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Love By Numbers #2
Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord
Since being named “London’s Lord to Land” by a popular ladies’ magazine, Nicholas St. John has been relentlessly pursued by every matrimony-minded female in the ton. So when an opportunity to escape fashionable society presents itself, he eagerly jumps—only to land in the path of the most determined, damnably delicious woman he’s ever met!
The daughter of a titled wastrel, Lady Isabel Townsend has too many secrets and too little money. Though she is used to taking care of herself quite handily, her father’s recent passing has left Isabel at sea and in need of outside help to protect her young brother’s birthright. The sinfully handsome, eminently eligible Lord Nicholas could be the very salvation she seeks.
But the lady must be wary and not do anything reckless and foolish…like falling madly, passionately in love.
The daughter of a titled wastrel, Lady Isabel Townsend has too many secrets and too little money. Though she is used to taking care of herself quite handily, her father’s recent passing has left Isabel at sea and in need of outside help to protect her young brother’s birthright. The sinfully handsome, eminently eligible Lord Nicholas could be the very salvation she seeks.
But the lady must be wary and not do anything reckless and foolish…like falling madly, passionately in love.
Audiobook
First published October 26, 2010
About the author
Sarah MacLean
31 books14.2k followersNew York Times, Washington Post & USA Today bestseller Sarah MacLean is the author of historical romance novels. Translated into more than twenty-five languages, the books that make up “The MacLeaniverse” are beloved by readers worldwide.
In addition to her novels, Sarah is a leading advocate for the romance genre, speaking widely on its place as a feminist text and a cultural bellwether. A columnist for the New York Times, the Washington Post and Bustle, she is the co-host of the weekly romance podcast, Fated Mates. Her work in support of romance and those who read it earned her a place on Jezebel.com's Sheroes list and led Entertainment Weekly to call her "the elegantly fuming, utterly intoxicating queen of historical romance." She lives in New York City.
In addition to her novels, Sarah is a leading advocate for the romance genre, speaking widely on its place as a feminist text and a cultural bellwether. A columnist for the New York Times, the Washington Post and Bustle, she is the co-host of the weekly romance podcast, Fated Mates. Her work in support of romance and those who read it earned her a place on Jezebel.com's Sheroes list and led Entertainment Weekly to call her "the elegantly fuming, utterly intoxicating queen of historical romance." She lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,193 reviews
November 6, 2010
After starting just a wee bit slow for me, this book took off around chapter 3, when the heroine, 24-year-old Lady Isabel Townsend
and the hero (don't know his age, just know that he was one mighty fine physical specimen), Lord Nicholas St. John,
met while he saved her from being run down in the streets by a team of horses in a small village in Yorkshire.
Lady Isabel is the daughter of the Earl of Reddich, a gambling, good-time-Charlie sorry excuse for a husband and father, thought of by Isabel as the "Wastrearl". The Earl had abandoned his family (a wife, Isabel, and young son) some 7 years before to live a life filled with scandal, and now that both he and his wife have died, beautiful, brave, and strong Isabel is left alone to run their sorely neglected, run down estate and to raise her young 10 year-old-brother to be the next Earl of Reddich. Since all the servants had left since Isabel could no longer afford to keep them, she opened her home as a sort of half-way house/secret haven for abused, neglected, or down-on-their luck women. So Isabel and the women look after the estate as best they can, but young James (the new Earl) does need an education and Isabel is determined to find a way to provide it. She is in possession of a number of very valuable "marbles" (statues of Greek or Roman gods) and even though she doesn't want to, if she sells these marbles the estate would have enough money for repairs and James could get the proper education a young Earl needs. Now all she needs is to have someone with some knowledge catalogue the statues and place a value on them. And who better than the noted antiquarian, Lord Nicholas St. John, who just happens to be in the area (for reasons that would shock Isabel). Nicholas (who is also well-known for his "tracking" ability) and Isabel first meet when he arrives in her small village looking for the runaway sister of a powerful Duke. He ends up saving Isabel from being run over by a team of horses, and then the story is off to the races!
Nicholas has agreed to find his friend the duke's sister not only because he's good at tracking missing people, but because it will also get him out of London. Seems that a woman's magazine has named Nicholas as 'London's Lord to Land' (sort of like the equivalent of most eligible bachelor) and Nick is getting tired of women of all types throwing themselves at him. Nick has a soft spot--he can't resist a woman in need- but since he has no interest in falling in love or getting married, he keeps his women at arm's length. But then he meets the beautiful and intriguing Lady Isabel Townsend, agrees to take a look at her 'marbles', and finds that Isabel is not only fascinating, but is keeping many secrets. What happenes next is a powerful romance between a young woman tired of being alone, yet afraid to trust in love, who never realized she longed for a partner--someone she could love who would stand beside her-- and a man who had given up on love, and doubted that it even existed.
I don't want to give away any more of the story--you'll just have to read it to see how entertaining it is. I think readers will love Isabel--she's strong, she's funny, she's courageous, she's hard working--and she was dealt a very bad hand with the parents she had. And Nicholas? Whew! Charming, seductive, sexy, and a really good man--how could Isabel not fall in love with him? Well, she does fight it, because to her nothing ever good came from love, and she does have some mighty big issues with trust. But Nicholas is a man who understands her, and he's patient. And he realizes that he wants her like he's never wanted a woman before. Isabel is unique. One-of-a-kind. Now if he can just get her to trust him...
The chemistry between Nicholas and Isabel was super hot! The scenes with the marbles...ahhhh.:) Some of the scenes leading up to (and including) the wedding afternoon (*fanning myself*)...Sarah MacLean can really set a sexy scene is all I'll say.:) Have a fan handy...
This book had it all: an intriguing plot, some witty dialogue, some laugh out loud moments regarding Isabel and her 'servants', some teary moments for me when Isabel hurt Nick's feelings (what's wrong with you girl?!), an absolutely wonderful H/h, plenty of detail to wallow in, a secondary romance, numerous super-sexy interludes among the 'marbles', a beautiful 'make-up' scene, a quick re-visit to Callie and Gabriel (Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake and and a nice little HEA. What more could you want in a romance? Except maybe 50 more pages... 4 1/2 stars.
and the hero (don't know his age, just know that he was one mighty fine physical specimen), Lord Nicholas St. John,
met while he saved her from being run down in the streets by a team of horses in a small village in Yorkshire.
Lady Isabel is the daughter of the Earl of Reddich, a gambling, good-time-Charlie sorry excuse for a husband and father, thought of by Isabel as the "Wastrearl". The Earl had abandoned his family (a wife, Isabel, and young son) some 7 years before to live a life filled with scandal, and now that both he and his wife have died, beautiful, brave, and strong Isabel is left alone to run their sorely neglected, run down estate and to raise her young 10 year-old-brother to be the next Earl of Reddich. Since all the servants had left since Isabel could no longer afford to keep them, she opened her home as a sort of half-way house/secret haven for abused, neglected, or down-on-their luck women. So Isabel and the women look after the estate as best they can, but young James (the new Earl) does need an education and Isabel is determined to find a way to provide it. She is in possession of a number of very valuable "marbles" (statues of Greek or Roman gods) and even though she doesn't want to, if she sells these marbles the estate would have enough money for repairs and James could get the proper education a young Earl needs. Now all she needs is to have someone with some knowledge catalogue the statues and place a value on them. And who better than the noted antiquarian, Lord Nicholas St. John, who just happens to be in the area (for reasons that would shock Isabel). Nicholas (who is also well-known for his "tracking" ability) and Isabel first meet when he arrives in her small village looking for the runaway sister of a powerful Duke. He ends up saving Isabel from being run over by a team of horses, and then the story is off to the races!
