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Darley #1
Cuando amas a alguien
Hay hombres que no están hechos para el matrimonio, aunque puedan ofrecer un paraíso de sensualidad.
A Julius d’Abernon, Marqués de Darley, no hay mujer que se le resista, pero seducir a Lady Grafton es un reto incluso para él: una mujer bella, aguda y vivaz, aunque prisionera de un marido anciano y tiránico que no puede ni desea complacerla. Una mujer como ella debería, mejor dicho, necesitaría experimentar la alegría de la pasión que Julius puede brindarle. Y un beso la conducirá hasta sus aposentos. Para Julius, será más de lo que había esperado en un comienzo, y, sin embargo, distará mucho de ser suficiente...
A Julius d’Abernon, Marqués de Darley, no hay mujer que se le resista, pero seducir a Lady Grafton es un reto incluso para él: una mujer bella, aguda y vivaz, aunque prisionera de un marido anciano y tiránico que no puede ni desea complacerla. Una mujer como ella debería, mejor dicho, necesitaría experimentar la alegría de la pasión que Julius puede brindarle. Y un beso la conducirá hasta sus aposentos. Para Julius, será más de lo que había esperado en un comienzo, y, sin embargo, distará mucho de ser suficiente...
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
17 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Susan Johnson
268 books576 followersAnd it all began rather serendipitously. Long ago, as they say, in another time, when fast food hadn't reached our area and the only shopping was what the feed mill offered, I was reading a book that annoyed me .
My husband was lying beside me in bed, watching TV. Turning to him, I sort of petulantly said, "How the hell did this book get published?"
"If you think you're so smart," he replied, with one eye still on the TV, "why don't you write a book?"
So I did. And very badly.
I've since learned how to do, he said, she said, and a great variety of other adverb heavy, sometimes lengthy explanations of why my characters are saying what they're saying, along with finally coming to an understanding of what things like POV means. Point of View for you non-writers}.
Although, I still don't fully comprehend why it matters if you switch POV and I cavalierly disregard it as much as possible. So while my technical skills have hopefully improved, what hasn't changed is my great joy in writing. There's as much pleasure today in listening to my characters talk while I type as fast as I can, as there was the first time I put dialogue to paper--in long-hand, then, in my leather bound sketch-book.
My husband was lying beside me in bed, watching TV. Turning to him, I sort of petulantly said, "How the hell did this book get published?"
"If you think you're so smart," he replied, with one eye still on the TV, "why don't you write a book?"
So I did. And very badly.
I've since learned how to do, he said, she said, and a great variety of other adverb heavy, sometimes lengthy explanations of why my characters are saying what they're saying, along with finally coming to an understanding of what things like POV means. Point of View for you non-writers}.
Although, I still don't fully comprehend why it matters if you switch POV and I cavalierly disregard it as much as possible. So while my technical skills have hopefully improved, what hasn't changed is my great joy in writing. There's as much pleasure today in listening to my characters talk while I type as fast as I can, as there was the first time I put dialogue to paper--in long-hand, then, in my leather bound sketch-book.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 29, 2021
LIVE! | AMZ US
★★★★★! Darley series, book 1 of 3. Marquis of Darley’s relentless seduction of Lady Elspeth turns complicated when he keeps coming back for more!
The Darley series introduces us to three generations of the Marquis of Darley, heir to the Duke of Westerland, starting with Julius D’Abernon – the rich and jaded playboy of 1788.
These are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: (Year 1788)
When You Love Someone
Book 2: (Year 1816)
When Someone Loves You (US) / When Someone Loves You (UK)
Book 3: (Year 1855)
At Her Service (US) / At Her Command (UK)
JULIUS D’ABERNON, MARQUIS OF DARLEY:
Lord/heir to the Duke of Westerland/playboy/$$$$/dark hair/dark eyes.
Lord Julius D’Abernon, Marquis of Darley aka Darley is every bit the entitled, non-committal alpha playboy of his era. Lady Grafton, Elspeth is an innocent lady caught in an unhappy arranged marriage to a much older man.
