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Once A... #3
Once an Innocent
Jordan Atherton, Viscount Freese, returned from the Peninsular War scarred and ready to live as a dissolute bachelor. Society knows nothing of his secret occupation or of the obligation binding him to Lintern Abbey, the estate he loathes. When his Foreign Office superiors discover a network of French agents near his country home, Jordan quickly devises a house party scheme to cover the influx of his men hunting the enemy. With no time to lose and political stability hanging in the balance, Jordan turns to his friend, the Duke of Monthwaite, for help. Would the duke be so kind as to loan Jordan some ladies to populate his party?
Lady Naomi Lockwood, Monthwaite’s younger sister, is snatched from her warm, secure world when she's suddenly forced to go to Lintern Abbey, despite her pleas to stay home. Stunned by her family's abandonment, Naomi and her aunt travel to the Yorkshire home of the handsome and enigmatic Jordan Atherton.
There Naomi soon realizes this house party is not all it seems. The estate is neglected by its master, as is Jordan's ward, a mysterious Spanish orphan. When Naomi demands answers, Jordan distracts her by indulging their mutual attraction. With danger drawing closer and her family far away, Naomi must stand on her own to uncover the truth and protect the home and people she's coming to love—including the maddening Lord Freese.
Lady Naomi Lockwood, Monthwaite’s younger sister, is snatched from her warm, secure world when she's suddenly forced to go to Lintern Abbey, despite her pleas to stay home. Stunned by her family's abandonment, Naomi and her aunt travel to the Yorkshire home of the handsome and enigmatic Jordan Atherton.
There Naomi soon realizes this house party is not all it seems. The estate is neglected by its master, as is Jordan's ward, a mysterious Spanish orphan. When Naomi demands answers, Jordan distracts her by indulging their mutual attraction. With danger drawing closer and her family far away, Naomi must stand on her own to uncover the truth and protect the home and people she's coming to love—including the maddening Lord Freese.
180 pages, ebook
First published July 8, 2013
141 people are currently reading
811 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 6, 2013
This is the sexiest of Boyce's first series, and its characters the most endearing. Naomi is all at once sweetly naive, impressively brainy, and surprisingly open to life's possibilities. Aunt Jeanine is the most fabulous supporting character I've encountered in a long time, and in this third book of the series, she gets the attention she has been demanding. Jordan, no doubt, is full of flaws, yet the reader is right there with Naomi giving in to his charms. Fans of Boyce and first-time readers alike will not be disappointed by this hot romance, full of Ms. Boyce's usual wit, wisdom, and fantastic wordsmithing.
April 28, 2016
After reading the first two in this trilogy, I had high hopes for Naomi's book. I absolutely adored her in those earlier books. Unfortunately this story didn't do it. I found myself bored and had to make myself keep reading through most of the book.
Near the end there is a sudden bit of action which finally picked up the pace and led to the final romantic conflict. Still, we never got to know enough of Jordan to actually make him real and Naomi, as well as Jordan, acted so out of character for the kind, proper, honorable people they were written to be that it all just left a bad taste. Overall the story was sadly predictable and very disappointing.
Near the end there is a sudden bit of action which finally picked up the pace and led to the final romantic conflict. Still, we never got to know enough of Jordan to actually make him real and Naomi, as well as Jordan, acted so out of character for the kind, proper, honorable people they were written to be that it all just left a bad taste. Overall the story was sadly predictable and very disappointing.
April 9, 2016
Boyce returns to this brilliant series with yet another tale you won’t be able to put down. She mixes suspense with romance, and some rakish actions to create the ultimate story of love against the odds. Her seamless storytelling with wrap you up in a world so unlike anything that we live today. The picturesque scenery in this novel allows you to travel across England alongside the characters.
The main couple in this novel may just be my favourite in this series yet. Combining a loyal yet headstrong heroine with an honest to goodness secret hero gives her readers a couple that will stand the test of time. Each is quite well developed individually, allowing you to understand where they are coming from. At the same time, you can see them coming together, becoming a unit that works well together. Boyce also backs this up with a very memorable supporting cast, drawing you in and allowing you to feel like part of this large, extended family.
