| Title | : | Seducing Charlotte (Accidental Peers, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1622661036 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781622661039 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 229 |
| Publication | : | First published April 15, 2013 |
Worlds Collide...Yet, as a violent machine-breakers rebellion rages across England, an undeniable attraction flares between the passionate adversaries. Camryn vows to destroy the rebel movement, unaware that the spinster who has captured his heart, harbors a secret - a shocking connection to one of its leaders that could shatter them both.
Seducing Charlotte (Accidental Peers, #1) Reviews
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I picked up this book because the blurb reminded me of
North and South. Make no mistake, this is no North and South. This isn't even remotely similar to it.
Still, it was a nice, satisfying, albeit short read, but I'm afraid totally forgettable.
The characters were likable: a charming industrialist and an intelligent bluestocking. However, the story wasn't very original and lacked that something that grabs me in a book and makes me invested in the story and the characters. The pages keep turning though and it is exactly the light-hearted, quick read that you might want to read on a busy day as long as you don't raise your expectations too much.
As always, my main issue with the book was the sexual attraction between the MCs, which was, once more, over the top. They kissed, made out, had sex etc EVERY single time they met and in all impossible places. I don't understand why somebody would write an HR and not a CR if the sexual attraction/lust is the main focus of the book. The book opens with a woman that is not the heroine giving a BJ to the hero and the innocent heroine watching hidden. Of course, she didn't find that disgusting but hot. (Yes, all that in a period when women probably got to know what was inside a man's pants after they got married.) Need I say more?
Take it or leave it, it's your choice. You won't miss much, but it's not bad either. -
Don't let the Blurp stop you from reading this story. There is not a lot of sex in the story. Its pretty clam actually.
Willimena Duchess of Hartwell ask her cousin Camryn a Marquess to dance with her best friend Charlotte Livingston. She is a social activist. She is tall and a bit lanky. Not the full curvy women Cam likes. She is also, a bluestocking working to stop the Industrailization of Mills in England.
I didn't like Charlotte at first it took me quite a while to like her. I thought Camryn fell in love with her to easy. Considering she was against everything he was working to accomplish. But once you find out Charlottes reason for her beliefs you begin to understand her. When she is proven wrong she changes. I really like the way she protected Cam. She stopped the action when he was being set up by a social climbing Miss Mary. Mary was going to compromise herself to become Cam's Marchioness. Charlotte protected her man!! Love it.
I enjoyed the book once it came together. There are some things in the storyline that didn't quite make sense to me, but I will let other readers make up there own minds. -
Seducing Charlotte starts off with an illicit affair between the Marquess of Camryn and a married woman. She's...uh, well, she's giving him a blow job in the garden during a ball, and Charlotte sees it all! That's certainly a great way for our love interests to meet! Although their first proper meeting involves Charlotte asserting her position as a social reformist who is unhappy with the way Cam is running his businesses. At least how she assumes he's running them, and you know what they say about when you assume?
The romance of Seducing Charlotte starts of as the typical enemies to lovers type which I adore. At first glance, it seems like Cam is a womanizer, but that's not the case at all. He's just having a tryst in the garden. Charlotte is not exactly a model of propriety, since she watches the exchange with excited curiosity. Then they meet and butt heads. She is feisty and has strong opinions which shall not be swayed, and things get slightly heated between them whenever industrialization and the attacks on factories are brought up. Eventually, Cam convinces her to see his own factories and Charlotte realizes she's wrong, and things get heated in other ways!
As for the plot, it's directly connected to the romance. Seducing Charlotte is set during the time when industry is really taking off. Charlotte is appalled by the conditions of the factories she's visited and how so many people are out of work after being replaced by machines. However, she may be closer to the machine wreckers than she lets on, and is harboring a secret. It's why she refuses Cam's proposal despite their courting. I was worried that her secret was going to be something stupid, since I'm typically not a fan of the whole "I have a terrible secret that will make you not want me" plots. But it's not; it's actually something that could ruin Cam's ambitions. It wasn't shocking though.
