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Billingham Bastards #3
A Scoundrel's Surrender
He was everything she'd ever dreamed of . . . And then he was gone.
It hasn't been easy for Marah Farnsworth to get over Caleb Talbot, the man who broke her heart. She's done her best, sequestering herself in the sleepy English countryside while convincing herself she'd be happy marrying someone else. And she's quite nearly succeeded—when she returns to London . . . and comes face to face with the man who abandoned her all those years ago.
Caleb believed he was doing the honorable thing when he disappeared from Marah's life. The shocking truth about his scandalous origins made him unfit to wed. But now, one glimpse of her has again lit a fire in his heart…and letting another man have her would be unthinkable. However, winning back Marah's love may prove the most difficult endeavor the handsome scoundrel has ever undertaken.
It hasn't been easy for Marah Farnsworth to get over Caleb Talbot, the man who broke her heart. She's done her best, sequestering herself in the sleepy English countryside while convincing herself she'd be happy marrying someone else. And she's quite nearly succeeded—when she returns to London . . . and comes face to face with the man who abandoned her all those years ago.
Caleb believed he was doing the honorable thing when he disappeared from Marah's life. The shocking truth about his scandalous origins made him unfit to wed. But now, one glimpse of her has again lit a fire in his heart…and letting another man have her would be unthinkable. However, winning back Marah's love may prove the most difficult endeavor the handsome scoundrel has ever undertaken.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2011
16 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Petersen
19 books229 followersJenna Petersen now writes historical romance exclusively as Jess Michaels. Please check out her self-published and Samhain publishing books here:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Jenna no longer supports her HarperCollins/Avon books due to price gouging and refusal to return author rights.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Jenna no longer supports her HarperCollins/Avon books due to price gouging and refusal to return author rights.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 19, 2018
(I remember disliking this hero so much in 2011 that I'd like to vent about him again.)
Hero speaks: Oh, woe is me! My life is so sad and miserable and pointless I might as well run off to the Continent, eat worms, and drink myself to oblivion. Why am I so woebegone, you may ask? Well, I was living a really, really fortunate life as a member of a family in the ton, with lots of money and a family that I more or less get along with, BUT I just found out that my dad is not my dad. Mother is an evil wh*re and sl*t. And, oh my gosh, am I a ba***rd?
Now I must question my very existence. How can I possibly be the same person I was before I learned this fact of my parentage? No one around me is the same either. They have all become The Enemy. I must leave. And I must desert the lovely woman I despoiled the night before, who probably loves me, leaving her without a word, and go off to lick my wounds. Not only that, but 2 or so years later, when I am dragged back to London by my oldest brother (oh, wait, make that evil half brother) I continue to whine, sulk and feel sorry for myself. It is, after all, always about me, isn't it?
Oh, and that lovely woman I ruined? She's around, but I refuse to do the right thing by her, i.e., woo and marry her. Instead, I'll just be a jerk to her and to her new suitor. Well, eventually things work out for me and I finally get the HEA I deserve. I mean the HEA I think I deserve. What this reviewer of my story thinks I deserve is a whole other ball game. She thinks I should be sent back to the Continent and possibly drowned in Lake Como.
Hero speaks: Oh, woe is me! My life is so sad and miserable and pointless I might as well run off to the Continent, eat worms, and drink myself to oblivion. Why am I so woebegone, you may ask? Well, I was living a really, really fortunate life as a member of a family in the ton, with lots of money and a family that I more or less get along with, BUT I just found out that my dad is not my dad. Mother is an evil wh*re and sl*t. And, oh my gosh, am I a ba***rd?
Now I must question my very existence. How can I possibly be the same person I was before I learned this fact of my parentage? No one around me is the same either. They have all become The Enemy. I must leave. And I must desert the lovely woman I despoiled the night before, who probably loves me, leaving her without a word, and go off to lick my wounds. Not only that, but 2 or so years later, when I am dragged back to London by my oldest brother (oh, wait, make that evil half brother) I continue to whine, sulk and feel sorry for myself. It is, after all, always about me, isn't it?
Oh, and that lovely woman I ruined? She's around, but I refuse to do the right thing by her, i.e., woo and marry her. Instead, I'll just be a jerk to her and to her new suitor. Well, eventually things work out for me and I finally get the HEA I deserve. I mean the HEA I think I deserve. What this reviewer of my story thinks I deserve is a whole other ball game. She thinks I should be sent back to the Continent and possibly drowned in Lake Como.
September 13, 2011
The third book in the Billingham Bastards series by Jenna Petersen didn't really go out with a bang; instead, it tugged at the heart.
Two years ago, Caleb Talbot ran from the news that he was yet another bastard son of the late Duke Billingham. Consequently, he also left Marah Farnsworth, with whom he'd shared an intense, but brief affair. When he gets the news that the man who raised him is dying, Caleb returns, ready to face his demons. He's not quite prepared to face Marah again, but every interaction makes him realize just how much she had meant to him after all.
Marah Farnsworth grew up with her own inner demons, and when Caleb left, she fled back to her grandmother's village to live a simple life. Her dear friend, Victoria, Caleb's sister-in-law, begs her to come back since her husband's father is very sick. Always one to put others before herself, Marah agrees. Except, when she sees Caleb again, the feelings come rushing back. But so do her fears. Afraid he'll abandon her like before, Marah agrees to marry someone steadier, someone she doesn't love in the least.
