Jane LarkBesprekingen
Auteur van Capturing the Earl's Love
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Capturing the Earl's Love (Marlow Intrigues, #2.5) door Jane Lark
This was an interesting book. I don't read a lot of Victorian romances, and the era is certainly different from Regency or Medieval romance stories. I found it a little slow in places because of some repetition; the reader is told over and over that Charlotte is a fallen woman, for example. I liked that Harry comes to understand what his father and brother have been preaching to him about fallen women through his relationship with Charlotte. I also liked that Charlotte comes to learn that her sacrifice was really for naught; she grows up as she understands that what happened to her was not her fault.
Harry's family are a fascinating bunch of people. Not having read the previous books, I was confused by names and titles, but it really doesn't matter to this book and mirrors some of Charlotte's confusion. Charlotte uses the nickname 'Charlie' through much of the book which just a personal quirk, but I thought was too modern. Still, I enjoyed this story; I was given the book as an ARC for an honest review.
She just blew me away with this romantic, sensual and heartbreaking story of true love. This story truly makes you believe that true love can conquer all obstacles in its path.
Jane Lark creates a pair of lovers that are refreshingly honest in their desires of each other, and that in itself is unique.
Everything about this novel impressed. The unique plot added intrigue to the fast paced and very emotional drama and the characterization of the main players enhanced the story and added another dimension to this tension filled romance. Her prose is rich and the story was engaging from the very start, which kept me enthralled until the end. I honestly couldn't put it down. The characters were well-rounded, complex and believable. The dialogue is crisp, entertaining, and captivating.
Ms. Lark set out to share with her readers a story of true and unconditional, as well as unconventional, love; love that defies all odds, and I am happy to have discovered this little gem of a novel.
This is one romance novel that must be added to your TBR!
Here is what I loved about this book, and what I found fascinating too. The Heroine. She was made of such stern stuff that I couldn’t help but admire her. To some, she might seem stubborn, but to me ...Thank you for popping in at b2b to finish reading my review...
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com/2013/11/07/the-passionate-love-of-a-rake-...
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by the author.
John’s childhood wasn’t easy as he was brought up by his very strict grandfather and times when he should have spent with his mother and stepfather, as well as his many siblings from his mother’s second marriage, [Ellen and Edward from ‘The Illicit Love of a Courtesan’] were mostly taken by his friends from the surrounding area and school chums.
For the first ten years of John’s life, his parents were ....thanks for jumping over to b2b to finish my review ...
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/the-scandalous-love-of-a-duke-...
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the author
The main hero of this story is Rupert, Earl of Morton and a cousin to Edward from the first book in the series, Illicit Love of a Courtesan, and one I recommend highly you read, even though it’s not really necessary for you to do so as this little gem stands on its own merit.
Rupert was a witness to Edward and Ellen’s affair and someone who doubted their love match, even after they married, but slowly he’s been coming around as he watches them display devotion to one another. He finally realizes that this sort of affection and love he dearly wishes upon his own sister Rowena, a young .... thanks for jumping to b2b to finish my review ...
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com/2014/05/30/capturing-the-earls-love-by-ja...
And if you don’t trust my opinion on it, here’s your chance to get it right now as it’s FREE on Amazon / Kobo / Google Play /
ENJOY!
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
My advice, to all that have not read this author, is to read this story before you go on to ‘TILOAC’. Take my word for it. It will help you understand the heroine Ellen much better.
Having read ‘TILOAC’ first, I knew the outcome of this story and to be honest, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it. I’m one of those that do not read the ending before I start the book. I can deal with the spoilers, but I can’t deal with someone letting me know what the ending is. It just ruins the story, don’t you think? Well, at least that’s what I think …thought, I should say. Because, in the end, my knowledge of this authors wonderful storytelling won me over and I went for it.
By the time the story was done, I felt sorrow, anger and a relief. That last one was only because I knew that Ellen’s story does not end with this book.
Ms. Jane Lark did an outstanding job at writing a heartbreaking ‘first love’ story of two young and ....thanks for jumping to b2b and finishing my review ....
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/the-lost-love-of-a-soldier-by-...
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the author
I never thought that a thorough rogue from a scene in ‘The Scandalous Love of a Duke’ would be so complex or that the author would pair him up with a most sweet and innocent of women. The complexities of this character were such that if you’re not reading between the lines you may miss the reasons behind the initial attraction between the two polar opposite characters. Their immediate attraction to each other was palpable and the chemistry charged to an umpteenth degree which literally gave me the Goosebumps and in pairing these two Jane Lark created the most heart wrenching romance you can imagine.
The heroine of this book had been introduced to us in ‘The Scandalous Love of a Duke’ [her brother’s HEA] and we actually watched her grow right before our eyes and now at nineteen we are faced with this poised, smart, kind and infinitely beautiful woman who is adored by her huge family. Her character was almost as complex as our unlikely hero. This young woman had grown up surrounded with love and attention, yet because of the enormous size of her family, she felt lost at times and she craved one on one attention from someone, anyone. She knew that her dowry was extensive and that it would attract many but what she never expected was for a man to admit that fact to her face, and that intrigued her. The plot moved at a quick pace and I dreaded the ending. I just wanted this one to go on and on.
Seriously, if you’re like me, and you thrive on angst in your stories, this one has it in spades. If you’re searching for a tender, sweet and sensual romance, this one will melt your heart and leave you in a puddle. Must read!
This is book five in Jane Lark’s wonderful Marlowe Intrigues series and if you’ve never read this series, you better get on it. Here is the order just in case you decide to heed my advice. ‘The Illicit Love of a Courtesan’ is Edward Marlow and Ellen’s story; ‘The Passionate Love of a Rake’ is Robert Marlow and Jane’s story; ‘The Scandalous Love of a Duke’ is the story of Ellen’s son John and ‘The Lost Love of a Soldier’ is a prequel to ‘The Illicit Love of a Courtesan’ and a heartbreaking story of John’s mother Ellen and his father Captain Paul Harding.
But if you’re still doubtful about this author and my recommendation, please feel free to download her two free novella’s also a part of this series as well, ‘Capturing the Earl's Love’ and 'The Desperate Love of a Lord’.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
This book actually is actually four stories and one, but it has been beautifully woven together. I have come away from the story wishing there was more. How does Katherine's relationship continue with her parents? What becomes of some of the characters? I don't want to go into too many details, as that would spoil the story. In some places it seemed to drag on and in others it seemed like the moment was over in second, though I have a feeling that, that might be my impatience.
The Scandalous Love of a Duke earns 9 out of 10 as it is a beautiful love story.
While reading a The Lost Love of a Soldier I cried. I actually cried from beginning to end, ugh there were parts of this story that completely ripped my heart out.
At the beginning of this book Paul, the 6th son of an Earl, has fallen in love with Lady Ellen. Ellen returns his love most deeply. But Ellen's father is against the match and wants Ellen to marry the old Duke of Argyll. I will have to stop there as I don't wish to give away any spoilers.
Jane Lark is a beautiful writer and The Lost Love of a Soldier is yet another example of her fabulous writing, I am not normally a fan of prequels and especially not cliffhangers, but with this book I will make the exception.
I give The Lost Love of a Soldier 9 out of 10 and hopefully I will be able to stop crying at some point today.
Jason and Rachel should never have found each other, yet they did and it's real and true. He is the good guy, from a good solid family. She has had a rough childhood and all the odds are stacked against her.
In the end good wins out, overcomes the odds and the obstacles, but this is done in a sensitive and real way. The author does not shy away from bringing up tough topics, but does it in such a great way.
Jason and Rachel should never have found each other, yet they did and it's real and true. He is the good guy, from a good solid family. She has had a rough childhood and all the odds are stacked against her.
In the end good wins out, overcomes the odds and the obstacles, but this is done in a sensitive and real way. The author does not shy away from bringing up tough topics, but does it in such a great way.
Jason and Rachel should never have found each other, yet they did and it's real and true. He is the good guy, from a good solid family. She has had a rough childhood and all the odds are stacked against her.
In the end good wins out, overcomes the odds and the obstacles, but this is done in a sensitive and real way. The author does not shy away from bringing up tough topics, but does it in such a great way.
“The Lost Love of a Soldier” is the prequel of “The Illicit Love of a Courtesan” so I decided to read it first and I don’t regret it. Because just by reading the sinopsis of “The Illicit Love of a Courtesan” one can realise that its prequel does not have a happy ending....
Ellen Pembroke is only sixteen when she falls madly in love with Captain Paul Harding. The feeling is mutual, but Paul is “only” the sixth son of a count so he is not good enough for Ellen’s father, the Duke of Pembroke. He is determined to marry his daughter with a duke much older than her and, after refusing Paul’s proposal, he locks Ellen in her room until she agrees to obey him. But Ellen cannot conceive a future without Paul and runs away with him to Scotland where they get married.
Paul is a soldier, so Ellen must now be the wife of an army official, with all the sacrifices that that brings. Paul’s regiment is scheduled to leave for America soon when word comes that Napoleon escaped and is regrouping his army, which means they will now leave for Belgium instead, where they will end up fighting Napoleon in Waterloo.
I had already read “The Passionate Love of a Rake”, so I already knew what Ellen would become, but it was nice to be able to accompany her journey. And to realize how, do to circumstances, the cruelty of the one who should have helped her the most and her own naivete, she sees herself in a situation where she has no alternative but to do what she must in order to survive...
Ellen and Paul’s love story, although short, is very sweet, but it is also very naive. It’s a teenage love and, especially for Ellen, it seems to be all they need, and enough to surpass everything. Sadly, that is not how life works...
This prequel is, basically, the beginning of the end of Ellen’s age of the innocence. Ellen is so naive at the beginning of the story that she has difficulty accepting that Paul killed a thief, in self defence, knowing perfectly well that he is an army officer recently returned from war. That was something that became annoying, I mean, I can understand her initial shock, but the constant ramblings about her husband being a killer were getting old...
Life, however, makes sure to take Ellen’s innocence away and harden her. And the Ellen at the end of the book is a lot different from the one at the beginning...
A series I am enjoying reading very much and that I’ll keep reading.
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I have read and enjoyed all the 'Starting Out' books. This one is the most poignant and realistic and therefore for me, the most enjoyable. 'I Found You', the first book in the series introduced Billy and Lindy and neither came across as particularly likeable. 'I Need You' is their story and you don't have to read very much of this book to realise why they both acted so badly in the first book.
Billy loves Lindy. They met at school and he accepted her friendship, no matter how painful it was, rather than lose her when she hooked up with his best mate Jason. Lindy is angry and desperate when Jason dumps her for his soul mate Rachel but her pain is more complicated than Billy first surmises. Billy puts his life on hold to stop Lindy's downward spiral but she doesn't share all her pain with him and the time they spend together takes its toll on his tender heart.
The chemistry between the two friends is a slow sizzle and their love story is full of pain, fear and humour. Billy truly awakens Lindy to her full potential, in every way but is it enough for them to be together, or is Lindy's need to escape parts of her life too much for Billy to repair?
The story unfolds beautifully and it highlights the importance of forgiveness, envy and how hard you have to work to find true love. Lindy is the character that travels the furthest in this story and the one I admired the most at the end.
I Need you is a lovely feel good read.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Here's my review of I Found You and Just You the first two books in the series.
4* Review: I Found You
5* Review: Just You
Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews Facebook
Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews Google
I have read and enjoyed all the 'Starting Out' books. This one is the most poignant and realistic and therefore for me, the most enjoyable. 'I Found You', the first book in the series introduced Billy and Lindy and neither came across as particularly likeable. 'I Need You' is their story and you don't have to read very much of this book to realise why they both acted so badly in the first book.
Billy loves Lindy. They met at school and he accepted her friendship, no matter how painful it was, rather than lose her when she hooked up with his best mate Jason. Lindy is angry and desperate when Jason dumps her for his soul mate Rachel but her pain is more complicated than Billy first surmises. Billy puts his life on hold to stop Lindy's downward spiral but she doesn't share all her pain with him and the time they spend together takes its toll on his tender heart.
The chemistry between the two friends is a slow sizzle and their love story is full of pain, fear and humour. Billy truly awakens Lindy to her full potential, in every way but is it enough for them to be together, or is Lindy's need to escape parts of her life too much for Billy to repair?
The story unfolds beautifully and it highlights the importance of forgiveness, envy and how hard you have to work to find true love. Lindy is the character that travels the furthest in this story and the one I admired the most at the end.
I Need you is a lovely feel good read.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Here's my review of I Found You and Just You the first two books in the series.
4* Review: I Found You
5* Review: Just You
Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews Google
'The Illicit Love of a Courtesan' is Ellen's poignant battle to overcome the abuse she suffered after husband's death at Waterloo. Her emotional rebirth necessitates self-forgiveness and trust of others before she accepts the love which will restore her humanity and self-worth. Numerous obstacles plague her life in the form of cruel men and society's unforgiving strictures. To find her happy ever after she must harness her fears and conquer these.
Edward a second son has lost his life motivation after the return of his elder brother to reclaim his legacy which has prospered under Edward's stewardship. Wiling his time away in a notorious gaming hell he notices and ultimately has an intimate liaison with Ellen a courtesan who he wins for a couple of hours when he calls her protector Gainsborough out for cheating.
The passion ignites between them and even though she belongs to another Edward cannot forget her. He seeks her out and they enjoy and illicit week of passion whilst her protector is away. On Gainsborough's return he threatens Ellen with her worst nightmare and she runs to Edward the only one who can save her.
Full of angst this story draws you in as soon as the gravity of Ellen's situation is evident. Edward is a true hero willing to protect his lady against all evils and able to forgive her even when she lies.
The supporting cast of characters are interesting and I look forward to the next in the series. 'The Passionate Love of a Rake'
'The Illicit Love of a Courtesan' is an emotional romantic story which gives an excellent insight into the vulnerability of young women in Regency society.
Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews Google
'The Passionate Love of a Rake' overflows with sensuous Regency romance.The second in the Marlowe Intrigues this is definitely my favourite so far.
Robert the elder brother of Edward who we met in '[b:The Illicit Love of a Courtesan|18486894|The Illicit Love of a Courtesan (Marlow Intrigues, #1)|Jane Lark|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1379107946s/18486894.jpg|23741169]' is the passionate rake. A dark, brooding man full of mystery is gradually unravelled by Jane the Dowager Duchess of Sutton, his first love.
This story oozes romance and heartbreak.
Jane's story reveals the exploitation of women in Regency society. Finally free of her cruel, aged husband she finds his son determined to extract the fortune his father left her by whatever means he can.
The depth of the depravity Jane experienced combined with what she sees as Robert's abandonment of her when she needed him most ensures the story is rife with emotional conflict.
Robert's perceptions change as the story develops and he realises why Jane rejects him even if her body cannot.
The story is effortless to read, pure escapism with plenty of excellent supporting characters to hold your interest aside from the passionate romance between Jane and Robert.
The political nature of the society during this time is well described as is the indiscriminate censure it dealt out to those out of favour.
If you are looking for something to warm the winter evenings 'The Passionate Love of a Rake' is perfect.
I received a copy this book from Harper Collins HarperImpulse via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews Google
Written in the 1st person from Jason and Rachel's point of view 'I Found You' is a poignant, engaging story with immediacy and rawness which hooks you from their first traumatic meeting. Serendipity has Jason running on the Manhattan Bridge at the exact same time Rachel is in danger of ending her young life. This moment in time is an extraordinary occurrence in two ordinary lives which change them forever, a catalyst for an enduring love story.
Rachel is at rock bottom and her life is full of secrets most of which she won't share and would rather forget. On a downward trend since birth and coupled with an illness she barely understands meeting Jason on the bridge is opportune. The more time she spends in his care the more she depends on him and wants to share her true self but is the risk too great?
Touched by Rachel's predicament and vulnerability Jason's small town values and upbringing make him considerate, he has to help her. Jason's acceptance of Rachel 'as seen' goes a long way to healing her trust issues and gradually she begins to share her traumatic past with him and heal.
Jason's life in New York is not what he imagined. Meeting Rachel he sees the city differently she makes him try new things which force him to mature and understand what he wants from life. His relationship with Rachel challenges everything he holds dear?
The sensual connection the couple have dominates the story and their lives and makes them feel invincible as only love can. The plot is page turning as life intrudes on their romantic idyll. The ending is worth struggling through the angst but don't breathe a sigh of relief too soon.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK Harper Impulse via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews Google
The Scandalous Love of a Duke is book three in the acclaimed Marlowe Intrigues. Moving forward to the next generation this is John's story.
John's vulnerability hidden by arrogance makes him a tortured hero so worth saving groomed from an early age to become the next Duke of Pembroke John's life has always been about duty, pride and emotional detachment. With the incumbent Duke of Pembroke close to death John knows he must return from his extended Grand Tour and accept the role he was born to. Haunted by his barren childhood John would rather remain alone in Egypt among the tombs of long dead Kings but his life is not his to control and he bows to the inevitable and returns to England and his family.
Katherine is a wonderful heroine courageous and loving despite her inadequate family. Katherine loves John but knows her love will remain unrequited because she is the illegitimate daughter of a servant taken in by the local gentry but treated more as a servant than an adoptive daughter
John and Katherine's sensual attraction is unexpected for John and rekindled for Katherine. Katherine is John's addiction but is the attraction physical or something deeper. Katherine knows she is playing with fire but she loves John and will give him anything whatever the cost to her reputation and heart. John knows Katherine has the power to heal him but will he sacrifice his pride and overcome his fears of rejection to let her? The love and support of John's family is recurrent theme in the Marlowe Intrigues and a stark contrast to Regency Society's brutal prejudice and disdain.
Well paced and full of intrigue this beautiful emotional love story is full of passion, anger, misunderstanding and vulnerability.
I received and ARC from Harper Collins UK Harper Impulse via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews Google
'Capturing the Earl's Love' is full of forbidden attraction, oppression and prejudice. A romantic tale with an insightful glimpse beneath the glamour of polite Regency society.
An Earl cannot be attracted to a trade heiress. A daughter must obey her father, even if means a lifetime of unhappiness. These are the rules of Regency society which Rupert and Meredith dare to challenge. Will passion and infatuation be enough for them to find their happy ending?Realistically flawed characters and a fast paced plot make this an enjoyable quick read.
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