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theliteraturevixen

Kagama -The Literaturevixen

I love reading everything from fantasy to historical romances. On a constant quest for more books to read.

 

 

 


179 BOOKS

A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant

A Lady Awakened - Cecilia Grant

Newly widowed and desperate to protect her estate and beloved servants from her malevolent brother-in-law, Martha Russell conceives a daring plan. Or rather, a daring plan to conceive. After all, if she has an heir on the way, her future will be secured. Forsaking all she knows of propriety, Martha approaches her neighbor, a London exile with a wicked reputation, and offers a strictly business proposition: a month of illicit interludes . . . for a fee.

Theophilus Mirkwood ought to be insulted. Should be appalled. But how can he resist this siren in widow’s weeds, whose offer is simply too outrageously tempting to decline? Determined she’ll get her money’s worth, Theo endeavors to awaken this shamefully neglected beauty to the pleasures of the flesh—only to find her dead set against taking any enjoyment in the scandalous bargain. Surely she can’t resist him forever. But could a lady’s sweet surrender open their hearts to the most unexpected arrival of all . . . love?

 

Our heroine is Martha Russell or Widow Russell as she has become after the death of her older husband. She doesnt mourn him as such but his passing has created a problem since they didnt have any children and the estate is set to be inherited by her brother in law.

The brother in law is a piece of work and no one looks forward to the prospect of him taking ownership

So the heroine decides that to prevent this she will get pregnant and pass off the child as her dead husbands. This is a perfectly legitimate solution in Romancelandia.

She sets her sights on a new arrival in the neighbourhood Mr Mirkwood (Theo) who has been sent down into to the country by his father to try and curb his wastrel ways. (we learn more about his misconduct later)

She invites him to tea and proposes her scheme to him...and of course he will be repaid for his "services" that is he will also get money.

Amused at this he accepts and they promptly get in bed. But instead of the pleasurable and salacious affair he expects Martha refuses to take any pleasure in the act.

Oh so now I was thinking "oh come on..we all know she will give in the first time and turn into some kind of sex godess"

But she didnt.

Ive read a few historical romances with this kind of plotline and as I said...usually just an excuse to cram torrid sex scenes into the story at every point.The authors refusal to do this impressed me.So I kept on reading and this turned out to be a book I really liked. Way to jump to conclusions beforehand :P

It wasnt all what I liked about it of course.There was also the characterization of the hero and heroine and the supporting ones.

The hero and heroine seem to be complete opposites at first but as they spend time together they develop a relationship beyond just having relations. There was at times a kind of quiet humor especially in regards to the hero. He was perfect for the heroine..serving as a counterpoint to her seriousness.

Her seriousness and aloofness is explained in a satisfying way..wich I cant reveal here because they would be spoilers ;)

Also there are no balls and no preparing for the season that is such a stock setting in other regencies.While I like that...sometimes you can get a bit tired of the same old thing. So its refreshing when a regency romance takes place in the country.

I would definetely recommend this..and will seek out more of the authors books. :)