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The League of Second Sons #1
Ripe for Pleasure
Second in line, first in love
A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost.... Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it . . . and when it comes to passion, they refuse to accept second best.
Searching for hidden treasure, finding forbidden fantasy
London's most sensual former courtesan, Viola Whedon, is incapable of being seduced- she does the seducing. Until she meets Leonidas Vaughn. Her salacious memoirs have made her the target of half the lords in England, and Vaughn is the only man she can turn to. When he promises to protect her-and to make her beg for his touch-the alluring beauty finds both offers impossible to refuse.
Leonidas Vaughn secretly believes Viola possesses a fortune given to his family by the King of France. So the strong and sexy Vaughn charms his way into Viola's life . . . and her bed. But when their arrangement is consummated, he'll experience pleasure far beyond his wildest fantasies-and realize his heart may need the most protection of all.
A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost.... Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it . . . and when it comes to passion, they refuse to accept second best.
Searching for hidden treasure, finding forbidden fantasy
London's most sensual former courtesan, Viola Whedon, is incapable of being seduced- she does the seducing. Until she meets Leonidas Vaughn. Her salacious memoirs have made her the target of half the lords in England, and Vaughn is the only man she can turn to. When he promises to protect her-and to make her beg for his touch-the alluring beauty finds both offers impossible to refuse.
Leonidas Vaughn secretly believes Viola possesses a fortune given to his family by the King of France. So the strong and sexy Vaughn charms his way into Viola's life . . . and her bed. But when their arrangement is consummated, he'll experience pleasure far beyond his wildest fantasies-and realize his heart may need the most protection of all.
298 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
16 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Isobel Carr
12 books153 followersIsobel Carr has a BA in philosophy, with minors in history and creative writing (Hollins College) and an MFA in creative writing (San Francisco State University). Combine all that with $3.25 and you can buy a spicy chai at her favorite coffee shop. After finishing graduate school, it became painfully clear that a job in the arts wasn't going to pay enough to eat, so she set about looking for a "real" job, ending up as an international trade consultant (basically, fighting with lawyers for a living). When she is not doing that, she is usually writing, though she very occasionally still takes a day to go to a historical re-enactment, in the name of research of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 12, 2011
4.5 stars
This book was like a breath of fresh air for me. The characters really and truly seemed to care about each other and respect each other. I felt like we really got to see the character's inner thoughts and feelings more than normal in historical romance.
I loved reading about characters that were different from the norm in historical romances. Viola was a strong-hearted, worldly courtesan, not the innocent heiress we generally see. Leo wasn't going to inherit a title and effortlessly sweep the heroine away. He was a second son and had to make his own way in the world. I love seeing historical romance through the different viewpoints of these two characters. Their love wasn't bound by society's rules. They made their won rules for their love story and the result feels so natural.
Leo was positively dashing with his one blue eye and his wicked green eye. He was so intense in all of this feelings, whether it was anger at his cousin, love for Viola, or jealousy over her former flames. I admit, Leo started the book with a pretty big mistake towards Viola. But the action was such a whirlwind at the beginning, it was hard to tell what was really his doing in his cousin's plot. As soon as he met Viola, you could really see his remorse for his part in the plan. By then he was into the intrigue so deep that he had to keep up the lies to protect her from his increasingly dangerous cousin. Besides, he feels his regret just as strongly as his other emotions. Whenever a hero is no holds barred begging for a heroine's attentions and announcing his feelings to anyone he knows, it's easy to forgive.
Pen, the scraggly adopted dog, is a great addition to the story. She brings out both Viola and Leo's real selves. Leo's sister, Beau, is a great secondary character as well. She's spunky but sometimes doesn't think before she leaps. As for Leo's fellow second sons, it was a little tough to keep them all distiguished from each other, but I'm sure we're going to see more of his friends in the rest of the series.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of "The League of Second Sons" series for more out of the ordinary historical romance. Viola and Leo's love story was both all-consuming, and yet felt so real at the same time. I can't wait to read more from this author.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
This book was like a breath of fresh air for me. The characters really and truly seemed to care about each other and respect each other. I felt like we really got to see the character's inner thoughts and feelings more than normal in historical romance.
I loved reading about characters that were different from the norm in historical romances. Viola was a strong-hearted, worldly courtesan, not the innocent heiress we generally see. Leo wasn't going to inherit a title and effortlessly sweep the heroine away. He was a second son and had to make his own way in the world. I love seeing historical romance through the different viewpoints of these two characters. Their love wasn't bound by society's rules. They made their won rules for their love story and the result feels so natural.
Leo was positively dashing with his one blue eye and his wicked green eye. He was so intense in all of this feelings, whether it was anger at his cousin, love for Viola, or jealousy over her former flames. I admit, Leo started the book with a pretty big mistake towards Viola. But the action was such a whirlwind at the beginning, it was hard to tell what was really his doing in his cousin's plot. As soon as he met Viola, you could really see his remorse for his part in the plan. By then he was into the intrigue so deep that he had to keep up the lies to protect her from his increasingly dangerous cousin. Besides, he feels his regret just as strongly as his other emotions. Whenever a hero is no holds barred begging for a heroine's attentions and announcing his feelings to anyone he knows, it's easy to forgive.
Pen, the scraggly adopted dog, is a great addition to the story. She brings out both Viola and Leo's real selves. Leo's sister, Beau, is a great secondary character as well. She's spunky but sometimes doesn't think before she leaps. As for Leo's fellow second sons, it was a little tough to keep them all distiguished from each other, but I'm sure we're going to see more of his friends in the rest of the series.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of "The League of Second Sons" series for more out of the ordinary historical romance. Viola and Leo's love story was both all-consuming, and yet felt so real at the same time. I can't wait to read more from this author.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
May 12, 2011
Reviewed for THC Reviews
When I requested an ARC of Ripe for Pleasure to review, I had high hopes that it would be a fun and different read. The idea of a new series centering around the second sons of nobility who've banded together to aid each other seemed like something new, and a courtesan heroine was rather intriguing as well. The plot certainly had potential, but in my opinion, the execution fell flat due to a lack of substance and detail. The book was much shorter than I had anticipated (less than 300 pages), and in this case, the abbreviated length was definitely a detriment. I'm not sure which, but the book felt like it was either over-edited or under-developed. I had a somewhat difficult time following the story, because things happened very quickly, without much explanation as to why the characters were doing certain things. There also wasn't enough expository narration for me to clearly imagine the settings and situations, leaving me sometimes having to re-read passages to try to figure out exactly what was going on. I felt that all of this lent itself to the overall narrative lacking a coherent flow. The dialog wasn't much better, as I often had trouble discerning who was speaking, especially in situations where there were more than two characters, and occasionally there were lines thrown in that didn't make much sense to me. I'm not sure if the author was trying to show off her familiarity with advanced vocabulary, art and classic literature or what, but she would often toss in obscure words (I think some of them may have been period vernacular) with which I wasn't familiar (even with my own extensive knowledge), and art or book references which I doubt would be particularly meaningful to the average romance reader.
As far as the hero and heroine, I didn't really dislike them at any point, but I can't say that there was much to recommend them either. Viola is a courtesan who is writing her memoirs and she begins the story apparently having tried to coerce some of her former protectors into paying their way out of her book. Her “blackmail” kind of falls by the wayside, and the author teases the reader with the possibility of sympathetic reasons for Viola having become a prostitute. All of this and the fact that she treats Leo pretty well prevented me from disliking her, but in my opinion, Ms. Carr still waited too long to reveal Viola's backstory. Leo, for his part, opens the book searching for a Jacobite treasure that he thinks is hidden somewhere in Viola's house. He is essentially in a race with an unscrupulous cousin to find it, and in order to gain access to the premises, he engineers a ruse to make her think that one of her former protectors is angry about her exposing him in her memoirs. Leo's plan involves seducing Viola while looking for the money, which didn't exactly put him in my good graces. However, he was fairly charming and sufficiently guilt-ridden when he realized that he had put Viola in even more danger than he would have imagined, so I was mostly able to forgive his initial deception. This was about as far as the characterizations of this couple went though, so in the end, I can't say that I really felt like I got to know them on any meaningful level.
As to Leo and Viola's relationship, I had a hard time connecting with them emotionally. Their romance ended up being one of those overused insta-lust plots which has them hot and bothered and all but falling into bed with one another in the first chapter, and then developing supposedly deeper feelings soon after. I've just always had a hard time buying into this scenario. Not to mention, their love had very little rhyme or reason to me, so I never felt a true romantic connection between them. I also was rather disappointed by Leo's so-called seduction. When he uttered the line, “I propose to seduce you in stages, my dear. To make you beg for each and every intimacy,” I was expecting a long, drawn-out and scrumptious seduction. While most of the love scenes were fairly steamy, it just wasn't the slow, sensual experience that I was anticipating. Like everything else in the book, it all seemed to occur far to fast. I also have a more minor issue with the author making too-frequent use of teeth during intimate moments. If memory serves, there was even an instance when their teeth clashed together while kissing in a particularly intense moment of passion, which left me thinking "Ow!" I know some people are into biting, so to some extent, me not being able to get into it was just a personal preference. Still, I couldn't help thinking that it was a rather repetitive use of an intimate gesture, because it seemed like they nipped and bit at each other during nearly every love scene.
I know I've had a lot of criticisms of Ripe for Pleasure, and I certainly think that deeper character development would have been quite helpful in better understanding their motivations. However, in spite of its flaws, I wasn't entirely bored by the book. It did have its moments. Hopefully, I'm not over-anticipating when I say so, but I still think there is a great deal of untapped potential in the other League members, and I couldn't help but be a bit amused by Leo's unconventional, head-strong sister, Beau. She and Leo's best friend and fellow League member, Gareth, who seems to be a little more serious and buttoned-up, could make an interesting pairing as the hero and heroine of the next book in the League of Second Sons series. Ripe for Pleasure was my first read by Isobel Carr (and her first written under this pen name). She may not have wowed me this time around, but I think I might be sufficiently intrigued by Gareth and Beau's story potential to give Ms. Carr another shot when their book, Ripe for Scandal come out in August (2011).
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Hachette Book Group, in exchange for my review.
When I requested an ARC of Ripe for Pleasure to review, I had high hopes that it would be a fun and different read. The idea of a new series centering around the second sons of nobility who've banded together to aid each other seemed like something new, and a courtesan heroine was rather intriguing as well. The plot certainly had potential, but in my opinion, the execution fell flat due to a lack of substance and detail. The book was much shorter than I had anticipated (less than 300 pages), and in this case, the abbreviated length was definitely a detriment. I'm not sure which, but the book felt like it was either over-edited or under-developed. I had a somewhat difficult time following the story, because things happened very quickly, without much explanation as to why the characters were doing certain things. There also wasn't enough expository narration for me to clearly imagine the settings and situations, leaving me sometimes having to re-read passages to try to figure out exactly what was going on. I felt that all of this lent itself to the overall narrative lacking a coherent flow. The dialog wasn't much better, as I often had trouble discerning who was speaking, especially in situations where there were more than two characters, and occasionally there were lines thrown in that didn't make much sense to me. I'm not sure if the author was trying to show off her familiarity with advanced vocabulary, art and classic literature or what, but she would often toss in obscure words (I think some of them may have been period vernacular) with which I wasn't familiar (even with my own extensive knowledge), and art or book references which I doubt would be particularly meaningful to the average romance reader.
As far as the hero and heroine, I didn't really dislike them at any point, but I can't say that there was much to recommend them either. Viola is a courtesan who is writing her memoirs and she begins the story apparently having tried to coerce some of her former protectors into paying their way out of her book. Her “blackmail” kind of falls by the wayside, and the author teases the reader with the possibility of sympathetic reasons for Viola having become a prostitute. All of this and the fact that she treats Leo pretty well prevented me from disliking her, but in my opinion, Ms. Carr still waited too long to reveal Viola's backstory. Leo, for his part, opens the book searching for a Jacobite treasure that he thinks is hidden somewhere in Viola's house. He is essentially in a race with an unscrupulous cousin to find it, and in order to gain access to the premises, he engineers a ruse to make her think that one of her former protectors is angry about her exposing him in her memoirs. Leo's plan involves seducing Viola while looking for the money, which didn't exactly put him in my good graces. However, he was fairly charming and sufficiently guilt-ridden when he realized that he had put Viola in even more danger than he would have imagined, so I was mostly able to forgive his initial deception. This was about as far as the characterizations of this couple went though, so in the end, I can't say that I really felt like I got to know them on any meaningful level.
As to Leo and Viola's relationship, I had a hard time connecting with them emotionally. Their romance ended up being one of those overused insta-lust plots which has them hot and bothered and all but falling into bed with one another in the first chapter, and then developing supposedly deeper feelings soon after. I've just always had a hard time buying into this scenario. Not to mention, their love had very little rhyme or reason to me, so I never felt a true romantic connection between them. I also was rather disappointed by Leo's so-called seduction. When he uttered the line, “I propose to seduce you in stages, my dear. To make you beg for each and every intimacy,” I was expecting a long, drawn-out and scrumptious seduction. While most of the love scenes were fairly steamy, it just wasn't the slow, sensual experience that I was anticipating. Like everything else in the book, it all seemed to occur far to fast. I also have a more minor issue with the author making too-frequent use of teeth during intimate moments. If memory serves, there was even an instance when their teeth clashed together while kissing in a particularly intense moment of passion, which left me thinking "Ow!" I know some people are into biting, so to some extent, me not being able to get into it was just a personal preference. Still, I couldn't help thinking that it was a rather repetitive use of an intimate gesture, because it seemed like they nipped and bit at each other during nearly every love scene.
I know I've had a lot of criticisms of Ripe for Pleasure, and I certainly think that deeper character development would have been quite helpful in better understanding their motivations. However, in spite of its flaws, I wasn't entirely bored by the book. It did have its moments. Hopefully, I'm not over-anticipating when I say so, but I still think there is a great deal of untapped potential in the other League members, and I couldn't help but be a bit amused by Leo's unconventional, head-strong sister, Beau. She and Leo's best friend and fellow League member, Gareth, who seems to be a little more serious and buttoned-up, could make an interesting pairing as the hero and heroine of the next book in the League of Second Sons series. Ripe for Pleasure was my first read by Isobel Carr (and her first written under this pen name). She may not have wowed me this time around, but I think I might be sufficiently intrigued by Gareth and Beau's story potential to give Ms. Carr another shot when their book, Ripe for Scandal come out in August (2011).
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Hachette Book Group, in exchange for my review.
May 9, 2011
Let me start out by saying what a treat it was to read a historical romance where the heroine is not a young virgin. In fact, Viola is anything-but. She is a beautiful and successful courtesan, who is about to publish her second memoir, when thugs invade her home. She assumes they were sent at the behest of her former lover. But they're really men hired to find an old treasure believed to be hidden in her home. Only two people know about the treasure: Charles (who sent the brutes) and his cousin Leo, a second-son of the Ton. Leo doesn't approve of Charles' violent methods and sets out to seduce his way into Viola's life to give him access to her home.
Of course, Leo ends up just as smitten as Viola. He takes her on as his mistress, with the promise to protect her from danger. Their sex scenes are phenomenal! (Though I have to admit, I was disappointed that we didn't see their first time together on-page. I thought that was a bit odd, but their subsequent encounters were so hot, I stopped caring.) Feelings slowly start to make their way into the relationship, but things are very complicated. From the secret of why Leo approached her; to the danger Charles continues to pose; to the disparity in their class... the odds are stacked against them. But our couple is extremely rootable --and despite Leo's less than noble beginnings, both leads are very likeable.
I really enjoyed this story. It got better with every page. And I am really looking forward to Ripe for Scandal , featuring Leo's sister Beau. 4 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
Of course, Leo ends up just as smitten as Viola. He takes her on as his mistress, with the promise to protect her from danger. Their sex scenes are phenomenal! (Though I have to admit, I was disappointed that we didn't see their first time together on-page. I thought that was a bit odd, but their subsequent encounters were so hot, I stopped caring.) Feelings slowly start to make their way into the relationship, but things are very complicated. From the secret of why Leo approached her; to the danger Charles continues to pose; to the disparity in their class... the odds are stacked against them. But our couple is extremely rootable --and despite Leo's less than noble beginnings, both leads are very likeable.
I really enjoyed this story. It got better with every page. And I am really looking forward to Ripe for Scandal , featuring Leo's sister Beau. 4 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
March 30, 2013
So This is the first time in a very long time since I had such a hard time reading a book, especially with such a gorgeous cover and great blurb that just caught my attention. However this review will be shorter than most because I was unable to finish it. At the first few pages it caught me but after that it just went downhill after that...I got halfway through which took me a whole week to do since it just didn't get to me....I was unable to get into the story no matter how hard I tried. I always try to finish a book if I can, however with this one it was a chore to read it....and when it becomes hard to read a book and if I give it a chance (100 pages or more) than I will just put it down...since there are always more books I want to get to as well. I feel bad that I was unable to finish this one...maybe one day I will try reading it again...who knows. But for me I just was unable to get involved into the story (which is a rare occasion its true) and I really though I would love this story after reading the synopsis...but unfortunately that was untrue...maybe one day in the future..................
April 16, 2011
Viola Whedon, former courtesan, is woken out of sleep one night to hear intruders in her home. She hears the men whispering that whatever they were looking for had to be there and as Viola was finishing writing up her second memoir of her past protectors, she assumes they are looking for it so it can not be published. She know she has hidden it well she flees from her room only to be saved from the villains by Leonidas Vaughn. Little does she know that Leo is somewhat involved in the burglary, through his cousin. Leo had came across some letters leaving him to believe that there was some hidden treasure stashed in her home and he shared this news with his cousin, who took it upon himself to proceed with his plan of finding the treasure no matter what the cost. Leo, on the other hand, has his own plan. He plans to seduce the lovely Mrs Whedon and secretly search him home. He does not count on his own feelings that start the moment he meets the slightly terrified eyes of Viola.
Viola also does not count on her own growing attraction to Leo. She shares her bed with him, without the formality of a contract, because as a younger son, he could not afford her anyways. But there is a much deeper reason she agrees to be in his bed and she refuses to believe it, just shoves it away. She has already been hurt in the past, becoming a penniless widow at seventeen and shunned from her family, she has a hard time accepting that Leo loves and accepts her as does his family. They have many hurdles to overcome though until they can reach their happily ever after. First, Leo is hiding the true reason she keeps getting attacked. Viola continues to believe it is about her manuscript and it takes Leo quite awhile to finally tell her the truth. Then Viola is abducted by Leos mother, but that, thankfully, was a pleasant altercation. One of the bright spots of this book was Lady Beau, Leos sister. She is headstrong and impulsive and always near a scandal. I am so happy to see that she is the heroine in the next book, Ripe for Scandal!
Overall, this was my first read from Isobel Carr, who has also written as Kalen Hughes. I enjoyed her writing and thought her characters were smart, funny and sexy. There is lots of drama fueled by the jealously of Leos cousin, passion, heartache and happiness. Even the inclusion of wigs and hoops and such for the time period of 1783, which I personally don't really enjoy, was done in a way that it did not hinder the story. I would have liked to have seen more of Violas back story though. We didn't really get a full sense of it until the end and I think it might have helped me understand her a bit more in the beginning had it all been spelled out earlier. There were a few loose threads that were left open also I thought but still, this was an enjoyable, steamy (always an added bonus when the lady is a courtesan) read and I will definitely be reading more from this author! 4 stars
I received this ebook via netgalley.com
Viola also does not count on her own growing attraction to Leo. She shares her bed with him, without the formality of a contract, because as a younger son, he could not afford her anyways. But there is a much deeper reason she agrees to be in his bed and she refuses to believe it, just shoves it away. She has already been hurt in the past, becoming a penniless widow at seventeen and shunned from her family, she has a hard time accepting that Leo loves and accepts her as does his family. They have many hurdles to overcome though until they can reach their happily ever after. First, Leo is hiding the true reason she keeps getting attacked. Viola continues to believe it is about her manuscript and it takes Leo quite awhile to finally tell her the truth. Then Viola is abducted by Leos mother, but that, thankfully, was a pleasant altercation. One of the bright spots of this book was Lady Beau, Leos sister. She is headstrong and impulsive and always near a scandal. I am so happy to see that she is the heroine in the next book, Ripe for Scandal!
Overall, this was my first read from Isobel Carr, who has also written as Kalen Hughes. I enjoyed her writing and thought her characters were smart, funny and sexy. There is lots of drama fueled by the jealously of Leos cousin, passion, heartache and happiness. Even the inclusion of wigs and hoops and such for the time period of 1783, which I personally don't really enjoy, was done in a way that it did not hinder the story. I would have liked to have seen more of Violas back story though. We didn't really get a full sense of it until the end and I think it might have helped me understand her a bit more in the beginning had it all been spelled out earlier. There were a few loose threads that were left open also I thought but still, this was an enjoyable, steamy (always an added bonus when the lady is a courtesan) read and I will definitely be reading more from this author! 4 stars
I received this ebook via netgalley.com
May 9, 2011
I was excited to read this book. I've become a lover of historical romance and the fact that this was described as an erotic historical romance only made me want to read it more.
Viola is a courtesan whose life is in danger thanks to the tell-all book she is writing. Lord Leonidas (Leo) approaches Viola, offering to be her protector in exchange for her services. Little does Viola know, Leo's motives are not altogether altruistic.
Ripe for Pleasure started off with promise. Viola lived her life as a courtesan without apologies or explanations. And she was not afraid to name names in her tell-all book. Her goal was to make enough money from her books so that she could live out the rest of her life in comfort. When Leon comes on the scene, she's grateful for his help and is more than willing to be his courtesan. She's heard of Lord Leo and his instantly attracted to him.
It took a long time to build up to the sex and when they finally did have sex, only a couple of paragraphs were dedicated to it. I was really disappointed considering this is an erotic romance, I thought there would be more smex and definitely more detailed, smoking hot smex. There was none.
Ripe for Pleasure was a huge disappointment for me. Because I started reading the book thinking it was one thing, but it turned out to be something else, I was unable to enjoy the story as much as I thought I would. The author provides a lot of historical facts and mentions of authors and books. This part slowed the story down for me because I didn't know who the hell they were talking about. I couldn't get into the romance between Leo and Viola. I didn't find it believable and didn't think they were a good match.
If you're looking for a historical romance with romance and historical references, then this is the book for you. It didn't do anything for me because I was expecting something completely different.
Viola is a courtesan whose life is in danger thanks to the tell-all book she is writing. Lord Leonidas (Leo) approaches Viola, offering to be her protector in exchange for her services. Little does Viola know, Leo's motives are not altogether altruistic.
Ripe for Pleasure started off with promise. Viola lived her life as a courtesan without apologies or explanations. And she was not afraid to name names in her tell-all book. Her goal was to make enough money from her books so that she could live out the rest of her life in comfort. When Leon comes on the scene, she's grateful for his help and is more than willing to be his courtesan. She's heard of Lord Leo and his instantly attracted to him.
It took a long time to build up to the sex and when they finally did have sex, only a couple of paragraphs were dedicated to it. I was really disappointed considering this is an erotic romance, I thought there would be more smex and definitely more detailed, smoking hot smex. There was none.
Ripe for Pleasure was a huge disappointment for me. Because I started reading the book thinking it was one thing, but it turned out to be something else, I was unable to enjoy the story as much as I thought I would. The author provides a lot of historical facts and mentions of authors and books. This part slowed the story down for me because I didn't know who the hell they were talking about. I couldn't get into the romance between Leo and Viola. I didn't find it believable and didn't think they were a good match.
If you're looking for a historical romance with romance and historical references, then this is the book for you. It didn't do anything for me because I was expecting something completely different.
March 8, 2018
I reviewed this book for Romance Reader At Heart website.
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
RIPE FOR PLEASURE is the first book in the series The League of Second Sons. I found the series' premise to be weak, so I knew from the start that I was going to suspend more than just my belief--I needed to let my imagination soar.
Nothing could have prepared me for this story, and, try as I might, I just could not get into it. Everything in it left me wanting more. I wanted my hero to be more heroic, and my heroine more loving. I wanted more real emotion and action, more tension and passion between ANYONE, not just hero and heroine, as well as more focus on either a plot or the characters. But both were underdeveloped, and I felt adrift.
The plot and Leo's `treasure' hunt bored me to tears, and the sex scenes left me cold. As for their love story or the romance of it, it was rushed and made me feel like I've missed a chapter or two where all this began.
Even the League of Second Sons wasn't developed quite properly and left me wanting to know more about them, not just allowing a peek at the men. At the end, I lost interest in the plot, romance, and my own focus on this very poorly written story.
It goes without saying: I do not recommend RIPE FOR PLEASURE and will not read the rest of the series.
Melanie
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
RIPE FOR PLEASURE is the first book in the series The League of Second Sons. I found the series' premise to be weak, so I knew from the start that I was going to suspend more than just my belief--I needed to let my imagination soar.
Nothing could have prepared me for this story, and, try as I might, I just could not get into it. Everything in it left me wanting more. I wanted my hero to be more heroic, and my heroine more loving. I wanted more real emotion and action, more tension and passion between ANYONE, not just hero and heroine, as well as more focus on either a plot or the characters. But both were underdeveloped, and I felt adrift.
The plot and Leo's `treasure' hunt bored me to tears, and the sex scenes left me cold. As for their love story or the romance of it, it was rushed and made me feel like I've missed a chapter or two where all this began.
Even the League of Second Sons wasn't developed quite properly and left me wanting to know more about them, not just allowing a peek at the men. At the end, I lost interest in the plot, romance, and my own focus on this very poorly written story.
It goes without saying: I do not recommend RIPE FOR PLEASURE and will not read the rest of the series.
Melanie
August 3, 2015
Not as good as I had hoped. The romance was frequent but short lived. One minute they'd be walking along a path in a garden, the next they're at it behind a bush and then half a page later it's all over. There was no lead up to most of the romantic scenes, which kind of killed the actual romance of the scene. I finished the book in a few days, but I wasn't all the interested to see how it ended. The characters weren't as engaging as they could/should have been. There's a preview of the next book in the series at the back, which is about the scandal-plagued younger sister of the male lead from this book - that one looks more promising so I'll give the author another try before I take her off my list of authors to read.
March 22, 2022
I liked the series concept - second sons, with less to offer and financial challenges - and an unapologetic courtesan heroine. Leo is perhaps a questionable hero, since he seduces his way into Viola's life by lying about his motivations, but I can hardly complain about that (since I used a similar approach in a romance I wrote). Carr keeps the characters rushing about, but enriches the story with strong secondary characters, good period detail, and the occasional gothic touch. I'm sometimes uneasy about the sexual relationship coming first, with romance following, but this story provides a great narrative justification for that, and there are frequent but not overbearing steamy bits.
May 11, 2011
RIPE FOR PLEASURE written by Isobel Carr
Book #1 in The League of Second Sons Series
05/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 336 pages
On the battlefield of love, does one have to conquer to win?
Lord Leonidas Vaughn is a beloved but younger, untitled son who along with his friends that hold the same status are in search of a treasure. Leo has inherited property and some wealth upon his grandfather’s death but he also inherited a mysterious letter and cryptic treasure map detailing untold treasure if you can follow the clues and figure out where the money is hidden. This grand adventure has led him to a very unlikely place, the home of an infamous Courtesan, Viola Whedon. Viola’s reputation only exceeds her beauty and added to that is a touch of danger, which turn out to be traits Leo is excited by and makes him want Viola near him and cannot stay away from her. Viola is also causing a scandal beyond the boundaries of her profession by writing a memoir about the men and their escapades. Several someone’s would prefer that not happen and for Leo a plan to get integrated into her life falls into his lap along with the lovely Viola. Leo becomes her protector, lover, and defender of her life in one conversation that convinces Viola that the only man up for the job of taking care of her is him. Leo is determined to find the treasure but as equally determined to do so is his cousin who will stop at nothing short of murder to get his hands on the riches he feels belong to him and his family.
Fighting off demons is what Leo does before he even breaks his fast but with Viola the predators keep coming and the fight becomes as much about both of them staying alive and less about treasure. Viola has had her fair share of loss and rejection from family and fears that the more involved she gets with Leo the more danger they are in not only from the villains but from what could happen should they be discovered as truly in love and not just lovers. But Leo does not care about what the society lot will say or even his family because the more time he spends with Viola the more he knows that she may not be a damsel in distress but she surely needs saving if only from herself. After Leo forms a plan of attack on those coming after them as well as the more important one of tearing down the walls around Viola’s heart he is a man obsessed and determined to possess this one captivating woman who has captured every conceivable emotion inside of him including one he never expected, love.
This is a fresh, wonderful take on the status of a younger son and the woman of his dreams who turns out to be nothing less than completely scandalous and mesmerizing. The book took me by surprise not because I expected to like it but because I loved the combination of romance, mystery, and suspense around two people that are just misfit enough to be perfect for each other.
Book #1 in The League of Second Sons Series
05/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 336 pages
On the battlefield of love, does one have to conquer to win?
Lord Leonidas Vaughn is a beloved but younger, untitled son who along with his friends that hold the same status are in search of a treasure. Leo has inherited property and some wealth upon his grandfather’s death but he also inherited a mysterious letter and cryptic treasure map detailing untold treasure if you can follow the clues and figure out where the money is hidden. This grand adventure has led him to a very unlikely place, the home of an infamous Courtesan, Viola Whedon. Viola’s reputation only exceeds her beauty and added to that is a touch of danger, which turn out to be traits Leo is excited by and makes him want Viola near him and cannot stay away from her. Viola is also causing a scandal beyond the boundaries of her profession by writing a memoir about the men and their escapades. Several someone’s would prefer that not happen and for Leo a plan to get integrated into her life falls into his lap along with the lovely Viola. Leo becomes her protector, lover, and defender of her life in one conversation that convinces Viola that the only man up for the job of taking care of her is him. Leo is determined to find the treasure but as equally determined to do so is his cousin who will stop at nothing short of murder to get his hands on the riches he feels belong to him and his family.
Fighting off demons is what Leo does before he even breaks his fast but with Viola the predators keep coming and the fight becomes as much about both of them staying alive and less about treasure. Viola has had her fair share of loss and rejection from family and fears that the more involved she gets with Leo the more danger they are in not only from the villains but from what could happen should they be discovered as truly in love and not just lovers. But Leo does not care about what the society lot will say or even his family because the more time he spends with Viola the more he knows that she may not be a damsel in distress but she surely needs saving if only from herself. After Leo forms a plan of attack on those coming after them as well as the more important one of tearing down the walls around Viola’s heart he is a man obsessed and determined to possess this one captivating woman who has captured every conceivable emotion inside of him including one he never expected, love.
This is a fresh, wonderful take on the status of a younger son and the woman of his dreams who turns out to be nothing less than completely scandalous and mesmerizing. The book took me by surprise not because I expected to like it but because I loved the combination of romance, mystery, and suspense around two people that are just misfit enough to be perfect for each other.
May 18, 2011
RIPE FOR PLEASURE by Isobel Carr is the first book in THE LEAGUE OF SECOND SONS series. This is a very different story, for one the heroine is not a virgin, for two the hero is not a Duke or Earl. This is a historical that is very interesting and kept me quickly turning pages. Viola is a strong heroine with flaws and this touch of sweetness that is hard to resist. While Leonidas or Leo, is a hero to die for, but he’s got his flaws. There is romance, sensuality, suspense, and a sweetness that is surprising, there are also moments of humor. This is a great first book that will leave you eager to read the next book, the secondary characters, namely the other League members, second sons, will steal your heart. I will say I still prefer my virginal heroines but RIPE FOR PLEASURE is a truly engaging story that may have me rethinking my preferences. Fans of historical romances with a hot romance, strong characters with flaws, and a page-turning storyline with touches of suspense and a villain you’ll love to hate will adore RIPE FOR PLEASURE by Isobel Carr.
reviews posted on www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com and www.mybookaddictionreviews.wordpress.com
reviews posted on www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com and www.mybookaddictionreviews.wordpress.com
Read
May 29, 2013I probably won't get round to reviewing this properly for DA, since time seems to be a commodity I currently lack, but I enjoyed this. It's Georgian, which made me super-happy, since everyone wears amazing clothes, especially the men. There's a lovely and very detailed sense of period, which really lends depth and authenticity to the settings. The heroine is awesomesauce, being a courtesan who a) has sex and b) doesn't feel too bad about it. She's clever and interesting and resourceful, and all sorts of delicious things. The hero - alas - I personally found a bit lacklustre, he's a by-the-numbers Georgian badboy alpha-type, who becomes obsessed with banging the heroine is about 5 seconds flat. To be fair, I can't blame him for this, but they start playing sexual power games with each other before they've barely said hello, how are you. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the other two books because, as is ever the case, the hero's friends are way hotter and more interesting than he is ;)
May 6, 2019
Originally reviewed for Romancing-The-Book.com, July 2011.
This was a debut that showed promise but left me a bit disappointed.
We first meet Viola Whedon when her house in being burglarized. Viola assumes an angry lord is at the bottom of the intrusion because she’s currently ruffling feathers by exposing details of all her previous lovers in a second volume of her memoir. But it turns out that Charles MacDonald is on the hunt for a treasure that is believed to be hidden somewhere in Viola’s house. However Charles’ cousin, Leonidas Vaughn, approaches Viola with a bit more subtlety, offering to protect her from future encounters with ruffians. Of course, being her protector gives Leo access to her house so he can search for the treasure himself along with the help of his cronies from the League of Second Sons. But Leo poses a deal to Viola - his protection in exchange for her pleasure. Can Viola, London's most sensual former courtesan, be seduced by this rogue?
Ripe for Pleasure is Isobel Carr’s debut novel, and while I was impressed with her writing and liked her style, some aspects of the story left me confused and even disappointed. I really enjoyed the treasure hunt part of the story, especially how it came to an end, even though I felt things wrapped up just a bit too neatly. I also liked how Leo and Viola’s class differences were illustrated and how the Vaughn family played a role. Leo’s friends from the League of the Second Sons were interesting characters but, as expected in a first book of a series, I assume their character development is being saved for their own books. And speaking of characters, there are a lot of them so keeping them straight may be a distraction for some readers. Ripe for Pleasure is a definitely a hot read and Leo really steams things up during his seductions of Viola, but what royally ticked me off is that we never see their relationship consummated. After all the build-up of their attraction, the encounter is mentioned only in passing after the fact. I actually flipped back to see if I had missed a chapter! It is such a shame because I never really saw Leo and Viola’s relationship shift from lust to love and I think that was a big reason why. The lust was always there, but the passion between these two people just never came through for me.
Overall, Ripe for Pleasure is a pretty good book but I won’t be truly sold on the rest of the series until I read the next book. The League of Second Sons didn’t seem like anything particularly special – just a group of guys with a catchy team name (and maybe a secret handshake). I’m hoping more about the motives behind the formation of the League will be fleshed out in the coming books.
This was a debut that showed promise but left me a bit disappointed.
We first meet Viola Whedon when her house in being burglarized. Viola assumes an angry lord is at the bottom of the intrusion because she’s currently ruffling feathers by exposing details of all her previous lovers in a second volume of her memoir. But it turns out that Charles MacDonald is on the hunt for a treasure that is believed to be hidden somewhere in Viola’s house. However Charles’ cousin, Leonidas Vaughn, approaches Viola with a bit more subtlety, offering to protect her from future encounters with ruffians. Of course, being her protector gives Leo access to her house so he can search for the treasure himself along with the help of his cronies from the League of Second Sons. But Leo poses a deal to Viola - his protection in exchange for her pleasure. Can Viola, London's most sensual former courtesan, be seduced by this rogue?
Ripe for Pleasure is Isobel Carr’s debut novel, and while I was impressed with her writing and liked her style, some aspects of the story left me confused and even disappointed. I really enjoyed the treasure hunt part of the story, especially how it came to an end, even though I felt things wrapped up just a bit too neatly. I also liked how Leo and Viola’s class differences were illustrated and how the Vaughn family played a role. Leo’s friends from the League of the Second Sons were interesting characters but, as expected in a first book of a series, I assume their character development is being saved for their own books. And speaking of characters, there are a lot of them so keeping them straight may be a distraction for some readers. Ripe for Pleasure is a definitely a hot read and Leo really steams things up during his seductions of Viola, but what royally ticked me off is that we never see their relationship consummated. After all the build-up of their attraction, the encounter is mentioned only in passing after the fact. I actually flipped back to see if I had missed a chapter! It is such a shame because I never really saw Leo and Viola’s relationship shift from lust to love and I think that was a big reason why. The lust was always there, but the passion between these two people just never came through for me.
Overall, Ripe for Pleasure is a pretty good book but I won’t be truly sold on the rest of the series until I read the next book. The League of Second Sons didn’t seem like anything particularly special – just a group of guys with a catchy team name (and maybe a secret handshake). I’m hoping more about the motives behind the formation of the League will be fleshed out in the coming books.
December 5, 2020
• While there were some funny parts in this story, it was mostly boring as the search for the treasure was almost non existent and Leo and Viola didn’t really do much
• I didn’t really like the characters as the main ones were dull and the side characters would be shown very rarely for short amounts of time
• I don’t think that I’ll read any more books in this series as I didn’t find the side characters in this book interesting enough to want to read books about them
• I didn’t really like the characters as the main ones were dull and the side characters would be shown very rarely for short amounts of time
• I don’t think that I’ll read any more books in this series as I didn’t find the side characters in this book interesting enough to want to read books about them
October 25, 2022
Scribd
This writer and I just don't get along. Her books are almost impossible for me to get into and get through.
This writer and I just don't get along. Her books are almost impossible for me to get into and get through.
May 11, 2011
Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:
Ripe for Pleasure marks the first installment of The League of Second Sons series by Isobel Carr. This novel without a doubt is a great beginning to what promises to be a wonderful historical romance series with all the rogues and rakes that one can stand. With great romance, wonderful characters and wonderfully complex chemistry all contributed to the fact that I simply couldn't put this book down! Add in a splash of mystery and a dash of murder and it's the perfect read.
The world building within this novel was first rate, with wonderful descriptions and an entirely welcoming atmosphere that draws you in right in. The lush imagery is wonderful as is the over all atmosphere which seems to spring to life around the characters. This rich, sumptuous setting is definitely a wonderful mirror to the characters themselves creating a three dimensional world I would definitely love to revisit.
The characters are interesting with great histories, great strength and wonderful chemistry. I absolutely loved Leonidas and his rogue ways, the self assured cocky nature and imposing personality. And ultimately, despite his dubious intentions and motives in insinuating himself into Viola's life, I found his sense of honor and the growing love that he has for her such an intoxicating mix. He's definitely an alpha male determined to have his way and leave the world to accept it and fall in line and I think was such an attractive side of his personality. You just have to be intrigued by him and his ego, but beneath there is also a wickedly funny man with a heart of gold. Something of a paradox in and of himself and I couldn't seem to get enough. Viola though is just as fierce and determined. She's earned everything that she's gotten through hard work and strength of will, choosing a life as a Courtesan over a life of morality at a Workhouse. But, I love that she isn't ashamed in the least of her choices, nor does she have any regrets. I found this to be truly something that I really liked and even admired about her. But, more so, I loved her personality. She was refreshing and overall really likable. Also, though, I have to say that I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well, most notable amongst them Leo's mother, oddly enough. She's a feisty old lady who doesn't give a fig about the world's perception of her, or her family's, choices. But, Leo's interesting mix of friends was always a welcome sight with widely different personalities and colorful insight.
The romance itself was also wonderfully well done. Intense, fierce, and engaging, I was lost in the tension and chemistry between these two amazing characters. I loved the relationship immensely and the development throughout the book always kept me on my toes. Add in all the suspenseful elements that take it's toll on the relationship and it definitely becomes something of a roller coaster. Betrayal, deception, and a murderous plot all collide to make this a thrilling and tenuous relationship that makes you eager to devour the book to see if these two can manage a fairy tale ending.
But, along with the romance is also a great secondary mystery that plays out not exactly in the forefront, but isn't exactly a secondary plot either, but something in between. At any rate, the mystery creates some great action and some really tense moments that kept me riveted to until the last. The writing style definitely helps with both of these aspects as well keeping the pace fast with great fluidity throughout.
The only things that really kept this novel from being a five, was the lack of exploration in to the League of Second Sons. I felt that this aspect wasn't as fully explored as it could have been, leaving the basis sort of floundering for me. While I understand the concept, it becomes something of no consequence to the plot aside from the fact that if Leonidas wishes to marry a Courtesan then it's less repugnant then if he was a first born and the fact that she won't likely be marrying in to a title. Also, I felt like the romance could have been a bit spicier. While I loved the relationship and the romance both, the sizzle just wasn't there as much as I would have liked it to be. But, that's of no real importance because obviously I loved the novel and there were definitely some steamy moments regardless.
Over all, fans of historical romance will love this novel! I definitely enjoyed the author, the series and the characters and look forward to reading the second installment, Ripe for Scandal, due out later this year! Needless to say, I highly recommend this touching and adventurous tale of mystery, betrayal and above all else, love.
Ripe for Pleasure marks the first installment of The League of Second Sons series by Isobel Carr. This novel without a doubt is a great beginning to what promises to be a wonderful historical romance series with all the rogues and rakes that one can stand. With great romance, wonderful characters and wonderfully complex chemistry all contributed to the fact that I simply couldn't put this book down! Add in a splash of mystery and a dash of murder and it's the perfect read.
The world building within this novel was first rate, with wonderful descriptions and an entirely welcoming atmosphere that draws you in right in. The lush imagery is wonderful as is the over all atmosphere which seems to spring to life around the characters. This rich, sumptuous setting is definitely a wonderful mirror to the characters themselves creating a three dimensional world I would definitely love to revisit.
The characters are interesting with great histories, great strength and wonderful chemistry. I absolutely loved Leonidas and his rogue ways, the self assured cocky nature and imposing personality. And ultimately, despite his dubious intentions and motives in insinuating himself into Viola's life, I found his sense of honor and the growing love that he has for her such an intoxicating mix. He's definitely an alpha male determined to have his way and leave the world to accept it and fall in line and I think was such an attractive side of his personality. You just have to be intrigued by him and his ego, but beneath there is also a wickedly funny man with a heart of gold. Something of a paradox in and of himself and I couldn't seem to get enough. Viola though is just as fierce and determined. She's earned everything that she's gotten through hard work and strength of will, choosing a life as a Courtesan over a life of morality at a Workhouse. But, I love that she isn't ashamed in the least of her choices, nor does she have any regrets. I found this to be truly something that I really liked and even admired about her. But, more so, I loved her personality. She was refreshing and overall really likable. Also, though, I have to say that I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well, most notable amongst them Leo's mother, oddly enough. She's a feisty old lady who doesn't give a fig about the world's perception of her, or her family's, choices. But, Leo's interesting mix of friends was always a welcome sight with widely different personalities and colorful insight.
The romance itself was also wonderfully well done. Intense, fierce, and engaging, I was lost in the tension and chemistry between these two amazing characters. I loved the relationship immensely and the development throughout the book always kept me on my toes. Add in all the suspenseful elements that take it's toll on the relationship and it definitely becomes something of a roller coaster. Betrayal, deception, and a murderous plot all collide to make this a thrilling and tenuous relationship that makes you eager to devour the book to see if these two can manage a fairy tale ending.
But, along with the romance is also a great secondary mystery that plays out not exactly in the forefront, but isn't exactly a secondary plot either, but something in between. At any rate, the mystery creates some great action and some really tense moments that kept me riveted to until the last. The writing style definitely helps with both of these aspects as well keeping the pace fast with great fluidity throughout.
The only things that really kept this novel from being a five, was the lack of exploration in to the League of Second Sons. I felt that this aspect wasn't as fully explored as it could have been, leaving the basis sort of floundering for me. While I understand the concept, it becomes something of no consequence to the plot aside from the fact that if Leonidas wishes to marry a Courtesan then it's less repugnant then if he was a first born and the fact that she won't likely be marrying in to a title. Also, I felt like the romance could have been a bit spicier. While I loved the relationship and the romance both, the sizzle just wasn't there as much as I would have liked it to be. But, that's of no real importance because obviously I loved the novel and there were definitely some steamy moments regardless.
Over all, fans of historical romance will love this novel! I definitely enjoyed the author, the series and the characters and look forward to reading the second installment, Ripe for Scandal, due out later this year! Needless to say, I highly recommend this touching and adventurous tale of mystery, betrayal and above all else, love.
January 1, 2012
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
A blackmailing heroine locks horns with a lying hero on a mission and the sparks fly. I liked the premise of Ripe for Pleasure very much. It has a grittiness that is different and is a romance with a no excuses, less-than-pure heroine. I found it very refreshing. Viola is intelligent and worldly with a hard exterior just as one would expect from her life experience. Her character seems perfectly crafted to show a woman in her times making due with few choices. Despite being presented as a blackmailer, she’s a very likable character and she treats the hero well considering all their differences.
Yes, the hero, Leo, lies to the heroine and those lies place her in danger. However one has to keep in mind, he’s a hero to a woman who is blackmailing her former protectors. He’s a man trying to catch our heroine in her underhanded tactics. So one has to take things in their relative state. And he feels bad later about having placed her in danger. He’s certainly has the other traits of a historical hero, he’s charming, sexy and alpha.
Ms. Carr does an excellent job of highlighting the class differences between Viola and Leo’s families. She creates a beautiful, lush historical world while her prose and style are intriguing and draw the reader in. The external factors like The League of Second Sons are given little of the spotlight in this story but that is exactly what I would expect. The focus is on the erotic and romantic relationship between hero and heroine, exactly as it should be in a shorter erotic romance.
The sexual part of the plot had one nit. For some reason the initial sexual consummation between Leo and Viola is not shown, only referred to after the fact. I found that a little jarring and felt thereafter like I had just caught a train while it was running and was struggling to gain my bearings in the story. But that sense faded fairly fast, though I still felt sort of cheated at not getting to see the start of their affair. The sexual scenes are more sensual than emotional. It works for this story and these characters. It’s easy to see how Viola and Leo are right for each other they just have a cooler emotional effect when they come together than another pair of characters might. The sexual scenes are sexy and written to a spicy level of heat. Those scenes are the heart and soul of Ripe for Pleasure, just as it should be for an erotic romance.
Viola’s dog Pen is a charming companion and added a nice, lighthearted touch. Leo’s sister Beau is a charming character and one I am looking forward to hearing more about in the next book, Ripe for Scandal. I thought that Leo restrained himself too long in dealing with the villain. I didn’t totally buy that he had to because the villain was family. There’s a nice clever twist at the end that I liked very much.
Overall this was a fast-paced, sexy read and I recommend it to anyone looking for something different and spicy in a historical romance. I will certainly read Ripe for Scandal.
A blackmailing heroine locks horns with a lying hero on a mission and the sparks fly. I liked the premise of Ripe for Pleasure very much. It has a grittiness that is different and is a romance with a no excuses, less-than-pure heroine. I found it very refreshing. Viola is intelligent and worldly with a hard exterior just as one would expect from her life experience. Her character seems perfectly crafted to show a woman in her times making due with few choices. Despite being presented as a blackmailer, she’s a very likable character and she treats the hero well considering all their differences.
Yes, the hero, Leo, lies to the heroine and those lies place her in danger. However one has to keep in mind, he’s a hero to a woman who is blackmailing her former protectors. He’s a man trying to catch our heroine in her underhanded tactics. So one has to take things in their relative state. And he feels bad later about having placed her in danger. He’s certainly has the other traits of a historical hero, he’s charming, sexy and alpha.
Ms. Carr does an excellent job of highlighting the class differences between Viola and Leo’s families. She creates a beautiful, lush historical world while her prose and style are intriguing and draw the reader in. The external factors like The League of Second Sons are given little of the spotlight in this story but that is exactly what I would expect. The focus is on the erotic and romantic relationship between hero and heroine, exactly as it should be in a shorter erotic romance.
The sexual part of the plot had one nit. For some reason the initial sexual consummation between Leo and Viola is not shown, only referred to after the fact. I found that a little jarring and felt thereafter like I had just caught a train while it was running and was struggling to gain my bearings in the story. But that sense faded fairly fast, though I still felt sort of cheated at not getting to see the start of their affair. The sexual scenes are more sensual than emotional. It works for this story and these characters. It’s easy to see how Viola and Leo are right for each other they just have a cooler emotional effect when they come together than another pair of characters might. The sexual scenes are sexy and written to a spicy level of heat. Those scenes are the heart and soul of Ripe for Pleasure, just as it should be for an erotic romance.
Viola’s dog Pen is a charming companion and added a nice, lighthearted touch. Leo’s sister Beau is a charming character and one I am looking forward to hearing more about in the next book, Ripe for Scandal. I thought that Leo restrained himself too long in dealing with the villain. I didn’t totally buy that he had to because the villain was family. There’s a nice clever twist at the end that I liked very much.
Overall this was a fast-paced, sexy read and I recommend it to anyone looking for something different and spicy in a historical romance. I will certainly read Ripe for Scandal.
June 28, 2011
Well, I'm torn
I have been impatiently waiting the arrival of the first in the series of The League of the Second Sons, Ripe for Pleasure by Isobel Carr. You remember Ms. Carr - she used to be Kalen Hughes and let me tell you I was pretty upset when she was shafted by her publishing company. Of course, she wasn't the only author to be shafted, but luckily she's one who found another publisher. (I still have my fingers crossed for some other authors.) Anyway, I've been waiting and waiting for this one to come out. Which is why I'm torn.
This book had a number of things I liked a lot... but there were some things that I didn't like so much. Which to do first? Let's go with the good things. I loved the time period, Georgian, with all the clothing, hoops, flue-flue, wigs; it's such a lush period. It's lush in clothing and in morals, and Ms. Carr does a fine job of exploring that time period. The secondary characters were all intriguing and developed pretty well for the amount of time they were in the book. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Beau (Leo's sister) in the next book. And, the hero's (Leo) friends, the second sons - I kept hearing "hunka-hunka men" in my mind while reading this story. All of his friends had different interesting personalities, they were not just a group of manly sequels. I loved the hero's family: they were funny, eccentric and hopefully we will see more of them. The heroine, Viola, wasn't a virgin - oh no my dears, she's a courtesan and she's not a pretend courtesan either. Nope, she's had numerous men in her boudoir and she's writing her memoirs, so, she's been at it for awhile. So, those parts of the story were very intriguing.
Where I was disappointed was in the development of the love story itself. Oh, there was lots and lots and lots of really hot sex, in all kinds of places, all kinds of ways, but even with all of that sex, I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters. Neither Viola or Leo had any personality, at least when they were with each other. I saw a spark of personality when Leo was with his friends and I thought Viola's interaction with Leo's mother was wonderful, but when they were together all that they had was the sex, and that wasn't enough. (Speaking of sex - and there was tons of it in this book - their first time together was missing. At least I couldn't find it and I went back and reread the passage because I thought I'd missed it. So, that was a little puzzling.) The villain was another piece that was odd. We know from the beginning that he's the villain, he even gets shot but still he's around causing trouble. No one seems to keep an eye on him, and he keeps showing up like a bad penny. Once a villain's down, he shouldn't rise again. That's my motto.
So, as I said earlier, I'm torn with this book. I like some of the characters, just not the main ones; love the time/place and am looking forward to the next in the series. I just wish this one had lived up to my expectations.
I have been impatiently waiting the arrival of the first in the series of The League of the Second Sons, Ripe for Pleasure by Isobel Carr. You remember Ms. Carr - she used to be Kalen Hughes and let me tell you I was pretty upset when she was shafted by her publishing company. Of course, she wasn't the only author to be shafted, but luckily she's one who found another publisher. (I still have my fingers crossed for some other authors.) Anyway, I've been waiting and waiting for this one to come out. Which is why I'm torn.
This book had a number of things I liked a lot... but there were some things that I didn't like so much. Which to do first? Let's go with the good things. I loved the time period, Georgian, with all the clothing, hoops, flue-flue, wigs; it's such a lush period. It's lush in clothing and in morals, and Ms. Carr does a fine job of exploring that time period. The secondary characters were all intriguing and developed pretty well for the amount of time they were in the book. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Beau (Leo's sister) in the next book. And, the hero's (Leo) friends, the second sons - I kept hearing "hunka-hunka men" in my mind while reading this story. All of his friends had different interesting personalities, they were not just a group of manly sequels. I loved the hero's family: they were funny, eccentric and hopefully we will see more of them. The heroine, Viola, wasn't a virgin - oh no my dears, she's a courtesan and she's not a pretend courtesan either. Nope, she's had numerous men in her boudoir and she's writing her memoirs, so, she's been at it for awhile. So, those parts of the story were very intriguing.
Where I was disappointed was in the development of the love story itself. Oh, there was lots and lots and lots of really hot sex, in all kinds of places, all kinds of ways, but even with all of that sex, I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters. Neither Viola or Leo had any personality, at least when they were with each other. I saw a spark of personality when Leo was with his friends and I thought Viola's interaction with Leo's mother was wonderful, but when they were together all that they had was the sex, and that wasn't enough. (Speaking of sex - and there was tons of it in this book - their first time together was missing. At least I couldn't find it and I went back and reread the passage because I thought I'd missed it. So, that was a little puzzling.) The villain was another piece that was odd. We know from the beginning that he's the villain, he even gets shot but still he's around causing trouble. No one seems to keep an eye on him, and he keeps showing up like a bad penny. Once a villain's down, he shouldn't rise again. That's my motto.
So, as I said earlier, I'm torn with this book. I like some of the characters, just not the main ones; love the time/place and am looking forward to the next in the series. I just wish this one had lived up to my expectations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2011
Review by Jenni
Review copy provided by NetGalley
We first meet Viola Whedon when her house in being burglarized. Viola assumes an angry lord is at the bottom of the intrusion because she’s currently ruffling feathers by exposing details of all her previous lovers in a second volume of her memoir. But it turns out that Charles MacDonald is on the hunt for a treasure that is believed to be hidden somewhere in Viola’s house. However, Charles’ cousin Leonidas Vaughn, approaches Viola with a bit more subtlety, offering to protect her from future encounters with ruffians. Of course, being her protector gives Leo access to her house so he can search for the treasure himself along with the help of his cronies from the League of Second Sons. But Leo poses a deal to Viola - his protection in exchange for her pleasure. Can Viola, London's most sensual former courtesan, be seduced by this rogue?
Ripe for Pleasure is Isobel Carr’s debut novel, and while I was impressed with her writing and liked her style, some aspects of the story left me confused and even disappointed. I really enjoyed the treasure hunt part of the story, especially how it came to an end, even though I felt things wrapped up just a bit too neatly. I also liked how Leo and Viola’s class differences were illustrated and how the Vaughn family played a role. Leo’s friends from the League of the Second Sons were interesting characters but, as expected in a first book of a series, I assume their character development is being saved for their own books. And speaking of characters, there are a lot of them so keeping them straight may be a distraction for some readers. Ripe for Pleasure is a definitely a hot read and Leo really steams things up during his seductions of Viola, but what royally ticked me off is that we never see their relationship consummated. After all the build-up of their attraction, the encounter is mentioned only in passing after the fact. I actually flipped back to see if I had missed a chapter! It is such a shame because I never really saw Leo and Viola’s relationship shift from lust to love and I think that was a big reason why. The lust was always there, but the passion between these two people just never came through for me.
Overall, Ripe for Pleasure is a pretty good book but I won’t be truly sold on the rest of the series until I read the next book. The League of Second Sons didn’t seem like anything particularly special – just a group of guys with a catchy team name (and maybe a secret handshake). I’m hoping more about the motives behind the formation of the League will be fleshed out in the coming books.
Review copy provided by NetGalley
We first meet Viola Whedon when her house in being burglarized. Viola assumes an angry lord is at the bottom of the intrusion because she’s currently ruffling feathers by exposing details of all her previous lovers in a second volume of her memoir. But it turns out that Charles MacDonald is on the hunt for a treasure that is believed to be hidden somewhere in Viola’s house. However, Charles’ cousin Leonidas Vaughn, approaches Viola with a bit more subtlety, offering to protect her from future encounters with ruffians. Of course, being her protector gives Leo access to her house so he can search for the treasure himself along with the help of his cronies from the League of Second Sons. But Leo poses a deal to Viola - his protection in exchange for her pleasure. Can Viola, London's most sensual former courtesan, be seduced by this rogue?
Ripe for Pleasure is Isobel Carr’s debut novel, and while I was impressed with her writing and liked her style, some aspects of the story left me confused and even disappointed. I really enjoyed the treasure hunt part of the story, especially how it came to an end, even though I felt things wrapped up just a bit too neatly. I also liked how Leo and Viola’s class differences were illustrated and how the Vaughn family played a role. Leo’s friends from the League of the Second Sons were interesting characters but, as expected in a first book of a series, I assume their character development is being saved for their own books. And speaking of characters, there are a lot of them so keeping them straight may be a distraction for some readers. Ripe for Pleasure is a definitely a hot read and Leo really steams things up during his seductions of Viola, but what royally ticked me off is that we never see their relationship consummated. After all the build-up of their attraction, the encounter is mentioned only in passing after the fact. I actually flipped back to see if I had missed a chapter! It is such a shame because I never really saw Leo and Viola’s relationship shift from lust to love and I think that was a big reason why. The lust was always there, but the passion between these two people just never came through for me.
Overall, Ripe for Pleasure is a pretty good book but I won’t be truly sold on the rest of the series until I read the next book. The League of Second Sons didn’t seem like anything particularly special – just a group of guys with a catchy team name (and maybe a secret handshake). I’m hoping more about the motives behind the formation of the League will be fleshed out in the coming books.
July 13, 2012
An intriguing book in that the heroine is not only a courtesan, but she doesn’t give a rat’s ass about it and in fact writes a memoir about it. The writing is very rich and the story kept moving throughout. And the scenes between our hero and heroine, ooh la la. It’s the first book that I’ve read by Isobel Carr, but not the last.
What I liked. The characters, particularly the heroine. She accepted who she was and did not let that get in her way. She’s very sensual and not afraid to acknowledge her own desires. The pacing: the story drew me in and kept moving forward. I think I read the book in less the 48 hours start to finish. The language and writing style. Apart from the occasional esoteric word, I enjoyed her writing style. Descriptive and rich without being too flowery.
What drove me crazy.
Ms. Carr must research and know this era extensively, but I’m not sure she needs to share all of it with us all the time. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had to look up that many words while reading a book. Thank goodness I was reading on my Nook and could instantly access a dictonary. Although in each situation the word was more precise than something else she could have chosen, I am not a fan of making it that challenging for readers who may be generally intelligent and have a strong vocabulary.
Moreover, I’m not always convinced she used the words correctly. There were times that if the dictionary defined it correctly, the words made no sense in the context that she used them.
This quirk won’t bother some people, but it does drive some readers (i.e., me) batty and makes me start looking things up. For example, she references “Eau de Cologne” (italics in original) on page 15. I suspected from my own visits to the city of Cologne (Koln) that the name was not used as early as the book was set, and at least one source confirms that name did not come into use until 1810. http://www.fragrancesoftheworld.com/T... (look up history of eaux de colognes). I point this out not to call out the author, but to make the point that if you make the readers look up certain things like rarely used words they might start looking everything up.
The other thing that drove me a bit crazy was the resolution of the romance. (spoiler alert) . The prime conflict was that Leonidas originally sought to protect her because he was trying to get at a fortune hidden at her house. He quickly realized there was a lot more to her, however. She seemed to brush it aside too quickly. I would have like to have seen more about how she resolved that dissonance.
(rated on my 5 star romance scale)
What I liked. The characters, particularly the heroine. She accepted who she was and did not let that get in her way. She’s very sensual and not afraid to acknowledge her own desires. The pacing: the story drew me in and kept moving forward. I think I read the book in less the 48 hours start to finish. The language and writing style. Apart from the occasional esoteric word, I enjoyed her writing style. Descriptive and rich without being too flowery.
What drove me crazy.
Ms. Carr must research and know this era extensively, but I’m not sure she needs to share all of it with us all the time. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had to look up that many words while reading a book. Thank goodness I was reading on my Nook and could instantly access a dictonary. Although in each situation the word was more precise than something else she could have chosen, I am not a fan of making it that challenging for readers who may be generally intelligent and have a strong vocabulary.
Moreover, I’m not always convinced she used the words correctly. There were times that if the dictionary defined it correctly, the words made no sense in the context that she used them.
This quirk won’t bother some people, but it does drive some readers (i.e., me) batty and makes me start looking things up. For example, she references “Eau de Cologne” (italics in original) on page 15. I suspected from my own visits to the city of Cologne (Koln) that the name was not used as early as the book was set, and at least one source confirms that name did not come into use until 1810. http://www.fragrancesoftheworld.com/T... (look up history of eaux de colognes). I point this out not to call out the author, but to make the point that if you make the readers look up certain things like rarely used words they might start looking everything up.
The other thing that drove me a bit crazy was the resolution of the romance. (spoiler alert) . The prime conflict was that Leonidas originally sought to protect her because he was trying to get at a fortune hidden at her house. He quickly realized there was a lot more to her, however. She seemed to brush it aside too quickly. I would have like to have seen more about how she resolved that dissonance.
(rated on my 5 star romance scale)
February 19, 2012
3.5 Feathers
Review also posted at UTC Book Blog
In this era, second sons were nothing but second-rate citizens and treated as such by family and society. As an act of survival and support, a secret league was formed. This secret group pledged to aid each other in their “endeavors”.
Lord Leonidas Vaughn, 2nd son of Duke of Lochmaben is trying to make something of himself in a way of treasure hunting. Family history says there is treasure to be claimed but his search leads to trouble in a form of Viola Whedon. His plans to seduce her bite him in ass as his seduction quickly turns into love.
Viola is a well sought after Courtesan but has taken time off to write a memoir that will shake this uptight society. The scandal she brings will put her life in danger or so she thought. The danger really comes from the treasure she may possess unknowingly. She will find herself under Leo's protection and the time they spend together is definitely a no holds barred experience, as both are well skilled.
It is nice to see a heroine of this time rise up from her past, survive and fully accept her choices. Prostitution is not one I like to read about but in this case, our heroine had little choice. She is tough in her decisions and undeterred by any who threaten her. I like that in the leading ladies I read about.
Leo is another hero to swoon over. Though he is second son to the Duke, he acts as if he is an heir; in the means of confidence, ambition, education, and every bit as skilled. *wink* Ms. Carr delivered very steamy scenes for our H/h and very creative with places and positions.
I truly enjoyed this book but found a few things I had a hard time with. It is possible that it's due to my lack of knowledge with this era or genre. It was hard for me to understand a lot of things such as how they lived and how their society was. One issue was the second son means second rate, really, it seemed so extreme. And how a courtesan was sought after and fought over publicly. I thought maybe prostitution was more a taboo then glamorized. Most questions about the era and how they lived, I guess.
Understanding this era is definitely necessary for me. This book being the first I’ve read in this genre, I had a lot of questions. I am glad I had a few friends who did not mind me asking for more information as I might have not enjoyed this book to the fullest. I have to say I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.
Review also posted at UTC Book Blog
In this era, second sons were nothing but second-rate citizens and treated as such by family and society. As an act of survival and support, a secret league was formed. This secret group pledged to aid each other in their “endeavors”.
Lord Leonidas Vaughn, 2nd son of Duke of Lochmaben is trying to make something of himself in a way of treasure hunting. Family history says there is treasure to be claimed but his search leads to trouble in a form of Viola Whedon. His plans to seduce her bite him in ass as his seduction quickly turns into love.
Viola is a well sought after Courtesan but has taken time off to write a memoir that will shake this uptight society. The scandal she brings will put her life in danger or so she thought. The danger really comes from the treasure she may possess unknowingly. She will find herself under Leo's protection and the time they spend together is definitely a no holds barred experience, as both are well skilled.
It is nice to see a heroine of this time rise up from her past, survive and fully accept her choices. Prostitution is not one I like to read about but in this case, our heroine had little choice. She is tough in her decisions and undeterred by any who threaten her. I like that in the leading ladies I read about.
Leo is another hero to swoon over. Though he is second son to the Duke, he acts as if he is an heir; in the means of confidence, ambition, education, and every bit as skilled. *wink* Ms. Carr delivered very steamy scenes for our H/h and very creative with places and positions.
I truly enjoyed this book but found a few things I had a hard time with. It is possible that it's due to my lack of knowledge with this era or genre. It was hard for me to understand a lot of things such as how they lived and how their society was. One issue was the second son means second rate, really, it seemed so extreme. And how a courtesan was sought after and fought over publicly. I thought maybe prostitution was more a taboo then glamorized. Most questions about the era and how they lived, I guess.
Understanding this era is definitely necessary for me. This book being the first I’ve read in this genre, I had a lot of questions. I am glad I had a few friends who did not mind me asking for more information as I might have not enjoyed this book to the fullest. I have to say I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.
May 19, 2011
I haven't been a big person on reading Historical Romances but Rips for Pleasure was honestly one of my favorites. This book was fun and different for me. It was hard to find a book that gave me a breath of fresh air. I was caught up after the mixed matched eyes. *swoon* I totally have a thing for that. I was excited to read this book. I loved the fact that this was described as an erotic historical romance only made me want to read it more and more.
Viola has spent her whole life in danger and that might have to do with the fact that she is caught up writing some memoirs. Lord Leonidas (Leo) approaches Viola, offering to be her protector in exchange for her services. Little does Viola know, Leo's motives are not altogether the hero he is pretrating to be.
Ripe for Pleasure started off with promising plot that kept you very involved and invested. Viola has lived her life without apologies which I loved about her. Her overall goal was to make some money from her books so that she could live out her life not needing anyone. When Leo comes into play, she is more than grateful for his help and is more than willing to be his lover until her threat is finally gone. Although she wasn't really expecting to find him so alluring and attracting.
After a while I began to have a crush on Leo, Although he had a secret he was hiding there was just something about him I couldn't get enough of. It took some time to build up to the sex scenes but I thought they were going to way hotter than they were. I was really disappointed considering this is an erotic romance. The details just didn't do it for me. I wanted more details on the sex scenes. Isn't that the point of it being erotic? Or maybe that's just me.
Ripe for Pleasure was a good book for me but I am hoping as the series goes on the books will get better. I was unable to enjoy the story as much as I thought I would. I also thought it has way too much background of the history but I understand most books are like that in a series. The author provides a lot of historical facts which I also loved only because it made me feel as if I was living in this period. Overall the love between Leo and Viola was there and I enjoyed that the most.
This book will ignite fire that will have you living in the excitement of the 1700s. Jealously, scandal, and gossip is a must read for all fans of Isobel Carr's. I am so looking forward to the next book of Isobel's. I hope you enjoy!
Viola has spent her whole life in danger and that might have to do with the fact that she is caught up writing some memoirs. Lord Leonidas (Leo) approaches Viola, offering to be her protector in exchange for her services. Little does Viola know, Leo's motives are not altogether the hero he is pretrating to be.
Ripe for Pleasure started off with promising plot that kept you very involved and invested. Viola has lived her life without apologies which I loved about her. Her overall goal was to make some money from her books so that she could live out her life not needing anyone. When Leo comes into play, she is more than grateful for his help and is more than willing to be his lover until her threat is finally gone. Although she wasn't really expecting to find him so alluring and attracting.
After a while I began to have a crush on Leo, Although he had a secret he was hiding there was just something about him I couldn't get enough of. It took some time to build up to the sex scenes but I thought they were going to way hotter than they were. I was really disappointed considering this is an erotic romance. The details just didn't do it for me. I wanted more details on the sex scenes. Isn't that the point of it being erotic? Or maybe that's just me.
Ripe for Pleasure was a good book for me but I am hoping as the series goes on the books will get better. I was unable to enjoy the story as much as I thought I would. I also thought it has way too much background of the history but I understand most books are like that in a series. The author provides a lot of historical facts which I also loved only because it made me feel as if I was living in this period. Overall the love between Leo and Viola was there and I enjoyed that the most.
This book will ignite fire that will have you living in the excitement of the 1700s. Jealously, scandal, and gossip is a must read for all fans of Isobel Carr's. I am so looking forward to the next book of Isobel's. I hope you enjoy!
July 29, 2011
Viola Whedon is one of London’s most sought after courtesans. And she’s using her notoriety to publish her memoirs. And so when two men break into her home one night, she assumes it’s for the draft of her second manuscript, in which her most recent patron is featured. She figures he’s trying to get his hands on the manuscript before it goes public.
Leonidas Vaughn knows this is not the case but decides to use it as a cover for the truth. He knows that those two ruffians broke into Mrs. Whedon’s home for treasure. But since Leonidas wants the treasure, he’ll play into Viola’s fears and come to her rescue, all to gain access to the house. But Leonidas is not the only one after this so-called treasure. His cousin wants it and Leonidas knows those two men that broke into Viola's home were working for him.
Leonidas strikes a bargain with Viola, he'll pretend to be her protector in exchange for the safety he'll bring her. Viola is tempted by Leonidas, so she agrees. But things don't go quite as Leo planned them.
I enjoyed this Georgian romance about a duo of non-traditional characters. It was good to read about a second son who doesn't inherit a title and makes his own way in the world. And yes I've read about courtesans but never one who used what she was to really try to improve her circumstances. The chemistry between these two characters struck the perfect balance and I believed the romance between the two of them. The conflicts they faced were also believable. There was no easy HEA for these two because Leo needs to marry an heiress basically, to make his estate profitable eventually. And then there's the scandal of what Viola is. Leo and Viola knew exactly why they couldn't fall in love with each other, but sometimes love strikes anyway.
Also, I thought the external conflict of Leo's cousin was handled very well. I thought the little bit of intrigue surrounding the treasure was a good reason to introduce more characters from the League of Second sons without shoving them down our throat. That whole plot was a good way to bring all the characters together but it also remained enough in the background that it didn't overwhelm the romance.
Ripe for Pleasure was a solid historical read with just enough variety in the characters to keep it fresh. I can't wait to read the second book, Ripe for Scandal, when it comes out in August.
4 out 5.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Ames.
Leonidas Vaughn knows this is not the case but decides to use it as a cover for the truth. He knows that those two ruffians broke into Mrs. Whedon’s home for treasure. But since Leonidas wants the treasure, he’ll play into Viola’s fears and come to her rescue, all to gain access to the house. But Leonidas is not the only one after this so-called treasure. His cousin wants it and Leonidas knows those two men that broke into Viola's home were working for him.
Leonidas strikes a bargain with Viola, he'll pretend to be her protector in exchange for the safety he'll bring her. Viola is tempted by Leonidas, so she agrees. But things don't go quite as Leo planned them.
I enjoyed this Georgian romance about a duo of non-traditional characters. It was good to read about a second son who doesn't inherit a title and makes his own way in the world. And yes I've read about courtesans but never one who used what she was to really try to improve her circumstances. The chemistry between these two characters struck the perfect balance and I believed the romance between the two of them. The conflicts they faced were also believable. There was no easy HEA for these two because Leo needs to marry an heiress basically, to make his estate profitable eventually. And then there's the scandal of what Viola is. Leo and Viola knew exactly why they couldn't fall in love with each other, but sometimes love strikes anyway.
Also, I thought the external conflict of Leo's cousin was handled very well. I thought the little bit of intrigue surrounding the treasure was a good reason to introduce more characters from the League of Second sons without shoving them down our throat. That whole plot was a good way to bring all the characters together but it also remained enough in the background that it didn't overwhelm the romance.
Ripe for Pleasure was a solid historical read with just enough variety in the characters to keep it fresh. I can't wait to read the second book, Ripe for Scandal, when it comes out in August.
4 out 5.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Ames.
April 21, 2011
Notes: I read this ARC(Advanced Read Copy) of this book The book comes out on April 26th. Also, language was used which some may find inappropriate, but I felt the words weren't overly used and fit the characters.
It all started with a hunt for treasure. Sometimes, however, the treasure one's after is different from the one they find...
Leonides Vaughn always thought his grandfather's stories of hidden treasure and tragedy were just that - stories. That is until his grandfather died and he and his cousin found a cache of letters which seemed to support the stories. Now they know where to look. The only thing standing in their way of finding it is Viola Whedon, the current owner of the property where the hidden treasure resides. He intends to distract her while he searches.
Viola wasn't born to live the life of a courtesan. She once had dreams of a different life. When her husband died, however, those dreams died with him. Sometimes life force you into situations you never would have imagined.
When Leonides proposes a relationship that would be to their mutual pleasure, well, she decides to go against her usual policy and try it out. Insisting they'd be lovers and not man and mistress, he entices her by saying a lover puts his partner's pleasures first. Neither expected the strong emotions or feelings that the arrangement would invoke.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. I absolutely enjoyed it. It almost seemed like a historical take on Pretty Women, a movie I absolutely loved. There is romance, murder, betrayal, forgiveness, acceptance and the mystery as to whether the treasure actually exists or not. The relationship between the two main characters is fun and steamy. The only thing I would have liked to have learned more about in this book is the secret society of second sons. It is the glue that is supposed to bind this series together. We only got a tiny sliver of what it is. Hopefully the second book of the series will go more in depth. So if you're in the mood to leave the reality of life for awhile, you just might want to pick this book up and loose yourself within it's pages. I found it a delightful read.
If you'd like to read more of my reviews check out my blog at www.seducedbyabook.com
It all started with a hunt for treasure. Sometimes, however, the treasure one's after is different from the one they find...
Leonides Vaughn always thought his grandfather's stories of hidden treasure and tragedy were just that - stories. That is until his grandfather died and he and his cousin found a cache of letters which seemed to support the stories. Now they know where to look. The only thing standing in their way of finding it is Viola Whedon, the current owner of the property where the hidden treasure resides. He intends to distract her while he searches.
Viola wasn't born to live the life of a courtesan. She once had dreams of a different life. When her husband died, however, those dreams died with him. Sometimes life force you into situations you never would have imagined.
When Leonides proposes a relationship that would be to their mutual pleasure, well, she decides to go against her usual policy and try it out. Insisting they'd be lovers and not man and mistress, he entices her by saying a lover puts his partner's pleasures first. Neither expected the strong emotions or feelings that the arrangement would invoke.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. I absolutely enjoyed it. It almost seemed like a historical take on Pretty Women, a movie I absolutely loved. There is romance, murder, betrayal, forgiveness, acceptance and the mystery as to whether the treasure actually exists or not. The relationship between the two main characters is fun and steamy. The only thing I would have liked to have learned more about in this book is the secret society of second sons. It is the glue that is supposed to bind this series together. We only got a tiny sliver of what it is. Hopefully the second book of the series will go more in depth. So if you're in the mood to leave the reality of life for awhile, you just might want to pick this book up and loose yourself within it's pages. I found it a delightful read.
If you'd like to read more of my reviews check out my blog at www.seducedbyabook.com
April 19, 2013
ลังเลไม่กล้าอ่าน เพราะจ่าหัวตั้งแต่คำโปรยปกหลังว่า นางเอกมีอาชีพเป็นเมียเก็บมาก่อน ยอมรับค่ะว่า ทำใจกะพล็อตแนวนี้ไม่ได้ แต่ไปอ่านเจอคำวิจารณ์ของใครสักคน (เราจำไม่ได้) กระตุ้นให้เราหยิบเล่มนี้มาอ่าน แล้วก็ไม่ผิดหวังค่ะ
อันดับแรกเลย เรื่องนี้เวิร์ค เพราะนางเอกไม่ใช่เหยื่อ ไม่แม้แต่วินาทีเดียวที่นางเอกจะสงสารตัวเอง รำพันชีวิตที่ควรจะเป็น เธอเชิดหน้า และทำให้ดีที่สุด และที่เวิร์คอีกอย่างก็คือ พระเอกไม่แคร์สักนิดเดียวเกี่ยวกับอาชีพที่นางเอกเคยทำมาก่อน ��ัศนคติที่ลีโอมีต่ออาชีพของไวโอลาคือ ไม่แคร์ชนิดไม่เคยอยู่ในสมองสักนิดเดียว นั่นคือองค์ประกอบสองอย่างสำคัญที่ทำให้การอ่านเรื่องนี้ของเขาลื่นไหลไปได้ แล้วไม่ติดใจกะประเด็นนี้มากนัก
คืนนึงเมื่อบ้านของเธอถูกรุกรานโดยคนร้าย ไวโอลาอดีตเมียเก็บที่คิดจะหาเงินยามเกษียณด้วยการเขียนบันทึก "แฉ" เข้าใจว่า คนร้ายถูกส่งมาโดยอดีตผู้คุ้มครองที่ไม่ต้องการให้เธอเปิดเผยเรื่องราวของเขา แต่ลอร์ดลีโอนิดัสซึ่งโผล่มาช่วยเธอไว้ได้ทันเป็นคนที่รู้ความจริงว่า ไม่ได้มีอะไรเป็นอย่างที่เธอเข้าใจ คนร้ายที่ถูกส่งมาที่บ้านของเธอเป็นผลพวงจากการแข่งขันระหว่างลีโอ และญาติของเขา ทั้งคู่รู้ความลับที่ซ่อนสมบัติตั้งแต่สมัยปู่ของพวกเขา ทั้งสองเชื่อว่า มันอยู่ในบ้านของไวโอลา และนั่นทำให้เธอเข้ามาเกี่ยวข้องด้วย
ด้วยความ���ข้าใจผิด ไวโอลาตอบรับข้อเสนอของลีโอ ด้วยการยอมให้เขาคุ้มครองเธอ เพื่อแลกกับการที่เขาจะ "ยั่วยวน" ให้เธอมีความสัมพันธ์ด้วย สำหรับสตรีที่ทำอาชีพเมียเก็บมาเกือบตลอด นี่เป็นครั้งแรกที่ผู้ชายเป็นฝ่ายเสนอความสุขให้กับเธอ
เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มแรกในชุด The League of Second Sons แต่เราอ่านเป็นเล่มสุดท้ายเลยค่ะ (เพราะอาชีพของนางเอกนี่แหละ) เรื่องราวของบรรดาลูกชายคนรอง ๆ ของขุนนางที่มีบรรดาศักดิ์ พวกเขาเกิดในตระกูลสูง แต่กลับไม่มีสิทธิในสมบัติอะไรทั้งสิ้น ทุกอย่างตกเป็นของพี่ชายคนโต ซึ่งลีโอก็อยู่ในสถานะเดียวกัน เขาเก่งกว่า ฉลาดกว่า แต่ก็เท่านั้น สิ่งที่เขามีก็คือ บ้านในชนบทที่ได้รับเป็นมรดกจากปู่ ซึ่งไม่ใหญ่พอที่จะเลี้ยงตัวเอง ทำให้ลีโอแสวงหาสมบัติที่เชื่อว่า ซ่อนอยู่ในบ้านของไวโอลา ความเข้าใจผิดเปิดทางให้เขาเข้าไปในชีวิตของเธอ แต่เมื่อเข้าไปแล้ว เขากลับพบว่า ตัวเองไม่ต้องการเดินจากออกมา
เรื่องนี้อ่านง่ายกว่าที่คิด อดีตของนางเอกไม่ใช่ปัญหาของเราเลยนะคะ นอกจากนี้เราชอบคาแร็คเตอร์ของลีโอที่แม้จะเป็นลูกชายคนรอง แต่เขามีความมั่นใจ และเป็นผู้นำ แต่ในขณะเดียวกันคนแต่งก็ไม่ได้ทำให้เขาดูโอหังแบบเดียวกับพระเอกที่เป็นขุนนาง ในแง่ของการจับคู่ระหว่างพระเอกกับนางเอก เราชอบคู่นี้นะคะ ทันกันและเหมาะสมกันมาก
คะแนนที่ 67
อันดับแรกเลย เรื่องนี้เวิร์ค เพราะนางเอกไม่ใช่เหยื่อ ไม่แม้แต่วินาทีเดียวที่นางเอกจะสงสารตัวเอง รำพันชีวิตที่ควรจะเป็น เธอเชิดหน้า และทำให้ดีที่สุด และที่เวิร์คอีกอย่างก็คือ พระเอกไม่แคร์สักนิดเดียวเกี่ยวกับอาชีพที่นางเอกเคยทำมาก่อน ��ัศนคติที่ลีโอมีต่ออาชีพของไวโอลาคือ ไม่แคร์ชนิดไม่เคยอยู่ในสมองสักนิดเดียว นั่นคือองค์ประกอบสองอย่างสำคัญที่ทำให้การอ่านเรื่องนี้ของเขาลื่นไหลไปได้ แล้วไม่ติดใจกะประเด็นนี้มากนัก
คืนนึงเมื่อบ้านของเธอถูกรุกรานโดยคนร้าย ไวโอลาอดีตเมียเก็บที่คิดจะหาเงินยามเกษียณด้วยการเขียนบันทึก "แฉ" เข้าใจว่า คนร้ายถูกส่งมาโดยอดีตผู้คุ้มครองที่ไม่ต้องการให้เธอเปิดเผยเรื่องราวของเขา แต่ลอร์ดลีโอนิดัสซึ่งโผล่มาช่วยเธอไว้ได้ทันเป็นคนที่รู้ความจริงว่า ไม่ได้มีอะไรเป็นอย่างที่เธอเข้าใจ คนร้ายที่ถูกส่งมาที่บ้านของเธอเป็นผลพวงจากการแข่งขันระหว่างลีโอ และญาติของเขา ทั้งคู่รู้ความลับที่ซ่อนสมบัติตั้งแต่สมัยปู่ของพวกเขา ทั้งสองเชื่อว่า มันอยู่ในบ้านของไวโอลา และนั่นทำให้เธอเข้ามาเกี่ยวข้องด้วย
ด้วยความ���ข้าใจผิด ไวโอลาตอบรับข้อเสนอของลีโอ ด้วยการยอมให้เขาคุ้มครองเธอ เพื่อแลกกับการที่เขาจะ "ยั่วยวน" ให้เธอมีความสัมพันธ์ด้วย สำหรับสตรีที่ทำอาชีพเมียเก็บมาเกือบตลอด นี่เป็นครั้งแรกที่ผู้ชายเป็นฝ่ายเสนอความสุขให้กับเธอ
เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มแรกในชุด The League of Second Sons แต่เราอ่านเป็นเล่มสุดท้ายเลยค่ะ (เพราะอาชีพของนางเอกนี่แหละ) เรื่องราวของบรรดาลูกชายคนรอง ๆ ของขุนนางที่มีบรรดาศักดิ์ พวกเขาเกิดในตระกูลสูง แต่กลับไม่มีสิทธิในสมบัติอะไรทั้งสิ้น ทุกอย่างตกเป็นของพี่ชายคนโต ซึ่งลีโอก็อยู่ในสถานะเดียวกัน เขาเก่งกว่า ฉลาดกว่า แต่ก็เท่านั้น สิ่งที่เขามีก็คือ บ้านในชนบทที่ได้รับเป็นมรดกจากปู่ ซึ่งไม่ใหญ่พอที่จะเลี้ยงตัวเอง ทำให้ลีโอแสวงหาสมบัติที่เชื่อว่า ซ่อนอยู่ในบ้านของไวโอลา ความเข้าใจผิดเปิดทางให้เขาเข้าไปในชีวิตของเธอ แต่เมื่อเข้าไปแล้ว เขากลับพบว่า ตัวเองไม่ต้องการเดินจากออกมา
เรื่องนี้อ่านง่ายกว่าที่คิด อดีตของนางเอกไม่ใช่ปัญหาของเราเลยนะคะ นอกจากนี้เราชอบคาแร็คเตอร์ของลีโอที่แม้จะเป็นลูกชายคนรอง แต่เขามีความมั่นใจ และเป็นผู้นำ แต่ในขณะเดียวกันคนแต่งก็ไม่ได้ทำให้เขาดูโอหังแบบเดียวกับพระเอกที่เป็นขุนนาง ในแง่ของการจับคู่ระหว่างพระเอกกับนางเอก เราชอบคู่นี้นะคะ ทันกันและเหมาะสมกันมาก
คะแนนที่ 67
July 29, 2016
The main characters were very, very well developed, and well situated in their respective places in society. Leonidas is doing some pretty bad stuff regarding Viola in the beginning, but the story is paced properly so that we see his interactions with his family and friends and get a fuller picture of him, so rather than coming off as a stereotypical alpha male, he's a man trying very hard to save the little piece of his inheritance that he has. And Viola's story is incredibly impressive and reveals her strength, while not being anachronistic.
I liked this story enough that it made the annoying parts stick out more, unfortunately. Especially past the midway mark, Carr gets really heavy-handed with the metaphors. It became a distraction from the story itself. She also seems to have difficulty with fight scenes--they come off very jerky and glossed over.
The real issue I had, though, was with the villain.
But, since this was Carr's first book, hopefully that will fade with more works. She has a real talent for characters and plot; it unfortunately makes the weaker spots in her writing clearer, but overall the story is great.
I liked this story enough that it made the annoying parts stick out more, unfortunately. Especially past the midway mark, Carr gets really heavy-handed with the metaphors. It became a distraction from the story itself. She also seems to have difficulty with fight scenes--they come off very jerky and glossed over.
The real issue I had, though, was with the villain.
But, since this was Carr's first book, hopefully that will fade with more works. She has a real talent for characters and plot; it unfortunately makes the weaker spots in her writing clearer, but overall the story is great.
May 22, 2011
When a relative of Lord Leonidas Vaughn and his cousin Charles MacDonald dies, he leaves behind a series of letters speaking of a hidden treasure. The last known location of said treasure is somewhere within the residence of Viola Whedon. Because neither man is going to come into much inheritance, both men are willing to take exceptional risks to obtain it. Late one night, Charles sends men to Mrs. Whedon's home to search for it. She flees the intruders and finds herself in the arms of Leo, perfect for Leo's plan to seduce the location of the treasure from Viola. But it isn't long before Leo finds himself under Mrs. Whedon's spell. Together they fight the mutual attraction while Leo struggles to hide the truth that could tear them apart, for Viola knows nothing of the treasure and certainly nothing of Leo's inital intentions.
The book was easy enough to get into in the beginning but slowed down toward the middle since there wasn't much going on without Charles to stir up some trouble. I liked the idea of the whole "second sons society" but although we get to meet the members, we really don't get to hear a whole lot about the society itself. I liked Leo. I thought he was charming and liked how once he realized that he loved Viola, he went with it instead of denying it. I also thoroughly enjoyed his sister, Beau, and the rest of his crazy family. I wouldn't pass up any oppurtunity to attend a Vaughn family reunion, that's for sure - risk of abduction aside! Viola on the other hand...eh she had her moments. I wasn't too crazy for her at first but I began to warm up to her throughout the book. We are told she gets mad at Leo for this or for that but when the two interact, she doesn't show it. Her answer for alot of things seemed to be sex so naturally there are quite a few sex scenes in the book. Most are quick and almost pointless but if a distraction is what Viola was looking for then that is what she got. It felt at times like Leo treated her more like a prostitute than a woman he was falling for. The author wrapped up the book nice and neatly and I was almost sorry to see it come to a close. But there are two more books in the series to look forward to!
The book was easy enough to get into in the beginning but slowed down toward the middle since there wasn't much going on without Charles to stir up some trouble. I liked the idea of the whole "second sons society" but although we get to meet the members, we really don't get to hear a whole lot about the society itself. I liked Leo. I thought he was charming and liked how once he realized that he loved Viola, he went with it instead of denying it. I also thoroughly enjoyed his sister, Beau, and the rest of his crazy family. I wouldn't pass up any oppurtunity to attend a Vaughn family reunion, that's for sure - risk of abduction aside! Viola on the other hand...eh she had her moments. I wasn't too crazy for her at first but I began to warm up to her throughout the book. We are told she gets mad at Leo for this or for that but when the two interact, she doesn't show it. Her answer for alot of things seemed to be sex so naturally there are quite a few sex scenes in the book. Most are quick and almost pointless but if a distraction is what Viola was looking for then that is what she got. It felt at times like Leo treated her more like a prostitute than a woman he was falling for. The author wrapped up the book nice and neatly and I was almost sorry to see it come to a close. But there are two more books in the series to look forward to!
May 3, 2012
I'm not sure how I managed to miss this book in my reviews but somehow I did! I received this e-galley through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I have to say that I love the League of Second Sons! Here's the Goodreads blurb:
Second in line, first in love. A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost.... Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it . . . and when it comes to passion, they refuse to accept second best. Searching for hidden treasure, finding forbidden fantasy. London's most sensual former courtesan, Viola Whedon, is incapable of being seduced-she does the seducing. Until she meets Leonidas Vaughn. Her salacious memoirs have made her the target of half the lords in England, and Vaughn is the only man she can turn to. When he promises to protect her-and to make her beg for his touch-the alluring beauty finds both offers impossible to refuse. Leonidas Vaughn secretly believes Viola possesses a fortune given to his family by the King of France. So the strong and sexy Vaughn charms his way into Viola's life . . . and her bed. But when their arrangement is consummated, he'll experience pleasure far beyond his wildest fantasies-and realize his heart may need the most protection of all.
What a fun read! This romance has so much going for it. You have a great guy who doesn't know what he's got himself into and a woman who can go toe to toe with him. I love that in a historical. There's also a fair amount of sub plot as they try to solve the mystery of the hidden treasure. The story is great and the characters are lovely. There are really no detractors from this one. It's an all around enjoyable read.
Ripe for Pleasure by Isobel Carr earns 4 Fairies for great characters and a great historical romance.
Second in line, first in love. A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost.... Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it . . . and when it comes to passion, they refuse to accept second best. Searching for hidden treasure, finding forbidden fantasy. London's most sensual former courtesan, Viola Whedon, is incapable of being seduced-she does the seducing. Until she meets Leonidas Vaughn. Her salacious memoirs have made her the target of half the lords in England, and Vaughn is the only man she can turn to. When he promises to protect her-and to make her beg for his touch-the alluring beauty finds both offers impossible to refuse. Leonidas Vaughn secretly believes Viola possesses a fortune given to his family by the King of France. So the strong and sexy Vaughn charms his way into Viola's life . . . and her bed. But when their arrangement is consummated, he'll experience pleasure far beyond his wildest fantasies-and realize his heart may need the most protection of all.
What a fun read! This romance has so much going for it. You have a great guy who doesn't know what he's got himself into and a woman who can go toe to toe with him. I love that in a historical. There's also a fair amount of sub plot as they try to solve the mystery of the hidden treasure. The story is great and the characters are lovely. There are really no detractors from this one. It's an all around enjoyable read.
Ripe for Pleasure by Isobel Carr earns 4 Fairies for great characters and a great historical romance.
May 16, 2011
Viola Whedon, is London's most (in)famous courtesan. And she needs protection from scorned lovers. Enter Leonidas Vaughn with an agenda of his own. He believes that secret treasure might be hidden somewhere in Viola's house. Intent on securing the treasure for his own, he begins to seduce Viola. The couple is attacked after a night out on the town, leaving Viola believing she is to blame. Leo sprints Viola off to his recently inherited horse farm to recuperate. While Viola is away, Leo takes the opportunity to search her house. Also searching Viola's house is Leo's unstable and greedy cousin. While in Leo's care, Viola realizes she is falling for him. Viola believes the relationship to be beneficial and purely physical, so she demands to return to London. Leo is devastated, but refuses to let London Society tear him away from Viola. London is a dark and dangerous place, especially with Leo's cousin looking for Viola and Leo. Viola is kidnapped one night. Leo pursues his cousin and Viola. He finds them, and rescues a bloody and battered Viola. While she recovers at his estate, she is once again kidnapped by a Vaughn family member. This time Leo's mother spirits Viola away. Will Viola ever escape the Vaughn Family?
This book is a definite bodice ripper. And its a good one. I usually am not one that likes bodice rippers. They seem over done, they seem fake. Mostly, if I can see through the plot, anyone can. However, I liked this one. The plot was not easily guessable to me. The characters were real, both the main and supporting characters. I even found myself loving the dog!!! I have heard that there is a sequel coming out, Ripe for Scandal, and I will read that one. This book is great when you need a light, fluffy, but steamy read. Careful, it is hot!
This book is a definite bodice ripper. And its a good one. I usually am not one that likes bodice rippers. They seem over done, they seem fake. Mostly, if I can see through the plot, anyone can. However, I liked this one. The plot was not easily guessable to me. The characters were real, both the main and supporting characters. I even found myself loving the dog!!! I have heard that there is a sequel coming out, Ripe for Scandal, and I will read that one. This book is great when you need a light, fluffy, but steamy read. Careful, it is hot!
June 19, 2011
Author: Isobel Carr
Title: Ripe for Pleasure
Description (source): London's most sensual former courtesan, Viola Whedon, is incapable of being seduced-she does the seducing. Until she meets Leonidas Vaughn. Her salacious memoirs have made her the target of half the lords in England, and Vaughn is the only man she can turn to. When he promises to protect her-and to make her beg for his touch-the alluring beauty finds both offers impossible to refuse.
Leonidas Vaughn secretly believes Viola possesses a fortune given to his family by the King of France. So the strong and sexy Vaughn charms his way into Viola's life . . . and her bed. But when their arrangement is consummated, he'll experience pleasure far beyond his wildest fantasies-and realize his heart may need the most protection of all. (Marketing copy)
Review source: netgalley
Plot: This is a combination of the maiden in danger plot and the deception plot. The twist is that the lady isn’t pure and innocent; she’s been around the block and likes her life the way it is.
Characters: I was quite taken with both the main characters. Viola is funny and knows what she wants, while Leo is fairly irresistible, even while the reader knows his motives aren’t pure. Secondary characters are fun as well, especially Viola’s girlfriends, the most sought-after courtesans in London.
Writing style: Lively, witty, and entertaining.
Audience: Readers of Regency romance who like their books a little on the spicy side.
Wrap-up: I’m definitely the audience for this book, and will be looking for more by Ms. Carr. 4/5*
Title: Ripe for Pleasure
Description (source): London's most sensual former courtesan, Viola Whedon, is incapable of being seduced-she does the seducing. Until she meets Leonidas Vaughn. Her salacious memoirs have made her the target of half the lords in England, and Vaughn is the only man she can turn to. When he promises to protect her-and to make her beg for his touch-the alluring beauty finds both offers impossible to refuse.
Leonidas Vaughn secretly believes Viola possesses a fortune given to his family by the King of France. So the strong and sexy Vaughn charms his way into Viola's life . . . and her bed. But when their arrangement is consummated, he'll experience pleasure far beyond his wildest fantasies-and realize his heart may need the most protection of all. (Marketing copy)
Review source: netgalley
Plot: This is a combination of the maiden in danger plot and the deception plot. The twist is that the lady isn’t pure and innocent; she’s been around the block and likes her life the way it is.
Characters: I was quite taken with both the main characters. Viola is funny and knows what she wants, while Leo is fairly irresistible, even while the reader knows his motives aren’t pure. Secondary characters are fun as well, especially Viola’s girlfriends, the most sought-after courtesans in London.
Writing style: Lively, witty, and entertaining.
Audience: Readers of Regency romance who like their books a little on the spicy side.
Wrap-up: I’m definitely the audience for this book, and will be looking for more by Ms. Carr. 4/5*
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