Elspeth, Lady Grafton:
25 years/married/still a virgin/blond hair/blue eyes.
Darley takes one look at the beautiful, Lady Elspeth and decides she is his next plaything. He concocts a plan to seduce her and will stop at nothing, including lying and deceiving to get what he wants.
Darley is determined, Lady Elspeth is naïve and flattered. A slow and calculated seduction followed by off-the-charts sex. Darley finds himself coming back for more and she is smitten plus she needs to be rescued,. But this is year 1788 and Darley is not exactly keen on commitments….
I have said this before and I’ll say it again: No one does alpha heroes quite the way Susan Johnson does. She is also a master historian and spellbinding storyteller. Darley is just one of those suave, jaded and memorable playboys who will stay with you.
Unforgettable top-10 hero! One of my favorite all-time HR! Sexxxy and suspenseful plot! Brilliant story-telling!
***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
******************************
Overall rating: 5+ stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
ARC provided to me by author Susan Johnson, in exchange for an honest review.
Susan Johnson aka C.C. Gibbs, is published by different publishers in the US and UK, hence the different titles and covers.
Be sure to join CCGibbsFANS here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
★★★★★! Darley series, book 1 of 3. Marquis of Darley’s relentless seduction of Lady Elspeth turns complicated when he keeps coming back for more!
The Darley series introduces us to three generations of the Marquis of Darley, heir to the Duke of Westerland, starting with Julius D’Abernon – the rich and jaded playboy of 1788.
These are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: (Year 1788)
When You Love Someone
Book 2: (Year 1816)
When Someone Loves You (US) / When Someone Loves You (UK)
Book 3: (Year 1855)
At Her Service (US) / At Her Command (UK)
“ That combination didn’t come into his life every day.
There. A sensible explanation for his sharp-set craving. A logical reason for not being able to walk away. With time though, he’d have his fill. He always did.”
JULIUS D’ABERNON, MARQUIS OF DARLEY:
Lord/heir to the Duke of Westerland/playboy/$$$$/dark hair/dark eyes.
Lord Julius D’Abernon, Marquis of Darley aka Darley is every bit the entitled, non-committal alpha playboy of his era. Lady Grafton, Elspeth is an innocent lady caught in an unhappy arranged marriage to a much older man.
Elspeth, Lady Grafton:
25 years/married/still a virgin/blond hair/blue eyes.
Darley takes one look at the beautiful, Lady Elspeth and decides she is his next plaything. He concocts a plan to seduce her and will stop at nothing, including lying and deceiving to get what he wants.
“…it looked as though the old mainstay of suave flattery was on the agenda. Perhaps even a hitherto unpracticed sincerity might be of use.
Which called into questions what exactly he was sincere about?
Other than sex.”
Darley is determined, Lady Elspeth is naïve and flattered. A slow and calculated seduction followed by off-the-charts sex. Darley finds himself coming back for more and she is smitten plus she needs to be rescued,. But this is year 1788 and Darley is not exactly keen on commitments….
I have said this before and I’ll say it again: No one does alpha heroes quite the way Susan Johnson does. She is also a master historian and spellbinding storyteller. Darley is just one of those suave, jaded and memorable playboys who will stay with you.
Unforgettable top-10 hero! One of my favorite all-time HR! Sexxxy and suspenseful plot! Brilliant story-telling!
“How did you know?’ she asked as he sat her on her feet inside the door.
‘I didn’t. This was just in case.’ he lied, this man who’d had women pursuing him since his adolescence…”
***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
******************************
Overall rating: 5+ stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
ARC provided to me by author Susan Johnson, in exchange for an honest review.
Susan Johnson aka C.C. Gibbs, is published by different publishers in the US and UK, hence the different titles and covers.
Be sure to join CCGibbsFANS here on GR for the latest news:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
(Public group for members 18 years and older)
June 3, 2018
A steamy historical romance! I read this in one sitting.
