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Lost City #2
The Virgin's Secret
Even the least sensible woman knew, upon meeting his gaze, that here was a man who was more than he might at first appear, who might steal the heart of even the most resistant woman. But oh, what a lovely theft!
Adventurer Nathanial Harrington would never steal another man's discovery. And he'd never be so dishonorable as to tempt an untouched woman into his bed . . . even one as stunningly beautiful as Gabriella Montini. Yet she intrigues him. What is her secret? Nate would do anything to find out.
Nathanial is an earl's son—but Gabriella knows he's not to be trusted! He's more than just a mere thief of hearts, he's also stolen her brother's good name. Determined to restore his reputation, she'd even masquerade as a destitute orphan and be taken into his family's home. But how can she continue her ruse when she finds herself succumbing to Nathanial's passionate charms?
Adventurer Nathanial Harrington would never steal another man's discovery. And he'd never be so dishonorable as to tempt an untouched woman into his bed . . . even one as stunningly beautiful as Gabriella Montini. Yet she intrigues him. What is her secret? Nate would do anything to find out.
Nathanial is an earl's son—but Gabriella knows he's not to be trusted! He's more than just a mere thief of hearts, he's also stolen her brother's good name. Determined to restore his reputation, she'd even masquerade as a destitute orphan and be taken into his family's home. But how can she continue her ruse when she finds herself succumbing to Nathanial's passionate charms?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2009
44 people are currently reading
809 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Alexander
65 books1,330 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 16, 2009
I am a big fan of Victoria Alexander's books, her books are usually a smart, sophisticated historical romance. So I was really disappointed that "The Virgin's Secret" was so slow. I felt like way more time was devoted to the mystery of the Montini Seal than was given to developing the romance.
Gabriella Montini's half brother was killed trying to find whoever stole the ancient seal that could have been the high point of his career. Gabriella vowed to find the seal to retore his name in the antiquities world. Her prime suspects were Nathanial and Quinton Harrington, adventurers, antiquities hunters, and brothers of an Earl. Gabriella is caught red-handed rifling through the Earl's desk. So she and Nathanial forge a reluctant partnership to find the seal and prove their innocence to the other.
The witty banter between Gabriella and Nathanial is fast-paced and fun. Nahanial is a sweet, likeable man who realizes his feelings for Gabriella early on. He's very nice but just doesn't have a lot of personality unless they are bantering. Gabriella is very stubborn, especially when it comes to her single-minded desire to find the seal and her reluctance to admit her feelings for Nathanial. The supporting cast of characters is strong, especially Quenton and Gabriella's companion, Florence.
This book clearly sets up the rest of the series for the other Harringtons to have their own books. But unfortunately, it looks like more of the same type of antiquities capers in the next book, so I don't know if I'll continue to read this series.
Reviewed for: http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
Gabriella Montini's half brother was killed trying to find whoever stole the ancient seal that could have been the high point of his career. Gabriella vowed to find the seal to retore his name in the antiquities world. Her prime suspects were Nathanial and Quinton Harrington, adventurers, antiquities hunters, and brothers of an Earl. Gabriella is caught red-handed rifling through the Earl's desk. So she and Nathanial forge a reluctant partnership to find the seal and prove their innocence to the other.
The witty banter between Gabriella and Nathanial is fast-paced and fun. Nahanial is a sweet, likeable man who realizes his feelings for Gabriella early on. He's very nice but just doesn't have a lot of personality unless they are bantering. Gabriella is very stubborn, especially when it comes to her single-minded desire to find the seal and her reluctance to admit her feelings for Nathanial. The supporting cast of characters is strong, especially Quenton and Gabriella's companion, Florence.
This book clearly sets up the rest of the series for the other Harringtons to have their own books. But unfortunately, it looks like more of the same type of antiquities capers in the next book, so I don't know if I'll continue to read this series.
Reviewed for: http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
January 20, 2025
Haven't read much from Ms. Alexander but this story was a bit too slow for me and almost did not finish just okay.😕
September 5, 2012
I must confess: I am not a huge fan of archeological/adventure-type stories in my Regency/Victorian romances. Spies, yes. Treasure hunting and made-up countries/myths/legends/treasures, no. Still, aside from that, a relatively good story. (Although, it is part of a series, I believe I have guessed the "real" villains, to be revealed in the third installment. *sigh* I shall have to suffer more treasure-hunting, but I do enjoy the brother Quinton Harrington so I get to read his story, at least.)
It strikes me that this review is somewhat rambling and incoherent. Ah well. I'm not re-writing it, so this will have to do.
It strikes me that this review is somewhat rambling and incoherent. Ah well. I'm not re-writing it, so this will have to do.
