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Fallen Angels #1
Thunder and Roses
In return for helping her save her village, the Demon Earl demands that quiet schoolteacher Clare Morgan live with him for three months and let the world think the worst of their co-habitation. Reissue.
382 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1993
1,324 people are currently reading
4,346 people want to read
About the author
Mary Jo Putney
144books2,240followersShe writes young adult fiction as M.J. Putney.
Mary Jo Putney was born on 1946 in Upstate New York with a reading addiction, a condition for which there is no known cure. After earning degrees in English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she did various forms of design work in California and England before inertia took over in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has lived very comfortably ever since.
While becoming a novelist was her ultimate fantasy, it never occurred to her that writing was an achievable goal until she acquired a computer for other purposes. When the realization hit that a computer was the ultimate writing tool, she charged merrily into her first book with an ignorance that illustrates the adage that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Fortune sometimes favors the foolish and her first book sold quickly, thereby changing her life forever, in most ways for the better. (“But why didn't anyone tell me that writing would change the way one reads?�) Like a lemming over a cliff, she gave up her freelance graphic design business to become a full-time writer as soon as possible.
Since 1987, Ms. Putney has published twenty-nine books and counting. Her stories are noted for psychological depth and unusual subject matter such as alcoholism, death and dying, and domestic abuse. She has made all of the national bestseller lists including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and Publishers Weekly. Five of her books have been named among the year’s top five romances by The Library Journal. The Spiral Path and Stolen Magic were chosen as one of Top Ten romances of their years by Booklist, published by the American Library Association.
A nine-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won RITAs for Dancing on the Wind and The Rake and the Reformer and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. She has been awarded two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, four NJRW Golden Leaf awards, plus the NJRW career achievement award for historical romance. Though most of her books have been historical, she has also published three contemporary romances. The Marriage Spell will be out in June 2006 in hardcover, and Stolen Magic (written as M. J. Putney) will be released in July 2006.
Ms. Putney says that not least among the blessings of a full-time writing career is that one almost never has to wear pantyhose.
Mary Jo Putney was born on 1946 in Upstate New York with a reading addiction, a condition for which there is no known cure. After earning degrees in English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she did various forms of design work in California and England before inertia took over in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has lived very comfortably ever since.
While becoming a novelist was her ultimate fantasy, it never occurred to her that writing was an achievable goal until she acquired a computer for other purposes. When the realization hit that a computer was the ultimate writing tool, she charged merrily into her first book with an ignorance that illustrates the adage that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Fortune sometimes favors the foolish and her first book sold quickly, thereby changing her life forever, in most ways for the better. (“But why didn't anyone tell me that writing would change the way one reads?�) Like a lemming over a cliff, she gave up her freelance graphic design business to become a full-time writer as soon as possible.
Since 1987, Ms. Putney has published twenty-nine books and counting. Her stories are noted for psychological depth and unusual subject matter such as alcoholism, death and dying, and domestic abuse. She has made all of the national bestseller lists including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and Publishers Weekly. Five of her books have been named among the year’s top five romances by The Library Journal. The Spiral Path and Stolen Magic were chosen as one of Top Ten romances of their years by Booklist, published by the American Library Association.
A nine-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won RITAs for Dancing on the Wind and The Rake and the Reformer and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. She has been awarded two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, four NJRW Golden Leaf awards, plus the NJRW career achievement award for historical romance. Though most of her books have been historical, she has also published three contemporary romances. The Marriage Spell will be out in June 2006 in hardcover, and Stolen Magic (written as M. J. Putney) will be released in July 2006.
Ms. Putney says that not least among the blessings of a full-time writing career is that one almost never has to wear pantyhose.
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February 28, 2023
She must be well and truly his before the three months were up. No other outcome was acceptable, for he would not let her go.I first read this book in 2002 so obviously did not remember a single thing about it. This proved to be good for me, because I was able to enjoy it as if it was the first time! The plot is very implausible and the machinations that cause Clare to have to live with Nicholas are so for-the-book's-sake-and-nothing-else, but the question is: did this at all impact my enjoyment of the book? No. Did I care one iota? No. Why? Because the story and characters are fantastic so who cares how improbable it all is!
Let's face it, most all these historical romances are utterly and completely ridiculous: husbands coming back from the dead; long-lost heirs and heiresses; forged wills; bad-but-actually-good pirates and crime lords; kidnapped children and heroines; murdering psychopaths always on the loose (apparently England has a disproportionate number of crazies); frequent cases of amnesia and/or mistaken identity; an unbelievable lack of the ability to communicate or clear up Big Misunderstandings (they desperately need to learn the "when you did ____, it made me feel ____" statement); thousands of hero-material noblemen running around England and almost every single one of them drop-dead-gorgeous, in their late 20s / early 30s, single, and of course just waiting for that one special woman who will completely transform their lives and their hearts when they fall in love with her; heroines we (almost always) love and can relate to, who just happen to often be wallflowers, plain janes, poor relations, unusual or odd, bluestockings, bullied by some dastardly person(s), running from some dastardly secret(s), etc.; man whores (a.k.a rakes and rogues) who for some reason all become perfect and 100%-faithful husbands once they meet said heroines; widows who in dramatically large numbers are still virgins so that when the love of their life comes along he can luckily be the first (and only) one she does the mattress dance with; romances between governesses / companions / maids / street urchins / secretaries and the lord of the house; good characters whom we're rooting for always managing to stay alive while the bad ones we hate always die or are in some way dramatically publicly humiliated and ostracized; oh, and of course, the most unlikely thing of all: **always**, without fail, a HEA ending.
Yeah ... sorry, what part of any of that sounded remotely realistic? None! ... Which is why we read them :-).
—ĔĔĔĔĔ�
March 2017
Picked up the book again (this time in eBook form, which was great, because I could finally track all my favorite parts!—see below). I had picked up several different romances and kept on picking up duds, or just wasn't feeling them, or something—wasn't sure why. So, I decided to go back to a known and beloved story to try and get back in the groove, and am so relieved that I enjoyed it as I always have and I'm not just in need of a romance break. Bye Clare and Nicholas—till next time!! <3 <3 <3
EXCERPT
"Are you still afraid of me?"—ĔĔĔĔĔ�
He touched her fallen hair with a butterfly's delicacy. She might not have noticed that touch, except that she noticed everything he did. She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them and met his gaze steadily. "Aristophanes said that boys throw stones at frogs in jest, but the frogs, they die in earnest. You're going to break my life into splinters, then move on without a second thought. Yes, my lord, you terrify me."
He became very still. "Only things that are rigid can break. Perhaps your life needs to be splintered."
March 2022
Reread for the fourth time and for the first time, my rating went down, from 5 stars to 4.25 stars. Still really enjoyed it! But everything starts way too quickly between them and I hate Clare's reveal at the end that she's always loved him, ever since he was a boy. I mean come on, we could have done without that; she could have just fallen in love with him now, like a normal person. Still also love my review for this book lolol.
March 29, 2011
Thunder and Roses is the first book in the Fallen Angels series, and was my first full length read by author Mary Jo Putney.
Those of us who are fans of historical romance know that over the past decade, the genre has been flooded with so many books that it’s hard to find anything unique, and in fact, there are many times you can predict exactly which naive but curious little chit will be ruined by what scandalous event that will take place at precisely the stroke of midnight � or shortly thereafter because the rake/rogue/libertine is almost always late. Well, you get the idea. Fortunately, while there was some predictability to Thunder and Roses, Ms. Putney also gave us plenty of unique events and characters so that I found this story fresh and out of the ordinary. Skinny dipping with penguins in an English estate pond in the springtime? You’re not going to find that in many historical romance novels.
This story begins when Clare, a Methodist school teacher from the village, comes to Nicholas and asks for help improving the dismal lives of his tenants, but Nicholas, bitter from years of rejection and a horrible betrayal, could care less about what they need. He doesn’t want to be there, doesn’t want to deal with anything, let alone someone else’s problems, but Clare won’t be dissuaded. So what’s a heartless rake to do? He makes her an offer he’s certain she’ll refuse: Come live with him for 90 days, and he’ll do whatever Clare thinks is needed to make the village and the lives of its inhabitants better. And while sex isn’t part of the bargain, she has to pretend to be his Mistress and allow him one kiss per day at a time and place of his choosing.
Clare knows that to accept Nicholas� terms will ruin her reputation, but the people need help and she has enough faith in her friends and the other villagers to believe that they’ll never scorn or judge her once she explains the situation, so, much to Nicholas� dismay, she accepts his ruinous offer, certain that she can’t be seduced by his kisses.
There were many things that I found entertaining about this story, but I’m not going to go into details other than to say it was interesting to see what life in an English coal mine was like and to learn about the hazards of the job and the technological advances that made the mines a much safer place to work.
Overall, despite one painfully obvious and less than climatic event at the end of the story, I really enjoyed Thunder and Roses. Thank you again, Mshj, for the recommendation!
April 6, 2016
A Welsh Methodist minister's daughter changes her life when she appeals for help to Nicholas Davies, a half-Gypsy earl...
They called him the Demon Earl. They said he could do anything. Son of a rogue and a Gypsy, Nicholas Davies was a notorious rake until a shattering betrayal left him alone and embittered in the Welsh countryside.
I enjoyed this one. Reminded me a little bit of Flowers from the Storm. Clare was a strong heroine. Nicholas, betrayed in the past, thought he would never love.
We travel from the Welsh Valleys to London.
He made love to her gently, as if she were the most precious being on earth.
The Fallen Angel had come home.
August 21, 2023
The book was published in 1993 so has been reviewed many times. I read some more recent reviews and I think it has held up well. First the plot device to get the main characters together was rather thin and it was the thread that ran through the first half of the book. Once I could accept that a Methodist preacher's daughter would enter this bargain, I could move on to enjoy the book. Some very good plot twists and WOW some of the betrayal was unexpected and made for an enjoyable read. The book is longer than current books and I did skim some bits. The mining aspect was interesting. I give the book 3.5* and plan to skip around reading the series.
May 4, 2022
Set against the backdrop of an early 1800s Welsh coal mining community, this was a beautiful, sensual and very poignant love story between Clare and Nicholas.
Clare was a 26 year old spinster, a minister’s daughter who taught school and was a pillar in the community and the church. Alone after her father’s death, she worked tirelessly to help the community to the point of pushing aside her own wants and needs. She felt empty and hollow inside and didn’t have any idea how truly lonely she was until she met Nicholas. Desperate to better conditions at the town’s coal mine and find employment for more of the townspeople, she approached Nicholas, known as the Demon Earl, for his help.
Nicholas was the reluctant earl responsible for the town; half-Romany, a loner by choice, the townspeople painted him as a villain, whispering of the scandalous deeds that caused the deaths of his wife and grandfather. Driven from the area by his painful past, he fled, only to return four years later.
When Clare visited him to plead for his help, he was initially apathetic towards both her and the town, and in a drunken bid to get her to leave, he agreed to help if she would move in with him for three months. Not to share his bed, though he wanted her, but simply to give the appearance that she was his mistress. His gamble was that such a principled woman would refuse for surely her reputation would be ruined. To his regret and surprise, Clare accepted his offer, willing to risk her reputation to help her community.
Triumphantly he settled back and prepared to rid himself of Clare Morgan. "I've a price, but it's one you won't pay." Warily she said, "What is it?" "Don't worry, your grudgingly offered virtue is safe. Taking it would be tedious for me, and you'd probably enjoy becoming a martyr to my wicked lusts. What I want instead"—he paused for a deep swallow of brandy�"is your reputation."
"Let's see... The basic terms would be my help in return for your presence under my roof, and ostensibly in my bed. A successful seduction would be in the nature of a side bet—a bonus that would be enjoyed by both of us. In order to give me a sporting chance at seducing you, I would be permitted to kiss you once a day, in a place and time of my choosing. Any love play beyond that would be by mutual consent.� (Side note: So. Many. Delicious. Kisses!)
This was my first MJP book and the author impressed me with her world building; lush descriptions of the Welsh countryside, terrifying and harsh conditions in the coal mine, and daily life in the small, struggling, close-knit community. Where she really shined, though, was in the beautifully drawn portraits of Clare and Nicholas, their depth and complexity, and their relationship.
The pace was slow (but never plodding) and the story was very character-driven. I know this type of book isn’t for everyone, but stories that are intensely focused on the two MCs and their relationship have always been my jam. I really love books where the MCs are in close proximity for the entire story, and we got to see the relationship slowly unfurl as the author gradually revealed Clare and Nicholas� pain and loneliness, hopes and longing. As they got to know each other, I got to know them as well. I loved that they became friends, true friends, with many shared activities, teasing and laughter. Their physical relationship was a sensual, super slow burn that was a very natural progression from friendship to something more. My only real disappointment with the book was the lack of steam. There were a handful of open door scenes that were vague and very brief, and I was left wanting more (a lot more).
Much of Clare’s headspace was her internal conflict, and man was she conflicted. On the surface, she was pious and moral (but never overbearing), but when she was being honest with herself, she knew that she never felt connected to her faith but rather went through the motions as a dutiful minister’s daughter. Being with Nicholas, she discovered connection, friendship, laughter and desire, and her rigid way of thinking slowly fell away. I didn’t dislike Clare, but I never really connected with her.
But as she looked back at the time she had spent with him, the scenes were etched in her mind in vivid color. Next to that, the rest of her life appeared in shades of faded gray. This was the high noon of her life, and she sensed that when the three months were over, nothing and no one would ever move her as deeply as Nicholas.
"A kiss has no set length," he replied mildly. "It's finished when one of the participants decides that it is." "Very well. Today's kiss is over." She reached back and refastened the button with unsteady hands. "Was the experience as bad as expected, Clarissima? You didn't seem to dislike it." She would rather not have answered, but honesty compelled her to say, "I... did not dislike it." "Are you still afraid of me?"
She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them and met his gaze steadily. "Aristophanes said that boys throw stones at frogs in jest, but the frogs, they die in earnest. You're going to break my life into splinters, then move on without a second thought. Yes, my lord, you terrify me."
I loved Nicholas. He was the epitome of a tormented, misunderstood man, struggling to reconcile his past. He told himself that his slow, carefully planned seduction of Clare was just a challenge, but deep down he desperately needed her to soothe his aching heart and bring his spirit back to life. He was truly a good and caring and honorable man. On a trip to London (which Clare had never visited), he brought her to Westminster Abbey, knowing she would be awed by the grandeur and reverence of the church.
They had gone only a short distance when the silence was shattered by a torrent of music. Clare caught her breath and a shiver fizzed up her spine. It was an organ; no other instrument would have had the power and majesty to fill such a huge church. The organ was joined by a choir of angels. No, not angels, though the voices were truly angelic. Hidden somewhere in the complex spaces of the abbey, scores of male voices lifted in triumphant song. The music resonated from the stone walls, echoing and concentrating with a stunning power that paradise itself would be hard-pressed to match. Nicholas gave a soft, enraptured exhalation. […] Relaxing back against the stone wall, he closed his eyes and gave himself over to listening, absorbing the throbbing measures as a flower absorbs sun. She had known that he loved music from his own harp playing, but his face now made her realize that "love" was not a strong enough word. He had the expression of a devastated angel seeing the possibility of redemption. Slowly, insensibly, she drifted closer to him until her back brushed his white linen shirt. One of his arms went around her waist, folding her against him. There was nothing carnal about the embrace; rather it was a way of sharing an experience too profound for words. Closing her own eyes, she allowed herself to revel in the moment. The transcendent power of the music. The strength and warmth of Nicholas. Joy.
Recommended if you enjoy a heartfelt, slow burn love story.
Clare was a 26 year old spinster, a minister’s daughter who taught school and was a pillar in the community and the church. Alone after her father’s death, she worked tirelessly to help the community to the point of pushing aside her own wants and needs. She felt empty and hollow inside and didn’t have any idea how truly lonely she was until she met Nicholas. Desperate to better conditions at the town’s coal mine and find employment for more of the townspeople, she approached Nicholas, known as the Demon Earl, for his help.
Nicholas was the reluctant earl responsible for the town; half-Romany, a loner by choice, the townspeople painted him as a villain, whispering of the scandalous deeds that caused the deaths of his wife and grandfather. Driven from the area by his painful past, he fled, only to return four years later.
When Clare visited him to plead for his help, he was initially apathetic towards both her and the town, and in a drunken bid to get her to leave, he agreed to help if she would move in with him for three months. Not to share his bed, though he wanted her, but simply to give the appearance that she was his mistress. His gamble was that such a principled woman would refuse for surely her reputation would be ruined. To his regret and surprise, Clare accepted his offer, willing to risk her reputation to help her community.
Triumphantly he settled back and prepared to rid himself of Clare Morgan. "I've a price, but it's one you won't pay." Warily she said, "What is it?" "Don't worry, your grudgingly offered virtue is safe. Taking it would be tedious for me, and you'd probably enjoy becoming a martyr to my wicked lusts. What I want instead"—he paused for a deep swallow of brandy�"is your reputation."
"Let's see... The basic terms would be my help in return for your presence under my roof, and ostensibly in my bed. A successful seduction would be in the nature of a side bet—a bonus that would be enjoyed by both of us. In order to give me a sporting chance at seducing you, I would be permitted to kiss you once a day, in a place and time of my choosing. Any love play beyond that would be by mutual consent.� (Side note: So. Many. Delicious. Kisses!)
This was my first MJP book and the author impressed me with her world building; lush descriptions of the Welsh countryside, terrifying and harsh conditions in the coal mine, and daily life in the small, struggling, close-knit community. Where she really shined, though, was in the beautifully drawn portraits of Clare and Nicholas, their depth and complexity, and their relationship.
The pace was slow (but never plodding) and the story was very character-driven. I know this type of book isn’t for everyone, but stories that are intensely focused on the two MCs and their relationship have always been my jam. I really love books where the MCs are in close proximity for the entire story, and we got to see the relationship slowly unfurl as the author gradually revealed Clare and Nicholas� pain and loneliness, hopes and longing. As they got to know each other, I got to know them as well. I loved that they became friends, true friends, with many shared activities, teasing and laughter. Their physical relationship was a sensual, super slow burn that was a very natural progression from friendship to something more. My only real disappointment with the book was the lack of steam. There were a handful of open door scenes that were vague and very brief, and I was left wanting more (a lot more).
Much of Clare’s headspace was her internal conflict, and man was she conflicted. On the surface, she was pious and moral (but never overbearing), but when she was being honest with herself, she knew that she never felt connected to her faith but rather went through the motions as a dutiful minister’s daughter. Being with Nicholas, she discovered connection, friendship, laughter and desire, and her rigid way of thinking slowly fell away. I didn’t dislike Clare, but I never really connected with her.
But as she looked back at the time she had spent with him, the scenes were etched in her mind in vivid color. Next to that, the rest of her life appeared in shades of faded gray. This was the high noon of her life, and she sensed that when the three months were over, nothing and no one would ever move her as deeply as Nicholas.
"A kiss has no set length," he replied mildly. "It's finished when one of the participants decides that it is." "Very well. Today's kiss is over." She reached back and refastened the button with unsteady hands. "Was the experience as bad as expected, Clarissima? You didn't seem to dislike it." She would rather not have answered, but honesty compelled her to say, "I... did not dislike it." "Are you still afraid of me?"
She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them and met his gaze steadily. "Aristophanes said that boys throw stones at frogs in jest, but the frogs, they die in earnest. You're going to break my life into splinters, then move on without a second thought. Yes, my lord, you terrify me."
I loved Nicholas. He was the epitome of a tormented, misunderstood man, struggling to reconcile his past. He told himself that his slow, carefully planned seduction of Clare was just a challenge, but deep down he desperately needed her to soothe his aching heart and bring his spirit back to life. He was truly a good and caring and honorable man. On a trip to London (which Clare had never visited), he brought her to Westminster Abbey, knowing she would be awed by the grandeur and reverence of the church.
They had gone only a short distance when the silence was shattered by a torrent of music. Clare caught her breath and a shiver fizzed up her spine. It was an organ; no other instrument would have had the power and majesty to fill such a huge church. The organ was joined by a choir of angels. No, not angels, though the voices were truly angelic. Hidden somewhere in the complex spaces of the abbey, scores of male voices lifted in triumphant song. The music resonated from the stone walls, echoing and concentrating with a stunning power that paradise itself would be hard-pressed to match. Nicholas gave a soft, enraptured exhalation. […] Relaxing back against the stone wall, he closed his eyes and gave himself over to listening, absorbing the throbbing measures as a flower absorbs sun. She had known that he loved music from his own harp playing, but his face now made her realize that "love" was not a strong enough word. He had the expression of a devastated angel seeing the possibility of redemption. Slowly, insensibly, she drifted closer to him until her back brushed his white linen shirt. One of his arms went around her waist, folding her against him. There was nothing carnal about the embrace; rather it was a way of sharing an experience too profound for words. Closing her own eyes, she allowed herself to revel in the moment. The transcendent power of the music. The strength and warmth of Nicholas. Joy.
Recommended if you enjoy a heartfelt, slow burn love story.
November 10, 2018
Después del Rita del mes pasado, este libro ha sido todo un disfrute lector.
Es cierto que el principio y mitad me han gustado mucho más que la última parte, porque la he visto demasiado rápida para mi gusto, y también porque hay una subtrama de intriga-misterio que me ha parecido algo absurda.
La historia de los protagonistas comienza a un ritmo muy pausado, pero con tensión sexual, buenos diálogos y tiras y aflojas. Vamos, lo que a mí me gusta.
Me han encantado todos y cada uno de los acercamientos entre Clare y Nicholas y, sobre todo, un momento concreto muy sensual en el que hay una mesa de billar de por medio y que es de gran importancia en la escena (ya quisieran la Anastasia y el Grey jugar al billar como juega Clare con el Conde gitano 🔥😂).
A pesar de que el final me ha flojeado un poco, los protagonistas tienen fuerza y carisma y me han hecho disfrutar mucho. Ha sido una lectura estupenda que me ha quitado el sabor amargo que me dejó la del mes anterior.
Es cierto que el principio y mitad me han gustado mucho más que la última parte, porque la he visto demasiado rápida para mi gusto, y también porque hay una subtrama de intriga-misterio que me ha parecido algo absurda.
La historia de los protagonistas comienza a un ritmo muy pausado, pero con tensión sexual, buenos diálogos y tiras y aflojas. Vamos, lo que a mí me gusta.
Me han encantado todos y cada uno de los acercamientos entre Clare y Nicholas y, sobre todo, un momento concreto muy sensual en el que hay una mesa de billar de por medio y que es de gran importancia en la escena (ya quisieran la Anastasia y el Grey jugar al billar como juega Clare con el Conde gitano 🔥😂).
A pesar de que el final me ha flojeado un poco, los protagonistas tienen fuerza y carisma y me han hecho disfrutar mucho. Ha sido una lectura estupenda que me ha quitado el sabor amargo que me dejó la del mes anterior.
November 18, 2018
Mary Jo Putney ya me sorprendió para bien en el anterior #RetoRita con su Pecado y virtud, un libro maravilloso con dos protagonistas atípicos en la romántica histórica. Parece ser marca de la casa, pues en este libro, el primero de la serie Ángeles Caídos, vuelve a suceder lo mismo, pues está protagonizado por una maestra de pueblo metodista y un noble gitano. La relación que se establece entre ellos, fruto de un acuerdo de lo más particular, da lugar a un juego de seducción maravilloso, donde el ingenio de ambos y la sensualidad y la química que tienen juntos, lo impregna todo (¡ay, esa mesa de billar!). Y aunque la trama de intriga del final me ha sobrado un poco, me ha encantado la fuerza y sinceridad que la autora imprime a sus personajes.
#RetoRita2 #RitaPutney
#RetoRita2 #RitaPutney
May 17, 2016
May 16, 2016 Reread:
Every time I read my old favorites from Mary Jo Putney, I realize what is missing in most romance stories for me: Solid characterization and historical research.
2 books from Putney that I would recommend over and over again: Thunder and Roses & Silk and Shadows. Fantastic characterization, there is no other word for it. Putney created Nicholas and Clare, 2 lonely souls, both searching without knowing that they were missing something. This is what makes a story special. You feel that the characters are real. The historical details about Wales and the mining industry give the story a depth that is very rare in this genre. I may not love all Putney's books, but she really excels in characterization and building a rich backdrop for the story. It is an odd feeling but I am so grateful that there are writers like Putney, who invest time and energy in building a real story for the readers. Most of the writers just throw in sex scenes, alpha males and pig-headed heroines and call it a book. As a reader, I am willing to support a writer with real talents by buying their books. I only hope that those who have the talents to write and tell a story, get the opportunity to showcase their talents because when they do it right, they are giving a gift to to the reading public by sharing their brilliance. As silly as it sounds, this is how Putney makes me feel: gratitude for sharing her talents with us.
First review on ŷ:
This is one of those books that you do not forget. You forget about who wrote it, the name of the book, the names of the lead characters but you DO NOT FORGET THE STORY.
I read this book more than 15 years ago. Searching for new books to read on my kindle I came across Mary Jo Putney and remembered that I read some of her books but had no idea which ones. Then I read the summary of the book and bam, memories flooded back in and I remembered this book as vividly as if I read it last week.
The hero struggles with his dark memories and past with his grandfather who hates him for his gypsy blood. Being the only heir the grandfather had to accept him but never hesitated to make him feel inferior.
The female lead is a prim and proper daughter of the vicar trying to convince the hero to help the village. The hero of course did not want to help for he did not intend to invest emotionally in anything that is related to the title. He put forth a condition which he thought the heroin would never agree to: to live with him for 3 months and let people believe the worst about her. If she could do that then he would help the villagers.
But the heroine agreed. And then came a wonderful story.
I wrote the above without re-reading the book. This is how good this story is. I remember vividly the details and the connections between the lead characters.
I read other books in the same series. They were ok but this book, being the first one in the series, is the best out of all of them.
Every time I read my old favorites from Mary Jo Putney, I realize what is missing in most romance stories for me: Solid characterization and historical research.
2 books from Putney that I would recommend over and over again: Thunder and Roses & Silk and Shadows. Fantastic characterization, there is no other word for it. Putney created Nicholas and Clare, 2 lonely souls, both searching without knowing that they were missing something. This is what makes a story special. You feel that the characters are real. The historical details about Wales and the mining industry give the story a depth that is very rare in this genre. I may not love all Putney's books, but she really excels in characterization and building a rich backdrop for the story. It is an odd feeling but I am so grateful that there are writers like Putney, who invest time and energy in building a real story for the readers. Most of the writers just throw in sex scenes, alpha males and pig-headed heroines and call it a book. As a reader, I am willing to support a writer with real talents by buying their books. I only hope that those who have the talents to write and tell a story, get the opportunity to showcase their talents because when they do it right, they are giving a gift to to the reading public by sharing their brilliance. As silly as it sounds, this is how Putney makes me feel: gratitude for sharing her talents with us.
First review on ŷ:
This is one of those books that you do not forget. You forget about who wrote it, the name of the book, the names of the lead characters but you DO NOT FORGET THE STORY.
I read this book more than 15 years ago. Searching for new books to read on my kindle I came across Mary Jo Putney and remembered that I read some of her books but had no idea which ones. Then I read the summary of the book and bam, memories flooded back in and I remembered this book as vividly as if I read it last week.
The hero struggles with his dark memories and past with his grandfather who hates him for his gypsy blood. Being the only heir the grandfather had to accept him but never hesitated to make him feel inferior.
The female lead is a prim and proper daughter of the vicar trying to convince the hero to help the village. The hero of course did not want to help for he did not intend to invest emotionally in anything that is related to the title. He put forth a condition which he thought the heroin would never agree to: to live with him for 3 months and let people believe the worst about her. If she could do that then he would help the villagers.
But the heroine agreed. And then came a wonderful story.
I wrote the above without re-reading the book. This is how good this story is. I remember vividly the details and the connections between the lead characters.
I read other books in the same series. They were ok but this book, being the first one in the series, is the best out of all of them.
April 9, 2016
Es mi primer libro de la autora y me he quedado con muy buen sabor de boca, y con ganas de conocer las historias del resto de ángeles caidos. En esencia ésta historia me ha parecido muy romantica, muy interesante y los protagonistas de 10. Libro recomendable 100%
November 27, 2018
*3'5*
Un bonito libro con 2 protagonistas que no están mal, me quedo sin duda con Nicholas. Pero a pesar de tener un poco de intriga y sacarme unas cuantas sonrisas esta historia no me "ha llenado la patata" XDDDD
Un bonito libro con 2 protagonistas que no están mal, me quedo sin duda con Nicholas. Pero a pesar de tener un poco de intriga y sacarme unas cuantas sonrisas esta historia no me "ha llenado la patata" XDDDD
March 9, 2017
Iba justamente a empezarlo cuando de repente recordé que ya había leído esta historia... no solo eso, la serie.
August 10, 2020
Overall I felt like the beginning of this book was so unrealistically spun that if it had little more fantastical poetic elements maybe I would buy it but the book is very straight cut in this sense.
However this book was refreshingly fun. Our hero is half Romany (gypsy) earl with a character of a gold. He is apparently the best kisser too.
Heroine did grow on me and as the book went she become really fun adventurous even sexy little thing.
I appreciated that the author took care to bring forward mining business and created a plot around that. There is unbelievably sexy scene in a mine.
I mean it was all very creative.
But I was also feeling frustrated with sort of simplistic narrative style that didn’t allow me to feel for MCs.
However this book was refreshingly fun. Our hero is half Romany (gypsy) earl with a character of a gold. He is apparently the best kisser too.
Heroine did grow on me and as the book went she become really fun adventurous even sexy little thing.
I appreciated that the author took care to bring forward mining business and created a plot around that. There is unbelievably sexy scene in a mine.
I mean it was all very creative.
But I was also feeling frustrated with sort of simplistic narrative style that didn’t allow me to feel for MCs.
April 3, 2010
I really enjoyed this book, but it was also a very strange, eccentric story. There were penguins in Regency Wales. There was weird gypsy mating dances. There was dueling fought with whips. There was Indiana Jones-esque escaping from burning buildings. There was naked billiards. There was Christian dogma. There were mine scenes that made me think of times when people fell down shafts in Little House on the Prairie.
Did I mention there was skinny dipping with penguins?
Anyway, it was a very interesting book and captured my interest. It was the first book I have ever read by Mary Jo Putney, but I believe I will read some more by her now that I have read this one. :)
Did I mention there was skinny dipping with penguins?
Anyway, it was a very interesting book and captured my interest. It was the first book I have ever read by Mary Jo Putney, but I believe I will read some more by her now that I have read this one. :)
March 21, 2023
3.5 stars! Thunder and Roses is the first book in Mary Jo Putney’s Fallen Angels series and it was also my first read from this author! This is a historical romance between the hero, known as the “Demon Earl�, and the schoolteacher heroine that he makes a bargain with: she asks for his aid and help with the local village and in return he wants her to live with him for 3 months!
I was surprised how quickly this book drops us into the main plot, we are only a couple chapters in when the bargain is struck between the hero and heroine. It was definitely over the top and things worked out a little too well, villainous characters were very classicly-villainous, the heroine solves all the things, like it was all of that�.buuuuut I was still entertained and enjoyed it. 🤣 I loved the setting in Wales and all of the mining talk and adventure (it took me back to the time I binged the Poldark book series).
At the beginning of the story we see Nicholas being dropped off at his grandfather, the Earl’s house. Nicholas� mother (who is Romany) informs the Earl that Nicholas is his son’s son and she’s leaving him there as the heir. We cut to years later and Nicholas has just returned to the estate after 4 years away. Clare, a 26-year old Methodist school teacher, shows up asking Nicholas for his help. She wants his assistance in taking better care of the villagers/his tenants and especially take interest and help with the mines. She asks what it would cost for his help, so he throws out that she must come live with him for 3 months, make it appear to be his mistress (to others), and allow him to kiss her once a day. He knows she’ll never accept and he just wants to ruin her reputation. But then she surprises him by accepting!
Very quickly he realizes that he enjoys her company and communicates openly with her about so many of his plans. At first he’s begrudgingly helping the tenants but she points out that he’s the largest landowner in the valley and owes it to them to help where he can. Clare even comes to take care of his whole estate: taking on being in charge of the housekeeping and staff, hiring on a cook, and even redecorating and furnishing the estate. I liked seeing them become friends of sorts first as their relationship developed. I am interested in the other books in this series now, they are standalones, but I think they follow some of his friends, the other “fallen angels�. Oh and the penguins…in Wales! Won’t soon forget that. 🤣 The middle to last portion of the story did start to drag, but like I said I was just entertained and enjoying the ride that it was.
I was surprised how quickly this book drops us into the main plot, we are only a couple chapters in when the bargain is struck between the hero and heroine. It was definitely over the top and things worked out a little too well, villainous characters were very classicly-villainous, the heroine solves all the things, like it was all of that�.buuuuut I was still entertained and enjoyed it. 🤣 I loved the setting in Wales and all of the mining talk and adventure (it took me back to the time I binged the Poldark book series).
At the beginning of the story we see Nicholas being dropped off at his grandfather, the Earl’s house. Nicholas� mother (who is Romany) informs the Earl that Nicholas is his son’s son and she’s leaving him there as the heir. We cut to years later and Nicholas has just returned to the estate after 4 years away. Clare, a 26-year old Methodist school teacher, shows up asking Nicholas for his help. She wants his assistance in taking better care of the villagers/his tenants and especially take interest and help with the mines. She asks what it would cost for his help, so he throws out that she must come live with him for 3 months, make it appear to be his mistress (to others), and allow him to kiss her once a day. He knows she’ll never accept and he just wants to ruin her reputation. But then she surprises him by accepting!
Very quickly he realizes that he enjoys her company and communicates openly with her about so many of his plans. At first he’s begrudgingly helping the tenants but she points out that he’s the largest landowner in the valley and owes it to them to help where he can. Clare even comes to take care of his whole estate: taking on being in charge of the housekeeping and staff, hiring on a cook, and even redecorating and furnishing the estate. I liked seeing them become friends of sorts first as their relationship developed. I am interested in the other books in this series now, they are standalones, but I think they follow some of his friends, the other “fallen angels�. Oh and the penguins…in Wales! Won’t soon forget that. 🤣 The middle to last portion of the story did start to drag, but like I said I was just entertained and enjoying the ride that it was.
May 6, 2022
It’s official: Mary Jo Putney’s books are not for me. While the blurb promised an entertaining read and the story featured many of my favorite tropes, the execution fell flat.
There was something so inherently boring and self righteous about the way the author handled even the most controversial topics that my interest in this story fizzled out in record time. The good guys were too good to be true and the villain pretty much only twirled his moustache. I like my main characters with a little more nuance and controversy.
Sadly enough, my brain kept comparing this book to others from favorite HR authors of mine, Balogh and Kleypas, who were able to weave dynamic stories with similar subplots.
Both H and h felt like walking clichées and had the most predictable dynamic one could imagine. Yawn.
There was something so inherently boring and self righteous about the way the author handled even the most controversial topics that my interest in this story fizzled out in record time. The good guys were too good to be true and the villain pretty much only twirled his moustache. I like my main characters with a little more nuance and controversy.
Sadly enough, my brain kept comparing this book to others from favorite HR authors of mine, Balogh and Kleypas, who were able to weave dynamic stories with similar subplots.
Both H and h felt like walking clichées and had the most predictable dynamic one could imagine. Yawn.
June 1, 2020
Una novela muy bonita, en que el juego de la seducción está muy bien logrado en el acuerdo que establecen los personajes principales, que incluye solo un beso diario al que ella tiene el poder de colocarle fin cada vez. Tiene otros componentes que también la hacen muy atractiva, como los problemas de seguridad en la mina y las situaciones que se viven por esa causa.
Pero lo que más me gustó fue el proceso de autoconocimiento de la protagonista durante el transcurso de la historia, quien, enfrentada toda su vida a una educación religiosa al ser hija de un pastor metodista, por fin logra entender y aceptar su propia esencia.
Lo recomiendo.
Pero lo que más me gustó fue el proceso de autoconocimiento de la protagonista durante el transcurso de la historia, quien, enfrentada toda su vida a una educación religiosa al ser hija de un pastor metodista, por fin logra entender y aceptar su propia esencia.
Lo recomiendo.
November 19, 2018
4/5
Después de la mala experiencia del mes pasado con la Macomber que gusto da leer a esta autora, con la que ya tuve una muy buena experiencia en el Reto pasado con "Pecado y virtud", que maravilla de libro.
En este libro, primero de los Ángeles caídos, que seguiré leyendo, también me ha sorprendido para bien la pareja protagonista, me ha gustado mucho, sus duelos verbales son buenísimos y su romance a fuego lento también. Nicholas es jdajldjhfhsdfljsldfs y ella me parece muy buena protagonista.
Voy a seguir leyendo la serie porque promete.
Después de la mala experiencia del mes pasado con la Macomber que gusto da leer a esta autora, con la que ya tuve una muy buena experiencia en el Reto pasado con "Pecado y virtud", que maravilla de libro.
En este libro, primero de los Ángeles caídos, que seguiré leyendo, también me ha sorprendido para bien la pareja protagonista, me ha gustado mucho, sus duelos verbales son buenísimos y su romance a fuego lento también. Nicholas es jdajldjhfhsdfljsldfs y ella me parece muy buena protagonista.
Voy a seguir leyendo la serie porque promete.
November 25, 2018
#retorita2 #ritaputney
Simplemente una delicia de lectura, lo he disfrutado muchísimo. Es el segundo libro que leo de la autora y estoy encantada. Por supuesto que seguiré con esta serie por que quiero saber más de los otros caídos... Me han encantado los protagonistas, una historia fácil de leer y muy entretenida y bien contada.
Simplemente una delicia de lectura, lo he disfrutado muchísimo. Es el segundo libro que leo de la autora y estoy encantada. Por supuesto que seguiré con esta serie por que quiero saber más de los otros caídos... Me han encantado los protagonistas, una historia fácil de leer y muy entretenida y bien contada.
December 9, 2010
The only Mary Jo Putney book I'd read previous to this one was "The Bartered Bride," which if I'm truthful, I didn't "read" ... I listened to. It had some "pirate" type elements (at least a long sea journey) and ... I HATE that, so obviously it didn't inspire me to say "more please."
That said, a couple of Amazon posters DID inspire me to pick this one off of my TBR (in fact they chose it for me after taking a look at my TBR mountain here on GR! Just goes to show you, many times those who don't have an emotional response to picking a book for others (as we do for ourselves) can lead you down the path of a spectacular read. AND a new author obsession!
"Thunder and Roses" is an epic '90's romance without any bodice-ripper feeling left over from the '80s. It clearly is one of the many evolving 90's "best romantic story decade" historical romances the 90s has become famous for. Some of the best romances written to date (in my opinion) were written in the '90s, and I think this one is in that class. The 90's discarded the 70's and 80's notion that abusive heros were sexy and romantic and that heroines had to be obnoxiously TSTL fiesty, and gluttens for the abuse dished out by those heros.
Nicholas Davies has suffered multiple rejections over the course of his life. He's the epitomy of an example where money and title don't guarantee happiness, especially when the road to that money and title will never include acceptance. Nicholas' father, a second son who later became the heir to an earldom, initially felt free to seek his own happiness and fell in love and married his gypsy mother unbeknownst to his stick-in-the-arse father. When Nicholas' mother drops him off on the doorstep of his grandfather (after his father's death) at an early age, he feels abandoned and confused. Throughout his life he'll continue to hurt and resent his mother's decision to leave him in a "foreign world" with a man who never stops despising him and plotting ways to illegitimize his birth.
Clare Morgan grew up in a staunch Methodist community as the daughter of their minister and leader. She's always suffered (and I mean literally "suffered"!) for the life that she's been born into. Her father is not just her idol, but she shares him with the community to a point of child neglect on his part. As an adult after his death, she naturally takes on his role, but fate has played the part in putting her in an identity not her own. Throughout the book she'll grapple with feelings of inadequacy of filling her father's shoes, not to mention struggling to come into her own.
The local village is suffering a great depression after years of being subjected to the neglected and absent largest landowner (and of course employer), the "Demon Earl" - Nicholas. Town gossip in his absence hasn't helped his legacy when he returns to "deal" with his grandfather's estate upon his passing. The biggest employer keeping the town alive is the local mine, and with the deplorable working conditions going on there, the town blames a lot of their troubles on the Earl's absence. With Nicholas' return, Clare decides the only available option to save the town from poverty and death is to go to the new Earl and emplore him to intervene with his money and influence. With much reluctance, Nicholas concedes to her requests (after lapsing into coercion) ... with a "bet" if you will: He'll finance a path out of the town's economic whoas if Clare will put her respectible reputation on the line by living with him for 30 days unchaparoned. Seeing no other option, Clare marters herself and agrees to the strange "deal." Since Nicholas' only proposed the idea being certain she'd never agree and would just go away ... after her shocking (and unwanted) acceptance he sweetens it for himself by adding the caveat that Clare will also have to allow him one kiss per day. Although completely shocked by such a suggestion, and after much wheedling to try and get herself out of it, Clare eventually sees it as the only option, and captulates. Thus Putney sets the stage for a classic romance in a clash of wills that will be tested at close proximity. All kinds of opportunity to keep the storyline close to the romance I love and Putney blends in plenty of teasing "slap and tickle" with the bet to keep things interesting as they slowly build to a serious confrontation of wills and sexual tension.
Having laid out the premise, Putney delivers with epic storylines and plenty of character development. I can't think of one character in this book (and there are a LOT) that wasn't clearly drawn or "disposable," nor that unnecessarily bored me. MJP stays focused on Nicholas and Clare and with all that's happening still clearly manages to set up a series in this first book. Nicholas is the perfect blend of sensitive, brooding, manly, tortured hero. Clare is the staunch church-going woman with honest questions to herself that "Maddy" of "Flowers From the Storm" never could quite come to terms with.
The background story with the mine is so well written, I became more than a bit claustrophobic feeling when the characters journeyed into the mine ("NOOO -- Don't go down there! LOL!). The game of "kissing tag" these two engage in is peppered throughout as it builds to it's ultimate showdown between the two. The overall story is piled high, rich in adventure/intrigue/romance at every page you turn. It's definitely "living and breathing" when it comes to good, old-fashioned story-telling.
My first MJP was pretty "lack-luster." Just goes to show me that having done the footwork by piling my TBR with good recommendations, followed by letting go of the control and allowing those "in the know" to choose for me -- can certainly equal "wisdom meeting opportunity." T&R is an emotionally rich book. Any historical romance devotee shouldn't hesitate to add this classic to their personal romance knowledge base.
K.
That said, a couple of Amazon posters DID inspire me to pick this one off of my TBR (in fact they chose it for me after taking a look at my TBR mountain here on GR! Just goes to show you, many times those who don't have an emotional response to picking a book for others (as we do for ourselves) can lead you down the path of a spectacular read. AND a new author obsession!
"Thunder and Roses" is an epic '90's romance without any bodice-ripper feeling left over from the '80s. It clearly is one of the many evolving 90's "best romantic story decade" historical romances the 90s has become famous for. Some of the best romances written to date (in my opinion) were written in the '90s, and I think this one is in that class. The 90's discarded the 70's and 80's notion that abusive heros were sexy and romantic and that heroines had to be obnoxiously TSTL fiesty, and gluttens for the abuse dished out by those heros.
Nicholas Davies has suffered multiple rejections over the course of his life. He's the epitomy of an example where money and title don't guarantee happiness, especially when the road to that money and title will never include acceptance. Nicholas' father, a second son who later became the heir to an earldom, initially felt free to seek his own happiness and fell in love and married his gypsy mother unbeknownst to his stick-in-the-arse father. When Nicholas' mother drops him off on the doorstep of his grandfather (after his father's death) at an early age, he feels abandoned and confused. Throughout his life he'll continue to hurt and resent his mother's decision to leave him in a "foreign world" with a man who never stops despising him and plotting ways to illegitimize his birth.
Clare Morgan grew up in a staunch Methodist community as the daughter of their minister and leader. She's always suffered (and I mean literally "suffered"!) for the life that she's been born into. Her father is not just her idol, but she shares him with the community to a point of child neglect on his part. As an adult after his death, she naturally takes on his role, but fate has played the part in putting her in an identity not her own. Throughout the book she'll grapple with feelings of inadequacy of filling her father's shoes, not to mention struggling to come into her own.
The local village is suffering a great depression after years of being subjected to the neglected and absent largest landowner (and of course employer), the "Demon Earl" - Nicholas. Town gossip in his absence hasn't helped his legacy when he returns to "deal" with his grandfather's estate upon his passing. The biggest employer keeping the town alive is the local mine, and with the deplorable working conditions going on there, the town blames a lot of their troubles on the Earl's absence. With Nicholas' return, Clare decides the only available option to save the town from poverty and death is to go to the new Earl and emplore him to intervene with his money and influence. With much reluctance, Nicholas concedes to her requests (after lapsing into coercion) ... with a "bet" if you will: He'll finance a path out of the town's economic whoas if Clare will put her respectible reputation on the line by living with him for 30 days unchaparoned. Seeing no other option, Clare marters herself and agrees to the strange "deal." Since Nicholas' only proposed the idea being certain she'd never agree and would just go away ... after her shocking (and unwanted) acceptance he sweetens it for himself by adding the caveat that Clare will also have to allow him one kiss per day. Although completely shocked by such a suggestion, and after much wheedling to try and get herself out of it, Clare eventually sees it as the only option, and captulates. Thus Putney sets the stage for a classic romance in a clash of wills that will be tested at close proximity. All kinds of opportunity to keep the storyline close to the romance I love and Putney blends in plenty of teasing "slap and tickle" with the bet to keep things interesting as they slowly build to a serious confrontation of wills and sexual tension.
Having laid out the premise, Putney delivers with epic storylines and plenty of character development. I can't think of one character in this book (and there are a LOT) that wasn't clearly drawn or "disposable," nor that unnecessarily bored me. MJP stays focused on Nicholas and Clare and with all that's happening still clearly manages to set up a series in this first book. Nicholas is the perfect blend of sensitive, brooding, manly, tortured hero. Clare is the staunch church-going woman with honest questions to herself that "Maddy" of "Flowers From the Storm" never could quite come to terms with.
The background story with the mine is so well written, I became more than a bit claustrophobic feeling when the characters journeyed into the mine ("NOOO -- Don't go down there! LOL!). The game of "kissing tag" these two engage in is peppered throughout as it builds to it's ultimate showdown between the two. The overall story is piled high, rich in adventure/intrigue/romance at every page you turn. It's definitely "living and breathing" when it comes to good, old-fashioned story-telling.
My first MJP was pretty "lack-luster." Just goes to show me that having done the footwork by piling my TBR with good recommendations, followed by letting go of the control and allowing those "in the know" to choose for me -- can certainly equal "wisdom meeting opportunity." T&R is an emotionally rich book. Any historical romance devotee shouldn't hesitate to add this classic to their personal romance knowledge base.
K.
November 9, 2018
Reconciliada con la histórica con esta novela. O sea, no soy yo� son las historias.
Tormenta de pasiones es el primer libro de la serie “Ángeles caídos� de M.J. Putney. Aquí conocemos a los “ángeles�: Nick, el conde gitano; Lucién, el espía de la corona; Rafe, el duque con el corazón roto y Michael, el soldado con honor (digamos).
En esta historia conocemos la historia de Nick, conde de Aberdare, que abandonó hace cuatro años su hogar, en medio de un escándalo producido por las muertes de su abuelo y su esposa (la de Nick). El pueblo de Penreith ha quedado sin protección alguna y la única fuente de trabajo es una vieja mina de carbón, en deplorable estado, que pertenece a Michael aunque está en tierras de Nick. Ambos se desentendieron del lugar, que es un peligro para los trabajadores.
Cuando Nick regresa, pensando vender la propiedad ya que le trae malos recuerdos, se encuentra con Clare Morgan, maestra del pueblo e hija del difunto reverendo metodista, quien le suplica que haga algo por el bien de su gente. Nick no quiere saber nada, no le interesa, lucha con sus propios fantasmas, entonces le hace a Clare una proposición escandalosa: que viva con él tres meses, no la obligará a nada (que no quiera) aunque su reputación quedará por los suelos y resolverá los problemas. Nick hace la propuesta con la seguridad de que la puritana Clare la va a rechazar. Pero no.
Y así comienza un juego de seducción por parte de Nick, a la vez que intenta arreglar los problemas del pueblo. Paralelamente, hay dos tramas de suspenso: el problema de la mina y la relación de Nick con Michael que no es de las mejores.
Quedé encantada con la parte romántica. Una seducción a fuego lento, con mucha tensión sexual no resuelta. Quedé enamorada de Nikki, un pan de Dios. Y me encantó Clare, una mujer segura de sí misma aunque con sus propios conflictos espirituales.
Pero, XD, ¡qué facilidad que tiene esta gente para superar experiencias terribles! Peligros mortales, situaciones tristísimas, etc. Todo se arregla con un baño caliente. Si me hubieran pasado a mí, necesitaría dos años de psicoterapia por estrés postraumático y depresión mayor. A ellos no les afecta el ánimo ni la libido. Ja Ja.
Y me dirán porque no le puse 5 estrellas (sería incluso unas 3,5).
El desenlace. La parte de suspenso siento que se resolvió en un pis-pas, sobre todo su problema con Michael y, en fin, me resultó un poco enredada. No por confusa sino por los caminos que siguió.
¡Ay! ¡Cómo odié a Michael! Veo que su libro está muy bien valorado, pero no sé si lo perdonaré.
Tormenta de pasiones es el primer libro de la serie “Ángeles caídos� de M.J. Putney. Aquí conocemos a los “ángeles�: Nick, el conde gitano; Lucién, el espía de la corona; Rafe, el duque con el corazón roto y Michael, el soldado con honor (digamos).
En esta historia conocemos la historia de Nick, conde de Aberdare, que abandonó hace cuatro años su hogar, en medio de un escándalo producido por las muertes de su abuelo y su esposa (la de Nick). El pueblo de Penreith ha quedado sin protección alguna y la única fuente de trabajo es una vieja mina de carbón, en deplorable estado, que pertenece a Michael aunque está en tierras de Nick. Ambos se desentendieron del lugar, que es un peligro para los trabajadores.
Cuando Nick regresa, pensando vender la propiedad ya que le trae malos recuerdos, se encuentra con Clare Morgan, maestra del pueblo e hija del difunto reverendo metodista, quien le suplica que haga algo por el bien de su gente. Nick no quiere saber nada, no le interesa, lucha con sus propios fantasmas, entonces le hace a Clare una proposición escandalosa: que viva con él tres meses, no la obligará a nada (que no quiera) aunque su reputación quedará por los suelos y resolverá los problemas. Nick hace la propuesta con la seguridad de que la puritana Clare la va a rechazar. Pero no.
Y así comienza un juego de seducción por parte de Nick, a la vez que intenta arreglar los problemas del pueblo. Paralelamente, hay dos tramas de suspenso: el problema de la mina y la relación de Nick con Michael que no es de las mejores.
Quedé encantada con la parte romántica. Una seducción a fuego lento, con mucha tensión sexual no resuelta. Quedé enamorada de Nikki, un pan de Dios. Y me encantó Clare, una mujer segura de sí misma aunque con sus propios conflictos espirituales.
Pero, XD, ¡qué facilidad que tiene esta gente para superar experiencias terribles! Peligros mortales, situaciones tristísimas, etc. Todo se arregla con un baño caliente. Si me hubieran pasado a mí, necesitaría dos años de psicoterapia por estrés postraumático y depresión mayor. A ellos no les afecta el ánimo ni la libido. Ja Ja.
Y me dirán porque no le puse 5 estrellas (sería incluso unas 3,5).
El desenlace. La parte de suspenso siento que se resolvió en un pis-pas, sobre todo su problema con Michael y, en fin, me resultó un poco enredada. No por confusa sino por los caminos que siguió.
¡Ay! ¡Cómo odié a Michael! Veo que su libro está muy bien valorado, pero no sé si lo perdonaré.
March 17, 2017
Fwew! I finally did it. This felt really long. This wasn't a bad book, but it just didn't exactly come together and work for me, either. There was a lot going on- penguins, billiards, whip fights, mine explosions, gypsy camps, murder plots, and lots of old secrets. I would definitely classify this as melodramatic, and even- dare I say it- a bit cheesy at times. When Clare and Nicholas finally decide to become actual lovers instead of just constantly teasing around the idea, Clare instantly is healed of all of her spiritual doubt and her lingering resentment towards her father...which she attributes to her glorious sex and loving Nicholas. Say what? That is just....silly. In fact, after that, all of her religiousy-ness seemed to float away.
The whole premise of the book was that Clare was a pious Methodist, daughter of a preacher, who went to the "gypsy earl" to get help for her village. But about halfway through, she's really not pious anymore at all, and has discovered that all she really wanted was to be in love and have sex. That's fine by me, but it kind of rendered the whole idea a bit null and void to me. She was swayed away from her religion really easily- and maybe that's the point- but then I wonder why the religion part had to be there in the first place. I also thought that the whole "stay with me for 3 months" idea was kind of forced and hokey.
I also thought Nicholas was a bit inconsistent. Here is this incredibly handsome part-gypsy earl who is a known rake who manages to give up his ideas of never marrying again for a decent looking preacher's daughter. He bent too easily to giving up his rakish ways, I thought. The characterization here was a mixed bag. They were developed in the sense that we know their pasts and what has driven them, but both of the MC's seemed to change to suit the other really easily. It just didn't feel right to me.
Maybe it's because this is a bit older in the genre, but I kept thinking of like a Hallmark movie or something as I read this. So much drama and angst and stuff going. Okay, but not my favorite. Probably 3-3.5 stars.
The whole premise of the book was that Clare was a pious Methodist, daughter of a preacher, who went to the "gypsy earl" to get help for her village. But about halfway through, she's really not pious anymore at all, and has discovered that all she really wanted was to be in love and have sex. That's fine by me, but it kind of rendered the whole idea a bit null and void to me. She was swayed away from her religion really easily- and maybe that's the point- but then I wonder why the religion part had to be there in the first place. I also thought that the whole "stay with me for 3 months" idea was kind of forced and hokey.
I also thought Nicholas was a bit inconsistent. Here is this incredibly handsome part-gypsy earl who is a known rake who manages to give up his ideas of never marrying again for a decent looking preacher's daughter. He bent too easily to giving up his rakish ways, I thought. The characterization here was a mixed bag. They were developed in the sense that we know their pasts and what has driven them, but both of the MC's seemed to change to suit the other really easily. It just didn't feel right to me.
Maybe it's because this is a bit older in the genre, but I kept thinking of like a Hallmark movie or something as I read this. So much drama and angst and stuff going. Okay, but not my favorite. Probably 3-3.5 stars.
July 1, 2011
This almost made 4½ stars except for the ending. I must have read it before; I saw the twists and conclusions coming a mile away. Learned more about mining than I was in the mood for, but it was incredibly realistic and obviously well researched. The best part of the book was the relationship between Gypsy Earl, Nicholas Davies, and shy, but determined schoolteacher, Clare Morgan, who were both perfect as written; I could find no fault in them and loved their developing relationship. Loved swimming with penguins, of course. That right there, makes it worth the read!
September 6, 2015
3.75
Una novela de las de antes, nunca mejor dicho. A medida que avanzaba me he dado cuenta de que ya la había leído. Sí, debe ser de esas primeras novelas que leí el siglo pasado y que "desaparecieron" de mi casa y no las tengo controladas. Una pena
Buena trama, buenos personajes, los dos me han gustado. Esa metodista, falta de cariño y envuelta en una sociedad estricta e hipócrita que se ve abrumada por la sinceridad y el desparpajo de este pícaro protagonista
Nicholas, un libertino de los que engañan, como se estilaba antes. Pero honesto, leal y un gran hombre. Me encantan estos hombres.
No hay que fiarse de las apariencias.
Una novela de las de antes, nunca mejor dicho. A medida que avanzaba me he dado cuenta de que ya la había leído. Sí, debe ser de esas primeras novelas que leí el siglo pasado y que "desaparecieron" de mi casa y no las tengo controladas. Una pena
Buena trama, buenos personajes, los dos me han gustado. Esa metodista, falta de cariño y envuelta en una sociedad estricta e hipócrita que se ve abrumada por la sinceridad y el desparpajo de este pícaro protagonista
Nicholas, un libertino de los que engañan, como se estilaba antes. Pero honesto, leal y un gran hombre. Me encantan estos hombres.
No hay que fiarse de las apariencias.
March 27, 2023
4 stars
Handsomely crafted and thoroughly enjoyable, this is my first time picking up a Mary Jo Putney novel, and Thunder & Roses turned out to be well-matched to my particular historical romance taste: leaning slightly into historical fiction territory (tons of immersive fact-based elements throughout), smooth writing with just the right amount of flourish, a substantial plot, and a well-articulated romance
Thunder & Roses reminds me a lot of Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale (which I also enjoyed), in part due to their shared focus on the heroine's grappling with her religious belief and moral center; I actually prefer the execution here more; the heroine realizes the contradiction, but she's very open to explore beyond her devout upbringing (instead of the relentless self-disciplining in the Kinsale title). Even though the hero being a 'Demon Duke' is a critical selling point in the synopsis, there's actually a lot of levity throughout the courtship, with great banter writing, and a surprisingly sensible discussion on consent (especially for a publication from 1993). Overall this is giving 'friends-to-lovers' vibe, when I was expecting 'enemies-to-lovers'.
Thunder & Roses can be a little long-winded, especially in the last third where it could've been condensed without all the location switches (perhaps Mary Jo Putney wanted to cram in all the research she had done), but overall I think the hero and heroine is well-matched in their emotional journey and growth, and unlike most historical romances I read, where they all started to blend together, Thunder & Roses has so many iconic moments that will forever ingrained in my head (penguins, the coal mine, that ridiculous dual, and the bet at the billiard table, to name a few).
***Historical Hellions Book Club | March 2023 Selection***
Handsomely crafted and thoroughly enjoyable, this is my first time picking up a Mary Jo Putney novel, and Thunder & Roses turned out to be well-matched to my particular historical romance taste: leaning slightly into historical fiction territory (tons of immersive fact-based elements throughout), smooth writing with just the right amount of flourish, a substantial plot, and a well-articulated romance
Thunder & Roses reminds me a lot of Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale (which I also enjoyed), in part due to their shared focus on the heroine's grappling with her religious belief and moral center; I actually prefer the execution here more; the heroine realizes the contradiction, but she's very open to explore beyond her devout upbringing (instead of the relentless self-disciplining in the Kinsale title). Even though the hero being a 'Demon Duke' is a critical selling point in the synopsis, there's actually a lot of levity throughout the courtship, with great banter writing, and a surprisingly sensible discussion on consent (especially for a publication from 1993). Overall this is giving 'friends-to-lovers' vibe, when I was expecting 'enemies-to-lovers'.
Thunder & Roses can be a little long-winded, especially in the last third where it could've been condensed without all the location switches (perhaps Mary Jo Putney wanted to cram in all the research she had done), but overall I think the hero and heroine is well-matched in their emotional journey and growth, and unlike most historical romances I read, where they all started to blend together, Thunder & Roses has so many iconic moments that will forever ingrained in my head (penguins, the coal mine, that ridiculous dual, and the bet at the billiard table, to name a few).
***Historical Hellions Book Club | March 2023 Selection***
March 16, 2016
I thought this was pretty terrible....
Miss Claire Morgan (26yrs) the local school teacher and the Methodist Reverend daughter bravely approaches Nicholas Davies (30yrs) the half gypsy Demon Earl to ask for help saving the local village.
Nicholas, who's jaded, bored, restless, and has absolutely no desire to help names a price he knows Claire can't pay for his assistance so she'll go away and stop nagging him: Her reputation. His price is that she lives with him for 3 months giving the appearance of being his mistress.
"I've never met a man of conspicuous charity who didn't have base motives. Most who make a show of generosity do it because they crave the gratitude of their inferiors and the satisfactions of self-righteousness. At least I, in my honest selfishness, am not a hypocrite."
"I want to see how far you are willing to go to get what you want. If you accept my proposition, your precious village may benefit, but you'll never be able to lift your head there again, for your reputation will be destroyed. Would success be worth such a price? Would your neighbors forgive your fall from grace even though they benefited by it? An interesting question, but if I were you, I wouldn't trust too much in their good will."
The plot is interesting. Nicholas cynicism is really what drives the plot. But I'm finding myself dismayed at how weakly characterized Claire is. After only a half a day Claire starts to recognize that she's vulnerable to Nicholas charm. I find this incredibly hard to believe. A religious woman from the 19th century after spending a few hours in the company of a charming gentlemen wonders if she'll be able to remain chaste for the next three months? Seriously??? Sorry... but that's.... stupid. A major flaw in this story if you ask me. Even today when it's accepted by the majority of the population, if I thought sex before marriage was morally and/or scriptually wrong I wouldn't be worried about my virtue after spending a day with someone. If I was that easily manipulated and my values and/or religious beliefs were over turned so quickly by a pretty face and a little charm I'd have no respect for myself and so I'm finding I have little respect for Claire.
Only 4 days into this deal Claire attends church services after being caught in a kissing embrace with Nicholas, she gets verbally attacked while there by some in the congregation. To the point that she leaves services because if she doesn't the congregation will be divided. Honestly, Claire doesn't seem THAT upset about this ordeal. I mean, if this were me, if I felt this group of people love me but yet were judging me now, I would have been devastated. Couple that with the century she lives in and being the daughter of the Reverend, she should be beside herself with guilt. But Claire isn't that bothered. She doesn't even cry (although she comes close). Claire asks Nicholas to release her by keeping his word to help the village if she leaves and goes home, he refuses and within minutes she's into a heavy make out session with him going the furthest they've gone so far. WHAAATT??? I.....don't.....even......know....... SIGH.
I'd be FURIOUS!!! More so with myself, but I'd still be furious with him as well. Claire has let her guard down a little because Nicholas has shown some vulnerability. She feels they're verging on a friendship (which is incredibly stupid after only 4 days) yet he does not care that her life will be ruined by his game.
Claire is a walking contradiction. Here is one thought process in her mind:
If she managed to preserve her virginity, she would be able to go back to Penreith and face down the gossip, for her conscience would be clear. But what would become of her if she surrendered? She could not imagine returning to her old life if she was a ruined woman. Yet there could be no future for her with Nicholas, who wanted to bed her mostly to prove that he could. Marriage was out of the question, and she could never live as his mistress even if he continued to want her.
Then during the SAME evening she has this thought process:
But as she looked back at the time she had spent with him, the scenes were etched in her mind in vivid color. Next to that, the rest of her life appeared in shades of faded gray. This was the high noon of her life, and she sensed that when the three months were over, nothing and no one would ever move her as deeply as Nicholas. That being the case, since she was undoubtedly going to hell anyhow, she might as well enjoy the time with him rather than berate herself for her wickedness. She would have the rest of her life for repentance.
If Claire had have been written from the start, as someone who doubted her beliefs this story would not be hard to accept. But she's not. Nowhere does Claire ever doubt her beliefs AT ALL. She does however feel like a fake because she has not once "experienced the sense of divine presence." Her mind believes but her heart doesn't feel moved, she doesn't feel God.
Then after the deed is finally done (they have sex) she immediately feels the happiest she's ever felt in her entire life, more complete.
Strange that profane love had healed her spiritual weakness. Or perhaps it wasn't strange at all. Feeling unloved by her earthly father, her needy spirit had been unable to accept divine love; she had been hollow inside. Admitting her love for Nicholas had opened the gates to her heart.
Conscience clear and spirit at peace, she slept.
I'm sorry, but this is utter garbage! Once again a romance novel has equated sex with love. In Claire's case she could have (and more likely would have) realized she was in love with Nicholas without having sex with him. Given her beliefs, she would not feel a clear conscience after having sex.
Listen, I'm not judging Claire. I'm saying I don't see her as a realistic character. She contradicts. She doesn't make sense to me. There were plenty of ways to write this so that it DID make sense but I personally can not follow her thought process to a logical conclusion.
Miss Claire Morgan (26yrs) the local school teacher and the Methodist Reverend daughter bravely approaches Nicholas Davies (30yrs) the half gypsy Demon Earl to ask for help saving the local village.
Nicholas, who's jaded, bored, restless, and has absolutely no desire to help names a price he knows Claire can't pay for his assistance so she'll go away and stop nagging him: Her reputation. His price is that she lives with him for 3 months giving the appearance of being his mistress.
"I've never met a man of conspicuous charity who didn't have base motives. Most who make a show of generosity do it because they crave the gratitude of their inferiors and the satisfactions of self-righteousness. At least I, in my honest selfishness, am not a hypocrite."
"I want to see how far you are willing to go to get what you want. If you accept my proposition, your precious village may benefit, but you'll never be able to lift your head there again, for your reputation will be destroyed. Would success be worth such a price? Would your neighbors forgive your fall from grace even though they benefited by it? An interesting question, but if I were you, I wouldn't trust too much in their good will."
The plot is interesting. Nicholas cynicism is really what drives the plot. But I'm finding myself dismayed at how weakly characterized Claire is. After only a half a day Claire starts to recognize that she's vulnerable to Nicholas charm. I find this incredibly hard to believe. A religious woman from the 19th century after spending a few hours in the company of a charming gentlemen wonders if she'll be able to remain chaste for the next three months? Seriously??? Sorry... but that's.... stupid. A major flaw in this story if you ask me. Even today when it's accepted by the majority of the population, if I thought sex before marriage was morally and/or scriptually wrong I wouldn't be worried about my virtue after spending a day with someone. If I was that easily manipulated and my values and/or religious beliefs were over turned so quickly by a pretty face and a little charm I'd have no respect for myself and so I'm finding I have little respect for Claire.
Only 4 days into this deal Claire attends church services after being caught in a kissing embrace with Nicholas, she gets verbally attacked while there by some in the congregation. To the point that she leaves services because if she doesn't the congregation will be divided. Honestly, Claire doesn't seem THAT upset about this ordeal. I mean, if this were me, if I felt this group of people love me but yet were judging me now, I would have been devastated. Couple that with the century she lives in and being the daughter of the Reverend, she should be beside herself with guilt. But Claire isn't that bothered. She doesn't even cry (although she comes close). Claire asks Nicholas to release her by keeping his word to help the village if she leaves and goes home, he refuses and within minutes she's into a heavy make out session with him going the furthest they've gone so far. WHAAATT??? I.....don't.....even......know....... SIGH.
I'd be FURIOUS!!! More so with myself, but I'd still be furious with him as well. Claire has let her guard down a little because Nicholas has shown some vulnerability. She feels they're verging on a friendship (which is incredibly stupid after only 4 days) yet he does not care that her life will be ruined by his game.
Claire is a walking contradiction. Here is one thought process in her mind:
If she managed to preserve her virginity, she would be able to go back to Penreith and face down the gossip, for her conscience would be clear. But what would become of her if she surrendered? She could not imagine returning to her old life if she was a ruined woman. Yet there could be no future for her with Nicholas, who wanted to bed her mostly to prove that he could. Marriage was out of the question, and she could never live as his mistress even if he continued to want her.
Then during the SAME evening she has this thought process:
But as she looked back at the time she had spent with him, the scenes were etched in her mind in vivid color. Next to that, the rest of her life appeared in shades of faded gray. This was the high noon of her life, and she sensed that when the three months were over, nothing and no one would ever move her as deeply as Nicholas. That being the case, since she was undoubtedly going to hell anyhow, she might as well enjoy the time with him rather than berate herself for her wickedness. She would have the rest of her life for repentance.
If Claire had have been written from the start, as someone who doubted her beliefs this story would not be hard to accept. But she's not. Nowhere does Claire ever doubt her beliefs AT ALL. She does however feel like a fake because she has not once "experienced the sense of divine presence." Her mind believes but her heart doesn't feel moved, she doesn't feel God.
Then after the deed is finally done (they have sex) she immediately feels the happiest she's ever felt in her entire life, more complete.
Strange that profane love had healed her spiritual weakness. Or perhaps it wasn't strange at all. Feeling unloved by her earthly father, her needy spirit had been unable to accept divine love; she had been hollow inside. Admitting her love for Nicholas had opened the gates to her heart.
Conscience clear and spirit at peace, she slept.
I'm sorry, but this is utter garbage! Once again a romance novel has equated sex with love. In Claire's case she could have (and more likely would have) realized she was in love with Nicholas without having sex with him. Given her beliefs, she would not feel a clear conscience after having sex.
Listen, I'm not judging Claire. I'm saying I don't see her as a realistic character. She contradicts. She doesn't make sense to me. There were plenty of ways to write this so that it DID make sense but I personally can not follow her thought process to a logical conclusion.
January 23, 2023
Reread 1/22/2023: 4 stars- I’ve had a hankering to reread this ever since I finished Mary Balogh’s “Longing�. I’m glad I finally did because I really did enjoy the reread - maybe more so than the first time around. It helps when I haven’t come off of a really great read recently! 🥴🤣 If any of you know of any other good HR books set in Wales - let me know! 💕
Original 7/29/2020: 4 stars - Maybe even a little higher, because I really did enjoy this story! Unfortunately for this book, I just finished reading MJP’s “Uncommon Vows� right before this, and this one just doesn’t compare.
Where do I begin? This is the story of Nicolas, a Gypsy Earl, and Clare, a methodist school mistress. She approaches him to help with the problems in their Welsh town...there are a lot of safety concerns about the mine, which is one of the few places to find work in the community. Nicolas is completely disinterested initially, he hates the estate he owns in this town and is considering selling it, if he can break the entail. He comes up with a bargain that he’s sure Clare will refuse: she must live with him for 3 months and pretend to be his mistress. He figures that there is no way that a woman would be willing to risk her reputation in exchange for his help. Ofc Clare believes that a personal sacrifice in exchange for all the help he can provide would be worth it, even if it means her ruin. And so begins their life together, where he tries to convince her to be his mistress in truth and she tries desperately to cling to her religion to preserve her virtue.
It really is a very good story, but I was frustrated with how long it took for certain truths to be revealed. The middle dragged a bit more than necessary, and I would have enjoyed having more of Nicolas� past out in the open before the last 10% of the book. The ending was lovely, and the story came together well eventually. Ofc, the epilogue didn’t quite do enough for me!
As for safety.... ((spoilers ahead))
This is safe or safe with exception. The hero does kiss an OW, and pats her backside, and there’s the impression that she was a past lover. He does this in front of the heroine, and the embrace was more friendly than sexual, but the heroine does become jealous. She also meets at least one other ex mistress/lover, but the hero turns down her advances. Hero was a manwhore before meeting the (ofc virginal) heroine, but he does stay faithful other than that one kiss. Hero was cheated on by his first wife with a close family member and friend, and he in turn cheated on his first wife. Also contains child abandonment, child abuse to side character, violence & murder. No scenes with OM/OW, no major OM/OW drama besides what’s mentioned above with the heroine being jealous a few times.
Original 7/29/2020: 4 stars - Maybe even a little higher, because I really did enjoy this story! Unfortunately for this book, I just finished reading MJP’s “Uncommon Vows� right before this, and this one just doesn’t compare.
Where do I begin? This is the story of Nicolas, a Gypsy Earl, and Clare, a methodist school mistress. She approaches him to help with the problems in their Welsh town...there are a lot of safety concerns about the mine, which is one of the few places to find work in the community. Nicolas is completely disinterested initially, he hates the estate he owns in this town and is considering selling it, if he can break the entail. He comes up with a bargain that he’s sure Clare will refuse: she must live with him for 3 months and pretend to be his mistress. He figures that there is no way that a woman would be willing to risk her reputation in exchange for his help. Ofc Clare believes that a personal sacrifice in exchange for all the help he can provide would be worth it, even if it means her ruin. And so begins their life together, where he tries to convince her to be his mistress in truth and she tries desperately to cling to her religion to preserve her virtue.
It really is a very good story, but I was frustrated with how long it took for certain truths to be revealed. The middle dragged a bit more than necessary, and I would have enjoyed having more of Nicolas� past out in the open before the last 10% of the book. The ending was lovely, and the story came together well eventually. Ofc, the epilogue didn’t quite do enough for me!
As for safety.... ((spoilers ahead))
This is safe or safe with exception. The hero does kiss an OW, and pats her backside, and there’s the impression that she was a past lover. He does this in front of the heroine, and the embrace was more friendly than sexual, but the heroine does become jealous. She also meets at least one other ex mistress/lover, but the hero turns down her advances. Hero was a manwhore before meeting the (ofc virginal) heroine, but he does stay faithful other than that one kiss. Hero was cheated on by his first wife with a close family member and friend, and he in turn cheated on his first wife. Also contains child abandonment, child abuse to side character, violence & murder. No scenes with OM/OW, no major OM/OW drama besides what’s mentioned above with the heroine being jealous a few times.
January 26, 2016
4.5 stars
MJP is the queen of character development. She delves so deep in the psyche of her characters that you can't help but imagine yourself in their struggle and feel deeply for their suffering. I really enjoyed the nuances of both characters, the immensely complex Clare who is hiding behind her pious persona, and the layered Nicholas who chooses to let public speculation define his image instead of exposing past wounds which are still very much raw!
I also enjoyed their struggle to keep each other at arms length.
This is a must read for the fans of the genre...however that being said here are the reasons I deducted. 5 stars: First is that Clares musings became repetitive...on more than three occasions she decides to push Nicholas beyond his limit but stop him before things get to far and she is afraid of losing herself but still goes ahead with this charade.....the second reason was Michael...his refusal to reveal his grievance against Nicholas was frustrating and annoying...and Nichola's explanation for his behavior weak....it was a plot device to keep the conflict going until the end but was not very convincing.
I bother to write reviews for the books lately that truly move me....I read this book in one sitting and loved it. Definitely Recommend it!
MJP is the queen of character development. She delves so deep in the psyche of her characters that you can't help but imagine yourself in their struggle and feel deeply for their suffering. I really enjoyed the nuances of both characters, the immensely complex Clare who is hiding behind her pious persona, and the layered Nicholas who chooses to let public speculation define his image instead of exposing past wounds which are still very much raw!
I also enjoyed their struggle to keep each other at arms length.
This is a must read for the fans of the genre...however that being said here are the reasons I deducted. 5 stars: First is that Clares musings became repetitive...on more than three occasions she decides to push Nicholas beyond his limit but stop him before things get to far and she is afraid of losing herself but still goes ahead with this charade.....the second reason was Michael...his refusal to reveal his grievance against Nicholas was frustrating and annoying...and Nichola's explanation for his behavior weak....it was a plot device to keep the conflict going until the end but was not very convincing.
I bother to write reviews for the books lately that truly move me....I read this book in one sitting and loved it. Definitely Recommend it!
March 14, 2019
Me ha costado, pero por fin lo he terminado!
La falta de tiempo ha provocado que esta novela se quedara en la mesilla durante bastante tiempo, pero no he tenido problema a la hora de retomarla. Todo está relatado de una manera pausada y con el nivel de detalle suficiente para que, una vez empezada, recordara todo a la perfección.
Los personajes tienen todas las características que se espera de ellos, Nicholas es la reina del drama (pobrecito, hay que entenderlo), y se deja llevar por la melancolía con bastante facilidad a pesar de su buen humor. No es una persona triste ni deprimida, solo que se lo toma todo con mucha pasión. Clare, por su parte, es más racional y más fría en ese sentido. No quiere decir que no sea apasionada, tan solo más serena con respecto a Nicholas.
El drama está servido desde el principio, pero la historia no se recrea en la tragedia, mantiene el buen humor y la pareja protagonista son más dos amigos amantes. A medida que se conocen mejor, la atracción se vuelve más impetuosa y los juegos a los que se entregan los dos tienen reflejo el uno en el otro.
Entretenida, protagonistas coherentes y una bonita historia de amor. La autora añade además detalles de su documentación que aportan buen color a la novela y todo se sostiene con el desarrollo de una trama muy sólida.
La falta de tiempo ha provocado que esta novela se quedara en la mesilla durante bastante tiempo, pero no he tenido problema a la hora de retomarla. Todo está relatado de una manera pausada y con el nivel de detalle suficiente para que, una vez empezada, recordara todo a la perfección.
Los personajes tienen todas las características que se espera de ellos, Nicholas es la reina del drama (pobrecito, hay que entenderlo), y se deja llevar por la melancolía con bastante facilidad a pesar de su buen humor. No es una persona triste ni deprimida, solo que se lo toma todo con mucha pasión. Clare, por su parte, es más racional y más fría en ese sentido. No quiere decir que no sea apasionada, tan solo más serena con respecto a Nicholas.
El drama está servido desde el principio, pero la historia no se recrea en la tragedia, mantiene el buen humor y la pareja protagonista son más dos amigos amantes. A medida que se conocen mejor, la atracción se vuelve más impetuosa y los juegos a los que se entregan los dos tienen reflejo el uno en el otro.
Entretenida, protagonistas coherentes y una bonita historia de amor. La autora añade además detalles de su documentación que aportan buen color a la novela y todo se sostiene con el desarrollo de una trama muy sólida.
November 17, 2018
Leí el 5to libro antes de este, así que necesitaba entender lo que había hecho Michael en el pasado que lo recuerdos lo atormentaban.
Realmente disfruté de esta bonita historia de amor, combinada con mucha acción, misterio, secretos e intriga, Me encantaron Nicolás y Clare y ese juego de seducción, muy bien logrado, te mantiene expectante, esperando el beso diario y la escena del billar, memorable de las que nunca vamos a poder olvidar y apesar que nos los muestran como polos opuestos, se complementan de maravilla, está muy bien narrada, y con una excelente ambientación y descripción de las minas de carbón en Gales.
Realmente disfruté de esta bonita historia de amor, combinada con mucha acción, misterio, secretos e intriga, Me encantaron Nicolás y Clare y ese juego de seducción, muy bien logrado, te mantiene expectante, esperando el beso diario y la escena del billar, memorable de las que nunca vamos a poder olvidar y apesar que nos los muestran como polos opuestos, se complementan de maravilla, está muy bien narrada, y con una excelente ambientación y descripción de las minas de carbón en Gales.
November 13, 2018
Estoy entre 3'5 y 4 🌟, pero ya sabéis que soy una rácana y siempre tiro por lo bajo. En el post del #RitaPutney os cuento mi opinión!
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