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Fraternitas Aureae Crucis #2
The Bride Wore Scarlet
Passion and secrets simmer behind the elegant façade of Victorian London in another deliciously intriguing novel featuring the mysterious men of the St. James Society.
Anaïs de Rohan has faced danger in her past, but never anything so great as posing as the new bride to one of the St. James Society's most magnetic—and ruthless—leaders. But Lord Bessett's bold challenge to prove herself worthy of joining his secret all-male society is impossible to resist. So she daringly agrees to travel with the enigmatic nobleman on a dangerous mission to save one of their own—a little girl with a frightening gift.
Soon intrigue swirls about them, drawing them ever closer. And Anaïs quickly realizes that the intimacy of sharing Lord Bessett's bedroom is proving a temptation impossible to resist. As for Bessett himself—well, he might be a soldier sworn to the Society, but he certainly isn't anyone's saint.
Anaïs de Rohan has faced danger in her past, but never anything so great as posing as the new bride to one of the St. James Society's most magnetic—and ruthless—leaders. But Lord Bessett's bold challenge to prove herself worthy of joining his secret all-male society is impossible to resist. So she daringly agrees to travel with the enigmatic nobleman on a dangerous mission to save one of their own—a little girl with a frightening gift.
Soon intrigue swirls about them, drawing them ever closer. And Anaïs quickly realizes that the intimacy of sharing Lord Bessett's bedroom is proving a temptation impossible to resist. As for Bessett himself—well, he might be a soldier sworn to the Society, but he certainly isn't anyone's saint.
375 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2011
77 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
Liz Carlyle
46 books846 followersDear Readers,
The awful truth about novelists is that we are mostly dull, introverted homebodies who only write in order to live our fantasies vicariously. I came to writing rather late in life, and I’m still amazed I can get paid for doing something I love, and that I get to stay home while I do it.
My favorite comedian Steve Martin once said, "I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art. But if you set out to make art, you’re an idiot." I have never tried to create art, but I do try to tell one heck of a good story. Yes, I try to write with a hot iron, while the heat of the story is in me. And I try, always, to entertain my readers.
Regards,
Liz
The awful truth about novelists is that we are mostly dull, introverted homebodies who only write in order to live our fantasies vicariously. I came to writing rather late in life, and I’m still amazed I can get paid for doing something I love, and that I get to stay home while I do it.
My favorite comedian Steve Martin once said, "I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art. But if you set out to make art, you’re an idiot." I have never tried to create art, but I do try to tell one heck of a good story. Yes, I try to write with a hot iron, while the heat of the story is in me. And I try, always, to entertain my readers.
Regards,
Liz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
July 26, 2024
This had paranormal elements, which I didn’t expect. Some of the characters have “gifts”. The heroine can read tarot cards and the hero can…I’m not entirely sure. He can sense strong emotions?? Sees premonitions if he touches items belonging to a person??? I don’t know. 🤷🏻♀️
They’re part of a group that may have members with gifts. They are assigned to rescue a little girl (who is also gifted) and her mother from a bad guy in Brussels.
I think the book balances the plots (gifts, rescue mission, romance) pretty well. It kept my interest since I don’t read too much paranormal in HR. However, being a romance reader, I do wish there was more romance. The title (The Bride Wore Scarlet) lead me to believe that this was a normal historical romance and that they’d probably get married halfway through the book but no. They didn’t get married till the very end.
This is the first book I’ve read in the series and I think it can stand alone. There are mentions of one male character (who will be the hero in the next installment) who was framed for murder, which I think occurred in the first book. I was still able to follow along with that subplot.
There are a few chapters that focus solely on the next book’s couple. I read in a review that the events in the third book are concurrent with the events in the first two books. I have the audiobook so I’ll most likely listen to it one day.
Oh, right. The beginning of each chapter has a quote from The Art of War by Sun Tzu.
They’re part of a group that may have members with gifts. They are assigned to rescue a little girl (who is also gifted) and her mother from a bad guy in Brussels.