April 17, 2010
I made the mistake of reading The Virgin's Secret after the sequel, Desires of a Perfect Lady, but was absolutely gripped by it from the beginning. The plot of the antiquity hunt weaves beautifully with the love story and the characters are really intriguing - intelligent, attractive, beautiful AND sympathetic. The story is also well-written, and the continuity between this and the sequel is solid - if you read either book, you'll enjoy them, either separately or as a series. I absolutely can't wait for the next installment. Hurry up, Ms Alexander!!!
October 21, 2011
So this was my book from last year's Dirty Santa exchange. I have to say, pretty boring, for a romance. It all focused around Gabriella's quest to restore her brothers good name over a stolen artifact, and one of the suspects of its theft takes her in and helps her recover it. Of course they fall in love, but that happens barely halfway through, and the rest is about the artifact and finding Gabriella's family, blah, blah.
April 15, 2015
I haven't read a Victoria Alexander novel in so long, that when I saw this book, I had to pick it up. And honestly...it was a very good read.
Gabriella Montini's brother, Enrico Montini, had a seal that he discovered during one of his adventures, but it was stolen before he died, and Gabriella decided that it was up to her to find it and present it to this society. But after breaking in the Harrington manor, after Lady Regina's coming out ball, that she found herself working with Nathanial Harrington to get the seal back from whoever the thief was.
During the time that they were finding the seal, Nathanial and Gabriella fell in love (slowly) and though she was ruined, Nate didn't care-he loved her-loved her enough to try and tell her not to work for Lord Rathbourne, but it didn't work as she worked for him for two days until she decided that she didn't want to work for him, so she went to find him, but he was dead when she found him.
Close to the end, she and Nate went back to the house and found the seal before her house caught on fire, and she was knocked unconscious for a couple of days, so it was left up to Nathaniel to present the seal to the society, while Gabriella met her other family. In the end, Gabriella said yes to Nathanial's proposal, which was a perfect ending....
Until the epilogue.
Until the feeling that in the next book, all hell is going to break loose.
I have no idea why I feel that...but I do.
This was a really good book and now I wanna read more Victoria Alexander...
Gabriella Montini's brother, Enrico Montini, had a seal that he discovered during one of his adventures, but it was stolen before he died, and Gabriella decided that it was up to her to find it and present it to this society. But after breaking in the Harrington manor, after Lady Regina's coming out ball, that she found herself working with Nathanial Harrington to get the seal back from whoever the thief was.
During the time that they were finding the seal, Nathanial and Gabriella fell in love (slowly) and though she was ruined, Nate didn't care-he loved her-loved her enough to try and tell her not to work for Lord Rathbourne, but it didn't work as she worked for him for two days until she decided that she didn't want to work for him, so she went to find him, but he was dead when she found him.
Close to the end, she and Nate went back to the house and found the seal before her house caught on fire, and she was knocked unconscious for a couple of days, so it was left up to Nathaniel to present the seal to the society, while Gabriella met her other family. In the end, Gabriella said yes to Nathanial's proposal, which was a perfect ending....
Until the epilogue.
Until the feeling that in the next book, all hell is going to break loose.
I have no idea why I feel that...but I do.
This was a really good book and now I wanna read more Victoria Alexander...
May 20, 2011
I just finished reading The Perfect Wife and this book is the great grandchildren from that story. The Harrington's.
Nathaniel Harrington and his brothers were close in age and friendships. As children they played as all types of adventurers, pirates or like their great grandmother, smugglers.
They grew up and Sterling became the Earl of Wyldewood. Quint and Nate went on adventures. Finding artifacts and for Nathaniel, mostly covering up for Quint.
At their sisters coming out ball Nathaniel notices a dark haired blue eyed beauty and eventually finds her in the library. After a dance he goes to get her a drink but she is gone. A few nights later they find her in the library again going through their desk.
It seems that Miss Gabriella Montini thought they stole an artifact from her brother that caused his disgrace and his demise. Being "orphaned" their mother insisted she stay with them in their home.
It did not take long for Gabriella to believe Nathaniel could be taken off her list. She did not trust Quinton though.
Together the two of them go in search of clues and the cylinder. They were not searching for love, that found them on its own.
Nathaniel Harrington and his brothers were close in age and friendships. As children they played as all types of adventurers, pirates or like their great grandmother, smugglers.
They grew up and Sterling became the Earl of Wyldewood. Quint and Nate went on adventures. Finding artifacts and for Nathaniel, mostly covering up for Quint.
At their sisters coming out ball Nathaniel notices a dark haired blue eyed beauty and eventually finds her in the library. After a dance he goes to get her a drink but she is gone. A few nights later they find her in the library again going through their desk.