Boyce has definitely outdone herself here. This novel is the perfect escape from the everyday, complete with a love that will span the ages.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The main couple in this novel may just be my favourite in this series yet. Combining a loyal yet headstrong heroine with an honest to goodness secret hero gives her readers a couple that will stand the test of time. Each is quite well developed individually, allowing you to understand where they are coming from. At the same time, you can see them coming together, becoming a unit that works well together. Boyce also backs this up with a very memorable supporting cast, drawing you in and allowing you to feel like part of this large, extended family.
Boyce has definitely outdone herself here. This novel is the perfect escape from the everyday, complete with a love that will span the ages.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2015
I was extremely bored with this book! The French Spy plot took up entirely too much of the plot for my tastes, and some of the romance between Jordan and Naomi was lost because of it. Naomi seemed content to whine for most of the beginning of the book about how she no longer had a home and wasn't wanted by her brother or his wife, which made her difficult to connect to as a character. Jordan was a complete jerk and I couldn't see his allure as a hero. Aunt Janine was annoying at best for this installment. With how little I've enjoyed the series to date, I doubt I will be keeping this.
August 3, 2013
Excellent conclusion to this wonderful series! Smart, creative, historically insightful, just as with the earlier books in the series, but also intriguing with suspense woven into the love and romance. A wonderful historically detailed story and rich, full characters throughout. I am only saddened by the thought that this is the last in the series! Here is to hoping we see more of Boyce's rich Regency world!
November 21, 2013
I was really looking forward to this book. But after literally half way through the book I had to give it up. I couldn't take it anymore. It's like the author ran out of steam with this being the 3rd book and all. I got so lost with the spy game/French agents lurking around the premises, I couldn't keep up. I wanted to see a connection between Jordan and Naomi. I had such high hopes. I don't even think Jordan and Naomi even spent any real time together. Sorry but pass...
August 21, 2014
[FTC: I received this book as part of a GoodReads/First Reads giveaway. In no way does this affect my opinions, which are 100% my own]
I guess I'm not a regency girl. This book was too long, too wordy, and too preachy about what was wrong in the Regency Era mores and principles. IMHO, Naomi's bluestoking aunt Janine is by far the best character, and she's a minor person in this book that never quite caught my fancy
I guess I'm not a regency girl. This book was too long, too wordy, and too preachy about what was wrong in the Regency Era mores and principles. IMHO, Naomi's bluestoking aunt Janine is by far the best character, and she's a minor person in this book that never quite caught my fancy
November 7, 2020
Meh... Book 1 was great, book 2 just ok but this one was really bad.
Not enough romance and too much focus on the spy plot. I didn't feel the connection between Naomi and Jordan. It sounds promising though: Jordan is Marshall's best friend and he is starting to feel attraction for Marshall's sister, Naomi. She is also attracted to him but her brother told her to stay away from him during the house party he is hosting, so I was expecting some angst with both MC denying each other, fighting their forbidden attraction with a lot of tension.
Nope! They barely spent time together during the day. Naomi was with her crazy aunt, or Carla and Kate (Jordan's stepmom and half sis). Or she befriended his ward and became extremely noisy.. The rare moments they spent together, no relationship growth. Just kissing and touching or lusting.
And the lewdness!! Lol, I had to remind myself it was an historical romance because the way Jordan was talking to Naomi, it didn't sound like a gentleman...
By the way, Jordan was quite an ass because Marshall clearly told him to bring him his sister back, exactly in the same STATE he was sending her... And at one point, he just decided to indulge in some sexy games with Naomi. What about Marshall lol!?
1 star, not worth it seriously... Naomi deserved better for her own story!
Not enough romance and too much focus on the spy plot. I didn't feel the connection between Naomi and Jordan. It sounds promising though: Jordan is Marshall's best friend and he is starting to feel attraction for Marshall's sister, Naomi. She is also attracted to him but her brother told her to stay away from him during the house party he is hosting, so I was expecting some angst with both MC denying each other, fighting their forbidden attraction with a lot of tension.