I think the book balances the plots (gifts, rescue mission, romance) pretty well. It kept my interest since I don’t read too much paranormal in HR. However, being a romance reader, I do wish there was more romance. The title (The Bride Wore Scarlet) lead me to believe that this was a normal historical romance and that they’d probably get married halfway through the book but no. They didn’t get married till the very end.
This is the first book I’ve read in the series and I think it can stand alone. There are mentions of one male character (who will be the hero in the next installment) who was framed for murder, which I think occurred in the first book. I was still able to follow along with that subplot.
There are a few chapters that focus solely on the next book’s couple. I read in a review that the events in the third book are concurrent with the events in the first two books. I have the audiobook so I’ll most likely listen to it one day.
Oh, right. The beginning of each chapter has a quote from The Art of War by Sun Tzu.
July 29, 2019
Avon's slapdash marketing did this book no favors. The cover & blurb lead one to suspect this is the usual ho-hum schmoopy wallpaper, but it's really more of a historical fantasy.
Contrary to appearance, SCARLET is set in the mid-1850s, which is firmly *not* the Regency. (Would it have killed the art dept to photoshop something without high-waisted gowns? Or is steampunk the only genre that's allowed to have corseted models anymore? 🙄) So not only is it mid-Victorian, but it's also paranormal (I repeat: PARANORMAL) dealing with secret societies & psychics, plus a dash of Tarot, gothic, & penny dreadfuls. The Fraternitas is something of a supernatural Masons -- working both for & against various governments through the ages, depending which regime is friendly to their cause. What I liked was how the 'gifts' manifested differently, so while one person sees visions, another has dreams, another reads Tarot, etc. These aren't Marvel superpowers -- they're inconvenient & unpleasant, often resulting in depression or addiction in the carrier, & can be physically draining when they do manifest. Those in the Fraternitas must protect each other, whether with money or violence, as some in their ranks are particularly vulnerable to abuse by unscrupulous powers-that-be, ranging from colonial witchhunts to coups in 1850s France.
...Which is where this book begins.
Not having read the first novel, I floundered a bit in the beginning, though things settled into place by the first 75-ish pages. But if you're looking for the standard hit parade of carriage sex & cliché banter (*gag*) you won't find it here. There are some lighter moments (like the bits about Anaïs' seasickness & Wagner the Werewolf), but the overall mood is dark & somber, at least by Avon standards.** Both leads are open re: their attraction to each other, & begin boffing with expectations that neither party will remain exclusive after their mission is completed. I particularly liked that Anaïs was a capable woman, one who could (& did) know how to protect herself, but without being shrill or anachronistic;** she didn't allow her hormones to manipulate her Fraternitas duties or (reasonably approached) sex life, nor was she opposed to using her sex appeal in the line of duty. How nice! I always enjoy when a lady MC knows she isn't classically gorgeous, yet still has healthy self-awareness.
Anyway, I enjoyed this precisely because it was so different from most historical romances. I also liked the Tarot motif & symbolism throughout, & the neo-gothic flavor. I wasn't expecting much when I started it (neither Avons nor paranormal roms impress me much these days), but it was a pleasant surprise. I'm looking forward to the other 3 books in this quartet. :)
**Suggested similar tastes in reading material: Colleen Gleason, Lydia Joyce, Megan Chance, Susan Squires. 👻
**Normally I'm not fond of women using swords outside the trappings of Sword-and-Sorcery paperbacks, but (as with the Gardellas) I let it slide because this was a paranormal, not straight-up historical.
Contrary to appearance, SCARLET is set in the mid-1850s, which is firmly *not* the Regency. (Would it have killed the art dept to photoshop something without high-waisted gowns? Or is steampunk the only genre that's allowed to have corseted models anymore? 🙄) So not only is it mid-Victorian, but it's also paranormal (I repeat: PARANORMAL) dealing with secret societies & psychics, plus a dash of Tarot, gothic, & penny dreadfuls. The Fraternitas is something of a supernatural Masons -- working both for & against various governments through the ages, depending which regime is friendly to their cause. What I liked was how the 'gifts' manifested differently, so while one person sees visions, another has dreams, another reads Tarot, etc. These aren't Marvel superpowers -- they're inconvenient & unpleasant, often resulting in depression or addiction in the carrier, & can be physically draining when they do manifest. Those in the Fraternitas must protect each other, whether with money or violence, as some in their ranks are particularly vulnerable to abuse by unscrupulous powers-that-be, ranging from colonial witchhunts to coups in 1850s France.