Now it's Caleb's job to be the man he's always wanted to be. He must choose to fight for Marah as the scoundrel he's always been or demonstrate the selflessness he admires so much in her.
This story was tame in the physical aspects compared to Jenna's other works, but for me, Caleb and Marah's story was the most touching of the series. Their battles with personal struggles were poignant. Both of them had to evolve into stronger people over the course of their story, and I found the resolution very satisfying. I did feel that the stakes could have been higher, the obstacles even tougher to overcome. Even in a romance novel, it's nice to have that little worry in the back of your mind that the two of them might NOT actually end up together. That wasn't the case here.
But, Jenna's fans won't be disappointed. I highly recommend this and the entire series for the Regency romance readers out there.
Two years ago, Caleb Talbot ran from the news that he was yet another bastard son of the late Duke Billingham. Consequently, he also left Marah Farnsworth, with whom he'd shared an intense, but brief affair. When he gets the news that the man who raised him is dying, Caleb returns, ready to face his demons. He's not quite prepared to face Marah again, but every interaction makes him realize just how much she had meant to him after all.
Marah Farnsworth grew up with her own inner demons, and when Caleb left, she fled back to her grandmother's village to live a simple life. Her dear friend, Victoria, Caleb's sister-in-law, begs her to come back since her husband's father is very sick. Always one to put others before herself, Marah agrees. Except, when she sees Caleb again, the feelings come rushing back. But so do her fears. Afraid he'll abandon her like before, Marah agrees to marry someone steadier, someone she doesn't love in the least.
Now it's Caleb's job to be the man he's always wanted to be. He must choose to fight for Marah as the scoundrel he's always been or demonstrate the selflessness he admires so much in her.
This story was tame in the physical aspects compared to Jenna's other works, but for me, Caleb and Marah's story was the most touching of the series. Their battles with personal struggles were poignant. Both of them had to evolve into stronger people over the course of their story, and I found the resolution very satisfying. I did feel that the stakes could have been higher, the obstacles even tougher to overcome. Even in a romance novel, it's nice to have that little worry in the back of your mind that the two of them might NOT actually end up together. That wasn't the case here.
But, Jenna's fans won't be disappointed. I highly recommend this and the entire series for the Regency romance readers out there.
September 5, 2011
Note: This review, and all my reviews, comes from my blog - Romantic Rose's Bookshelf (http://romantic-rosesblog.blogspot.com)
So here's a big thank you to the lovely ladies over at Romance Reviews Today for sending me this book for review! Here's the link to my review on their site: A Scoundrel's Surrender by Jenna Petersen
Alright, so this is generally something that doesn’t matter to me, but still annoyed me greatly with this book – the cover. THE COVER DOES NOT SAY HISTORICAL ROMANCE – at all. In fact, it broadcasts contemporary, what with the highlights in the girl’s hair, its modern-esque layered cut, and her heavy eye-makeup which I am certain did not exist in the 1800s. Let’s face it, even the way they’re postured screams contemporary! So boo and hiss, Avon, for your idiotic cover. You normally do so well. However, let us not hold the cover against the author and her writing when there are so many good parts of this book. I mean, really, this book could’ve been covered in saran wrap and it wouldn’t have affected my reading experience.
So what was bad? The book was underwhelming, and a little disjointed – a series of photographs rather than a panorama view. The setting was poorly done, so I found myself floating around in the space of Petersen’s London without an anchor. I found myself watching dances at balls when there wasn’t clear context or reading about tea at random. To be honest, however, the floating effect was only a lingering annoyance – like a flying buzzing around while you watch TV. It definitely wasn’t overwhelmingly distracting, and I found, for the most part, I enjoyed the book and its scenes even though I had issues following the protagonist’s London life. The passage of time was also a problem in that it wasn’t marked clearly, but again it wasn’t overwhelming. However these were simply minor annoyances.
For most of the story, I found myself struggling with the humanity of our protagonists. I truly didn’t like Caleb at the beginning of the story – he was rude, selfish, and wallowing in self-pity. I didn’t particularly like Marah either, though I empathized with her and felt her pain, so I was less annoyed with her. I was worried about how much I could possibly enjoy the book – after all, if I don’t like either of the main characters can I really like the book? Yes, it turns out. Yes I can. What made this book so incredible is that Marah and Caleb made each other better. I liked them better together than apart. Marah helped Caleb become less selfish – more thoughtful and compassionate – and Caleb helped Marah stop hiding from herself, her family, and the world in general. Together, I grew to like them for their combined strength and it was a unique, touching approach to romance. I also found, as I reflected on the book, that I appreciated the human faults that Caleb and Marah have because while they made the romance less whimsical and more realistic.
The best part of this book, the part that really made it for me, was the happy ever after. Caleb’s considerate behavior showed he was finally focusing his energy on someone else and their needs, wants, and desires. He’d finally let go of his hurtful selfishness and I could really see his inner beauty. I was sold, during the happy ever after, and finished the book very confident that Caleb and Marah had many, many gloriously wonderful years ahead of them. I was also confident in the strength of their relationship – one thing that Petersen shows really well. Other positives worth mentioning are the well-written emotions, fun secondary characters, and really hot sex scenes. Overall, there was a lot of good in this book – but while it was good it wasn’t fabulous, and its underwhelming nature makes it a bit unmemorable. An ‘eh’ read.
“Sexy”ness rating: Really, exceptionally hot
Overall Rating: B-
Bottom Line: The book was enjoyable, but not great. Unmemorable with exceedingly annoying characters that somehow became less annoying together making for a wonderful HEA.