Nope! They barely spent time together during the day. Naomi was with her crazy aunt, or Carla and Kate (Jordan's stepmom and half sis). Or she befriended his ward and became extremely noisy.. The rare moments they spent together, no relationship growth. Just kissing and touching or lusting.
And the lewdness!! Lol, I had to remind myself it was an historical romance because the way Jordan was talking to Naomi, it didn't sound like a gentleman...
By the way, Jordan was quite an ass because Marshall clearly told him to bring him his sister back, exactly in the same STATE he was sending her... And at one point, he just decided to indulge in some sexy games with Naomi. What about Marshall lol!?
1 star, not worth it seriously... Naomi deserved better for her own story!
July 6, 2017
Surprising
This story had some complexity to the characters and just enough romance to keep me interested. Naomi is no sappy, lovesick girl! She's smart, and has both emotional and mental energy. Jordan was a less predictable hero. I liked this couple, age difference didn"'t matter. Very entertaining!
This story had some complexity to the characters and just enough romance to keep me interested. Naomi is no sappy, lovesick girl! She's smart, and has both emotional and mental energy. Jordan was a less predictable hero. I liked this couple, age difference didn"'t matter. Very entertaining!
November 2, 2020
This is an amazing book. Hadn't known it was apart of a series until I'd finished but it left me wanting to read it again. I never read a book twice. Theres something about knowing what will happen that ruins reading something twice. I've read this book probably 5 times. Its a piece of art to say the least.
May 13, 2017
My least fav of the 3 books but still a great series
November 7, 2020
Just stupid. The heroine was only slight less unlikable than the hero. Tossup of what was more improbable, the plot or the sex.
December 16, 2020
perfectly fine story. Kept my attention the whole way.
March 17, 2023
Set during the time of royalty. Jordan and Naomi are main characters and unrealistic romance. A little old-fashioned a good mystery between the English and the French.
January 28, 2018
Liked it part of a series I am reading
Read
February 20, 2017DNF
THIS BOOK TRULY IS INNOCENT. IT WAS BORING AND I AM DISAPPOINTED.
I HAVE READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS IN THIS SERIES AND THEY WERE ENJOYABLE.
THIS ONE LACKED CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS.
I ADMIT I WAS TAKEN BY THE BLURB, IT'S KIND OF LIKE TORTURED BEAST MEETS ICE COLD BEAUTY. SO MUCH POTENTIAL.
BUT HALFWAY THROUGH THE BOOK, AND STILL NO EMOTIONS OR ENOUGH INTERACTION TO INSTIGATE PASSION....GAH SAY NO MORE.
THIS BOOK TRULY IS INNOCENT. IT WAS BORING AND I AM DISAPPOINTED.
I HAVE READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS IN THIS SERIES AND THEY WERE ENJOYABLE.
THIS ONE LACKED CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS.
I ADMIT I WAS TAKEN BY THE BLURB, IT'S KIND OF LIKE TORTURED BEAST MEETS ICE COLD BEAUTY. SO MUCH POTENTIAL.
BUT HALFWAY THROUGH THE BOOK, AND STILL NO EMOTIONS OR ENOUGH INTERACTION TO INSTIGATE PASSION....GAH SAY NO MORE.
July 27, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I loved reading about Naomi and Aunt Janine. In fact, Aunt Janine's story might have been my favorite part of the book. It was incredibly sweet, yet the way it was portrayed seemed very true and not overly done. I also loved the development of various female characters: Naomi and Aunt Janine, but also the Viscount's stepmother and younger sister. I loved watching those relationships develop and the interactions between them. The scenes when they go into the village reminded me of Downton Abbey and that can only be a good thing.
I was not crazy about the hero though. It's not that I disliked Jordan. I just never felt like I knew him as much as the heroes of and . I also found the story about his young protégé distracting. That probably is more my failing than the author's. As I reading, I kept wanting to research the period since it's not one I know well, to find out what was going on in France at the time. So, I guess the story made me think too much and I was unable to completely escape in the romance. Not a bad "defect" for a book to have, I guess!