It seems that Miss Gabriella Montini thought they stole an artifact from her brother that caused his disgrace and his demise. Being "orphaned" their mother insisted she stay with them in their home.
It did not take long for Gabriella to believe Nathaniel could be taken off her list. She did not trust Quinton though.
Together the two of them go in search of clues and the cylinder. They were not searching for love, that found them on its own.
July 9, 2010
This book got off to such an exciting start! I love that it's from Nathaniel's point of view. I loved the story-from the very beginning when Nathaniel spots Gabriella in her apricot colored dress, to when he finds her in the library a few minutes later, to the very end where she is reunited with her mother’s family. This book was absolutely excellent. I loved the plot and the adventure…searching for the seal. The brilliant and educated heroine with the sensitive and handsome man; a perfect match and chemistry at first sight. The back story with her companion and his secretary was cute as well. Great story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2011
I had read the second in this series before this book and had to pick this one up! I am so glad I did! Nathanial, one of the Harrington Brothers, LOVES history and finding it. When his path crosses Gabriella, Nathanials honor can't let her go on her quest with out his help and protection. While they try to prove Gabriella's brother had a seal and that it was stolen, they discover their true feelings for each other. I loved the twists in the plot, the pace was perfect and made the story even more enjoyable! The mystery and romance are in perfect ratio and I can't wait to find out who wants the three seals, and if they find them all and the Virgins Secret!
June 24, 2014
Great book
July 21, 2014
fun as always
did-not-finish
January 1, 2019I’m kind of torn as to where to shelve this. I read about half of it, then lost interest and skip to the last couple of chapters to see what happened. So I’m calling it a DNF. Since I didn’t really finish it, I don’t feel right in giving this a star rating, so I’m leaving that blank.
While the identity of the thief was revealed, the location of the lost city was not, so this was somewhat of a cliffhanger. And apparently I’ve already read the third book, and yet I don’t remember it at all. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I may give up on this author. I’ve enjoyed some of her work in the past, but it’s been a while since I made it all the way through one of her books without skimming.
While the identity of the thief was revealed, the location of the lost city was not, so this was somewhat of a cliffhanger. And apparently I’ve already read the third book, and yet I don’t remember it at all. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I may give up on this author. I’ve enjoyed some of her work in the past, but it’s been a while since I made it all the way through one of her books without skimming.
May 8, 2020
(2009) A bit far-fetched as many of these stories are, "The Virgin's Secret" refers to a lost city. Enrico Montini was an adventurer who collected ancient artifacts and he had found one very valuable cylinder. Then, it was stolen and in his quest to reclaim it he had his throat slit. his sister wanted to clear his name and fins the missing artifact. She herself was intelligent and well schooled in languages & archaeological finds. Of course, the handsome & wealthy Nathaniel Harrington is drawn into her search. Fireworks, danger and love. What more does one desire in a book?
December 25, 2022
I liked this book - but I didn't love it. I enjoy archeological/adventure romance novels, so I thought this was right up my alley! And certainly, Nathaniel was sweet and charming and Gabriella was smart. Part of the problem for me was how slow it seemed - revolving a lot around the seal with less adventure than anticipated. And sometimes, Gabriella herself seemed especially argumentative in a way that was less independent and more annoying. Overall, though, would certainly consider reading more works by this author!
November 18, 2018
Awesome book. It’s great. Can’t wait to read the next book.
February 18, 2019
Love this story! Awesome characters, wonderful storyline and lots of fun twists and turns.
Great start to a fun series. You can't go wrong with a VA book.
Great start to a fun series. You can't go wrong with a VA book.
May 18, 2020
Good read. I like a bit of mystery and suspense in the tales I read. I liked the characters and the plot of this book. Looking forward to reading the next installment of this series.
June 19, 2020
Not my favorite by this author, but still worthy of 3 stars (my standard for satisfying reading.)
March 24, 2022
S’alright. I’m pretty sure I read the sequel to this at some point. It’s #2 in the series though which seems odd. It feels like the first.
July 15, 2023
Love, Love a historical romance with a great adventure woven into the story! Could be the other way around! 😉 Witty banter, seduction and mystery all meld together for a great story!
October 8, 2023
good read, great characters
May 25, 2024
Love this series. Huge disappointment that she never finished it with the 3rd book. But books 1 and 2 are still worth a read
January 25, 2025
Cute story with witty dialogue and fun characters. Gabriella isn't the most likable heroine, however, and there are lots of typos.
February 9, 2013
The Virgin's Secret is the first book of the new Victoria Alexander series, Harrington Siblings. Imagine Indiana Jones in the late 19th century, and you have the Harrington brothers: Sterling, Quintin and Nathanial.