So here's a big thank you to the lovely ladies over at Romance Reviews Today for sending me this book for review! Here's the link to my review on their site: A Scoundrel's Surrender by Jenna Petersen
Alright, so this is generally something that doesn’t matter to me, but still annoyed me greatly with this book – the cover. THE COVER DOES NOT SAY HISTORICAL ROMANCE – at all. In fact, it broadcasts contemporary, what with the highlights in the girl’s hair, its modern-esque layered cut, and her heavy eye-makeup which I am certain did not exist in the 1800s. Let’s face it, even the way they’re postured screams contemporary! So boo and hiss, Avon, for your idiotic cover. You normally do so well. However, let us not hold the cover against the author and her writing when there are so many good parts of this book. I mean, really, this book could’ve been covered in saran wrap and it wouldn’t have affected my reading experience.
So what was bad? The book was underwhelming, and a little disjointed – a series of photographs rather than a panorama view. The setting was poorly done, so I found myself floating around in the space of Petersen’s London without an anchor. I found myself watching dances at balls when there wasn’t clear context or reading about tea at random. To be honest, however, the floating effect was only a lingering annoyance – like a flying buzzing around while you watch TV. It definitely wasn’t overwhelmingly distracting, and I found, for the most part, I enjoyed the book and its scenes even though I had issues following the protagonist’s London life. The passage of time was also a problem in that it wasn’t marked clearly, but again it wasn’t overwhelming. However these were simply minor annoyances.
For most of the story, I found myself struggling with the humanity of our protagonists. I truly didn’t like Caleb at the beginning of the story – he was rude, selfish, and wallowing in self-pity. I didn’t particularly like Marah either, though I empathized with her and felt her pain, so I was less annoyed with her. I was worried about how much I could possibly enjoy the book – after all, if I don’t like either of the main characters can I really like the book? Yes, it turns out. Yes I can. What made this book so incredible is that Marah and Caleb made each other better. I liked them better together than apart. Marah helped Caleb become less selfish – more thoughtful and compassionate – and Caleb helped Marah stop hiding from herself, her family, and the world in general. Together, I grew to like them for their combined strength and it was a unique, touching approach to romance. I also found, as I reflected on the book, that I appreciated the human faults that Caleb and Marah have because while they made the romance less whimsical and more realistic.
The best part of this book, the part that really made it for me, was the happy ever after. Caleb’s considerate behavior showed he was finally focusing his energy on someone else and their needs, wants, and desires. He’d finally let go of his hurtful selfishness and I could really see his inner beauty. I was sold, during the happy ever after, and finished the book very confident that Caleb and Marah had many, many gloriously wonderful years ahead of them. I was also confident in the strength of their relationship – one thing that Petersen shows really well. Other positives worth mentioning are the well-written emotions, fun secondary characters, and really hot sex scenes. Overall, there was a lot of good in this book – but while it was good it wasn’t fabulous, and its underwhelming nature makes it a bit unmemorable. An ‘eh’ read.
“Sexy”ness rating: Really, exceptionally hot
Overall Rating: B-
Bottom Line: The book was enjoyable, but not great. Unmemorable with exceedingly annoying characters that somehow became less annoying together making for a wonderful HEA.
March 17, 2018
I really love the story of Caleb's father and family. It's so heart-wrenching I cried a lot. I think that was the only redeemer I see in this book, because I find that Caleb and Marah's back-and-forth relationship is very annoying! I hate their stubbornness. I want to slap them once or twice or more. When I sympathize with Caleb, Marah was being annoying, and vice versa. They really deserved each other. If rated by their own romance, without the family drama, I would starred this as 2. Really hate this kind of angst and misunderstanding.
August 15, 2017
I am probably being generous to give this 3 stars. The Hero and Heroine had a push-pull relationship that was exhausting and probably unhealthy. Their relationship got tired to read and all I could think of is when it will all be over. And as a son of a Marquis, shouldn't the Hero have a courtesy title?
Glad to be through with this. I was close to abandoning it. The plot was okay, it was just dragged out too much and the main characters weren't inspiring.
Glad to be through with this. I was close to abandoning it. The plot was okay, it was just dragged out too much and the main characters weren't inspiring.
July 6, 2020
Not a standalone. Need to aleast read "Lessons From A Courtsan" first. It's better as well. The Billington Bastard series ties in some as well.
October 18, 2011
2 tahun yang lalu caleb talbott mlarikan diri dari keluarganya dan dari miss marah farnsworth, wanita sahabat kakak iparnya...
caleb pergi dengan membawa kemarahan dan kekecewaan setelah dia tau kalo sebenarnya dia bukan anak kandung ayahnya ...dia mengira ibu nya menjalin affair sehingga lahirlah dia sebagai bastard...
selaMA 2 tahun pula kakaknya terus mencari, karena ayah mereka sakit keras dan akan meninggal gak lama lagi...
akhirnya caleb mau juga ikut pulang walau dia benci setengah idup sama ibu nya yang dianggap mengkhianati ayahnya...
ibu dan adiknya gak tau penyebab caleb pergi 2 tahun yang lalu....
saat itu pula caleb ketemu lagi dengan miss marah yang di undang tinggal di tempat kakaknya..
selama 2 tahun jga marah mengasingkan diri ke pedesaan setelah 2 tahun yang lalu dia menyerahkan keperwanannya kepada caleb dan caleb pergi begitu aja tanpa kasih kabar apapun....
