| Title | : | As You Are (The Jonquil Brothers, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781621085751 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 193 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2008 |
According to his brothers, Corbin need only make a few simple changes to transform himself into the object of any woman's desire - dubious advice, indeed. Following a series of misadventures, Corbin and Clara slowly lower the facades behind which they've been hiding, leaving Corbin shocked by the horrors that haunt the woman he's coming to care for so ardently. When the menace of Clara's past threatens to tear them apart and tensions mount, will the couple have the courage to fight for the promise of forever?
As You Are (The Jonquil Brothers, #3) Reviews
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Corbin is my favorite of the Jonquil brothers and I just loved his story! His quiet confidence is so appealing, and his uncertainty around women and Clara in particular is endearing. I love how protective he is of her and the way he helps her son through his horses. Loved the tension between Corbin and Clara and the sweet romance.
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This is a nice addition to the Jonquil Brothers series. It's not my favorite in the series, deals with some serious issues so its not as light as I usually like. It was fun seeing the Jonquin's come together to help out Clara and Corbin. They're both likable characters and you cant help turning the pages to see how these two will ever come together.
Overall, a great series and one I would recommend.
Content
Romance: Clean, just kisses
Language: None
Violence: Moderate, talks about abuse, mild violence
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The Jonquil brothers just keep getting better and better! I really liked As You Are. :)
Saying Corbin is extremely shy is kind of an understatement. He not only has a hard time talking and expressing himself with his peers but also his family... which, in my opinion, is really sad. Poor Clara has been put through the wringer WAY too many times throughout her life. She doesn't trust men at all... which is totally understandable considering her past. Corbin and Clara were perfect for each other. They each balanced and strengthened one another... both knowing exactly what the other needed. :) I do have to say I'm curious to know what's going to happen with them in the future. I have no doubt that Clara will only blossom from Corbin's love but will he ever be able to overcome his shyness?! One would think that would be extremely hard on a marriage... never being able to express your thoughts and feelings?! Hopefully her love will be what helps him as well.
Edmund and Alice are totally adorable and you instantly fall in love with them. I loved seeing them become more confident and happy because of the love Corbin showed them. It made my heart smile seeing how good he was with them. He was just what they needed as well. :)
I really enjoyed seeing all the other characters in previous books. It was like a reunion and made me want to read all of their stories again. Looking forward to reading more from this series. :) -
Corbin is in love with his new neighbor. He fell in love with her at first sight and is willing to do almost anything to court the beautiful young widow. Problem is . . . he can’t talk to her. Has never really been good at talking to anyone; and with Clara, the process is utterly impossible.
Clara is afraid of men, with good reason. Every man she has ever known—her father, her husband, her husband’s brother—has treated her with disrespect. And violence. She has no interest in being courted, especially by a man who treats her with such disdain he refuses to speak to her.
Fortunately, Clara has two children. Alice, who at age two really doesn’t need conversation to catch onto the fact that Corbin’s courting antics are really . . . hilarious. And Edmund, who wants more than anything to ride a horse. A dream for which Clara Bentley is willing to walk through fire in order to make a reality.
So happens Corbin breeds horses.
Wow! I started this novel around 6:00 p.m. and stayed up until 3:00 a.m. to finish it. The obstacles are incredible, the children are fabulous, and you just can’t help yourself from rooting for Corbin. Add to that a serious depiction of the almost powerless position women in the 18th century faced, particularly with regard to the law, when dealing with violence; and I could not put this down. I’ll definitely be splurging on my own copy. So good. -
I can't help it. I love Sarah Eden's books. They just fill up that favorite historical clean romance place that I love. The male lead, Corbin, isn't your usual "type" of lead but he is a gentleman in every sense of the word and I loved that. Painfully shy, can't string together two sentences let alone one most of the time but gentle and full of love and loyalty. Love Corbin, love his family, love this series.
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As You Are was another delightful regency romance read from Sarah Eden. I loved how it centered around an unconventional hero. Corbin is such a good, gentle man, and his incredible shyness made the development of his and Clara’s relationship adorably awkward yet so endearing. Despite him finding it difficult to express himself through words, I loved how he showed his tenderness and love through his sweet actions as he helped Clara and her children heal from their years of abuse.
I really liked Clara as well. Although she went through difficult times, it was wonderful how she didn't let her trials define her; instead, she relied on her inner strength to do what she thought was best for herself and her children. Edmund and Alice are totally adorable, and it was delightful watching them blossom under the loving influence of a good man. Corbin's difficulties in communicating and Clara’s distrust of men made for some interesting tension in their relationship. They were perfect for each other, each balancing and strengthening one another.
Although the book focuses on some dark themes (abuse), there was so much sweetness in it, as well as humor. Watching Corbin's attempts to change himself (due to the urgings of his brothers and their poor advice) in order for Clara to notice him was amusingly awkward, but with it came the wonderful message that we don’t have to change who we are to find love. Our perfect match will fall in love with us, just as we are. <3 -
Corbin Jonquil is a man who has a hard time expressing himself. He becomes awkward and speaks in broken sentences. His condition is amplifies when a lovely widow moves in to the residence closest to his home. She immediately catches his attention and his interest.
Mrs. Clara Bentford is fleeing her past. She wants to begin a new life away from the memories and the presence of a man who wants to hurt her, her daughter, and her nephew. She hopes that this town will provide the shelter and peace that she desires.
I loved the advice that Corbin's family gave him to get Clara's attention. It was funny when he tried things he wasn't comfortable with. I appreciated the message that it's best to be yourself. People will like you when you are your true self and not trying to be someone else.
This book is very easy to read. It pulls you into the story and keeps your mind there. It was fun to catch up with the Jonquil's. This is the third book featuring a member of the family. While it is part of a series, they can be read alone. I have only read the first and now the third and didn't feel lost or that I was missing keys to the plot.
If you want a great book to read, you can't go wrong with reading one by Sarah M. Eden. She does a great job at writing the story and leaving you feeling satisfied when you finish. -
1.5 stars.
I adore a good, clean read and actually prefer no smut, but that can't be all a book offers me. While I appreciate the author's attempt to offer a story that's very wholesome and sweet, the MCs were woefully underdeveloped. When I feel I can adequately describe either MC with one word, it's not a good thing. For most of the story, the H was awkward and the h was scared. He stuttered and stammered a lot; she had to constantly remind herself not to be scared. I had hopes that this would be as charming as
The Sheriffs of Savage Wells, but it missed the mark. -
4.75 stars - pg/mild pg13
I loved it! (Surprise! Surprise!) Sweet story, except.... I was holding my breath throughout, just waiting for the villain to finally show up around the nextcornerpage. Love this author! Love this large fictional family of well-raised, true gentlemen who can always be counted on to support each other and to show respect to the women around them, starting with their mother! I rarely re-read books; Sarah Eden's books are one of the exceptions (along with Georgette Heyer) -- I will gladly re-read hers for years to come. So far I've read this one twice and loved it just as much both times. -
April 2014: I love Sarah Eden. She hasn't disappointed with any of her books. I loved Corbin Jonquil and his poor shy, socially awkward self. He was just a sweetheart. I cheered for him the whole book. <3
Re-read Dec. 2014... 5 stars... Love it.
Re-read March 2017: 1 of my all time favorite books! Corbin, you are my favorite Jonquil brother. Absolutely perfect, just as you are! (See what I did there? ;) -
A fun and engaging retelling of Anne Brontë's novel "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," which is one of my all-time favorite novels, so of course I enjoyed this one too.
Although, "As You Are" is set earlier than "Wildfell Hall," so does that still qualify as a retelling? . . . Pretelling? -
4.5 stars. Definitely my favorite sarah eden book. It had me hooked right from the dedication page. So sweet. I really loved that the guy is not at all a typical romantic hero. It was refreshing. Glad I bought it.
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2.5 stars
just ok...lacks depth. found myself wanting to get to the end so I could move on to something else. -
3.75 stars... for the darkness
Corbin Jonquil has always been the quiet brother. He struggles to get words out and has always been more comfortable with horses than people. Then he spies the beautiful young widow, Mrs. Bentford at church and he's smitten. While it's easy to play peek-a-book with her young daughter, it's a lot harder to actually make conversation with the lady. Clara Bentford isn't sure what to make of Mr. Jonquil's attentions. He seems disapproving and taciturn, probably because he's so far above her station. She finds it easiest to avoid him if possible, just as she has plans to avoid ALL men. When her nephew, Edmund, asks for a horse, Clara knows she can't afford it, but it's the only thing he's ever asked her for. How can she deny Edmund? Clara strikes a deal with Corbin and Edmund soon finds a loving home in the stables of Havenworth . Through Edmund, Corbin glimpses hints of Clara's horrific past. Clara is overwhelmed when the Jonquils descend en masse upon Corbin's estate but when someone from her past shows up at her door, she has no one to turn to but Corbin. The Jonquils always stick together, no matter what. Can they save Clara and help Corbin find happiness?
This story is a little darker than I prefer. It didn't turn out to be as dark as I expected though. The plot is a little slow and tough to read until about the 40% mark. After that I had a hard time putting it down. The romance is sweet. Corbin has never loved a woman before and doesn't have any experience with women at all. Because of his shy nature, the romance is a slow burn. I wanted to shake Corbin at the end though. I wondered why no one asked whether he had "put it to the touch." He's shy but surely after all the drama he could make his wishes a little more clear? I thought that part dragged the story out a little too long. There's one minor plot point left unresolved. Why does Clara think the maid's name Fanny sounds familiar? That was odd. Thank you to the GoodReads reader who was paying attention and answered the question.
Corbin is my second favorite of the Jonquil brothers, behind Philip. I like Corbin for who is is and wished his brothers had butted out and not given advice. Jason's advice is the absolute worst, especially for the lady in question. Corbin's interpretation of it, however, is hilarious. Corbin has the kindest heart of them all but when the people he loves are threatened, he turns into a different man. He isn't shy in confronting villains. Clara is an admirable heroine to survive all she's been through. I gather, reading between the lines, her father was abusive and sold her off in marriage to a man just like him, probably a crony. Mr. Brentford and Mr. Brentford are the worst sort of bullies. While Clara's husband was within the law, his brother is not. However, I'm uncertain he can disinherit a girl child just because. Mr. Finley is cut from the same cloth and my heart went out to Clara. She's been so strong for so long, holding on and doing what she can to survive. I'm sure there were more unendurable horrors in her past she hasn't shared with Corbin.
Corbin's relationship with the children is very sweet, especially little Alice. Alice is younger and less precocious than Caroline. She's actually kind of sweet. I like her weekly peek-a-boo games with "Mister." Edmund is a good kid. He's been through a lot, losing his parents, putting up with the most horrendous of men who don't care to look out for him and it has caused him to withdraw into himself. I think Corbin sees a lot of himself in Edmund- quiet, shy and lacking in confidence. What he does for Edmund is very kind.
I loved catching up with the Jonquils. It's a little silly to have them ALL suddenly arrive on Corbin's doorstep. I'm so glad to know what happens with Sorrel but I still worry about her. Can she have children safely? It's not as if Philip really NEEDS an heir, not with all those brothers, but I think he'd make a great father. I absolutely loved how Layton is now telling stories. He doesn't tell them right, the way Marion does, but it's very sweet how he seems to have adopted her way of giving advice. I did not like Caroline. She's super bratty and obnoxious in this book. Crispin and Catherine also play a large role in the story. She alone knows what Clara has been through and is still going through. I thought she would have been a good choice to join the family meeting but when it was revealed why they chose Marion, that made sense too. Also, Marion is so cheerful and soothing. She can help anyone overcome anything.
I LOVED meeting Mariposa! Sanctimonious Jason has met his match in her. Good! He needs someone as intellectual and cerebral as he is and someone who will keep him on his toes.
Wise and loving Mater wants what's best for her boys and isn't above meddling if she needs too but I thought she should have left Corbin's love life alone. She scared off Clara. Lord Lampton sounds like he was a wonderful and loving father. I can feel how much the brothers miss him and wish for his wisdom. He would be a doting grandfather to Caroline and spoil her dreadfully. We get to know Charlie a little better more too. He's full of the high spirits of youth but I don't think he's a BAD kid- just young and stupid. He has all those older brothers to compete with and hasn't found his own way yet. He's very young and will figure it out soon enough.
I like this series a lot. It's similar to
Mary Kingswood's Sons of a Marquess but a little more squeaky clean. I'm eager to see what happens next for the Jonquils. SOMEONE "stole" my library e-book away from me and I have to wait until they're done. I hate waiting.
Content:
church going but no preaching
Minor violence
This story needs to come with a warning. I suspect that some women, like Clara, will find this story a PTSD trigger.
Reread March 2022
I intended just to skim only the end for the Duke of Kielder but once again found myself sucked into the story and loving every minute. Corbin is the best of the Jonquils. He's shy but sweet and caring. He can rally himself when it counts. I think he just feels overwhelmed by all his brothers! I love the way Corbin courts Clara through the children and how he stands up to bullies. Clara is lovely and strong-willed enough to recognize she won't stand for bullying. For herself, she's strong enough to withstand it but she will protect her children at all costs. Her story is heartbreaking and illuminates how few choices women had.
The whole Jonquil clan, including Crispin and Catherine, appear in this book too. Sorrel is so good for Philip and he for her. He adores her and would do anything for her - except change his style. He still acts like a fop but when she rolls her eyes and says "Oh Philip!" he laughs WITH her and then dotes on her. He's still my favorite. Marion is so sweet and comforting. She's soothing and kind. Charlie is more insightful than he realizes. He's bored to death stuck in the country and lacks impulse control. His youthful hijinks are charming but I can see why his mother is frustrated. He's like a kid with ADHD!
That Finley is one nasty dude. He needs a good thrashing- again. The Duke of Kielder also puts in a cameo. On this first introduction, not knowing Adam and his story, he seems terrifying and formiddable! How did he get those scars? I'm surprised Adam hasn't killed Finley in a duel yet. He must have promised someone he wouldn't. Finley deserves it though. The slimeball. -
Corbin is just like me! I loved his journey! I loved how he found his happily ever after!
This book brought a few tears while reading it too!! -
Once again Sarah Eden has written an amazing novel that's perfect for when you're looking for a cute fun and light read. The main characters were as lovable as always, and I'm enjoying this series very much. Plus, this books holds a special place in my heart because of a special guest appearance :)
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So good! I just loved Corbin with his kind and gentle nature. He was a perfect match for Clara! These Jonquil brother stories are so much fun!
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Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: Regency Romance
Length: 193 pgs
Rating: *****+ (Loved, Loved, LOVED this book)
Review: I never believed Phillip Jonquil would be usurped in his position as my favorite of Sarah's heroes. And...I don't know, maybe he hasn't been, but Corbin. Oh, Corbin. *swooning sigh* You know that strong, silent type that's oooh-la-la. That. So, what I'm saying is, excellent hero. I also love how real Corbin is, how much of his silence is a struggle. All the characters of this one are wonderful, and there are even some teases from Jason Jonquil's story that have me excited for it (his heroine...fabulous). Alice is the sweetest, most adorable thing. And just the family dynamic of it really had me. Clara is so strong and perfect. I loved the pace this one set (I, uh, read it in less than twenty-four hours). It makes me want to go back and reread all of Sarah's other books.
Content: Rated 1-5; 1 being minor instances, 5 being saturated
Sex - 0
Language - 0
Violence - 1 (Punching and threats)
Overall rating - G (I really would let my eight-year-old read it, with no qualms, if he was interested in this sort of book...)
Source: Paperback copy from Deseret Book
Read more at
http://raneesclark.blogspot.com -
Oh how I love Sarah Eden's books. In fact this very well could be my favorite. I don't know whether that's because it's the one I just recently read or because I just adored it. First of all...Corbin quickly became one of my favorite heroes ever. I loved everything about his character. He honestly reminded me soooo much of my own husband and hero(minus the blonde hair blue eyes of course....but I went ahead and changed that.lol :) maybe that's why he was so endearing. Then on to our heroine Clara who was selfless,brave, and amazing as well. With two leading characters such as these...I knew three chapters in that this book was going to go on my "keep forever" shelf.
I thoroughly and absolutely enjoyed every page and LOVED hearing more about the Jonquil Brothers. I was also ecstatic that the Duke of Kielder (whom I love btw.) got to play a minor roll and ended up doing what he does best in taking part and helping save the day. Maybe that's a spoiler..sorry. This book was a real treat and already I want to escape and read it again! -
*sigh* I love the Jonquils. Each of the books I've read so far has brought us closer to the individual brothers. This one is no exception. It was was so fun to follow Corbin as he found (and fought for) his happily ever after. Wonderful characters and enough fear and romance to keep me up reading way too late.
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All I can say is that I have fallen in love with this family and this author. I really need the rest of the brothers to have books NOW lol.
Sarah M. Eden continues to break my heart with little kids, perfect shy hero and though she still persists with the little missunderstandings, a heroine who went throug hellish times but doesn't let it define her. Plus we get horses! ;) -
Ok I haven't read this book in 6 years and I can't believe I forgot about it because this one is good!! Corbin is the SWEETEST and I love him. He is the quiet, sensitive, main guy that I always fall for! I think he might be my favorite guy in Sarah M. Eden's books. The sub-plot was way overdramatic, yes, but the romance was golden. So in case you're like me and forgot about this gem, read it again! It's good!
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Be still my heart... I LOVED THIS! I can't get enough of MMC like this where they're so quiet and shy but so incredibly sweet. I was a puddle of goooooo over Corbin and how precious he was especially when he was loving on Alice's kids. This book just was absolutely perfect. I adored every minute. I thought I couldn't love the one before this more but this one even toped it! It was so incredibly sweet! Alice needed a man tender and kind like Corbin after what she's been through!
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Bless these freaking books I love them. This book introduced the love interest in the second sentence because it is not messing around and it knows what the people want.
Yeah. The man main character is shy, and stutters through basic sentences, but has no problems whipping out snazzy one-liners when there is a threat. Okay. Sure. That's how being anxious works, but you know what whatever, it was hot and it made her feel safe and protected. And they are both hopelessly in love and yet can't see the signs because mutual pining is the best. I signed up for this and I'm accepting the lack of logic along with this.
Anyway, this really landed for me. I was crying a lot. And not in a tragic-pining cathartic love-is-real way (although there was a lot of that as well obviously, especially at the end). I was mostly having a serious response to dear sweet Clara, who could not trust men because she had been hurt so many times. I feel like Eden's books are really invested in showing a real slice of the downsides of Regency life, one person at a time, and this one was all about how this whole societal system was built to bring Clara down and to not defend her from the horrible things that she had experienced. Yeah, the Jonquils are all gems of humans and I love them and they are good and Crispin and Catherine are also good and they solved it with their pure goodness (I'm not really kidding), but under the surface you really could feel the stress of Clara, as well as the other women, living in a society that hated them and couldn't respect them. Clara got out because she had freaking good luck. And it was a heartwarming story and it was lovely, but the story of that real threat was definitely there. Anyway, I cried for Clara and for her kids and for all that they had gone through and her finding a man she could trust, and then a man she could love. That's a freaking heartwarming story. My heart is warmed. It was overwhelming.
Okay no more serious stuff we're talking about true love. The kids melted my heart. It's a cheap trick but it freaking works. The "I don't trust any man" trope is good and sweet. The reasons behind it hurt, obviously, but the trope itself in isolation is a good one. The shy man who she thinks is just haughty is good. The 'slight misunderstanding cleared up by a quick comment by his mom" is Good. The brothers are all Good. Crispin requiring a pony was Good. The 'all the men use their various strengths and contacts to solve the problem" was Good (even if haunted by the shadow of a group of awful people doing the same thing for awful reasons). The punching in the nose was Good (i don't condone violence). The bad advice from the brothers going south in each individual instance was SO GOOD. The small little batch of mutual pining/I can learn to live without them even though they brought me so much happiness was GOOD. The 'she looks like she's in distress but actually this time it's just emotional distress bc she wants to know if you love her' was So Good, I especially loved that even though she had been through a lot of really traumatic stuff, she still got kind of really shaken up by the emotional intimacy of telling someone she loved him and I think that's really sweet that she was allowed to do that. (What I don't like is that he responded with "I have loved you ever since the first time I saw you" because Corbin!? no!? you are saying that the twinge in your heart when you saw a beautiful girl is the exact same emotion you feel now for this woman you have come to love and have let her rely on you and have helped her children and have been miserable without her for the first couple of weeks and she hit you with a pan and you forgave her in an instant and she makes you feel whole? Seriously?? no. So anyway I am amazing at post-read revisionism and that line has been struck from the canon and will be replaced by something much better that doesn't have stupid implications. I hate that line. It's not sweet. It disregards a whole relationship.) That little Edmund had a special relationship with Corbin and they got to be friends and Corbin wasn't shy with him because he is a young child? SO GOOD. Also that Clara was just wishing that maybe, possibly, there was some way to Maybe get a good man in Edmunds life to show him what a good man is and yet she doesn't really ever believe it will happen and then they get Corbin and his sweet mess of brothers. "Layton is good, he is my brother". IT WAS SO GOOD.
RECOMMEND. DEEP LOVE FOR ALL OF THIS. Best road trip books ever in life because even when I was standing by the car when we stopped to stretch I kind of had the urge to keep reading.... I'm that invested in these Edwardian children just kissing already. Love myself a good regency kiss and a marriage proposal and some happy little childrens. Big fan. -
Review to come
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OK. I think I am done reading Ms. Eden's books. These are just light, clean romances and sometimes that is exactly the kind of diversion one wants. However...At the risk of doing exactly what Ms. Eden does that makes me so infuriated, she just keeps repeating herself over and over again: this character is so afraid of men; she's terrified of men; she's so afraid that she can never trust a man - did I mention that men scare her? Aaaaaarrrrrrgggghhhh! I just can't take it anymore. I've never felt like an author thought I was so brainless in my life. Also, I keep picking books from her different series, but I never know that they are in the middle of the series until I look here at Goodreads. It isn't a big deal, as the books can pretty much stand on their own, but I would at least like to know so if I wanted to read them in order I could.
Also, I listened to this on audio book and I don't know how most audio books are made (do they edit out the reader's breathing?), but for the first time ever I noticed the reader breathing - taking big breathes constantly. It was so distracting it almost became comical. My kids made fun of it every time they got in the car. -
It was quite nice to see more of the Jonquil family, Catherine and Crispin (now expecting their first child), as well as a surprise appearance from Adam, the Duke of Kielder.
The story is simple and I liked the main couple. Painfully shy, Corbin is introverted and awkward in company. An abused widow, Clara Bentford and her two children are on the run from her cruel brother-in-law.
There are a bunch of cute scenes with Corbin and the kids.
It was overly mushy and hyper-emotional for me at times. but if you don't mind a clearly over-emotional couple who do not realize that that the other is romantically interested until the last thirty pages.... read on.
Possible Typo on page 69: "Illusive, yes." Pretty sure that should read "elusive".
Clara was neither deceptive for illusory. Difficult to find, catch or achieve would make a great deal more sense, unless I am just misunderstanding the context of the sentence. -
Although a different type of feel than the first book in the series I still loved it to pieces. It was sweet and endearing and even though the conversations weren’t vast between Corbin and Clara the feelings between the two that leaped from the page made me not stop reading until I had finished.
It was a bit quicker than book one and although I tried book 2(Friends and Foes) and didn’t care for the first 20%, I decided to skip book 3(Drops of Gold)completely. Tremendously happy I did.
There was something charming about Corbin and his lack of conversations. He was true throughout the progression but when it mattered his shyness and reserve took the back seat it needed and the protector came through strong. His shield was invisible anytime the children were around and his interaction and easy adoration over them made me love Corbin more than before. -
OH my do I love a Eden book:} This one was great! I would suggest reading in this order- Kiss of a Stranger, Friends and Foes and Drops of Gold then As you are. It will be so much more enjoyable and each one of those other books are amazing too. There are many characters in those books that are in this book. They are a family of brothers and this is Corban's story of finding love. I loved the characters, the setting and the execution. Just the most perfect book for me:} This and all her other books are clean, non-religious romances books that just have a little something others lack.
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I love these stories about the Jonquil family! It's always pleasant to encounter examples of such coherent and happy family relationships as these young men and their mother have. And the lovely Clara in this book is a pleasant and spunky heroine.