November 10, 2008
First let me say that I am a huge Susan Johnson fan. Admittedly, I haven't liked her newer writings as well as her old stuff, but when it comes to hot bedroom scenes, the girls got it going on!
The reason I gave this book 3 stars is because it reads so much like her other books. Rake falls in love with the innocent woman and well turns her life upside down. Not to say that this book isn't worth reading because it is, but my problem is I wanted something different from her. Oh well.
Elspath understands her station. As a vicar's daughter, she was forced to marry Lord Grafton, a man twice her age. Caught between a loveless marriage and keeping her reputation clean she is miserable. So she is surprised when the handsome Marquis Julius D'Abernon a well known rake and womanizer starts to notice her. Not being a worldly as the Marquis, she is overwhelmed and excited with the attention he gives her.
Julius is a true rake. His seductive nature is well-known within the ton, and is roguish reputation proceeds him. He is more surprised than Elspath when he become fasinated with her.
Determined to make her his, he will fight the devil himself to have her....irregardless of the damage it can do.
Julius is definately a sexy hero. He is reckless at times, but that makes him endearing to a degree. His obsession to have Elspath as his own iregardless of the consequences it may bring was romantic for sure.
This book reminded me of the movie Dangerous Liasons and Valmont to a degree. If you liked those movies, you will like this book.
If you are offended by strong language and really explict sex, this book is not for you.
The reason I gave this book 3 stars is because it reads so much like her other books. Rake falls in love with the innocent woman and well turns her life upside down. Not to say that this book isn't worth reading because it is, but my problem is I wanted something different from her. Oh well.
Elspath understands her station. As a vicar's daughter, she was forced to marry Lord Grafton, a man twice her age. Caught between a loveless marriage and keeping her reputation clean she is miserable. So she is surprised when the handsome Marquis Julius D'Abernon a well known rake and womanizer starts to notice her. Not being a worldly as the Marquis, she is overwhelmed and excited with the attention he gives her.
Julius is a true rake. His seductive nature is well-known within the ton, and is roguish reputation proceeds him. He is more surprised than Elspath when he become fasinated with her.
Determined to make her his, he will fight the devil himself to have her....irregardless of the damage it can do.
Julius is definately a sexy hero. He is reckless at times, but that makes him endearing to a degree. His obsession to have Elspath as his own iregardless of the consequences it may bring was romantic for sure.
This book reminded me of the movie Dangerous Liasons and Valmont to a degree. If you liked those movies, you will like this book.
If you are offended by strong language and really explict sex, this book is not for you.
January 4, 2010
Some men are not for marrying. They have no interest in being dutiful, respectable husbands. What they offer is a sensual paradise to any woman who dares take it. And Julius D'Abernon, Marquis of Darley, is the master of the game.
Julius's scandalous exploits have inflamed the pages of The Tatler for years. It is said he can seduce any woman with one of his smiles. Julius can have any woman he wants, but bedding Lady Grafton? That would be a challenge indeed.
The very reputable Elspeth, Lady Grafton, is as refreshingly candid and quick-witted as she is beautiful and vibrant. Pity that she is the virtual prisoner of her tyrannical, aged husband, a man who cannot gratify his wife in any way. Such a woman should, nay, needs to experience the joys of passion that Julius is ever so qualified to administer—selflessly, of course. One kiss will get her into his chambers. But one kiss turns out to be more than he bargained for and yet not nearly enough…
I'd give this one 4 1/2 stars if I could I really really enjoyed this. It was different from the typical romance novel, lots of subtle little things which made the story surprising refreshing sort of...
example, Elspeth is already married to a horrible old man, and stays married to him for 99% of the book, she's not the typical unwed virgin who blindsides the scandalous rake.... the whole book I was wondering how exactly she was going to get out of her unwanted marriage so she could end up with Darley, I had about 3 different theories about how she would get out, which changed several times through out..... In the end, the actual events leading to the end of her marriage just so happened to be one of my theories (I'm just brilliant like that)... but it was nice not to have seen it coming 4 chapters prior, I tend to put down the books that are too obvious!
another thing that threw me Elspeth has an affair with Darley and leaves her husband but not for Darley, even though she ends up with Darley after she leaves, she had no intentions of going to him her reasons for leaving rescuing her brother, and had no romantic motivations what so ever... totally thought she'd runaway to be with Darley after he had to leave town... surprise!