I did enjoy the story, and especially the characters I've gotten to know over the course of the trilogy. I'd definitely read another book where I got to see them again.
I was not crazy about the hero though. It's not that I disliked Jordan. I just never felt like I knew him as much as the heroes of and . I also found the story about his young protégé distracting. That probably is more my failing than the author's. As I reading, I kept wanting to research the period since it's not one I know well, to find out what was going on in France at the time. So, I guess the story made me think too much and I was unable to completely escape in the romance. Not a bad "defect" for a book to have, I guess!
I did enjoy the story, and especially the characters I've gotten to know over the course of the trilogy. I'd definitely read another book where I got to see them again.
August 6, 2016
I received Once an Innocent as part of a ŷ giveaway.
Jordan, Viscount Freese, is a secret agent forced to return to his ancestral estate as part of a covert mission. Under the guise of a house party, Naomi, younger sister of Julian's good friend, arrives somewhat against her will. Upon reacquainting herself with Jordan, who she last knew as a young girl, she finds herself drawn to him, and he to her. But as danger circles and Naomi's suspicion of Julian grows along with her attraction, matters come to a climax that leaves' the lovers' lives and relationship in danger.
Fun story, with mysterious, gothic elements. A shade darker than most romance novels, which I liked--sort of a cross between Jane Eyre and the Scarlet Pimpernel. Jordan and Naomi were both fine characters, and the sex was...hot. Really no other word for it. Worth a read--I know I'm interested to read the other (past and future) books in this series in the future.
Jordan, Viscount Freese, is a secret agent forced to return to his ancestral estate as part of a covert mission. Under the guise of a house party, Naomi, younger sister of Julian's good friend, arrives somewhat against her will. Upon reacquainting herself with Jordan, who she last knew as a young girl, she finds herself drawn to him, and he to her. But as danger circles and Naomi's suspicion of Julian grows along with her attraction, matters come to a climax that leaves' the lovers' lives and relationship in danger.
Fun story, with mysterious, gothic elements. A shade darker than most romance novels, which I liked--sort of a cross between Jane Eyre and the Scarlet Pimpernel. Jordan and Naomi were both fine characters, and the sex was...hot. Really no other word for it. Worth a read--I know I'm interested to read the other (past and future) books in this series in the future.
January 22, 2022
Those who enjoy HR with a suspense twist will like this book. Hats off to Elizabeth Boyce, she's an exceptional romance suspense writer.
Although every story within the "Once an" series is entertaining, this character/plot-driven novel is pulse-pounding. I recommend reading the series in sequence. There are significant events the heroine previously suffered. In addition, it will help with the abundance of characters.
This story is well-paced with action-packed brawls, murders, and kidnappings. IMO, the story is more plot-driven, therefore implementations of mild love scenes made better creative drafting. The Hero's confessions and vows of commitments are eloquently written. Spell-bounding.
Truly, if you enjoy romantic suspense, “Honor Among Thieves,� the first book in her "Honors" series is captivating.
Although every story within the "Once an" series is entertaining, this character/plot-driven novel is pulse-pounding. I recommend reading the series in sequence. There are significant events the heroine previously suffered. In addition, it will help with the abundance of characters.
This story is well-paced with action-packed brawls, murders, and kidnappings. IMO, the story is more plot-driven, therefore implementations of mild love scenes made better creative drafting. The Hero's confessions and vows of commitments are eloquently written. Spell-bounding.
Truly, if you enjoy romantic suspense, “Honor Among Thieves,� the first book in her "Honors" series is captivating.
May 3, 2025
Jordan Atherton, Viscount Freese, returned from the Peninsular War scarred and ready to live as a dissolute bachelor. Society knows nothing of his secret occupation or of the obligation binding him to Lintern Abbey, the estate he loathes. When his Foreign Office superiors discover a network of French agents near his country home, Jordan quickly devises a house party scheme to cover the influx of his men hunting the enemy. With no time to lose and political stability hanging in the balance, Jordan turns to his friend, the Duke of Monthwaite, for help. Would the duke be so kind as to loan Jordan some ladies to populate his party? This story is a good read and narration. (I "read" the Audible edition.)
Once A... by Elizabeth Boyce
1. Once a Duchess
2. Once a Heiress
3. Once an Innocent
May 30, 2014
I started reading Historical Romance since I were a young teen and lately there's been an influx of disappointing stories or repeated ones where it flow into superficial and cliche, frankly I was becoming bore of this genre. So I was quit taken back by Boyce's "Once an Innocent", it was refreshing, witty and captivating. Writing style reminds me of reading some of my favorite HR authors like Kleypas, Garwood and McNaught whom many of you HR fans know have stopped writing books in particular genre so it was a joy to discover a new author who could bring me back to being 13 and day dreaming about life in the 1800's.
May 20, 2014
Solid 4 Stars!!
I really liked this book. The plot was intriguing and I found myself unable to put it down especially the last 40%. I loved that we get a little bit of everything with this one... Suspense, action, romance, steam, angst and visits from past characters!!
I loved both Jordan (our hero) and Naomi (our heroine) they were awesome together! I've never read the historical version of the girl falling for the big brothers best friend. I really liked it.
My only wish is that there was more! The lack of an epilogue to see how all the couples from the three books end up later would have been the icing on a very yummy cake!!
I really liked this book. The plot was intriguing and I found myself unable to put it down especially the last 40%. I loved that we get a little bit of everything with this one... Suspense, action, romance, steam, angst and visits from past characters!!
I loved both Jordan (our hero) and Naomi (our heroine) they were awesome together! I've never read the historical version of the girl falling for the big brothers best friend. I really liked it.
My only wish is that there was more! The lack of an epilogue to see how all the couples from the three books end up later would have been the icing on a very yummy cake!!
November 18, 2014
Lady Naomi is the younger sister of Marshall, the Duke who remarried Isabelle in book one of this trilogy. She is whip smart and has had a crush on her brothers friend, Jordan, Lord Freese since she was eleven. He has always treated her as a little sister to her chagrin, but when she is grown, she is sent to his estate, Lintern Abbey at her brother's request. She does not realize that Jordan is also intrigued by her, but he is embroiled in secret work for the government to keep Napoleon on his island and out of England's hair. This book had intrigue and mystery and a surprising twist at the end. Recommended.
July 15, 2014
It would be a 5 if the beginning wasn't a bit slow. It's a good story, maybe a little bit too full between the spy stuff and the characters, which probably explains why setting it up takes some time... I was a bit bored at about a third of the book, but afterwards it really starts to get interesting.
I love Jordan and Naomi, who are very original characters with flaws and a personality of their own. Their interactions are great, and Elizabeth Boyce avoided a number of standard tropes - the Misunderstanding was destroyed at a time and in a way that surprised me, for instance.
I love Jordan and Naomi, who are very original characters with flaws and a personality of their own. Their interactions are great, and Elizabeth Boyce avoided a number of standard tropes - the Misunderstanding was destroyed at a time and in a way that surprised me, for instance.
July 12, 2013
Hoo-boo, this one was a hot one! Boyce once again entices her readers with her attention to detail and beautiful characterization. Naomi was a fun heroine to follow, and Jordan was the man you just want to knock upside the head. Aunt Janine returns in this book, and you'll be thrilled with her storyline. If you've not read this the other books in the trilogy, you should!
August 4, 2014
The romantic scenes were HOT...and I liked that it didn't take the "no I don't love you...because I'm a game player" before there were realizations of love. I hated the cliffhanger!! (But in a good way.)
February 13, 2016
Once an Innocent is a historical fiction set in England. A house party is planned to bring agents to an area where spies are operating for cover. A house party requires ladies so the romance part of the story is developed to make this an interesting and exciting historical fiction.
July 8, 2013
I may have rushed through this in my excitement, so it'll take a few days (and probably a re-read) for me to get enough of a handle on it for a review.
July 13, 2013
Once again Elizabeth Boyce carefully navigated the line between historical fiction and steamy romance. This was very well written.
July 16, 2013
I'm going to miss these characters so much.
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