I loved Seducing Charlotte in the beginning. The banter and bickering between Charlotte and Cam is entertaining and their chemistry is sizzling. I was definitely invested in their relationship, but not so much in the plot. Charlotte was a bit too stubborn at times, and I think she should have spilled her secret earlier. I still liked it though.
Read more of my reviews at
Pinkindle Reads & Reviews. -
Seducing Charlotte is a debut historical romance where textile mills and the Luddites play an integral part of the story. Miss Charlotte Livingston is the sister of Baron Shellborne and a bluestocking who spends her time writing pamphlets about the working conditions of the operating class and proposing free education for all. At a political salon sponsored by her friend Willa, the Duchess of Hartwell, she meets Willa's cousin, Cam (Arthur Stanhope, the Marquess of Camryn). Cam is an amiable bachelor, who is also an Industrialist and owns several textile mills. He believes technology is the future and invests in the latest machinery for his mills.
Cam and Charlotte are both a bit horrified when they each discover they are attracted to the other. Cam usually prefers more voluptuous women, and Charlotte cannot believe she is interested in a horrid factory owner. However, after a dance, a conversation, and an unexpected kiss, Cam realizes he is very much attracted to Charlotte's intelligence, honesty, and refreshing directness. Charlotte finds herself falling for Cam as well but hesitates because she believes their ideas of the working class are too much in opposition to each other. Also, she has a mysterious relationship with Nathan Fuller, a groom at Willa's estate, that even her brother Shellborne doesn't fully know about.
I really liked this romance. The writing is very tight and descriptive (although Cam's tight thighs and unruly amber hair probably got mentioned a bit too much). Cam and Charlotte feel like very real people with flaws - he has a bit of a temper and tends to say things he shouldn't when he's angry, and she can be stubborn and doesn't like to depend on others. Their attraction for each other was full of tension and steaminess. And, oh, some of the things Cam said to Charlotte just made me want to melt! He is quite the passionate romantic! I definitely recommend this book and can't wait for the next book "Tempting Bella."
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. -
Angsty
While I have started series this series out of order (usual for me somehow). I was happy to have met the original regal couple and their courtship. The story is interesting with it quick pace and well developed characters. Happy to be in regency setting where the women are of substance and men are progressive. Bravo. -
Enjoyable reading. Will definitely be reading more from this author. 4☆
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Originally posted on
What I'm Reading
First off, I should have finished Seducing Charlotte last night. However, sleep was calling my name and two late nights in a row would not do me any good. Yet, I really wanted to finished this book last night, because it was amazing! Seriously!
First off I loved the heroine Charlotte Livingston for a few reason: 1) Blue-stocking girl who cares about what is going on in her surroundings other than batting her eyelashes and acting coquette. 2) She has interest the beginnings of the industrial revolution (granted it was really coined yet, but you see the beginnings of what we would call the Industrial Revolution).
3) Not going to play the simpering miss because a Marquess has shown some interest in her.
Love heroines with a backbone. They tend to make the story more interesting.
Arthur Stanhope, Marquess of Camryn is not your typical Lord. He knows times the are changing and he has gotten his hands a tad bit dirty being an industrialist.
Love these two characters, because they bring a spice to the story. Especially, when you have a reformist and an industrialist, you wonder how are they going to get together? With their heat and passion they are perfect match for each. Plus, I love Cam, and his plan to make Charlotte his. However, he does get a bit jealous of Nathan Fuller and the attention Charlotte pays to him.
Here's the bottom line: LOVE SEDUCING CHARLOTTE! Yes, I'm shouting. I love the fast pace of the story and the tension between Charlotte and Cam. I really like how Charlotte puts others before her needs which is the key to the tension between Cam and her. So, if you are looking for hero who isn't your conventional lord and a heroine who sticks up for others, you might want to consider reading Seducing Charlotte.
