| Title | : | Romancing the Rogue (Gothic Historical Romance, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1943794022 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781943794027 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 188 |
| Publication | : | First published March 21, 2017 |
Daniel Goodenham, Lord North Barrows, regrets nothing more than the lost friendship with the one woman who treated him like a man, not a title. Fate has given him the perfect pretext to win her forgiveness—even if it means having to matchmake her to someone else. But now that she's back in his life, he’ll do anything to convince her to choose him instead...
Romancing the Rogue (Gothic Historical Romance, #2) Reviews
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Erica Ridley is slowly making her way up my list of favorite historical romance authors. I've been a fan of hers for quite some time now, but
Romancing the Rogue is my favorite book from her yet!
Romancing the Rogue is the second book in a series, but it can be read completely as a stand-alone. It felt like a stand-alone, actually, but now I'm curious to go back and read
Dark Surrender, the first in the series.
Romancing the Rogue is also billed as a gothic romance, but it actually has very few creepy, gothic elements other than the not-so-spooky setting.
I absolutely adored the former friends-lovers theme. I always like it when someone was scorned or hurt in the past and now the other person has to make up for it to win them over. I like the fight, the struggle to atone for past wrongdoings, and I loved it here.
The story was also a very #independentwomen romance, which I'm seeing a lot now with more recent historical romance. I loved how Rebecca was strong and smart and resourceful, and how she kept surprising Daniel throughout the story.
I think if there had been maybe 50 more pages to strengthen the romance part of the story, it would have been perfect, but even as-is it was a highly satisfying read.
Erica Ridley is upping her game more and more, and I'm so excited to see what else she has up her sleeve.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review* -
Faced with having to snare a husband, Rebecca turns to one of the ton’s greatest rakes, Lord Stonebury. Years before they shared something special, but that was before he shattered her heart. But who better to teach her the ways of romantic entrapment? Little did she know, she could get caught up in her own snare...
Erica Ridley’s TOO TEMPTING TO RESIST is a short, but delightfully quirky romance with a feisty heroine and a hero that never saw what hit him! Moments of humor, light-heartedness and even some sorrow, but most of all, this fun read is filled with love and a sweet romance.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from WebMotion! this is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Gothic Love Stories - Book 3
Publisher: WebMotion; 2 edition (August 16, 2019)
Publication Date: August 16, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 109 pages
Available from:
Amazon
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Rebecca’s life has been lonely, full of heartbreak and disappointments, but it never dampened her spirit, if anything it made her stronger, independent and combined with her keen intelligence and sharp wit, what man could resist her? But, this is historical romance and the London elite would find her behavior unladylike and coarse. Her heart has only belonged to one man, and he had the callousness to turn her away in humiliation. From that moment on, Rebecca would rather be alone, her own woman and NEVER be hurt again. It looks like she may just get her wish until her uncle informs her she has one month to find a husband or he will choose for her . As if she wants to become what modern day times would consider a Stepford Wife.
Re-enter Daniel Goodenham, Lord North Barrows, once her dear friend until he inherited his title and became the Rake of London, a supposed womanizer and all around cad, not to mention a very sought after husband for well-bred ladies. Daniel knows he owes Rebecca an apology, but she steadfastly refuses to accept it, and he continually means one thing and says some of the most foppish things ever. So much for his suave ways with the ladies. The truth is, he loves Rebecca, always has, but he has obligations in London and she is a free spirit who loves the open lands around her. How does he choose between his position and his heart? Why should she believe him when he hurt her so long ago?
Thank you Erica Ridley for another light-hearted romantic tale that is high on attitude, low on stuffed shirts and absolutely NO heaving bosoms or vapors from our adorable and feisty Rebecca! Add in another thank you for putting a Lord in his place, causing him to lose all sense of self and grace as he becomes no more than a mere fumbling boy in from of the woman he loves! No dashing swashbuckler here and he is priceless!
If Erica Ridley’s ROMANCING THE ROGUE isn’t on your to-be-read shelf, add it, we’ll wait! This is a tale only Erica Ridley could tell with such cheeky abandon and in such an entertaining way! I was smiling and smirking throughout!