I was really nice to be surprised about the plot line! and the lead off into the next book was original!!!! I'm reading that one now hope it turns out as good as this one
Julius's scandalous exploits have inflamed the pages of The Tatler for years. It is said he can seduce any woman with one of his smiles. Julius can have any woman he wants, but bedding Lady Grafton? That would be a challenge indeed.
The very reputable Elspeth, Lady Grafton, is as refreshingly candid and quick-witted as she is beautiful and vibrant. Pity that she is the virtual prisoner of her tyrannical, aged husband, a man who cannot gratify his wife in any way. Such a woman should, nay, needs to experience the joys of passion that Julius is ever so qualified to administer—selflessly, of course. One kiss will get her into his chambers. But one kiss turns out to be more than he bargained for and yet not nearly enough…
I'd give this one 4 1/2 stars if I could I really really enjoyed this. It was different from the typical romance novel, lots of subtle little things which made the story surprising refreshing sort of...
example, Elspeth is already married to a horrible old man, and stays married to him for 99% of the book, she's not the typical unwed virgin who blindsides the scandalous rake.... the whole book I was wondering how exactly she was going to get out of her unwanted marriage so she could end up with Darley, I had about 3 different theories about how she would get out, which changed several times through out..... In the end, the actual events leading to the end of her marriage just so happened to be one of my theories (I'm just brilliant like that)... but it was nice not to have seen it coming 4 chapters prior, I tend to put down the books that are too obvious!
another thing that threw me Elspeth has an affair with Darley and leaves her husband but not for Darley, even though she ends up with Darley after she leaves, she had no intentions of going to him her reasons for leaving rescuing her brother, and had no romantic motivations what so ever... totally thought she'd runaway to be with Darley after he had to leave town... surprise!
I was really nice to be surprised about the plot line! and the lead off into the next book was original!!!! I'm reading that one now hope it turns out as good as this one
May 29, 2017
Reminder to self: Yes, SJ writes great sex scenes, but the relationship between h and H is often empty and devoid of meaning. This, interestingly was a step above her usual fare in the sense that I actually cared a little about them getting together. However, the fact that H went his way to seduce h for a good time, and the fact that h was married didn't sit well for me. We never really got a proper idea why H would break his "let's have a good time with widows" streak and settle down with h. And how conveniently everything was tied up in the end! They really didn't have to face the consequences of their unabashed adultery, which would've been devastating for that time.
November 14, 2015
I loved this book! I want to read more like this, about young married women having affairs when they are stuck in a loveless marriage.
April 9, 2021
I liked this book! It has its problem situation- the female is stuck in an abusive marriage that was not found on love but a contract to help her brother with his living and she is trying her darnedest not give her husband any reason to ruin the agreement! But when a man who is handsome and masculine and is known to seduce any women he wants, spots her, it’s all over!
She falls for him hard and he is struggling to figure out what it is he wants when deep down we know what he wants!
(Spoiler: sex scenes but not toooo graphic like some books I’ve read!)
(Spoiler: her abusive husband gets what he deserves)
She falls for him hard and he is struggling to figure out what it is he wants when deep down we know what he wants!
(Spoiler: sex scenes but not toooo graphic like some books I’ve read!)
(Spoiler: her abusive husband gets what he deserves)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2018
Susan Johnson....enough said. Fun book to read.
December 15, 2021
Loved it.
Johnson is a master story. I was so concerned about the main characters even when I wasn't reading. I recommend it.
Johnson is a master story. I was so concerned about the main characters even when I wasn't reading. I recommend it.