Seriously, love this book and can't wait to see what Ms. Quincy will come up with next. Especially, since Cam does have brothers. I wonder if they will find love. Hmm.
copy provided by the publisher -
The story opens at a party with the jaded Marquess of Camryn receiving a sex act from a woman in a garden, at the completion of which he suffers mild regret. Not, as one might think for the crassness of the act, but the fact that the woman delivering it confesses she has a husband. Noises in the shrubbery alert him to the fact he has been observed, but this only bothers him briefly before he goes off to punch an acquaintance in the face for daring to force his attentions on a servant.
A young man with mixed values methinks, and once his host persuades him to dance Camry proclaims he will instantly search out a wallflower and ‘give her a turn’.
Thus when the wallflower appears in the shape of Miss Charlotte Livingstone, who is not your run of the mill Regency miss, being intellectual and socially aware with a penchant for Luddites, those who wrecked stocking machines because they were being deprived of their livings as weavers. When Charlotte discovers Camryn owns several textile factories, she immediately writes him off as one of the wealthy aristocracy without a moral compass.
I wasn’t disappointed in Charlotte, for despite the social etiquette of her age, she is not husband-hunting and totally immune to Camryn’s charm and not to be easily seduced - well actually she is, but not into becoming his wife.
I was ready to dislike Camryn, however, his personality develops well and in the end I wanted him to get together with Charlotte - and liked the fact Camryn has a dark side and isn’t the archetypical ‘brooding, misunderstood but perfect man’ made the story more believable.
Oh, and Charlotte has a secret, well two as it turns out, but I won’t reveal them here.
There is a fair amount of sensuality included in this novel as the pair fail to suppress their desire in various unoccupied rooms at their friends’ house. Sensual/Erotic romances aren’t something I usually seek out, but this was nicely done and in no way offensive. The innuendos are fun too.
An enjoyable, fast paced and interesting novel with well drawn and deserving characters. -
Camryn is a Marquess and an industrialist who finds himself intrigued by a Charlotte Livingston a bluestocking and a social reform. The chemistry and banter between these two had sparks flying, but a violent rebellion against the machine is sweeping across the countryside. Camryn leads the charge in thwarting this rebellion. While Charlotte is not immune to his charms the secrets, she harbors could destroy them all.
I love strong, confident, stubborn, inquisitive heroines and Charlotte was a breath of fresh air. She made me giggle one moment and shake my head in despair the next. Her stubborn and opinions could at times blind her and it was fun seeing her grow. Her heart is true; her cause is noble, and I wanted her to have it all. Camryn for a man of his social standing is very forward thinking making him a pioneer of sorts. Of course, he is swoon-worthy and at first I thought he was a complete scoundrel, but as Quincy peeled back his layers I found him to be irresistible, stubborn, stupid and totally kissable. LOL. Characters from Compromising Willa and Tempting Bella and it was wonderful seeing them.
Seducing Charlotte like the other novels in the Accidental Peers series featured a strong heroine who unwittingly gains the attention of a much sought after bachelor. Quincy infuses suspense, heat, a little angst and wicked chemistry that will keep the reader engaged. I find when I read her books I quickly become caught up in the tale, and find the romance to be genuine. The sex scenes are sensual without going into too much detail, and they heated the page from mere kisses to tantalizing teases. Charlotte’s secrets added suspense, danger and threatened the romance. Quincy paced the tale perfectly with highs and lows. While there is angst, she doesn’t overdue it or drag it out instead she allows my heart to race even as I know I will eventually get the happily ever after I desire. -
“Would you fight for love, Charlotte? No matter what the cost?” Her chest felt painfully hollow. “I don’t know.” But of course she already had. Just not in the way he meant. “Don’t you?” His face lowered to the side of her bare neck. The warmth of his lips, the roughness of the skin on his cheek, slid across her sensitive skin. He inhaled, as if savoring her essence. “I would, you know. I would not just fight. I would claw and scrape for it. I would, apparently, suffer untold humiliation for it. For you.”
That scene just floored me. Seducing Charlotte is a historical romance with a bluestocking leading lady and a titled leading man. Set among a fascinating backdrop this is one of the best historical romances I've read in a long time. I shall be looking for more from this author.
