked it more. I liked the characters a lot and I was willing to buy into their relationship, but they fell in love too quickly.
And then there was too much drama at the end. (Although, to clarify, it wasn't annoying drama. It was just one thing too many.)
And then there was too much drama at the end. (Although, to clarify, it wasn't annoying drama. It was just one thing too many.)
April 24, 2016
Indiscreet is dense, tense and very well written. True, the ending is redundant and doesn't do the rest of the book justice. But you won't find that out until the end.
July 24, 2020
Filled with adventure and passion, this novel felt like Lawrence of Arabia at times. Sweeping and majestic, the love story of the Marquess of Foye and Sabine is one for the ages.
November 6, 2014
sıkıcı tarafları olmasına rağmen ben yine de sevdim yahu :/ ;)
November 10, 2017
I wish I could give this a higher rating, because it had a lot of good things going for it. I really liked the hero and heroine, and the story's premise is fantastic. I'm a sucker for romances that break out of the Regency ballrooms of England and are set in exotic locales, so the Middle Eastern setting was enjoyable to me. Character-driven with a hint of adventure -- all good.
The problem for me was that all that early promise didn't quite pan out the way I hoped it would. The conflicts, from the external conflict with a bad-guy pasha who was causing our couple trouble to the internal conflict as the hero and heroine got over past hurts and fell in love, all kind of petered out and resolved themselves too easily. And then
3 stars
The problem for me was that all that early promise didn't quite pan out the way I hoped it would. The conflicts, from the external conflict with a bad-guy pasha who was causing our couple trouble to the internal conflict as the hero and heroine got over past hurts and fell in love, all kind of petered out and resolved themselves too easily. And then
3 stars
December 5, 2013
This book started out posing as a regency romance and then in the second chapter, the scene changed to Turkey. I confess I had a hard time getting into this, the pace being somewhat slow until I got to chapter fourteen and the fun began. From here on danger stalks our hero and heroine. Lord Foye expertly commanders everything and gets the couple out of danger with co-operation from his lady love. In the final chapters they are separated for a time but all ends well.
There are so many sex scenes in this novel that I am sure those who likes to read this will like this novel very much.
My opinion is that the author lost her chance to write much more suspense and danger into this novel in favor of all these love scenes.I would have been much more entertained had the suspense and the desire to see what happens next caused me to turn the pages more swiftly. I actually had the arrogance to think I could have done a better job with this plot myself. As it turns out, I think the plot somewhat bland. Not enough danger. Not enough suspense. Except for the love scenes rather tame actually.
There are so many sex scenes in this novel that I am sure those who likes to read this will like this novel very much.
My opinion is that the author lost her chance to write much more suspense and danger into this novel in favor of all these love scenes.I would have been much more entertained had the suspense and the desire to see what happens next caused me to turn the pages more swiftly. I actually had the arrogance to think I could have done a better job with this plot myself. As it turns out, I think the plot somewhat bland. Not enough danger. Not enough suspense. Except for the love scenes rather tame actually.
May 18, 2015
Lots of good things here. An unusual setting, some adventure (but not too much, which won't work for some but worked for me), a fully formed hero with unconventional looks (which is close to my catnip of injured heroes). Hot sex, although not up to Jewel's usual standards. The heroine had much promise but never came into her own. She's constantly defined in relation to her feelings for the hero and all her bluestocking promise gets lost. That kind of links back to the biggest problem with this book for me. Zero to love in 0.62 seconds. H/h hadn't talked that much, hadn't seen each other that much, they'd shared an awesome kiss and then a few more awesome kisses and suddenly: love baby. Didn't buy it and, worst of all, wasn't, therefore, invested in it. That brings the rating down to three stars. I still read cover to cover and enjoyed myself, but it made it a pretty so-so experience for me.
Read
December 30, 2009This got good reviews from people whose opinions I normally trust, but I just couldn't finish this one.
May 31, 2014
Boring and heavy handed. There feelings were plotted like an amateur chess match.
March 5, 2016
This was also an incredibly stressful book and ridiculously, over-the-top angsty. And I mean that as a compliment.
April 21, 2016
2.5. Great premise. Loved the beginning of the story and the setting. Unfortunately, the plot as a whole, the suspenseful adventure and the romance, lacked execution.
December 5, 2013
This was an interesting story about two people finding solace in each other.
July 17, 2017
This was an ok story.
It started off really strong. Home girl Sabine wants nothing to do with guys. She's not flirty, she treats everyone the same. I liked that.
Foye is donzo with love after his girl cheated on him with the guy that apparently ruined Sabine's reputation. I thought it was going to turn out that Crosshaven had raped her, the nature of his boasts were EXTREME. And that's why I thought Sabine wanted nothing to do with men.