...Which is where this book begins.
Not having read the first novel, I floundered a bit in the beginning, though things settled into place by the first 75-ish pages. But if you're looking for the standard hit parade of carriage sex & cliché banter (*gag*) you won't find it here. There are some lighter moments (like the bits about Anaïs' seasickness & Wagner the Werewolf), but the overall mood is dark & somber, at least by Avon standards.** Both leads are open re: their attraction to each other, & begin boffing with expectations that neither party will remain exclusive after their mission is completed. I particularly liked that Anaïs was a capable woman, one who could (& did) know how to protect herself, but without being shrill or anachronistic;** she didn't allow her hormones to manipulate her Fraternitas duties or (reasonably approached) sex life, nor was she opposed to using her sex appeal in the line of duty. How nice! I always enjoy when a lady MC knows she isn't classically gorgeous, yet still has healthy self-awareness.
Anyway, I enjoyed this precisely because it was so different from most historical romances. I also liked the Tarot motif & symbolism throughout, & the neo-gothic flavor. I wasn't expecting much when I started it (neither Avons nor paranormal roms impress me much these days), but it was a pleasant surprise. I'm looking forward to the other 3 books in this quartet. :)
**Suggested similar tastes in reading material: Colleen Gleason, Lydia Joyce, Megan Chance, Susan Squires. 👻
**Normally I'm not fond of women using swords outside the trappings of Sword-and-Sorcery paperbacks, but (as with the Gardellas) I let it slide because this was a paranormal, not straight-up historical.
December 16, 2011
When I searched for this book, Goodreads asked if I really meant the Bride wore Chocolate. Now that's a book I could love. This one, my feelings are mixed. The rating should really be a 3.5.
It's a book that I wanted to love more than I did. I wish I could better identify why, but the relationship between the two main characters never rang true from me. I know in 99.9% of romance novels there will be a happy ending with the two main characters pledging their undying love. But in the middle I still want to feel like there's a real conflict. In this book, the end never felt in doubt for me. These two characters clearly had the hots for each other and the heroine's concern that he was committed to someone else did not seem like enough of a barrier.
There were a few other things that drove me crazy. This is the second book in this series and I did not read the first. I thought it took too many chapters to feel grounded in the story. It also seemed that several characters made random appearances in the story simply to set them up for a sequel.
The author has clearly done a lot of research into this era as was evidenced by the level of detail with respect to clothing, dialogue, and other aspects of the story. Yet the story seemed to swing between "I swallowed a Victorian dictionary" and modern, boring language. For example, the first sentence starts with a description of a "dark, old-fashioned house." This is Victorian times. What does old-fashioned mean?
And since I appear to be on a rant - why do so many romance novelists use the word "coltish" when describing the heroine's legs? Seriously, why would you want a woman whose legs are like a young, uncastrated horse?
At times I like the detail and language, at other times I thought it was a tad bit overwritten. "the sky wisped with a fog that twined like languid cats about the bare masts of the ships." I'll buy a beer for the first person to explain to me what that even means.
I'm going to stop now because I may be starting to sound mean (and as a Minnesotan, generally we don't like to do that.) This book did not work for me. It will work for some readers. Readers who enjoy paranormal elements more than I do (did I mention the heroine and hero have the undefined "Gift") and who enjoy flowery detailed language. I can't condemn the book, but it's just not my thing.
It's a book that I wanted to love more than I did. I wish I could better identify why, but the relationship between the two main characters never rang true from me. I know in 99.9% of romance novels there will be a happy ending with the two main characters pledging their undying love. But in the middle I still want to feel like there's a real conflict. In this book, the end never felt in doubt for me. These two characters clearly had the hots for each other and the heroine's concern that he was committed to someone else did not seem like enough of a barrier.
There were a few other things that drove me crazy. This is the second book in this series and I did not read the first. I thought it took too many chapters to feel grounded in the story. It also seemed that several characters made random appearances in the story simply to set them up for a sequel.
The author has clearly done a lot of research into this era as was evidenced by the level of detail with respect to clothing, dialogue, and other aspects of the story. Yet the story seemed to swing between "I swallowed a Victorian dictionary" and modern, boring language. For example, the first sentence starts with a description of a "dark, old-fashioned house." This is Victorian times. What does old-fashioned mean?
And since I appear to be on a rant - why do so many romance novelists use the word "coltish" when describing the heroine's legs? Seriously, why would you want a woman whose legs are like a young, uncastrated horse?
At times I like the detail and language, at other times I thought it was a tad bit overwritten. "the sky wisped with a fog that twined like languid cats about the bare masts of the ships." I'll buy a beer for the first person to explain to me what that even means.
I'm going to stop now because I may be starting to sound mean (and as a Minnesotan, generally we don't like to do that.) This book did not work for me. It will work for some readers. Readers who enjoy paranormal elements more than I do (did I mention the heroine and hero have the undefined "Gift") and who enjoy flowery detailed language. I can't condemn the book, but it's just not my thing.
January 19, 2016
I love the direction that Liz Carlyle is going with this new series. I know some won't like the mystical/paranormal element that the series has, but I love it. It isn't just a typical regency romance. Anais has been trained for the last 10 years to be one of the Brotherhood, there is only one problem....there is no room for a sister in the hood and they reject her most handily. Geoff Bessett scoots her out of the room quickly and proceeds to turn her world upside down. Eventually, they make her an offer she can't refuse and her and Geoff harry off to Brussels to save a little girls life. As her "Gift" has put her and her mother in mortal danger.
Meanwhile back in merry old England, again what is up with Rance and Anisha, Ms. Carlyle continues to tease us with glimpes of the mystery of Rance....I mean is he or isn't he, will he or won't he????? She has me salivating for his story. And just how did Napier answer Anisha when she asked him that sexy question? and just who does Anisha want, she is kissing, but not telling? because she seems to have her pick of several males in the garden...hummmm, is that who the next book is about? The Bride Wore Pearls....I frantically searched last night trying to figure out who the next book was about but to no avail. So if anyone knows or has a hint, please shoot me an email and let me know.
Incidently if you didn't know, Geoff is the son of Merrick MacLachlan & Madeleine, Lady Bessett in Three Little Sins and Anais is the daughter of Lady Catherine Wodeway and Max de Rohan in No True Gentleman. You don't have to have read those stories in order to read this one, but it was nice to have their background. The romance was extremely satisfying and the paranormal aspect only played a small part of it. Awesome job LC and I can't wait for the next one..why are you making me wait until 2012???? too cruel!!! :-)
Meanwhile back in merry old England, again what is up with Rance and Anisha, Ms. Carlyle continues to tease us with glimpes of the mystery of Rance....I mean is he or isn't he, will he or won't he????? She has me salivating for his story. And just how did Napier answer Anisha when she asked him that sexy question? and just who does Anisha want, she is kissing, but not telling? because she seems to have her pick of several males in the garden...hummmm, is that who the next book is about? The Bride Wore Pearls....I frantically searched last night trying to figure out who the next book was about but to no avail. So if anyone knows or has a hint, please shoot me an email and let me know.
Incidently if you didn't know, Geoff is the son of Merrick MacLachlan & Madeleine, Lady Bessett in Three Little Sins and Anais is the daughter of Lady Catherine Wodeway and Max de Rohan in No True Gentleman. You don't have to have read those stories in order to read this one, but it was nice to have their background. The romance was extremely satisfying and the paranormal aspect only played a small part of it. Awesome job LC and I can't wait for the next one..why are you making me wait until 2012???? too cruel!!! :-)
June 28, 2011
Anais de Rohan, daughter of Max and Catherine de Rohan from 'No True Gentleman', was smart, brave and a great fencer to boot. The hero, Lord Bessett proved to be more than the tight laced St James Society Leader with "the gift" - I found him endearing and ultimately, utterly romantic. When Liz Carlyle is at her best her characters are well wove into a large family dynamic and the characters have a vulnerable authenticity that makes the romances so easy to get lost in. I think this series involving the brotherhood of the Fratenita Aureae Crucis and the paranormal is a much more difficult plot line to have Liz' trademark dialogue and characters shine- yet The Bride Wore Scarlet was much more captivating than 'One Touch of Scandal' and it left me looking forward to next romance and finale of the trilogy.
April 12, 2025
Books I Own. K+. Mad About Series Challenge 2025. HRBC. Tropes: Victorian Romance, Paranormal Romance, Romance/Mystery, Love at First Sight, Law Enforcement-Spy, Matchmaker, Family/Friends, Erotica, Work Romance
MC's: h Anais de Rohan, 22, twin sister to Armand, older brother Ned, father former police, bow street runner, now works for the crown, great-grandmother Nona Sofia, cousin Maria Vittorio, sponsored by Rance, Lord Lazonby to join the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis (FAC). H Geoffery Archard, Earl of Bessett, principal member of the St. James Society, cover of the FAC and not in favor of having a woman in the Fraternity.
* One Touch of Scandal* - Adrian Ruthveyn (FAC) & Grace Gauthier
* The Bride Wore Scarlet* - Geoffery Archard, Earl of Besset(FAC), & Anais de Rohan (FAC)
* The Bride Wore Pearls* - Rance, L. Lazonby (FAC) & Anisha (Nish) (2 sons from first marriage)
* A Bride By Moonlight* - Royden Napier, Baron Saint Bryce (Scotland Yard Detective) & Lisette Colburne
******************************************************************************
MC's: h Anais de Rohan, 22, twin sister to Armand, older brother Ned, father former police, bow street runner, now works for the crown, great-grandmother Nona Sofia, cousin Maria Vittorio, sponsored by Rance, Lord Lazonby to join the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis (FAC). H Geoffery Archard, Earl of Bessett, principal member of the St. James Society, cover of the FAC and not in favor of having a woman in the Fraternity.
* One Touch of Scandal* - Adrian Ruthveyn (FAC) & Grace Gauthier
* The Bride Wore Scarlet* - Geoffery Archard, Earl of Besset(FAC), & Anais de Rohan (FAC)
* The Bride Wore Pearls* - Rance, L. Lazonby (FAC) & Anisha (Nish) (2 sons from first marriage)
* A Bride By Moonlight* - Royden Napier, Baron Saint Bryce (Scotland Yard Detective) & Lisette Colburne
******************************************************************************
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2021
4/5
Myślę, że Carlyle ma sporą szansę na zostanie jedną z moich ulubienic. I chociaż ciągle brakuje mi autentyczności w jej powieściach, to zdecydowanie "Panna młoda w szkarłacie" podobała mi się znacznie bardziej niż pierwszy tom.
Bardzo lubię w romansach tego typu, gdzie całą seria dotyczy grupki bohaterów, że mogę się z nimi zżyć, a do tego jak już zakończę jedną książkę, to mimo wszystko nie opuszczają mnie oni całkowicie.
Myślę, że Carlyle ma sporą szansę na zostanie jedną z moich ulubienic. I chociaż ciągle brakuje mi autentyczności w jej powieściach, to zdecydowanie "Panna młoda w szkarłacie" podobała mi się znacznie bardziej niż pierwszy tom.
Bardzo lubię w romansach tego typu, gdzie całą seria dotyczy grupki bohaterów, że mogę się z nimi zżyć, a do tego jak już zakończę jedną książkę, to mimo wszystko nie opuszczają mnie oni całkowicie.
May 30, 2021
Love 💘it!
Innovative, creative writing! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Great characters.
Innovative, creative writing! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Great characters.
June 7, 2011
THE BRIDE WORE SCARLET written by Liz Carlyle
07/11 - HarperCollins Publishers - Mass Market Paperback
What should you do when Mr. Right Now turns into Mr. Right?
When you have a “gift” that no one understands you might want to pretend it does not exist. For Anaïs de Rohan she embraces it and wants to make her Nonna proud of her. She learns the tricks of the trade that would gain her access to the all-male club known as The St. James Society where she could converse among others gifted as she is.
This group being the men that they are decides not to be interested in extending her a club membership but they do have another function she can give them. They have Lord Geoffrey Bessett to be her husband and have them as a couple protect a child with a greater gift than any have ever seen. The darkness that surrounds her is strong and someone is trying very hard to take control of it for nefarious plots against King and country. The plan was uncomplicated and would have gone off smoothly but with Anaïs there is no way that is going to happen. She will pretend to be Geoff’s bride but she is going to run the show her way and when her decision is made that he may be more than just a pretend groom no one is more surprised than she to find that passion does indeed run through her veins not just an urge for adventure.
Both of them believe in fate and that a greater power is controlling their destiny but what if just this once Geoff and Anaïs make their own decisions. So much of their lives has been about the right path and hiding their “gift” but with each other they can just be themselves knowing the other will love them warts and all. It would have gone off as an uncomplicated feat if not for the evil that is living across the street and the job they are supposed to be doing and really trying to handle if they can just stop handling each other.
This book is complicated, detailed, and just fabulous so do not blink or you will miss something important. It challenges you to not only pay attention to every twist and turn but makes sure you find yourself completely fascinated with the intricacy of the storyline and the characters.
07/11 - HarperCollins Publishers - Mass Market Paperback
What should you do when Mr. Right Now turns into Mr. Right?
When you have a “gift” that no one understands you might want to pretend it does not exist. For Anaïs de Rohan she embraces it and wants to make her Nonna proud of her. She learns the tricks of the trade that would gain her access to the all-male club known as The St. James Society where she could converse among others gifted as she is.
This group being the men that they are decides not to be interested in extending her a club membership but they do have another function she can give them. They have Lord Geoffrey Bessett to be her husband and have them as a couple protect a child with a greater gift than any have ever seen. The darkness that surrounds her is strong and someone is trying very hard to take control of it for nefarious plots against King and country. The plan was uncomplicated and would have gone off smoothly but with Anaïs there is no way that is going to happen. She will pretend to be Geoff’s bride but she is going to run the show her way and when her decision is made that he may be more than just a pretend groom no one is more surprised than she to find that passion does indeed run through her veins not just an urge for adventure.
Both of them believe in fate and that a greater power is controlling their destiny but what if just this once Geoff and Anaïs make their own decisions. So much of their lives has been about the right path and hiding their “gift” but with each other they can just be themselves knowing the other will love them warts and all. It would have gone off as an uncomplicated feat if not for the evil that is living across the street and the job they are supposed to be doing and really trying to handle if they can just stop handling each other.
This book is complicated, detailed, and just fabulous so do not blink or you will miss something important. It challenges you to not only pay attention to every twist and turn but makes sure you find yourself completely fascinated with the intricacy of the storyline and the characters.
October 15, 2011
This is the second book of the Fraternitas and I really enjoyed it much more than the first one. Here's a bit of tidbit on the behind story of this book. The two main characters are children of Carlyle's previous hero/heroines. Anais de Rohan and the daughter of Max and Catherine from 'No True Gentleman' & Geoff Archard is the son of Merrick MacLachlan and Madeline Archard from 'Three Little Secrets'. The MacLachlan's showed up in the book but I really wished she had the de Rohan's because I did enjoy Max. But it wasn't to be. The story is of Anais vying to be part of the Fraternitas and she was given a chance by helping the Fraternitas with rescuing a gifted child from the clutches of evil. She was partnered with one of the most gifted Fraternitas, Geoff Archard, Lord Bessett. Instantly, there was an attraction and it only heated up. Can't wait to read about the rest the series. This is seriously one of my most anticipated series I'm excited about.
September 2, 2016
The second book in the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis series by Liz Carlyle. It wasn't a bad read. I just found myself easily distracted and didn't really feel the passion and chemistry that I expect from historical romance. It had some paranormal elements but I didn't think it affected the story either way.
October 26, 2013
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
The suspense element of this book didn't wow me but the love story and characters were strong and interesting.
The suspense element of this book didn't wow me but the love story and characters were strong and interesting.
September 5, 2022
Al principio la historia me resultó muy confusa, no terminaba de entender nada. De a poco empieza a tomar algo de sentido y ritmo, pero todo ocurre sumamente lento y de la nada (en los últimos capítulos) comienzan a pasar mil cosas y muy rápido, como si la autora no pudiera exceder cierto numero de paginas y todavia le faltara mucho que contar, o como si se quedara sin tiempo; entonces omitió información importante que hubiera sido interesante leer (como por ejemplo qué fue de la vida de la niña luego de que lograran salvarlas a ella y a su madre. Es sólo una de tantas situaciones que quedaron inconclusas).
El desenlace es NEFASTO y sumamente conveniente. ¿Le da ese toque de final feliz y que todo es perfecto? Si, por supuesto. Pero es muy poco creíble y personalmente no me gustó nada.
Junio 2022
El desenlace es NEFASTO y sumamente conveniente. ¿Le da ese toque de final feliz y que todo es perfecto? Si, por supuesto. Pero es muy poco creíble y personalmente no me gustó nada.
Junio 2022
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2017
Anais de Rohan has been trained to become a member of a secret paranormal society. After some to-do (the members don't permit females to enter), she is teamed up with Geoff, Lord Bessett, to go to Brussels to rescue a child who has paranormal abilities. Of course, the two have a sexual attraction, but Anais is sure that she is going to marry a Tuscan prince based on a Tarot reading done by her grandmother. So Geoff is Mr. Right-for-now and the two fall into bed while trying to complete their mission.
Liz Carlyle is kind of hit or miss with me and unfortunately, this book was a miss. Anais was kind of bratty and Geoff was a bit of a stiff. I could have gotten past that if they had grown together more, but this was another romance that seemed based strictly on the sex and not much else.
Liz Carlyle is kind of hit or miss with me and unfortunately, this book was a miss. Anais was kind of bratty and Geoff was a bit of a stiff. I could have gotten past that if they had grown together more, but this was another romance that seemed based strictly on the sex and not much else.
April 26, 2019
I picked up this book because I quite liked the story of the heroine’s parents in a previous book; No True Gentleman. Although her parents are barely mentioned in this book, I was delighted with the character Anais and how she was no wilting wallflower. She was strong willed, brave and capable.I also found the theme of mystical arts intriguing. Overall, the book was a refreshing change from reading historical romance books that were beginning to feel cookie cutter-esque.
I am still giving the book five stars but I do wish the author would have spared including plot development for St. James Society members who get their own books and instead caught the reader up on Anais’s parents’ love match, her foster brother Nate and maybe her twin Armand.
I am still giving the book five stars but I do wish the author would have spared including plot development for St. James Society members who get their own books and instead caught the reader up on Anais’s parents’ love match, her foster brother Nate and maybe her twin Armand.
October 22, 2018
Pretty good... Kind of Uppity at times.... In terms of noting how many languages a character spoke or the boring details of fucking FENCING.
Some parts were too WAY TOO focused on the technicalities such as very detailed use of ship and sailing jargon - which was VERY unnecessary.
The Tarot reading, Italian grandma and The Gift made the book a fun read. Had a really awesome surprise at the end. Giving truth to a scene in the beginning of the book.
Some parts were too WAY TOO focused on the technicalities such as very detailed use of ship and sailing jargon - which was VERY unnecessary.
The Tarot reading, Italian grandma and The Gift made the book a fun read. Had a really awesome surprise at the end. Giving truth to a scene in the beginning of the book.
July 21, 2020
The worst romance book I have ever read!
I am an avid fan of Liz Carlyle. I’ve read all her novels but this one has to be the worst. There’s absolutely NO PASSION! These so called lovers are more like brother and sister ... a far cry from the H/h of NO TRUE GENTLEMAN- Anais’s father and mother’s story. I thought this one would be as intoxicating as that one but, alas, not to be so! I could not even finish this book. More than disappointing! 👎
I am an avid fan of Liz Carlyle. I’ve read all her novels but this one has to be the worst. There’s absolutely NO PASSION! These so called lovers are more like brother and sister ... a far cry from the H/h of NO TRUE GENTLEMAN- Anais’s father and mother’s story. I thought this one would be as intoxicating as that one but, alas, not to be so! I could not even finish this book. More than disappointing! 👎
March 21, 2021
I did enjoy this book.
There was definitely suspense but it was light on romance. I think the main thing that bothered me was that the language and conversations were not true to the time period. the heroine talked about Mr Right and Mr Right Now ? I get that this was not a traditional historical romance novel and in fact had elements of paranormal but I was slightly taken aback. It felt too modern.
I did like the main plot of the book and the storyline about the brotherhood.
There was definitely suspense but it was light on romance. I think the main thing that bothered me was that the language and conversations were not true to the time period. the heroine talked about Mr Right and Mr Right Now ? I get that this was not a traditional historical romance novel and in fact had elements of paranormal but I was slightly taken aback. It felt too modern.
I did like the main plot of the book and the storyline about the brotherhood.
August 29, 2024
The title has nothing to do with the story. Weird.
Overall, it's OK. Not the worst book ever but nothing memorable. It's got the forced proximity/fake marriage tropes, but it also has insta-lust and quick jumping into sex.
I didn't really get the point of the secret society -- OK, so there are folks who have ESP or some sort of "gift," and they have to be protected? Whatever. I just skimmed over a bunch of that.
It was mostly silly to me.
Overall, it's OK. Not the worst book ever but nothing memorable. It's got the forced proximity/fake marriage tropes, but it also has insta-lust and quick jumping into sex.
I didn't really get the point of the secret society -- OK, so there are folks who have ESP or some sort of "gift," and they have to be protected? Whatever. I just skimmed over a bunch of that.
It was mostly silly to me.
July 10, 2018
I thought this one was an interesting one. I liked the different aspects of the gift, and the way everything from the prologue was tied together. It was a fun read, and I enjoyed Geoff and Anias. I liked the history that was mentioned for the order and some of the other places because I love things like that.
October 7, 2019
La historia de amor para mí siempre es el punto fuerte y en este libro la tendremos, particularmente me ha fascinado la relación entre los protagonistas y la forma en que tienen de afrontarla, todo muy romántico.
Reseña completa https://atrapadaenunashojasdepapel.bl...
Reseña completa https://atrapadaenunashojasdepapel.bl...
June 6, 2020
This was another wonderful installment in the MacLachlan Family and Friends series and also the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis series. It had a well executed plot and a good amount of suspense. I wish I had read all of these books in order, but I am enjoying them just the same. I just have to go back and do a little reviewing. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 12, 2024
Excellent read.
Liz Carlyle has written a book in the Fraternitas Aureae series that is as good as the first one. Anais De Rohan wants to be inducted into the Fraternitas, but no woman has ever been allowed in. She is given an oppotunity to prove herself, when she and the Earl of Bessett go abroad to try to rescue a child with the Gift.
Liz Carlyle has written a book in the Fraternitas Aureae series that is as good as the first one. Anais De Rohan wants to be inducted into the Fraternitas, but no woman has ever been allowed in. She is given an oppotunity to prove herself, when she and the Earl of Bessett go abroad to try to rescue a child with the Gift.
August 5, 2024
Not bad, but I will say that it was hard to get through at times. I think that's because I grabbed the large print version, which makes the book feel twice as long. Plus I didn't read the first book and I do feel like I missed some things that would have been helpful when reading this installment.
I did like the characters, good plot development, etc.
I did like the characters, good plot development, etc.
February 6, 2018
Although this book is a stand-alone, I thing it's probably best read in sequence. I felt there were story plots I was missing. I enjoyed the book but, for me, there was too much sex and not enough story. The hero and heroine's Gifts were not explained to my satisfaction, which was frustrating.
June 19, 2017
Actually really enjoyable!
March 30, 2018
Wonderfully captivating characters, quick moving engaging plot, and overall very well done.
March 5, 2019
El mejor libro que he leído hasta el momento. Buena trama
April 22, 2019
Enjoyable
July 24, 2019
I am really enjoying this series
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