I'd like to thank Entangled Publishing for giving me a copy to read and review. It has been my pleasure. -
I really enjoyed this story. There were a lot of clever twists, and I liked the Luddite/Mill owner/Laborer plot points. Since the peerage were so slow to accept change, I loved that Cam was a forward thinker.
It's always nice when the hero discovers that the heroine is "The One" first and has to work to pursue her. The scene in the billard room was HAWT.
Kudos to Ms. Quincy! This was a thoroughly delightful debut and I look forward to more stories by this author. -
Much ado about nothing. ..at all. No real tension, no drama. We were promised a big clash and got two children who fell. Not even a scratch, just lotsa cries. The mothers were absolutely calm. What is this book about? Girl meets boy :)
If this is enough for you, lovely story, fresh enough. Too bland for me. -
Thanks to Stella for this charming book. Her review is so good that I was eager to read the book when I read it. So I'll share her review :
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I'll definitely read author's other books too. She's really good! -
I read some good reviews, but this was not up to par. The characters didn't pull me in and their chemistry didn't always make sense. I felt as if the characters needed a bit more polish to reach their potential. It was a good promising start, but the ending didn't live up to the hype.
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'Seducing Charlotte' was quite an enjoyable debut read by Diana Quincy. I really am looking forward to 'TEMPTING BELLA' this fall!!
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Arthur Stanhope, Marquess of Camryn, is one of London's most eligible bachelors. In addition to newly coming into his inheritance and being a successful industrialist, he's devastatingly handsome and charming. He could have his pick of the women of the British aristocracy, but Cam has no interest in marriage - until he gets to know Charlotte Livingston, a close friend of his cousin, Willa. Charlotte seems an unlikely choice for the dashing marquess - she's not particularly beautiful and she's much more opinionated than a lady should be. But Cam sees something in her that no one else does and he's determined to make her his wife.
Oh, Diana Quincy, you've done it again.
If you follow my reviews, you may recall that I recently reviewed the third book in Quincy's Accidental Peer series (Compromising Willa) and you may also remember that I absolutely loved it. Well, Diana Quincy herself saw my review and she was kind enough to send me copies of the previous two books in the series so I could review those as well! Although Seducing Charlotte is the first book in the series, chronologically it takes place after Compromising Willa, which is an interesting way to have done things, I think. But it definitely worked, especially if you're like me and you're not exactly reading the series in order.
After reading Compromising Willa, I had high expectations for this book. Diana Quincy met all of them and even surpassed them. It took me longer than I would have liked to get around to reading this because I had other reading obligations and holiday celebrations, but when I finally sat down to start this yesterday, I couldn't put it down. It's a page-turner for sure and I quickly became completely absorbed in the story.
I think that Cam is probably my favorite leading man in a romance so far. I probably fell in love with him almost as much as Charlotte did, haha. He has a great sense of humor and an innate sense of justice. He also can be manipulative, but personally, I could forgive him for that because it was all in the name of winning over Charlotte's heart and convincing her that together, they could overcome anything. I think what was most awesome about him was that he fell in love with Charlotte even though she wasn't the obvious choice for him. I mean, she was because it's a romance novel and the whole point is to get them together, BUT even he admits that she's NOT the most beautiful woman he's ever met. He actually finds her boring when they first meet and he dreads having to dance with her. But after having a conversation with her, he falls in love with her personality and soon enough his eyes are opened to her less obvious physical charms. In a genre filled with voluptuous, perfect women, this was a refreshing change.
I loved Charlotte, too. She's a forward-thinker, much as Willa was, but even more radical. She absolutely refuses to compromise her political beliefs to please a man and this has put her in danger of spinsterhood. When she does fall in love with Cam, she's selfless enough to avoid marriage out of fear of compromising his political career because of some of her unsavory connections. I have to admit, after a while this did get a bit old because I was so desperate for them to just end up together, but everything worked out in the end :) Their romance was passionate and sweet and just wonderful in every way! I especially liked the epilogue, because it gave us a glimpse at how happy they truly were once they ended up together.