marah merasa cukup marah2 (;p) dan sakit hati, saatnya dia meninggalkan masa lalu, pergi ke kota atas undangan sahabatnya dan akan menjalin hubungan denga mr winstead (kalo gak salah namanya ;p) yang berniat mencari istri atas dasar hubungan yang stabil dan bukan passion secara mr. winstead nya ini juga mata duitan, dia mau courting marah karena dia tau kalo marah sebenernya adalah cucu dari salah satu bangsawan paling berpengaruh dan kaya....cuma marah selama ini tinggal sama neneknya dari pihak ibu yang bukan bangsawan...dan benci keluarga darinpihak ayah karena gak mau menerima pernikahan ibu dan ayah nya dan gak mau mengakui marah sebagai cucu keluarga itu...
caleb begitu ketemu dan ngeliat marah gak bisa melupakan kenangan 2 tahun lalu....
bahkan selama dia 2 tahun dalam kabur2 an dia gak pernah menyentuh dan tidur dengan wanita lain ( secara gak bisa turn-on selain ama marah hihihih )
marah yang marah2 gak mau dekat sama caleb, selalu dingin dan bersikap sopan santun...
tapi caleb nya pantang mundur, apalagi pas tau marah mau merit sama co lain, mulailah manuver2 nya..di mulai dari kissu2 sampe ada adegan fave gw di kereta dimana caleb berkorban sekali, dia doin' something only just for marah dan bukan untuk gairahnya sendiri (meaning ???? u-know lah....hihihihi)
berlanjut lagi pas ayah caleb meninggal, marah datang ke kamar caleb buat menghibur....trus terjadi juga kejadian yang (sebenernya) diinginkan....marah ama caleb sleep together...
sayangnya pas pagi marah bangun dia gak nemuin caleb di sisinya..dikira nya caleb kabur lagi.....akhirnya dia gak mau percaya caleb lagi dan memutuskan menerima pinangan mr.winstead...
banyak kejadian sedih disini apalagi pas ayah caleb meninggal...si ayah sayang banget sama caleb walo dia tau kalo caleb sebenernya bukan anak kandungnya....
dan ibu caleb juga ternyata bukan wanita yang selama ini caleb bayangkan, ibunya sangat mencintai ayahnya...kenapa bisa dia jadi bastard ? soalnya ibu nya di perkosa sama bangsawan yang sangat berkuasa saat itu) dan caleb punya 2 saudara tiri lainnya yang juga korban dari kejahatan ayah kandungnya (duke of billingham)....masing2 sodara caleb ada bukunya sendiri ^^
eniwei...about marah, dia juga punya demon sendiri...dia merasa di buang dan di telantarkan oleh ayahnya setelah ibunya meninggal...
ayahnya kembali ke keluarganya dan meninggalkan dia di tangan neneknya ...
padahal sebetulnya, keluarga ayahnya terutama nenek dari pihak ayah nya baik sekali, mereka berusaha menjangkau marah tapi di halang2 i sama almarhum neneknya marah yang dari pihak ibu...
karena caleb akhirnya marah bisa tau kejadian yang sebenernya dan kembali ke keluarga nya....
caleb melakukan tanpa minta imbalamn apapun krn dia ingin marah bahagia
pun malam sebelumnya caleb melamar marah dan di tolak oleh marah....
akhirnya nanti marah mutusin tunangannya yang matre dan merit sama caleb...sampe punya anak pula.....so sweet ^^
caleb pergi dengan membawa kemarahan dan kekecewaan setelah dia tau kalo sebenarnya dia bukan anak kandung ayahnya ...dia mengira ibu nya menjalin affair sehingga lahirlah dia sebagai bastard...
selaMA 2 tahun pula kakaknya terus mencari, karena ayah mereka sakit keras dan akan meninggal gak lama lagi...
akhirnya caleb mau juga ikut pulang walau dia benci setengah idup sama ibu nya yang dianggap mengkhianati ayahnya...
ibu dan adiknya gak tau penyebab caleb pergi 2 tahun yang lalu....
saat itu pula caleb ketemu lagi dengan miss marah yang di undang tinggal di tempat kakaknya..
selama 2 tahun jga marah mengasingkan diri ke pedesaan setelah 2 tahun yang lalu dia menyerahkan keperwanannya kepada caleb dan caleb pergi begitu aja tanpa kasih kabar apapun....
marah merasa cukup marah2 (;p) dan sakit hati, saatnya dia meninggalkan masa lalu, pergi ke kota atas undangan sahabatnya dan akan menjalin hubungan denga mr winstead (kalo gak salah namanya ;p) yang berniat mencari istri atas dasar hubungan yang stabil dan bukan passion secara mr. winstead nya ini juga mata duitan, dia mau courting marah karena dia tau kalo marah sebenernya adalah cucu dari salah satu bangsawan paling berpengaruh dan kaya....cuma marah selama ini tinggal sama neneknya dari pihak ibu yang bukan bangsawan...dan benci keluarga darinpihak ayah karena gak mau menerima pernikahan ibu dan ayah nya dan gak mau mengakui marah sebagai cucu keluarga itu...
caleb begitu ketemu dan ngeliat marah gak bisa melupakan kenangan 2 tahun lalu....
bahkan selama dia 2 tahun dalam kabur2 an dia gak pernah menyentuh dan tidur dengan wanita lain ( secara gak bisa turn-on selain ama marah hihihih )
marah yang marah2 gak mau dekat sama caleb, selalu dingin dan bersikap sopan santun...
tapi caleb nya pantang mundur, apalagi pas tau marah mau merit sama co lain, mulailah manuver2 nya..di mulai dari kissu2 sampe ada adegan fave gw di kereta dimana caleb berkorban sekali, dia doin' something only just for marah dan bukan untuk gairahnya sendiri (meaning ???? u-know lah....hihihihi)
berlanjut lagi pas ayah caleb meninggal, marah datang ke kamar caleb buat menghibur....trus terjadi juga kejadian yang (sebenernya) diinginkan....marah ama caleb sleep together...
sayangnya pas pagi marah bangun dia gak nemuin caleb di sisinya..dikira nya caleb kabur lagi.....akhirnya dia gak mau percaya caleb lagi dan memutuskan menerima pinangan mr.winstead...
banyak kejadian sedih disini apalagi pas ayah caleb meninggal...si ayah sayang banget sama caleb walo dia tau kalo caleb sebenernya bukan anak kandungnya....
dan ibu caleb juga ternyata bukan wanita yang selama ini caleb bayangkan, ibunya sangat mencintai ayahnya...kenapa bisa dia jadi bastard ? soalnya ibu nya di perkosa sama bangsawan yang sangat berkuasa saat itu) dan caleb punya 2 saudara tiri lainnya yang juga korban dari kejahatan ayah kandungnya (duke of billingham)....masing2 sodara caleb ada bukunya sendiri ^^
eniwei...about marah, dia juga punya demon sendiri...dia merasa di buang dan di telantarkan oleh ayahnya setelah ibunya meninggal...
ayahnya kembali ke keluarganya dan meninggalkan dia di tangan neneknya ...
padahal sebetulnya, keluarga ayahnya terutama nenek dari pihak ayah nya baik sekali, mereka berusaha menjangkau marah tapi di halang2 i sama almarhum neneknya marah yang dari pihak ibu...
karena caleb akhirnya marah bisa tau kejadian yang sebenernya dan kembali ke keluarga nya....
caleb melakukan tanpa minta imbalamn apapun krn dia ingin marah bahagia
pun malam sebelumnya caleb melamar marah dan di tolak oleh marah....
akhirnya nanti marah mutusin tunangannya yang matre dan merit sama caleb...sampe punya anak pula.....so sweet ^^
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2012
I was reading through this series in order when i finally got to this one. When i started reading it, i detected that there was something i was missing here. So i checked and voila! There is indeed another sequel book to this one that's not part of the series package. So i decided to put this one on hold and read Victoria and Justin's story first just so i could get a good grasp of this one. And i did, despite my dislike and disappointment of their book "Lessons from the Courtesan."
Going back to this one. I admit i was annoyed at Caleb Holt for taking advantage of Marah and then disappearing on her afterwards for two years. And when he got back, it also grated on my nerves how he thinks that a simple kiss from him would change everything he's done to Marah. *snort* But i'm pleased that he got his act together and finally realized that he couldn't live without her. And that final act he did for her in reuniting her with her family despite her protests was really sweet, especially since he did it out of love for her without asking for anything in return. Even though he desperately wanted her to accept his proposal instead of Winstead's, he didn't push her about it. That was really sweet of you Caleb. I'm glad when he finally realized how Marah has been there for him all those times he needed comfort, he also was there for her when she needed his support and comfort the most. :)
Marah Fansworth on the other was an admirable girl. How she picked herself up and moved on after Caleb's disappearance was surely hard on her but she managed it. She was able to put Caleb behind her and was finally starting to start her life all over again with Winstead. Winstead by the way, strongly reminded me of old cold Rhys Carslisle before Anne's love changed him. Don't you think so guys? Anyway, going back to Marah. I admire how she was readily always there for Caleb. Whenever he needed someone to talk to or someone to hold, she was there to offer comfort and love unconditionally. How she was there for him when he confronted his family was really heart warming. She is truly perfect for Caleb. She was the only one able to fully connect with him and understand his feelings towards his situation. I'm really glad she was there for Caleb all the way, and didn't give up on him in the end.
Reading this last installment was enjoyable. Although there were some scenes that are not necessary and should therefore been excluded, i still found the book satisfying and endearing. Sure, i admit there were parts that were dragging and dull that almost made me put the book down, but i'm glad i didn't give up on Caleb and Marah. I actually felt guilty that such thoughts crossed my mind. Boy how they proved me wrong. ;)
I think the best part about this book and perhaps the best part of the series as a whole is the love that bonded these families together. Despite their history and the circumstances they endured, they proved that it's not bloodlines that makes a family, it's love. *melt* This was totally an awesome ending to the Billingham Bastard's Series. Thank you Jenna Peterson for delivering such strong and endearing set of characters. They shall all hold special places in my heart.
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Going back to this one. I admit i was annoyed at Caleb Holt for taking advantage of Marah and then disappearing on her afterwards for two years. And when he got back, it also grated on my nerves how he thinks that a simple kiss from him would change everything he's done to Marah. *snort* But i'm pleased that he got his act together and finally realized that he couldn't live without her. And that final act he did for her in reuniting her with her family despite her protests was really sweet, especially since he did it out of love for her without asking for anything in return. Even though he desperately wanted her to accept his proposal instead of Winstead's, he didn't push her about it. That was really sweet of you Caleb. I'm glad when he finally realized how Marah has been there for him all those times he needed comfort, he also was there for her when she needed his support and comfort the most. :)
Marah Fansworth on the other was an admirable girl. How she picked herself up and moved on after Caleb's disappearance was surely hard on her but she managed it. She was able to put Caleb behind her and was finally starting to start her life all over again with Winstead. Winstead by the way, strongly reminded me of old cold Rhys Carslisle before Anne's love changed him. Don't you think so guys? Anyway, going back to Marah. I admire how she was readily always there for Caleb. Whenever he needed someone to talk to or someone to hold, she was there to offer comfort and love unconditionally. How she was there for him when he confronted his family was really heart warming. She is truly perfect for Caleb. She was the only one able to fully connect with him and understand his feelings towards his situation. I'm really glad she was there for Caleb all the way, and didn't give up on him in the end.
Reading this last installment was enjoyable. Although there were some scenes that are not necessary and should therefore been excluded, i still found the book satisfying and endearing. Sure, i admit there were parts that were dragging and dull that almost made me put the book down, but i'm glad i didn't give up on Caleb and Marah. I actually felt guilty that such thoughts crossed my mind. Boy how they proved me wrong. ;)
I think the best part about this book and perhaps the best part of the series as a whole is the love that bonded these families together. Despite their history and the circumstances they endured, they proved that it's not bloodlines that makes a family, it's love. *melt* This was totally an awesome ending to the Billingham Bastard's Series. Thank you Jenna Peterson for delivering such strong and endearing set of characters. They shall all hold special places in my heart.
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September 27, 2019
Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
December 25, 2014
Not compelling !
Truth be told, I was bored through most of this book. Many passages are repetitive and uninteresting.
Miss Marah Farnsworth and Caleb Talbot had an afternoon of pleasure two years ago. He saved her from the abduction and they shared a bed together. It couldn't have been at the worse time in Caleb's life since he found out a great secret about his origins and thought he was unfit to court pretty Marah. So he did what any man would - he disappeared for two years (note: sarcasm).
Marah spend that time sequestered in a remote village until her best friend asked for her help so she joined her and her husband, Caleb's brother, in London. As soon as she arrived in London, she met Caleb who was dragged back by his brother because their father was on his deathbed.
Of course, the passion ignited as soon as they looked at one another. But naturally, Marah lost all faith in men such as Caleb and such as her father was. She was determined to wed a stable, normal, depressingly boring man who would offer her stability and faithfulness. Whereas Caleb couldn't decide what he wants to do with Marah but he knew he couldn't lose her again.
The story itself would be very compelling if not for a poor result.
For one, Caleb is an asshole. He ruined Marah when he already knew about his origins and then under the pretext of not being fit to court her, he left. Oh, but he was fit to bed her, right? When he returned, he kept badgering her. He wanted her but he didn't want to be with her permanently. His conflicting feelings were shameful at the least. He kept hurting her with his indecisiveness over and over again.
Secondly, Marah is stupid and annoying. She sequestered herself for two years in some remote village because that idiot broke her heart. And then, upon return to London, she kept feeling sorry for him. Not to mention her annoying repetition of how a marriage isn't a union of love and passion but loyalty and safety. Then why didn't you just marry that idiot Emerson and be done with it. Not to ruin my night with your awful monologues.
Third, no one noticed how all of this played out on one person's deathbed? Isn't that a little disrespectful and just not the right timing? I mean, if your father was dying, would you trouble yourself all afternoon who the girl you liked invited for tea? I don't know. It didn't sit right with me.
All in all, all the focus on the tragedy in the family felt forced. Very much so. Like the author tried to give reason to unnatural behaviour of the main characters and blame it on someone dying. Nothing felt right. It was all out of context and out of place.
December 3, 2011
I've liked other books by Petersen quite a lot, so I'm disappointed to say that this one didn't work for me. There were some strong emotional moments, but the story really lacked a cohesive, emotionally riveting plot arc.
Caleb learned a couple years ago that he was not the son of the man who raised him. In his anguish, he turned to Marah, and as she comforted him, their passions took over and they made love. Soon after, he ran off, unable to deal with what he'd learned, and leaving Marah to cope with what felt like a very personal rejection.
Abandoned, she went home to stay with the grandmother who raised her, and when the grandmother dies, she's invited back to London by her best friend, whose husband happens to be Caleb's brother. Caleb, too, has returned to the nest, as the man he knew as his father is dying.
Caleb still wants her. Marah resists, for reasonable, if passionless reasons. Her anger at his abandonment only lasts a few pages. After that, it's all about how she needs stability; her own father abandoned her, and she wants a man who won't hurt her--therefore she chooses a man she can't love.
There's way too much navel-gazing in this book, and not nearly enough strong emotion. The characters feel things but they seem to reason everything out to the point where any emotion is blunted.
I give this one shrug, and hope the next one will be more up to Petersen's usually high standards. Oh, and I agree with other comments about the cover. The man has a baby face--maybe not a bad thing since Caleb seems a bit immature, but something about the cover model seems more modern than historical. The gal is gorgeous, but looks like a fourteen-year-old made up to look older, and the clothing and hairstyles are 2011, not 1815. If I'd been just looking at covers, I'd have assumed this was contemporary.
Caleb learned a couple years ago that he was not the son of the man who raised him. In his anguish, he turned to Marah, and as she comforted him, their passions took over and they made love. Soon after, he ran off, unable to deal with what he'd learned, and leaving Marah to cope with what felt like a very personal rejection.