But no, nothing that extreme she was just put off by men from the rumors Crosshaven had started.
Ok, so Foye & Sabine are constantly running into each other. Although Foye is all 'I'll never love again!' You can tell he has the hots for Sabine and through their interactions you can slowly see them start to form an attachment to each other, which I LOVE because that's how people fall in love, not over night but through meeting & getting to know each other.
So imagine my utter disappointment after like 4 days of these interactions suddenly Sabine is like 'I'm so in love!!! Love! Love! Love!!!!'
What happened?!?!
I guess it was bc the 2nd part of the book is Foye rescuing Sabine from sex slavery.
Dude note: this is the first romance novel I've ever read where the guy was uncircumcised & they explained what it felt like. Snaps for that.
Moving on. The thing is, all the while Foye is rescuing Sabine he's all 'We're gonna need to get married.' & Sabine is like 'No... we probably shouldn't, we're jumping into this too quickly. Do you even like me?'
Oh no Sabine's he's only told you he loves you every 5 minutes. It made me want to vomit. I find it so disturbing when characters have to say that in EVERY conversation they have. We get it! They sound so cheesy! Move along.
So they escape the evil Pasha, they get separated on their return journeys. So while Sabine is sad & waiting for Foye she finds out the ship he was on crashed & everyone died.
But low! Foye shows up on his doorstep a week after she found out. Mind you our boy Crosshaven is at his house visiting? It was the most rushed ending to a novel I've ever read.
With a lot of extra 'I love yous' that could definitely have been cut out.
I was also kind of shocked at his reaction to her being preggo. For the amount of 'I love yous' you'd think he'd be more excited that they were going to have a child.
Anyhoo, it kept me interested but the constant affirmation for love bothered me.
It started off really strong. Home girl Sabine wants nothing to do with guys. She's not flirty, she treats everyone the same. I liked that.
Foye is donzo with love after his girl cheated on him with the guy that apparently ruined Sabine's reputation. I thought it was going to turn out that Crosshaven had raped her, the nature of his boasts were EXTREME. And that's why I thought Sabine wanted nothing to do with men.
But no, nothing that extreme she was just put off by men from the rumors Crosshaven had started.
Ok, so Foye & Sabine are constantly running into each other. Although Foye is all 'I'll never love again!' You can tell he has the hots for Sabine and through their interactions you can slowly see them start to form an attachment to each other, which I LOVE because that's how people fall in love, not over night but through meeting & getting to know each other.
So imagine my utter disappointment after like 4 days of these interactions suddenly Sabine is like 'I'm so in love!!! Love! Love! Love!!!!'
What happened?!?!
I guess it was bc the 2nd part of the book is Foye rescuing Sabine from sex slavery.
Dude note: this is the first romance novel I've ever read where the guy was uncircumcised & they explained what it felt like. Snaps for that.
Moving on. The thing is, all the while Foye is rescuing Sabine he's all 'We're gonna need to get married.' & Sabine is like 'No... we probably shouldn't, we're jumping into this too quickly. Do you even like me?'
Oh no Sabine's he's only told you he loves you every 5 minutes. It made me want to vomit. I find it so disturbing when characters have to say that in EVERY conversation they have. We get it! They sound so cheesy! Move along.
So they escape the evil Pasha, they get separated on their return journeys. So while Sabine is sad & waiting for Foye she finds out the ship he was on crashed & everyone died.
But low! Foye shows up on his doorstep a week after she found out. Mind you our boy Crosshaven is at his house visiting? It was the most rushed ending to a novel I've ever read.
With a lot of extra 'I love yous' that could definitely have been cut out.
I was also kind of shocked at his reaction to her being preggo. For the amount of 'I love yous' you'd think he'd be more excited that they were going to have a child.
Anyhoo, it kept me interested but the constant affirmation for love bothered me.
July 22, 2024
3.5 stars. An enjoyable, Regency-period romance with an unusual setting. The story dragged a little in the middle at times, but picked up pace and interest towards the end.
Most of the book takes place in the former Ottoman Empire, in countries such as those now called Türkiye and Syria. Bluestocking Sabine is travelling with her learned uncle. She had been forced out of London by a 'fake news' scandal which was untrue and not her fault. In Türkiye she meets the English Marquess of Foye, and over a period of time they fall for each other. It's kind of a 'beauty and the beast' trope. Foye, although large and well-formed, does not have a conventionally attractive face. He is compelling though, and his integrity shines through, so that, as happens in real life, when Sabine gets to know and like him, she forgets about his supposedly unappealing face and simply falls for the wonderful man he is. Beauty is only skin deep, indeed.