The only part of the novel that I did find to be predictable was the circumstances with Nathan Fuller. Out of respect for spoilers, I will not reveal anything here, but I did find it pretty easy to read between the lines with him. But other than that, I have no complaints as far as the plot is concerned.
This was a pleasure to read. I cannot wait to read Tempting Bella, book two in the series, which I think focuses on Cam's brother, Sebastian, and his wife - at least, that was the impression I got from the end of this book. I'm definitely going to be looking for more from Diana Quincy and I hope that she decides to continue writing this series! I think a book about Margaret Selwyn would be especially interesting - she's such an evil person in this book, I think it would be really cool to read more about her story and see if she ever redeems herself. Anyway, if you're a fan of historical romance novels, I highly recommend that you try something by Diana Quincy - you will NOT be disappointed!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author, but in no way did this influence my review. -
I decided to read Seducing Charlotte because the blurb reminded me a lot of the story of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (where Richard Armitage played the hero Mr. Thornton in the TV adaptation), and although the story and its tone was quite different (Seducing Charlotte was much lighter, less gloomy) I enjoyed it a lot!
Seducing Charlotte was Diana Quincy's debut novel (and the first in her Accidental Peers series) and it blew me away! The writing flew smoothly, the story was captivating, the characters were loveable and their romance had me devouring the pages!
I enjoyed that Charlotte was an ordinary heroine: she was no stunning beauty
"He’d always assumed a lack of eligible suitors accounted for her spinster status. In the glittering atmosphere of the Ton, he’d mistaken her clean simplicity for plainness, but others had not made the same error. This evening, she shined, appearing to be in her element as she commanded attention and interest. Charlotte Livingston was a diamond who could easily be mistaken for plain glass if one didn’t look carefully enough to appreciate all of her brilliant facets."
but she was intelligent, charming and kind. She was a woman I could easily see myself befriending in real life. It was refreshing that she had valid and thought-provoking, complex thoughts and opinions and she wasn't afraid of voicing them. She was a very modern, independent and smart woman not only the hero but I could respect as well.
"The person I perceived you to be is the smartest and most humane woman I have had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with, a woman who speaks her mind, who is full of visions for the future that fire my blood and take my breath away. A woman who satisfies every hunger in me, who answers questions in my very soul I did not even know I had." [...] "Not a weak or fearful woman who refuses to reach for what she wants. Not a liar. Not a woman who cowers in front of any man, much less a servant."
As for the hero, Cam was a worthy hero in every sense of the word. He was honourable, warmhearted and sexy, I was swooning for him even though I didn't have the visual bliss of seeing Richard Armitage play him ;-) lol He was wonderfully intense and many of his lines made it hard for me to swallow, like this one:
"She swallowed hard, a useless attempt to ease the strangled feeling in her throat. “What will you do now?”
“You know what I must do.” Regret glinted his eyes. “It would be wrong of me to allow more people to die when it is within my power to put a halt to the violence.” He reached for the door and hesitated, turning to lock gazes with her. The fine creases around his sunlit green eyes seemed to have deepened overnight.“But also know this.There will never be another woman for me. I have already taken you to wife in every way that matters. When you leave me, there will be no other. You are the wife of my heart."
Can you say 'aww'? *dreamy sighs*
I LOVED reading Charlotte and Cam's interactions, their dialogues (=mostly disputes) were meaningful, intelligent yet teasing and bantering at the same time. To see their romance develop through their heated discussions was one of my favourite things in this novel.
"Their fiery intellectual connection, coupled with an astounding physical attraction, left him feeling keenly aware of what had been missing in his life."
Verdict: Don't let the somewhat dry blurb scare you off, Seducing Charlotte is an engaging, exciting and passionate romance you'll devour in no time. Diana Quincy's writing style and storytelling were captivating, the characters were delightful, I loved that the heroine was such a sharp, outspoken woman and I had a serious crush on the sexy and warmhearted hero. In short, Seducing Charlotte was a delight, I discovered a new favourite author and I can't wait to read more stories by Diana Quincy!!
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Writing 9/10
Ending: 8/10
Cover: 10/10 -
Also reviewed on my blog Zili in the Sky
I was given a copy for review purposes, but opinions expressed in the following review are my own.
What they say (blurb & book info): Even if he is the catch of the season, Charlotte Livingston has a low opinion of the wildly handsome Marquess of Camryn. He’s an industrialist who thinks nothing of replacing workers with machines, depriving them of an honest living. Camryn is everything a social reformer like Charlotte detests. Besides, her loyalty belongs to another man.
Yet, as a violent machine-breakers rebellion rages across England, an undeniable attraction flares between the passionate adversaries. Camryn vows to destroy the rebel movement, unaware that the spinster who has captured his heart, harbors a secret - a shocking connection to one of its leaders that could shatter them both.
•Published by Entangled Publishing. The ebook has 222 pages.
The historical fiction genre is often very hit or miss. There are dozens currently available, and with Amazon offering many historical romances for free download the selection is huge. However, as a whole most of these are really bad, but luckily Seducing Charlotte is not one of them. Seducing Charlotte is an interesting read with a fun and believable heroine, and an equally charming hero.
On to the story - Set in the early beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, Seducing Charlotte focuses on Charlotte Livingston, the unmarried daughter and sister of a Baron. Unlike many women of her time Charlotte values truth and intellect rather than fancy dresses and marrying well. Charlotte is very conscious of the social inequalities between the working class and the gentry. She stands up for worker rights and believes that education should be readily available for all.
Charlotte could quite easily have been standoffish or condescending, but she is neither of these. Diana Quincy has created a forward thinking leading lady, who is really likeable.
The story is also told from the POV of Arthur 'Cam' Stanhop, the Marquess of Camryn. Cam may be a Lord but he is also a factory owner, an industrialist who believes machines are the way forward. Very early on Cam, a former rogue, decides that he wants Charlotte and is unrelenting in his pursuit of her.
There are many twist and turns, several misunderstandings, a scheming social climber and a whole load of heat. Charlotte's forthrightness makes for an interesting read because she says and does many things polite young women should never think, let alone do or say. This often lands her in hot water (I won't go into detail as this is quite spoilery).
I hadn't expected to like Cam, I was expecting your typical controlling, rich Lord, but he is so much more than that. Yes, he sufferers from jealousy (hello Nathan) and fights the urge to be controlling, but he genuinely cares about his employees and seeking justice. The sexual tension between Charlotte and Cam is immense and the romance is really sweet.
My fav non-spoilery quotes:
•"I went riding with the lady." Cam scowled at his brother. "I didn't ravish her."
•Opening her eyes, she smiled weakly. "Don't worry, I shan't take advantage of you."
•"I find am I drawn to magnificent creatures who appear untamable."
•"Don't push me. You've no idea what I'm capable of." Charlotte slammed the dressing room door on the woman's flushed, outraged face. -
Loved this book! Seducing Charlotte is a different historical romance and that's what made it so great.
I love how this book was set in the conflict of industrialism versus reformists. That's a very interesting time, full of conflict, tension, and the beginnings of the modern world. The fact that the hero and heroine are on different sides of the conflict made this very fun to read and gave an element of tension in the romance.
Charlotte is staunchly reformist. From the factories she has seen, she has decided to be a firm supporter of traditional methods that preserve workers' livelihood. I liked that she was so strong in her opinions and so determined to defend them. However, I thought it was unfair of her to be so quick to lump Cam into the group of cold-hearted industrialists who didn't care about their workers. He repeatedly told her that his factory was different and that she should see it before making judgments, but she was intent on thinking badly of him. But, this was only a small annoyance, quickly forgotten when she finally gave Cam a chance. Overall, she was a great heroine-strong, determined, and willing to admit she was wrong. By the end, I really liked her.
Cam was just as wonderful. He might be an industrialist, but he wasn't an indifferent owner who cared only about profit. He was a forward thinker who tried to do what was best for both the factory and the workers. That alone made me like him. But, he was also very sweet and the kind of man who wouldn't betray his morals. Despite some evidence to the contrary, he was a true gentleman. He was definitely an easy hero to adore.