Abandoned, she went home to stay with the grandmother who raised her, and when the grandmother dies, she's invited back to London by her best friend, whose husband happens to be Caleb's brother. Caleb, too, has returned to the nest, as the man he knew as his father is dying.
Caleb still wants her. Marah resists, for reasonable, if passionless reasons. Her anger at his abandonment only lasts a few pages. After that, it's all about how she needs stability; her own father abandoned her, and she wants a man who won't hurt her--therefore she chooses a man she can't love.
There's way too much navel-gazing in this book, and not nearly enough strong emotion. The characters feel things but they seem to reason everything out to the point where any emotion is blunted.
I give this one shrug, and hope the next one will be more up to Petersen's usually high standards. Oh, and I agree with other comments about the cover. The man has a baby face--maybe not a bad thing since Caleb seems a bit immature, but something about the cover model seems more modern than historical. The gal is gorgeous, but looks like a fourteen-year-old made up to look older, and the clothing and hairstyles are 2011, not 1815. If I'd been just looking at covers, I'd have assumed this was contemporary.
September 17, 2015
For me A Scoundrel's Surrender was more a sequal to Lessons From a Courtesan, Marah & Caleb where secondary characters from that book and honestly I did not find them very likable back then. I was suprised that Ms Petersen would make a book about them but I understood that Caleb's story wasn't finished.
As curious as I was to find out about Caleb's past his present attitude left a lot to be desired. He was whiney and petulant and all I could think was (excuse my language here) "Man Up! Stop acting like a little bitch." I couldn't stand the book when it was told from Caleb's POV. He was just such a child about everything. I understand that his life was turned upside down at the revelation that the father he thought he knew wasn't his but at the same time he seemed to have grown up in a caring home regardless and now that he knows it's not his he just throws it all away... Running away from your problems does nothing but prolong the inevitable.
With such a lack luster male MC I was hoping that Ms Peresen could make Marah more appealing that she was in Lessons, but I hoped in vain. Marah was just as thick headed and annoying as she was in the first book. She just seemed to have no clue about life and people and she was always sure she was right.
The love story between these two people felt very forced and it was a struggle to continue to read it.
As curious as I was to find out about Caleb's past his present attitude left a lot to be desired. He was whiney and petulant and all I could think was (excuse my language here) "Man Up! Stop acting like a little bitch." I couldn't stand the book when it was told from Caleb's POV. He was just such a child about everything. I understand that his life was turned upside down at the revelation that the father he thought he knew wasn't his but at the same time he seemed to have grown up in a caring home regardless and now that he knows it's not his he just throws it all away... Running away from your problems does nothing but prolong the inevitable.
With such a lack luster male MC I was hoping that Ms Peresen could make Marah more appealing that she was in Lessons, but I hoped in vain. Marah was just as thick headed and annoying as she was in the first book. She just seemed to have no clue about life and people and she was always sure she was right.
The love story between these two people felt very forced and it was a struggle to continue to read it.
March 14, 2013
Jenna Peterson latest release, A Scoundrel’s Surrender, is book three in the Billingham Bastards series. This story wraps up what was started in Lessons From a Courtesan. Peterson moves through the story of Caleb and Marah filling in the holes and completing the story left open in the last installment.
Many authors attempt to show the hero and heroine struggling to keep away from each other know what they want is ostensibly not what they need. Ms. Petersen does an excellent job of this, creating situations to throw them together that ring true. While the sexual attraction is intense, the author doesn’t rely solely on it to prove the lovers should be together. Instead she showcases how much Caleb and Marah genuinely care for each other in scene after scene where they offer each other mutual support.
I recommend A Scoundrel’s Surrender as Ms. Petersen has written a first-rate love story that is both emotional and passionate.
Many authors attempt to show the hero and heroine struggling to keep away from each other know what they want is ostensibly not what they need. Ms. Petersen does an excellent job of this, creating situations to throw them together that ring true. While the sexual attraction is intense, the author doesn’t rely solely on it to prove the lovers should be together. Instead she showcases how much Caleb and Marah genuinely care for each other in scene after scene where they offer each other mutual support.
I recommend A Scoundrel’s Surrender as Ms. Petersen has written a first-rate love story that is both emotional and passionate.
December 11, 2011
Marah and Caleb. Sigh. I had high hopes for this book, the third and last in the Billingham Bastards series but I found myself not warming up to both of the protagonists of thid story.
This story picks up a few years after Lessons from a Courtesan (not a part of the Billingham series but a connected book in this story) when Marah returns to London and meets Caleb again.
I was disappointed in the romance between Marah and Caleb. I felt that it wasn't developed well and that the book was just hurried and felt like Ms. Petersen just wanted to be done with the whole series.
That being said, I did enjoy it when Marah and Caleb had their HEA. I also enjoyed revisiting my favorite characters - Justin and Victoria (Lessons from a Courtesan), Simon and Lillian (What the Duke Desires), and Ann and Rhys (The Unclaimed Duchess).
This story picks up a few years after Lessons from a Courtesan (not a part of the Billingham series but a connected book in this story) when Marah returns to London and meets Caleb again.
I was disappointed in the romance between Marah and Caleb. I felt that it wasn't developed well and that the book was just hurried and felt like Ms. Petersen just wanted to be done with the whole series.