Nicholas has agreed to find his friend the duke's sister not only because he's good at tracking missing people, but because it will also get him out of London. Seems that a woman's magazine has named Nicholas as 'London's Lord to Land' (sort of like the equivalent of most eligible bachelor) and Nick is getting tired of women of all types throwing themselves at him. Nick has a soft spot--he can't resist a woman in need- but since he has no interest in falling in love or getting married, he keeps his women at arm's length. But then he meets the beautiful and intriguing Lady Isabel Townsend, agrees to take a look at her 'marbles', and finds that Isabel is not only fascinating, but is keeping many secrets. What happenes next is a powerful romance between a young woman tired of being alone, yet afraid to trust in love, who never realized she longed for a partner--someone she could love who would stand beside her-- and a man who had given up on love, and doubted that it even existed.
I don't want to give away any more of the story--you'll just have to read it to see how entertaining it is. I think readers will love Isabel--she's strong, she's funny, she's courageous, she's hard working--and she was dealt a very bad hand with the parents she had. And Nicholas? Whew! Charming, seductive, sexy, and a really good man--how could Isabel not fall in love with him? Well, she does fight it, because to her nothing ever good came from love, and she does have some mighty big issues with trust. But Nicholas is a man who understands her, and he's patient. And he realizes that he wants her like he's never wanted a woman before. Isabel is unique. One-of-a-kind. Now if he can just get her to trust him...
The chemistry between Nicholas and Isabel was super hot! The scenes with the marbles...ahhhh.:) Some of the scenes leading up to (and including) the wedding afternoon (*fanning myself*)...Sarah MacLean can really set a sexy scene is all I'll say.:) Have a fan handy...
This book had it all: an intriguing plot, some witty dialogue, some laugh out loud moments regarding Isabel and her 'servants', some teary moments for me when Isabel hurt Nick's feelings (what's wrong with you girl?!), an absolutely wonderful H/h, plenty of detail to wallow in, a secondary romance, numerous super-sexy interludes among the 'marbles', a beautiful 'make-up' scene, a quick re-visit to Callie and Gabriel (Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake and and a nice little HEA. What more could you want in a romance? Except maybe 50 more pages... 4 1/2 stars.
May 28, 2010
Same as always...I'm a thoroughly unreliable reviewer. xo
February 6, 2017
My HR kick continues...
I am so happy to find a strong female character in HR. This girl, Isabel, even has a girl-tribe, which I LOVE. I hate when a female character sees all other women as competition. It's hard enough to be a girl in this day and age. I can't even imagine how hard it was back then when they were property who died in childbirth. Ugh! And, to think that I complain about how long the microwave takes to heat up the pre-made meal that I bought. They spent their whole freaking day making a loaf of bread so they could eat some crappy dinner of bread and meat that they had to kill, skin, and butcher - in a dress!
Okay, so Isabelle has a big old house and uses it to provide safe harbor for the women in England who need to escape men. We've all been there. Am I right? Well, they need her for reasons better than annoyance - like husbands who beat them, being in a "family way", overbearing families, etc... And, her latest girl in need happens to be the sister of an Earl who thinks she's been kidnapped. He sends out his buddy, Nick, to find her.
Nick is happy to leave London in search of the girl because he has just been named ye old bachelor of the month by some ladies magazine and he needs to get the hell out of Dodge because every chick in the U.K. is making the goo-goo eyes at him. He runs off to find her with his faithful side-kick, Rock. Yes, Rock.
Of course, escaping all female company doesn't quite work out how he planned when he ends up in a house full of women pretending to be men. This guy is a chick-magnet.
Isabelle and Nick are playing the old "I've got secrets" game, and it's funny as hell. And, then they are in lurv, and it's adorable. Also, Rock falls in love - in case you were worried about that.
The book was not only very funny and cute, but there is also a little boy that hits you in the feels. He's damn cute and irresistible. And, then when Nick is teaching the little boy to tie a cravat - ye old tie - your ovaries explode and it's over.
I am so happy to find a strong female character in HR. This girl, Isabel, even has a girl-tribe, which I LOVE. I hate when a female character sees all other women as competition. It's hard enough to be a girl in this day and age. I can't even imagine how hard it was back then when they were property who died in childbirth. Ugh! And, to think that I complain about how long the microwave takes to heat up the pre-made meal that I bought. They spent their whole freaking day making a loaf of bread so they could eat some crappy dinner of bread and meat that they had to kill, skin, and butcher - in a dress!
Okay, so Isabelle has a big old house and uses it to provide safe harbor for the women in England who need to escape men. We've all been there. Am I right? Well, they need her for reasons better than annoyance - like husbands who beat them, being in a "family way", overbearing families, etc... And, her latest girl in need happens to be the sister of an Earl who thinks she's been kidnapped. He sends out his buddy, Nick, to find her.
Nick is happy to leave London in search of the girl because he has just been named ye old bachelor of the month by some ladies magazine and he needs to get the hell out of Dodge because every chick in the U.K. is making the goo-goo eyes at him. He runs off to find her with his faithful side-kick, Rock. Yes, Rock.
Of course, escaping all female company doesn't quite work out how he planned when he ends up in a house full of women pretending to be men. This guy is a chick-magnet.
Isabelle and Nick are playing the old "I've got secrets" game, and it's funny as hell. And, then they are in lurv, and it's adorable. Also, Rock falls in love - in case you were worried about that.
The book was not only very funny and cute, but there is also a little boy that hits you in the feels. He's damn cute and irresistible. And, then when Nick is teaching the little boy to tie a cravat - ye old tie - your ovaries explode and it's over.
December 4, 2013
I was so excited for this book. So much so, that I searched 4 stores yesterday with my 3 year old to find it a day early. I read it overnight...got hardly any sleep, which as any of you with small children know, is never fun, and it was all worth it!
This book was fabulous.
At the beginning of each chapter is a small bit from the ladies' magazine "Pearls and Pelisses," which has decided that a series of articles is in order on How to Land a Lord. Lord Nicholas St. John is given the distinct honor of being that lord. He was less than thrilled. Becoming London's Most Eligible Bachelor really wasn't working for him, so when his friend, the Duke of Leighton, came to ask Nick's help in finding his younger sister who had run away, Nick jumped at the chance.
Meanwhile, Lady Isabel is sending off yet another unwanted suitor. Her father is a gambler, and has left Isabel with, well, nothing.
"We are betrothed."
"And by we...I take it that you mean..."
"You. And I. Are to be married."
Isabel shook her head. "I am sorry, you are...?"
"Asperton. Lionel Asperton."
"And how is it we became betrothed, Mr. Asperton?"
"I won you...Your father wagered you."
"Against?"
"One hundred pounds."
"Well. That's more than usual."
Apparently her father had wagered her seven times before! And every single time hurt. I loved Isabel from the get-go. She was strong, valiant, and honest. Humble enough to try to repair her own roof,and strong enough to ensure her ten year old brother grew up to be the earl their father should have been.
Nick was in Isabel's town looking for a certain duke's sister, when he saw Isabel. The first meeting between Nick and Isabel was adorable, and I cracked up that Nick saved her from a run away cart in the style of Matthew McCaughnehey, and Isabel was irritated with him for that! Nick didn't know what to do with a woman who didn't fall all over herself trying to "land" him.
Unfortunately Isabel had to sell her most prized possessions for reasons I won't say (Highland Hussy zips her lips against spoilers today). If we remember, Nick deals with antiquities, and Isabel needs to have a collection of marble statues appraised and then sold. She asks for his help, and since he assumes Isabel might know about Leighton's sister, he agrees to see her marbles.
And the two irritate each other to no end. Isabel is so remarkable, and Nick is immediately infatuated with her and her strength. Isabel is afraid to trust, and afraid to love. All she believes in is what her own hands have helped build. She has every reason to have no faith in men, and yet Nick persuades her to trust him, to let him shoulder some of her burden...and when she finally does, she finds out he had lied to her.
I loved how Nick was willing to stay and fight for Isabel. Too many times, the hero leaves, but not Nick-he went to her in the middle of the night, and it was so wonderful.
But Isabel was trying to convince both herself and her friend that she didn't love Nick and Nick overheard.I actually had to put the book down and take several deep breaths before I was able to pick it up again!
For her entire life, she had been afraid to take what she wanted for fear of failure. She was afraid to leave Townsend Park and face the gossip her father caused; she was afraid to send James to school for fear he might turn into her father.
And she had been afraid to love Nick for fear of losing herself.
Now, however--without him--she was lost anyway.
The way she decided to get him back was beautiful. I loved seeing Callie and Gabriel and Juliana again, and I love love LOVED! the ball.
This book is a must-read. Whatever you are reading right now, drop it and start this book. It was fabulous. I canNOT wait for Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart
I have an interview with Sarah MacLean over at demonlover's so go check it out!
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
This book was fabulous.
At the beginning of each chapter is a small bit from the ladies' magazine "Pearls and Pelisses," which has decided that a series of articles is in order on How to Land a Lord. Lord Nicholas St. John is given the distinct honor of being that lord. He was less than thrilled. Becoming London's Most Eligible Bachelor really wasn't working for him, so when his friend, the Duke of Leighton, came to ask Nick's help in finding his younger sister who had run away, Nick jumped at the chance.
Meanwhile, Lady Isabel is sending off yet another unwanted suitor. Her father is a gambler, and has left Isabel with, well, nothing.
"We are betrothed."
"And by we...I take it that you mean..."
"You. And I. Are to be married."
Isabel shook her head. "I am sorry, you are...?"
"Asperton. Lionel Asperton."
"And how is it we became betrothed, Mr. Asperton?"
"I won you...Your father wagered you."
"Against?"
"One hundred pounds."
"Well. That's more than usual."
Apparently her father had wagered her seven times before! And every single time hurt. I loved Isabel from the get-go. She was strong, valiant, and honest. Humble enough to try to repair her own roof,and strong enough to ensure her ten year old brother grew up to be the earl their father should have been.
Nick was in Isabel's town looking for a certain duke's sister, when he saw Isabel. The first meeting between Nick and Isabel was adorable, and I cracked up that Nick saved her from a run away cart in the style of Matthew McCaughnehey, and Isabel was irritated with him for that! Nick didn't know what to do with a woman who didn't fall all over herself trying to "land" him.
Unfortunately Isabel had to sell her most prized possessions for reasons I won't say (Highland Hussy zips her lips against spoilers today). If we remember, Nick deals with antiquities, and Isabel needs to have a collection of marble statues appraised and then sold. She asks for his help, and since he assumes Isabel might know about Leighton's sister, he agrees to see her marbles.
And the two irritate each other to no end. Isabel is so remarkable, and Nick is immediately infatuated with her and her strength. Isabel is afraid to trust, and afraid to love. All she believes in is what her own hands have helped build. She has every reason to have no faith in men, and yet Nick persuades her to trust him, to let him shoulder some of her burden...and when she finally does, she finds out he had lied to her.
I loved how Nick was willing to stay and fight for Isabel. Too many times, the hero leaves, but not Nick-he went to her in the middle of the night, and it was so wonderful.
But Isabel was trying to convince both herself and her friend that she didn't love Nick and Nick overheard.I actually had to put the book down and take several deep breaths before I was able to pick it up again!
For her entire life, she had been afraid to take what she wanted for fear of failure. She was afraid to leave Townsend Park and face the gossip her father caused; she was afraid to send James to school for fear he might turn into her father.
And she had been afraid to love Nick for fear of losing herself.
Now, however--without him--she was lost anyway.
The way she decided to get him back was beautiful. I loved seeing Callie and Gabriel and Juliana again, and I love love LOVED! the ball.
This book is a must-read. Whatever you are reading right now, drop it and start this book. It was fabulous. I canNOT wait for Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart
I have an interview with Sarah MacLean over at demonlover's so go check it out!
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
December 13, 2020
3.5 stars
This might not be as great as the first book, but it was still really enjoyable and fun. I loved both the main characters as individuals, but their chemistry just wasn’t as convincing as the first couple who I really adored. it was still such a fun time tho.
This might not be as great as the first book, but it was still really enjoyable and fun. I loved both the main characters as individuals, but their chemistry just wasn’t as convincing as the first couple who I really adored. it was still such a fun time tho.
November 4, 2010
4 ½ stars – Historical Romance
I'm feeling lazy about writing a full review, so I'll keep this somewhat brief. I absolutely adored Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, and I've been anxiously awaiting this second book by MacLean. Did it wow me? Yes and no. In all fairness, this had a lot to live up to because Nine Rules...Rake was just so damn much fun and sexy, with lovable heroine Callie and yummy as all get out hero Gabriel.
Ten Ways...Lord is fun and passionate with a great story. I loved Minerva house and it's strong, quirky female inhabitants and the secondary romance between hero Nick's companion, the formidable yet kind Turk called Rock, and heroine Isabel's cousin, Lara. But it took me a while to warm up to the romance between Nick and Isabel (although it's plenty hot!) because I just didn't feel that strong of a connection between them at first.
I really admired Isabel and respected her independence and fortitude, but she was also exasperating and there were times that I just wanted to smack or shake her. Nick had much more patience with Isabel than I would have, choosing to kiss and pleasure her witless instead of shaking her (lucky girl). But fortunately Isabel wises up, and the ending is extremely sweet and satisfying and left a big fat happy smile on my face.
So although not quite as great as it's wonderful predecessor, Ten Ways...Lord is still an entertaining romance with intriguing characters, witty dialogue, and steamy love scenes. I'm really looking forward to Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart, which I'm hoping is the pompous Duke of Leighton's story. 4 ½ stars!
I'm feeling lazy about writing a full review, so I'll keep this somewhat brief. I absolutely adored Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, and I've been anxiously awaiting this second book by MacLean. Did it wow me? Yes and no. In all fairness, this had a lot to live up to because Nine Rules...Rake was just so damn much fun and sexy, with lovable heroine Callie and yummy as all get out hero Gabriel.
Ten Ways...Lord is fun and passionate with a great story. I loved Minerva house and it's strong, quirky female inhabitants and the secondary romance between hero Nick's companion, the formidable yet kind Turk called Rock, and heroine Isabel's cousin, Lara. But it took me a while to warm up to the romance between Nick and Isabel (although it's plenty hot!) because I just didn't feel that strong of a connection between them at first.
I really admired Isabel and respected her independence and fortitude, but she was also exasperating and there were times that I just wanted to smack or shake her. Nick had much more patience with Isabel than I would have, choosing to kiss and pleasure her witless instead of shaking her (lucky girl). But fortunately Isabel wises up, and the ending is extremely sweet and satisfying and left a big fat happy smile on my face.
So although not quite as great as it's wonderful predecessor, Ten Ways...Lord is still an entertaining romance with intriguing characters, witty dialogue, and steamy love scenes. I'm really looking forward to Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart, which I'm hoping is the pompous Duke of Leighton's story. 4 ½ stars!
May 1, 2020
I don’t think I’ll ever grow bored of historical romances.
November 29, 2020
3.5 stars
I loved book one in this series so much that I immediately jumped into the audiobook of book two! This one is Nicholas's story, who is the twin brother of Gabriel from book one. From the moment we met Isabel, I loved her character and how she was hiding women who needed a safe place in her home. She had so much responsibility with her home crumbling around her and her brother being a ten-year-old Earl. When Nicholas shows up and threatens the safety of her women, Isabel is skeptical but cannot deny her attraction to him. I loved Nicholas's character, too, and how he is great with antiques and is helping Isabel identify and value her marble statues so that she could sell them. He is a scarred hero, which I always love in my historical romances.
This book was a lot of fun, but it definitely wasn't as good as book one. I didn't love Isabel and Nicholas as much and there were times it dragged a bit. I do think the length worked for the first book but this one was a bit too long. I wasn't as invested as Isabel and Nicholas's romance and the conflict of trust continued all throughout the book and got old by the end. BUT it was still super fun and I still enjoyed this book. I am definitely excited for book three and for the final sibling to have a romance!
I loved book one in this series so much that I immediately jumped into the audiobook of book two! This one is Nicholas's story, who is the twin brother of Gabriel from book one. From the moment we met Isabel, I loved her character and how she was hiding women who needed a safe place in her home. She had so much responsibility with her home crumbling around her and her brother being a ten-year-old Earl. When Nicholas shows up and threatens the safety of her women, Isabel is skeptical but cannot deny her attraction to him. I loved Nicholas's character, too, and how he is great with antiques and is helping Isabel identify and value her marble statues so that she could sell them. He is a scarred hero, which I always love in my historical romances.
This book was a lot of fun, but it definitely wasn't as good as book one. I didn't love Isabel and Nicholas as much and there were times it dragged a bit. I do think the length worked for the first book but this one was a bit too long. I wasn't as invested as Isabel and Nicholas's romance and the conflict of trust continued all throughout the book and got old by the end. BUT it was still super fun and I still enjoyed this book. I am definitely excited for book three and for the final sibling to have a romance!
March 25, 2015
I find that I'm in love with Sarah MacLean's writing and I won't stop untill I read all her novels :)
Like the first one in this series, this was just lovely, witty writing, great main characters!
Nick and Isabel were a great couple! Loved them :)
The story begins when a young lady escapes London to avoid a scandal, and she seeks refuge in a house in the country - Isabel's. She offers refuge to women who need it, they be married or not, ladies or not. Nick is hired by the young lady's brother (I think that guy is gonna be in the third book) and the search leads him to Isabel. She is in need of money and intends to sell her marble collection, which is a perfect eycuse for Nick to snoop around her estate. Eventually things between them get heated (heheh)
Isabel doesn't want to trust him, she's been alone all her life, she has to provide for her little brother and all the women in her protection. If Nick were to find out about it, it would ruin her brother and possibly get her in jail.
Nick wants nothing more than to help Isabel, from the first moment he sees her, he's captivated by her and thinks her the most extraordinary women he's ever met :) It doesn't take long for him to fall in love with her, and that leaves him torn because he can't tell her why he's there, and that he will essentially betray her.
Well, the story is a bit different fromwhat I've read so far, I like it, not the usuall society miss here, nor is Nick the usual rake of the ton. They're a lovely couple with a lovely story , 5+ for them <3
Like the first one in this series, this was just lovely, witty writing, great main characters!
Nick and Isabel were a great couple! Loved them :)
The story begins when a young lady escapes London to avoid a scandal, and she seeks refuge in a house in the country - Isabel's. She offers refuge to women who need it, they be married or not, ladies or not. Nick is hired by the young lady's brother (I think that guy is gonna be in the third book) and the search leads him to Isabel. She is in need of money and intends to sell her marble collection, which is a perfect eycuse for Nick to snoop around her estate. Eventually things between them get heated (heheh)
Isabel doesn't want to trust him, she's been alone all her life, she has to provide for her little brother and all the women in her protection. If Nick were to find out about it, it would ruin her brother and possibly get her in jail.
Nick wants nothing more than to help Isabel, from the first moment he sees her, he's captivated by her and thinks her the most extraordinary women he's ever met :) It doesn't take long for him to fall in love with her, and that leaves him torn because he can't tell her why he's there, and that he will essentially betray her.
Well, the story is a bit different fromwhat I've read so far, I like it, not the usuall society miss here, nor is Nick the usual rake of the ton. They're a lovely couple with a lovely story , 5+ for them <3
December 27, 2010
This book was enjoyable, but it wasn't without its problems. I still have high hopes for the third book, Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart, but this one didn't thrill me the way the first book did.
Nick seemed different than he was first presented in Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake. He seemed more charming and fun there whereas in this book he felt a little flat. I was told he was interesting and sexy, but for some reason I just didn't feel it. That's not to say I disliked him, I enjoyed reading about him, but that's about where it left me.
Isabel was both likable and not. Her life to date has been a hard one. She's basically been on her own since she was seventeen. Yes, she's gathered a family of friends around her, but their survival rests on her. No wonder she had such a problem leaning when Nick comes around! What happens when you trust and that person fails you? You're not the only one left to pick up the pieces when so many people depend on you.
So, Isabel's position was understandable, but it was also frustrating. It was hard for the relationship to develop because Isabel was so hot and cold toward Nick. He wasn't on the up and up at all times, but he was the one I eventually felt sorry for. Isabel could be pretty thoughtless in her determination to protect herself.
The women of the Minerva House were very intriguing. I wish we would have gotten more information on them. They weren't completely flat characters, but there wasn't a lot of depth there. It was still nice to have Isabel in charge of such a project. It's also nice to think that places like that were out there.
The Duke of Leighton was a character I was definitely intrigued by in the first book. His interactions with Juliana caught my attention and made me eager to get their book. I'm sorry to say that his popularity with me has suffered a blow. I'm still curious to get into his head, but not quite as eager.
It's unfortunate, but he was an ass toward the end of this book. It's much easier to accept his about face in affection with a stranger (as was the case with Juliana) than it was here. I won't say more than that, but I wasn't happy about it.
I'm still interested in the third book, but I'm not really hanging on the edge of my seat anymore.
Nick seemed different than he was first presented in Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake. He seemed more charming and fun there whereas in this book he felt a little flat. I was told he was interesting and sexy, but for some reason I just didn't feel it. That's not to say I disliked him, I enjoyed reading about him, but that's about where it left me.
Isabel was both likable and not. Her life to date has been a hard one. She's basically been on her own since she was seventeen. Yes, she's gathered a family of friends around her, but their survival rests on her. No wonder she had such a problem leaning when Nick comes around! What happens when you trust and that person fails you? You're not the only one left to pick up the pieces when so many people depend on you.
So, Isabel's position was understandable, but it was also frustrating. It was hard for the relationship to develop because Isabel was so hot and cold toward Nick. He wasn't on the up and up at all times, but he was the one I eventually felt sorry for. Isabel could be pretty thoughtless in her determination to protect herself.
The women of the Minerva House were very intriguing. I wish we would have gotten more information on them. They weren't completely flat characters, but there wasn't a lot of depth there. It was still nice to have Isabel in charge of such a project. It's also nice to think that places like that were out there.
The Duke of Leighton was a character I was definitely intrigued by in the first book. His interactions with Juliana caught my attention and made me eager to get their book. I'm sorry to say that his popularity with me has suffered a blow. I'm still curious to get into his head, but not quite as eager.
It's unfortunate, but he was an ass toward the end of this book. It's much easier to accept his about face in affection with a stranger (as was the case with Juliana) than it was here. I won't say more than that, but I wasn't happy about it.
I'm still interested in the third book, but I'm not really hanging on the edge of my seat anymore.
March 20, 2013
I agree with Catherine, I was told all about how smexy and smart and blah blah blah Nicolas was, but I never actually believed it.
As for Isabel? Can I get "Slap That Bitch" for $200, Alex? She had a distinct whiff of Bella Swan about her for some reason. Perhaps because she felt all the responsibility for the entire fucking world rested squarely on her shoulders. Or perhaps it was her "I'm just a plain Jane, why should this god-like creature ever be interested in me?" attitude. Maybe it was just because she spent more time disagreeing with people who kept telling her how amazing she was, then thinking to herself that they could be right, but she had to disagree with them just to eat up page time.
And what the fuck was with all the damn beats? Everyone waited a beat before they'd speak their next sentence. Once or twice for dramatic effect? Sure, I can get behind that. When it happens multiple times within two or three pages? Nuh-uh. Get a new gimmick.
I'm really not sure I want to bother with the third book. That Duke-dude was extremely off-putting. I already know he abandons his fiance to marry that Italian chick, so I'm not finding any impetus to spend my time rolling through the train wreck of that relationship.
As for Isabel? Can I get "Slap That Bitch" for $200, Alex? She had a distinct whiff of Bella Swan about her for some reason. Perhaps because she felt all the responsibility for the entire fucking world rested squarely on her shoulders. Or perhaps it was her "I'm just a plain Jane, why should this god-like creature ever be interested in me?" attitude. Maybe it was just because she spent more time disagreeing with people who kept telling her how amazing she was, then thinking to herself that they could be right, but she had to disagree with them just to eat up page time.
And what the fuck was with all the damn beats? Everyone waited a beat before they'd speak their next sentence. Once or twice for dramatic effect? Sure, I can get behind that. When it happens multiple times within two or three pages? Nuh-uh. Get a new gimmick.
I'm really not sure I want to bother with the third book. That Duke-dude was extremely off-putting. I already know he abandons his fiance to marry that Italian chick, so I'm not finding any impetus to spend my time rolling through the train wreck of that relationship.
June 18, 2012
FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED
4.5 stars.
„So beautiful…so passionate…my very own Voluptas.“ The words, more breath than sound, sent an explosion of heat through her. “Show me.”
It’s witty. It’s hilarious. It’s tempting. It’s charming.
A woman’s magazine called Pearls and Pelisses has named Lord Nicholas St. John one of London’s Lord to Land. Nicholas is very good at tracking missing people. His friend, the Duke of Leighton, is missing his sister Isabel. That’s why he asks Nick to help him and he agrees. Accepting this task has a nice side effect: Nick is seriously getting annoyed and tired of women throwing themselves at him, and he is very glad to get out of London for a while. After a very bad experience Nick has sworn off women who want to get married. Moreover, he doesn’t believe in love anymore, however, he can’t resist a woman in need. Having said that, our dear Nick is in for a surprise because when he will meet beautiful and intriguing Lady Isabel all bets are off.
Lady Isabel is the daughter of the Earl of Reddich. Her father abandoned Isabel’s family a long time ago; he has left her alone to take care of their neglected estate. And now that he’s died, Isabel is in dire financial distress because her father didn’t leave her any money. On top of that, she is responsible to raise her ten-year old brother James who will be the next Earl of Reddich. Lady Isabel converted the estate into a shelter for women who were abused or neglected. In order to save her shelter she needs quite a bit of money and decides to sell her marbles (statues). On a personal note: I have never heard of this term “marbles”. Anyway, I knew of what they were talking, I assume that’s good enough after all. Being an antiquarian comes in very handy when Nick tracks down Isabel and agrees to take a look at her marbles. Nick discovers rather quickly that Isabel is keeping a lot of secrets. What follows suit is a beautiful love story between a very determined and courageous heroine and a wonderful hero who never wanted to believe in love anymore.
There’s so much to adore about this book. The strong, independent, beautiful, and intelligent Isabel is incredibly lovable and I totally adored her smart mouth! She needed a strong hero and I think Nick was her perfect match. He is sinfully hot, charming, and very swoon-worthy. Even though the plot was rather predictable, I really enjoyed Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord. A lot. I loved the interaction between Nick and Isabel. Boy, the dialogue was very witty and entertaining, and I had a good laugh from time to time.
She peeked her head over the edge of the house once more. "You would do well to remember that sound carries up, my lord. Language, please."
"My apologies." He offered an exaggerated bow. "I am not used to conversing with ladies on roofs. The rules of etiquette for the situation have escaped me."
She narrowed her gaze on him. "Even from three stories up, I can tell that you are being facetious."
Their chemistry? Whew!! It was verrrry hawt and the sparks were flying. The beautifully written love scenes are the cherries on top of another wonderful HR story. One of my very favorite scenes is this very lush, sensual, and tempting moment when Nick touched Voluptas. Mmmm…I wanted to be this statue. *dreamy sigh* What follows suit is an utterly sensual seduction of our lovely heroine. Isabel has some serious issues to trust a man. That said, this comes as no surprise at all since her father gambled her away on a regular basis. It was very satisfying to see how these two lead characters came to terms with their problems. The reward was awaiting them at the end of the road: love.
What didn’t quite work for me
Towards the end of the plot I had to endure some “cheesy” moments. Further, Isabel annoyed me a little bit when she hurt Nick’s feelings—it was absolutely needless. Seriously, what was wrong with you, my dear??
Final verdict
I totally dig the author’s writing. Yes, it’s light but in a very good and adorable way. Even though her stories are on the lighter side, they are never shallow or superficial. If you’re in need to put a smile on your face then I strongly recommend you to give this author a go. Enjoy!
“You are strong and beautiful and brilliant, and so passionate—it makes me ache to be near you.” He placed his forehead to hers as he continued, “I don’t know how it happened…but I seem to have fallen quite impossibly in love with you.”
4.5 stars.
„So beautiful…so passionate…my very own Voluptas.“ The words, more breath than sound, sent an explosion of heat through her. “Show me.”
It’s witty. It’s hilarious. It’s tempting. It’s charming.
A woman’s magazine called Pearls and Pelisses has named Lord Nicholas St. John one of London’s Lord to Land. Nicholas is very good at tracking missing people. His friend, the Duke of Leighton, is missing his sister Isabel. That’s why he asks Nick to help him and he agrees. Accepting this task has a nice side effect: Nick is seriously getting annoyed and tired of women throwing themselves at him, and he is very glad to get out of London for a while. After a very bad experience Nick has sworn off women who want to get married. Moreover, he doesn’t believe in love anymore, however, he can’t resist a woman in need. Having said that, our dear Nick is in for a surprise because when he will meet beautiful and intriguing Lady Isabel all bets are off.
Lady Isabel is the daughter of the Earl of Reddich. Her father abandoned Isabel’s family a long time ago; he has left her alone to take care of their neglected estate. And now that he’s died, Isabel is in dire financial distress because her father didn’t leave her any money. On top of that, she is responsible to raise her ten-year old brother James who will be the next Earl of Reddich. Lady Isabel converted the estate into a shelter for women who were abused or neglected. In order to save her shelter she needs quite a bit of money and decides to sell her marbles (statues). On a personal note: I have never heard of this term “marbles”. Anyway, I knew of what they were talking, I assume that’s good enough after all. Being an antiquarian comes in very handy when Nick tracks down Isabel and agrees to take a look at her marbles. Nick discovers rather quickly that Isabel is keeping a lot of secrets. What follows suit is a beautiful love story between a very determined and courageous heroine and a wonderful hero who never wanted to believe in love anymore.
There’s so much to adore about this book. The strong, independent, beautiful, and intelligent Isabel is incredibly lovable and I totally adored her smart mouth! She needed a strong hero and I think Nick was her perfect match. He is sinfully hot, charming, and very swoon-worthy. Even though the plot was rather predictable, I really enjoyed Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord. A lot. I loved the interaction between Nick and Isabel. Boy, the dialogue was very witty and entertaining, and I had a good laugh from time to time.
She peeked her head over the edge of the house once more. "You would do well to remember that sound carries up, my lord. Language, please."
"My apologies." He offered an exaggerated bow. "I am not used to conversing with ladies on roofs. The rules of etiquette for the situation have escaped me."
She narrowed her gaze on him. "Even from three stories up, I can tell that you are being facetious."
Their chemistry? Whew!! It was verrrry hawt and the sparks were flying. The beautifully written love scenes are the cherries on top of another wonderful HR story. One of my very favorite scenes is this very lush, sensual, and tempting moment when Nick touched Voluptas. Mmmm…I wanted to be this statue. *dreamy sigh* What follows suit is an utterly sensual seduction of our lovely heroine. Isabel has some serious issues to trust a man. That said, this comes as no surprise at all since her father gambled her away on a regular basis. It was very satisfying to see how these two lead characters came to terms with their problems. The reward was awaiting them at the end of the road: love.
What didn’t quite work for me
Towards the end of the plot I had to endure some “cheesy” moments. Further, Isabel annoyed me a little bit when she hurt Nick’s feelings—it was absolutely needless. Seriously, what was wrong with you, my dear??
Final verdict
I totally dig the author’s writing. Yes, it’s light but in a very good and adorable way. Even though her stories are on the lighter side, they are never shallow or superficial. If you’re in need to put a smile on your face then I strongly recommend you to give this author a go. Enjoy!
“You are strong and beautiful and brilliant, and so passionate—it makes me ache to be near you.” He placed his forehead to hers as he continued, “I don’t know how it happened…but I seem to have fallen quite impossibly in love with you.”
March 9, 2011
This is a perfect example of how an annoying heroine can ruin a story. Because after the (almost) perfection of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake this story was rather a huge disappointment for me. It wasn’t the writing, style, pacing or narrative voice. Because those were to par with Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake. It really was the heroine that ruined it all for me.
And here comes the obvious comparison with the first book in this trilogy. While Callie also had a few hang-ups and issues, she accepted them and really tried to move on, tried to change, tried to rise above what she herself and others expected from her. Isabel was completely different. She had a bit more issues and hang-ups than Callie, but did she try to change? Nope. She stubbornly clung to those issues like a mantle of protection against the world, against everything and everybody in fear of somehow turning into her mother and driving the man she loved away.
I only really enjoyed this story when Isabel was absent or during the sex scenes, when she couldn’t talk much and let her mouth ruin everything.
I guess Ms. MacLean tried to make Isabel appear strong and resilient, but instead she came through as petulant, too-stubborn, a little selfish, and a whole lot annoying.
Another comparison comes to mind, this time between the hero of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, Nick’s twin brother and Nick. I guess the roles between hero and heroine were reversed when it came to this book.
While this was yet another great example of Ms. MacLean’s writing, I just couldn’t get past the heroine and her behavior. Thanks to Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, I came to expect a lot and was actually looking forward to Nick’s story, since Nick was supposed to be the “handsomer and more gentlemanly of the St. John twins”. I love him to bits, but I feel his story didn’t do him justice and he sure didn’t get what he deserved in the heroine department.
And here comes the obvious comparison with the first book in this trilogy. While Callie also had a few hang-ups and issues, she accepted them and really tried to move on, tried to change, tried to rise above what she herself and others expected from her. Isabel was completely different. She had a bit more issues and hang-ups than Callie, but did she try to change? Nope. She stubbornly clung to those issues like a mantle of protection against the world, against everything and everybody in fear of somehow turning into her mother and driving the man she loved away.
I only really enjoyed this story when Isabel was absent or during the sex scenes, when she couldn’t talk much and let her mouth ruin everything.
I guess Ms. MacLean tried to make Isabel appear strong and resilient, but instead she came through as petulant, too-stubborn, a little selfish, and a whole lot annoying.
Another comparison comes to mind, this time between the hero of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, Nick’s twin brother and Nick. I guess the roles between hero and heroine were reversed when it came to this book.
While this was yet another great example of Ms. MacLean’s writing, I just couldn’t get past the heroine and her behavior. Thanks to Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, I came to expect a lot and was actually looking forward to Nick’s story, since Nick was supposed to be the “handsomer and more gentlemanly of the St. John twins”. I love him to bits, but I feel his story didn’t do him justice and he sure didn’t get what he deserved in the heroine department.
November 19, 2015
Wow! Sarah MacLean knows now to write the kinds of women I wish I were more like. If I could choose to be any one historical romance heroine, I’d be Callie from Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake , and then next I would want to be Isabel from this book, Ten Ways to be Adored When Landing a Lord.
Having to follow in the page-steps of such a fabulous first book in the series can’t be easy for any author, and I had very, very high expectations for this book, and for the most part, they were all met! There were truly many things to love about this story, Nicholas being at the top of the list. I don’t know what it is about him, but I’m hard pressed to name a single flaw. And as I said, Isabel is the kind of woman I’d choose to be if I could, so together they make a perfect match.
I really enjoyed the list of things a lady must and must not do, and how they applied to Isabel and Nicholas, and I just love it when a book warmed my heart and left me with a smile on my face!
Ten Ways to be Adored When Landing a Lord is a wonderful installment in the Love by Numbers series, and another addition to my “Keepers” and my “Top Heroes” bookshelves! I can’t wait to begin the next book!
4.5/5 stars
March 2, 2017
Adorei!!! Pensava que não ia gostar tanto como o primeiro mas estava enganada, este conseguiu ser tão bom quanto o anterior!
Espero que não demore muito a sair o 3º livro!
---
(..)
Depois de termos conhecido o Gabriel, desa vez tivemos a oportunidade de conhecer Nick e apesar de serem gémeos, ambos não podiam ser mas diferentes. Acho que gostei mais do Nicholas do que do Gabriel e achei interessante toda a história que este trazia sobre o seu passado.
Mais uma vez temos aqui uma lista, desta vez não feita pela própria protagonista mas por uma revista da época. Fez-me lembrar aqueles artigos da revista "Bravo" que eu lia quando tinha 14 anos e que nos davam (ou não) as dicas essenciais para conquistar "aquele gato da escola!"
http://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogsp...
Espero que não demore muito a sair o 3º livro!
---
(..)
Depois de termos conhecido o Gabriel, desa vez tivemos a oportunidade de conhecer Nick e apesar de serem gémeos, ambos não podiam ser mas diferentes. Acho que gostei mais do Nicholas do que do Gabriel e achei interessante toda a história que este trazia sobre o seu passado.
Mais uma vez temos aqui uma lista, desta vez não feita pela própria protagonista mas por uma revista da época. Fez-me lembrar aqueles artigos da revista "Bravo" que eu lia quando tinha 14 anos e que nos davam (ou não) as dicas essenciais para conquistar "aquele gato da escola!"
http://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogsp...
December 11, 2017
Nick'i ilk kitaptan sevmiştim zaten. Gabriel'in ikizi olmasına rağmen, ondan daha rahat daha eğlenceliydi. Bu kitapta yine eğlenceli kişiliğini tansıtıyordu. Bunun yanında korumacı, sahiplenici, meraklı olduğunu öğrendik. Nick'in, ne istediğini bilen, elde etmek için hiçbir şeyden çekinmeyen tavrını sevdim. Kitap boyunca istikrarlı ilerledi bence.
Isabel de çok güçlü, aynı zamanda kırılgan bir karakterdi. İkisinin birbirine olan duyguları, özellikle Isabel'in erkeksi halleri, evdeki kadınlarla diyalogları çok keyifliydi. Tek sıkıntım olayların çok kısa sürede, birkaç günde, yaşanmasıydı. Biraz daha zamana yayılsaydı benim için daha tatmin edici olurdu.
Kitabı sevdim ama kimse bir Gabriel olamaz sanırım ❤️😍❤️😍❤️
Isabel de çok güçlü, aynı zamanda kırılgan bir karakterdi. İkisinin birbirine olan duyguları, özellikle Isabel'in erkeksi halleri, evdeki kadınlarla diyalogları çok keyifliydi. Tek sıkıntım olayların çok kısa sürede, birkaç günde, yaşanmasıydı. Biraz daha zamana yayılsaydı benim için daha tatmin edici olurdu.
Kitabı sevdim ama kimse bir Gabriel olamaz sanırım ❤️😍❤️😍❤️
January 1, 2022
Good way to start 2022!
For some reason Sarah MacLean's books always feel a touch long to me, but I love the unapologetic feminism and snarky characters!
For some reason Sarah MacLean's books always feel a touch long to me, but I love the unapologetic feminism and snarky characters!
November 18, 2013
It was a nice book.
In fact it was so nice - I dozed off right in the middle of it.
And a little bit later as well. Oh, and...there were a few minutes of the snooze in the beginning. A girl has to have her beauty sleep!
If i could give it 2.5 stars I would, since I did like it.Kind of...maybe...oh, well.
I’m not going to say that it was in any way not up to standards.
The writing was good, the characters plausible, the plot somewhat present. Still, this story, this heroine, this hero…I have met them before. In many novels. It was just one big deja-vu. Like a lot of books I read previously were crammed in one.
Still, that could be good, right?
Maybe. But it wore me out with its dullness.
Nothing happened.
Absolutely nothing.
The most adventurous parts, like the one where the heroine almost falls of the roof?
Booooring!
The hot sex scenes?
Booooring!
I finished the book pretty quickly, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I just lost half of my day in a mind numbing stupor similar to drunkeness. I even felt drunk while reading.
All the symptoms were there: the sleepiness, being extremely tired, blurred vision (especially when supposedly witty banters were followed by idiotic inner dialogues). I was even a bit nauseous at times.
But, maybe this author is just not my cup of tea.
I really didn't like (not to say hated, because it mostly just bored me to death) ''Season'', so I have no idea why I let myself be swayed by the pretty cover and witty title of this book.
Still, you know, if you never, ever, EVER read anything from Julia Quinn, Suzzane Enoch, Mary Balogh …etc then you will like this book and will find it fairly entertaining and new.
In fact it was so nice - I dozed off right in the middle of it.
And a little bit later as well. Oh, and...there were a few minutes of the snooze in the beginning. A girl has to have her beauty sleep!
If i could give it 2.5 stars I would, since I did like it.Kind of...maybe...oh, well.
I’m not going to say that it was in any way not up to standards.
The writing was good, the characters plausible, the plot somewhat present. Still, this story, this heroine, this hero…I have met them before. In many novels. It was just one big deja-vu. Like a lot of books I read previously were crammed in one.
Still, that could be good, right?
Maybe. But it wore me out with its dullness.
Nothing happened.
Absolutely nothing.
The most adventurous parts, like the one where the heroine almost falls of the roof?
Booooring!
The hot sex scenes?
Booooring!
I finished the book pretty quickly, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I just lost half of my day in a mind numbing stupor similar to drunkeness. I even felt drunk while reading.
All the symptoms were there: the sleepiness, being extremely tired, blurred vision (especially when supposedly witty banters were followed by idiotic inner dialogues). I was even a bit nauseous at times.
But, maybe this author is just not my cup of tea.
I really didn't like (not to say hated, because it mostly just bored me to death) ''Season'', so I have no idea why I let myself be swayed by the pretty cover and witty title of this book.
Still, you know, if you never, ever, EVER read anything from Julia Quinn, Suzzane Enoch, Mary Balogh …etc then you will like this book and will find it fairly entertaining and new.
November 27, 2017
I’m so in love with Sarah Macleans books, I can’t wait to pick up the rest of them!! Ahhhh I’m still SWOONING over Nicholas!!! Review to come!
December 13, 2017
Random thoughts in no particular order:
• While the protagonist, Isabel, is admirable in some ways, I find her too frustrating and irrational for my taste. Her fears are valid, but dang that girl is a bit too extra at times. Especially towards Nick.
• Nick is a sweetie honestly.
• The plot is rather boring. It has components that I thought I would enjoy when I first started it, but I’m ultimately left feeling underwhelmed.
• Good, satisfying ending though.
• Lara and Rock are awwww. I would have liked to see more into their story.
So overall, I’m giving it 2 stars. The heroine was not my cup of tea even though I did admire her strengths. I thought the plot and character developments in this book would be more, but it really wasn’t. With that being said, I still liked some ideas of this book, but I just didn’t enjoy it as much I would like to.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
-----------
Yes, I’m on a historical romance rampage after solely reading contemporary 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
• While the protagonist, Isabel, is admirable in some ways, I find her too frustrating and irrational for my taste. Her fears are valid, but dang that girl is a bit too extra at times. Especially towards Nick.
• Nick is a sweetie honestly.
• The plot is rather boring. It has components that I thought I would enjoy when I first started it, but I’m ultimately left feeling underwhelmed.
• Good, satisfying ending though.
• Lara and Rock are awwww. I would have liked to see more into their story.
So overall, I’m giving it 2 stars. The heroine was not my cup of tea even though I did admire her strengths. I thought the plot and character developments in this book would be more, but it really wasn’t. With that being said, I still liked some ideas of this book, but I just didn’t enjoy it as much I would like to.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
-----------
Yes, I’m on a historical romance rampage after solely reading contemporary 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
November 13, 2010
3.5 stars. A cute and simple regency romance, albeit a bit heavy on the predictable drama. MacLean can definitely write, it's just the story itself was kind of lackluster. It had a likable hero/heroine, but I couldn't fall in love with them or relate to their situations without questioning many of the holes in the story.
July 21, 2019
Me ha gustado, pero me esperaba más. Al ser el primero una auténtica delicia, suponía que este sería igual, pero me he equivocado. Pues a pesar de haberme divertido y disfrutado con su lectura, esperaba otra cosa de Nick y del desarrollo de la trama. No sé, tengo la sensación de que la autora podría haber dado más de sí a la historia de los personajes secundarios. Es decir, a los protagonistas les da mucho bombo, que es lo normal claro, pero me hubiera gustado saber más de Lara y Rock y de las otras chicas la verdad.
Aun así pienso que merece la pena e Isabel es fantástica, me ha gustado mucho. No tanto como Cassie, pero a su manera es genial.
Aun así pienso que merece la pena e Isabel es fantástica, me ha gustado mucho. No tanto como Cassie, pero a su manera es genial.
November 11, 2018
4 Stars
I basically got this book because I love Mary Jane Wells. She’s an amazing historical romance narrator. I love accents and I love hers. I could listen to her all day. She truly made this book better. I know I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much had I read the book instead of listening to it.
I like reading this series in order, although I completely forgot who was in the first book. I found this one decent, but not my favorite.
My biggest problem was Isabel. She’s very head strong and it’s to the point where I wonder if she was worth pursuing.
She was abandon when she was little and it kind of left her very guarded. She has a house and a little brother. She saves runaway women but she can’t maintain her lifestyle and needs money.
I like that Isabel is strong and she never wants to marry. She’s almost on the shelf (well I think she is) and so she understands that part of her life is over. I like that she saves women and cares for them deeply. I like her relationship with her little brother.
BUT when it comes to men she is clueless.
Nicolas and Isabel’s relationship is interesting. I wouldn’t call it lustful, although he finds her attractive, but they spend a lot of time talking and working out business stuff. I liked Nicolas because he’s caring and loyal. Also it’s always great when the Hero chases after the Heroine.
I think it’s Isabel’s many attempts of self sabotage annoyed me the most. I understand it adds tension to the story, but poor Nicolas, how much can he deal?
I also thought them keeping things from each other was really annoying because in the end if they truly cared for each other they would speak of the truth. I think they liked themselves a little too much verse each other. So it was hard to feel swept away in the story.
BUT there’s something about these old historical romances that I do like in the sense it’s light and comical. I like some predictable parts and it’s exactly why I picked up this book.
I basically got this book because I love Mary Jane Wells. She’s an amazing historical romance narrator. I love accents and I love hers. I could listen to her all day. She truly made this book better. I know I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much had I read the book instead of listening to it.
I like reading this series in order, although I completely forgot who was in the first book. I found this one decent, but not my favorite.
My biggest problem was Isabel. She’s very head strong and it’s to the point where I wonder if she was worth pursuing.
She was abandon when she was little and it kind of left her very guarded. She has a house and a little brother. She saves runaway women but she can’t maintain her lifestyle and needs money.
I like that Isabel is strong and she never wants to marry. She’s almost on the shelf (well I think she is) and so she understands that part of her life is over. I like that she saves women and cares for them deeply. I like her relationship with her little brother.
BUT when it comes to men she is clueless.
Nicolas and Isabel’s relationship is interesting. I wouldn’t call it lustful, although he finds her attractive, but they spend a lot of time talking and working out business stuff. I liked Nicolas because he’s caring and loyal. Also it’s always great when the Hero chases after the Heroine.
I think it’s Isabel’s many attempts of self sabotage annoyed me the most. I understand it adds tension to the story, but poor Nicolas, how much can he deal?
I also thought them keeping things from each other was really annoying because in the end if they truly cared for each other they would speak of the truth. I think they liked themselves a little too much verse each other. So it was hard to feel swept away in the story.
BUT there’s something about these old historical romances that I do like in the sense it’s light and comical. I like some predictable parts and it’s exactly why I picked up this book.
March 13, 2020
⭐ 3.5 ⭐
Ευχάριστο και πολύ ευκολοδιάβαστο! Το ζευγάρι όμως ήταν ένα τσικ υποδεέστερο, από αυτό του πρώτου βιβλίου.
Ευχάριστο και πολύ ευκολοδιάβαστο! Το ζευγάρι όμως ήταν ένα τσικ υποδεέστερο, από αυτό του πρώτου βιβλίου.
March 14, 2019
Meh😒 I give 🌟🌟. I’m sorry Sarah!!! 😭😭 *sobs hysterically*
This heroine totally ruined this book for me. I thought she was unlikable, proud, assumed the worst in every male...I so admired what she was trying to do to protect others on her life but I felt like everyone around her “got it” and she didn’t. Most of her dialogue was just rude, aggressive, defensive. (Can it be both? Yes! 😂)
Poor Nicholas. He deserved way better. Wayyyy better. He was so wonderful in this book (although I felt like he wasn’t focused on very much, and the heroine got all the limelight, boo for everyone) and how much he cares for everyone he meets was so sweet. I loved his interactions with the young earl.
The only part I liked between Nick and *grits teeth* Isabel was when they were exchanging pieces of information to each other. He would tell her about her marbles (haha) and she would for once be honest and nice and open.
And I don’t get Nicks attraction to her either. Basically he needs to rescue women and she needs rescuing therefore she’s perfect. I don’t feel the give and take of a relationship forming in this one.
October 30, 2016
Me ha gustado mucho, no tanto como el primero pero lo he disfrutado bastante. Hay un par de cosas que no me han terminado de convencer pero una historia muy bonita que se lee practicamente del tiron.
November 17, 2017
Otro libro maravilloso de Sarah MacLean. Me rindo a sus pies.
Completamente enamorada de su pluma, de sus libros, de sus personajes.
Isabel y Nick son maravillosos. Divertidos, pasionales, inteligentes.
Eso sí, la cabezonería de Isabel y sus miedos harán que meta la pata muchas veces y ponga en riesgo lo que con tanto celo guarda y protege: Minerva House y sus habitantes, mujeres que han huido de una cosa u otra.
Lord Nicholas St John, experto en antigüedades, hermano del Marqués de Ralston, cazador y rastreador experto y, ahora, objetivo de todas las mujeres casaderas de Londres. Cuando se le presenta la oportunidad de buscar a la hermana del Duque de Leighton, antiguo amigo y camarada suyo, no se lo piensa dos veces y escapa de Londres, para acabar en Yorkshire, descubriendo no sólo donde se esconde la joven, sino una casa llena de mujeres y a su dueña, la mujer más increíble y misteriosa que ha conocido jamás. Olvidará qué le llevó hasta allí, embelesado por Isabel y decidido a ganarse su confianza...aunque la acabará destrozando.
Isabel, la hija del Condeinnoble, ha visto lo que el amor hace en las personas y no lo quiere para ella. Su único propósito en la vida es sacar adelante Minerva House, proteger a sus residentes y hacer de su hermano de diez años, actual conde de Reddich, un mejor hombre y conde del que jamás fue el padre que los abandonó, a ellos y a su madre. Pero la llegada de Lord Nicholas pondrá todo su mundo patas arriba y aunque sea la respuesta a sus plegarias, Isabel se resistirá mucho.
Las interacciones entre ambos han sido dulces, pasionales, explosivas. Me encanta la pareja que forman. Su historia se desarrolla con rapidez, con fuerza, pero resulta realista y, sobre todo romántica y preciosa. Me ha encantado.
No me he podido resistir y ya me he puesto con el 3º de esta trilogía...
Completamente enamorada de su pluma, de sus libros, de sus personajes.
Isabel y Nick son maravillosos. Divertidos, pasionales, inteligentes.
Eso sí, la cabezonería de Isabel y sus miedos harán que meta la pata muchas veces y ponga en riesgo lo que con tanto celo guarda y protege: Minerva House y sus habitantes, mujeres que han huido de una cosa u otra.
Lord Nicholas St John, experto en antigüedades, hermano del Marqués de Ralston, cazador y rastreador experto y, ahora, objetivo de todas las mujeres casaderas de Londres. Cuando se le presenta la oportunidad de buscar a la hermana del Duque de Leighton, antiguo amigo y camarada suyo, no se lo piensa dos veces y escapa de Londres, para acabar en Yorkshire, descubriendo no sólo donde se esconde la joven, sino una casa llena de mujeres y a su dueña, la mujer más increíble y misteriosa que ha conocido jamás. Olvidará qué le llevó hasta allí, embelesado por Isabel y decidido a ganarse su confianza...aunque la acabará destrozando.
Isabel, la hija del Condeinnoble, ha visto lo que el amor hace en las personas y no lo quiere para ella. Su único propósito en la vida es sacar adelante Minerva House, proteger a sus residentes y hacer de su hermano de diez años, actual conde de Reddich, un mejor hombre y conde del que jamás fue el padre que los abandonó, a ellos y a su madre. Pero la llegada de Lord Nicholas pondrá todo su mundo patas arriba y aunque sea la respuesta a sus plegarias, Isabel se resistirá mucho.
Las interacciones entre ambos han sido dulces, pasionales, explosivas. Me encanta la pareja que forman. Su historia se desarrolla con rapidez, con fuerza, pero resulta realista y, sobre todo romántica y preciosa. Me ha encantado.
No me he podido resistir y ya me he puesto con el 3º de esta trilogía...
August 15, 2020
Con lo que me gustó Nick en el primer libro pensé que esta novela me gustaría más de lo que lo ha hecho. Isabel me ha gustado mucho, más que Calpurnia, sobre todo su manejo de la casa y sus secretos. Sin embargo, Nick me ha parecido bastante parecido a Gabriel y el que ha terminado por gustarme más ha sido Rock (no sé qué pasa con los secundarios que me gustan más). Además, aunque me ha gustado la historia romántica, que fuera tan rápida no me ha terminado de convencer. ¿Dónde quedó el romance a fuego lento? Ay, aún así leeré el siguiente y último libro de esta trilogía solo por tener a la irreverente Juliana como protagonista.
October 3, 2017
After reading the first book in Sarah MacLean's “Love By Numbers” series, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake I was practically dying to read the sequel “Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord.” Unfortunately, this novel did not seem to capture my attention like Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake and I have often found myself trying to finish this book as quickly as I can.
Ever since Nicholas St. John was named “London's Lord to Land” in a ladies' magazine, he has been avoiding all the women in London. However, when the Duke of Leighton told Nick about his missing sister, Nick was glad to take this opportunity to escape! However, when Nick comes to the secretive Townsend Park, home of Minerva House, he finds the daughter of the late wastrel, Lady Isabel Townsend and he realizes that she is no ordinary woman! But will both lovers ever truly love each other once their dark secrets are revealed?
There were a few good things that I did like about this book. I really loved the love scenes and the hero and heroine! Sarah MacLean had done an awesome job at making Nick the all-time, sexy and ever handsome hero! Whew! I just loved how Nick was willing to help out Isabel and the girls of Minerva House with their financial troubles and I just adored Nick for being honest with his feelings about Isabel. But, not only do I love Nick's personality, but his physical appearance is like the body of a god! I loved how Sarah MacLean described his body as being large and muscular, which are two things I love about my romance heroes! Now about Isabel, I loved the fact that Isabel is such a strong heroine and I loved the way that she stood up to any kind of authority that threatened to tear her apart from the girls of Minerva House. But, probably the best part about this novel were the love scenes between Isabel and Nick! I mean, this book is littered with love scenes galore and man, these scenes are hot and sizzling!
Now, here are some reasons why I gave this book a three star rating. For one thing, I often get annoyed with the heroine, Isabel, since she has some major trust issues to work through. I know that Isabel is scared to trust men because of what her father did to her mother and I do understand what she is going through, but still, I think that she could have at least put a little trust in Nick. I also felt sorry for Nick throughout the book because it is evident that he truly does love Isabel, but Isabel always seem to push him away from her no matter what Nick does to earn her love and it got so irritating after awhile. Also, I thought that this book was a little boring at times because the plot seem to slow down in many scenes and there are barely any action scenes in this book, so it was sometimes hard for me to get through this book without a bit of action.
Overall, this book is an average read for me. Even though “Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord” has some really cute scenes between Nick and Isabel, I just wished that Isabel was a little more trusting of Nick and I wished that there were more action scenes to keep my attention to the plot. Even though this is not my favorite book out of the series, I cannot wait to read the third book, Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
June 26, 2018
2.5 ☆
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