The romance in this book was brilliantly done. I really liked that, despite being on opposite sides of a conflict (at least in the beginning), they still fell for each other. They were sweet together. And the sparks between them had me fanning my face ;)
There is another important character, but I don't want to give away too much about him or his role. Let's just say he was a game changer. I really liked his character and how he was portrayed.
The plot was fast paced. There were surprises and secrets. I was totally hooked the entire way through, unable to put down this book. And the ending was perfect.
Seducing Charlotte was a wonderful historical romance. If you like this genre, you should totally read this book.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled: Scandalous for a copy! -
Here’s the deal. Even though this is the first book in the series and the début for Ms. Quincy, if you want to read this series in order, you should read Willa’s story first, then Charlotte’s second and Bella’s story is the last in the series. For some reason ‘the men in suits’ that bought these stories, decided they should be published out-of-order. Don’t ask!
Okay, now that I got that out-of-the-way, let me tell you why I loved this story.
Charlotte. Charlotte. Charlotte.
I thought the characterization of this young woman was wonderful. She was such a mixture of innocence and maturity that you couldn’t help but like her. She’s much more than just a bluestocking. She’s passionate about her causes but also about life and people she loves. She doesn’t cower and when confronted, is terrible at lying and is more than capable standing up for herself and those that need her protection. The dialogue between Cam and Charlotte is intense, intelligent and intriguing.
Arthur Stanhope, Marquess of Camryn, [Willa’s cousin who inherited her father’s title] is one of those heroes we can’t help but love. He’s the oldest of four brothers; Sebastian, Basil and Will do make an appearance and all are interesting and mischievous in their own right.
Cam always knew he would inherit the title from his uncle and he was ready to take on that challenge and take on more by involving himself within the industries that have shaped the future of his country despite many oppositions in its and his path.
It was interesting watching this privileged man slowly reviling himself to Charlotte in small increments, so we would get the full impact of his character as she did.
I was also impressed by this author’s research and it shows as she introduces her audience to the history of manufacturing, and the masses that were affected by it, aristocracy as well as the common man.
If you’re looking for a well-written, well researched and interesting, entertaining and fun read, this is a must read.
*Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by the author -
The only reason that this story isn't getting a one star review is because it did manage to keep me fairly entertained. Another reason for the higher star review is that if the author had changed some things it could have been a great story. I'm going to start with the most obvious problem, the era that the story is supposed to be set in versus the era that the story was actually set in. Right at the beginning of the book the author tells you that the story is set in England in the year 1811. However, all of the elements of the story (except perhaps the clothing choices which appeared to be part historical and a good part purely from the author's own imagination) were set in the Industrial Revolution time period which is circa the 1850's at the absolute earliest to the early 1900's at the latest. I would hazard a guess that the closest probable year the story is actually set in would be somewhere in the 1870's. So as you can imagine the time setting being so spectacularly off made for quite a confusing jumble of a read. Also, as a fan of historical romance and a life-long history buff, I found this complete disregard of historical fact or courtesy to be offensive. The second problem that really got to me when I started this book is that the story starts in such a way that you question where the first several chapters have gone off to because they should have been there and weren't. The third and possibly the most damning problem for this story is the underdeveloped nature of all of the characters. You would hardly start to be introduced to a character before nicknames and titles were being used in place of their actual names leading to even more confusion and dissatisfaction with the story. There was one more thing I wanted to mention since it is a personal pet peeve and that would be the fact that the author would start to be descriptive and steamy during intimate scenes with the lead characters before chickening out and finishing the scene in very vague terms. I had been hoping that the intimate scenes would redeem the story but sadly that was not meant to be.
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I liked the author’s style of writing & the storyline was good with a background of the emerging industrial revolution; not something that I've come across much of in the historical romances I've read to date. Very good chemistry between the hero and heroine and a host of interesting secondary characters.
The heroine is just the type I like; a bluestocking - she even writes articles, forward thinking for that time & age who recognized that what the oppression needed was an alternative means of providing for their families & was advocating free education for the common people. She's forthright & speaks her mind; doesn't simper or act the mindless coquette. I loved that she’s a terrible liar & that the hero was astute enough (& that he noticed) to know when she was telling a fib.
The 2 characters start off somewhat antagonistically; him thinking her plain & of no charms while she dislikes him for what she thinks is his opposing principles in depriving workers of a living by replacing them with machines. His opinion of her rapidly reverses the minute he actually gets to know her. He's entranced by her intelligence.
I look forward to reading more from this author and hopefully soon! -
Who knew a simple sneeze could embody a heroine’s character so beautifully?
In SEDUCING CHARLOTTE, the heroine Charlotte Livingston is a wonderfully earthy character. She’s practical, and cares about the lives around her than ballroom etiquette. She’s a thinker, with a social consciousness, who refuses to accept her world as it is.
So, when she meets an industrialist, Lord Camryn, she has her work cut out for her. Not only does she attempt to reform him, and the conditions at his factory, but she struggles to remain logical when her heightening sensuality towards Cam.
An earthy sensuality that the hero cannot overlook.
SEDUCING CHARLOTTE is a terrific read. An unconventional story with an abundance of sexual tension mixed with a wonderfully refreshing plot.
Ms. Quincy has a way with words. I’m really looking forward to reading another of her books. Maybe Sabastian’s story is next? -
SEDUCING CHARLOTTE by Diane Quincy is an exciting Regency historical romance. "The Accidental Peers" series. Debut novel and what a debut. Quick,fun read that is fast paced and passion filled. Filled with industry,textile mills,secrets,and did I mention passion. Follow,Charlotte Livingston and Marquess of Camryn on a journey of passion,through England,as a rebellion begins against the Textile industry. With the textile machine breakers getting increasing violent,a secret Charlotte harbors could destroy not only their budding romance but their lives and that of their friends. A wonderful debut. I can hardly wait for the next installment in "The Accidental Peers". Ms. Quincy has written an intriguing plot with engaging characters. A must read for any historical romance readers.Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR,(Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More) -
I truly enjoyed this debut book by Diana Quincy. I liked the distrust factor brought about by Cam being an industrialist. Charlotte holds strong to her opinions and isn't afraid to speak her mind. Although not not as classically beautiful as the ladies he sought out, Cam is drawn to Charlotte and appreciates her mind and ideas. He sees beyond the surface to the beauty she is, both inside and out.
I look forward to reading the next book by Ms. Quincy. -
Loved the earthy, socially conscious heroine (Charlotte) and her hero, Cam. Set against the Luddite uprisings, this book gave a fresh perspective on historical romance.
The fact that, for once, you saw the hero falling in love first and having to convince the heroine was a refreshing twist. The love scenes were spicy, and left me wanting more of them.
Great job by a debut author. I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Quincy's books. -
If you are looking for something new in a tried and true genre, check out Seducing Charlotte by debut author Diana Quincy. Strong heroine, a hero unafraid to declare his intentions or his imperfections. This book is fast paced and will keep you turning the page. Ms. Quincy has a fresh perspective in the genre with the potential to lead the charge in a new wave of Historical Romance.
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I didn't realize this was the first book in a series until after I finished. There were other couples that I thought were carried over from previous novels. I felt like I might be missing some background information but I guess not.
Very sweet romance with a former rake and plain but intelligent woman. I love when the hero falls hard and really appreciates the heroine. -
It was interesting what Charlotte thought of Lord Camryn and his factories. Cam showed Charlotte he was not like other factory owners. Cam realized that Charlotte was not an airhead and could carry on a conversation. Charlotte and Cam's opinion of each other changed after dancing and talking. It was interesting what these two went through to be together. It was a really good book!
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A book with a plot that is driven only by lust. It had the making of a good book but the author's choice to force lust and sex into every scene made it intolerable. Even when Charlotte thought Cam was going to have her brother hanged, the author still thought it was a good idea for them to have sex before he does it. I mean how ridiculous!!! I don't know how I managed to finish the book.