March 8, 2022
Recuerdo que cuando leí el libro la primera vez me impacto, en ese entonces me pareció un libro muy erótico.
Ahora que lo vuelvo a releer pues me doy cuenta que solo es una mínima parte.
La historia en general desarrolla el nacimiento de los sentimientos de ambos protagonista hacia el otro pero que saben que no pueden tener una relación duradera, ya que al menos ella esta comprometida y tiene que ver por el porvenir de su hermano.
Sin lugar a dudas logran superar los obstáculos y estar juntos.
Fue una historia entretenida y se lee muy rápido, además esta muy bien narrada.📚❤️
Ahora que lo vuelvo a releer pues me doy cuenta que solo es una mínima parte.
La historia en general desarrolla el nacimiento de los sentimientos de ambos protagonista hacia el otro pero que saben que no pueden tener una relación duradera, ya que al menos ella esta comprometida y tiene que ver por el porvenir de su hermano.
Sin lugar a dudas logran superar los obstáculos y estar juntos.
Fue una historia entretenida y se lee muy rápido, además esta muy bien narrada.📚❤️
February 14, 2021
Wow, it was kinda crazy how far Julius went to just have sex with one woman (Elspeth)... This whole romance wouldn't have happened if he hadn't desired her and wasn't super determined to have her despite her being married to a tyrant. Basically, both were attracted to each other not because of personalities, but looks.
Also, he seemed to not like Amanda in the very beginning but then went to her after he and Elizabeth parted ways and Amanda seemed to be his friend- with benefits, however.
I had a feeling that Grafton would die before the divorce could be finalized and sure enough he did. As much as I didn't like him, it seemed pretty cruel how the attorney let him die and didn't do anything about it.
Also, he seemed to not like Amanda in the very beginning but then went to her after he and Elizabeth parted ways and Amanda seemed to be his friend- with benefits, however.
I had a feeling that Grafton would die before the divorce could be finalized and sure enough he did. As much as I didn't like him, it seemed pretty cruel how the attorney let him die and didn't do anything about it.
April 23, 2013
A dastardly husband, a virgin bride... and a entranced rake.... you get them all here. I really liked this story... only had a brief issue with his continuing marathon sex fest with his "good friend" while apart from h. I love the angst of it... but at one junction he had this sexfest and then came to the h right after.... that was a bit more than i could take...for the reasoning of 4.5 instead of 5.,..lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2014
Okay, I'm being honest here. When You Love Someone gets me smoking hot every time I read it. Truly I want to grab the next guy I see and... Well, I want to read him certain passages of this book so he knows how it's done. That Darley is just one bad boy.
Great job, Susan. I need to reread Empress' story too. I always enjoyed the epic nature of the story! Oh and the crazed hero.
Great job, Susan. I need to reread Empress' story too. I always enjoyed the epic nature of the story! Oh and the crazed hero.
February 27, 2013
I enjoy Susan Johnson's books. This one was more forgettable than others I have read so far. Enjoyable story but almost a time passer. Virginal lady pursued by sinful lord. Happy ending. Not much surprise.
May 4, 2008
Book 2 in series. Great.
Read
November 20, 2008When You Love Someone by Susan Johnson (2006)
Want to Read
April 10, 2009started reading it, had to bring it back to library. can't even remember now what it was about.
Currently Reading
March 20, 2009Very scandalous! I like it so far!
November 11, 2009
This book was pretty lame and boring. The characters weren't even likable. Boo
March 5, 2012
I always like Susan Johnson's leading men. They sound really hot! :)
September 5, 2014
I liked this one very much.
October 30, 2012
have to admit - love historical romance! this book reminded me of Anne Stuarts House of Rohan series which i absolutely loved as well!
January 5, 2013
So shallow and so bad written... gosh. Unbelievably unbelievable... It´s all I can honestly say.
Read
April 17, 2016Will be on the lookout for more of her books. I did like the story.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews