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Scoundrels of St. James #3
Surrender to the Devil
A Devilish Duke on a Quest for Pleasure...
Frannie Darling was once a child of London's roughest streets, surrounded by petty thieves, pickpockets, and worse. But though she survived this harsh upbringing to become a woman of incomparable beauty, Frannie wants nothing to do with the men who lust for her, the rogues who frequent the gaming hall where she works. She can take care of herself and feels perfectly safe on her own—safe, that is, until he strides into her world, and once again it becomes a very dangerous place indeed.
To bed her but not wed her. That's what Sterling Mabry, the eighth Duke of Greystone, wants. But Frannie abhors arrogant aristocrats interested only in their own pleasure. So why then does the thought of an illicit tryst with the devilish duke leave her trembling with desire? Her willing body begs for release... and a wicked, wonderful surrender.
Frannie Darling was once a child of London's roughest streets, surrounded by petty thieves, pickpockets, and worse. But though she survived this harsh upbringing to become a woman of incomparable beauty, Frannie wants nothing to do with the men who lust for her, the rogues who frequent the gaming hall where she works. She can take care of herself and feels perfectly safe on her own—safe, that is, until he strides into her world, and once again it becomes a very dangerous place indeed.
To bed her but not wed her. That's what Sterling Mabry, the eighth Duke of Greystone, wants. But Frannie abhors arrogant aristocrats interested only in their own pleasure. So why then does the thought of an illicit tryst with the devilish duke leave her trembling with desire? Her willing body begs for release... and a wicked, wonderful surrender.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 27, 2009
197 people are currently reading
3,926 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Heath
83books4,294followersAlso writes Young Adult under Rachel Hawthorne, Jade Parker, and with her son as J.A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."�
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.� She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including �USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."�
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.� She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including �USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 616 reviews
March 15, 2016
To bed her but not wed her. That's what Sterling Mabry, the eighth Duke of Greystone, wants.
Honestly, I didn't think I would like this one as much as I did. We met the Hero in a previous book and I just did not like his attitude at all! Pompous ass! But, did he win my heart over? He sure did.
“He wanted to change her past, but even as he thought it, he realized it was her very past that had shaped her into a woman who fascinated him.�
He saw Frannie and he wanted her. And as a Duke, he usually got what he wanted. He did not want to marry of course, just to bed her. After all he was a Duke and she was a commoner.
“Fewer candles flickered.
Fewer words were spoken.
Fewer breaths were taken.�
I loved meeting the characters from the previous books too.
Even as he accepted that he couldn't have even one night with her, he realised he wanted a thousand.
"I find nothing more beautiful than an English garden ... unless it is the woman standing within it."
"I enjoy the rain. I am probably the only person in all of England who does."
A wonderful love story and a beautiful Epilogue. One of the best I have read in a long time ... the Epilogue, I mean.
They were in their own world, just the two of them.
No nobility, no street urchins.
Just Sterling.
Just Frannie.
No differences.
Simply a common goal: to give and receive pleasure.
And the sex scenes .... smoking hot. She sure knows how to write 'em.
“Life is a journey, Frannie darling," Feagan had once told me. "Choose well those with whom you travel."
As always, I've followed Feagan's counsel.
July 8, 2009
I am in love with Feagan's lads...every single one of them. And I'll confess, I'd hoped that Frannie would end up with Jim...or the lovely Bill, who I've lusted after since the beginning of the series...but I'm so very happy that she's landed herself a duke. so. very. happy.
Now, Lorraine, I know you're writing Jim next...but please please please tell me that Bill is going to have the best love story of all time. Because he so deserves it.
Now, Lorraine, I know you're writing Jim next...but please please please tell me that Bill is going to have the best love story of all time. Because he so deserves it.
September 9, 2020
La historia de Frannie y Sterling es preciosa, aunque en mi caso necesité de una segunda lectura apenas terminado para poder saborearla mejor. La primera vez lo leí muy rápido y lo que nace entre ellos me resultó muy precipitado y poco creíble, sin embargo, cuando lo leí de nuevo, después de conocer todos los miedos y esperanzas de ambos personajes, todo me cuajó mucho mejor.
Como en el resto de los libros que he leído de la serie, el fuerte es la evolución de los personajes por la influencia del otro y aquí, el personaje de Sterling, está muy bien trabajado en ese sentido. Al principio sólo veremos al aristócrata arrogante y egoísta, que únicamente se preocupa de su bienestar y de conseguir lo que quiere a cualquier precio. No me gustaba, a pesar de conocer la terrible carga que lleva y que fue uno de los motivos que lo alejó de su familia. Por supuesto, el cambio en él es para enamorar a cualquiera.
Frannie es otra cosa, una mujer íntegra y consecuente con sus sentimientos y sus orígenes. A pesar de la terrible experiencia que vivió en su infancia, es todo bondad y optimismo, siempre viendo el lado bueno de lo que la vida le pueda ofrecer.
El Epílogo de esta entrega es uno de los más bonitos que he leído e incluso da para pensar que originalmente la autora iba a dejar la serie hasta aquí, ya que incluye a algunos personajes de los otros libros. Afortunadamente no fue así y ya voy por el cuarto.
Reto #32 PopSugar 2017: Un libro acerca de una mujer interesante
Como en el resto de los libros que he leído de la serie, el fuerte es la evolución de los personajes por la influencia del otro y aquí, el personaje de Sterling, está muy bien trabajado en ese sentido. Al principio sólo veremos al aristócrata arrogante y egoísta, que únicamente se preocupa de su bienestar y de conseguir lo que quiere a cualquier precio. No me gustaba, a pesar de conocer la terrible carga que lleva y que fue uno de los motivos que lo alejó de su familia. Por supuesto, el cambio en él es para enamorar a cualquiera.
Frannie es otra cosa, una mujer íntegra y consecuente con sus sentimientos y sus orígenes. A pesar de la terrible experiencia que vivió en su infancia, es todo bondad y optimismo, siempre viendo el lado bueno de lo que la vida le pueda ofrecer.
El Epílogo de esta entrega es uno de los más bonitos que he leído e incluso da para pensar que originalmente la autora iba a dejar la serie hasta aquí, ya que incluye a algunos personajes de los otros libros. Afortunadamente no fue así y ya voy por el cuarto.
Reto #32 PopSugar 2017: Un libro acerca de una mujer interesante
November 13, 2021
TW for sexual assault
I am just devouring this series and was so excited to read Frannie's story. In this book, I loved how the duke was so intrigued by her and had to spend more time with her. Frannie has three men she grew up on the streets with who are overprotective and would do anything for her. Frannie knows she can't trust a man like Sterling, but he continues to show her that he cares, even if he doesn't want to admit it himself. Frannie has a dark past, but she hasn't let that define who she is. Instead, she has worked to save children from the streets and make their lives better than hers was. The children were so sweet and I loved how strong Frannie was without being overbearing. She also wasn't afraid to go down a dark street at night if it meant saving someone innocent and giving them a new life. And I loved how she was trying so hard not to fall for Sterling because she knew that they had no future because he was a duke, but he was the only person she's every physically wanted and felt desire for. And the ending?? Ugh, pulled at my heartstrings. You definitely have to pick this book up!
I am just devouring this series and was so excited to read Frannie's story. In this book, I loved how the duke was so intrigued by her and had to spend more time with her. Frannie has three men she grew up on the streets with who are overprotective and would do anything for her. Frannie knows she can't trust a man like Sterling, but he continues to show her that he cares, even if he doesn't want to admit it himself. Frannie has a dark past, but she hasn't let that define who she is. Instead, she has worked to save children from the streets and make their lives better than hers was. The children were so sweet and I loved how strong Frannie was without being overbearing. She also wasn't afraid to go down a dark street at night if it meant saving someone innocent and giving them a new life. And I loved how she was trying so hard not to fall for Sterling because she knew that they had no future because he was a duke, but he was the only person she's every physically wanted and felt desire for. And the ending?? Ugh, pulled at my heartstrings. You definitely have to pick this book up!
March 4, 2018
One of the best historical romances I've read this year!!
Surrender to the Devil is the third book in Lorraine Heath's The Scoundrels of St. James series (and overlaps time-wise with the second book, ). I wasn't sure that I was going to like it and IMO the summary written for the book doesn't do it justice: Frannie and Sterling are so much more complicated than the lust-driven characters they are described as!
I ended up *loving* this book and definitely recommend it to all historical romance readers out there. The hero and heroine's relationship is so sweet and passionate, they have great chemistry and are absolutely perfect for each other and seem to really need one another. The supporting characters are terrific (love Feagan's gang!), the mystery of Sterling's problem was engaging (and unusual in the genre, so a nice addition), and there were *several* laugh-out-loud moments.
Although this book is part of the St. James series, I have not read the two previous ones and had no problem following what was going on. Knowing the characters, however, I think the experience is probably richer if you are already familiar with Feagan's gang from the previous books (Luke and Jack's stories).
SUMMARY
Miss Frannie Darling (29) grew up an orphan on the streets of London, the one bright light in her life being her street "family": Feagan (their kidsman), and his "lads" Jack, Luke, Jim, and Bill. (The background I'm about to give is explained in the prologue, so I'm not giving any surprises away). When she was 12 years old, Frannie was kidnapped, sold to a brothel that specialized in virgins, and brutally raped. Despite their young age, Luke and Jack searched out the gentleman who raped her and Luke killed him. It turns out that the man was Luke's uncle and Luke's grandfather, who comes to see the boy who killed his second son, recognizes Luke and arranges for the trial to not occur and for his grandson, along with his friends, to come live with him and be educated by tutors.
Frannie is now a young woman and she finds satisfaction in the bookkeeping she does for Dodger's gaming club and joy in her real passion: her orphanage to help street children. When she meets the Duke of Greystone (Catherine's brother) at Luke and Catherine's wedding, she is completely fascinated and also extremely surprised; though she doesn't fear intimacy or passion, she has never been attracted to nor felt desire for any man ... until now. (Their first encounter at the wedding is very funny - and then very hot, lol). As Sterling determinedly pursues her, Frannie can't help but want to give in to him; she knows he will never marry her, and frankly she dislikes the aristocracy and has no desire to join its ranks, but would it be so wrong for her to take this opportunity to be with the only man who has ever looked at her like she was a desirable woman and whom she desires as well?
Sterling Mabry, Duke of Greystone (28) has been traveling extensively for many years following a terrible fight with his father. His father called him selfish for wanting to go see the world, but Sterling knew this was something he had to do (for spoiler reasons see "Comments") before he settled down and carried out his duty as duke. He has been back in London for four months now and is determined to do what he must: find a wife and produce the necessary heir and spare. Sterling is convinced that no woman can really love him because of his secret problem and therefore wants to find a wife who will give him the heirs he needs and then be content to live her own life, someone self-involved who won't want his love and will not fall in love with him.
When he sees Frannie at Catherine's wedding he is inexplicably drawn to her and decides that before embarking on the marriage mart, he must spend one night with this intriguing woman. Although he starts his pursuit with the mere goal of enjoying himself with Frannie's body, he becomes unwillingly fascinated by the woman herself and wanting only one night quickly becomes wanting much, much more.
Along with the romance between Sterling and Frannie, the story involves Frannie's attempts to save children from the rookeries and bring them to her orphanage. She goes at night searching for children whom she can help and this quickly becomes quite dangerous, since the mean kidsman Sykes is not happy that she is taking his children - and source of revenue - from him. There is also Sterling's private struggle with a hidden problem, which is hinted at from the beginning but only revealed a little into it.
FEAGAN'S GANG
I loved Feagan's gang and cannot wait to read the other books in the series. They are extremely protective of Frannie, who was kind of the "mother" of the gang when they were growing up even though they're all around the same age. They have never forgiven themselves for what happened to her so long ago, because they feel like they should have somehow been able to protect her, and as a result, they treat her like she is fragile (one of the reasons she is so enjoys her time with Sterling is he doesn't treat her like that). Their love for her is obvious and the numerous times that they are protective of her and try to warn Sterling off are sweet, enjoyable, and highly entertaining.
MAIN CHARACTERS, Frannie and Sterling
Frannie and Sterling are so great together and they are definitely one of my favorite romantic pairs of the year. I wasn't sure I would like this book at first, since the idea that Sterling just wants to sleep with her and considers himself too good to marry her was unappealing, to put it lightly, but Sterling is *not* like that. He doesn't come off as haughty, just lonely and cynical, and although he does try to stick to only lust, from the very beginning of their acquaintance he feels more for her than just that.
There's a very gentle side to Sterling that we don't see at first, but that is slowly revealed, with what he does for Frannie and the orphans, especially Jimmy/Peter (I *loved* when Sterling paints a fake tattoo on his back for him because he sees Sterling's and wants the same thing). The scenes where he shows Frannie his sketches and later makes several drawings of her are also a treat.
Frannie is a terrific heroine; she is incredibly strong and resilient, yet also gentle, generous, and friendly. She does so much for others and has so much capacity for love, but she is not an annoying do-gooder heroine who is all smiles and sunbeams, don't worry. She is in fact an incredible mix of innocence and realism, both shy and confident, sensitive and brave. Frannie wants to be married and have her own children, but she has pretty much given up on this dream. She's also extremely smart (a whiz with numbers), which is always nice in a heroine.
There was always honesty between Frannie and Sterling, which was a nice change. Neither of them have illusions about their relationship, where it might potentially go, and where it never will (though surprise, surprise, our HEA contradicts that!! I know, you're shocked - sit down and recover). Although they first see each other across a room and find themselves attracted to one another without really knowing each other, this wasn't a book where it's all about lust and not much else. Sterling finds himself becoming lost in Fannie's goodness and optimism, amazed that she can be as innocent, open, and giving as she is, despite all she's been through. Frannie loves how gentle and sweet Sterling is with her, while also being passionate and almost hungry for her, as if she is his sustenance and salvation.
THE SCOUNDRELS OF ST. JAMES SERIES
1) - Lucian (Luke) Langdon, Earl of Claybourne and Lady Catherine Mabry
2) - Jack Dodger and Olivia, Duchess of Lovingdon
3) Surrender to the Devil - Miss Frannie Darling and Sterling Mabry, Duke of Greystone (Catherine's brother)
4) - Inspector/Sir James (Jim) Swindler and Eleanor Watkins (to be released on October 27)
BOTTOM LINE
Read it!! I can't wait to read Jim's story - and meanwhile, I'll read Books 1 and 2 and probably end up rereading this one also.
P.S. Frannie is one year older than Sterling and as much as I hate to admit this, I don't really like the heroine to be older. However, it's only one year and if you're put off by this, DON'T BE!! This book is not to be missed!
Surrender to the Devil is the third book in Lorraine Heath's The Scoundrels of St. James series (and overlaps time-wise with the second book, ). I wasn't sure that I was going to like it and IMO the summary written for the book doesn't do it justice: Frannie and Sterling are so much more complicated than the lust-driven characters they are described as!
I ended up *loving* this book and definitely recommend it to all historical romance readers out there. The hero and heroine's relationship is so sweet and passionate, they have great chemistry and are absolutely perfect for each other and seem to really need one another. The supporting characters are terrific (love Feagan's gang!), the mystery of Sterling's problem was engaging (and unusual in the genre, so a nice addition), and there were *several* laugh-out-loud moments.
Although this book is part of the St. James series, I have not read the two previous ones and had no problem following what was going on. Knowing the characters, however, I think the experience is probably richer if you are already familiar with Feagan's gang from the previous books (Luke and Jack's stories).
SUMMARY
Miss Frannie Darling (29) grew up an orphan on the streets of London, the one bright light in her life being her street "family": Feagan (their kidsman), and his "lads" Jack, Luke, Jim, and Bill. (The background I'm about to give is explained in the prologue, so I'm not giving any surprises away). When she was 12 years old, Frannie was kidnapped, sold to a brothel that specialized in virgins, and brutally raped. Despite their young age, Luke and Jack searched out the gentleman who raped her and Luke killed him. It turns out that the man was Luke's uncle and Luke's grandfather, who comes to see the boy who killed his second son, recognizes Luke and arranges for the trial to not occur and for his grandson, along with his friends, to come live with him and be educated by tutors.
Frannie is now a young woman and she finds satisfaction in the bookkeeping she does for Dodger's gaming club and joy in her real passion: her orphanage to help street children. When she meets the Duke of Greystone (Catherine's brother) at Luke and Catherine's wedding, she is completely fascinated and also extremely surprised; though she doesn't fear intimacy or passion, she has never been attracted to nor felt desire for any man ... until now. (Their first encounter at the wedding is very funny - and then very hot, lol). As Sterling determinedly pursues her, Frannie can't help but want to give in to him; she knows he will never marry her, and frankly she dislikes the aristocracy and has no desire to join its ranks, but would it be so wrong for her to take this opportunity to be with the only man who has ever looked at her like she was a desirable woman and whom she desires as well?
Sterling Mabry, Duke of Greystone (28) has been traveling extensively for many years following a terrible fight with his father. His father called him selfish for wanting to go see the world, but Sterling knew this was something he had to do (for spoiler reasons see "Comments") before he settled down and carried out his duty as duke. He has been back in London for four months now and is determined to do what he must: find a wife and produce the necessary heir and spare. Sterling is convinced that no woman can really love him because of his secret problem and therefore wants to find a wife who will give him the heirs he needs and then be content to live her own life, someone self-involved who won't want his love and will not fall in love with him.
When he sees Frannie at Catherine's wedding he is inexplicably drawn to her and decides that before embarking on the marriage mart, he must spend one night with this intriguing woman. Although he starts his pursuit with the mere goal of enjoying himself with Frannie's body, he becomes unwillingly fascinated by the woman herself and wanting only one night quickly becomes wanting much, much more.
Along with the romance between Sterling and Frannie, the story involves Frannie's attempts to save children from the rookeries and bring them to her orphanage. She goes at night searching for children whom she can help and this quickly becomes quite dangerous, since the mean kidsman Sykes is not happy that she is taking his children - and source of revenue - from him. There is also Sterling's private struggle with a hidden problem, which is hinted at from the beginning but only revealed a little into it.
FEAGAN'S GANG
I loved Feagan's gang and cannot wait to read the other books in the series. They are extremely protective of Frannie, who was kind of the "mother" of the gang when they were growing up even though they're all around the same age. They have never forgiven themselves for what happened to her so long ago, because they feel like they should have somehow been able to protect her, and as a result, they treat her like she is fragile (one of the reasons she is so enjoys her time with Sterling is he doesn't treat her like that). Their love for her is obvious and the numerous times that they are protective of her and try to warn Sterling off are sweet, enjoyable, and highly entertaining.
MAIN CHARACTERS, Frannie and Sterling
Frannie and Sterling are so great together and they are definitely one of my favorite romantic pairs of the year. I wasn't sure I would like this book at first, since the idea that Sterling just wants to sleep with her and considers himself too good to marry her was unappealing, to put it lightly, but Sterling is *not* like that. He doesn't come off as haughty, just lonely and cynical, and although he does try to stick to only lust, from the very beginning of their acquaintance he feels more for her than just that.
There's a very gentle side to Sterling that we don't see at first, but that is slowly revealed, with what he does for Frannie and the orphans, especially Jimmy/Peter (I *loved* when Sterling paints a fake tattoo on his back for him because he sees Sterling's and wants the same thing). The scenes where he shows Frannie his sketches and later makes several drawings of her are also a treat.
Frannie is a terrific heroine; she is incredibly strong and resilient, yet also gentle, generous, and friendly. She does so much for others and has so much capacity for love, but she is not an annoying do-gooder heroine who is all smiles and sunbeams, don't worry. She is in fact an incredible mix of innocence and realism, both shy and confident, sensitive and brave. Frannie wants to be married and have her own children, but she has pretty much given up on this dream. She's also extremely smart (a whiz with numbers), which is always nice in a heroine.
There was always honesty between Frannie and Sterling, which was a nice change. Neither of them have illusions about their relationship, where it might potentially go, and where it never will (though surprise, surprise, our HEA contradicts that!! I know, you're shocked - sit down and recover). Although they first see each other across a room and find themselves attracted to one another without really knowing each other, this wasn't a book where it's all about lust and not much else. Sterling finds himself becoming lost in Fannie's goodness and optimism, amazed that she can be as innocent, open, and giving as she is, despite all she's been through. Frannie loves how gentle and sweet Sterling is with her, while also being passionate and almost hungry for her, as if she is his sustenance and salvation.
THE SCOUNDRELS OF ST. JAMES SERIES
1) - Lucian (Luke) Langdon, Earl of Claybourne and Lady Catherine Mabry
2) - Jack Dodger and Olivia, Duchess of Lovingdon
3) Surrender to the Devil - Miss Frannie Darling and Sterling Mabry, Duke of Greystone (Catherine's brother)
4) - Inspector/Sir James (Jim) Swindler and Eleanor Watkins (to be released on October 27)
BOTTOM LINE
Read it!! I can't wait to read Jim's story - and meanwhile, I'll read Books 1 and 2 and probably end up rereading this one also.
P.S. Frannie is one year older than Sterling and as much as I hate to admit this, I don't really like the heroine to be older. However, it's only one year and if you're put off by this, DON'T BE!! This book is not to be missed!
January 21, 2010
*lies prone on the floor in breathless rapture*
Okay, that's a little over the top. But this is a very romantic book, so it seems fitting.
This is the third installment of Heath's "Scoundrels of St. James" series and it's chock full of romancy goodness.
To be honest, though, I wasn't sure I was going to get into it. Our hero, Sterling (he appeared briefly in the first book, "In Bed with the Devil"), comes off as a real jerk. He was introduced in the earlier book as a bit of a stiff and continues that performance in the first couple of scenes. However, we see his cracks soon enough and he quickly becomes a hero to root for.
Frannie Darling ... what can I say? She's the girl of the group, the one the Scoundrels love and protect to the point of smothering, and she loves them back just as much. Their relationship is unique and very heartwarming. But they're not too jazzed at the Duke of Greystone cozying up to their girl.
Frannie and Sterling's connection is one of those instant ones that I have a hard time with. That's the second reason I thought I wouldn't ultimately like the story. But again, I was won over. When they do actually start talking to each other without the weirdness, their chemistry is evident in every scene, and that breakthrough happens early on so we're not trudging through mire trying to get to the inevitable.
Bad things have happened to Frannie. Sterling has experienced a few crummy moments as well, although nothing like what's happened to her. And he has a secret that will effect whomever he spends the rest of his life with, so his goal is to find a woman to marry that he won't care about. He's certain he'd lose her love anyway. What nice surprises are in store for him.
Again, Dickens plays a huge part, even shows up at one point, but I didn't have a problem with it. It's kind of a clever way to branch out from an existing story and that's fine with me.
So far I've really enjoyed Heath's work. This series hit me just where I needed it, right down to the incredibly thorough epilogue that caps this tale. An excellent balance of angst and joy, romance and hardship, It really hits the spot.
*picks self up off floor and brushes off carpet lint*
Obviously this series is Beanbag recommended. ;^)
Okay, that's a little over the top. But this is a very romantic book, so it seems fitting.
This is the third installment of Heath's "Scoundrels of St. James" series and it's chock full of romancy goodness.
To be honest, though, I wasn't sure I was going to get into it. Our hero, Sterling (he appeared briefly in the first book, "In Bed with the Devil"), comes off as a real jerk. He was introduced in the earlier book as a bit of a stiff and continues that performance in the first couple of scenes. However, we see his cracks soon enough and he quickly becomes a hero to root for.
Frannie Darling ... what can I say? She's the girl of the group, the one the Scoundrels love and protect to the point of smothering, and she loves them back just as much. Their relationship is unique and very heartwarming. But they're not too jazzed at the Duke of Greystone cozying up to their girl.
Frannie and Sterling's connection is one of those instant ones that I have a hard time with. That's the second reason I thought I wouldn't ultimately like the story. But again, I was won over. When they do actually start talking to each other without the weirdness, their chemistry is evident in every scene, and that breakthrough happens early on so we're not trudging through mire trying to get to the inevitable.
Bad things have happened to Frannie. Sterling has experienced a few crummy moments as well, although nothing like what's happened to her. And he has a secret that will effect whomever he spends the rest of his life with, so his goal is to find a woman to marry that he won't care about. He's certain he'd lose her love anyway. What nice surprises are in store for him.
Again, Dickens plays a huge part, even shows up at one point, but I didn't have a problem with it. It's kind of a clever way to branch out from an existing story and that's fine with me.
So far I've really enjoyed Heath's work. This series hit me just where I needed it, right down to the incredibly thorough epilogue that caps this tale. An excellent balance of angst and joy, romance and hardship, It really hits the spot.
*picks self up off floor and brushes off carpet lint*
Obviously this series is Beanbag recommended. ;^)
February 18, 2017
Me ha encantado.
Frannie me ha gustado muchísimo como protagonista, y Sterling, aún más.
Por fin se ha descubierto quien es el padre de Frannie y me ha parecido genial poder saber lo que sucede en la vida de ambos hasta que se hacen mayores gracias al diario de Frannie.
Recomendable 100%
Me apetece mucho leer la historia de Jim.
Frannie me ha gustado muchísimo como protagonista, y Sterling, aún más.
Por fin se ha descubierto quien es el padre de Frannie y me ha parecido genial poder saber lo que sucede en la vida de ambos hasta que se hacen mayores gracias al diario de Frannie.
Recomendable 100%
Me apetece mucho leer la historia de Jim.
February 27, 2013
Weeping Willow Tree, painting by artist Karen Margulis
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★★★★� (This is a review of the audiobook.) I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about reading another book to me except one of the In Death series by Nora Roberts. However, once I let go of that, I really enjoyed her narration. Her diction is perfect and, as an amateur linguist, she can pull off both men’s and women’s voices smoothly. She has a delightful way of delivering children’s voices, too. Nevertheless, this one seems a little slow, so I increased the speed just a tad.
From the beginning I was pretty sure I was going to give this book three or three and a half stars; however, the last half of the book was just too wonderful and I had to kick it up a notch. I even cried, when I least expected it, not once, but twice. The Romance Master, knows how to write a Romance; that is why she can pull off changing a character from an unlikable fellow in the previous two books to a hero in this one. Ms. Heath does an admirable job of bringing the memorable fictional characters from � Victorian underworld to RomanceLandia.
Sterling Mabry, Duke of Greystone, isn’t a very likeable character. He hits on Frannie Darling right off the bat. While this is typical duke “sense of entitlement� behavior, which I usually love, I was shaking my head and rolling my eyes here. It isn’t that I loathed him; he just didn’t do “it� for me.
Until you get his history, watch his character development, see him open up to heroine and his environment. Then he became good enough for the kindhearted Frannie Darling.
In this third installment of Lorraine Heath’s Scoundrels of St. James series you learn just how kindhearted Frannie truly is. At one point her forgiveness quotient made me cry unexpected tears.
Loved the epilogue, too.
Audiobook Covers
[image error]
★★★★� (This is a review of the audiobook.) I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about reading another book to me except one of the In Death series by Nora Roberts. However, once I let go of that, I really enjoyed her narration. Her diction is perfect and, as an amateur linguist, she can pull off both men’s and women’s voices smoothly. She has a delightful way of delivering children’s voices, too. Nevertheless, this one seems a little slow, so I increased the speed just a tad.
From the beginning I was pretty sure I was going to give this book three or three and a half stars; however, the last half of the book was just too wonderful and I had to kick it up a notch. I even cried, when I least expected it, not once, but twice. The Romance Master, knows how to write a Romance; that is why she can pull off changing a character from an unlikable fellow in the previous two books to a hero in this one. Ms. Heath does an admirable job of bringing the memorable fictional characters from � Victorian underworld to RomanceLandia.
Sterling Mabry, Duke of Greystone, isn’t a very likeable character. He hits on Frannie Darling right off the bat. While this is typical duke “sense of entitlement� behavior, which I usually love, I was shaking my head and rolling my eyes here. It isn’t that I loathed him; he just didn’t do “it� for me.
Until you get his history, watch his character development, see him open up to heroine and his environment. Then he became good enough for the kindhearted Frannie Darling.
In this third installment of Lorraine Heath’s Scoundrels of St. James series you learn just how kindhearted Frannie truly is. At one point her forgiveness quotient made me cry unexpected tears.
Loved the epilogue, too.
Audiobook Covers
March 15, 2016
Like in the previous one, I didn't like the hero at the beginning!
To be honest I didn't like him in "In Bed with the Devil". He returned to claim his title from the his wanderings and pretended his that sister obey him like a dog! Ohhhh... I wanted to slap him then!
Here he's the same jerk. He sees Frannie and he wants her. Just like she were a piece of furniture! My hands were itching, let me tell you!
On the other hand I adored Frannie since we met her i the first book! She's such a sweet person, but with the backbone of steel! Loved her!
She wants him too, but on her terms! Go, girl, that's the way to treat jerks! Brava!
And so their story begins, where the jerk learns that life doesn't revolve around him and that other people have feelings too. Where said jerk becomes a human being that bends to others' needs - specifically Frannie's! :)
And what a jurney it was! Sweet and tender, with a touch of sadness and with a speck of danger.
I love how Ms. Heath manages to make me like (and even love) characters that I couldn't stand at the beginning of the book! It's just plain fantastic!
“I was just standing here thinking about the morning of Catherine’s wedding and how easily you lifted my timepiece,� he said far too quietly.
“Oh, dear God, please don’t remember that. I don’t know why I did it. I’m so embarrassed—�
He touched his finger to her lips, silencing her plea that his memories of her be far more pleasant.“You managed to do the same with my heart, didn’t you, Frannie? You stole it, and I didn’t even feel it happening.�
Tears burned her eyes and her chest ached with the raw emotion she saw reflected in his eyes. Her heart leaped with the possibility that something real and true could exist—did exist—between them. “Oh, Sterling, I—�
Before she could profess her love for him, he was again pressing his finger to her lips. “I thought if I kept my distance that somehow my heart would return to me.�
She shook her head. “As long as I have it, I’ll not give it back.�
To be honest I didn't like him in "In Bed with the Devil". He returned to claim his title from the his wanderings and pretended his that sister obey him like a dog! Ohhhh... I wanted to slap him then!
Here he's the same jerk. He sees Frannie and he wants her. Just like she were a piece of furniture! My hands were itching, let me tell you!
On the other hand I adored Frannie since we met her i the first book! She's such a sweet person, but with the backbone of steel! Loved her!
She wants him too, but on her terms! Go, girl, that's the way to treat jerks! Brava!
And so their story begins, where the jerk learns that life doesn't revolve around him and that other people have feelings too. Where said jerk becomes a human being that bends to others' needs - specifically Frannie's! :)
And what a jurney it was! Sweet and tender, with a touch of sadness and with a speck of danger.
I love how Ms. Heath manages to make me like (and even love) characters that I couldn't stand at the beginning of the book! It's just plain fantastic!
“I was just standing here thinking about the morning of Catherine’s wedding and how easily you lifted my timepiece,� he said far too quietly.
“Oh, dear God, please don’t remember that. I don’t know why I did it. I’m so embarrassed—�
He touched his finger to her lips, silencing her plea that his memories of her be far more pleasant.“You managed to do the same with my heart, didn’t you, Frannie? You stole it, and I didn’t even feel it happening.�
Tears burned her eyes and her chest ached with the raw emotion she saw reflected in his eyes. Her heart leaped with the possibility that something real and true could exist—did exist—between them. “Oh, Sterling, I—�
Before she could profess her love for him, he was again pressing his finger to her lips. “I thought if I kept my distance that somehow my heart would return to me.�
She shook her head. “As long as I have it, I’ll not give it back.�
April 14, 2017
Y sigo con mi racha de 5 estrellitas. Será porque he tenido la suerte de leer durante éste mes unos libros estupendos, o porque realmente me han llegado a lo más hondo. Pero lo cierto sobre "Enamorarse del diablo" es que me ha encantado. Ha sido un libro precioso de principio a fin, sin que en ningún momento decaiga la acción o la historia.
Creo que la editorial se merece un pequeño aplauso por haber dado ése paso final que debió haber dado hace cuatro años cuando empezó a publicar la serie, y de golpe y porrazo dejó de hacerlo. Quizás el premio de consolación fue que nos lo publicaran en nuestro idioma, aunque fuese en formato digital. Lo único de lo que puedo tachar negativamente al libro (y de esto la autora no tiene la culpa), es la calidad de la traducción, a ver, no es mala, pero tiene más de una errata, y algún que otro error ortográfico, pero actualmente pedir mejor calidad a una novela publicada en nuestro país es como pedir peras al olmo.
En "Enamorarse del diablo" tenemos la tercera entrega de la serie, y ésta es la historia de Frannie, la dulce Frannie a la que todos los niños del grupo de Feagan querían. Actualmente Frannie es una mujer que pese a la carestía que sufrió y lo dudoso de sus orígenes, es una buena persona, incapaz de ser egoísta o mezquina. Su mayor ambición es construir un hogar para niños éڲԴDz de las calles, reformarlos y darles una educación que les sirva para tener una vida y oficio digno.
Todo esto se lo encuentra Sterling cuando vuelve de sus viajes. Sterling, el actual duque de Greystone, y hermano mayor de Catherine (la protagonista del primer libro), vuelve después de muchos años viviendo aventuras en el extranjero. En su juventud discutió con su padre y se largó de casa, volvió años después cuando su padre estaba en su lecho de muerte. Ahora, joven y bien parecido, se espera de él que asuma sus responsabilidades para con el título y se busque una esposa, y eso es precisamente lo que hace, pero quizás no del modo que esperaba.
Frannie y Sterling se conocen en la boda de Luke y Catherine. No voy a decir que surja un insta-love entre ellos, pero sí una insta-atracción, de hecho lo primero que él le ofrece es que sea su amante, no puede ofrecerle más, él debe casarse con la hija de un aristócrata, pero nada ocurre como ellos esperan. Las siguientes escenas donde se ven son una auténtica delicia, las muestras de afecto y atracción también. Y aunque ninguno de ellos lo quiera, es obvio que el amor entre ellos va surgiendo poco a poco.
Ambos personajes me han encantado, Frannie con su franqueza y su enorme corazón, dando amor y bondad sin esperar recibir nada a cambio. Y Sterling ¿Qué voy a deciros de Sterling? Si es que es mi tipo de protagonista masculino favorito, es un duque con todas las de la ley, un duque que espera hacer lo correcto, que a pesar de su pasado egoísta y aventurero, tiene más para dar de lo que cree, a pesar de su snobismo y posición y gracias a haber conocido a Frannie demuestra que es bueno y tiene un corazón tan grande como el suyo. Y otra cosa que me ha encantado de Sterling es su vulnerabilidad, sí. Sterling posee un secreto, un defecto que lo tachó a ojos de su padre, un defecto que lo lanzó a una juventud de intrépidas aventuras, pero que también lo separó de la mujer que creyó amar, y que actualmente lo acompleja y lo hace no ser digno de nadie. A Frannie no puede darle más que la posición de que sea su amante, y espera casarse con una aristócrata aburrida a la que no pueda amar ni lo ame, para que así su defecto no sea una carga para ellos. Pero para cuando una gran amenaza surja de los barrios bajos, buscando hacerle daño a Frannie, a Sterling no le quedará más remedio que vencer sus propios miedos y luchar por ella.
Sin duda éste libro es uno de los más bonitos que he leído de la autora, y vuelve a confirmarme que está entre las mejores del género. He disfrutado mucho de ése prólogo y epílogo donde Frannie nos narra su vida, sobre todo del epílogo. Lorraine Heath es una autora que no suele quedarse con el presente de sus personajes, en más de un libro nos ha regalado una breve continuidad de los que fueron sus vidas, con sus cosas buenas y las malas, pero si hay algo que me gusta de sus personajes es que son muy humanos, con todas sus virtudes y todos sus defectos tan reales, y Frannie y Sterling han estado muy bien definidos por ellos.
De momento estoy lo suficientemente motivada como para continuar la serie, así que ahora me pondré con el libro de Jim, el inspector de policía, que me ha dejado un sabor agridulce en ésta novela, y espero de verdad que encuentre el amor verdadero.
Creo que la editorial se merece un pequeño aplauso por haber dado ése paso final que debió haber dado hace cuatro años cuando empezó a publicar la serie, y de golpe y porrazo dejó de hacerlo. Quizás el premio de consolación fue que nos lo publicaran en nuestro idioma, aunque fuese en formato digital. Lo único de lo que puedo tachar negativamente al libro (y de esto la autora no tiene la culpa), es la calidad de la traducción, a ver, no es mala, pero tiene más de una errata, y algún que otro error ortográfico, pero actualmente pedir mejor calidad a una novela publicada en nuestro país es como pedir peras al olmo.
En "Enamorarse del diablo" tenemos la tercera entrega de la serie, y ésta es la historia de Frannie, la dulce Frannie a la que todos los niños del grupo de Feagan querían. Actualmente Frannie es una mujer que pese a la carestía que sufrió y lo dudoso de sus orígenes, es una buena persona, incapaz de ser egoísta o mezquina. Su mayor ambición es construir un hogar para niños éڲԴDz de las calles, reformarlos y darles una educación que les sirva para tener una vida y oficio digno.
Todo esto se lo encuentra Sterling cuando vuelve de sus viajes. Sterling, el actual duque de Greystone, y hermano mayor de Catherine (la protagonista del primer libro), vuelve después de muchos años viviendo aventuras en el extranjero. En su juventud discutió con su padre y se largó de casa, volvió años después cuando su padre estaba en su lecho de muerte. Ahora, joven y bien parecido, se espera de él que asuma sus responsabilidades para con el título y se busque una esposa, y eso es precisamente lo que hace, pero quizás no del modo que esperaba.
Frannie y Sterling se conocen en la boda de Luke y Catherine. No voy a decir que surja un insta-love entre ellos, pero sí una insta-atracción, de hecho lo primero que él le ofrece es que sea su amante, no puede ofrecerle más, él debe casarse con la hija de un aristócrata, pero nada ocurre como ellos esperan. Las siguientes escenas donde se ven son una auténtica delicia, las muestras de afecto y atracción también. Y aunque ninguno de ellos lo quiera, es obvio que el amor entre ellos va surgiendo poco a poco.
Ambos personajes me han encantado, Frannie con su franqueza y su enorme corazón, dando amor y bondad sin esperar recibir nada a cambio. Y Sterling ¿Qué voy a deciros de Sterling? Si es que es mi tipo de protagonista masculino favorito, es un duque con todas las de la ley, un duque que espera hacer lo correcto, que a pesar de su pasado egoísta y aventurero, tiene más para dar de lo que cree, a pesar de su snobismo y posición y gracias a haber conocido a Frannie demuestra que es bueno y tiene un corazón tan grande como el suyo. Y otra cosa que me ha encantado de Sterling es su vulnerabilidad, sí. Sterling posee un secreto, un defecto que lo tachó a ojos de su padre, un defecto que lo lanzó a una juventud de intrépidas aventuras, pero que también lo separó de la mujer que creyó amar, y que actualmente lo acompleja y lo hace no ser digno de nadie. A Frannie no puede darle más que la posición de que sea su amante, y espera casarse con una aristócrata aburrida a la que no pueda amar ni lo ame, para que así su defecto no sea una carga para ellos. Pero para cuando una gran amenaza surja de los barrios bajos, buscando hacerle daño a Frannie, a Sterling no le quedará más remedio que vencer sus propios miedos y luchar por ella.
Sin duda éste libro es uno de los más bonitos que he leído de la autora, y vuelve a confirmarme que está entre las mejores del género. He disfrutado mucho de ése prólogo y epílogo donde Frannie nos narra su vida, sobre todo del epílogo. Lorraine Heath es una autora que no suele quedarse con el presente de sus personajes, en más de un libro nos ha regalado una breve continuidad de los que fueron sus vidas, con sus cosas buenas y las malas, pero si hay algo que me gusta de sus personajes es que son muy humanos, con todas sus virtudes y todos sus defectos tan reales, y Frannie y Sterling han estado muy bien definidos por ellos.
De momento estoy lo suficientemente motivada como para continuar la serie, así que ahora me pondré con el libro de Jim, el inspector de policía, que me ha dejado un sabor agridulce en ésta novela, y espero de verdad que encuentre el amor verdadero.
May 23, 2022
Reread/listened to audiobook version May'2022
I adore the Scoundrels of St. James, and this is my favorite book in the series. The romance between Frannie Darling and Sterling, the Duke of Greystone, is so genuine and moving. I love the moments with Feagan and the rest of his lads, Luke, Jack, Jim, and Bill, and the cameo of Charles Dickens is such a great addition to the story. The scene where Feagan watches and the beautiful epilogue brought tears to my eyes. Still very big 5+ stars for this touching, unforgettable romance that holds a special place in my heart and on my favorites shelves.
Original rating/review Feb'2010
5+ stars � Historical Romance
I adore the Scoundrels of St. James, and this is my favorite book in the series. The romance between Frannie Darling and Sterling, the Duke of Greystone, is so genuine and moving. I love the moments with Feagan and the rest of his lads, Luke, Jack, Jim, and Bill, and the cameo of Charles Dickens is such a great addition to the story. The scene where Feagan watches and the beautiful epilogue brought tears to my eyes. Still very big 5+ stars for this touching, unforgettable romance that holds a special place in my heart and on my favorites shelves.
Original rating/review Feb'2010
5+ stars � Historical Romance
December 11, 2018
Entretenido pero flojo.
September 12, 2011
I really dislike novels where the opening scene describes the main characters only as falling instantly in lust with one another (with the attendant physical symptoms), like this one does. OK, I should qualify that - I really dislike novels with a boring opening scene where the only thing that happens is the main characters' falling instantly in lust with one another.
I also disliked the behaviour of Frannie's "protectors", who basically act like gangsters, beating up the hero in his own house during his sister's wedding reception, for a flimsy and ridiculous reason, besides being utterly idiotic, given that the guy they beat up has a LOT more political power than they and could make life very difficult for them if he chose.
I gave up on the book not much after this, after the hero has met the heroine exactly twice, for about 10 minutes in total, and says to her "I'm always aware of your nearness." Cheesy pick-up line or what? 10 minutes of face time and two encounters is nowhere near "always"!
I also disliked the behaviour of Frannie's "protectors", who basically act like gangsters, beating up the hero in his own house during his sister's wedding reception, for a flimsy and ridiculous reason, besides being utterly idiotic, given that the guy they beat up has a LOT more political power than they and could make life very difficult for them if he chose.
I gave up on the book not much after this, after the hero has met the heroine exactly twice, for about 10 minutes in total, and says to her "I'm always aware of your nearness." Cheesy pick-up line or what? 10 minutes of face time and two encounters is nowhere near "always"!
November 10, 2019
Ότι θέλω σε ένα αισθηματικό μυθιστόρημα!!
August 30, 2021
Beautiful story.
This author knows how to get to me. I really don't like the mistress trope, or when that seems to be the only option, but it still this managed to move me.
I was stunned by the beauty of this one. I loved it so much.
5/5 stars
This author knows how to get to me. I really don't like the mistress trope, or when that seems to be the only option, but it still this managed to move me.
I was stunned by the beauty of this one. I loved it so much.
5/5 stars
November 13, 2019
❤️‘d Frannie
❤️‘d Sterling
And I just love this series!
January 17, 2024
2nd Read, Jan 2024
I love this book so much and my first review still stands. This series has my whole heart and I just love these characters so much. I just reread the first 3 books and they brought me all the feels all over again.
1st Read, Oct 2021
I sound like a broken record at this point, but omg I love this series so much. This book was an amazing addition to the series and the epilogue/journal entries for this had me bawling. The epilogue was so sweet and tender and got to me, it probably didn’t help that I’ve read the 4 books in the spin-off series following all the children of this couple so those moments mentioned were extra sweet and had me completely lost in all my emotions. 🥺🥰😭
Surrender to the Devil is book 3 and follows Frannie Darling and Sterling Mabry, Duke of Greystone. I love how much the couples in this series compliment one another, this book was the perfect example of that. Frannie grew up on the streets raised by a kidsman named Feagan, he took in orphaned kids like Frannie and her friends (the 4 heroes of the rest of the books in this series) and gave them a place to stay as they thieved and pickpocketed for him. At 12, Frannie was stolen, sold, and brutally raped. Her friends did rescue her and they were all taken in by an Earl who ended up being a long lost grandfather of one of the kids. The 5 friends (Frannie, Luke, Jack Dodger, James Swindler, and Dr William Graves) have been in one another’s lives ever since. Frannie is 30-years old and is a partner with Jack Dodger in his successful gentleman’s club, Dodger’s Drawing Room where she works daily as the bookkeeper for the business. It is at the wedding of her friend Luke and Catherine, Frannie meets Catherine’s newly returned brother, Sterling Mabry.
Sterling is 28-years-old and after adventuring around the continent for the past couple years, he has finally returned back home after his father’s passing caused Sterling to inherit the Dukedom. Upon spotting Frannie, Sterling is immediately taken with her and wants her for his lover. He even asks her and she, equally taken with him, tells him she’ll think about it. And so begins their slow-burn, dancing around one another and growing closer. I loved Frannie, she opens her first orphanage house in this book and gives so much of herself to children from the rookeries that she saves. I loved seeing Sterling grow as a character, Frannie opens his eyes to a side of London he’s never given much thought and seeing him care for the orphans and share his travel stories (along with his dragon tattoo) with them was so sweet. This book is just really tender and special and I loved Sterling & Frannie’s romance. Ohh, and that Charles Dickens moment!
“Life is a journey, Frannie darling, choose well those with whom you travel.�
I love this book so much and my first review still stands. This series has my whole heart and I just love these characters so much. I just reread the first 3 books and they brought me all the feels all over again.
1st Read, Oct 2021
I sound like a broken record at this point, but omg I love this series so much. This book was an amazing addition to the series and the epilogue/journal entries for this had me bawling. The epilogue was so sweet and tender and got to me, it probably didn’t help that I’ve read the 4 books in the spin-off series following all the children of this couple so those moments mentioned were extra sweet and had me completely lost in all my emotions. 🥺🥰😭
Surrender to the Devil is book 3 and follows Frannie Darling and Sterling Mabry, Duke of Greystone. I love how much the couples in this series compliment one another, this book was the perfect example of that. Frannie grew up on the streets raised by a kidsman named Feagan, he took in orphaned kids like Frannie and her friends (the 4 heroes of the rest of the books in this series) and gave them a place to stay as they thieved and pickpocketed for him. At 12, Frannie was stolen, sold, and brutally raped. Her friends did rescue her and they were all taken in by an Earl who ended up being a long lost grandfather of one of the kids. The 5 friends (Frannie, Luke, Jack Dodger, James Swindler, and Dr William Graves) have been in one another’s lives ever since. Frannie is 30-years old and is a partner with Jack Dodger in his successful gentleman’s club, Dodger’s Drawing Room where she works daily as the bookkeeper for the business. It is at the wedding of her friend Luke and Catherine, Frannie meets Catherine’s newly returned brother, Sterling Mabry.
Sterling is 28-years-old and after adventuring around the continent for the past couple years, he has finally returned back home after his father’s passing caused Sterling to inherit the Dukedom. Upon spotting Frannie, Sterling is immediately taken with her and wants her for his lover. He even asks her and she, equally taken with him, tells him she’ll think about it. And so begins their slow-burn, dancing around one another and growing closer. I loved Frannie, she opens her first orphanage house in this book and gives so much of herself to children from the rookeries that she saves. I loved seeing Sterling grow as a character, Frannie opens his eyes to a side of London he’s never given much thought and seeing him care for the orphans and share his travel stories (along with his dragon tattoo) with them was so sweet. This book is just really tender and special and I loved Sterling & Frannie’s romance. Ohh, and that Charles Dickens moment!
“Life is a journey, Frannie darling, choose well those with whom you travel.�
February 11, 2021
***3.5 Stars***
"I was just standing here thinking about the morning of Catherine's wedding and how easily you lifted my timepiece . . . You managed to do the same with my heart, didn't you, Frannie? You stole it, and I didn't even feel it happening."
One word to describe this book: Sweet
This was such a sweet romance between a woman who grew up and experienced the horrors of the streets, and a man with a title and responsibility and a bittnerness that eats away at him. But when they were together, none of that mattered.
They were in their own world, just the two of them. No nobility, no street urchin. Just Sterling. Just Frannie. No differences.
Because of what she's been through and what she's survived (content warning for mention of sexual assault of a minor), Frannie is used to the men in her life treating her like a fragile doll. They were her brothers and protectors, but Frannie longed for passion in her life.
And Sterling delivered . . . because he saw her as the amazing woman she was.
"Dear God, but you are beautiful. I knew you would be." He lifted his gaze to hers and held it. "Tell me what you don't want."
"I don't want you to treat me as though I'm vulnerable or might shatter. I want you to treat me as you would any other woman you've known."
"You are nothing like any other woman I've ever known. Never make the mistake of thinking that you are or could ever be."
While I really enjoyed the sweetness, I found the repetitiveness of the constant mention of their class difference annoying after a while. I get it. They get it. We all get it.
Also, their attraction and pull towards each other felt very insta. One introduction and it was all "I can't take my mind off of you!" I'm not a hater of insta, but it didn't quite win me over here. I needed a little bit of a buildup.
Overall, I'm really enjoying this series and Frannie and Sterling were a wonderful couple that I absolutely rooted for.
Each day I thought I could love him no more than I already did - and the following morning I was always proven wrong, for I awoke loving him just a little bit more.
September 15, 2018
1st read: April 2013
The whole book was sigh-worthy.
The book talking :D
Me after finishing the book.
2nd read: August 2014
Buddy read with Jo
The epilogue managed to make me cry again...
3rd read: September 2018
This is my favorite book in the series.
The whole book was sigh-worthy.
The book talking :D
Me after finishing the book.
2nd read: August 2014
Buddy read with Jo
The epilogue managed to make me cry again...
3rd read: September 2018
This is my favorite book in the series.
January 11, 2023
No review until HarperCollins enters a fair contract with their union.
May 11, 2020
3.5 estrellas - 7/10
No he podido con el protagonista, Sterling, ha sido mi problema con este libro. Es un tio tan egocentrico, creido, chulo e insoportable, que aunque vaya cambiando segun avanzamos lectura, me ha sido imposible empatizar con el. Frannie me ha gustado mucho, la historia con los niños y el orfanato genial. Pero Sterling ha sido la piedra en mi zapato y no he conseguido disfrutar mas de la lectura por su culpa... una pena porque tenía muchas ganas de saber mas sobre él.
No he podido con el protagonista, Sterling, ha sido mi problema con este libro. Es un tio tan egocentrico, creido, chulo e insoportable, que aunque vaya cambiando segun avanzamos lectura, me ha sido imposible empatizar con el. Frannie me ha gustado mucho, la historia con los niños y el orfanato genial. Pero Sterling ha sido la piedra en mi zapato y no he conseguido disfrutar mas de la lectura por su culpa... una pena porque tenía muchas ganas de saber mas sobre él.
November 13, 2020
Me encantó 😍
January 7, 2015
No sé si en mi valoración general ha tenido mucho peso el hecho de leerlo en inglés. Ya he comentado que me cuesta mucho y eso, supongo, que se nota
La historia me ha parecido menos original que las dos entregas anteriores. Aún así, Frannie me ha gustado mucho, un personaje valiente, superviviente que no vive en el pasado y tan, tan dulce. Su corazón no cabe en el libro
Sterling y yo no empezamos con buen pie, lo conocemos en la primera entrega y su actitud no me cuajó, pero la autora ha sabido darle la vuelta a la tortilla y, al final, acaba siendo un personaje muy entrañable.
Hay ciertos detalles que no me han terminado de convencer y, el final, sobre todo después den tantas reticencias, muy precipitado.
Por eso, baja estrellitas, pero aún así, me gusta como escribe esta mujer, al menos esta saga, porque la otra no me gustó mucho
La historia me ha parecido menos original que las dos entregas anteriores. Aún así, Frannie me ha gustado mucho, un personaje valiente, superviviente que no vive en el pasado y tan, tan dulce. Su corazón no cabe en el libro
Sterling y yo no empezamos con buen pie, lo conocemos en la primera entrega y su actitud no me cuajó, pero la autora ha sabido darle la vuelta a la tortilla y, al final, acaba siendo un personaje muy entrañable.
Hay ciertos detalles que no me han terminado de convencer y, el final, sobre todo después den tantas reticencias, muy precipitado.
Por eso, baja estrellitas, pero aún así, me gusta como escribe esta mujer, al menos esta saga, porque la otra no me gustó mucho
January 4, 2021
La relación entre los protagonistas comienza como un flechazo cargado de atracción, dos personajes tan opuestos condenados a retarse continuamente a la vez que se conocen, resulta divertido ver cómo se las ingenian uno y otro para retarse entre sí. El amor entre ellos es imposible debido a que pertenecen a diferentes clases sociales pero el amor llegará a sus vidas para ponerlas patas arriba, y pese a que ninguno quiere una relación seria todo se tergiversará en las garras de cupido.
Reseña completa:
Reseña completa:
April 15, 2017
4,5 estrellas
Esta serie solo mejora cada vez más a medida que voy leyendo a sus protagonistas.
En esta ocasión nos encontramos con la historia de Frannie; la única chica del grupo de éڲԴDz y que ya vislumbramos un poco más de ella en los libros anteriores, y Sterling, el hermano de Catherine, la mujer de Luke, quien fue el protagonista del primer libro.
Reconozco que al principio del libro la relación de ellos pensé que no me iba a gustar debido a la rapidez en que ambos se desearon y babearon el uno por el otro, pero la autora ha logrado que al final me crea esa relación y no me haya quedado solo con la idea del deseo a primera vista.
Ambos me han sorprendido sobre todo en el carácter, ya que Frannie es mucho más de lo que parecía en los libros anteriores y Sterling ha sido todo un descubrimiento de hombre; no solo es caballeroso, sino que está dispuesto a todo por la mujer que él considera especial y a sacrificarse a sí mismo para evitar que ella sufra debido a la enfermedad que padece.
Los secundarios vuelven a tener una especial participación (sobre todo el grupo de éڲԴDz, a quien me encanta ver juntos) y el final ha sido de los mejores que he leído en romántica sin ninguna duda.
El pero que le encuentro a esta historia, ha sido la trama de Skyes, la cual me ha parecido demasiado precipitada, pero el resto solo puede decir que recomiendo este libro y esta serie con los ojos cerrados a todas aquellas personas que les guste la histórica bien ambientada.
Esta serie solo mejora cada vez más a medida que voy leyendo a sus protagonistas.
En esta ocasión nos encontramos con la historia de Frannie; la única chica del grupo de éڲԴDz y que ya vislumbramos un poco más de ella en los libros anteriores, y Sterling, el hermano de Catherine, la mujer de Luke, quien fue el protagonista del primer libro.
Reconozco que al principio del libro la relación de ellos pensé que no me iba a gustar debido a la rapidez en que ambos se desearon y babearon el uno por el otro, pero la autora ha logrado que al final me crea esa relación y no me haya quedado solo con la idea del deseo a primera vista.
Ambos me han sorprendido sobre todo en el carácter, ya que Frannie es mucho más de lo que parecía en los libros anteriores y Sterling ha sido todo un descubrimiento de hombre; no solo es caballeroso, sino que está dispuesto a todo por la mujer que él considera especial y a sacrificarse a sí mismo para evitar que ella sufra debido a la enfermedad que padece.
Los secundarios vuelven a tener una especial participación (sobre todo el grupo de éڲԴDz, a quien me encanta ver juntos) y el final ha sido de los mejores que he leído en romántica sin ninguna duda.
El pero que le encuentro a esta historia, ha sido la trama de Skyes, la cual me ha parecido demasiado precipitada, pero el resto solo puede decir que recomiendo este libro y esta serie con los ojos cerrados a todas aquellas personas que les guste la histórica bien ambientada.
March 10, 2017
En la línea de calidad de las dos entregas anteriores en cuanto a estilo narrativo, pero con unos protagonistas un poco menos potentes y un conflicto amoroso típico (diferencia de clases) que solo adquiere interés por la trama de misterio que lo rodea. Este es el punto fuerte de la novela, pero no empieza a surgir realmente hasta la mitad, por lo que los primeros capítulos me han parecido un poco sosos (comparados con las entregas anteriores, por supuesto! Buenos, sí son.) La segunda mitad engancha y te enamoras del duque, a la vez que Frannie empieza a mostrar algunas contradicciones en el desarrollo del personaje. Aún con todo, la novela tiene detalles preciosos, refleja el contraste entre el Londres aristocrático y el que se hunde en la miseria y, de nuevo, la autora nos deleita con sus referencias a Dickens y nos ofrece un final que nos deja con ganas de leer la siguiente entrega de la serie. Una lástima que, en castellano, también se haya publicado solo en digital. Puede que esto influya en mi valoración, ya que no disfruto igual un ebook que el libro en papel. De todos modos, es una novela muy recomendable para las que os guste la romántica histórica.
May 17, 2022
I adore this series. I had high expectations for Frannie's story and while I felt this started more slowly than the others it very quickly ended up sweeping me away. I'm so happy Frannie got her happily ever after!
TW: rape, child abuse
TW: rape, child abuse
October 4, 2015
Well that was disappointing.
This book felt so messy and weak. Over half, maybe even three-fourths, felt like filler to me. From the minute they meet, they're already in lust with one another; we know this about the both of them because we're given both of their POVs for the same scene. For the record, it made me think less of Frannie when she continued to lust for Sterling after he insulted her and her friends. I know I wouldn't continue to swoon over a man after he insulted and dismissed not just me, but my closest friends/brothers as well. Anyway, as soon as they're alone, he propositions her. And then continues to do so for over half the book.
I realize that the other books were pretty instalove-y too, but this one just felt worse to me somehow. Maybe it's because there were other things happening that buffered the lustful thoughts and, in this one, there wasn't as much. It was a constant treading over the same ground between the two of them and it just got so frustrating. In between their encounters, we've got them continuously lusting after one another. I got sick of how much Sterling flattered her (it felt insanely false because of how much he spewed it) and took every opportunity to proposition her. She couldn't carry on a simple conversation with him without him warping her words and turning it into an indecent proposal.
She tells him about how, when she was younger, she'd sleep with and next to the other boys. When she met some other girls her age (aristocratic girls), they tainted her joy of it by making fun of it.
Like I said as I was reading: Give it a rest, man. I didn't find his behaviour at all charming. Just let her tell her damn story.
I honestly did start skipping after a point because it was so annoying. Frannie is dealing with a kid that broke into Sterling's home. While Frannie is tending to the kid...Sterling is:
And it's this stuff--from the both of them--over and over and over and OVER again.
Again: Give it a rest, man.
There were also three things about/in relation to Frannie that pissed me off.
First of all, I hated how the rest of the guys, Luke, Jack, Bill and Jim, mostly fell out of Frannie's orbit once Sterling came into the picture. She kept trusting Sterling with things to do with Sykes and not the boys/men she'd grown up with and trusted. Sterling knew the truth about the encounter with one of Sykes's guys...but she hid it from the guys? WTF. Most of the time they showed up was when they were warning Sterling off. I thought it was so BS.
Secondly, isn't this series called the Scoundrels of St. James? And, for this novel, wouldn't that be Frannie? She's the one that's one of Feagan's kids, not Sterling. In the previous two books, the gang got together and took care of the problem as a group. And in this one, it's the gang...and Sterling? Sterling helps to deal with Sykes while it's dark out...even though he's going blind and can't see well in the dark. Sterling...and not Frannie? This sexist ass bullshit. Frannie is knocked out and can't participate in taking Sykes down with the rest of the group. Sykes -- who puts out a hit on her. Sykes -- the man who had her attacked more than once in this novel. Sykes -- the man who arranged her kidnapping to a brothel, which is where she was raped, when she was a child. The four guys and Sterling, also a man, took care of him...and not Frannie? Fucking ridiculous. Frannie's made to be the damsel-in-distress in her own damn series, while Sterling, the man, was made to be her knight-errant. Sexist fucking bullshit.
Lastly, I was so pissed off that Luke/Claybourne told Sterling about Frannie's past. Even though he killed the man that raped her, he still had no right to go about telling others about HER experience. It wasn't his story or experience to tell. He had no right to do it. Sterling took his time revealing his own secret...but Frannie's wasn't even given the choice in doing so or not. In the previous book, Jack was given the respect of telling his own story in his own time. Luke knew what happened to him in prison and didn't breathe a word to anyone. In this one, Luke simply took it upon himself to do so for her without discussing with her that he was going to or letting her know afterwards that he had. Fucking ridiculous. It wasn't his story to tell and, even if she wanted to keep it a secret from Sterling for the rest of their lives, it's her damn experience and story to tell or not to tell. He had no fucking right.
This book felt so messy and weak. Over half, maybe even three-fourths, felt like filler to me. From the minute they meet, they're already in lust with one another; we know this about the both of them because we're given both of their POVs for the same scene. For the record, it made me think less of Frannie when she continued to lust for Sterling after he insulted her and her friends. I know I wouldn't continue to swoon over a man after he insulted and dismissed not just me, but my closest friends/brothers as well. Anyway, as soon as they're alone, he propositions her. And then continues to do so for over half the book.
I realize that the other books were pretty instalove-y too, but this one just felt worse to me somehow. Maybe it's because there were other things happening that buffered the lustful thoughts and, in this one, there wasn't as much. It was a constant treading over the same ground between the two of them and it just got so frustrating. In between their encounters, we've got them continuously lusting after one another. I got sick of how much Sterling flattered her (it felt insanely false because of how much he spewed it) and took every opportunity to proposition her. She couldn't carry on a simple conversation with him without him warping her words and turning it into an indecent proposal.
She tells him about how, when she was younger, she'd sleep with and next to the other boys. When she met some other girls her age (aristocratic girls), they tainted her joy of it by making fun of it.
She gave him a whimsical smile. “It was long ago, Your Grace. And I do not hold a grudge. Although I must admit that sometimes, I miss having someone to sleep with.�
Reaching out, Sterling trailed his gloved finger along her bare arm. “We could remedy that. Tonight if you like.�
Like I said as I was reading: Give it a rest, man. I didn't find his behaviour at all charming. Just let her tell her damn story.
I honestly did start skipping after a point because it was so annoying. Frannie is dealing with a kid that broke into Sterling's home. While Frannie is tending to the kid...Sterling is:
He wanted to loosen the buttons at her wrist and place his mouth on the pale flesh he’d find there. He wanted to feel her pulse quicken beneath his lips. He wanted her to be as tender with him as she was with this lad. He wanted to be as tender with her.
And it's this stuff--from the both of them--over and over and over and OVER again.
Again: Give it a rest, man.
There were also three things about/in relation to Frannie that pissed me off.
First of all, I hated how the rest of the guys, Luke, Jack, Bill and Jim, mostly fell out of Frannie's orbit once Sterling came into the picture. She kept trusting Sterling with things to do with Sykes and not the boys/men she'd grown up with and trusted. Sterling knew the truth about the encounter with one of Sykes's guys...but she hid it from the guys? WTF. Most of the time they showed up was when they were warning Sterling off. I thought it was so BS.
Secondly, isn't this series called the Scoundrels of St. James? And, for this novel, wouldn't that be Frannie? She's the one that's one of Feagan's kids, not Sterling. In the previous two books, the gang got together and took care of the problem as a group. And in this one, it's the gang...and Sterling? Sterling helps to deal with Sykes while it's dark out...even though he's going blind and can't see well in the dark. Sterling...and not Frannie? This sexist ass bullshit. Frannie is knocked out and can't participate in taking Sykes down with the rest of the group. Sykes -- who puts out a hit on her. Sykes -- the man who had her attacked more than once in this novel. Sykes -- the man who arranged her kidnapping to a brothel, which is where she was raped, when she was a child. The four guys and Sterling, also a man, took care of him...and not Frannie? Fucking ridiculous. Frannie's made to be the damsel-in-distress in her own damn series, while Sterling, the man, was made to be her knight-errant. Sexist fucking bullshit.
Lastly, I was so pissed off that Luke/Claybourne told Sterling about Frannie's past. Even though he killed the man that raped her, he still had no right to go about telling others about HER experience. It wasn't his story or experience to tell. He had no right to do it. Sterling took his time revealing his own secret...but Frannie's wasn't even given the choice in doing so or not. In the previous book, Jack was given the respect of telling his own story in his own time. Luke knew what happened to him in prison and didn't breathe a word to anyone. In this one, Luke simply took it upon himself to do so for her without discussing with her that he was going to or letting her know afterwards that he had. Fucking ridiculous. It wasn't his story to tell and, even if she wanted to keep it a secret from Sterling for the rest of their lives, it's her damn experience and story to tell or not to tell. He had no fucking right.
November 30, 2021
I was a little bit bored by it
which is disappointing as I wanted to read Franny's story ever since meeting her in book one
which is disappointing as I wanted to read Franny's story ever since meeting her in book one
March 5, 2022
με Ιουλία και Βάσω <3
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