I received an ARC edition from Webmotion in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Gothic historical Romance - Book 2
Publisher: WebMotion (March 21, 2017)
Publication Date: March 21, 2017
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 188 pages
Available From:
Amazon |
Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More:
http://tometender.blogspot.com
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5 stars!
If only he accepted her offer to dance...
After the horrible death of her parents, Rebecca Bond decided to live in hiding like a ghost in her great uncle's castle.
With the earl's sudden death and the big duties of the new heir, she had to find a husband before the reading of the will in three months.
Though life was mean to Rebecca, it never succeed to kill her beautiful soul or determination but with the coming of the reading and her lack of flirting techniques, she doubted she could be able to find a decent husband.
The early arrival of Daniel Goodenham, Lord North-Barrows, shouldn't have bothered her. Dumping her in front of a ballroom full of people was long forgotten but why was he so determined to apologize after all those years?!
And why did she see sincerity in those eyes that used to capture her breath?
When Daniel received a letter about the reading of the late Earl of Banfield' will, he knew that this would be his chance to meet Rebecca, apologize for his unforgiving behavior and may be regain the only friendship that mattered to his heart. After all "he regretted nothing more deeply than the lost friendship he’d shared long ago with the one woman who treated him like a man, not a title."
But the new Rebecca he met at the castle was so different from the friend he used to hung out with. This new beautiful version was more interested in his coquetry more than his apologies. She was in a hunt for a husband and she would make the most of his experience.
Was the viscount ready to teach her how to score a husband and see her live happily ever after? Or would he man up and fight for what'd always been his?!
This was my first book to
Erica Ridley . It's a heartwarming second chance love story of girl who stole the heart a viscount and brought him to his knees. -
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Romancing the Rogue hit all the right spots, and I loved the forbidding castle in which Rebecca felt so at home.
Story:
Rebecca has been living hidden in a huge gothic castle ever since her parents passed away. Now, her uncle had passed away as well. And she was being sent on her way by the relation who inherited the castle. When she hears that Daniel is coming for the reading of the will, all kinds of memories assail her. He was the young man who humiliated her more than once in the past. And at the same time, she loved him very much.
Once Daniel arrives, Rebecca wants to continue to hide, but he has other plans. When he sees her again, there is a spark of recognition and of something more.
Characters:
Rebecca loved the old castle, and she had been keeping the books for years. Having to leave it all behind hurt her just as much as arriving had hurt her after her parents' death.
Daniel was a bit clueless in some ways. But once he realized that he could have it all with Rebecca, it was a go.
Writing style :
Written in third person past tense, Romancing the Rogue is mostly from Rebecca's perspective, and the dialogues and descriptions made me feel like I was in the middle of the story.
Feels :
At first everything was dark and quite sad, but little by little, I felt hope. Then, came the chemistry, some humor and deep conversations that made me happy.
She lay her stick across the green and perched her derrière up onto the wooden edge of the billiards table. "Do you play often back home?" Did he? Daniel was finding it hard to concentrate. All he could think was that in the space of half an hour, she'd gone from the most intriguing woman of his acquaintance to probably the most fascinating woman on the planet.
Daniel was not, nor would he ever be, her beau. He had told her so when he was only seventeen. His grandmother had told her so. Repeatedly. She was simply not ton material. Society itself pointed out the chasm at every turn. -
RomancingRomancing the Rogue the Rogue 'Romancing the Rogue' by Erica Ridley is book Two in the "Gothic Historical Romance" series. This is the story of Miss Rebecca Bond and Daniel Goodenham, Lord North Barrows. I have not yet read the previous book so for my this was a standalone book. Rebecca and Daniel first met when they were younger and became friends. But when Daniel became older he ended up hurting Rebecca and they never seen each other since. Rebecca had fallen in love with Daniel but he hurt her feelings and left her with that hurt. Rebecca in addition lost her parents and was taken in by an elder Guardian who has now died. Rebecca lived in the Guardian's house but he pretty much forgot about her and now with the new Lord taken over he has made it clear he will marry her off. With nowhere to turn she swallows her pride and ask Daniel for help. Daniel was already heading to Rebecca to try to make amends for what he did to her with he was younger. This was a joy to read and see how their story was going to play out. "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Rebecca is content with her life as the invisible relative in a lonely castle. When the new heir threatens to throw her out, she has to turn to an unlikely ally - the man who broke her heart and drove her into hiding - Lord Stonebury.
I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
After having her heart publicly broken by Lord Stonebury, Rebecca had to leave society. Before she could return, her parents died, leaving her alone and forgotten. Even the people within the castle think she's a ghost.
Rather than be upset by this outcome, Rebecca embraces the freedom this gives her. She develops her own sense of independence, and finds challenges for her intellect in running the accounts and designing devilish mazes.
When her relative dies and the new heir takes over, this freedom is quickly lost. She has to leave her haven, by way of marriage, as that is all women are good for.
Daniel's biggest regret was losing the only girl he's ever loved. When he gets a notice about a will-reading for the old owner of Rebecca's castle, he jumps at the chance to finally make amends, even if it means seeing her married to another man.
Wow, that book was shorter than I anticipated - I was not expecting a novella.
It's great to see that Ridley's writing is back on form, after the confusing Too Sinful to Deny (book 2). Even though this is a small story, it was so easy to get pulled in and enjoy every moment.
It is simple, straight-forward, not particularly gothic, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Rebecca is a great character. She approaches everything with logic, and knows that her best chance of a successful future is to find a man that will allow her the freedom to work, or help with the estate and keep her mind active.
Daniel is more perfect than she can know. For the last few years, society's gossip columns have loved this charming bachelor, who is never seen with the same woman twice. But the truth is much sweeter, and much more appealing - Daniel is engrossed in matters that have arisen in the House of Lords, and he is passionate about doing his part for his country.
The story wrapped up very quickly. With it only being a novella, there were no side plots, just the satisfactory reunion of these two old friends. -
A pleasing novella.
I loved the opening premise, 'Miss Rebecca Bond was nobody’s fool. She was, however, desperate. And destitute. After five long years of living virtually unnoticed within the countless nooks and crannies of Castle Keyvnor, she’d come to think of it as her home.' Rebecca has made the castle her home, wandering its length and breadth, forgotten yet able to sustain herself and helping with castle affairs along the way. But now the Earl was dying. (Mind you how anyone can live in a castle unnoticed for five years is a mystery to me--but Ridley manages to make this completely believable!
Rebecca has a decision to make. The new Earl will give her a dowry upon her marriage. Daniel Goodenham, Lord North-Barrows, is a childhood friend of Rebecca's who treated who badly, spurning her, when she came out years ago. Daniel has never forgotten her. Rebecca has never forgiven him. Now they meet again. Daniel wants forgiveness, Rebecca wants to be able to order her life, and Daniel just doesn't measure up--at the moment.
A NetGalley ARC -
“They’re just biscuits.”
“Nothing is ever just biscuits.”
lol, truer words have never been spoken.
I’m actually surprised I ended up liking this novella as much as I did (thanks so much for the rec Annie!) considering my last two experiences with this author were not exactly pleasant ones. Romancing the Rogue however was totes adorable that featured a feels inducing couple, an eerie Cornish castle, secret swimming coves, a long overdo waltz between childhood sweethearts and of course, BISCUITS. I especially loved Rebecca, and how much Daniel loved Rebecca...if that makes sense? Overall, a very enjoyable read. And now I have the most intense craving for cinnamon-raisin biscuits. Erica Ridley should’ve included a recipe in the postscript. -
Short, sweet and funny, just like I like my novellas. Thanks for the rec Annie! ;)
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Too Tempting to Resist is the third book in the Gothic Love Stories series by Erica Ridley. Although apart or a series it can easily be read as a stand-alone book.
Rebecca Bond has lived an invisible life in her great Uncle's castle since her parents passed away. So invisible that she has some of the staff believing there are ghosts. When he dies and the new heir takes possession of the estate Rebecca's invisibility stops. Her uncle has a large family of his own and tells Rebecca that she needs to marry because he can't take her on. She is horrified, she doesn't want to marry, she would rather have an independent life. But she realises that can't be and resigns herself to finding a country gentleman.
Daniel Godwin, Lord Stonebury has been instructed to attend Rebecca's uncle's house for the reading of the will. Something has been left for him. He doesn't need the money but he does need the excuse to visit because he wants to see Rebecca again. They knew each other when they were younger and they even shared a kiss. Circumstances kept them apart. Now he wants to make amends and be friends with her. Can he earn her forgiveness, she believes there may be a way, he has to help her find a husband!
What follows is a fast-paced story that was quite funny in parts, especially when the staff believed her actions were that of a ghost. It had its sad moments but on the whole, despite being a gothic romance, it was a feel-good story with a happy ending. Do our couple end up renewing their relationship, or perhaps Daniel finds Rebecca a loving husband. You will have to read the book to find out for yourself. I was left with some questions which could have been answered if the story was that little bit longer. Apart from that, it was a perfect book. -
Crowmere Castle, England 1811
A story of a young lady who had been left on her own for so long, she truly did not want to get back into society. Having lived with her great uncle for years after the death of her parents, Rebecca had managed to almost "disappear" and even keep his books and stay secluded. But when her great uncle died and left her nothing, the new Earl wanted to marry her off.
Daniel, Lord Stanbury, had know Rebecca years ago when he had spent time at Crowmere Castle and they had become friends. But he knew he had hurt her badly and had not forgiven his grandmother for her part. But he received a summons back to hear the reading of the will and was determined to show Rebecca that he was a different person than back then. Because he had not forgotten her through the years.
When they meet again as he comes to hear the will, she truly gives him the cold shoulder, although she needs his help to ensnare a husband since she is losing her home. What? Well he desires her coldness due to how he had treated her and he would help.
Loved these two characters! Their interactions and feelings for each other that simmered under the surface. A sweet, special romance that will make you believe in the power of love! -
Miss Rebecca Bond has been content living in quiet anonymity in the [supposedly haunted] castle of her great uncle, an earl, but when he dies, she's left with few options. As a poor relation Rebecca is wholly dependent on the new earl's whims and he determines she must wed immediately or be turned out completely. When the only man she's ever loved arrives for the reading of the will, Rebecca decides he's her best option to teach her how to find a gentleman to marry, despite the fact that their last meeting was a disaster and they haven't spoken in the years since.
Daniel Godwin, Viscount Stoneberry, has always regretted the loss of Rebecca, his one true friend who saw him for himself and not his title. Now that he has a second chance, he will do all he can to win her trust, even guide her into another's arms, though he'll do his best to see she picks him instead.
This was a quick, sweet second chance story about learning where your priorities lie and I enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. -
THANK YOU NETGALLEY AND ERICA RIDLEY for a copy of Romancing the Rogue.
Meh…
FYI…This is the first book in this series that I have read.
Writing: The book was fairly well written - minimal errors, if any at all. There were times when the writing didn’t feel like it was from the correct era. It sounded more current in many sections instead of historical. 3rd Person Narration. 2 POV.
Characters: The main characters are Daniel and Rebecca. Daniel is a viscount and has worked hard to gain the respect of his peers, despite being known as a ladies man. Rebecca is a recluse spinster with nothing and was an orphan taken in by her uncle. Rebecca is not your typical female during this era. She has a head for numbers and is extremely bright. However, she cannot do the things females are supposed to do like play the pianoforte.
Storyline: Daniel publicly shuns Rebecca twice when they were younger. This caused Rebecca a lot of hurt because she loved Daniel. Daniel has his reasons for his behavior, but it hurts him that he hurt Rebecca. Rebecca’s uncle dies and she can no longer be a shadow in his castle. The heir to her uncle’s estates gives her a time limit to find a husband and to be out of the castle. Her uncle sends invitations to people for the reading of the will and Daniel is one of the recipients. He arrives early to right his wrongs with Rebecca. After several years, they finally meet again and things quickly turn around for Rebecca.
I feel like I was dumped in the middle of a story. I’m not sure if it was because I didn’t read the previous books, but there was a lot missing for me. A couple of examples are 1) Erica writes that Daniel and Rebecca were close friends when they were younger, but there is no evidence of this. The only past scenes Erica writes about are when Daniel was mean to her. 2) Erica spends quite a bit of time in the beginning boasting about the ghosts of the castle and how Rebecca has made herself one of them. After the opening scene with Rebecca doing the ledgers and peeling apples, there is nothing else about it and this was one of the more interesting concepts of the book.
These two examples among the other gaps and missing information in the book made it difficult to reconcile the event at the end. I didn’t really believe the past connection, which hindered my belief in the quick re-connection and chemistry between Daniel and Rebecca. Therefore, although I was expecting it, the ending required reality suspension. FYI…The book probably spans one week, two weeks at most.
Erotic Scenes: There was a lot of talk once Daniel was in Rebecca’s presence (inner monologues), but nothing actually took place besides a couple of kisses.
Overall, the book was okay. Although I struggled with believing the relationship between Rebecca and Daniel, I did enjoy the epilogue. It was cute and sweet. -
This novella was originally part of The Haunting of Castle Keyvnor collection of short stories themed in and around a gothic castle. As a part of that series the darker elements of this novella probably worked well. On its own it seems a bit dreary for a romance.
Miss Rebecca Bond is practically a ghost while still being alive. Once, she had a caring family; however all of that was lost the day that her parents were killed in an accident and Rebecca was left as an unwanted guest at the Earl of Banfield’s spooky castle. The old earl soon forgot Rebecca was there and she made herself useful while staying out of sight. The night the old earl dies, Rebecca is confronted by the heir and told that she’s no longer welcome in the castle. Due to their distant family ties the new earl decides that Rebecca will be married off to someone of his choosing.
Frightened by the idea of marrying a stranger, Rebecca uses the reading of the old earl’s will as a chance to make contact with the only person in the world who might help her. Daniel, Lord North-Barrow used to be her good friend but his cutting actions during a dance killed their friendship and left Rebecca broken hearted. Still, Rebecca naively hopes that Daniel’s reputation as a rake could be her chance to learn something about men that she can use to snare a better suitor.
Daniel fondly remembers Rebecca and has long carried guilt that his cruel words may have cost her more than their friendship. Seeing her again reminds him that many of the affectations he’s adopted to fit into the rakish London crowd aren’t who he is underneath. Spending time with Rebecca, tutoring her in the ways of seduction draws out the old Daniel. He finds himself considering a different lifestyle, one with a beautiful old friend by his side. Unfortunately his life has to be in London and Rebecca has no plans to leave the countryside she loves dearly.
At its core, Romancing the Rogue is a sweet story of childhood friends rediscovering each other and turning their adolescent affection into an adult love. It’s heartwarming and several of the scenes where Daniel or Rebecca’s awareness of the other is described had me swooning. Where I had problems with the story is the overwhelming sense of Rebecca’s melancholy. She’s a rather depressed character who never seems completely happy even when Daniel is expressing his deep love for her. There’s little joy in the telling of their story other than he regains a long suppressed part of himself and she escapes the shadows of the castle.
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Three and a half stars. There was more than enough plot to make this into a novel and I felt this was too short and too rushed.
Miss Rebecca Bond has lived like a ghost in the Cornish castle, Castle Keyvnor, belonging to her uncle the Earl of Banfield after she left London five years earlier following her humiliation by her childhood friend Daniel Goodenham, Lord North Barrows. Few people even remember that Rebecca exists and she wanders the castle like an invisible sprite correcting the Steward's ledgers and tidying up for the maids when they are away.
But when the old Earl dies his heir decides that Rebecca must marry, he won't hear of a mere woman being given her own dowry to do with how she sees fit. In desperation Rebecca devises a plan to get her old friend to Castle Keyvnor to teach her how to flirt so that she can catch a husband that suits her, rather than the new Earl.
Daniel has always regretted that he behaved so badly to his childhood friend, especially since he has always been in love with her. When he receives a summons to Castle Keyvnor for the reading of the Earl's will he sees his opportunity to make things right with Rebecca. But how can they be together when he loves London and she loves Cornwall? And what would his irascible grandmother say to the match?
This definitely starts with a very gothic feel, Rebecca roams the castle unheard and unseen, the castle is rumoured to be haunted (perhaps because of Rebecca) and the wind whips around the castle and its wild grounds. As I said earlier, the themes didn't really get developed because of the short format of the novella, hence the gothic start wasn't sustained throughout the novella.
I liked it but I didn't love it.
I received a free copy of this novella from the author via NetGalley in return for an honest review. -
'Romancing the Rogue' by Erica Ridley is book Two in the "Gothic Historical Romance" series. This is the story of Miss Rebecca Bond and Daniel Goodenham, Lord North Barrows. I have not yet read the previous book so for my this was a standalone book.
Rebecca and Daniel first met when they were younger and became friends. But when Daniel became older he ended up hurting Rebecca and they never seen each other since. Rebecca had fallen in love with Daniel but he hurt her feelings and left her with that hurt. Rebecca in addition lost her parents and was taken in by an elder Guardian who has now died. Rebecca lived in the Guardian's house but he pretty much forgot about her and now with the new Lord taken over he has made it clear he will marry her off. With nowhere to turn she swallows her pride and ask Daniel for help. Daniel was already heading to Rebecca to try to make amends for what he did to her with he was younger.
This was a joy to read and see how their story was going to play out.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Can a rake beg forgiveness for the pain he caused to his childhood friend and help her secure a groom.
I really loved this one book, I find all that is Mrs Erica Ridley touch here.
Despite the shortness of this story, the author brought her main characters to life, their flaws, talents and past shaped them in very fleshy paper heroes.
In their year apart, Rebecca improved herself, by drowning out her loneliness with plenty of tasks, she taught herself and moved in whole new woman.
She is clever, resourceful and very witty.
Her dialogues with Daniel clashed like a tennis game with her carrying the play.
Daniel has years of regrets behind him, when Rebecca had to forge a new path for herself, he merely had just to follow the road already all mapped out for him.
So when an opportunity arisen, he decided it was time he makes amends.
But Rebecca is no more the young girl he left behind, she is a woman now, able to speak for herself and whom won’t bent because he is male and nobility.
A 5 stars for this short pages turn great tale.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, I also previously preordered my own copy.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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Romancing the Rogue by Erica Ridley
This is a sweet novella length story of two childhood friends who grow up and grow away from one another. Their feelings remain strong but the distance between them is greater due to the Viscount status of Daniel and the penniless and title-less station of Rebecca. When an opportunity for them to be together again presents itself they find there is still chemistry and caring BUT the divide between them still exists. I enjoyed both characters and their story was fun to read. Thank you to the author. This is my honest review.
4 Stars -
No interest in this author's work.
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I loved this so much. Especially the waltz scene in the music room.
I understood Daniel's reasons for not contacting Rebecca bc that's exactly the same tactic I use too. -
I received a e-book copy of this book through a giveaway the author had on LibraryThing and the following is my honest opinion.
Image if you will that you’re in Rebecca Bond’s shoes and due to circumstances a rich relative has now become the new earl who is demanding you marry immediately or be force to live the rest of your life as a pauper.
You must now turn to a dashing Viscount, Daniel Goodenham, to teach you how to capture the heart of a nobleman who is going to value all of your charms including the unconventional ones for a woman at that time. The thing is this Viscount is a childhood friend with who you grew up with but for some reason grew apart from each other. But now, given his Viscount status, the social distance between the two of you has increased because of your being without any title and being poor as well. Yet the childhood chemistry the two of you had shared is as powerful as it has ever been.
There has to be some Kismet which has come into play here as Daniel now has the prefect chance to convince you to choose him over any other possible suitor. Should you allow this individual back into your life and into your heart despite the social distance which is still present between you two? There’s a wonderful sweetness to this story, one which you should quite endearing.
The only question which now needs to be answered is whether you’ll go with the guy Daniel is trying to match-make you with, or as I’ve already said, will you simply go “back” into Daniels arms and life. As for myself, fantasizing that I’m in Rebecca’s shoes I’d simply go with Daniel, someone I’d like being a child. For giving her readers a sweet historical Victorian reading experience, I’m giving Ms. Ridley 5 STARS. -
DNF'd 44% in. I'm done with Erica Ridley, I think. I've read 13 of her books, and I've scored them 3.07 on average; these are a waste of my time. This one was so implausible and shoddily set up that it felt like I was reading the spark notes or an author's outline for a book.
The h has been "forgotten" in a castle for like five years or so--there are multiple lines that mention she has gone months without having a conversation with another person, including the servants. She sneaks food out of the kitchen, and everyone blames it on ghosts. Yet she runs into a servant at one point and knows her by name, and the servant doesn't freak out and shriek, "WHO DIS??"
The H...didn't...ask her to dance or something like nine years ago? And it...made the h unpopular or something so she had to go hide in this castle? Unclear. Then almost a decade later they get reunited, and he's all "I'm so sorry about that!" As if he couldn't idk write a letter at any point...
Then h is all "teach me to bag a man!" and H is like ???? But she's all prickly and doesn't specify what she wants him to teach her? Cool cool cool. Totally reasonable and easy to follow. Will def work out.
Romance tropes: second chance, orphan -
Too Tempting to Resist by Erica Ridley
Gothic Romances #3
This quick read of novella length sees Miss Rebecca Bond being suddenly without a home after five years living in a haunted castle. With the title passing to someone else she is told by that she will have to marry by the end of the season. Her wish is to take her dowry and live alone but that is not an option. A childhood friend will be coming for the reading of the will and she hopes to learn a bit more about flirtation in hopes that it will assist her in finding a docile complacent husband who will leave her to herself.
This is a story of two childhood friends who grew up and away from one another. Their feelings remain strong but the distance between them is great due to the Viscount status of Daniel and the penniless and title-less station of Rebecca. After nearly a decade apart they find there is still chemistry and caring between them BUT is there a way for them to bridge the gap between their status? I enjoyed both characters and their story was fun to read. Thank you to the author. This is my honest review.
4 Stars -
Miss Rebecca´s spent the last five years living with a relative since she lost her parents, and has no desire to join life in London again. Not after the snub she received last time, by the mother of her friend and love interest, Daniel. Life as a ghost in this country estate is much easier.
Until the Earl passes, and a new Earl comes along, with an ultimatum. Wed, or he´ll make a match for her. Now Rebecca will have no choice, she´ll need help to learn how to charm the opposite sex, and the rake and former friend will do perfectly.
Daniel still suffers from remorse, he knew how bad he´d hurt Rebecca, but couldn´t do anything else. Now here´s his chance to do better, and help her get the life she wants.
What he didn´t expect was how he himself would react..
Historical romance, feelings and fluff in a great combo.
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! =) -
Another delightful regency romance penned by Erica Ridley.
This short, sweet, light hearted tale is just the thing to brighten up a dull day.
Daniel and Rebecca make a darling pair.
I loved the story but a couple of things struck me as I was reading it.
I would have liked to see Daniel actively engaging in his reluctant matchmaker role rather than just talking about it. Surely her dowry would have enticed someone....anyone to marry her? She didn't have any suitors for Daniel to play matchmaker with or chase away as he probably would have done.
At the end of the day Daniel didn't have any competition and I think he deserved to have to put in some effort to win Rebecca.
Rebecca is far too forgiving and I'd have preferred to see Daniel grovel a bit more for forgiveness.
In saying that, it is a charming and enjoyable story.
Highly recommended. -
Romancing the Rogue proves just how talented an author Erica Ridley really is. She took a genre that I am not a particular fan of and turned a gothic romance into a beautiful and intriguing journey. Rebecca and Daniel's road to happiness has not been an easy one. The trek has proved treacherous and littered with obstacles like broken hearts, secret longings and prideful actions that drove apart a friendship that could have led to so much more. When a chance to mend fences presents itself, will a love connection blossom from dire circumstances? Ms. Ridley manages to stay true to the genre of romance while veering off into an often overlooked area such as gothic and giving it the life breath of heart, that it sometimes lacks.