That being said, I did enjoy it when Marah and Caleb had their HEA. I also enjoyed revisiting my favorite characters - Justin and Victoria (Lessons from a Courtesan), Simon and Lillian (What the Duke Desires), and Ann and Rhys (The Unclaimed Duchess).
August 27, 2018
He was everything she'd ever dreamed of . . . And then he was gone. It hasn't been easy for Marah Farnsworth to get over Caleb Talbot, the man who broke her heart. She's done her best, sequestering herself in the sleepy English countryside while convincing herself she'd be happy marrying someone else. And she's quite nearly succeeded—when she returns to London . . . and comes face to face with the man who abandoned her all those years ago. Caleb believed he was doing the honorable thing when he disappeared from Marah's life. The shocking truth about his scandalous origins made him unfit to wed. But now, one glimpse of her has again lit a fire in his heart…and letting another man have her would be unthinkable. However, winning back Marah's love may prove the most difficult endeavor the handsome scoundrel has ever undertaken.
August 27, 2011
This book was an emotionally charged roller coaster. I found myself in tears more than once.
Marah and Caleb are two characters that you can't help but root for. I always love books where two characters help each heal emotionally (or physically) and Marah and Caleb have to do this in order to finally be able to be together. It takes Caleb a little longer to figure this out..but eventually he comes around.
The book also brings in the characters from the other two books in this series to help tie the stories all together. And being the epilogue whore that I am.. I loved reading the epilogue in this book. It was wonderful.
While this book is the third in the series.. you can read it as a stand alone, although it will make you want to go back and read the first two.
Marah and Caleb are two characters that you can't help but root for. I always love books where two characters help each heal emotionally (or physically) and Marah and Caleb have to do this in order to finally be able to be together. It takes Caleb a little longer to figure this out..but eventually he comes around.
The book also brings in the characters from the other two books in this series to help tie the stories all together. And being the epilogue whore that I am.. I loved reading the epilogue in this book. It was wonderful.
While this book is the third in the series.. you can read it as a stand alone, although it will make you want to go back and read the first two.
October 10, 2011
"Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover and the couple on the cover of Ms. Petersen’s latest is downright skanky. The chick looks like a stripper at a mid-level men’s club. She’s got streaked layered hair, lots of black mascara, lip-glossed pink lips, and is aiming a sexy pout at whoever took this photo. The guy’s sporting “hot dude” stubble and a chest so smooth I suspect he waxes. They both look too modern and too much like possible porn stars. The cover of screams sizzling contemporary; its prose drones dismal historical."
read the rest of my review at All About Romance
http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/boo...
read the rest of my review at All About Romance
http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/boo...
March 26, 2012
Marah Farnsworth fell in love with Caleb Talbot but he broke her heart and disappeared. Two years later she returns to London and finds out that Caleb has returned as well. Marah has promised herself this time she won't respond to his charm and will marry someone sensible who will not let her down. Caleb has his own demons haunting him but he can't stop thinking of Marah.
Not bad. Certainly better written then most romances and more of a plot.
Not bad. Certainly better written then most romances and more of a plot.
May 28, 2012
Didn't enjoy this one as much as book two. As a couple, Caleb and Marah weren't very interesting; however, I did find their individual family secrets intriguing. I do see how their similar situations were supposed to bond them together, but their lack of chemistry made it a rather slow and somewhat boring read for me. 3 stars.
January 29, 2012
Just okay. Anticlimatic.
August 7, 2011
A nice ending to the Billingham Bastards trilogy. *wipes tears*
And Avon, that cover is just lazy! Nothing about it says historical. Nothing. For shame!
And Avon, that cover is just lazy! Nothing about it says historical. Nothing. For shame!
March 18, 2015
I normally like Jenna Petersen's books, but this was not that great, it wasn't horrible but it wasn't interesting.
September 1, 2011
Rated 3.5 Blue Ribbons. My review courtesy of Romance Junkies: http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
October 11, 2011
I teared up on some parts
May 14, 2016
Cute story between Caleb and Marah, the ending felt rushed but it was overall a good read!
October 30, 2016
Another excellent story. Felt sorry for Caleb all through the book. I think Caleb and Marah were wonderful together. Nice storyline and characters.
4****
4****
historical
January 8, 2019He was everything she'd ever dreamed of . . . And then he was gone.
It hasn't been easy for Marah Farnsworth to get over Caleb Talbot, the man who broke her heart. She's done her best, sequestering herself in the sleepy English countryside while convincing herself she'd be happy marrying someone else. And she's quite nearly succeeded—when she returns to London . . . and comes face to face with the man who abandoned her all those years ago.
Caleb believed he was doing the honorable thing when he disappeared from Marah's life. The shocking truth about his scandalous origins made him unfit to wed. But now, one glimpse of her has again lit a fire in his heart…and letting another man have her would be unthinkable. However, winning back Marah's love may prove the most difficult endeavor the handsome scoundrel has ever undertaken.
It hasn't been easy for Marah Farnsworth to get over Caleb Talbot, the man who broke her heart. She's done her best, sequestering herself in the sleepy English countryside while convincing herself she'd be happy marrying someone else. And she's quite nearly succeeded—when she returns to London . . . and comes face to face with the man who abandoned her all those years ago.
Caleb believed he was doing the honorable thing when he disappeared from Marah's life. The shocking truth about his scandalous origins made him unfit to wed. But now, one glimpse of her has again lit a fire in his heart…and letting another man have her would be unthinkable. However, winning back Marah's love may prove the most difficult endeavor the handsome scoundrel has ever undertaken.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews