Historical Romance Book Club discussion
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Lessons of Desire
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BOTM 2 - June 2021 - Lessons of Desire
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It's been a while since I read it so I think I will try to join in. I am a bit behind on my reading, unfortunately.
I'm planning on it. I'me reading book one right now.
I am reading it now. But, somehow not liking it so much.
I read this one a while back. What I remember is that I was disappointed in Elliot's portrayal in this one after loving him in book #1. I'll be interested to hear others' takes on it.
The blurb isn't appealing to me at the moment, so I'll skip this one.
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Its so boring. Not sure if I will be able to finish it
For me, things started to go downhill (code for: I'm very bored and annoyed) around p. 70 in Ch. 5 (paperback). From there it was a very long slog to where my bookmark is currently at rest (for quite a few days now) at start of Ch. 17. I spent 12 chapters trying to put my finger on just what it is I find so annoying, b/c to be fair there were some things in the beginning that I liked. I do plan to come back to it and just flog myself through the rest, lol.
I really liked this book and in fact the whole series, especially the first three books (this is Book 2). I've read this one twice now, and the first time it did drag a little around the section where (view spoiler). But it picked up again and in the end I gave it 4 stars.I really liked both Phaedra and Elliott. I liked Elliott's serious and nerdy side, and his patience and understanding with Phaedra. They are lovely together, and there is real chemistry between them.
I think over the book, Hunter did a really good job of giving you an understanding of Phaedra and why she was the way she was. An unusual heroine, but Hunter succeeded in making me like her.
I also liked the little mystery throughout the book related to (view spoiler)
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Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I have start listening to this. I believe my first read was a listen also. I wonder if listening is disguising the boring bits, as I am enjoying it. I doubt the 5-star rating will hold up for me, b..."How is the narrator, Joanna? I didn't care for the narrator of the first book. I was able to finish, but I won't seek out any others by her.
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I have been liking the narrator. I didn’t realize they were different but I have listened to Susan Duerden, who narrates the first book, plenty and find her to be hit or miss IMO. I think this might be the only book that I have listened to by Jill Tanner. So far I like her.
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On the whole the book was rather boring. It should have been good - there was lots of intrigue, exotic settings, and I love series about a family where you get to know all the family members and their relationships (think Bridgertons, MacKenzies....). But it just seemed to be "argue, sex, argue sex, argue, sex, sex". Don't get me wrong I don't mind the sex, but there was a lot of it and I suspect it was because other than lust these two characters were not actually well matched and I did not really believe in the romance. I suspect the lust will pass and they will both end up wondering what the hell they have done.
I also found the sojourn in Italy very long winded. When Phaedra and Elliot were in (view spoiler).
I enjoyed the first book, but I am not sure I will continue onto book 3.
On a side note - I do not think it fit the trope - Siblings best friend. This was brother's new wife's best friend. There was no long standing connection; there was minimal to no conflict because she was his brothers wife's friend (OK he felt he should do the right thing by her, but that was about it). That was how they met - and there was not much more to it. I actually think it would have been a far better book with more Rothwells and less Phaedra.....
I am starting this book tonight. I finished BOTM 1 in about two days and one comment, but I got this month off to a late start. This will be my second book to read by Madeline Hunter - mostly because my library does not have her books. The first was not memorable and apparently mediocre as I rated it 3 starts. I am hoping to enjoy this one more.
I started this last night and I’m around 20%. I’ll give it to 30% before I consider giving it up, but I’m struggling. The H/h dynamics are all wrong for me and Elliott is completely different than he comes across in the first book and I don’t like him as much. It makes me sad. I enjoyed the first book and would like to read Christian’s, so I might just forge through since I’m all about reading in order.I’m listening to the audio and while I don’t mind the narration, I’m concerned that maybe her interpretation of the dialogue and characterizations are altering the story for me as well? Difficult to know.
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I had some trouble following at times, but I think that was due to my lengthy breaks between listening.
I finished it up today.
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I think the narrator affected my enjoyment too. At first it worked ok, but then I started to not like it so much.
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I know many are not a fan of Phaedra, but I think she’s well-characterized. I like her better than Elliot, overall. Her mother seems to be modeled after Mary Wolstencraft, and so Phaedra is raised in those principals. I liked that cultural pressures forced change on her and that was struggle. I am not sure how I feel of all the conclusions. I think it ultimately doesn’t feel very triumphant due to it being a path Phaedra didn’t want and was forced down.
Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "T. wrote: "I started this last night and I’m around 20%. I’ll give it to 30% before I consider giving it up, but I’m struggling. The H/h dynamics are all wrong for me and Elliott is completely diff..."Jan, after finishing the audiobook, I realized that the narrator doesn't change tone or cadence and that's why I didn't care for her. She's just like Justine Eyre in that way. I had to stop listening to any books by JE, because the dialogue in every scene, whether it was formal, intimate, or tender, sounded overly formal.
This isn't capturing my interest. Not sure if I will finish late or give up.
Happy Reading!
Lessons of Desire by Madeline Hunter
Handsome, suave, and carnal as the devil, Lord Elliot Rothwell awaits readers in Lessons of Desire, bestselling author Madeline Hunter’s latest book in the Rothwell series and her most provocative novel to date. A man used to getting what he wants, Elliot is every woman’s most secret fantasy in the living flesh.
He first appears beneath her prison window as her savior—a sinfully attractive man whose charm and connections have ensured her release from an unjust arrest. But author and publisher Phaedra Blair quickly learns that the price of her “freedom” is to be virtually bound to her irresistible rescuer. For Elliot Rothwell didn’t come solely on a mission of goodwill. He came to extract a promise that Phaedra won’t publish a slanderous manuscript that could destroy his family’s name, and he’s not above bribery, threats, or bedding her to get his way. And with each erotic encounter raising the stakes between them, Elliot discovers he’s ever more reluctant to lose this sensual game…or the one woman who’s every bit his match.