There is an evil and manipulative pasha who tries to use Sabine for his own ends, but is foiled by Foye. Fortunately, many of the locals are depicted as being regular people with a range of human characteristics, so it didn't feel as if the writer was simply typecasting and demonising the Turks.
There is quite an adventure that ensues, with Sabine having to travel disguised as Foye's dragoman (manservant). There are some surprises right up to the end of the book, but of course there's an eventual and very nice HEA.
I like the writing style, and the book seems to have been thoroughly researched, with a convincing historical background, and believable behaviour for the times from the characters. Overall, a worthwhile read, although not my fav from this author.
This book was my read for the HRBC Romance Across The Ages 2024 challenge, July theme 'Around The World (other than Britain or America)'.
Most of the book takes place in the former Ottoman Empire, in countries such as those now called Türkiye and Syria. Bluestocking Sabine is travelling with her learned uncle. She had been forced out of London by a 'fake news' scandal which was untrue and not her fault. In Türkiye she meets the English Marquess of Foye, and over a period of time they fall for each other. It's kind of a 'beauty and the beast' trope. Foye, although large and well-formed, does not have a conventionally attractive face. He is compelling though, and his integrity shines through, so that, as happens in real life, when Sabine gets to know and like him, she forgets about his supposedly unappealing face and simply falls for the wonderful man he is. Beauty is only skin deep, indeed.
There is an evil and manipulative pasha who tries to use Sabine for his own ends, but is foiled by Foye. Fortunately, many of the locals are depicted as being regular people with a range of human characteristics, so it didn't feel as if the writer was simply typecasting and demonising the Turks.
There is quite an adventure that ensues, with Sabine having to travel disguised as Foye's dragoman (manservant). There are some surprises right up to the end of the book, but of course there's an eventual and very nice HEA.
I like the writing style, and the book seems to have been thoroughly researched, with a convincing historical background, and believable behaviour for the times from the characters. Overall, a worthwhile read, although not my fav from this author.
This book was my read for the HRBC Romance Across The Ages 2024 challenge, July theme 'Around The World (other than Britain or America)'.
February 14, 2019
It's bananas but ... I've read this book too! (WOW just like - when did I hit most of Carolyn Jewel's backlist? Some point I'd think after I first read Lord Ruin but obviously long enough ago that I'd forgotten I'd read all this ...
Which - was a teeny bit meh because I knew the ending with the "twists" weren't really a twist - ALTHOUGH - also [actually] not being an idiot I knew that wouldn't be as it seemed because HELLO ROMANCE.
Anyway also - I ADORE a smitten hero.
Here both characters are SO in love but also so not sure of the other - not because of anything BAD - just that they fear it's circumstance not emotion and everything is so RUSHED and it's the "opposite" of like a high fantasy where you live a lifetime in 2 weeks and you're sure - because it's the same thing but a different perspective as in "do we think everything is so much more because death looms around every bend but if we're sedately living together both of us will be deeply unhappy?!" ... NO THE ANSWER IS YOU WON'T BE. <3
A bit slower than the others ... I do really like that the hero is "unattractive" - and the end where he confronts [Crosshaven?] - I low key wish there had been more there. Sabine is awesome. So young! But also old for her age.
Not my favorite but I'm quite glad I read it. ... or re-read it, as it were
(an eensy part of me might also be a smidge mixing it because hello binge)
C+
p.s. [2/13/19]- I'm still super bothered that Foye said his [favorite] Roman emperor was Caligula. Like ... earnestly. ... IS THIS SOME INSIDE JOKE I'M MISSING?!
Which - was a teeny bit meh because I knew the ending with the "twists" weren't really a twist - ALTHOUGH - also [actually] not being an idiot I knew that wouldn't be as it seemed because HELLO ROMANCE.
Anyway also - I ADORE a smitten hero.
Here both characters are SO in love but also so not sure of the other - not because of anything BAD - just that they fear it's circumstance not emotion and everything is so RUSHED and it's the "opposite" of like a high fantasy where you live a lifetime in 2 weeks and you're sure - because it's the same thing but a different perspective as in "do we think everything is so much more because death looms around every bend but if we're sedately living together both of us will be deeply unhappy?!" ... NO THE ANSWER IS YOU WON'T BE. <3
A bit slower than the others ... I do really like that the hero is "unattractive" - and the end where he confronts [Crosshaven?] - I low key wish there had been more there. Sabine is awesome. So young! But also old for her age.
Not my favorite but I'm quite glad I read it. ... or re-read it, as it were
(an eensy part of me might also be a smidge mixing it because hello binge)
C+
p.s. [2/13/19]- I'm still super bothered that Foye said his [favorite] Roman emperor was Caligula. Like ... earnestly. ... IS THIS SOME INSIDE JOKE I'M MISSING?!
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