The book has the usual Victoria Alexander humour and fast pace. But it also has likable characters. I enjoyed both Gabriella and Nathanial, they both unconventional to the times. They were attracted to each other since the first moment the met, but they fought their feelings. Each with their own reasons for doing so, but eventually they come to a sort of an agreement. But can Gabriella's secret come between them? Which I found ludicrous, but I won't get into that.
I found the quest for the medallion entertaining with all the twists and turns. Loved the way that Gabriella and Nathanial worked together, even with their disagreements. I found the fire unnecessary at the end - just my opinion - I don't think it was needed, and Gabriella's "illness" was a little too much.
The book has the usual Victoria Alexander humour and fast pace. But it also has likable characters. I enjoyed both Gabriella and Nathanial, they both unconventional to the times. They were attracted to each other since the first moment the met, but they fought their feelings. Each with their own reasons for doing so, but eventually they come to a sort of an agreement. But can Gabriella's secret come between them? Which I found ludicrous, but I won't get into that.
I found the quest for the medallion entertaining with all the twists and turns. Loved the way that Gabriella and Nathanial worked together, even with their disagreements. I found the fire unnecessary at the end - just my opinion - I don't think it was needed, and Gabriella's "illness" was a little too much.
September 18, 2023
Nathanial Harrington, an adventurer with strong principles, would never engage in theft or seduce an innocent woman, even someone as captivating as Gabriella Montini. Yet, Gabriella's mysterious allure piques his curiosity, prompting him to uncover her hidden secret.
Gabriella, aware of Nathanial's questionable reputation, remains skeptical of his intentions. He not only steals hearts but has tarnished her brother's name as well. Determined to redeem her brother's honor, Gabriella disguises herself as a destitute orphan and infiltrates Nathanial's family home. However, her plan becomes complicated when she finds herself succumbing to Nathanial's irresistible charms.
This story offers an intriguing narrative. One of its standout aspects is Nathanial's appreciation for Gabriella's intelligence, which adds depth to their characters and relationship dynamics. The author skillfully portrays their interactions, making for an engaging and enjoyable read.
Gabriella, aware of Nathanial's questionable reputation, remains skeptical of his intentions. He not only steals hearts but has tarnished her brother's name as well. Determined to redeem her brother's honor, Gabriella disguises herself as a destitute orphan and infiltrates Nathanial's family home. However, her plan becomes complicated when she finds herself succumbing to Nathanial's irresistible charms.
This story offers an intriguing narrative. One of its standout aspects is Nathanial's appreciation for Gabriella's intelligence, which adds depth to their characters and relationship dynamics. The author skillfully portrays their interactions, making for an engaging and enjoyable read.
December 15, 2011
Given the time period and the lack of rights for women I realize that the respect my heroine is going to get will be minimal. But it was REALLY hard to swallow in this book. Gabriella has so much potential, and it's painful to see her have to throw it all away. I hated how she was left in the end - even if she did get the guy, none of her life long dreams come true, and he's not helping her to realize them.
What I really wanted Gabriella to do is say, to hell with all of you, and take her piles of money and her servants and go discover that lost city all by herself. Because she could do it, and she would be awesome at it.
What I really wanted Gabriella to do is say, to hell with all of you, and take her piles of money and her servants and go discover that lost city all by herself. Because she could do it, and she would be awesome at it.
March 7, 2016
Victoria Alexander has a talent for incorporating intrigue, murder and witty repartee to create a love story that will have you laughing, crying and cringing all in the space of a few pages. This is the story of a lost city and artifacts leading to it's location. Gabriella is trying to locate an artifact that her brother had found and lost, in order to save is reputation now that he is dead. Nathaniel is one of the suspects thought to have stolen it. They team up together to find the cylinder and face danger and a love develops. This is a great book.
January 24, 2013
As I was reading this book, I couldn't help thinking that the story just couldn't pick which genre it was in. I would have liked the story a lot more if it either fleshed out the romance more, or fleshed out the adventure/mystery more. I just wanted more.
However, I really enjoyed the dialogue in the story - well done!
However, I really enjoyed the dialogue in the story - well done!
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December 2, 2014I can't bring myself to finish this. There's so many books to read. Decided not to waste my time on this.
Heroine is rather annoying. Too thick headed and whiny. Very negative about everything. Criticism everything hero do. Always snapping at him.
I'm bored.. So.. I decide to just start a new book. Next book.. Please be good...
Heroine is rather annoying. Too thick headed and whiny. Very negative about everything. Criticism everything hero do. Always snapping at him.
I'm bored.. So.. I decide to just start a new book. Next book.. Please be good...
June 14, 2009
I was surprised that this was a step away from what I have come to expect from Victoria Alexander's writing, but I really enjoyed it. It was chock full of mystery, some suspense, and of course some sparks. All in all a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews